ODB: A Crutch?

December 1, 2010
Because Jesus bore the cross for us, we willingly take it up for Him.
READ: 2 Corinthians 4:8-15
We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed. —2 Corinthians 4:8
Have you ever heard skeptics say that the Christian faith is nothing more than a crutch—that the only reason people claim to trust Jesus is that they are weaklings who have to make up “religion” to get by?
Apparently those skeptics haven’t heard about the doctor in one Far Eastern country who spent 2 ½ years in jail being “reeducated” because he professed faith in Christ. Then, after his release, he was arrested again—this time for his efforts at his church.
And perhaps those skeptics haven’t heard about Paul. After trusting Christ, he was arrested, flogged, mocked, and shipwrecked (2 Cor. 11:16-29).
These believers were not looking for a crutch. No, they had something deep and essential in their hearts. They had a personal relationship with God—a relationship born of faith in the work of Jesus on the cross. As a result, they became children of the King—eager to sacrifice everything for the privilege of proclaiming Him. They were not limping along looking for something to hold them up.
A crutch? Hardly. Faith in Christ is not about safety and caution. It’s about believing Jesus and trusting Him no matter what. It’s about taking up a daily cross (Luke 9:23) and living for the Savior.
- Dave Branon
Source: Our Daily Bread
Related
ODJ: when God arrives
November 8, 2010 Never again will you be called “The Forsaken City” or “The Desolate Land” (v.4). READ: Isaiah 62:1-5 Last January, as Haiti reeled from a crushing earthquake, one tragic account told of a mother who had three daughters between the ages of four and nine. She had been cooking for her girls when [...]
ODJ: doxology
October 25, 2010 For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (v.13 NKJV). READ: Matthew 6:9-13 After making all the petitions for God’s glory to be magnified (Matthew 6:9-10) and for God’s grace to meet our needs (vv.11-13), The Lord’s Prayer concludes with a praise item, a doxology: “For Yours [...]
ODJ: should i?
July 15, 2011 David asked, “Will the leaders of Keilah betray me and my men to Saul?” And the Lord replied, “Yes, they will betray you” (v.12). READ: 1 Samuel 23:1-14 Scene 1: David hears that Keilah is under attack. David: “Should I help the people in Keilah?” God: “Yes, go and help them.” David: “Are [...]
ODJ: loving others
February 4, 2010 God Himself has taught you to love one another (v.9). READ: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 It was such a dilemma—whether or not to marry the man who had proposed to me—that I agonized over what to do for nearly a year. During that time, I read dozens of relationship books, sought advice [...]


Tweet This
Share on Facebook
Digg This
Save to delicious
Stumble it
RSS Feed


Manasociety
雅米
Like Apostle Paul said”it is no longer i who live but christ who liveth in me”.This should be our testimony as believers.Christ died having us in mind so we have to live having him in mind
It reminds me a song which won my heart for Jesus when i was 15 yrs old “I have decided to follow Jesus , No turning back no turning back ! Though all may leave me STILL I WILL FOLLOW ! The CROSS BEFORE ME the world behind me ! No turning back no turning back