Jesus is the only way to heaven (true/false)

(Guest devotion this morning from a co-worker of mine in India.  He sends an email devotion almost every day)

Praise the Lord!

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name ... by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

A new Christian sent an e-mail to a website that answers questions about faith. She said, “I struggle with the claim of other Christians that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and to God. What will happen to those who believe otherwise?” This kind of question challenges us to examine our view of Jesus. A scriptural review of Jesus and His uniqueness can help us stand strong in our belief that He is the only way.

Jesus is unmatched in history - His very being cries out for us to entrust our lives to Him. 

Jesus Christ is unique in substance. He alone is both God and man. In John 10:30, Jesus said of Himself, “I and the Father are one.” 

Secondly, Jesus is unique in prophecy. No other leader’s life was foretold so clearly and accurately. For example, Micah 5:2 prophecies of His birth, “But you, Bethlehem, Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” 

Third, Jesus Christ is unique by birth. He was born of a virgin. Matthew 1:23 says, “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel - which means, “God with us.” 

Fourthly, Jesus Christ is unique in ability. No one but Jesus has the power to forgive sins. Mark 2:10 says, “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”  (MATT'S ADDITIONAL NOTE - Jesus has granted all Christians the power to forgive sins (or withhold forgiveness) - it's called the "ministry of the keys")

Fifthly, Jesus Christ is unique in existence. He alone existed before the beginning of time. John 1:1,2 clearly says this, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” Here “Word” refers to Jesus. 

Sixthly, Jesus is unique in position. No one else is equal with God. (Philippians 2:5,6) 

Lastly, Jesus is unique in reign. Only He reigns forever. Hebrews 1:8 says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.” 

Dear friends, no one in history is like Jesus. He alone deserves our trust and He alone is the path to God. Amen.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, no other name can save me, only your name. No other person or god can lead me to heaven but you the risen Lord, who once was crucified. Let me not believe any other philosophies, but follow you wholeheartedly. Amen.

Good news for every parent, ever...

I loved Pastor Mark Jeske's devotion this morning - it's aimed for every parent, ever!

You have backup
By Pastor Mark Jeske

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Kites rise highest...

Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.  (Winston Churchill)

I saw this quote this morning and found it intriguing.  Intriguing because it's the opposite of what I expect.

Oh - I've TRIED to fly kites - and I DO realize that your only chance to getting that kite in the air is to go against the wind.    

But I never thought of applying as a metaphor for living.

Most days it feels like things are falling apart.  Plans don't work out, things don't fit together, people don't cooperate with what I had in mind.  I am going against the wind.

It's hard work and sometimes I want to quit.

But could it be that is when I am growing?  Rising - against the wind?

Turns out - that's all in God's plan.

Yesterday I wandered into Colossians 1:15-20 - a section called "Christ Holds It All Together".  And there I see "We look at this Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him."

And in verse 19 and 20 - I see how things "not working out, not fitting together, not cooperating" and just being hard work for me is part of the bigger picture with Christ.

"So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross."

I know it's difficult - but if and as things fall apart for you today - try to remember that it's really rising higher.  You are growing into the picture.
And you are an integral piece of the wonderful picture and plan of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Lord, 
Remind that You are with me...
...when the wind is against me.
...when the climb is uphill.
...when everything is falling apart.
Keep me knowing and growing in You.
In Jesus name,
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Friendly visits across the fence

I was bicycling to a haircut appointment on Tuesday night when I saw something odd.

I was going through a residential neighborhood and saw several people sitting around a card table in their driveway.  It looked like there was some food and drinks on the table.  They looked like they were just sitting around and chatting. There were a few kids running around playing in the front yard.

And then - a few blocks later - I saw another one. 

I wondered what could possibly have people sitting out on their driveways on a beautiful October evening chatting with their neighbors.  

Yesterday I noticed a sign that said Tuesday night was "National Night Out".  A special day set aside to get to know your neighbors and relax with them.

OK - now I get it.
How terrible that I find that friendly behavior odd.

In fact - in our neighborhood they are trying to organize a Neighborhood Watch.

People are concerned about the amount of crime and bad behavior and want to do something about it.

Bad behavior - now that doesn't surprise me at all.

And then as I read in the book of Zechariah this week I come across these words...

Zechariah 2:10-11
“Shout and celebrate, Daughter of Zion!
    I’m on my way. I’m moving into your neighborhood!”
        God’s Decree.

Many godless nations will be linked up with God at that time. (“They will become my family! I’ll live in their homes!”)

Zechariah 3:10
“‘At that time, everyone will get along with one another, with friendly visits across the fence, friendly visits on one another’s porches.’”

God is announcing a day when every day is National Night Out and there is no need for the Neighborhood Watch.

BUT - he also makes it clear (in the rest of the verses) that the day is coming.  It's not here yet.  This is not heaven on earth (as if we need reminding).

When will I live with eternal "friendly visits across the fence"?
God knows.
I don't.
But he says it's coming and to keep a different kind of neighborhood watch.

Matthew 24:42-44
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

God,
Thanks for giving me neighbors and neighborhoods.
Help me to be a better neighbor.
Especially in sharing You with my neighbors.
Keep me alert until You return.
Amen.

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What's the big deal about Jesus?

Getting Emotional: Guilt ;-(

(Getting Emotional series: Guilt)

(image from lifehack.org)

Guilt ;-(

Was it something I said?
Was it something I did?
Was it something I didn't do?

I think guilt is the sneakiest emotion in the universe.  I don't have to look hard to find it (see questions above).  You don't have to look at all to see it.

I'm either having it, getting it or giving it - it seems.

It's my fault,  it's all my problem, i'm responsible.  So comes the getting of guilt.
Not my fault, not my problem, they started it.  So goes the giving of guilt.
And I, of course, feel guilty for having given it (later).

And then there's the guilt that just hangs around. Always there - sometimes in front and sometimes way at the back.  Just waiting for that joyful happy time and jumping out and saying - "Do you really deserve to be THIS happy?".

Well - my friend - I've got good news.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Knocking at your heart's door right now is Jesus.
Oh, hi, Jesus.
Come on in.

What - you know I'm feeling guilty?
Yeah, I suppose.
I am really sorry for this thing I did/thought/said/didn't do.
And I suppose you came to wish me well and say "it will be all better".

NO?
You are telling me it IS all better!
Your Father (God) loves me so much He sent You (Jesus) make it ALL better.
100% all better.
For all time.
For ME?

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28-29)

Guilt still swirling about me?
You, Jesus, and your grace and forgiveness - that's my center.

Oh God,

You took care of my sin and guilt through Jesus.  

ALL of it.

Remind me that shame and guilt and regret are just sneaky emotions that chip away at your love and grace - distracting me from reality with You.

Living a live with You.

And in You.

In Your name.

Thank you.

Amen.

Link to daily bible reading calendar (chronological - one chapter per day)

TIP: click the Bible Reference and then "more details" to get hyperlinks that open Bible Gateway

What's the big deal about Jesus?