Following Jesus – 4 – The Name

Jesus – what image comes to mind at His name? In my childhood, it meant that white guy hanging on the cross statue in our Church. I knew He was a miracle worker and that He taught people a highly moral lifestyle. I knew He was called the Son of God and that He was part of a Trinity. Still, it was merely head knowledge. In my teen years, He became symbolic of what I thought was a dead religion that persisted despite ’scientific evidence’ to the contrary… a religion that was authoritarian and legalistic. In my early years as a university student, He once again became a good moral teacher. I knew a few people who called themselves His followers; and they managed to demonstrate this in their words and actions. Their lifestyle intrigued me – I wanted to know what made them so different. Their example drew me in. Of course, I tried to deflect their influence – I had hundreds of questions, many I thought would be devastating to their Christian faith, but they patiently gave answers (1 Peter 3) and treated me with a kindness I knew I did not deserve.

Maybe, when we hear Jesus’ name, the image that comes to mind too often is that of His followers. And not the ‘good’ ones. It’s the weird ones who go a bit ultra-mystical. Or the sort who seem to think the Good News of the Gospel is all about making more money. Or the types who seem to take delight in their moral superiority and use it to attack non-Christians. Maybe it’s the type who think Christianity is an excuse to judge someone else, ask people to ‘pray for that bad person,’ and then tell that person that they’re praying that they’ll escape God’s judgement. Or perhaps it’s the ‘Christian’ whose outlook seems to be fairly racist, bloodthirsty and committed to their own culture’s version of ’success.’

Still, I don’t want to be negative, and I don’t want to pretend that somehow my own Christian walk has been exemplary. See, the thing that scares me is that maybe, for the many people in my life who do not believe in Jesus, when they hear the name ‘Jesus,’ they’re going to think of me. My life. My example. My words and actions. How have I treated them? Have I come across as narrow and judgemental? Or materialistic? Or moralistic and legalistic?

One scary thing about being a follower of Jesus is that my own life and example could have an impact – whether positive or negative – on the people around me. When some social issue comes into a conversation – some political thing, or maybe a moral issue like abortion – how are they going to interpret my response? Will I be loving and merciful, like my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or will I be the hellfire and brimstone Bible thumper that leaves them wishing they hadn’t asked?

I don’t know how right it is, but I like to point people to Jesus Himself. As He is described in the Bible. Perhaps not enough people have read the Four Gospels these days for me to assume that people know the records of His life. The Bible records that, as a child, He and His family had to flee the violent ruler of their nation and seek refuge in Egypt (Matthew 2). As an adult, He worked at the family trade – carpentry (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) – before beginning His ministry; which was marked by miracles (Matthew 11:20; Mark 6:2; Luke 19:37; John 10:25), astounding teachings (Matthew 7:28; Matthew 13:54; Matthew 22:33; Luke 4:36);and violent persecution (Matthew 26:4; Mark 14:1; John 7:25). He was murdered, but He rose again to life (Luke Chapters 23-24). Then, shortly after His resurrection, He ascended to Heaven (Acts Chapter 1). He then sent the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, to Earth to inhabit His followers and empower them to live their lives for God (Mark 1:8; Luke 11:13; John 14:26).

One of the most astounding things Jesus said about Himself was this:

John 14:6 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

I used to think that rather offensive a statement. In my early Christian walk, I then tried to provide elaborate reasons and explanations for it. Lately I’ve been more inclined to suggest that there’s only a couple of ways to take this statement:

If Jesus is truly God Incarnate, the Creator, Sustainer, Saviour, and Redeemer of all Creation, then He is well within His rights to make a statement that, coming from a mere mortal, would be ridiculous – or a sign of insanity. That is, God is well within His right to be the decider of issues of eternity and salvation.

If He is insane, then one must wonder how He also managed to revolutionise the way that humans treat each other. We may well take for granted His teachings on justice, mercy, kindness, charity, forgiveness and goodness – but these values are not particularly intrinsic to humans, are they? Look at the broken down world, where one side of the world is dying from starvation and the other is dying from diseases resulting from overeating; where racism and war and hatred are daily occurrences; where the elderly are beaten and the young are abused and the unborn are routinely murdered; where people engage in incredible acts of cruelty towards our fellow creatures; where the wilderness is butchered for profits; where we know the right way to live but choose the selfish, hedonistic options instead.

With more than a little hint of C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, I am convinced that Jesus is either Lord, Liar or Lunatic. His amazing lifestyle, teachings, and descriptions of Himself don’t leave room for much else.

Following Jesus

By Request?

I’m interested in hearing from regular readers (and there must be a few of you because in just over a year I’ve had 30,500 hits on this site). I would like to know if there are any topics on which you would particularly like me to write a blog post. I think it’s a symptom of the fact that I am doing half my usual university study load this semester, and would like to take advantage of the extra time to perhaps write a few short blog posts on up to 5 requested topics.

Please use the comments box to add your (genuine) suggestions. If you are reading this on facebook.com, please follow the provided link to the WordPress Blog and add your comments there.

Suggested topics might include:

- Australian culture.

- Thoroughbred horse pedigrees (maybe there’s a particular horse you’re interested in and want to know a bit about its family). Australian horses preferred.

- Christianity and Apologetics. Have you got any questions about a particular area of apologetics? I may be able to dig up some information for you (as an interested layperson).

- Art! This is primarily an art blog, so I should probably write on art at least once in a while!

- Maybe you have some suggested ideas for my RedBubble Online Store and Gallery, where I sell some of my art designs as t-shirts and art prints.

- Vegetarianism. Do you have any questions about vegetarianism?

- Environmentalism issues.

- Books! I read a lot of books… so I might have some suggested reading ideas for you.

I really hope my readers can help me with this! Be creative. 

Easter T-Shirt Design

T-Shirt -

http://flokot.redbubble.com/sets/30716/works/2898300-1-inri-inspired-by-easter

As an Art Print and Greeting Card – http://flokot.redbubble.com/sets/31396/works/2898307-2-inri-inspired-by-easter

RedBubble Profile – http://www.redbubble.com/people/flokot

**

Here’s my latest t-shirt design, which is available for purchase at RedBubble.Com. I entitled it “INRI,” which is an abbreviation of the Latin for, “Jesus of Nazereth, King of the Jews,” that is often seen on images of the Cross in Roman Catholic Churches. That said, as always my art here is intended as a non-denominational celebration of the foundational aspects of Christianity that followers of Jesus hold in common.

While I do not have time to go into great detail here, I thought that a brief summary of the Gospel message is in order:

- in the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and they were perfect. There was no suffering or death.

- Satan was a great angel who, in his pride, sought to take God’s place. As a result, he Fell and became the Devil. He is not the exact opposite of God, but rather a corrupted, and very powerful, creature.

- God appointed the first humans to be his representatives on Earth. However, they gave up their authority by obeying the Devil. Later, in the Gospels, the Devil is seens as telling Jesus that he (the Devil) was given all authority on the Earth (see Luke 4:6). All that was under the dominion of Humanity was now the Devil’s.

- This was the beginning of the Curse, the entrance of death and suffering into human existence. The punishment for humanity’s sin (disobedience to God’s commands) is death. All humans who have since existed inherit this sin from their fathers. However, God promises to one day send one who will be of the seed of a woman – not a man. The only way for men or women to reach God is through the shedding of blood of an innocent individual.

- God the Son, one of the three persons of the Trinity (the Trinity being One God who is represented in Three Individual but Indivisible Persons… phew! I know, it can be such a mystery, can’t it?!), took on human flesh. That is, though He remained fully God, He was also fully man. He was born of a Jewish Virgin, but not of a human father. God the Father was His Father.

- Jesus lived a short life, but in only three years of ministry transformed the world. His ideas were radical and often offensive to the people of His day, who plotted to kill Him. The Devil probably thought that he had won by killing Jesus… but, in the shedding of Jesus’ innocent blood, the perfect payment for all human sin was made.

- After three days in the Tomb, Jesus rose again and subsequently appeared to hundreds of people before being lifted to Heaven. He sent the Holy Spirit of God to live in believers, empowering them to continue Jesus’ earthly work.

It is an astounding Gospel and very good news for any who has ears to hear and an open heart. Admittedly, it took me several years to be convinced of it as being True… oh but it is glorious!

A few thoughts:

- think of all the various religions, spiritualities and rituals that demand the shedding of blood and sacrifice. What does it mean if God Himself has become the sacrifice? What exactly are all the religions shedding blood for, anyway?

- The Bible tells us that no one can earn their way to God through their own efforts of work (Ephesians, Chapter 2). For me, I was quite shocked at this. I had spent years thinking that my own goodness and morality would be enough to find God, and I was upset to think that it wasn’t enough. However, I eventually realised that it was a great relief. How would I have known that I had done enough for God? How would I be able to tell between good and evil, for that matter? What place, then, do good deeds have in the Christian life?

Good books…

If you want to learn more on this topic there are countless resources out there. If you’ve only ever read anti-Jesus conspiracies, but consider yourself open-minded, you may want to check out the pro-Jesus books (to balance your views).

Some useful books are The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel, which takes a court case approach to the Gospel accounts of Jesus. The Jesus I Never Knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey are fantastic books that really challenged all my assumptions about Christianity. Ravi Zacharias’ Jesus Among Other Gods is also a good book; and a fantastic read that really dissects the questions about Jesus and the Gospels is Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis. Last time I checked they’re all readily available. You might want to try Australian bookstores like Koorong and Word.

291. Elfish Girl In Coloured Beeswax

Tinted beeswax crayon and graphite pencil on lined notepaper, August 2008.

Sometimes art is more fun when I just grab a notebook and start drawing. This came after a raid on my children’s pencil case. I have noticed a definite hint of Ancient Egyptian influence on the style of drawing I employ, with the person in profile, yet having a distored perspective as the eye is viewed front-on. Well, I can see this, even if no one else can!

I find Egyptian culture fascinating. Earlier this year I read a really interesting book, Unwrapping the Pharaohs, which offers an interesting possible harmonisation of Ancient Egyptian archaeology with that of the Ancient Hebrews. It’s written by Australian* authors John Ashton and David Down, and you kind find out more information at the publisher’s website. Click here for more information. I bought my copy from Koorong Books in Australia.

*That is, I’m reasonably certain they are Australian!

Qualities of a Superhero

I’ve been reading a book about comic book illustration (1), and was amazed at how a hero can be represented by the shape and style of his / her appearance. Qualities including nose shape, muscle build, the shape of the neck, even the back, they all contribute to identifying the hero by appearance alone.

Being one of those individuals who tends to think too much about most things, I started to wonder what a Bible-based conception of a real hero would be. Far be it from me to reduce my Lord to a mere mythical action figure, so please don’t think that’s what I’m doing. However, His life displayed heroic qualities that go far deeper and are more profound than sculpted abs, muscular thighs and a big chin!

I think Isaiah 61 is a beautiful portrait of the amazing work of the Saviour. I hope it is an encouragement to you.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (The Message)

The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace – a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies – and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory.

He’s out there, healing the brokenhearted who turn to Him. He’s bringing a message of life and joy.

Now, read of the Lord’s amazing character:

Deuteronomy 10:17-18 (New Living Translation)

“The LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and takes no bribes. He gives justice to orphans and widows. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing.

The Lord is not a xenophobe! Justice for those who cannot achieve it for themselves, the poor, the needy, the widow, the lonely, the orphan. And God is not swayed as humans are. He cannot be bribed into action.

And finally, on these thoughts, the Lord is merciful. He freely forgives, even those who have turned on Him.

Nehemiah 9:17 (New Living Translation)

But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and full of unfailing love and mercy.

Wow!

(1) Hart, C (2007), Simplified anatomy for the comic book artist: how to draw the new streamlined look of action-adventure comics, Watson-Guptill Publications: New York, USA. ISBN-13 9780823047734.

PS – I am enjoying this comic anatomy book. Look it up if you’re into drawing! Even though I don’t personally draw in this style, it is always a useful exercise to expand one’s horizons. And it’s really helped me learn about anatomy, as it applies to drawing, without going into excessive detail.

(2) Scriptures accessed 7 July 2008 at http://bible.crosswalk.com/.

Apologetics Magazines

The poor long-suffering people around me often have to sit through my impromptu apologetics preaching sessions. I can’t help it! Well, I’m sure I could learn to keep my mouth closed but I’m just really enthusiastic about it. I might be biased because it was largely apologetics that opened my mind to the possibility of accepting Christ.

 My all-time favourite apologetics resource technically isn’t a book – it’s a magazine! I have been subscribing to it for a few years now and, when each new edition rolls around every 3 months I can’t wait to sit down with a cup of organic green tea and read all about the latest in science, faith, archaeology and society.  I feel like I’m starting to sound like one of those awful mid-afternoon telemarketing shows. That’s not true, though. I’m not being paid to promote it!

 Anyway, if you’re interested in finding out more, it’s called Creation magazine. As the name suggests, it’s focus is on the world around us, and finding God’s hand at work in nature – whether the amazing diversity of lifeforms, or the complexity of the Universe – I find it an inspiring read.

It’s published in Australia, by Creation Ministries International, and available in a number of countries.

To learn more, try the following links:

About Creation / subscriptions – http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/3871/97

Article archive – http://creationontheweb.com/content/view/23

CMI also publish Journal of Creation, which offers a Bible-based slant on science. I personally find it a bit technical at times, but if you’re science-minded it should suit you.

To find out CMI’s position on the Gospel, the Bible and science / faith issues, try their “What We Believe” page.

 For apologetics articles on a variety of topics,  go to their “Frequently Asked Questions” Topic Index.

A Bit of Fantasy

While I’ve been recovering from my operation, I’ve been lying in bed reading a lot of books. It has been commented, by people that know me personally, that I read a lot, and that I read very fast. Some have even suggested that I ought to slow my reading pace because it is uncomfortable for them to watch me race through book after book. Indeed, there are times where I take a week or two or three off reading books, and read only my regular Bible readings, so that my brain doesn’t explode from the reading.

I bought two fantasy-genre novels before my operation and, almost a week later, have finished both of them. I couldn’t put them down, and was struck by their originality and depth of meaning – so I thought I’d mention them here.

Graham, L. B. (2004), The Binding of the Blade Book 1: Beyond the Summerland, Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing.

Koorong, Official Website.

This book kept me compulsively reading it. It’s fairly lengthy compared to the normal size of the novels I read, but that said, I managed to finish it within a week. So that really says something. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it. I found myself really caught up in the characters.

The story is mostly told around the journey of the hero Joraiem. Destined to be one of the leaders of their country, he journeys to the ancient city where his country’s leaders have been trained for generations. When the training takes an unexpected turn, they journey over sea and land to fight an ancient foe. There are great characters – a wise prophet, a beautiful princess, galloping horses, a warrior tiger, talking bears, magnificent dragons, and evil enemies. It’s one of the better books I’ve read in the fantasy genre. There’s a lot of unexpected twists and turns.

Admittedly I wish the ending was a little different – though it felt appropriate to the grand and epic tale, it left me feeling rather sad. Hopeful, but sad. Nevertheless, it was a brilliant story and I feel all the more enriched because of it. Now I have to save up some money to buy the rest of the series now and find out what happens next!

Overstreet, J. (2007), Auralia’s Colors, Colorado Springs: WaterBrook Press.

Koorong, Word, WaterBrook Press.

This is the story of a baby girl found in the wilderness. As she grows, she is found to have a mysterious gift that could disrupt the laws of the nearby town. It’s a mysterious tale, I found it fascinating, if not a little dark. It was definitely entertaining and full of drama. It made me ask a lot of questions – who are the truly evil? Why have laws for merely law’s sake? What lengths would people go to to enforce social divisions? Why would a society silence the spiritual from open discussion? I have no idea if that’s what the author intended though, and I’m not postmodern enough to suggest that the author’s purpose and motive ought to be discounted! It was definitely a fascinating read.

Foundations of Christian Doctrine

Conner, K. (1980), The Foundations of Christian Doctrine, Vermont, Victoria, Australia: KJC Publications.

[Word, Koorong, Official Kevin J. Conner Website.]

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve told people that this is a great book. I found it an essential part of my Bible study reference books. I regularly consult it for information. It offers an easy-to-read study guide on the key aspects of Christian doctrine. The author is a renowned Bible teacher who makes the dry-sounding topics of doctrine come to life. I have had the privilege of hearing him teach on a variety of topics, and each time I have come away with a renewed passion for the Bible, and a new level of understanding.

It covers all the essential basics, in easy-to-read plain English, with plenty of detail for the more experienced student, and enough to keep the new Christian occupied with Bible study for a long time! Topics include the nature of God, the condition of humanity, things like angels and demons, salvation and eternity.