Life before Death

All churches, theologians, and scholars agree that the fuel of Christianity is the faith of those who proclaim Christianity. But too many times "faith" has been preached in a way that cheapens the power of Christ. Too often we have been suffocated with what Willard calls "Gospels of Sin Management". That is, Jesus came to set up an arrangement by which we can achieve heaven (life after death". Therefore the "faith" of Christianity has been all about "making the cut".

But this is not how Jesus nor Paul nor Moses talks about Faith. Consider Genesis 15:6 which is quoted by Paul 3 times and James once: "And Abraham believed the Lord and he counted it to him as righteousness." What did Abraham have faith in? It was not that God would give him life after death. He had faith that God would give him a son like he promised. He believed that God would have an impact on his life. This is what Jesus and Paul and Moses and James call faith. Faith is an interactive relationship of trust, affirmation, and belief. Remember how Jesus defined "eternal life". "And this is eternal life--that they know you the only true God." (John 17:3) And "know" implies not just knowledge but interactive relationship.(think about how adam "knew" eve)

Of course you believe that God will give the righteous an oft-quoted "home in heaven". But what about now? Do you believe in God's Son? No, I mean really believe. I mean who do you turn to when you need advice on how to deal with your family--Dr. Phil or Jesus? Who do you turn to when you want to structure your finances--Dave Ramsey or Jesus? Who do you turn to when you want expert advice on love and sex--Cosmopolitan Magazine or Jesus? Who do you turn to when you want advice about religion--(insert preacher's name here) or Jesus?

Who you first turn to in these situations shows who you have faith in. I'm not interested in a gospel that has nothing to do with how I live now. I think that Jesus has something to say about who I should vote for President. I think that Jesus has something to say about how I structure my finances. I think that Jesus has something to say about what kind of neighborhood I live in. I believe that Jesus is the world's leading expert on finances, sexuality, self-esteem, politics, spirituality, disaster relief, war (or perhaps i should say "peace"), crime-fighting, marriage relationships, family relationships....have I made my point?

Does anyone else share this idea that the good news of Jesus matters long before we die?