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A Challenging Atmosphere - Calling For Change
Brian Mashburn
November 18, 2007
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A Challenging Atmosphere
If you want the best possible life...then whether you know it or not, you want Christ.
And if you want Christ, then you need to experience the power of his resurrection...the power of a brand new life.
And if you want resurrection, then you will have to suffer like Christ, and actually become like him in his death.
This is all described in the Bible by Paul in Philippians 3:10-11.
I don't know many people who say "no" when asked if they want the best possible life available to a human being. But many don't want the challenge that comes with receiving it.
Most of us work and strive for ease of life, rather than the best possible life, and we confuse the two.
If you want life to the full, then you want to be "challenged" out of the life that you now live. In other words (Christ's words, no less), death first, then life.
Christ's church needs to create an atmosphere of challenge. But it is not an oppressive, heavy, load-producing challenge in any way.
I challenge you to live the best possible life.
I challenge you to become love in every relationship and action, the greatest possible virtue.
I challenge you to forgive everyone of everything, it is your only way to freedom.
I challenge you to become mankind's best friend.
I challenge you to view every single circumstance in your life, no matter how challenging, as a gift from God, even if you must ask, seek, and knock for years to find it.
As Paul said, "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things." (Philippians 3:15)
I challenge you to lovingly, gently, and humbly create a challenging atmosphere for everyone Christ loves. For their good, your joy, and God's glory.