Lay sermon Jesus is the only way

1 John 5:9-12 We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. : 

1 John 5:9-12 We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.: 

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

Slide3: 

Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God!

Jesus is the only way.Really.: 

Jesus is the only way. Really.

What about those who haven’t heard of Jesus?: 

What about those who haven’t heard of Jesus? Acts 17:26-27 From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.

What does the “world” say?: 

What does the 'world' say? Pluralism – two definitions Good  Treat people of all religions with respect Bad  All religions are equally valid paths to God / all religions are pretty much the same Sincerely held beliefs . . . Good people go to heaven

Restating the problem: 

Restating the problem Default setting = spiritually dead sinner Default destination = Hell A good judge has no moral obligation to pardon a justly convicted criminal

Does Christianity allow for other paths to God?: 

Does Christianity allow for other paths to God? No. The divinity of Jesus and his exclusivity as the source of salvation have been dominant and essential views of the church for 2,000 years. Early Christians were called The Way (5 references in the Book of Acts) 100 passages note that Jesus is the only way. One hundred!!

Jesus is the only source of salvation for the world: 

Jesus is the only source of salvation for the world 1 John 5:11-12 . . . God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

God the Father chose Jesus to be the way: 

God the Father chose Jesus to be the way Luke 9:35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, 'This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.'

If you reject Jesus, you have rejected the Father: 

If you reject Jesus, you have rejected the Father Luke 10:16 He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.

We are sinners in need of a savior.  Belief in Jesus rescues us from God’s wrath.: 

We are sinners in need of a savior.  Belief in Jesus rescues us from God’s wrath. John 5:24 I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

Jesus is the one who provides forgiveness from sin: 

Jesus is the one who provides forgiveness from sin John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'

False teachers will claim to provide other ways of salvation: 

False teachers will claim to provide other ways of salvation Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

The Gospel is for all nations and Jesus will judge all people: 

The Gospel is for all nations and Jesus will judge all people Matthew 28:18-20 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Jesus will judge each of us on the final day: 

Jesus will judge each of us on the final day John 5:22-23 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

There are no alternatives for salvation besides the cross: 

There are no alternatives for salvation besides the cross Matthew 26:39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'

There is only one way . . .: 

There is only one way . . . to forgiveness for all of your sins and to be reconciled to God. to true transformation in your life. to eternal life in Heaven. Jesus.