Random Thoughts
"No Jesus"
Last week we talked about idolatry. the idea that people make god to fit in their minds and pockets. They say things like "my god wouldn't judge anyone" or "my god wouldn't allow suffering" and of course "my god would never send someone to hell". We discovered that all these statements were true, the god in their minds woudn't do those things, but the real God does! I challenged you to stop yourself when you are about to verbalize or even think "my god would never..." and to compare your god to the true God, the God of the Bible.
This week we continue with these random thoughts that aren't random at all. They are God led things that I believe He reveals to me to share with you. This week I want to talk to you about Jesus. Did ytou know that He is recognized throughout the world. The name of Jesus is known on just about every continent. You can even go to muslim countrys and they know the name of Jesus. It may not mean anything to them, but they know the name. It amazes me how many people know who Jesus is, but they don't know Him!
I have a few questions this morning. The first is this,
1. "Is knowing the name Jesus, sufficient?"
Philippians 2:9 " Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:"
There is power in the name of Jesus. The disciples are sent out to heal, cast out demons, to do miracles in Jesus name! Luke 10:17 "17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name."
The disciples got upset with a man who was casting out demons in the name of Jesus, because he wasn't of the apostles. He knew the name of Jesus though. In Acts chapter 19 we read about the seven sons of Sceva. They try to cast out a demon in the "name of Jesus whom Paul preaches" The demon acknowledges knowing who Jesus is and who Paul is but does not know these men, and overtakes them and runs them out into the streets. Jesus speaks of a time when many will stand before Him saying"Master have we not healed and cast out demons in your name?" and He will reply "depart from me ye workers of iniquities, I never knew you!" The demons know the name of Jesus. Many have heard and say the name of Jesus. some use it in times of trouble, they cry out to Him. Many use His name as a curse word. They know the name though!. There is a name above every other name, the name of Jesus. but knowing the name is not enough.
2. "Is knowing the story enough?
Last Sunday morning during Sunday school, Sally made a very sobering comment. She noted that in almost every case where Ray comfort or Kirk Cameron got to the point where they could share the good news of the Gospel, they would ask "do you know what God did so you wouldn't have to go to hell?", in almost every situation the person knew that God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross! This is the good news of the Gospel that Jesus died on the cross for our sins,was dead buried and rose again on the third day! But knowing the story may not be enough. How many of you know the story of John Henry. He was a steel driving man that worked laying railroad track. When the owner of the railroad bought a steam power steel driver it was going to make John Henry and all his coworkers obsolete, so John challenges the railroad owner to a contest. John and his 20lb. hammer aginst the great steam driven machine. The story says that John Henry defeated the steam powered machine but died as a result of his labor. Is this a true story? They say american folklore is based in fact. You know the story, but you still need to make the decision wether to believe it or not. When I was in school, we learned about the holocoust. Today there is a movement to remove it from the history books, saying that it just never happened. What do you think?
Many christian denominations have heard the story of Jesus and some believe and accept it, others say it just didn't happen. Knowing the story is not enough!
3. What does it mean to "know Jesus"?
It's not merely recognizing the name. It not just knowing the story. Knowing Jesus implies an intimate knowledge of Him. Who is Jesus...to you? To know Jesus let's look at a few of the attributes, or names that He is known by.
Isaiah describes Him in chapter 9 as...
a. Wonderful (A wonder)
b. Counselor (Advisor)
c. Mighty God (God in flesh)
d. Everlasting Father ("in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God")
e. Prince of Peace (The captain, the author of, the bringer of Peace)
He is referred to in the new testament as our advocate (1Jhn 2:1) Our intercessor (Romans 8:34) Our Atonement (Romans 5:11) , Begotten (Jhn 3:16), The Christ (anointed, chosen, Messiah) ,Saviour (deliverer)
Not hearsay! (John 4:42)
Not religion, a relationship! Striving, not starving! Not Buddy Jesus either! A friend indeed, not a buddy. It takes faith. Faith changes knowing the name to Believing on the Name. It takes faith. Faith changes knowing the story to believing the story as fact. It takes faith. Faith changes a religion (a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.) to a relationship!
The world knows the name of Jesus, they know the story of Jesus, but most do not know Jesus...Do you?
When's the last time you talked to Him?
