Below is my talk from Sunday. It addresses each topic we will cover in detail during our new series, Ultimate Fighter. I hope you will join us!
The Ultimate
Fighter
·
Jesus challenged false motives.
“You’re
blessed when you get your inside world – your mind and heart – put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” Matthew 5:8 – Message
“Appearances don’t
impress me. I x-ray every motive and
make sure you get what’s coming to you.” Revelation 2:23 –
Message
·
Jesus
confronted religious systems.
Talking of the Pharisees Jesus said this, "Be especially careful when
you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It
might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. When
you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've
seen them in action, I'm sure - 'playactors' I call them - treating prayer
meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as
someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's
all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it
looks. Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way
your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.” Matthew 6:1-4 – Message
“There
should be no such word as 'atheism'. If
ridiculous people would stop inventing gods, then rational people would not
have to deny them.”
Twitter – Ricky Gervais
One
reply…”I have no problem with the concept of faith, it is religion I reject.”
Unfortunately, Ricky Gervais is right about so many invented gods but has not accepted in the One True God. His thoughts do mirror many in our world who are sick of religion. Jesus confronted these systems by simple faith in Him and a change for all to worship Him in "Spirit and in Truth".
·
Jesus
fought against violence & suffering.
"Here's another old saying
that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I
propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take
it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt
off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the
occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your
friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your
enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives
you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your
God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best - the sun to warm
and the rain to nourish - to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice
and nasty.”
Matthew 5:38-45 – Message
·
Jesus
wrestled traditions.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks
and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body. Then
he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of
sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine
from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
Matthew 26:26-29
·
Jesus
defeated death.
