10 things they never told me about Jesus|| The religious reprobate

Jesus was continually up against the religious establishment of the day since it always seemed at odds with the intentions of the Kingdom of God. He subscribed to the former while trying to proclaim the latter. It was a continuous struggle. To start this off, I think John Bell says it best:

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"Where does his loyalty lie? With the institution of religion that has formed him, cradled the scriptures, nurtured generations of teachers and scholars, and wishes to remain unshaken? Or is he called to speak to and for those who are usually absent from the palaces of religion, whose experience of life is more of social injustice than spiritual security?" (63).

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People of faith are just as much about defying God as anyone else. Jesus' understanding of faith brings us to a place that encompasses our entire being-- spiritual, moral, intellectual and economic. Our being must be "laid open to the gracious amendment of God. Anything less is a partial faith for disintegrated people" (71).

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Where does your loyalty lie? Are you so caught up in the church because you feel safe and protected there? Is that where you have always been and you can't bear to leave because it will bring you out of your comfort zone? Are you surrounded by people that bring you down because they aren't fulfilling the Kingdom of God the way you think Jesus is calling us to? Is your religious establishment (not your church) taking the easy way out?

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have you stepped outside those four walls and attempted with every ounce of your being to fulfill the kingdom of God? Are you encouraging people, despite what others say, to stick with their faith and stick with God because you know the transformative power that God has in our lives? Are you exposing your entire being for the one who exposed his entire being for you?

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Are you going to be a part of "that which bears witness to the Savior of the world or that which indicates the continuing need of the world to be saved?" (61).