God's Outrageous Claims

1. Freedom Through Forgiveness: Enemies and Self

Choosing to forgive instead of hate can turn out to be one of our greatest blessings in disguise — if we understand how this extraordinary principle works.

Liberating power. Forgiveness, especially of enemies and oneself, is a profoundly liberating act, as exemplified by Terry Anderson, a hostage for seven years, who chose to forgive his captors. This seemingly outlandish command from Jesus—to love and pray for those who persecute you—is not naive but a prescription for personal and relational well-being. It frees individuals from the corrosive grip of bitterness and resentment.

Psychological and physical benefits. Harboring grudges poisons the mind and emotions, leading to bitterness that "eats away at you from the inside," as Elizabeth Morris described her hatred for the drunk driver who killed her son. Scientific studies link chronic anger to increased risk of early death, surpassing factors like smoking and obesity. Forgiveness, conversely, brings peace and allows one to "get on with life, to laugh again, to finally shake free from that anchor of hate."

Spiritual and relational healing. Forgiveness offers hope for reconciliation, preventing conflicts from becoming "knots tied so tight that the person who tied it is no longer capable of untying it." Spiritually, Jesus teaches that our forgiveness from God is tied to our willingness to forgive others, emphasizing that "if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." This act of grace also attracts others to God, demonstrating a compassion that transcends human nature.

2. Integrity in the "Rat Race": Doing Business by the Book

The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.

Ethical erosion. The business world often tempts individuals to compromise integrity for profit, leading to a gradual slide from "What's the right thing to do?" to "What can we get away with?" This erosion, seen in corporate scandals like the Ford Pinto case, highlights a common struggle where ambition can overbalance morality. Many people, even churchgoers, exhibit a fragmented faith, separating their Sunday beliefs from their weekday actions.

Costs and benefits. While pursuing integrity might incur financial costs or social alienation, the long-term benefits far outweigh them. As one executive noted, "love is a legitimate business strategy," fostering trust and a positive reputation. The personal reward is a clear conscience, allowing one to "be forgetful" of past deceptions and live without anxiety.

Societal and spiritual gains. Individuals committed to ethical conduct can elevate the moral temperature of their companies and communities, as seen when Jack Eckerd removed pornography from his drugstores. Spiritually, integrity draws one closer to God, preventing a "fragmented faith" that drives a wedge between oneself and the divine. It encourages dependence on God for guidance in ethical dilemmas, enriching the relationship.

3. Making an Eternal Difference: Be Salt and Light

You are my marketing strategy. You are the means by which my message will be spread in your family, your neighborhood, your workplace, and your school.

Jesus's strategy. Jesus's "outrageous" plan for spreading his message was to empower his followers to be "salt and light." Salt preserves, flavors, and creates thirst; light exposes, attracts, and illuminates. This means living a life that causes others to thirst for God, spices up the world, retards moral decay, and shines truth and compassion into dark places.

Authenticity attracts. The author, as an atheist, was repelled by "in-your-face," "greeting-card," "holier-than-thou," and "cosmetic" Christians. However, he was drawn to those who lived out their faith authentically, even when it cost them, like Ron, a former gang leader who turned himself in to face prison. Such costly, compassionate, and consistent Christianity demonstrates a deeply transformed life, making others curious about Jesus.

Impact through action. Being salt and light means extending Christ's compassion through actions, not just words. Simple acts of kindness, like David comforting the author during his daughter's illness, or a neighbor staying with a grieving man all night, speak volumes. People are watching, and their observations either "stymie or propel them in their spiritual journey." When Christians are "like Jesus" to others, it can be "all it took" for someone to find faith.

4. Accessing Divine Power for Life's Needs

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

God's empowering nature. Despite his omnipotence, God is a "power-sharing God," willing to infuse us with his strength when we need it most. This divine power provides peace when we're panicky, endurance when we're empty, and courage when we're cowardly. It's an "outrageous claim from an outlandishly strong God" that we can tap into his supernatural might for life's inevitable pains, temptations, and challenges in living right.

Power for pain and temptation. Life inevitably brings "soul-piercing heartbreak," and God offers the strength to navigate such pain, as he did for the author's friend Bob after his daughter's death. Similarly, God's power helps us resist daily temptations, not to spoil our fun, but to protect us from the "emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual downside" of indulgence. He is "in our corner," providing a "way out" when we are tempted.

Five "A" steps to access power. Accessing God's power involves a five-step process:

• Admit weakness: We can't be filled until we empty ourselves of self-sufficiency.
• Affirm God's power and presence: Remember his track record and his closeness.
• Align with God's will: Connect with his purposes, not just our own agenda.
• Ask for needed power: Express our desires forthrightly.
• Act out of obedience: Even when we don't feel empowered, taking action in faith brings strength as needed.

5. Gaining Fulfillment by Giving Yourself Away

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so . . . he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.

The servant God. Jesus, fully aware of his divine power and exalted status, chose to take on the demeanor of a servant, washing his disciples' feet. This "incredible, humble display of pure servanthood" reveals that God is a servant because "God is love, and love by its very nature involves the giving of oneself." This act of selfless service, culminating in his death for our sins, is the essence of Christ's life.

Fulfillment in servanthood. Jesus invites us to follow his example, promising that in this "servant lifestyle" we will find "the kind of soul satisfaction that we would otherwise miss if we merely lived to indulge ourselves." This fulfillment stems from several sources:

• Obedience to God: Doing what God wants brings a "quiet sense of affirmation."
• Using spiritual gifts: Deploying our unique divine enablements brings a "unique sense of fulfillment."
• Costly sacrifices: Even in hardship, God infuses "an extra dose of grace."
• Turning pain to gain: Wounded servants find pleasure in helping others through similar struggles.
• Pointing to Christ: Witnessing God revolutionize lives is "more satisfying than having a front-row seat."
• Eternal rewards: God remembers every act of service and promises future blessings.

The spiral of joy. Servanthood, though often taxing, is not about self-abuse but about channeling God's love. It initiates a "spiral of joy," where giving leads to receiving, and the joy expressed is greater than the joy that began the exchange. This "outrageous power" of giving oneself away transforms both the giver and the receiver, leaving a lasting impact.

6. Doubt Can Strengthen Your Faith

A rebuilt faith is superior to an inherited faith that has never stood the strain of a great testing storm.

Doubt is common and healthy. Doubt is not the opposite of faith (which is unbelief), but rather "to waver between the two, to believe and disbelieve at once." It's a "spiritual virus" that affects most thinking Christians, and even prominent biblical figures like John the Baptist experienced it. God does not condemn honest questioning; instead, he encourages authenticity in our relationship with him.

The upside of doubt. Far from being damaging, doubt can be an "immunization" that strengthens faith. It prompts deeper investigation, leading to satisfying answers that boost confidence, as the author experienced when challenged by a scientist. Doubt can also foster a deeper longing for God's presence, saving us from gullibility by prompting us to "test everything" and discern truth from error.

Combating the doubt virus. Doubt can infect through the mind (intellectual concerns, distorted views of God), emotions (faith based solely on feelings, past scars), or will (clinging to sin, pride, lack of commitment). To combat it:

• Find the root: Diagnose the specific cause of your doubt.
• Ask for help: Turn to God and trusted Christian friends.
• Implement treatment: Address specific questions, emotional issues, or willful choices.
• Care for spiritual health: Strengthen faith through consistent Bible study and active obedience.
• Hold questions in tension: Accept that some mysteries remain, trusting God's character.

7. God's Cure for Secret Loneliness: Authentic Community

It is not good for the man to be alone.

The pervasive malady. Loneliness is a "humiliating malady" that many, including celebrities and seemingly successful individuals, are reluctant to admit. It's a "national disease" fueled by social conditioning that discourages deep emotional connection, especially among men who are taught to "stand alone." This isolation has severe costs, with studies showing a death rate twice as high for those without deep relationships.

Community is essential. Human beings were "not designed to live relationally disconnected lives" but were created in the image of a communal God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit). Jesus himself modeled a relationally healthy life with an inner circle of confidants. Authentic community is a "treasure God wants you to have," offering wholeness and a blissful absence of self-accusation.

Five ingredients for deep friendship. Building enduring, intimate friendships requires intentional effort and risk-taking:

• Affinity: Celebrating common ground, especially shared core values like faith.
• Acceptance: Relating on an "as is" basis, unconditionally cherishing others despite flaws.
• Authenticity: Self-disclosure, transparency, and vulnerability, moving beyond superficiality.
• Assistance: Putting friends first, helping them grow, and offering accountability in love.
• Affirmation: Enthusiastically cheering on friends, building their confidence, and expressing appreciation.

8. God's Rules on Sex Offer True Liberation

As outlandish as it may sound to some, real sexual liberation and true intimacy are found within the moral boundaries that God has compassionately designed for us.

Challenging cultural norms. Modern society, heavily influenced by Hollywood, often portrays sex outside of marriage as normal and consequence-free, leading many to believe they "know better than God" when it comes to sexual ethics. This attitude ignores the biblical teaching that sexual expression is reserved for marriage, intended for unique oneness and pleasure within a loving, secure, and trust-filled environment.

The high cost of "cheap thrills." Ignoring God's boundaries leads to devastating consequences:

• Physical: Epidemic levels of sexually transmitted diseases (41,000 new cases daily), cervical cancer linked to unfaithful spouses, and the global AIDS crisis.
• Social: Millions of unwed pregnancies annually, leading to children facing "terrible disadvantages" and society reeling from the costs.
• Emotional: Trauma from abortions, sexual addiction, and the "emotional devastation" of abandonment, leading to shame, guilt, and crushed self-esteem.
• Spiritual: Sexual sin creates a "wedge between you and God," causing spiritual life to shrivel and hearts to become numb.

True intimacy within boundaries. Social science research increasingly confirms that God's way is the best way. Studies show married couples report the most physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction, and those with more premarital sex are less likely to be happy in marriage. Pornography, far from spicing up sex life, poisons it by promoting cold, mechanical, and degrading views, leading to desensitization and addiction. God's boundaries are not restrictive but "liberate us to experience intimacy in its most fulfilling form."

9. The Golden Rule: A Lifestyle Beyond Random Kindness

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

More than passive avoidance. Jesus's Golden Rule is not a negative maxim ("do not do to others what you would not want done to you") but a proactive command for "selfless generosity." It calls us to "go on the compassion offensive," deliberately choosing kindness regardless of reciprocation. This "outlandish and revolutionary statement" demands a day-in, day-out lifestyle of compassion, not just "random acts of kindness."

Recalibrating perspective. To live out the Golden Rule, we must regularly reorient our attitude in a self-centered world. This involves:

• Seeing through heaven's eyes: Recognizing the "incalculable worth" of every individual, created in God's image, despite their outward appearance or circumstances.
• Crawling into someone's life: Understanding situations from others' viewpoints, fostering empathy and a willingness to help as we would want to be helped.

Love from beyond ourselves. Our natural human capacity for kindness is limited; consistent adherence to the Golden Rule requires tapping into "God's limitless source of love." When we open our lives to God, he "shrinks our self-centeredness and simultaneously enlarges our capacity to be more caring toward others." This divine love, channeled through us, becomes a powerful force for good in a "love-starved world."

10. Heaven is a Historical Reality, Not Wishful Thinking

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Death's certainty, heaven's hope. Death is an "ugly, unnatural, and morbidly efficient" certainty, yet many fear it or are unable to ponder their own demise. Humanity's increasing fascination with the afterlife stems from the fundamental question: "If a man dies, will he live again?" Jesus's "astonishing claim" is that there is life after death, not as fantasy or wishful thinking, but as a concrete reality proven by his own resurrection.

The Resurrection's relevance. The Resurrection of Jesus is central to Christian faith, providing evidence for our own eventual resurrection. The historical evidence for this event is "overwhelming," compelling acceptance by proof that leaves "absolutely no room for doubt." Key points include:

• Jesus's death: Medical and historical evidence confirms Jesus died on the cross after a brutal flogging and crucifixion, refuting the "swoon theory."
• Early accounts: New Testament documents, dated remarkably close to the events (some within 2-3 years), provide reliable historical testimony, leaving no time for legend to corrupt the record.
• Empty tomb: The tomb was unanimously found empty on Easter morning, even by Jesus's opponents, who never produced a body.
• Eyewitness testimony: Jesus appeared alive to over 515 individuals on a dozen occasions, refuting hallucination or "group think" theories.
• Emergence of the Church: The radical transformation of Jewish traditions and the disciples' willingness to die for their belief in the Resurrection provide compelling evidence.
• Extrabiblical evidence: Ancient non-Christian sources corroborate details like the darkness during the crucifixion.

Confidence in eternity. The historical evidence for Jesus's resurrection provides "confident expectancy" for Christians, assuring them that they too will overcome the grave. This hope is not a desperate longing but a "rational and logical conclusion." Knowing that God will watch over loved ones and that death leads to his presence provides courage in crisis, transforming a win-lose situation into a win-win.

11. Jesus: The Exclusive Path to God

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The most outrageous claim. Jesus's assertion of being the "only path to God" is his most controversial statement, often perceived as arrogant, intolerant, and politically incorrect. It directly contradicts the popular belief that "all roads lead to God" or that all religions are fundamentally the same. While other religious leaders offer insights or paths, Jesus claims to be the way, the truth, and the life.

"Do" versus "Done." Other religions are based on human effort ("D-O"), striving to earn God's favor through rituals, good deeds, or spiritual disciplines. Christianity, by contrast, is based on what Jesus has already "D-O-N-E" on the cross, offering forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift of grace. This fundamental difference makes reconciliation between Christianity and other faith systems impossible, as God is not schizophrenic.

Credibility of Christ's claim. Jesus's exclusivity claim is backed by unique credentials:

• Miracles: Documented acts of power over nature, disease, and death, which he performed to affirm his identity as God.
• Character: His integrity and purity, attested by those closest to him, like John and Peter, who declared "in him is no sin."
• Attributes of God: He embodied divine qualities like omnipotence and eternal existence.
• Prophecy fulfillment: He uniquely fulfilled about four dozen Old Testament prophecies, creating a "fingerprint" that only he matches, with astronomical odds against it.
• Resurrection: His miraculous return from the dead, a historically credible event, conclusively established his claims.

12. Playing It Safe is the Most Dangerous Way to Live

You don’t concentrate on risks. You concentrate on results.

Life demands risk. Life is inherently about risk, whether in business ventures like Ray Kroc's McDonald's or Fred Smith's Federal Express, or in personal growth. Playing it safe, ironically, can be the riskiest approach, leading to stagnation and missed potential. Just as a golfer loses momentum by playing it safe, we must keep moving and stretching to truly live.

The joy of failure and growth. True growth often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and accepting the risk of failure. A director's comment, "that's too bad" about a young moviemaker who had never failed, highlighted that without risk, one might never attain full potential. Risk-takers envision potential gains, courageously seize opportunities, and focus on results rather than just potential losses.

Spiritual adventure. Faith and risk are intertwined; taking spiritual risks leads to the "adventure of Christianity." This involves overcoming fears—of the unknown, embarrassment, or failure—to follow God's teachings, make a difference, or share one's faith. The riskiest prayers, like "God, open my eyes to who you really are, and then I'll open my life to you" for seekers, or "God, here I am, fully submitted to you; use me as you have never used me before" for believers, invite God to stretch us beyond our comfort zones, leading to liberation, fulfillment, and a life that makes a splash.

Last updated: January 30, 2026