| What did Jesus tell us we need to do? | |
|
Selected Sermons Salvation Who is Jesus What did Jesus Say Happy Birthday Jesus What do we need to do? |
Many People today will say that Jesus was a great teacher, however when you ask them what he taught they really do not know. Let's examine exactly what Jesus told mankind that they need to do.
After Jesus was Baptized by John and went into the desert and was tempted by the Devil he started his three year public ministry with the words in Matthew Chapter 4:17 "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus calls mankind 17 times in the gospel to follow him. Many people do not understand what the word repent means. Literally repentance means to change your mind. The repentance that Jesus is calling for is a decision that results in a change of mind, which in turn leads to a change of purpose and action. Basically 'Quit going your own way and start going God's way.' That more than any other thing is what Jesus came to teach mankind. Jesus said "the time is fulfilled and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." This was the first statement Jesus made in the Gospel of Mark. Later in the Book those who followed Jesus went out and proclaimed the same message, "…they went out and preached that people should repent" Mark 6:12 In the Gospel of Luke chapter 13 Jesus made this statement twice "…unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Jesus let us know here that we need to follow him or perish. This sounds harsh to some, but they should see that God has provided a way of escape for us. We should rejoice and repent and be thankful to God. He has given us a second chance. All we have to do is quit going our own way and start going His way. Jesus also said…. They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 15:10 There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. Luke 15:10 Yes what God wants all of mankind to do is turn from our own ways and follow him. Proverbs 3 says, "Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy flesh and marrow to thy bones." Let us all turn away from the evil desires of our flesh and follow Jesus with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. |