The Difficulty with Surrender

Whenever "Surrender" comes up in conversation, there is always a push back.  It is a hard concept to grasp  Surrender of everything to God's Will and God's Way is the goal of Christian maturity.  So, when I read the blog of Confessions of a Career Churchgoer, I liked the point of view.  With permission, I am sharing it with you.

"After a splendid victory at sea, Lord Nelson confronted the French admiral who was surrendering. The admiral, dressed in all of his regalia, approached Nelson to surrender. With his sword swinging by his side, the admiral put out his hand to the British commander. Lord Nelson stepped back and said, "Your sword first." There are a lot of people who think they can walk up and glad-hand the Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Your sword first." Surrender first! Jesus is not an appeaser, and He will never make a truce with sin. Never! We have to abdicate the throne. We have to surrender to Him. - Adrian Rogers


"When I read these words of Adrian Roger’s I thought, “Well of course. This is basic theology.“ But the more I thought about it, I finally concluded that this is probably the crux of the problem for most of the non-Christians I encounter. I have found most people fairly open to the idea of believing in Jesus. They seem willing to take Pascal’s Wager, thinking that if they believe and they’re right then they have won. If they believe and they’re wrong, they haven’t really lost anything. But when they realize that this surrender is required, that a change of lifestyle must be eminent, they back away. If only they would understand how worth it, it will be. Perhaps that’s our job as much as any, to show them, to explain that surrender isn’t a dirty word.

"Although maybe it’s a lesson that even Christians need to relearn. Because these words also reminded me that I too sometimes need to be reminded of this. Sometimes, when you’re surrounded by the influences and priorities of the world and you feel the need to defend yourself against the secular; it’s all too easy to grab the worldly weapons that are handy- put downs, bitterness and sharp retorts, superiority and grumbling. Those of us familiar with the presence of God know we need to put those down first before coming to Him, because they have no place with Him."
 
                     To God be the Glory,                    Helen



"14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."  2 Corinthians 5:14 (Today's New International Version)
Oswald Chambers comments on this verse.  "This total surrender to 'the love of Christ' is the only thing that will bear fruit in your life."

Fully Embraced

If you need a spiritual shot in the arm, read on.


My Thursday was spent in an all-day workshop with the title above. Google it, and sign up for the October 14 or 16 at CrossPoint, or other places. That’s right. “Fully Embraced” reminds us that we are created for a purpose, to be used by God. When we discover this purpose, it can be the most rewarding find of a lifetime. Karen, Shari, and Monica lead with humor, purpose, and clarity. The workshop is a reminder for some, and a new discovery for others. When you leave for the day, you will fully embrace the uniqueness of the created you, and perhaps even have a plan how to use it! Best of all, you will have tools to use in your ministry – tools to train up leaders, skills to build relationships, and a new way to show the love of Jesus to the people you influence, for men and women alike. Great for parents, too.

This workshop is a way to quench “Spiritual Dehydration”. Take time for yourself so that you can be renewed and refreshed to do ministry with passion.

To God be the glory! Helen

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10



Fullyembraced.com
xpointumc.org for directions to the Colonial Park campus