Thanks for reading the sermon. I am sorry that everything is delayed this week. I will get back to posting on a more regular schedule next week. We had a bad storm, and the power was out for a long time, plus it's been terribly hot and my health isn't great. Please pray that the storms tonight won't be bad.
Today, we are continuing with our series examining the titles and names of Jesus found in the Bible. In today's message, we see that Jesus referred to Himself as the Way, the Truth and the Life. We read this in John 14:6 that states, "Jesus answered, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me."
This statement given by Jesus is one of the most controversial statements of the Christian religion. Let's examine what Jesus meant by this, and what other passages in the New Testament have to say along this line.
In this statement, Jesus is saying unequivocally that He is the only way of salvation. When humans sinned, it caused separation from God. God is holy, and He cannot allow sin into His presence. Sin has to be punished because God is a holy, righteous and just God. In this verse, Jesus is saying that He is the only one who can provide reconciliation with the Father.
We know from the Bible that God sent His Son the Lord Jesus into this world to pay the penalty for our sin. Jesus came to be the atoning sacrifice for sin. Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus will be forgiven of their sin, and they will receive the imputed righteousness of Christ. We can only have a relationship with the Father when we are in Christ Jesus His Son. Jesus is the way to the Father. He is the one who provides new and abundant life now and eternal life into the future in the home that He has prepared for us. His way is the only way of truth. Jesus is the one who reveals the truth about God and how to have redemption from sin.
Here's where the controversy arises. Jesus and orthodox Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus is the only way. You have to believe in Jesus or you are lost in your trespasses and sins. This causes offense to many because they want to falsely proclaim and believe that there are many ways to God. Jesus said He is the Way.
So, what else does the Bible say about this. Peter preached in Acts 4:12 stating, "Therefore there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." I John 5:12 tells us, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son does not have life."
That's about as clear as it gets. Those who have the Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior and Lord have life. Those who are not in Christ do not have life. Salvation is through Jesus alone.
Jesus does not exclude anyone from His offer of salvation. He will not cast aside any who come to Him in repentance and faith. Whosoever will may come. Jesus invites you, me and everyone else to find the way, the truth and the life in and through Him. I hope that you will trust in Jesus today. Amen.
Prayer Requests
Please pray that the storms tonight will not be bad. Also, please pray that my health will improve. I've been doing a little better.
Keep praying for an end to the fires around the world.
Pray for refugees and migrants that they will be safe and find the help they need.
We need to keep praying for peace. Remember to pray for Ukraine, Syria, Yemen and Sudan.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Laos and Sri Lanka. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, I want to get back on schedule. I will post the verses on Monday. I will post the next portion of the Minor Prophets book. I will post the sermon on Friday. May God help me to be able to get the posting done right this week. May God bless you all.
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