Complex simplicity.

The topic of salvation can quickly become a very drawn out debate to what exactly it means to obtain salvation. I believe that is a rabbit trail that can often cause more damage than good. So often we attempt to over explain and make complex the simple instructions that we have for salvation. Now, I may take flak for this for not fully explaining the plan of salvation or doing it justice, but I feel I am doing the opposite. I feel that by simplifying the plan of salvation to its most pure, organic, natural, and simplest definition, then we are not "dumbing it down" or "leaving anything out", but rather we are telling it as it is without creating a confusing, complicated complexity that causes so many divisions between believers. Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom. Why? Peter recognized that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the very Son of God. Jesus said to Peter in return that whatever he would loose on earth shall be loosed, and whatever Peter bound on earth shall be bound in Heaven. Fast forward to the day of Pentecost. Peter, standing with the 11 other apostles, and also with the keys to the kingdom gives us the instructions for salvation in the simplest most condensed way. Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins. And that, ladies and gentleman is all we have to do. "Wait!" you proclaim, "it doesn't end there, there is more we must do". Incorrect, if we have done those two things we have fulfilled our instructions. From that point forward we WILL receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, however, that is not something you or I can give ourselves or give others, that is Gods work and if we just simply follow repentance and baptism, God will fill us with His Spirit. The key is being sincere with our repentance, so often we apologize and say sorry but continue on in our ways. Repentance, however, is a change of heart and a change of attitude and a change of lifestyle. In conclusion, I feel I may need to begin simplifying my definition of the plan of salvation. Here it is: Acts 2:28 Simple.

What does it mean to actually practice Christianity?

This question has been stirring me for years now. Matthew 23 is probably a great place to really examine this question. First, before you continue reading this post I challenge you to go and read Matthew 23. I feel like I have personally justified my own actions and way of living by following our "standards" we set as our guidelines. I am growing continually uneasy, however, that I may be becoming a Pharisee myself. It seems that I condemn others to hell if they do not replicate my understanding of being a Christian. I have been guilty of judging others because they do not follow the "standards" of their local assembly. Woe to me! I pray that my understanding and wisdom grows, but I pray my grace and love and patience grow also. 1 Corinthians 13 convicts me to assess my life and my actions and my motives. Have I been been guilty of not loving? And you may say, "Love, love, love, all I ever hear is just love", and you may judge those who preach love. We accuse others of being "wishy-washy" by preaching love above all else. Now, there be some truth in our accusations, BUT, what is THE greatest commandment? Jesus said LOVE the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Furthermore, Jesus continued on to say that we must LOVE our neighbour (friends, co-worker, family, acquaintances, enemy) as we love ourself?!?! Surely he must not have meant that? Surely Jesus meant to live our lives by a set of rules and condemn others who don't abide by them! NO! Jesus did not say that. Jesus said if we keep these two commandments that all the other laws are fulfilled. We are fulfilling all the laws by only loving others (Romans 13:8-10). So, I again pose the question to myself and to you, "what does it mean to actually practice Christianity?". The answer is simple but the action, especially the second part can be hard, love God, and love people. I challenge you and I to practice being a Christian today. I challenge us to stop judging others and to try loving them instead. I wonder what might happen if we could change our ways...

The struggle is real.

The path of least resistance seems to be our nature. As I grow and recognize human behaviour more than I once did I am constantly seeing people and companies promoting and selling us easier ways. It is true from cell phones to door locks. Lately, there seems to be a trend for remote locks that will unlock your house for you as you come near with your smartphone, and then re-lock as we move a certain distance from the house. Or how about vehicles that parallel park for us? You could think of dozens of more examples. This is all very fine and dandy, however, I am curious as to what it has done to humans work ethic or sense of earning something. Maybe this seems all very silly to you, but lately I have thought of many of the people that I would consider successful, and I find myself, by their example, being challenged to step out of societies mould of getting things faster and easier than ever before. I have recently finished "David and Goliath" by Malcolm Gladwell with many wonderful examples of successful underdogs and misfits who had to fight through adversity and opposition to end up successful. This may seem strange to you, but I've lately made it my prayer that I may also experience tough times just as my mentors have. I desire, oddly enough, to find myself in positions that are less than luxurious. I may be crazy, but I honestly believe that through these adversities and challenges that I daily find myself in are causing me to develop a quality work ethic, character, discipline, honesty, loyalty, and most importantly, a trust in God that He will provide my needs if I place Him above all else. Psalm 27:3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. Allow me to define success as I see it. Success: having a sincere and honest relationship with Jesus Christ, having quality relationships with family and friends, health in my body, and finally, the monetary abilities to pay my bills and have a little extra left over to share with others. You see, through this lens of success I have found more peace and joy than I could have ever experienced through what others would define as beings successful, that being, quite bluntly, more money than I knew what I would do with. Through this lens I welcome the "curve balls" of life, I welcome opposition, I welcome challenging situations in life that cause my determination and discipline to overcome. I am by no means suggesting we become brutes and forcefully approach all matters in life. I am not arguing against taking advantage of opportunities that arise. By all means I urge you to use every opportunity and possibility to your favour in order that you may progress and be better off today than yesterday, and yet further ahead tomorrow than today. My point merely is that maybe it wouldn't kill us to not look for the simplest and easiest way of life, but to face our fears, face what may be difficult and conquer it and end up all the more successful through humble beginnings. Any thoughts?

Miracles still happen!

I have decided to begin (or attempt to begin) blogging once again. If no one but myself reads this blog that is completely fine by me. I have matured (I hope) since my last blog which mostly contained pictures of random fails and useless drivel that made me think I was intelligent and clever, which I was definitely not. So, the feelings and thoughts expressed on this site are completely those of Nicholas Norris and are not meant to offend, ridicule, or cause anxiety to anyone in particular or in general. These thoughts and posts, however, are meant to cause at least myself and hopefully others to think and to consider whatever topic I may discuss. I often attempt to challenge my thinking in order that I may become a more balanced and mature Christian. What can you expect to see or read on this blog? Likely you will find my posts to be various rambles or rants about any number of topics, you may find me discussing a book I have read or am reading and my thoughts and feelings about that book, you will find topics that I often ponder and meditate about being a young Christian and how I would enjoy to share and challenge others to confront issues of our way of thinking and our actions. You may find my feelings and thoughts on world events that I find intriguing, saddening, interesting, entertaining, or merely what I may consider worthy of discussing. I won't bore you with details for now though. If you read this blog and enjoy it, let me know. If you think I should discuss a certain topic, again, feel free to comment and let me know what you feel is worth sharing. I approve this message, Nicholas Norris