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The Great Adventure – A Relationship With ChristToday we’re going to look at something our society frowns upon, resists, runs from, and argues about. Salvation. We’ve heard people say that Christianity is for the weak; it’s a crutch. Some feel that they’re “all set” because they were baptized. Some say that salvation is by faith, and others say it’s by works. Some think of salvation as just a means to get to heaven. The opinions go on and on…. The Great Adventure begins with being rescued. In his book, “Simply Christian” N.T. Wright uses the phrase rescued rescuers when talking about salvation. It’s like being in a boat (after being pulled from the water) and throwing out a lifeline to someone else who’s in danger of drowning. Maybe they’ll hold onto that lifeline, too. Maybe, like you, they will come to the realization of who Christ is and how He loves them. Then they, too, can join the adventure, making a difference and impacting the lives of people around them. What are we being rescued from? Are you tired, worn out, burned-out on religion? Come to me. Having no objective beyond ourselves dilutes life, and life itself becomes drudgery. The Great Adventure allows us to be who we were created to be, live for a purpose, and gives us the opportunity to make a difference every day of our lives. 2. A loss of identity Am I now trying to win the approval of men or of God? Every day we get to answer that question. 3. An eternity without God Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. If you love God now and live for Him now, the longing of your heart is to be with Him forever. That’s part of the gift – never to be separated from God. The Great Adventure is learning from Jesus and His disciples. For most of us salvation comes through a process of discovery, asking questions and searching for answers, watching those who already know Christ and learning from their example. I think it was that way with the disciples. Matthew didn’t go from being a despised tax collector to a functioning God-follower overnight. The rough and tough fishermen weren’t instantly transformed. But they all saw possibilities and purpose. They saw the chance to have a better life - one that went beyond taxes and fish. After Pentecost, the disciples took Jesus’ message and gave it away to others who were amazed at the difference in the disciples’ lives. When people look at us, I hope they see something different and amazing, something they want to have in their life. Live in the Great Adventure. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Every day we meet people who need compassion and mercy, need possibilities, need to know that there is such a thing as a Great Adventure. They don’t need or want Bible-thumpers. The Gift of Eternity starts now. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! We are eternal beings. If you’re a Christ-follower, the gift of eternal life with God has already begun. And what about Heaven? Do you picture puffy white clouds and people lazing around? That’s not what Jesus was about! Look around you – if God created this incredible, complex earth, do you think eternity will be blah, with nothing to do?? No! Eternity is going to be crazy good! Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy. We’ve got a lot to look forward to.
Application Thoughts: Have you joined in the Great Adventure? What does that look like to you? Do you have a sense of excitement about the purpose and possibilities in your life? Look around and contemplate this awesome summertime beauty of earth, created by God, and think about what His perfect Heaven will be like.
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