THE REAL JESUS
Reading: John 14: 1-6
Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6)
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Over the years the Gospel message has been watered down in an attempt to suit people’s understanding of who Jesus really is according to their particular concept, and in so doing we have been given an image of two Gods. There is the God of the Old Testament, the God of wrath, who has been relegated to history for many people, and the God of love and mercy who continues to love and forgive everyone in order that they can continue their lives as they want to, knowing that, no matter what, they’ll still go to Heaven. For many people, including many church leaders, the Gospel is a universal gospel, and the criteria for everyone, irrespective of their faith, is that they ‘live good lives.’
Over the years the Gospel message has been watered down in an attempt to suit people’s understanding of who Jesus really is according to their particular concept, and in so doing we have been given an image of two Gods. There is the God of the Old Testament, the God of wrath, who has been relegated to history for many people, and the God of love and mercy who continues to love and forgive everyone in order that they can continue their lives as they want to, knowing that, no matter what, they’ll still go to Heaven. For many people, including many church leaders, the Gospel is a universal gospel, and the criteria for everyone, irrespective of their faith, is that they ‘live good lives.’
- Jesus has often been redefined in order to suit the individual.
- There's a 'seeker friendly' Jesus. He won’t offend anyone, and He loves everyone, no matter what they do.
- There's a 'sow and reap' Jesus, who made a covenant with man so that man could sow his seed and reap wealth and happiness on earth and then go to heaven when he dies.
- There's a 'blend in with the world' Jesus, who wants us to look, act, and be, just like the world is, in order to reach the lost.
- There's a 'never-ending grace' Jesus, whose 'grace' covers us irrespective of how we live.
- There's a 'just believe' Jesus, who says that as long as you truly believe in your heart, you're saved.
- There's a 'name it claim it' Jesus. You name it and everything is yours for the asking! If you don't get it, then it's your fault because you lack faith.
- There's a 'carnal' Jesus. He doesn't expect you to overcome sin just as long as you try your best. He understands you're just carnal being.
- There's a 'heart dwelling' Jesus. All you have to do is pray a little prayer to ask Him into your heart and He's there. You're going to heaven!
Truth:
Scripture teaches us that God the Father and Jesus the Son are One, and that Jesus was pre-existent. In John’s gospel we read that The Word became flesh and we learn that the Word is Jesus, the Christ. The Creator of all things came to this planet and became part of His own creation, limited by time and space, and as susceptible to the ravages of time just as any human being is. For a time the infinite God became finitely human, both human and divine at one and the same time, propelled by such overwhelming love for His creation that He came to rescue those who were lost and give them the gift of eternity. God and His Son are One. Jesus is the only source of eternal life.
Scripture teaches us that God the Father and Jesus the Son are One, and that Jesus was pre-existent. In John’s gospel we read that The Word became flesh and we learn that the Word is Jesus, the Christ. The Creator of all things came to this planet and became part of His own creation, limited by time and space, and as susceptible to the ravages of time just as any human being is. For a time the infinite God became finitely human, both human and divine at one and the same time, propelled by such overwhelming love for His creation that He came to rescue those who were lost and give them the gift of eternity. God and His Son are One. Jesus is the only source of eternal life.
- He said the kingdom of God is at hand, Repent and believe in the gospel . (Mark 1:15)
- He said that if you chose to follow Him then you should ‘Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.’ (Luke 9:23-25)
- He said that without Him you are already condemned. (John 3:18)
- He said that He came to save the world (John 3:16)
- He said that unless you cannot be His disciple unless you give up all your possessions. (Luke 14:33)
- He said that if we love anyone more than Him we are not worthy of Him. (Matthew 10:37-39)
- He said that if you love this life you'll lose it, and that if you hate life in this world then you shall keep it to life eternal. (John 12:25)
- He said that you cannot serve God and money. (Matthew 6:24)
- He said that we should fear God who can destroy both body and soul in hell. (Matthew 10:28)
- He said that we should give our all in the battle against sin. (Matthew 18:8-9)
- He said we must love God completely, with all of our heart, soul and mind, and that we should love our neighbour as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-39)
- He said that He is the light of the world. He rescues us from the darkness and gives us the light of life. (John 8:12)
- He said the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it. (Matthew 7:14)
- He said that not everyone who calls Him ‘Lord, Lord’, will enter the kingdom of Heaven, and that those who believe in Him but work iniquity will be cast out. (Matthew 7:21-23)
- He said you'll be hated for His name's sake, but if you endure to the end, you'll be saved. (Matthew 10:22)
- He said I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me. (John 14:6) No matter what some people try to claim, there is no other way to God except through Jesus, the Christ.
Which Jesus do you serve?
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