A Blockbuster Christmas - Imagine A World Without Jesus . . .

A Blockbuster Christmas Series

“Imagine a world without Jesus . . . No Boundaries . . . No Freedom”

We’ve been talking about what this world would be like had Jesus never been born. We’ve seen how this world would be without hope, full of bitterness if there were no Jesus. Today, we continue talking about what things would like like with Jesus from a somewhat different perspective.

A world without Jesus would be a world without boundaries. We would be free to do whatever we wish. We would have no rules to live by. There would be no Ten Commandments upon which to base our decisions. We would be free to do whatever it is that we would want to do without fear. Sounds appealing, doesn’t it.

There are many people who would love to live in this scenario. They would love to have this opportunity. Live the way I want with no guilt, no consequences…it’s too good to be true.

If we lived life our way, it would only:

Get us in trouble

Restrict us (we would not really be ‘free’),

Bring out the worse in us – not the best.

We would always be questioning what was going to happen in life – the ‘what if’s’ of life.

At first impression you may say, “Well, that is exactly what I want – No boundaries!” I could do whatever I want any old time – that sounds perfect!

Even though that may sound good to the ear initially, I think many would agree - even most non-religious folks would agree – that boundaries, rules, guidelines are necessary to live in a civilized society.

More so, God’s boundaries, rules, and guidelines are coming from a loving Creator that knows everything – He never guesses about what could be…He never is guessing at what could happen…He does not have any “just in case” plans…

He knows your life – what you will face – what challenges will come your way – what your weaknesses are…and He has established safeguards for you in order to live your life within His loving arms.

You know what I find so interesting, many folks today tout that they “Don’t like God’s Word or Church because there are too many rules and restrictions that “box in” their ability to have fun. They feel as if it cramps their lifestyle. They don’t see that God’s boundaries are there for a reason, to protect us…even when we don’t know we need protection.

If you had to “Imagine a world without Jesus,” what you would initially think is ‘freedom’ would be nothing more than you living in ignorance & not knowing that you are actually vulnerable to an untold number of problems, frustrations, and ultimately spiritual hopelessness.

1. No boundaries means no guidance!

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

No boundaries actually means that you are without protection. In the time of the judges, there were many cycles of sin. Basically, when the people of Israel obeyed God, things went well; and when the people of Israel disobeyed God, they experienced personal and national defeat and were judged accordingly.

And the same thing will happen to you & me if we ignore God’s Boundaries, His path, His rules, His ways. They are for our protection!

2. No boundaries means no protection!

We would have to negate the entire teaching of Ephesians 6:10-11 (revised) because none of the truths about spiritual protection would be available to us:

10 Finally, my brethren, there is no possible way you could be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 There is no armor of God, so you will not be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

What’s important about these previous verses is what it offers over the following few:

Ephesians 6:12-13 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

a. We live in a dangerous world– “the evil day”

The world is dangerous because no one is watching out for you. In today’s world, there is a dog-eat-dog mentality. And that is what you have if Jesus had never been born. BUT if you have a relationship with Christ, you have a relationship with the one who is in control, who is much wiser, and is always looking out for you and what is best for you!

b. We have a dangerous enemy – “principalities…powers…rulers of the darkenss…spiritual hosts”