The Truth of Christ

“While walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.  And going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and He called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.”

~Matthew 4:18-22

A recent study in Christianity conducted by LifeWay revealed some interesting facts. In a survey (all races, gender and socioeconomic standing were included) of people who confess to be Christians, nearly 75% agreed that following the teachings of Christ was not the most important thing in their lives, and 60% believe that everyone will eventually go to Heaven; and while they all agreed there is only one true God, 64% believes God accepts the worship of all religions and beliefs. Two-thirds of those who participated in the poll also said everyone sins a little bit, but all people are basically good. More than 60% said Jesus Christ was a created being, although the most important one created by God, and they did not believe the Holy Spirit is as important as God. Obviously, our views about the Bible, salvation, and following Christ leaves room for improvement.

When calling His disciples, Jesus obviously thought following Him was the most important thing a person could do. In the above verse, the men called by Jesus thought so too because they dropped everything, left their families and followed Jesus. In Luke 9:57-62 two men Jesus called had other things to do—one wanted to bury his father and the other wanted to tell his family goodbye, but Jesus told them to leave what they were doing and don’t look back. So how important does Christ think it is for us to follow Him?

Christianity is a theocentric belief, in other words, Christ is the focus of our beliefs. Without Christ, there is no salvation at all. Without Christ, we are doomed to an eternity that has no hope. And following Christ must be the most important part of our lives, which includes understanding who He is, what He wants from us, and how we do that. In today’s society that says everything is about self, following Christ is a contradiction but sadly, even the church has become a place to meet friends and have coffee rather than a place for true repentance, worship, and sermons that preach the truth of God.

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth (Revelation 3:15-16).”

True repentance brings about change in one’s life and gives us new purpose. Without repentance, we cannot change, and until we understand the truth of God’s word, we will never understand who Christ is and what He wants for our lives.

1)    All have sinned (Romans 3:23). That means every single person on earth with no exceptions.

2)    We worship God alone (Luke 4:8). There is no other God besides Him.

3)    Jesus Christ is God (Isaiah 9:6).

4)    We must worship God alone (John 4:24).

5)    Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation (Acts 4:12).

6)    Jesus gives us eternal life (John 3:36).

7)    You must believe in Jesus and confess He is Lord to have       

        everlasting life (Romans 10:9).

8)    You must be born again (John 3:3).

9)    You must repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).

10)  You must live for Christ in word and actions (Colossians 3:17).

Living for Christ means to devote all that you are to Christ—the things you say, the things you do, the way you act—all must fall in line with the Word of God. Don’t be a lukewarm Christian, go all in!

 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going. How can we know the way?”  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  If you had known Me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.” Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know Me, Philip? Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does His works. Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me, or else believe on account of the works themselves (John 14:1-11).”

Read Daniel 6-12; Weekend reading Hosea 1-14

©2018 Marie McGaha