What will you do with Jesus and his claims? Yes, it all boils down to this point. We can philosophize, experiment, research and argue all we want but Jesus still remains, what do we do with Him?

“Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” – John 6:29 NLT

Believe, have faith, be sure and certain. That is the starting point and this is also the stumbling block. I have heard a number of people that cannot believe in God simply because of the uncertainty it possesses. The reason why many don’t believe because man says: “To see is to believe” while God says: “Believe and you will see and be certain even of things unseen.”

Yet most of what we know (if not all) are acquired by believing first.

How many of us has taken a DNA test with our parents? But how many of us believes that our parents are our real parents? I wonder if you as a 2-year old ever muttered to your parents: “Dad DNA test!” because you doubted that the mature figure taking care of you are your real parents. But you believe them first when they say: “Daddy is here.” Or “Mommy loves you.”

Yes! This is precious! Bible highly commends chi8ld-like faith, believing first before seeing. But we have grown! Oh yes we have grown! We got our degrees, we studied philosophy, sociology, biology and the amoral science, and knowledge filled our hearts with pride, self-sufficiency and rebellion. Now we question the Dad who took care of us from our youth.

“Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.’ – Augustine.

Could you ever imagine if our world is full of doubts and questions?

A: How do you go to this place? I really need to know I’m in a hurry.

B: Oh, you go straight, turn left, and then right.

A: Really? Prove it first! What’s your degree? How can you be right?

Hilarious? But we do that with God.

“All the strength and force of man comes from his faith in things unseen. He who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.” – J.F. Clarke.

Or maybe it was pain or a bad experience from another Christian that is the reason why we reject Jesus. With pain I have tried to discuss it (to the best I could) in – http://daveestrera.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/god-is-love-and-love-is-pain/

With the Christian; yes, I personally have offended people, I have sinned, I have made mistakes and things that I am ashamed and is humiliating for Christ, BUT I find it comforting instead that God deals with me in grace. As a work in progress. Have you ever criticized a sculptor or a painter for his unfinished work? Yet we do that with God as well. Every Christian (including you if you respond) is a work in progress, in the process of becoming like Christ, and is completed and perfected in Jesus alone.

Could it be the Christian’s over emphasis of the Bible as the supreme authority? That “man-made book” that stops you from believing?

Prove to me that I am Dave. Or that I have a mother.

Birth certificate? But that is manmade as well? But you accept the proof, how about the bible?

We can go on and on but in every struggle Jesus still remains there untouched. How do we respond to Him? What should we do?

Fortunately that question has been asked before and even better there is an answer.

 “…Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” – Acts 16:30-31NIV

“Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” – John 20:27-29NIV

Trust. Believe. Faith. Its starts from there. Acknowledging His claims and who he is.

Believing does not necessarily mean there would not be any questions (ironically, you might even have more!!!) but it does mean that you are certain despite of the uncertainties that you are sure of the unsure.

How do you deal with Jesus?

What is your response?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part 1 – http://daveestrera.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/the-opinionated-jesus-part-15/

Part 2 – http://daveestrera.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/the-opinion-of-jesus-25/

Part 3 – http://daveestrera.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/the-opinionated-act-of-jesus-35/

Part 4 – http://daveestrera.wordpress.com/2011/11/19/the-opinionated-mission-of-jesus-45/

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