There are many people in this world, including people who have joined the church, who do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Who do you say Jesus is? Some people say He was just a prophet or religious leader.
Yet, the same people proclaim to believe in the Bible, which says “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God” (Col. 1:15). For those who genuinely believe that God is omnipotent, it is not a stretch also to consider and believe that He could father a child with a virgin and give life to the man Jesus. Why is it so difficult to believe that an omnipotent (all-powerful) God can walk among us in human form?
The Prophet Isaiah prophesied His birth and name, Immanuel, which means God is with us (Isaiah 7:14). Matthew interprets Isaiah’s prophecy as being fulfilled by Jesus’ birth. Joseph did not name the child Immanuel because he had instructions from the angel, Gabriel, to name Him Jesus. Again, for those who say they believe God is omnipotent and the Bible says He is sovereign, it is not far-fetched to believe Jesus is the Immanuel that Isaiah spoke about.
So, believing God’s Word is truth, the Gospel Message as told by the Apostle John says that in the beginning, the Word was with God and the Word was God (Jn. 1:1). In that same chapter, John says the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (Jn. 1:14). Through the Apostle John, Jesus proclaims that He is “the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6).
Brothers and sisters, study and show yourself approved unto God so you can be confident in what you say about Jesus Christ and His teachings. We must carefully choose our words, or we could create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the Gospel Message. Teaching that Jesus Christ was a prophet or is not the Son of God not only contradicts the Gospel Message, but drives a dagger into the heart of Christianity, putting it on a failing life support system.
Do not misunderstand, the death of Christianity will not kill the Church.
Let us not forget that Christianity is a religion with hundreds of subsets.
And when we create subsets, they lead to subcultures and separate religious groups. Many local churches are on life support and slowly fading into oblivion because they strayed from the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ.
'We have seen His glory, full of grace and truth (Jn. 1:14).
Those who belong to the Church, the universal Church whose Priest is Christ Jesus, are alive and well because the members follow the doctrine of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Who do you say Jesus is?
Are you fully convinced in your mind that Jesus Christ is Lord, Savior, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, Son of God, Alpha, Omega, the beginning and the end?
Minister Nettie Pennington, Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
