Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

When we think about conversion, we often see it as a transformative moment—the point at which our journey of seeking God truly begins. Until that pivotal moment, Scripture shows us that we are not genuinely seeking Him; instead, we are running away, much like Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:8. When they realized they had sinned, they hid from God, attempting to avoid Him altogether. This imagery paints a stark picture of our pre-conversion state—a life lived in the flesh, disconnected from the Creator.

The Desire for God’s Gifts vs. God Himself

As we journey toward faith, many of us can express a desire for the gifts and benefits of God: peace, forgiveness, healing, and provision. However, we must ask ourselves—do we truly desire God Himself? This distinction is crucial. Are we following the real Christ, or merely a version of Him constructed by modern culture?
In our society, we often encounter portrayals of Jesus that differ significantly from the biblical account. There’s the Jesus who never judges, the one who merely offers comfort and personal gain without any demand for real commitment. This ‘culturized’ Christ may even resemble a genie in a bottle, there to solve our problems and grant our requests. But the truth is, we are not called to this version of Jesus. We are called to follow the real Jesus Christ.

The Historical Jesus

Jesus was not just a kind figure; He was a real, historical person with a mission. His mission was clear: to redeem mankind. Romans 3:21-26 reveals the essence of how we are made righteous: “But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Here, Paul makes it abundantly clear that we cannot earn our way into salvation through our own works or adherence to the law.

Faith in the Real Jesus

The good news is that we don’t have to live a life perfect enough to meet the demands of a just and holy God. Instead, we simply move by faith in the real Jesus Christ, and it is through our faith that we receive righteousness. God credits His righteousness to our account and declares us righteous the moment we choose to put our faith in Him and in the work that Christ completed on the cross.
This grace is a privilege—it allows us to live in His righteousness and actively express that righteousness in the world today. So, I ask you again: which Jesus are you following? Is it the Jesus of culture or the Jesus of the Bible? Does your Jesus require something from you?

Conclusion

The call to follow the real Jesus is more than an invitation to receive gifts; it’s a call to a transformative relationship. It challenges us to look beyond our desires for comfort and ease and to seek a deeper understanding of who He is. He requires our commitment, our faith, and our willingness to embrace His righteousness. As you reflect on your journey of faith, consider the implications of following the real Christ, a Savior who desires an authentic relationship with you, leading you into a life of true purpose and righteousness.