Who is Jesus? | Northwest Family Church

IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS

Jesus. Do you know him? Do you really know him? A lot has been said about who Jesus is. Perhaps you’ve watched “The Passion of the Christ,” or you remember stories from your childhood Sunday School class, or you’ve heard friends talk about him, or watched a TV preacher talk about him. Much has been written and said about him, but who is he really?

If we’re going to really understand who Jesus is, we have to cut through all the noise about him, and go directly to the source. What did he say about himself? Who did he say he was? The Bible records Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts.

At Northwest Family, we’re all about Jesus, and encouraging people to follow Jesus with their whole heart. It is our prayer, that you will be open to what the Bible says about Jesus, and that you might choose to begin to follow Jesus yourself.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

THE WAY

Jesus’ life and teaching show us the way to live a life that honors God. But He didn’t just stop at good teaching, and a moral life. Jesus had the audacity to say that he was the ONLY way to having a relationship with God.

Why is Jesus the only way to God? Why not other religions, or being a good person? Because Jesus was the only way God made for us to have relationship with Him. We’ve all sinned. We’ve come up short against God’s standard. The Bible tells us that the punishment for that sin is death and separation from God. Jesus is the only way, because Jesus is the only son of God, the only person both fully man and fully God, and the only one who could pay the death penalty for humanity’s sin. God the Father sacrificed his own son so that our debt would be paid. That makes Jesus the one way to God.

THE TRUTH

Truth isn’t relative. People talk about “their truth” or “your truth” as if truth changes from one perspective to the next. But Jesus, being perfect as God’s only son, defined truth. Every word he said is true. Jesus himself is truth. The Bible calls Jesus the “Word,” meaning he is actual voice and authority of God. The Word put on flesh and bone and lived among us. So, not only are his teachings true, but he himself is truth.

As the voice of truth, he tells us that we all have sinned. He teaches that He’s the only way to God. And he reveals the brokenness of our world and how we can make a difference.

So when it comes down to my opinion or Jesus’ teachings, he is truth. If our culture’s views are in contrast to Jesus’ words, Jesus is truth. His words, his teachings, his very life are the definition of truth.

THE LIFE

The best, most fulfilling, most satisfying life is found only in following Jesus. There are a lot of things out there that promise you a better life, better friends, better relationships, more fun, and more success. In the end, many of these things leave us empty and dissatisfied. Jesus said he came to give life, and life to the full!

Jesus never promised his followers that life would be perfect or easy. In fact, he said we’d have troubles in this life. But when we follow his teachings and live our lives completely for him, there is a joy, a peace, a satisfaction that is so fulfilling, it can get us through even the tough spots.

Why Should Jesus Matter To Me?

Having a relationship with God, through Jesus, is the fulfillment of the longing in our hearts. He brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control. He guides us in truth. His Spirit helps us live a life that represents Him. This life is the fullest life possible. And on top of all we experience by knowing Jesus in this life, we also receive eternity with Him in Heaven.

Look around at this broken world. It wasn’t always this way. God intended for us to have a relationship with Him. But our sin separated us from God. Jesus knew no sin and willingly gave his life as a sacrifice to pay our debt of sin. But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus rose from the dead, conquering death and sin once and for all. It’s because of his victory over sin and death, that our debt has been paid and we can once again experience a relationship with the Living God.

How Do I Begin A Relationship With Jesus?

According to the Bible, in the book of Romans, chapter 10 and verse 9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” You can begin today by saying the prayer listed below (believe in your heart), and let someone know that you chose to begin a relationship with Jesus today (confess with your mouth). Then, get connected with a Bible-believing church that will help you connect with other believers and encourage you in your new faith.

PRAY

If you’d like to pray to receive Jesus and begin following Him today, pray this prayer:

“Jesus, I believe You are the Son of God. I believe that you came to earth, lived a perfect life and died on a cross so that I could have eternal life. Please forgive all my sins. I want to follow You with my whole life now. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit and direct my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

SHARE

If you prayed that prayer, tell someone about it. Share what led you to this decision, and why you chose to begin a relationship with Jesus. You don’t have to have all the answers, just share your experience. Consider sharing your decision with someone at Northwest Family who can help you with your next steps.

CONNECT

Connect

Now that you’ve chosen to follow Jesus, it’s really important that you get connected with other Christ followers who will encourage you and help you grow in your faith. When you join us at church this Sunday, we’d love to meet you. Drop by the Fresh Start table. Please be sure to check out our LIFEgroups where we meet in small groups in homes to connect, pray, and share life together. We also have resources available for you to learn more about Jesus. If you’d like, we’d love to connect you with someone to help guide you through these materials and encourage you in your new faith.