Almost every religion likes Jesus. Why? Jesus changed the world, not by political power, not by military might, not by writing a book or even being rich. Rather he was homeless, poor and seemly powerless. However, he brought truths to people through story and pithy statements. But most of all, he pointed to something greater, an answer, a fix and a cure to humanity’s greatest problem. I believe his ideas and answers to the world are true and really do match how the world appears. I have a dream to share with you about this wise person and a source to find his message.
Jesus of Nazareth
An ancient text describes the way of peace and resolution. This text is primary source material and gives us the narrative of Jesus of Nazareth who presented reality for what it was. In there, he told of an ancient law.
The Ancient Law
There is a list of commandments that tell us how humans ought to live. These laws were given by the creator of all so we could live in ways of peace and justice. This list is called the Decalogue, commonly called the Ten Commandments. This ancient teacher of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, used them to show some how they compared to God’s ways.
Bad News
Are you a good person? Are you good enough for heaven? If you are like most, you will say yes. Let’s see if you are. Think of the Ten commandments as a mirror, when you see yourself pitted against this mirror, you may see how you have trespassed.
- Have you ever told a lie, even a white lie? That makes you a liar.
- Have you ever stolen anything, even if it was small? That makes you a thief.
- Have you ever used God’s name as a cuss word? That is blasphemy.
- Jesus said, “Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” This lust makes you an adulterer at heart.
I’m sure you have said yes to at least a couple of these, most have to say yes to all. Note this, I only mentioned four of the ten commands, already you are a liar, a thief, a blasphemer and an adulterer at heart – come judgment day, what do you think God will say to you? Will he let you into his heaven because of your trespasses – sin?
One may says “but God is good, he will overlook my sins?” However the opposite is true, he is good so he will be sure murderers, rapists, thieves, liars and the like receive justice. Only a corrupt Judge would turn a blind eye to injustice.
Good News
That ancient teacher, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, was more than a teacher, he came from God – his only begotten son – not only to teach us how we ought to live, but also to step in as ransom so we could go free from our bondage of sin and gilt. God showed how much he loves you when Jesus suffered and died for you on the cross. For with his suffering you can be healed from the guilt and punishment, and be rescued from sin. However, death could not hold him, he arose from the grave, giving us life.
What You Must Do
If you die in your sins you will receive justice, and will end up in Hell. This is the worst trouble you could ever have. You need to become a disciple (follower) of Jesus to enter the Kingdom of God.
- Repent – This means to turn from sin and toward God and his righteousness. Humbly yourself and cease from sin.
- Trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord – Have faith in Jesus like you would trust a life jacket in the ocean. You don’t just believe in the life jacket – you put it on! Jesus is now your life, thoughts, and words.
- Confess your sins – This brings to light those deeds that keep you in bondage and creates accountability.
- Follow Jesus’ commands – Read the Bible daily and obey what it says. Jesus says we love him only if we obey him. There are a number of his teachings such as we are to be baptized.
- Be at peace with God and man – Jesus said that we must love him with our our life and love others as ourselves. We love God by following him, and helping and telling others about his Kingdom.
Three Responsibilities
- Read the Bible, pray to God, and fellowship with other followers of Christ. This is for your growth and maturity in the ways of the Kingdom. Read the Scriptures for what they say and obey them.
- Support and hold other of Christ’s followers accountable to righteousness and obedience to God. This is best done by you doing right yourself by reading and following the teachings of Jesus and those who he chose to represent him. Live according to how your master spoke. Follow his ways. Become more like him. Learn more about him. Behave how he behaved.
- Tell others the way of Jesus Christ. Go and tell others the good news of Christ! Look around you – your family, friends and coworkers. Express this to all – verbally, in writing and in living. Have your mind and life in obedience to Christ. Tell others early as you follow Christ, while having more mature Christians near who can help you when you have questions.