Do you believe in the Jesus of the Bible because of the way that you were raised and what you learned from others, or is it because you have studied to show yourself approved? Believing in the biblical Jesus requires surrendering to a Lord who demands self-sacrificial love, repentance, and obedience, whereas the Jesus of Western culture is often reduced to a therapeutic, “buddy-Jesus” figure focused on personal happiness, health, and wealth. The biblical Jesus is the Messiah who requires radical transformation, while the cultural version is often tailored to fit modern consumerist norms. When I was a “baby” Christian I was visited by Jim and another with him who were Jehovah Witnesses. They started to share their beliefs, and I started to get curious, and then, started to doubt my own faith. Shortly after I was questioned about the Gnostic gospels by a family member so I started reading them as well as some Jehovah Witness literature, and became even more confused. During this time I went to a friend at church that I trusted, told him what I was going through, and he told me simply that I needed to really know and understand what it is that I believed and why. I started looking consistently into God’s word and His word alone to find truth. Jim came back a few more times with another and the second to last time I saw him I asked him if Jesus was the Lord of his life? He asked me “Who is this question coming from, me or someone else?” I said that I believed that it was coming from the Lord and shared all of the places in scripture where it says that Jesus is Lord. The last time I saw Jim he came back alone and said he was sorry that he was late, even though we didn’t really have an appointed time to meet, lol. I was able to share with him the scriptures that gave him an understanding of the truth of God’s word, all because I got to know it myself. I have not seen Jim since then, but I have continued to pray for him on a regular basis, especially when I share this story. I have learned to follow the instructions found in the scriptures as seen written in *2 Timothy 2:15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.* and the reason why I look to the Bible and not other literature is found written in *Hebrews 4:12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.* We as believers are called to reason from the scriptures and not argue from them. We are to study to show ourselves approved and not go with every wind of doctrine. We MUST pray for discernment and be careful of those that seek to tickle our ears. I pray that I can be like the Bereans and search the scriptures daily to find the truth written in them. Charles Spurgeon said, “The word of God is always most precious to the man who most lives upon it.” In closing, keep in mind that the Biblical Jesus is to be our Lord who demands radical, often difficult changes even when it goes against what is popular. Sad to say that the western Jesus is more of a “made-up” version of a Savior designed to fit into a modern, comfortable lifestyle without requiring any real personal sacrifice or change. Another way to look at the differences between what many are taught from the pulpits and the Truth found in the Word of God is The “Mirror” vs. The “Window”: The Western Jesus is a mirror reflecting our own desires for comfort, while the Biblical Jesus is a window into a demanding, counter-cultural action and discipline. Authority vs. Accommodation: True faith means submitting to Jesus’s difficult authority in every aspect of our lives; the Western version is just a comfortable accommodation to our current culture and easy believism which is often criticized as promoting “cheap grace” and a faith that does not produce fruit, arguing that true salvation implies a changed life. The Cross vs. The Couch: One calls you to “pick up your cross” and serve others; the other lets you stay on the “couch” of modern consumerism and do as you please without any conviction. Which of these descriptions fits the way you are living your life?

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.