What’s the big deal about Jesus?
For two thousand years, Christians have been worshipping and following Jesus as the most important person in their lives. But, why do we treat Jesus like this when there are so many other religious leaders and great thinkers who have influenced our world? And, besides, isn’t Christianity just out of date?
Jesus is more than a political revolutionary or a moral guide for life
While it’s true that Jesus did teach and show the best way to live, he’s more than just a teacher. Jesus claimed to be God, which he proved by his miracles. He calmed a fierce storm, just by telling it to calm down. He also healed people, brought people back to life and Jesus himself was came back to life after dying on the cross.
Jesus is the Rescuer
Jesus also said he is the Rescuer we need. But why do we need him to rescue us?
He taught that the problems that mankind faces in life are symptoms of a bigger problem: our relationship with God is broken. We broke it by how we have chosen to ignore God, taking the gifts God gives but ignoring Him, the Giver.
This has left us cut off from God, the source of life and love. That’s why things go wrong in the world and in our lives.
Jesus is truly good news
The good news (‘gospel’) of Jesus is that he has done all that’s needed to restore our relationship with God: He lived the perfect life we have not lived; he died the death we could never die to pay the penalty for what we’ve done against God; and he rose alive again. Jesus has done all that’s needed. And, since we can’t do anything to contribute to saving ourselves, he has done all this as a free gift which we just simply need to receive.
Christianity is not about ‘do’; rather it’s about ‘done’. We can’t make ourselves in right relationship with God by being ‘good people’. But Jesus has done all that’s needed.
Jesus calls us to receive his offer of salvation
We’re not saved automatically. We need to receive Jesus, relying on him to save us.
That involves,… admitting that we’ve done wrong against God, that we deserve judgement and that we can’t save ourselves; then asking Jesus to save us, since he’s the only one who is able and he’s done all that’s needed.
If you put your faith in Jesus to save you, he will – he won’t turn anyone away who comes to him. He’ll forgive you completely, without you having to make it up to him, and he’ll make you a child in God’s family, safe forever.
Following that, we should then start to live for him in the strength he gives by the Holy Spirit.
Got any questions?
You’re very welcome to join us at our services where we hear more about Jesus and gain help to follow him. Our pastor, Hugh, would be very happy to chat with you and to give you opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
You’re also welcome to join one of our courses that explore Christianity. We have various options, ranging from a few meetings for an introductory course, to longer courses like Christianity Explored, which is usually 10 meetings. Each course would be in a small-group setting with others who have questions like yours. In each meeting, you’ll have opportunity to read for yourself what Jesus said and to discuss what you’re learning.
If you’re interested in coming along, get in touch to let us know and we’ll let you know more information.
You may also like to get started on your own by taking a look at the Christianity Explored website. It has some helpful videos and answers to tough questions.
