2009-12-20
Christmas Brings the Offer of Eternal Life
Steve Lane

A. Jesus was Expected
To say that Jesus was unique among all people ever born is an extreme understatement
Just one aspect is that He was expected. Who else in History has been expected?
Jesus claims to have existed before He was born on this earth. (John 1: 1, 14 plus)
There are around 300 prophesies or statements about His coming to earth in the Old Testament.
Starts in Genesis 3: 15
Who, born among men, has been expected in this manner?

B. His Return is Equally Expected
With this kind of historical evidence we should take seriously statements about His coming. One of many: Revelation 19: 11 - 16
'How could a humble and compassionate man come as a Judge of all the earth?'
Just as sure as the birth of Jesus was going to happen, this return of Jesus is just as clear.
"Follow Me" Usually clarified with "forsake all" or "take up your cross and follow Me."
Radical talk... demanding a radical response.

C. The Fearful Danger of Perishing and the Joyful Offer of Eternal Life
John 3: 16 warns us of a danger we are in without Jesus: perishing at the judgement of Christ
John 10: 10 That is eternal life -- Christ's aim of Christmas.
John 15: 5 "In the same way, eternal life has flowed into us if we have put our trust in Christ."
John 5: 24 Whoever believes has eternal life now, and will not be condemned at the judgement.
John 17: 3 "This is eternal Life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ."
Eternal Life is a personal, intimate knowing of God
Accept Jesus' offer of eternal life, and follow Him and live a radically different life.
Following Jesus wherever He leads, regardless of the cost.
Consider the persecuted church. You will see a level of response that is expected.
Look for yourself at the context of the many times Jesus says, "Come and follow Me."
Matthew 4: 19
Matthew 8: 22
Matthew 10: 38
Matthew 16: 24
Matthew 19: 21,27
Mark 1: 17
Mark 8: 34
Mark 10: 21
Luke 5: 27
Luke 9: 61
Luke 14: 27
Luke 18: 22
He has given us eternal life that we can follow Jesus and spend eternity with Him.
If we have eternal life, what do we have to fear, or what sense does it make to hold back?