A Book Of Unique Ability

Jesus said...

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32, ESV

While praying to the Father, Jesus declared God's word to be truth (John 17:17) -- that is, the objective and absolute standard of life and Godliness. His statement above from the eighth chapter of John's gospel account makes the point that any man or woman who abides in his word will know "the truth." In so stating, Christ makes a powerful and unmistakable claim of deity.

Yes, the word of God the Father and God the Son are one and the same. The word of the Father that sanctifies the soul (John 17:17) is the same word of the Son that sets a soul free from the bondage and condemnation of sin (John 8:31-32).

There exists no other single volume nor collection of volumes that can truthfully make the same assertion. Great literary masterpieces and best sellers have prompted men and women the world over to change their world views and ways of living. Yet, every letter of every word on every page of every copy of every other book ever sold in the history of the world is utterly powerless to set free a soul condemned by sin to die.

There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
Acts 4:12, ESV

If you don't have a Bible, GET ONE.
If you've got a Bible, READ IT.
If you read the Bible, BELIEVE IT.
If you believe the Bible, LIVE IT.

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Life Can Be Hard, But God Is Good

HE IS STRONG in our weakness.

HE IS COMFORT when we're in pain.

HE IS LOVE when we need acceptance.

HE IS PEACE when we're haunted by fear.

HE IS PROTECTION when we're in the midst of trouble.

HE HEALS OUR WOUNDS when someone or something hurts us.

HE IS JOY when our hearts are grieved.

HE IS OUR FRIEND when we need acceptance.

HE IS OUR POWER when we are helpless.

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Christ Is Optional?

You may be familiar with some individuals and groups who profess to be followers of Christ that teach universal salvation. With the increasing pressure to be "politically correct," and pluralistic worldviews shaping the minds of upcoming generations, this comes as no real surprise.

However, most of these groups and individuals have traditionally been on "the fringe" of what the world sees as Christianity (as opposed to the New Testament). Most "mainstream" personalities and groups would never consider Christ to be optional -- take Him or leave Him.

One of the most prominent figures in the "mainstream" of denominational religion who has taught the supposed non-compulsory nature of Christ is Robert H. Schuller (pictured at right). You may know Schuller from his long-running nationally televised program, The Hour Of Power. Schuller and his son, Robert A. Schuller, preach at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California -- although the elder Schuller officially retired back in 2006.

Approximately five years ago, I watched Robert H. Schuller (the father) as he was interviewed on a news magazine program. Although I cannot give you his exact words (I am still trying to locate the transcript for that program), Schuller made several statements that indicated people of all faiths (i.e. Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc.) would receive the grace of God and an entry into heaven. Certainly, this is nothing new. However, for individuals such as Schuller who most consider to be an "evangelical" or in the "mainstream," this is considerably more noteworthy.

Clearly, Mr. Schuller does not teach the divinely given method of redemption, nor does he teach the singularity of the Lord's church (i.e. "one body," Ephesians 4:4). Therefore, diligent students of the Bible know that Schuller is a false prophet -- not a Christian as that term is used in God's own word.

That fact notwithstanding, the world in general recognizes Mr. Schuller as a "Christian," and so do millions of individuals who comprise the multitude of denominations in existence today. What should we say to men like Schuller and those who agree with this false, pluralistic corruption of the gospel?

Say nothing -- only allow the word of the Lord to be heard. Jesus said...

I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
John 14:6, ESV

Without the WAY, you cannot go.
Without the TRUTH, you cannot know.
Without the LIFE, you cannot grow.

Friend, if "life" is what you desire, "truth" is what you must obey, and "the way" is what you must travel to attain it. There is no such thing as salvation outside of Christ...no matter who teaches anything to the contrary.

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Suing The Judge

(Cue The People's Court theme song)

Announcer, Jack Harrell: Now entering the courtroom, Nebraska State Senator, Ernie Chambers of Nebraska's 11th District. He has filed suit against the defendant for making terroristic threats against the senator and his constituents, inspiring fear, and causing "widespread death, destruction and terrorization of millions upon millions of the Earth's inhabitants."

(typewriter sound effect summarizing the charges)

Announcer, Jack Harrell: Meet the defendant.......God???

You heard right, ladies and gentlemen. An elected public official has filed a lawsuit against the Almighty. You can read more about this amazing story here.

Mr. Chambers claims he took action against the Creator of the universe to show how frivolous lawsuits can be filed against anyone at any time. It is probably safe to say that most Americans would agree that there are too many silly lawsuits being filed in our day and time. But is this really the most effective and wise way to demonstrate that point?

Ernie Chambers is an outspoken adversary of religion. It appears this was a way to "kill two birds with one stone." On the one hand, he has addressed the frivolity of many lawsuits; on the other, he is poking fun at the God he refuses to acknowledge.

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God."
Psalm 53:1, ESV

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Twelve Views Of The Cross

1. The soldiers saw in Christ a criminal -- with cruelty.


2. The women saw in Christ a benefactor -- with sorrow.


3. The mother of Jesus saw in him a son -- with anguish.


4. The disciples saw in their Lord blighted hopes -- with perplexity.


5. The first criminal saw in Christ a malefactor -- with hardness.


6. The second criminal saw in Christ a King -- with penitence.


7. The centurion saw in Christ deity -- with conviction.


8. The Jewish priests saw in Christ an impostor -- with mockery.


9. The angels saw in Christ love -- with wonder.


10. The devil saw in Christ "the seed of woman" -- with dismay.


11. The passers-by saw in Christ nothing -- with indifference.


12. The Father saw in Christ obedience -- with affection.

The preceding list is not original with me. I was impressed, however, with its profundity. It makes great "thinking food."

How do YOU view the cross of Christ? There are many things in life that are open to varied viewpoints. The nature of Jesus Christ is not one of them.

Who do people say the Son of man is?

Matthew 16:13, ESV

But who do you say that I am?

Matthew 16:15, ESV

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What Christ Means To Us

To billions of men and women around the world, he was just another man. Some say an extraordinarily wise moral teacher, but still just a man after all. The Bible says...

He [God] is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30, ESV

If, then, you will allow him to be, Jesus will be:

• Wisdom for your mind
• Righteousness for your heart
• Sanctification for your service
• Redemption for your victory

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