Christian Paradigm Shifts

I found this song last night. I thought it would be a perfect start to the Lenten season... Jesus is sufficient for all our needs. He will meet us where we are. All he asks is that we come... Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Let's start with a video.... If only friendship were this easy. Friendship is not about formulas or algorithms. Friendship develops over time. One important aspect of friendship is sacrifice. Sacrifice means "an act of giving up something one values for the sake of somethings that is of greater importance." This trait can be seen so clearly in the lives of King David and his friend Jonathan. They had a deep friendship and covenant. Both made sacrifices for one another. Saul, Jonathan's father, became very jealous of David. This was due to the fact that David received more accolades from the people after Israel's success in battle. Saul was so angry that he told Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. Jonathan interceded on David's behalf [1 Sam. 18:4-7]. David makes a covenant with Jonathan and his household. David promises that he will not only show kindness to Jonathan while he lives but that he will also show kindness to his household forever

The apostles were the ones sent forth as ambassadors. They were ambassadors who represented Jesus, the one who sent them. The twelve were a very diverse group - some were fishermen, some were tax collectors, some were zealots. They left all to follow the one who called them. Their commonalities were many - 1. They were teachers - Mark 6:30 - The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 2. They wanted Jesus to increase their faith - Luke 17:5 - The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” 3. They performed signs and wonders - Acts 2:43 - And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 4. They were instructed by Jesus of His suffering - Matthew 20:17-19 - And as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them,  “See, we are going up to Jerusalem. And the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will c