Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:14-15
Jesus saves, Esposito scores.
As a young teenager this was our joke line. (Esposito was a high scoring hockey player at the time). Whenever someone approached us about Jesus and salvation this is how we replied. At that time, there was no correlation between life as a teen and Jesus. The entire discussion was unrelated to a young man trying to enjoy life while growing up. Words like sin, heaven, hell, and regeneration were not even in my vocabulary.
The message of Jesus just wasn’t relevant. The same can be said today for many who look at the religious Jesus as a myth of yesterday. There is a vast communication problem between the Church and the world. In many ways it looks like the world is winning. But we know differently. We may lose the battle, but Jesus has already won the war.
And it starts with one person at a time hearing the relevant message of Jesus. As the spiritual cylinders click in alignment, one captures the vision and life is never the same.
Yes, if a young man approached me today and ask “saved from what”, this is how I may respond.
Jesus came to save you from yourself, from the world, and from HIS enemies that want to destroy you. Jesus wants you to experience your potential. To enjoy everything good and wholesome that HE has created for you. You are uniquely designed for a meaningful and purposeful life. But the world is brainwashing you.
There are those who are pawns of supernatural forces that want to make you subservient to them. They will do anything in their power to distract you from God’s purpose for your life. The battle is primary for your mind, soul, and spirit. If they capture your inner world, your outer world is theirs forever.
They come in many different forms. They are governments, corporate businesses, and non-profit organizations. They first capture your attention and then begin to play with your mind. They hook you through entertainment. The movies. The music. The fashion. The educational systems. The news media. They know who you are and present their products and services to get your attention. They promise you utopia, but never deliver. They are masters of their craft. But their lives are empty. They themselves are crying out for help, but are caught in the roller coaster of the machine. They are afraid to jump off. They are looking for a savior, but in all the wrong places.
Enter Jesus. The God-Man who walked the talk. Divinity clothed in skin. The first of HIS kind. A man who was tempted by power, money, and fame. But denied himself to serve HIS God and mission. HE fulfilled Scripture written hundreds of years before HIS arrival on earth. The probability of one person fulfilling all HE did is next to impossible. But HE did. HE proved to the world HE was and is who HE claimed to be. God resurrected HIM from the grave after a brutal death. Naturally impossible, but then only a God can supersede the physical laws of nature.
HE started a movement. HIS message of a way of life that allows people to live life now to the fullest began to transform the world. People joined the movement. Lives changed. Hope became alive. But somewhere in history, the message became distorted. The good news became abridged. The message of God’s kingdom being available now on earth disappeared. Instead, the message became focused on the future. Accept Jesus and you will live for eternity in heaven. The now was being postpone for tomorrow.
It is easier to recruit converts by promising them utopia. The Church message spun into a worldly religion and into the 21st century as a commodity to consume. The power of the gospel message dissipated. But the Spirit didn’t back away. Renewals occurred. People still experienced the power of the Spirit in their lives. God isn’t going away. People may move the institution away from God, but God still remains with HIS people.
Saved from what?
The Bible writes about sin. Sin is the outcome of living life apart from God. Without God, one will live a life that causes anxiety, worry, and loneliness. Do you know anyone suffering from such emotional behavior? Jesus came and revealed a way of life to save one from such negative traits.
He brought heaven to earth via HIS kingdom. HE made HIS kingdom available for everyone. But you must first submit your kingdom under HIS authority. When you do, HE will bring HIS Father and Spirit with HIM to live HIS life in and through you. You will discover a way of life that produces real freedom and fulfillment. You will flourish emotionally. You will produce Godly fruit through your life. HIS love, joy, and peace will become the anchor of your soul. You will belong to a family who reigns in life.
What HE saves you from are the poisons this world throws at you and your neighbor. You find your spirit grows more and more like HIS. You develop defenses to protect yourself from the enemy. You even develop a swagger in your walk. You have come to know your heavenly Father. You have a Friend in Jesus. You also have a coach and trainer in the Holy Spirit. You are in good hands no matter what happens in this life. For you are HIS child. You get to play on HIS turf. And you know you have a home for eternity with HIM.
What does Jesus save you from? HE saves you from yourself and HIS enemies so you may live life to the fullest with HIM now and for all eternity.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
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