Conclusions About the Orlando Mass Murder

While there are many mysteries yet to be revealed concerning yesterday’s mass murder in Orlando, Florida, one thing we do know:  the murderer was not knowing Jesus.  That’s clear.

This is not only obvious but of paramount importance.  Why?  Because the great desire and plan of God in offering Jesus as the way, the truth and the life is founded upon Jesus entering and living in a person, Jesus increasingly known by that person, and Jesus evidencing Himself through that person. That’s the plan.  No one for whom those three points is true (living, knowing, evidencing) would find Jesus leading him or her on the inside to commit murder on the outside, let alone other crimes of violence or theft.  That’s not His evidence.  That’s not what He does.

This is why the gospel message is and must always be one that fosters knowing Jesus—truly knowing Jesus—as the way, the truth and the life throughout our days.  Speaking and teaching about laws (even gun control laws) and rule keeping (even “Christianly” rule keeping) will provide no power to the ones so focused because it is not the gospel that leads to knowing Jesus in an ongoing, day-by-day way.  The ones knowing Jesus as the way, the truth and the life do not need rules because He will be providing His grace, His power and His life—eternal life—on the inside to the outside.  Evidence of Jesus.  That is what He does.  Knowing Jesus looks good on us.

We’re going to grieve and mourn, and we’re going to learn more about what happened in Orlando.  As we do, return to focusing upon God’s offer of knowing Jesus.  He works in people!  His evidence is beautiful—just like He is.  And the gospel we know and the gospel we offer must assist people toward knowing every day Jesus, who is the only way, truth and life for which we become vessels—people of God’s evidence—and for which we were formed.  Otherwise, it is not the gospel.

John 17:3 This is eternal life (Here’s the big deal!), that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.  (Italics mine.)

I hope this helps.  See you later.

(This is a transcript of yesterday’s video, “Conclusions About the Orlando Mass Murder,” and is for those who might rather read than watch.  To see the video, click https://youtu.be/ct6Q2njcTIg, or scroll down this blog page.)