A change in Perspective: An Event I can't ever Forget

They (statistical scientists) say it takes Americans about 3 months to forget things that occur on a national scale, including momentous things. By forget, this study meant- move on in a somewhat daily routine, returning to a pattern of behavior where the momentous event is not part of thought. 

I heard this 10 years ago, meaning that I learned it right before 9/11. I remember wondering if in 3 months how much would have returned to resemble the pre-9/11 USA, and to a certain extent it happened.  To an extent it's natural, inevitable- healthy. To some extent, it reveals the selfishness of our society and lives. 

We live in a world so inundated by forms of news- television broadcasts, newspapers, magazines, and all forms of internet social media that push word of mouth happenings at seeming lightning speed. I myself regret to admit that I get most of my news first from twitter. I'll stick to that though, because it works surprisingly well, though it will never be reliable or replace well done journalism. But the amount of news we have, updated by the second- it's always pushing us forward- what will happen next? How does this impact the next steps? In a globally connected world- any event is the springboard for a whole web of "what's nexts?" I wonder how soon the 'what's nexts' overshadow the original event. 

But today, I'm not talking about 9/11 or the news that Bin Laden is dead that our President announced last night. I've realized that I've made a step in incorporating a momentous event in my everyday lifestyle. And it's thrilling me! 

What I'm talking about is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ! 

By all standards, this should have been forgotten long ago. Our lives should go on without really thinking that God became man, took our sins upon himself, dying as a pure sacrifice, and rose from the grave. 

Even for myself, this was something that I "knew" but have had so much trouble really believing- meaning that it's a belief so hugely essential to who I now am- a Christian.  My daily life should be defined by reflecting the love of God who provided grace and mercy to provide a new verdict for my life: no condemnation for those found in Jesus Christ.  

This past Easter celebration Sunday some things "clicked" in my perspective. Joining with thousands in joyful shouts that our Savior is ALIVE, and that Hell has no victory, and death no sting... I felt as if the eyes of my soul were opened further to the Truth of Jesus Christ. Never have I been so joyous, so bursting with excitement, hope- life.

Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
The glory of God has defeated the night!
Oh death! Where is your sting?
Oh hell! Where is your victory?
Oh Church! Come stand in the light!
Our God is not dead, he's alive! he's alive!

Christ is Risen From the Dead- Matt Maher

Nothing else is as wonderful as this.  The Gospel is priority One. There are a ton of other things in my life- some are good, some are less good- but regardless, none are as valuable, as beneficial, worth my time and efforts as Jesus Christ is, and the things of His Church. Something I'd known semantically, but intrinsically- my priorities have always been wrong. It's always been a battle, and it always will be- but now I'm further equipped, out of joy and love to cast aside all else. 

I can finally see things much closer to how I should: instead of seeing a thing for if it's good or bad, I see things in "how much is this about Jesus?" My energies should be about Jesus. He's indescribable. I want to spend my thoughts and energies working on describing Him, instead of on lesser things. He saves us- I want to proclaim His Glory rather than things that don't. 

The most obvious change I've seen in myself is that I've been seeing a boldness I didn't know I possessed, and it's one that is stemming naturally out of a mind that is more and more enthused with my Savior. I've been cutting things out of my life that aren't about Him; and as a result all I want to talk about is Jesus. I'm also more and more using His Name: a name of Power, of Salvation- so much more.  I'm less and less worried about my coworkers who would be made nervous about knowing and interacting with a crazy Christian, but more and more concerned that they don't know Jesus. 

Not very traditional: but amazing- are these photos from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, which held one of the largest church services in the country- at Quest Field. Multiple Mars Hill campuses came together, along with thousands of new attenders, reaching over 17,000. Over 600 baptisms occurred. This is a church that I'm well familar with: solid doctrine, solid Gospel preaching: solid Scripture. And it's these faithful churches that are being blessed- and Jesus Christ is growing His Church. 

Flickr stream of service photos: baptisms!

Christ is Risen: Can you See it?

My own church campus had over 40 people speak to pastors about beginning a new relationship with Christ. There is nothing more wonderful than being part of a thriving, healthy- solidly built upon the cornerstone of Jesus Christ. I am excited to be a witness to the baptisms that are coming! 

A momentous event that is still remembered. 

And for me- now more and more tied into my daily attitudes and actions. 

This is the work of Christ in me: " He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30

"'Why are you looking for the living among the dead?' asked the men. 'He is not here, but He has been resurrected!'" Luke 24:5