There seem to be so many different groups with diverse perceptions and experiences of Christianity.
Coupled with the various versions of Bible translations, somewhere along the line, it somehow becomes a Huge Confusion! But the Bible is very clear about this; God is not an author of confusion. Period!
So what then is Christianity?
A scene comes to mind. Imagine the centurion and the woman with a “bloody issue” happened to bump into each other one day.
What centurion and “bloody” woman?
Background Information
The story of the centurion is recorded in Matthews 8:5-13.
A centurion asked Jesus to help heal his servant who was paralyzed at home. But when Jesus offered to go to his house to do that, he refused!
Was he OUT of his mind?!?
On the contrary, he was very IN his mind!
In his mind, Jesus needed to only say the word and his servant would be healed. And that was exactly what happened! Jesus said the word and the servant was healed that very hour!
The account of the “bloody” woman is given in Mark 5:24-34.
This woman had been bleeding for 12 years, i.e. non-stop menses. She spent all her money on doctors but her condition only became worse. As Jesus was walking amongst a crowd on his way to raise a dead girl, this “bloody” woman touched the fringe of what I believe to be his prayer shawl and was immediately healed! In her mind, she only needed to touch Jesus for her healing.
Coming back to the scene. Can you imagine the centurion insisting that Jesus healed by just saying the word and the “bloody” woman swearing by her very life that Jesus healed with his garment?
Both can argue till the cows come home and it will never end! Simply because both their experiences were real!
I believe that Jesus comes down to our level of faith. As we believe, so it shall be done.
It is also evident that both were aware that Jesus could heal but differed in their perceptions on how. Both heard of His ability. Both recognized His ability.
How did they hear?
With their ears of course! What kind of question is that?
Relax bro! How did they get to hear, if that is okay with you?
They heard because people were talking about Jesus and His abilities. With multitudes talking about Him, many became aware and began to take cognizance of Him. Is it any wonder the Bible says that “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ?” [Romans 10:17]
Perhaps it can be safe to say this:
If the loveliness of the person of Jesus is preached and heard, then the awareness level of Him would be increased. People would then begin to recognize Him and His abilities.
And when we begin to be touched by his presence, we can’t help but be committed to the great commission to talk about him. As we do this more often, the compelling conviction in the deep recesses of our hearts just make us confess Him fearlessly. As we grow in His love, the 10 Commandments will be inherently fulfilled.
In the nutshell, the 5 Cs’ of Commandments, Commitment, Commission, Conviction and Confession entail just ONE Great Cognizance! That of Jesus!
But this cannot happen if we do not start talking more about Jesus, His Loveliness and the Perfect FINISHED Work He wrought on the CROSS!
So, let’s talk about Jesus!
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