Our Fall series, WHY?, is answering some of the questions people often think or ask as they consider the Bible and the Christian faith.

There is always an underlying motive behind each question. We must try to discern someone's motive and any faulty assumptions or misunderstandings on which their motive is based.

Think of a "One Way" sign on a street...you could try to go the opposite way but most of the time that doesn't work very well.
In life, there are some things that only have one way.

Today we are going to look at a passage in the Bible that communicates that there is only one way to a particular destination.
John 14:1-6
One author wrote, "this is the most hated, criticized, and offensive scriptures in the entire Bible."
People who believe this passage and talk about it are accused of being narrow-minded, arrogant, elitist, and hate-mongering.

The setting of this passage of scripture is the final hours before Jesus is crucified. He is informing and comforting His followers about the end of His life. In verse 6 He states that He and He alone is the sole way whereby people can be reconciled to God.
This audacious statement is beyond daring and at first glance it appears to be the epitome of pridefulness and even bordering upon insanity.
We must consider that this truth is taught many times in the Bible by people that knew Him intimately and even after several decades had passed, still agreed.
Peter in Acts 4:12
Paul in 1 Timothy 2:5

One reason Jesus' exclusive claim is so controversial is because it goes against the grain of popular opinion that thinks all religions are or should be the same.
Former journalist, atheist and now pastor and author Lee Strobel has often said:
-Others say, “Follow me and I’ll show you the way to salvation,” but Jesus says “I am the WAY to salvation.

-Others say, “Follow me and I’ll reveal the truth to about god and eternity, “ But Jesus says I am the TRUTH.”

-Others say, “Follow me and I’ll explain to you the meaning of life,” But Jesus says ‘I am the LIFE” – the source of life now and eternal life to come.”

-Only then … does Jesus say, “Now … you are to Follow Me!”

All human religion and philosophy can be understood by the word DO.
People must DO something to earn God's approval, and they must DO something to deal with their wrongs.
Christianity is understood by the word DONE. It is based on what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross. By His substitutionary sacrifice on the cross, He offers grace and mercy to us.

Do and Done are fundamentally incompatible.
It does matter which route you take in your spiritual journey. Jesus is saying in John 14:6, all other routes are ultimately dead ends but He and He alone is the way to God.

The statement by Jesus, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" is validated by checking His credentials (3 of them) and is something no other religious leader can claim.

First - The IDENTITY of Jesus as fully God and fully man.
John 3:16-19

Jesus could make the statement because He is God incarnate. His identity is validated by secular history, fulfilled prophecy, Biblical authority, and eye-witness testimony.

Second - The CREDIBILITY of the Resurrection.
Romans 1:1-5 [NLT]

Also in 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes that the resurrection is the foundation of Christianity. He offers as evidence the many appearances of Jesus to hundreds of people, the rapid growth of the Christian faith in a hostile environment, and his own life change.

Third - The INTEGRITY of God's Promises.
John 14:1-6

In this passage Jesus tells us that He is coming back. All of this is based upon His character and the fact that His first coming to earth was also predicted hundreds of times.
If Jesus is not 100% spot on with this claim...He is not God.
If Jesus is spot on with this claim...then that makes Him the Lord!

How will you respond?
As a non-Christian, will you turn away from Him or trust Him?
As a Christian, will you talk about Him with others?

Birthdays and Anniversaries!

Sunday, October 9th - Crew Pederson
Monday, October 10th - Emily Golden
Tuesday, October 11th - Curtis Walker, Lyssa Walker
Thursday, October 13th - Evelyn Coblentz, David & Connie Berkimer