LCS TALK 2: THE GRACE OF JESUS

Goal: To meet Jesus and accept Him as Lord.

1. Jesus is manifestation of God’s love for man..

2. As Christians(meaning, followers of Christ) we derive our identity from that one absolutely unique Person = Jesus Christ!

2,000 years after His death, billions claim to be His followers.2,000 years after His death, billions claim to be His followers.

2. As Christians(meaning, followers of Christ) we derive our identity from that one absolutely unique Person = Jesus Christ! 2,000 years after His death, billions claim to be His followers.2,000 years after His death, billions claim to be His followers. Countless numbers have been martyred for their faith in Him.Countless numbers have been martyred for their faith in Him.

2. As Christians(meaning, followers of Christ) we derive our identity from that one absolutely unique Person = Jesus Christ! 2,000 years after His death, billions claim to be His followers.2,000 years after His death, billions claim to be His followers. Countless numbers have been martyred for their faith in Him.Countless numbers have been martyred for their faith in Him. The book about Him, the Bible is easily the number 1 best seller of all time.The book about Him, the Bible is easily the number 1 best seller of all time.

3. It is this Person – CHRIST:

Who won for us our salvation as our Savior; andWho won for us our salvation as our Savior; and

3. It is this Person – CHRIST: Who won for us our salvation as our Savior; andWho won for us our salvation as our Savior; and Who restored us to our relationship with God.Who restored us to our relationship with God.

3. It is this Person – CHRIST: Who won for us our salvation as our Savior; andWho won for us our salvation as our Savior; and Who restored us to our relationship with God.Who restored us to our relationship with God. Thus, in Christ we have a full and new life.Thus, in Christ we have a full and new life.

4. Realizing the importance of Christ to us, it therefore behooves us to want to:

MEET CHRIST THROUGH A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER; andMEET CHRIST THROUGH A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER; and

4. Realizing the importance of Christ to us, it therefore behooves us to want to: MEET CHRIST THROUGH A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER; andMEET CHRIST THROUGH A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER; and GET TO KNOW HIM MORE.GET TO KNOW HIM MORE.

4. Realizing the importance of Christ to us, it therefore behooves us to want to: MEET CHRIST THROUGH A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER; andMEET CHRIST THROUGH A PERSONAL ENCOUNTER; and GET TO KNOW HIM MORE.GET TO KNOW HIM MORE. Seriously ask ourselves: WHO REALLY IS JESUS CHRIST? WHO IS HE TO US?Seriously ask ourselves: WHO REALLY IS JESUS CHRIST? WHO IS HE TO US?

5.As manifestation of God’s love for us, Jesus became true man to fulfill His mission on the cross:

People during His time found it hard to accept that Jesus was NOT just an ordinary person.People during His time found it hard to accept that Jesus was NOT just an ordinary person.

5.As manifestation of God’s love for us, Jesus became true man to fulfill His mission on the cross: People during His time found it hard to accept that Jesus was NOT just an ordinary person.People during His time found it hard to accept that Jesus was NOT just an ordinary person. Mark 6:3 “’isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s Son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at Him.”

The Apologetics of Christian author, C. S. Lewis in his book, “Mere Christianity” (also widely used by the Catholic Church) says:The Apologetics of Christian author, C. S. Lewis in his book, “Mere Christianity” (also widely used by the Catholic Church) says:

a)Is there any reason NOT to put Jesus in the same level as Buddha, Confucius, Lao-tze, Socrates or other wise men?

The Apologetics of Christian author, C. S. Lewis in his book, “Mere Christianity” (also widely used by the Catholic Church) says:The Apologetics of Christian author, C. S. Lewis in his book, “Mere Christianity” (also widely used by the Catholic Church) says: a)Is there any reason NOT to put Jesus in the same level as Buddha, Confucius, Lao-tze, Socrates or other wise men? b)Was Jesus more than just a great religious MAN or moral teacher?

Three (3) things make Jesus different and unique from all of them:Three (3) things make Jesus different and unique from all of them:

a)Jesus’ coming was long pre-announced and expected.

Three (3) things make Jesus different and unique from all of them:Three (3) things make Jesus different and unique from all of them: a)Jesus’ coming was long pre-announced and expected. b)He struck history with great impact that it was split into 2 (BC and AD).

Three (3) things make Jesus different and unique from all of them:Three (3) things make Jesus different and unique from all of them: a)Jesus’ coming was long pre-announced and expected. b)He struck history with great impact that it was split into 2 (BC and AD). c)Every person born came to live, but Jesus came to die.

As a young man, Jesus lived a simple life:As a young man, Jesus lived a simple life:

a)For 30 years, Jesus lived a hidden life as a carpenter working and living in Nazareth with His parents.

As a young man, Jesus lived a simple life:As a young man, Jesus lived a simple life: a)For 30 years, Jesus lived a hidden life as a carpenter working and living in Nazareth with His parents. b)For 3 years He became an itinerant preacher – preaching not more than 100 miles from His home.

As a young man, Jesus lived a simple life:As a young man, Jesus lived a simple life: a)For 30 years, Jesus lived a hidden life as a carpenter working and living in Nazareth with His parents. b)For 3 years He became an itinerant preacher – preaching not more than 100 miles form His home. c)Within 3 years He was already dead – crucified in Jerusalem. In other words, He had a very short Public life!

d)By all accounts, Jesus should have faded into complete oblivion – due to His uneventful hidden life and short public life.

e)Instead, Jesus is the most famous, honored, and best-loved person who ever lived.

What was Jesus like during His public life?What was Jesus like during His public life?

He exhibited qualities of a real man:He exhibited qualities of a real man:

What was Jesus like during His public life?What was Jesus like during His public life? a)A very attractive personality. He exhibited qualities of a real man:He exhibited qualities of a real man:

What was Jesus like during His public life?What was Jesus like during His public life? a)A very attractive personality. b)Strong in mind and body. He exhibited qualities of a real man:He exhibited qualities of a real man:

What was Jesus like during His public life?What was Jesus like during His public life? a)A very attractive personality. b)Strong in mind and body. c)Down-to-earth and courageous. He exhibited qualities of a real man:He exhibited qualities of a real man:

What was Jesus like during His public life?What was Jesus like during His public life? a)A very attractive personality. b)Strong in mind and body. c)Down-to-earth and courageous. d)Jesus was a magnetic leader. He summoned Simon and Andrew, James and John, and Levi who all followed Him immediately. He exhibited qualities of a real man:He exhibited qualities of a real man:

e)A man of extraordinary authority.

f)Not confused or unsure of Himself or of His mission. e)A man of extraordinary authority.

f)Not confused or unsure of Himself or of His mission. He rebuked Peter for standing in the way of His mission.He rebuked Peter for standing in the way of His mission. e)A man of extraordinary authority.

Mt. 16:21-23 “From that time on Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

g)Jesus was very human..

He showed tenderness and personal concern.He showed tenderness and personal concern. g)Jesus was very human..

He showed tenderness and personal concern.He showed tenderness and personal concern. g)Jesus was very human.. He experienced anger and grief.He experienced anger and grief.

He showed tenderness and personal concern.He showed tenderness and personal concern. g)Jesus was very human.. He experienced anger and grief.He experienced anger and grief. Love, pity, and sorrow.Love, pity, and sorrow.

So do I consider Jesus as just a side activity on a Sunday?So do I consider Jesus as just a side activity on a Sunday?

OR is He worthy to be the center of my life?OR is He worthy to be the center of my life? Like C.S. Lewis we also ask: Was Jesus more than just a great religious man or moral teacher?Like C.S. Lewis we also ask: Was Jesus more than just a great religious man or moral teacher?

The answer is YES! Jesus is worthy to be the center of my life!The answer is YES! Jesus is worthy to be the center of my life!

WHY?WHY?

The answer is YES! Jesus is worthy to be the center of my life!The answer is YES! Jesus is worthy to be the center of my life! WHY?WHY? Because of Jesus’ claim to be God.Because of Jesus’ claim to be God.

But how do we know Jesus is God?But how do we know Jesus is God?

By His miracles?By His miracles?

But how do we know Jesus is God?But how do we know Jesus is God? By His miracles?By His miracles? Miracles only show that God is working through a person. A man could work miracles and not be God.Miracles only show that God is working through a person. A man could work miracles and not be God.

John 14:12-13 “Amen, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will do the works that I do, and will do greater ones than these because I am going to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

But how do we know Jesus is God?But how do we know Jesus is God? By His miracles?By His miracles? We believe Jesus is God Because He told us so!We believe Jesus is God Because He told us so! Miracles only show that God is working through a person. A man could work miracles and not be God.Miracles only show that God is working through a person. A man could work miracles and not be God.

Mark 14:61-62 “But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, “are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

John 12:45 “The one who looks at Me is seeing the one who sent Me.”

John 10:30 “I and the Father are one.”

John 8:58 “Very truly I tell you.” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Jesus’ claim to divinity is different from Buddha, Confucius, or Mohammed – none of them claimed to be God.Jesus’ claim to divinity is different from Buddha, Confucius, or Mohammed – none of them claimed to be God.

Jesus claimed to forgive sin. But we know only God can forgive sin.Jesus claimed to forgive sin. But we know only God can forgive sin.

Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

Throughout His public life, Jesus claimed to be God. Again, using the apologetics of C. S. Lewis, he says that his claim is either true or false.Throughout His public life, Jesus claimed to be God. Again, using the apologetics of C. S. Lewis, he says that his claim is either true or false.

Liar, Lunatic, or Lord? Throughout His public life, Jesus claimed to be God. Again, using the apologetics of C. S. Lewis, he says that his claim is either true or falseThroughout His public life, Jesus claimed to be God. Again, using the apologetics of C. S. Lewis, he says that his claim is either true or false If false, it could be the claim of either a liar or a lunatic.If false, it could be the claim of either a liar or a lunatic.

But could Jesus have lied?But could Jesus have lied?

a)If he lied, then he would have been deliberately deceiving his followers. But not only would he have been a liar, he would also be:

But could Jesus have lied?But could Jesus have lied? a)If he lied, then he would have been deliberately deceiving his followers. But not only would he have been a liar, he would also be: A hypocrite, because he told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while he himself taught and lived a colossal lie.A hypocrite, because he told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while he himself taught and lived a colossal lie.

But could Jesus have lied?But could Jesus have lied? a)If he lied, then he would have been deliberately deceiving his followers. But not only would he have been a liar, he would also be: A hypocrite, because he told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while he himself taught and lived a colossal lie.A hypocrite, because he told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while he himself taught and lived a colossal lie. Evil, because he told others to trust him for their eternal destiny knowing it was a lie.Evil, because he told others to trust him for their eternal destiny knowing it was a lie.

But could Jesus have lied?But could Jesus have lied? a)If he lied, then he would have been deliberately deceiving his followers. But not only would he have been a liar, he would also be: A hypocrite, because he told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while he himself taught and lived a colossal lie.A hypocrite, because he told others to be honest, whatever the cost, while he himself taught and lived a colossal lie. Evil, because he told others to trust him for their eternal destiny knowing it was a lie.Evil, because he told others to trust him for their eternal destiny knowing it was a lie. A fool, because it was his claim to being God that led to his crucifixion.A fool, because it was his claim to being God that led to his crucifixion.

b)But we need only look at his person, his words and his work to conclude that he could not have lied.

Look at his moral purity and dignity..Look at his moral purity and dignity..

b)But we need only look at his person, his words and his work to conclude that he could not have lied. Look at his moral purity and dignity..Look at his moral purity and dignity.. Consider his character that is so original, consistent, perfect, high above human greatness.Consider his character that is so original, consistent, perfect, high above human greatness.

b)But we need only look at his person, his words and his work to conclude that he could not have lied. Look at his moral purity and dignity..Look at his moral purity and dignity.. Consider his character that is so original, consistent, perfect, high above human greatness.Consider his character that is so original, consistent, perfect, high above human greatness. The results of his life and teachings have changed countless lives for the better.The results of his life and teachings have changed countless lives for the better.

b)But we need only look at his person, his words and his work to conclude that he could not have lied. Look at his moral purity and dignity..Look at his moral purity and dignity.. Consider his character that is so original, consistent, perfect, high above human greatness.Consider his character that is so original, consistent, perfect, high above human greatness. The results of his life and teachings have changed countless lives for the better.The results of his life and teachings have changed countless lives for the better. c)Such a man cannot be a liar.

Could Jesus have been a lunatic or delusional?Could Jesus have been a lunatic or delusional?

a)In Jesus we do not see any abnormalities or imbalance that usually go along with someone who was delusional.

Could Jesus have been a lunatic or delusional?Could Jesus have been a lunatic or delusional? a)In Jesus we do not see any abnormalities or imbalance that usually go along with someone who was delusional. b)He spoke some of the most profound sayings ever recorded.

Could Jesus have been a lunatic or delusional?Could Jesus have been a lunatic or delusional? a)In Jesus we do not see any abnormalities or imbalance that usually go along with someone who was delusional. b)He spoke some of the most profound sayings ever recorded. c)Such a man cannot be a lunatic.

If the claim that Jesus is God is not by a liar or a lunatic, then…..If the claim that Jesus is God is not by a liar or a lunatic, then…..

It is in fact the truth declared by the Lord Himself!It is in fact the truth declared by the Lord Himself!

Throughout Scripture Jesus’ contemporaries came to realize that Jesus is God:Throughout Scripture Jesus’ contemporaries came to realize that Jesus is God:

a)Simon Peter did. Mt. 16:13-16 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

b)Martha did. John 11:27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

c)Nathanael did. John 1:49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

d)Thomas did. John 20:27-28 Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

e)The centurion did. Matthew 27:54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely He was the Son of God!”

f)Even the evil spirits did. Matthew 8:29 “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”

f)Even the evil spirits did. Mark 3:11 Whenever the impure spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried out, “You are the Son of God.”

f)Even the evil spirits did. Luke 4:41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But He rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew He was the Messiah.

How can we have confirmation of Jesus’ divinity?How can we have confirmation of Jesus’ divinity?

God Himself confirmed it.God Himself confirmed it.

How can we have confirmation of Jesus’ divinity?How can we have confirmation of Jesus’ divinity? God Himself confirmed it.God Himself confirmed it. a)In the miracle of the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

b) John 11:41-42 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said. “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

c)Jesus was giving a demonstration of His being Son of God and His power over death.

d)To the Jews, God alone has the prerogative to give life or to take away life.

e)But the most conclusive proof is: Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead

e)But the most conclusive proof is: Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead. The tombs of Buddha, Muhammed and the founders of all other world religions still contain their remains.The tombs of Buddha, Muhammed and the founders of all other world religions still contain their remains.

e)But the most conclusive proof is: Jesus’ own resurrection from the dead. The tombs of Buddha, Muhammed and the founders of all other world religions still contain their remains.The tombs of Buddha, Muhammed and the founders of all other world religions still contain their remains. Only Jesus’ tomb is empty.Only Jesus’ tomb is empty.

G.Conclusion:

Jesus is True God and True Man who gave up His life that we who believe in Him may have eternal life.Jesus is True God and True Man who gave up His life that we who believe in Him may have eternal life.

G.Conclusion: Jesus is True God and True Man who gave up His life that we who believe in Him may have eternal life.Jesus is True God and True Man who gave up His life that we who believe in Him may have eternal life. Jesus is the manifestation of God’s love for us.Jesus is the manifestation of God’s love for us.

G.Conclusion: Jesus is True God and True Man who gave up His life that we who believe in Him may have eternal life.Jesus is True God and True Man who gave up His life that we who believe in Him may have eternal life. Jesus is the manifestation of God’s love for us.Jesus is the manifestation of God’s love for us. Knowing and understanding these truths, the question each one of us needs to answer is what would be our appropriate response to Jesus for such a priceless free gift?Knowing and understanding these truths, the question each one of us needs to answer is what would be our appropriate response to Jesus for such a priceless free gift?

Group Discussion Discuss how you saw or thought of Jesus before this talk, and what new insights you have gotten through this session.