BS9B - CAN WE MEET JESUS?
There is a wide-spread misunderstanding of what Christianity is. Most people think it is a religion but it’s not. It’s a relationship. The heart of what is called Christianity is a personal relationship with Jesus. While the phrase “personal relationship with Jesus” isn’t in the Bible, the concept is. Right from the beginning God has desired for His Spirit to indwell our human spirit.
John 14:20 / Galatians 2:20 / Ephesians 3:17-19 / Colossians 1:27 / 1 John 3:24 / Revelation 3:20
Jesus is the most wonderful, attractive person who ever lived. He’s alive and well and we can meet him. You might have heard of him through friends who have been influenced by Jesus.
John 1:41-42
Keep an open and inquiring mind because you can check Him out. Even though we weren’t there in the first century of Palestine there are two main ways we can investigate Jesus today.
First, get hold of one of the eye-witness accounts of Jesus written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John and read it with an open mind, especially if you’ve read it before.
Ask God to reveal to you the truth, even if you’re not sure that He exists. Just give Him a chance to speak to you. You can be like the Berean’s when they first heard Paul’s message about Jesus.
Acts 17:11
Second, Get alongside some of his followers – people who know him and have had their lives changed by him. Watch their lifestyle, talk with them, and go to worship with them. See if it begins to make sense. It’s a bit like checking out a doctor by talking with his patients.
John 1:44-46 / John 12:20-22
Once you’ve investigated Jesus through the gospels and your friends, then the next step will be to count the cost. At the time of Jesus, He told his followers that to follow him would mean giving HIM priority over family, friends, and their jobs.
Luke 5:8-11 / Luke 14:26
It would call for their perseverance because it could mean facing opposition and being in the minority.
Romans 5:3-5
Jesus was radical. To those who can’t conceive of giving up their own priorities and possessions what does He say to us?
Luke 14:33
He didn’t mean his followers should sell all they have -- but he did mean that we should no longer consider ourselves owners of anything we have – only stewards or managers. As owners we are ultimately responsible only to ourselves. But as a steward, we manage resources on behalf of someone else, so that others besides ourselves can benefit.
1 Peter 4:10
A true disciple has nothing hidden from Jesus because Jesus is #1 to them. Following Jesus will cost you everything so it’s not a light decision.
Luke 9:57-62
But what’s the alternative? What would it cost you to miss the Kingdom of God? Let’s talk more about that in the next study.
Next Study: BS9C- What Will It Cost You to Miss the Kingdom of God?