Frankly Speaking
One day Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” Luke 9:18-20
That same question, asked today, would get the same results. Jesus isn't the same to everyone. That doesn't mean Jesus isn't who He is, it just means that not everyone knows, or believes, who He really is. A better question to ask might be, "Who is Jesus to you?" Who Jesus is to you will define who you are - it will affect every aspect of your life. If He was just a historical figure to you then your life will be no different than those who haven't even heard of Him. If you believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, then you are somewhat better than the first group, but still lacking. "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." James 2:19. You see, Jesus needs to be more than just "the Son of God" to you; He needs to be the Lord of your life. Knowing He is Lord and making Him Lord of your life are two different things. Making Jesus Lord of your life means giving Him everything, holding nothing back. When you make Jesus Lord of your life, then your life will definitely change. First, making Him Lord of your life is what brings salvation and the promise of eternal life. Second, making Him Lord of your life makes you a new person with a whole new world view. Your thoughts, views, actions, and reactions begin to line up with His - you literally become more 'Christ like.' When this happens, people will no longer have to ask you who Jesus is to you, they will know you by your fruit.
"Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." Matt. 7:20
Pastor Frank Dodson
One day Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” “Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say you are one of the other ancient prophets risen from the dead.” Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” Peter replied, “You are the Messiah sent from God!” Luke 9:18-20
That same question, asked today, would get the same results. Jesus isn't the same to everyone. That doesn't mean Jesus isn't who He is, it just means that not everyone knows, or believes, who He really is. A better question to ask might be, "Who is Jesus to you?" Who Jesus is to you will define who you are - it will affect every aspect of your life. If He was just a historical figure to you then your life will be no different than those who haven't even heard of Him. If you believe that He is the Messiah, the Son of God, then you are somewhat better than the first group, but still lacking. "You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror." James 2:19. You see, Jesus needs to be more than just "the Son of God" to you; He needs to be the Lord of your life. Knowing He is Lord and making Him Lord of your life are two different things. Making Jesus Lord of your life means giving Him everything, holding nothing back. When you make Jesus Lord of your life, then your life will definitely change. First, making Him Lord of your life is what brings salvation and the promise of eternal life. Second, making Him Lord of your life makes you a new person with a whole new world view. Your thoughts, views, actions, and reactions begin to line up with His - you literally become more 'Christ like.' When this happens, people will no longer have to ask you who Jesus is to you, they will know you by your fruit.
"Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions." Matt. 7:20
Pastor Frank Dodson