What to Make of the Gospel of Judas?

Mohler on The Gospel of Judas

The following is an excerpt from Dr. Al Mohler's article on The Gospel of Judas:

"What are Christians to make of all this? The publication of The Gospel of Judas is a matter of genuine interest. After all, it is important for Christians to understand the context of early Christianity--a context in which the church was required to exercise tremendous discernment in confronting heretical teachings and rejecting spurious texts.The scholarly research behind the publication of The Gospel of Judas appears to be sound and responsible. The codex manuscript was submitted to the most rigorous historical process in terms of dating, chemical composition, and similar questions. In the end, it appears that the document is most likely authentic, in terms of its origin from within a heretical sect in the third century.Nevertheless, extravagant claims about the theological significance of The Gospel of Judas are unwarranted, ridiculous, and driven by those who themselves call for a reformulation of Christianity."You can read the whole article here.

REAL HOPE FOR REAL PEOPLE IN THE REAL WORLD

The people of Martin Bluff Church are impressed with the goodness of God. We believe that He sent His Son, Jesus, to planet earth to do something no one else could do. Jesus, God's very own son, lived a perfect life! What does perfection in a human being look like? Imagine never doing anything half-heartedly or begrudingly. Imagine never regretting anything you have done or said. Imagine never "flying off the handle" in anger. Imagine living thirty-three years never doing anything wrong. You're beginning to see perfection. Jesus was and is perfection. He made the way to relationship with the Creator of our universe possible!

The people of Martin Bluff are not perfect, we're not always right, we  have regrets, yet we've been touched in a life-changing way with the perfection of God in Jesus Christ. Beginning on Sunday, April 9th we are going to begin highlighting the experiences of people who have been changed because of their encounter with the living Christ. You will be encouraged as you hear true stories of how God continues activley work in people's lives today. May we all come to the place that we can join the Psalmist in saying, "He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.Many people will see this and worship him.Then they will trust the Lord." Psalm 40:3.

Sunday, April 2, 2006

RESTORE ME: CONTINUING WITH GOD (3 R's of The Christian Faith)

“We have around us many people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back.” Heb. 12:1 (NCV)

FINISHING WHAT YOUR START

…when you feel like giving up

1. REMOVE DISTRACTIONS

“Let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back.” Heb. 12:1b

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Philip. 3:13-14

2. RESIST DISCOURAGEMENT

"Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up.” Gal 6:9 (LB)

"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer." Ps. 94:19 (LB)

“God who began the good work within you will keep right on helping you grow in His grace until His task within you is finally finished..." Phil. 1:6

3. RENEW DAILY

“ …God wants His loved ones to get their proper rest.” Ps 127:2 (LB)

“This why we never give up …our spirits are being renewed every day.” 2 Cor. 4:16

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross!” Heb. 12:2 (GN)

“ I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.”

2 Tim. 4:7 (NIV)