Saturday, March 24, 2007
You Are Christ’s Passion
More than two thousand years ago a politically, economically, and socially weak group of blue-collar believers began proclaiming that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. Immediately those claims were challenged. Guards were bribed and proponents of the story were aggressively pursued, threatened and even massacred. Yet, in spite of Herculean efforts by the most powerful government on earth to quiet the story, it was not able to produce a body or adequately disprove the claims of Jesus’ followers. To date millions of believers have been willing to defend His story with their own lives.
One can’t help but wonder:
- Why the incessant efforts to disprove the death and resurrection of Christ?
- If it didn’t happen, why don’t unbelievers just ignore the whole story and treat it like they treat the legends of Paul Bunyan or the Greek gods?
- How is it that a group of once-cowering disciples suddenly became willing to die for the story, and how is it that they were able to continue performing the same kinds of supernatural feats that Jesus had done?
- Why does every powerful dictatorship, philosophy, or government seem to eventually attempt to disprove Jesus’ story, and why do they always fail to do so?
- What has given the story of “Christ’s Passion” so much passion?
The “Passion of Christ” usually refers to the week leading up to, and including, Jesus’ crucifixion. It is a powerful, true story that reminds us of why Jesus came to earth – it was for love. He loved us. In short, “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT)
It is because of His living passion for mankind that His story will never be quieted. His love is the most powerful force in the universe. Hence, every human being must decide what to do with this great love that God publicly demonstrated when He robed Himself in flesh and dwelt among us. (see John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8) Some people will embrace it, some will ignore it, and others will try to shake it off by finding some way to disprove it. The fact remains that His life, death and resurrection happened.
The most powerful proof of Christ’s “Passion” is in the lives of those brave enough to embrace the life of faith. “We love him, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) His passion becomes our passion. He convinces us deep in our hearts; down where critics, pseudo-scientists, producers, authors, politicians, and other religions cannot quench the fire of His love.
Jesus’ life, which culminated in a week of passion, displayed his passion for mankind. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (John 1:11-12) He offers to let His passion live in those who receive Him so He can be their source of life – everlasting life. It is an incredible offer. The story is out and no human or spiritual enterprise will ever prove it wrong.
You are the reason Christ endured the unspeakable cruelty of Calvary; He wanted a personal relationship with you. Since it is love He wants, He will not force Himself on anyone. I encourage you to embrace His love story and love Him back. YOU are Christ’s passion.
Bishop Hanson will be conducting a free seminar detailing The Passion of Christ in Thompson CT, on March 27th, at 7p.m. For directions or more information please call (888) 433–9901 or visit www.ActsII.org.
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