Jesus Christ Burning Bushes
Jesus Christ is the most amazing Burning Bush. Some scholars believe the Angel that appeared in the Burning Bush in Exodus 3 was in fact ourLord Jesus Christ. There is an elegance and simplicity yet profound depth inJesus Christ. He is the second person of the Trinity. He dwells in us through the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. He represents us and constantly intercedes for us with the Father, the first person of the Trinity.The scripture has many names for Christ. Each name represents an aspect of His character and nature.
Every one of His names is significant. There are many views on Jesus. His nature and personality is complex, wonderful, and deep.Yet a child can understand and relate to Him. In my many struggles as well as encounters with believers and skeptics, I have learned one thing. If you want to reject Him and make excuses of even His very existence, you will beable todo so—and many have.
Jesus is the only one in history who is fully divine and fully human. He is therefore the only one who can bridge the enormous gap between humanity and God. The Bridge of Life Illustration is a powerful tool and can get us to God. Jesus is not a way but the only way to God.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus through the message of repentance.
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar— when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene — during the high-priesthood ofAnnas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (Luke 3:1–3).
Our Lord Jesus Christ starts his ministry with the message of repentance.
After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14–15).
The disciples and followers of Jesus continued with the message of repentance.
Peter replied,“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Resentence is a change in direction– 180 degree - “Repentance is a 180-degree turn.”[1] But what direction? Of course, the most obvious is the “turn” for those who were committing recognized sins, like tax collectors swindling money (e.g., Zacchaeus), or adulteresses, or murderers. Repentance is the foundation that is often missing in most stagnant churches and communities. The routine and stagnated traditional behaviors and beliefs need to be rekindled through the fire of the Holy Spirit, starting with repentance. Jesus is the ONLY way to rekindle and bring back the fire.
1. All have sinned
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:6
2. Wages of Sin
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. Hebrews 9:27
3. Christ Paid the Penalty
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18
4. Salvation is not by Works
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus 3:5
5. Must Receive Christ
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. John 1:12 KJV
Laodiceans - Lukewarm Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
Ephesians – Lost their first love
6. Assurance of Salvation
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:11-13
Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 NIV