Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2021 16:23:31 GMT -5
All Roads? By: Dave Branon
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Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
John 14:6
Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 14:1–7
“Don’t get on the expressway!” That text came from my daughter one day as I was leaving work. The highway home had become a virtual parking lot. I began trying alternate routes, but after experiencing gridlock on other roads, I gave up. The trip home would have to wait till later in the day, so I drove in the opposite direction to an athletic event my granddaughter was involved in.
Discovering that no roads would lead me home made me think about people who say that all roads lead to an eternal relationship with God. Some believe the road of kindness and good behavior will get you there. Others choose the road of doing religious things.
Relying on those roads, however, leads to a dead end. There’s only one road to take to God’s eternal presence. Jesus clarified this when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He was revealing that He was going to die to open the way for us to enter His Father’s house—to His presence and the real life He provides for today and eternity.
Skip the blocked highways that don’t lead to God’s presence. Instead, trust Jesus as Savior, for “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (3:36). And for those who already believe in Him, rest in the way He’s provided.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital to know that only Jesus can save us? Why are we prone to try to add to what it takes to be welcomed into His family?
Dear God, I want to trust You for eternity. Thank You for the salvation found in Jesus alone.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Before going to the cross, Jesus began His final teaching time with His disciples with these words of peace: “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). He knew what was coming and how troubling it would be for them. In addition to speaking of His return, Jesus also promised the coming of the Holy Spirit (vv. 15-31); a life of fruitfulness when connected to Him, the vine (ch. 15); and encouragement for upcoming challenges (ch. 16). Then, after describing the joys and struggles of living for Christ in a world that doesn’t know Him, Jesus closed His message the way it began—with words of comfort and encouragement: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (16:33). His victory secures our peace. Bill Crowder
John 14:1-7
King James Version
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Extended by study - ' Following Jesus -Relationship or Religion'
Is there a difference between “doing for Jesus” and “following Jesus”? While religious activities like attending church, giving money, and praying are all worthwhile, they should be done from a heart of thankfulness for what Christ did for you. He loves a broken heart who wants to serve Him rather than someone who is busy doing the “right things.” Without Jesus at the center, it’s all superficial. Understand the difference between religion and relationship so you can please God and find joy in your life.
Click here to continue extended study
Click here for audio message
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
John 14:6
Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 14:1–7
“Don’t get on the expressway!” That text came from my daughter one day as I was leaving work. The highway home had become a virtual parking lot. I began trying alternate routes, but after experiencing gridlock on other roads, I gave up. The trip home would have to wait till later in the day, so I drove in the opposite direction to an athletic event my granddaughter was involved in.
Discovering that no roads would lead me home made me think about people who say that all roads lead to an eternal relationship with God. Some believe the road of kindness and good behavior will get you there. Others choose the road of doing religious things.
Relying on those roads, however, leads to a dead end. There’s only one road to take to God’s eternal presence. Jesus clarified this when He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He was revealing that He was going to die to open the way for us to enter His Father’s house—to His presence and the real life He provides for today and eternity.
Skip the blocked highways that don’t lead to God’s presence. Instead, trust Jesus as Savior, for “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (3:36). And for those who already believe in Him, rest in the way He’s provided.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it vital to know that only Jesus can save us? Why are we prone to try to add to what it takes to be welcomed into His family?
Dear God, I want to trust You for eternity. Thank You for the salvation found in Jesus alone.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Before going to the cross, Jesus began His final teaching time with His disciples with these words of peace: “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). He knew what was coming and how troubling it would be for them. In addition to speaking of His return, Jesus also promised the coming of the Holy Spirit (vv. 15-31); a life of fruitfulness when connected to Him, the vine (ch. 15); and encouragement for upcoming challenges (ch. 16). Then, after describing the joys and struggles of living for Christ in a world that doesn’t know Him, Jesus closed His message the way it began—with words of comfort and encouragement: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (16:33). His victory secures our peace. Bill Crowder
John 14:1-7
King James Version
14 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
Extended by study - ' Following Jesus -Relationship or Religion'
Is there a difference between “doing for Jesus” and “following Jesus”? While religious activities like attending church, giving money, and praying are all worthwhile, they should be done from a heart of thankfulness for what Christ did for you. He loves a broken heart who wants to serve Him rather than someone who is busy doing the “right things.” Without Jesus at the center, it’s all superficial. Understand the difference between religion and relationship so you can please God and find joy in your life.
Click here to continue extended study