One Way Jesus - July 29th, 2012 by Daniel Esler

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One Way, Jesus  

  This world promises many good things in life. Most people want to do well in their studies, have many friends, have a good job, make a lot of money, have a nice house, and drive an expensive car.

  The more people run after these things, the more they want and the more miserable and empty they become. People wonder why they feel this way. Some people have everything in this world, but still feel like something is missing in their life. It’s like a dark hole that cannot be filled no matter how many friends they have or how rich they are.   

  We live in a society that accepts pluralism as the norm. In other words, there is no right or wrong way to live life. As citizens of a global society, we are expected to accept all ways of thinking, as long as it does not threaten another person or disturb the peace. The most common phrase used in modern society is, “Don’t judge anyone. Everyone has different values and ideas. It’s up to that person how he or she lives his or her life.”

  Furthermore, all religions are accepted as long as one religion doesn’t enforce its beliefs upon another religion. Most people believe it is okay to be a Buddhist, Hindu, or Christian as long as you are sincere in your faith or belief. In other words, there are good things about all religions and there is no right or wrong way.

  This is the exact opposite of what Jesus said. In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me.” That means there is no other way to eternal life (heaven) except through Jesus. Only Jesus can save us from our sins. Only Jesus can set us free. Only Jesus can give us the fruits of the Spirit (like love, joy peace, goodness, kindness etc…).

  Other religions (apart from true Christianity) are ways of living life. Some of their beliefs and ideas are similar to what Jesus said. For example, love other people, look after the poor, and care for the elderly and sick. Although these ideas and beliefs are good in themselves, they cannot and will not save anyone from their sins and the separation from God.

  Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. True Christianity is about grace, whereas other religions are all about good works. We cannot please a perfect and Holy God by our good works. Without God’s grace we will always be separated from Him. It’s only by grace we are saved. It is the gift of God.

  How should be respond to this? We should be excited! God has saved us. He has redeemed us. He has given us eternal life. Our names are written in heaven. We are His children. We belong to Him. He loves us. He has a plan and purpose for us. We have every reason to be joyful that God has chosen and saved us. Let’s ask God to empower us to live a life that glorifies Him. He will do the work in you and through you to love, be kind, be gentle, be patient, and to do good to everyone around you as you trust and obey Him.    

OneWayJesus.pptx

one way Jesus.doc