Suppose you were drowning. Someone throws you a life preserver. Would you grab on to it? There’s no question about it. Of course you would!
As a counselor, I have encountered many desperate situations. I tried everything to help the people involved. I was often shocked by their response: “Sorry, your life preserver isn’t my favorite color!” Simply put: “I thought you were going to help me in a different way!” When it’s a matter of life and death, the color certainly shouldn’t matter!
Jesus’ disciples heard this. Many of them said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?`
John 6:60
Jesus showed us on a one-to-one basis who God is, and verified what he spoke by means of great signs and wonders. Throughout the centuries, many people have grabbed on to this Life Preserver and have experienced peace, reconciliation, and help despite difficult circumstances. Jesus can perform a miracle in our lives, but he meets each person in a way that brings about his purpose in their life. It’s worth listening to the transforming power of his words and encountering him personally.
When I’m in Nepal, the scents, the noise, the atmosphere, and the distinct culture fascinate me. In Kathmandu, you inevitably find your way to the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world. While it’s very unusual for us “Westerners,” it’s completely normal for the people of Nepal.
They circle around the temple, hoping that by doing so the approximately 1,000 gods will look favorably upon them. Many are rooted in this tradition and “pray” regularly. They want to be certain that they have paid enough homage to the gods. This fear-driven, oppressive ambiance spreads insecurity and doubt. The question remains: When is it really enough? Religion requires rituals and effort in order for one to be accepted. This is the case in every religion. Many Christians also believe that they have to earn their salvation in this way.
Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Philippians 3:18b
Jesus Christ alone brings deliverance and salvation. He is the Giver of eternal life. This living relationship produces good fruit. A relationship with God can never be earned. It is and remains an undeserved gift that Jesus paid for through His death on the cross. What is your response to this offer? How will you respond to this offer?
Wenn ich in Nepal bin, faszinieren mich die Gerüche, der Lärm, die Atmosphäre und die spezielle Kultur. In Kathmandu besuchte ich einer der bedeutendsten buddhistischen Tempel überhaupt. Für uns «Westler» sehr speziell, für Einheimische ganz normal. Sie laufen ihre Runden um den Tempel und erhoffen sich so, die rund 1000 Gottheiten gnädig zu stimmen. Viele sind verwurzelt in dieser Tradition und «beten» regelmässig. Sie möchten sicher sein, dass sie den Göttern genügend gehuldigt haben. Die von Angst gesteuerte, beklemmende Stimmung verbreitet Unsicherheit und Zweifel. Die Frage bleibt: Wann ist wirklich genug?
Religion verlangt Rituale und Leistung, um akzeptiert zu werden. Das ist in allen Religionen so. Auch viele Christen glauben, so ihre Rettung verdienen zu müssen. Jesus Christus allein bringt Befreiung und Rettung. Er schenkt ewiges Leben. Die Gottes-Beziehung kann nie verdient werden. Sie ist und bleibt ein unverdientes Geschenk, das Jesus durch seinen Tod am Kreuz vollbracht hat.
Die Botschaft, dass allein im Kreuzestod von Christus unsere Rettung liegt, hat viele Feinde.
Knowledge is power! This is how we learn, believe, and behave. We keep giving more and more room to the constant technological and digital development, even in our relationships. How healthy is this development, and where do the weak still find a place in this world?
What we consider to be deeply meaningful doesn’t always make sense in God’s eyes. The Bible says: “He catches the wise in their craftiness” and “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile” (1 Corinthians 3:19-20). Does God think intelligent people are stupid? Is He perhaps afraid of them? Completely the opposite is true! Our ability to think is necessary for us to experience an open and honest relationship with God. Why else would He have given us this gift?
There are people who think that they can outsmart God. What do you think? To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Job 12:13
I notice that many people seem to feel intelligent when they exclude God from their lives. This is why the Bible speaks of foolishness. Whoever tries to cancel the Creator is acting unwisely and will be canceled himself! What do you think about this?
Wissen ist Macht! So lernen, glauben und verhalten wir uns. Der ständigen Technisierung und Digitalisierung geben wir immer mehr Raum bis in unsere Beziehungen hinein. Wie gesund ist diese Entwicklung und wo finden Schwächere noch Platz?
Was wir als tiefsinnig betrachten, macht in Gottes Augen nicht immer Sinn. Die Bibel sagt: «Gott fängt die Klugen im Netz ihrer eigenen Schlauheit.» und: «Der Herr kennt die Gedanken der Weisen und weiss, wie sinnlos sie sind.»
Findet denn Gott intelligente Menschen doof? Fürchtet er sich etwa vor ihnen? Ganz im Gegenteil! Um eine offene, ehrliche Beziehung mit Gott zu pflegen, braucht es unser Denken. Wozu hätte er uns denn diese Gabe geschenkt?
Mir fällt auf, dass sich besonders viele intelligent fühlen, wenn sie Gott ausklammern! Die Bibel spricht deshalb von Unsinn. Wer den Schöpfer ausradiert, handelt unweise und wird selbst ausgelöscht!
Bei Gott ist wirklich Weisheit, Rat und Einsicht und auch die Macht, Geplantes auszuführen.
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