How Jesus Sees You Part 3
PART 3 HOW JESUS SEES YOU
Who is He?
(Mark 8:27-29) Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, Who do people say I am? They replied, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets. But what about you? he asked. Who do you say I am? Peter answered, You are the Christ.
I hope by now your view of Jesus is changing
Today I least understand but most enjoy
He is so accepting loves us even though
So many see it backwards
Think you need to get it together to become a Christ follower
No need to become a Christ follower to get it all together
Truth Jesus accepted people before they changed
Didnt say Wrong wrong wrong follow me
No created an environment of acceptance built a bridge
Jesus was criticized because of the company He kept
Once again here today to dispel myths
Let you see Jesus the way the Bible describes
Church has been one of the culprits of this way of thinking
Theyve not been authentic, relevant, enjoyable, accepting
We believe church should not just do what He did
But embody His personality
Our church a place where people are accepted
We used to get criticized in Colorado Springs
You are that feel good church Versus what?
You are that happy church
There are many views of Jesus you have one
Probably shaped by your experience with church or culture
Let me give you four common pictures of Jesus
Four Pictures of Jesus How We See God
- A locked gate.
Myth: God cant be reached.
Some come to church/religion feel like an outsider
Think there is some secret key to get in
You want in but you cant get in
Like religion is some exclusive club always on the outside
Even certain doctrines teach that some are picked others not
- A pile of luggage.
Myth: God doesnt want me.
When you look at your life your past
Feel guilty accepting His grace
Try to get it together but the luggage is too heavy
Feel burdened down cant get rid of the past
We dont know how to deal with the past
So we just buy another bag try to tuck it away
God is not turned off by your past
He wanted you to know this so much
Used people with more baggage than you have
God has a history of using people with a lot of luggage
Consistently used people who didnt have it all together
Moses, David, Samson, Disciples, Paul
- An endless ladder.
Myth: God requires a lot from me.
Youre trying but you never get good enough
Condemnation has become your companion
Youre frustrated and exhausted
Cant find your way to the top
- A free gift.
The true picture of God.
I dont know if you have ever received an underserved gift
Got something from someone for no reason
Its better than a birthday or Christmas
Know the person was just thinking about you
Probably one of the biggest misconceptions about faith in Jesus
Think theres something youve got to do to earn it
So many people all over are working to impress God
Basing their faith on their good works
(Ephesians 2:8-9) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.
Totally underserved Grace and mercy
Mercy not getting what you did deserve
Grace getting what you did not deserve
(Romans 6:23) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Heres a twist on the Who is He? series
Been talking about our view of Him
But part of the way we view Him
Comes from the way we think He sees us
How Jesus Sees You
- You are accepted.
(John 15:16) You did not choose me, but I chose you
He wants you on His team He would pick you
He was interested in you way before you got interested in Him
He wants you not frustrated with you
(1 Peter 2:9) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
This will be difficult for some here your view of God is distorted
Because youve been rejected by people parents
Youve never had their approval never enough
(Psalm 27:10) Even if my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
Some say How do you know He feels that way about me?
You wouldnt be here
He has given you His presence the deposit of His Spirit
Youve sensed God drawing you know its real
Thats why youre here
(Acts 15:8) God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us.
- You are forgiven.
Jesus came to set you free not make you sorry
Didnt come to point out your sin but to free you from it
Story My note from Ted Haggard in my Bible
Cleanse your conscience make you feel better
(John 3:17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
The best part of His day to let you off the hook
(Micah 7:18-19) Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
Story Came home from Washington DC
Candy for breakfast they fall on their face in worship
If this becomes your picture of God
Will change the way you pray, worship, read Bible, etc
- You are invited.
Arms wide open come on! would do anything to be with you
There is an open invitation for you to come just as you are
Its your move
(Revelation 3:20) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
(Revelation 22:17) Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Story John 3:16
The big question what now? How?
Its so simple
(John 6:28-29) Then they asked him, What must we do to do the works God requires? Jesus answered, The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.
Fundamental difference between Christianity and all other religions
Cant earn it its already done
Other religions something you must do
Prayer
Why do we need to pray?
(Romans 10:9) That if you confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.