You don't like the old testament?

Why am I preaching out of the book of Judges?  One of my favorite people asked me this last week.

I do think the book of Judges is fun.

I try to preach some from the Old and some from the New testament.  Sometimes a topical series.  But I think it is best that people see the Bible and understand more what the Bible says than what I think.  I hope people walk away from church thinking about God and what He says in the Bible.  The Bible is the authority.

I found myself in Hebrews 11 where it talks about so many people that lived long ago.  It shows them as examples of faith.  I can tell you what faith means.  Or I can show you how people lived their lives by faith.  Examples of men and women with faith are found in the Old testament in the book of Judges.

Jephthah risked his life to defend a group of people who had kicked him out of the tribe.  They told him he deserved no inheritance.   But, then they went back to him to ask him to come back to lead the battle.  The way he trusted God and risked his life shows faith in God.

God stood in front of Samson's mother.  God told her what her son would do.  He told her how to raise this warrior.  Manoah, the father of Samson, prayed that the Angel of the LORD would come back and give more instruction.

I should want God to speak into my life.  I should want God to give me more information.  I should be willing to work hard at listening to God.

I guess that is why I preach from the book of Judges.  I am thankful to team up with people who study, pray, trying to live it out and even talking about the the things God says.

Discipleship starts with follow Jesus.

A man came to Jesus and asked, Good teacher, what must I do to gain eternal life?  Why do you call me good, Jesus replied.  No one is good except God.  You know the commandments.  Do not murder, commit adultery, lie, steal and honor your parents.  The rich ruler said he kept all of these since he was young.  

What Jesus says next is really interesting.  One thing you lack, go sell what you have, give it to the poor and come and follow me.  

Some who are sinful, like their life like that.  Some who are religious, think they have done enough to make it to God.  Both fall short.  Both should come to trust Christ and Christ alone.  

More than believe in me, Jesus says to come and follow me.  I wonder how many religious people would have Jesus say, one thing you lack.  Is there one thing in my life that shows that I like my way of doing things?  Is there anything in my life that could reveal to me that Jesus is not the leader of my life?  

Discipleship starts with follow Jesus.  I will follow Christ.  Only then can I help people who would take up their cross and follow Christ.  Life is a great adventure, where I can pursue Christ and his way for my life.  

Thankful for many who say yes to following Christ.