20 Responses to "What does being in love with Jesus look like?"

• Comment by: Bill Blakey

  1 07/2/08 9:27 AM | Comment Link |

  Hi Jim,

  that is a good question. I am sure that most of the ways would be in very service oriented perspectives. Our church does a lot of that now. We have a food ministry and clothing ministry. We get together in groups to do community work (weeding a community center….putting a new roof on a widow’s home etc.). I think all those things are good and I think that they do demonstrate the love of Jesus. I also think simple ideas like trying to make a point of saying hello to three new people each week etc. can be helpful and I will probably start trying to implement that. Ultimately, however, I think that many churches need to do a better job of helping people to walk out of church having a more clear picture of Jesus. Otherwise, I believe that we run the risk of falling into legalism and those programs do not continue. It is also true, that no matter how many good works you do, the thing that will really impact people is how they feel when they are around you. I think it is very possible for Christians to do good work and yet leave the beneficiaries of that good work with negative feelings. That is why, I think the heart attitude, which cannot necessarily be seen in a silent film, is so important. I guess one of my concerns is that many churches are not doing a good enough job in the sermons themselves. I think they believe that if they water it down enough or talk about “Three Ways to Deal with Stress” they will grab the “seeker audience”. I believe that is a mistake. Some churches manage to both do good works and have an infectious attitude from the pulpit. Greg Boyd’s church in Minnesota seems to be one of those. I have visited Imago Dei in Portland…and I like their spirit also. In both places, non-believers are treated with respect….the church is active in the community, and the sermons are relevant, I think, for both believers and non-believers. My own church manages to do a good job in two of the three areas but veers toward the “seeker sermon”. The church is growing rapidly, but, as Willow Creek noted in their own research published last year…it is possible to be bringing people in one side only to have them be exiting through the other side (as they grow and need more substantial input etc.)

  Thanks,

  Bill

• Comment by: Jim Henderson

  2 07/2/08 3:52 PM | Comment Link |

  Bill

  If you had to choose 1 or at the most 2 things Christians should be kown for or identified with by Non Christians - what would they be?

  Do you travel? Is that how you became familiar with Boyd’s Church and Imago Dei?

• Comment by: Bill Blakey

  3 07/2/08 10:28 PM | Comment Link |

  Hi Jim,

  If I had to choose one or two things that Christians would be known for in a concrete way it would be reaching out to the poor…through food, shelter, etc.

  I do not travel. I grew up in Southern California and moved to Portland in 1994. I enjoy my own church, but have visited other churches in the Portland area. I really like Imago Dei. I do not attend because of a small thing (I have back problems and the wooden chairs they use make it difficult for me to make it through a service. Also, in the beginning the church was very young. I am now 56. When I first visited Imago I was probably 51 (and it seemed like the next youngest person was 35) although maybe that was just perception. I really like Imago Dei because of their emphasis on service in the community and their multiculturalism and their location (in the city). The sermons were meaty but different. Rick would reference Dawkins and Collins and Hitchens and Sam Harris etc. I just thought it would make a better impression for my non-Christian friends because it breaks stereotypes (most of the people are not Republican from what I can ascertain). (with no criticism of political parties intended). My church, Abundant Life, has many good qualities but is primarily white and in the suburb of Happy Valley and is primarily Republican etc. Nice people, big emphasis on service. But I am not sure my non-Christians friends will be able to get past the stereotypes.

  I am aware of Greg Boyd’s Church because after reading some of his books, I started listening to his sermons on line and, more recently, it is possible to watch and hear his sermon on line. My agnostic former pastor friend has read some of his books with me and has told me he also likes Greg because he is very knowledgeable but also very humble in his approach. I really love his heart for ministry. He lives in the inner city with his family and the church is very involved in ministry. He seems to have a real heart for God but he is also a very bright man who gives a moving but intelligent sermon. He is the author of The Myth of a Christian Nation and Matt would probably like him because he is big on Christians not being involved in politics in the ways that they have been more recently.

  At the risk of making this post way too long, let me note that I really liked the book and it raised many questions. I am still processing it in the light of other things however. The main one being the idea that the church has to have its own driving mission and that non-Christians have to want that. I am good with looking at all the other things in terms of style or how to break into groups etc. However, if the church really had a driving purpose I think people would more willingly tolerate other imperfections. I think the biggest point to me from the book was, “So is this what Jesus is asking you guys to do?”

  Thanks,

  Bill

• Comment by: Troy

  4 07/3/08 6:58 AM | Comment Link |

  Being “in love with Jesus” for me looks a lot like relationship with my partner, John. On a really good day I’m in awe of how he cares for me. I’m amazed by his character, his integrity, his honesty, and general awesomeness. On a really good day I tell him about all of the ways I value him and our relationship and ask about ways I can support him and his dreams. On a good day we figure out ways to bring love to the world around us.

  On a bad day, “being in love” means I’m self-absorbed. I focus on my own struggles, hesitant to draw anyone in on the process of resolving them, including, ironically enough, the ones who love me most. And any recognition of another’s value is a challenge, too. On those days, “being in love with Jesus” would look like me waiting around, trusting he loves me enough not to leave me.

  Most of my days are a combination of the two.

• Comment by: Helen

  5 07/3/08 8:45 AM | Comment Link |

  Bill thanks for answering Jim’s questions. I was interested to see you mention The Myth of a Christian Nation. I know Jim likes that book because he recommended it to me last year. I read it and wrote my thoughts about it here.

  Thanks for your comment, Troy. I like how you described both good and bad days. My life is like that too.

  If you don’t mind me asking, are you and John part of a faith community?

• Comment by: Pops

  6 07/4/08 11:51 PM | Comment Link |

  I think so many of those things would be changed if people would really “work the program”. Really preach the love of Jesus….be in love with Jesus…and allow Jesus to work through them in this world. Ultimately, if Christians did a better job of manifesting the fruit of the spirit…so many other things would fall into place.

  The thing that struck me about this comment was that it is IMO back to front?

  To work the program:
  1.preach the love of Jesus….
  2.be in love with Jesus…
  3. and allow Jesus to work through them in this world.

  Should this not simply be:

  1. Allow Jesus to work through you.

  No number 2 or 3, this is to be the one thing and the only thing because from this main thing, all other things will flow?

  Is it not up to the Spirit to grow the fruit in our lives, if we try do that we get into religious piety and even legalism in that by our efforts they are dead works.

  By constant practice and persistance of allowing Jesus to live His life through us, until it becomes habit (like a musician or artist learning to play or draw)we will eventually do it ‘naturally’.

  I think this is vital because if we are teaching people that it is by thier efforts, then the end result will be dead works.
  So by focusing on their efforts instead of getting them to focus on building up their relationship with God, through Jesus, we are setting them off down the wrong pathway right from the start. To recover from this is a long and tedious process that could be avoided right from the start!

• Comment by: Jim Henderson

  7 07/5/08 10:48 PM | Comment Link |

  if the church really had a driving purpose I think people would more willingly tolerate other imperfections

  I agree Bill

  those days, “being in love with Jesus” would look like me waiting around, trusting he loves me enough not to leave me.

  Thats what I try and do Troy

  By constant practice and persistance of allowing Jesus to live His life through us, until it becomes habit (like a musician or artist learning to play or draw)we will eventually do it ‘naturally’.

  This how I think of “the practicing church” Pops. We just keep at it. Incremental, small changes and growth. Sometimes it becomes natural and others it doesnt but we just keep doing it

• Comment by: Bill Blakey

  8 07/6/08 7:13 PM | Comment Link |

  Hi Pops,

  I agree with your points, but I think you may have misunderstoond what I was saying. By “work the program” I really meant prayer, dwelling in God’s word, drawing close to Jesus, etc. I did not mean “works” per se. I totally agree that the Holy Spirit is the one who works in us to help us to mature in Christ.

• Comment by: Jim Henderson

  9 07/7/08 7:51 AM | Comment Link |

  Pops I’ll bet you’re using AA talk when you say “work the program”

  Completely different meaning than evangelicals “works” program

• Comment by: Pops

  10 07/12/08 8:42 AM | Comment Link |

  Huh? AA talk? not quite sure what you mean here Jim?

  (See Helen, misunderstanding of words!)

  Hi Bill! :-)

  I did not think you meant works per se, but even this “drawing close to Jesus, prayer, reading God’s Word etc” is a bit foreign to me in a sense.

  How do we draw closer to the One who promised to never leave or forsake us? Who promised to abide in us? and so on?

  Are these not works of the flesh?

  My understanding is that we are to allow Jesus to live His life through us and that is what we are to focus on 100%.

  If Jesus or the Holy Spirit want us to pray (which to me is just ongoing conversation as the result of my relationship with Jesus) or anything else then they will guide me accordingly.

  Do we not err in trying to “follow the example of Jesus” because I can not see that He would want that rather than having us allow Him to live through us?
  Also, said ‘following’ would be as per my interpretation of what He did. Surely it is far better to talk to Him and get His guidance for my life in my time in my circumstance?

  Lots of love!

  Pops

• Comment by: Helen

  11 07/12/08 9:01 AM | Comment Link |

  Pops wrote:
  

  Do we not err in trying to “follow the example of Jesus” because I can not see that He would want that rather than having us allow Him to live through us?

  I see it here:

  1 Cor 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

  What if it’s both rather than either/or?

• Comment by: Bill Blakey

  12 07/12/08 10:24 PM | Comment Link |

  Hi Pops,

  I agree it is the spirit of Christ working through us which produces sanctification. However, reading the Bible, and prayer etc. are things that Jesus did and which we are encouraged to do also. Also….James notes that we are to “draw nigh unto God and he will draw nigh unto us”. So….I think i am pretty solid ground here. I am not certain we disagree.

• Comment by: Uilleam

  13 07/14/08 6:19 AM | Comment Link |

  When you ask, “What does being in love with Jesus look like?”, I need to ask the question, “To Whom?” Most of the conversation here has focused on the appearance to the believer, the one living out the relationship with Jesus. What about the appearance to the observer? The conversations that have given some emphasis to works out of faith demonstrate community based acts, ‘feeding the poor’ etc, but when people look at y/our lives, what is it that they see that’s indicative of a life of loving Jesus?

  Also, what do I want it to look like to observers?

  Pops, I love what you have brought to the table here.
  Uilleam

• Comment by: Pops

  14 07/15/08 4:18 AM | Comment Link |

  Cool bananas!

  Both rather than either/or.

  Okay Helen, good point.

  Now let us look at what Jesus said about this sort of thing:

  I do nothing but what I see my Father do. I say nothing but what I hear my Father say.

  Also, Paul says, I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me.

  So, was Pauls following the example of Christ following the “Do nothing, say nothing but what I hear the Father say or do”

  or was it “try and imitate, mimic what Christ did”?

  If it is to mimic are we not back to the works of the flesh again and dependant on our own ability, strength of personality, levels of endurance etc? and where do you draw the line: how many steps in a yard did He take? How did He chew His food? How did He tilt His head when He spoke? etc?

  BUT, if it is allowing Jesus to live out His life through us, then we shall also see the fulfilment of His statement “Greater things than I do will you do”! We shall also experience the liberty of “Come to Me all you that labour and are heavy laden and I WILL give you rest”

  My take on why so many are struggling to “live the Christian life” is because of this simple difference between imitating and letting Him live through me.

  I do not understand any call to “live the Christian life”. I understand it to be “Let Christ live through me”

  Lots of politeness!

  Pops

  Oh stuff it - Lots of LOVE!

  Pops

• Comment by: Helen

  15 07/15/08 5:54 AM | Comment Link |

  Uilleam thanks for your comment - excellent point that we should consider what it means to the observer also.

  Pops how do you understand the verses where Christians are exhorted to ‘make every effort‘?

  lots of LOVE back to you, in whatever sense you mean it towards me :)

• Comment by: Pops

  16 07/15/08 2:40 PM | Comment Link |

  Hi Helen!

  Upfront, apologies for the long reply which is in fact a short reply for such a topic!

  Nothing in these quotations specifically states that it is to be by our own personal efforts. Yes , one could read it into that but to do so is only possible if overlooking the overall context of the book and scripture as a whole.

  We need to also bear in mind that these letters are written to people who have had a lot of teaching and to regard the letters in isolation can lead us into error.

  Romans 14 is preceded by an in-depth teaching on the fact that we have died and Christ now lives in and through us.

  Galatians 2: 20 I have been crucified with Christ . It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.

  Ephesians starts with teaching how that we have so many things when we are “In Christ” and just before Ephesians 4: 3 we have Ephesians 3: 14 – 21.

  It is imperative to note that when scripture talks of the inner man, the spirit in us, the inner being, the new man, the divine spirit, the mind, Christ’s spirit etc. it is actually talking of the new nature – this new nature is the key of the rebirth. When we are born again, the old nature, the sinful nature inherited from Adam dies. In it’s place God gives us a new heart and a new nature/spirit. This is even taught and promised to us in the Old Covenant.

  Now this is actually a very lengthy study but the essence of it is that this is now the Spirit of God living in us and the simple fact of the matter is that we who were once sinners by nature are now saints by nature!

  After the new birth we who were sinners by nature, now saved by grace are saints by virtue of God’s Spirit living in us.

  We are, after the new birth, never ever sinners saved by grace. If we do not do the right thing, we can not become sinners again, we are saints who miss the mark! That is why the terminology changes for the word sin but the translators missed this vital fact!

  Please look up these verses:
  John 14: 20. 17: 23.
  Romans 8: 8 – 11
  Colossians 1: 27
  1 John 3: 24

  When we are trying to do things, what we are really doing is performance based acceptance. This is an absolute ‘no-no’ to God!

  Through Jesus, God accepts us 100% - there is nothing we can do to get His acceptance, it is ALL by grace!

  If this is how we start our relationship with God, how can we then think that the continuance of that relationship will be by a different method?

  Sure, His approval of what we do after that is another issue, but His acceptance of us is guaranteed.

  Now, to get His approval, why would He switch methods and expect us to put our shoulder to the wheel?
  The only effort we are to make is to struggle (against the desires of the old nature memories & habits), to pursue (seek after Christ’s will), to seek diligently (apply what we know as Christ’s will), make every effort (to build up our relationship with Jesus so as to have an intimate acquaintance [the words 'know, knowledge' are used for this] and hear His voice)

  Philippians 1: 21 For to Pops, to live is Christ!

  Lots of love Helen, in that if you are ever any where near me and you need assistance of any kind, you have some one here in South Africa that will give you: a glass of water if you are thirsty, a meal if you are hungry, a roof over your head if you do not have a place to sleep, a visit if you are sick, a visit if you are in prison, a coat if you are cold but most of all, a prayer no matter where you are!

  Pops

  PS. never ever ask for my motorbike! :-)

  Please!

• Comment by: Steve Kiefer

  17 07/21/08 1:58 PM | Comment Link |

  Being in love with Jesus means always having Him on my mind - His Word, His acts (past, present, future), His priorities, His mission, His hope.

• Comment by: Jared

  18 07/22/08 10:55 AM | Comment Link |

  Do you think that Satan blinds us with questions like these? I mean it really is simple; to see how to love Jesus start with any of the red text in your study bible. Maybe Satan is using good questions like this to keep christians chasing their tales. Don’t we tend to complicate things so often that we “miss the coming of the bridegroom”. I’m not necessarily implying anything about what has been said here but maybe it does in fact apply.

• Comment by: Jim Henderson

  19 07/22/08 11:50 AM | Comment Link |

  or maybe it doesn’t apply

• Comment by: Jared

  20 07/22/08 2:32 PM | Comment Link |

  Maybe not. Just speculation; I mean if we’re asking questions…what do you think? I’m just curious.

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