Tag: Jesus is the only way

The Only Way

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10: 7 – 10)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus uses a shepherding parable to illustrate an essential truth. In this illustration He identifies a sheepfold, or an enclosure where the livestock are penned in for safe keeping. This secure and protected place represents heaven. Jesus then likens Himself to the one true Shepherd, as well as the only door through which an individual can enter God’s heavenly kingdom. The thieves and robbers mentioned in this parable represent anyone who suggests there is another way to fellowship with God, other than through Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. As they reached the shores of the Red Sea, Pharaoh and his army were fast approaching them with murderous intentions. With no means of escape, God performed a miracle. He divided the Red Sea and made a pathway for the Jewish people to escape to the other side. They walked through the sea and were saved; Pharaoh’s army however was destroyed. God prescribes the method of salvation, and mankind must then choose to follow God or to wander off. Any religion that suggests there is a different pathway to reach God is evil and exists solely to lead people astray.

Like those who walked through the sea, God has made a way for human beings to escape death. This pathway is exclusive; rendering all other religions useless. Only by believing in Jesus Christ and accepting His sacrifice upon the cross can one enter God’s eternal kingdom. Jesus is the doorway; He is the path, and He is the life. May we all choose to follow Him and surrender ourselves to His service.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we come before you with humble hearts. We recognize that You have made a way for us to enter into eternal fellowship with You. May we never stray from this path, nor become idle in our evangelistic endeavors. May we remain zealous for the truth as we spread the gospel message to all those who are lost. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Being Chosen By God

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKS

“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” […] “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” […] “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” (John 6: 37), (John 6: 40), (John 6: 44 – 45)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

The Lord almighty has predestined the means by which mankind can attain divine reconciliation. Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God is the doorway through which every faithful believer must pass. We understand that, without exception, those who have been chosen by our Creator will be drawn to the foot of the cross. Only through the Messiah can we be forgiven, made perfect, and become entirely prepared to fellowship with our Eternal Father. Jesus alone is the door to heaven and the pathway to God.

Years before the world was introduced to GPS navigation, traveling was tedious and imperfect. Stopping multiple times to pester strangers for directions was commonplace. Gas station attendants were quite commonly inundated with questions. With every new fragment of information, the voyager could journey closer and closer to their desired location. As they journeyed, every folded map, every dingy street sign, and every pointed finger would coalesce into a pathway, leading the traveler to their final destination.

Today, those who have been chosen by God have also embarked on a splendid journey. Seeking reconciliation with the Father, they are drawn toward His Son. Jesus Christ is the only road that connects God and man. If the Lord has chosen us to be disciples, then we have but one task in this life; to point others toward the Messiah; toward Jesus; toward a future with God. For those who are called according to His purpose, the Father’s eternal promises will never fail.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank you for choosing us, and we desire to serve You with our whole hearts. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and direct our daily tasks, that we might point others toward Your Son, and in turn, toward the goodness of Your salvation and grace. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Jesus is the Only Way

~ servantone1

JESUS SPEAKING

  Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.  All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.  I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.  He will come in and go out, and find pasture.  The thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy; I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10: 7-10.)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Shepherding was a very common first century profession.  A shepherd’s duties included feeding and watering his livestock, fending off hungry predators, and keeping them free from dangerous parasites. Over time a bond would form between the shepherd and his sheep.  Often, after many days and nights of grazing in the open fields, the shepherd would need some time to rest.  Upon returning home, he would place his flock into a pen where they would remain unharmed.  Jesus is the ‘Good Shepherd.’  He came to gather His sheep together and lead them to safety.  In this parable, the sheep pen represents heaven; Jesus is the gate; a single opening through which one can enter.  Only those who have faith in and follow Jesus Christ are granted access to God’s eternal kingdom.

  Today, flying is a very common mode of transportation.  In recent years however, terrorists have used airplanes to commit terrible acts of violence against many innocent people.  In an effort to prevent these attacks from occurring, airport security has become quite serious.  There is now only one way in and one way out of an airport.  Those seeking to enter through the security checkpoints must possess the proper identification.  No license or alternative form of identification means no entry.  This rule is without exception; a nice smile, a kind face, and an appealing excuse are of no benefit whatsoever.  In many respects, God’s kingdom is identical.  Simply put, there is one way to enter; and only those who have faith in the Messiah are granted access.

  Jesus Christ is the ‘Good Shepherd.’  He came to lead his sheep into everlasting life.  Many have heard His words and received Him.  Still others have rejected Him entirely.  Despite their many differences, the faithful and the unfaithful have one thing in common; they will both eventually stand before the Lord; and only those who have called Jesus master and followed His teachings will be able to enter God’s eternal Kingdom. 

  “Lord Heavenly Father, may we enter Your everlasting Kingdom.  We have come to trust in You; please lead us, teach us, and provide for all of our needs.  May we be Your sheep and may You be our Shepherd; may we know Your voice and never be deceived.  Protect us from those who would seek to do us harm and inspire us to reach out to those who are lost.  We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name.  Amen.”  God bless all of you!