Confronting the Identity of Jesus: Liar, Lunatic, Lord

Summary

### Summary

Today marks the beginning of a new series exploring the profound question posed by C.S. Lewis: Is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord? This question challenges us to confront the true identity of Jesus Christ. Many people, even non-believers, acknowledge Jesus as a great teacher or a moral leader, but Jesus' own claims about being the Son of God and the only way to the Father leave no room for neutrality. If Jesus' claims are false, He is either a liar or a lunatic. But if they are true, He is indeed the Lord of all.

Reflecting on my own journey, I realized that if Jesus is who He says He is, then dedicating my life to Him is the most important decision I could ever make. This conviction led me to ministry, not through an emotional experience, but through thoughtful consideration. The Bible supports this all-or-nothing approach to faith, as seen in Revelation where God expresses disdain for lukewarm faith.

Faith in Jesus doesn't require abandoning intellect. In fact, the more one investigates the story of Jesus, the more compelling it becomes. Community plays a crucial role in this journey, providing accountability and support. This is why our church emphasizes small groups, encouraging everyone to join and grow together in faith.

C.S. Lewis' stark choice about Jesus being either the Son of God or a madman underscores the importance of this question. Jesus is the most divisive figure in history, and His impact is undeniable. Even our calendar testifies to His existence. Jesus' claims about Himself demand a response; He cannot be merely a good teacher among many.

The incarnation, God becoming flesh, clarifies the essence of Christianity. It's not about balancing good deeds with bad but recognizing that we can never achieve God's standard on our own. Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection bridge the gap between us and God, offering eternal life.

The evidence for Jesus' divinity is compelling. Eyewitness testimonies, the transformation of the disciples, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the resurrection all point to the truth of Jesus' claims. Historical and legal analyses further support the resurrection, making it a cornerstone of our faith.

Ultimately, the decision to follow Jesus is a heart decision. Everyone has the opportunity to become a child of God through faith in Jesus. No one is too far gone. As we continue this series, I encourage you to bring others along on this journey of discovering who Jesus truly is.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Inescapable Choice: Jesus' claims about being the Son of God and the only way to the Father leave no room for neutrality. If His claims are false, He is either a liar or a lunatic. But if they are true, He is indeed the Lord of all. This stark choice demands a response from each of us. [01:22]

2. Faith and Intellect: Following Jesus doesn't require abandoning intellect. The more one investigates the story of Jesus, the more compelling it becomes. Community plays a crucial role in this journey, providing accountability and support, which is why our church emphasizes small groups. [05:25]

3. The Essence of Christianity: Christianity is not about balancing good deeds with bad but recognizing that we can never achieve God's standard on our own. Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection bridge the gap between us and God, offering eternal life. [13:13]

4. Compelling Evidence: The evidence for Jesus' divinity is compelling. Eyewitness testimonies, the transformation of the disciples, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the resurrection all point to the truth of Jesus' claims. Historical and legal analyses further support the resurrection, making it a cornerstone of our faith. [28:51]

5. A Heart Decision: Ultimately, the decision to follow Jesus is a heart decision. Everyone has the opportunity to become a child of God through faith in Jesus. No one is too far gone. As we continue this series, I encourage you to bring others along on this journey of discovering who Jesus truly is. [34:35]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to "Liar, Lunatic, Lord"
[01:22] - The Inescapable Choice
[02:48] - Personal Journey to Ministry
[04:05] - The All-or-Nothing Approach
[05:25] - Importance of Community
[06:38] - Small Group Sunday
[08:00] - The Divisive Figure of Jesus
[09:26] - The Incarnation
[11:59] - The Misunderstanding of Christianity
[13:13] - The True Essence of Christianity
[14:40] - Evidence of the Divine
[15:51] - Eyewitness Testimony
[17:10] - The Disciples' Transformation
[20:57] - Early Church Creeds
[22:21] - Historical Validation
[24:21] - The Disciples' Sacrifice
[25:51] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
[28:51] - The Resurrection
[30:21] - Legal Examination of the Resurrection
[34:35] - A Heart Decision
[36:13] - Invitation to Believe

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 1:21-23: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
2. Revelation 3:15-16: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
3. 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."

### Observation Questions
1. What are the three options C.S. Lewis presents about Jesus' identity, and why do they leave no room for neutrality? [01:22]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of community in strengthening one's faith? [05:25]
3. According to the sermon, what is the essence of Christianity, and how does it differ from common misconceptions? [13:13]
4. What evidence does the sermon provide to support the divinity of Jesus? [28:51]

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that Jesus' claims about Himself demand a response from each individual? [01:22]
2. How does the concept of being "lukewarm" in Revelation 3:15-16 relate to the all-or-nothing approach to faith discussed in the sermon? [04:05]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith in Jesus is compatible with intellectual investigation? [05:25]
4. How does 1 Peter 3:15 challenge believers to be prepared in their faith, and what practical steps can be taken to fulfill this command? [14:40]

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you ever struggled with the question of Jesus' true identity? How did you resolve it, or are you still seeking answers? [01:22]
2. The sermon mentions the importance of community in growing one's faith. Are you currently part of a small group or community that supports your spiritual growth? If not, what steps can you take to join one? [05:25]
3. How do you balance intellectual investigation and faith in your own spiritual journey? Can you think of a time when investigating the story of Jesus strengthened your faith? [05:25]
4. The sermon describes Christianity as recognizing that we can never achieve God's standard on our own. How does this understanding impact your daily life and actions? [13:13]
5. The evidence for Jesus' divinity is described as compelling. What piece of evidence mentioned in the sermon resonates most with you, and why? [28:51]
6. The sermon concludes that the decision to follow Jesus is a heart decision. Have you made this decision? If so, how has it changed your life? If not, what is holding you back? [34:35]
7. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from exploring the question of Jesus' identity. How can you invite them to join you in this journey of discovery? [34:35]

Devotional

Day 1: The Inescapable Choice
Jesus' claims about being the Son of God and the only way to the Father leave no room for neutrality. If His claims are false, He is either a liar or a lunatic. But if they are true, He is indeed the Lord of all. This stark choice demands a response from each of us. [01:22]

Jesus' identity is a question that cannot be ignored. He made bold claims about being the Son of God and the only way to the Father, which means we must decide whether He is who He says He is. If His claims are false, then He is either a liar or a lunatic. However, if His claims are true, then He is indeed the Lord of all, and this realization demands a response from each of us. Neutrality is not an option when it comes to Jesus' identity.

This decision is the most important one we will ever make. It affects not only our lives here on earth but also our eternal destiny. Reflecting on this choice can lead us to a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He means to us personally. It challenges us to examine our beliefs and make a conscious decision about where we stand.

John 14:6 (ESV): "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"

Reflection: What is your current stance on Jesus' identity? Are you willing to explore the possibility that He is who He claims to be, and what steps can you take today to seek the truth about Him?

Day 2: Faith and Intellect
Following Jesus doesn't require abandoning intellect. The more one investigates the story of Jesus, the more compelling it becomes. Community plays a crucial role in this journey, providing accountability and support, which is why our church emphasizes small groups. [05:25]

Faith in Jesus is not a blind leap but a reasoned decision that can withstand intellectual scrutiny. The more one investigates the story of Jesus, the more compelling it becomes. Historical evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and the transformation of the disciples all point to the truth of Jesus' claims. Engaging with these evidences can strengthen our faith and provide a solid foundation for our beliefs.

Community plays a crucial role in this journey of faith. Being part of a supportive community provides accountability and encouragement. Small groups offer a space to ask questions, share insights, and grow together in faith. This is why our church emphasizes the importance of small groups, encouraging everyone to join and experience the benefits of communal faith.

Acts 17:11 (ESV): "Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so."

Reflection: How can you engage your intellect in your faith journey? Are you part of a small group or community that supports your spiritual growth, and if not, how can you take steps to join one?

Day 3: The Essence of Christianity
Christianity is not about balancing good deeds with bad but recognizing that we can never achieve God's standard on our own. Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection bridge the gap between us and God, offering eternal life. [13:13]

The essence of Christianity is not about trying to balance our good deeds with our bad ones. Instead, it is about recognizing that we can never achieve God's standard on our own. Our efforts will always fall short of His perfect holiness. This is why Jesus' perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection are so crucial. They bridge the gap between us and God, offering us the gift of eternal life.

Understanding this truth frees us from the burden of trying to earn our salvation. It shifts our focus from our own efforts to what Jesus has already accomplished on our behalf. This realization leads to a deeper appreciation of God's grace and a more profound sense of gratitude for His love and mercy.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: Are you trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you shift your focus to trust in Jesus' finished work on the cross and rest in His grace today?

Day 4: Compelling Evidence
The evidence for Jesus' divinity is compelling. Eyewitness testimonies, the transformation of the disciples, the fulfillment of prophecies, and the resurrection all point to the truth of Jesus' claims. Historical and legal analyses further support the resurrection, making it a cornerstone of our faith. [28:51]

The evidence for Jesus' divinity is both compelling and multifaceted. Eyewitness testimonies from those who walked with Jesus, the dramatic transformation of the disciples, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the resurrection all point to the truth of Jesus' claims. These evidences are not just spiritual but also stand up to historical and legal scrutiny, making the resurrection a cornerstone of our faith.

The transformation of the disciples is particularly striking. These men went from being fearful and disheartened after Jesus' crucifixion to boldly proclaiming His resurrection, even at the cost of their lives. Such a radical change can only be explained by their genuine encounters with the risen Christ. This compelling evidence invites us to explore and deepen our faith, knowing that it is grounded in historical reality.

1 Corinthians 15:3-6 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep."

Reflection: How does the evidence for Jesus' resurrection impact your faith? What steps can you take to explore this evidence further and strengthen your belief in the truth of Jesus' claims?

Day 5: A Heart Decision
Ultimately, the decision to follow Jesus is a heart decision. Everyone has the opportunity to become a child of God through faith in Jesus. No one is too far gone. As we continue this series, I encourage you to bring others along on this journey of discovering who Jesus truly is. [34:35]

The decision to follow Jesus is ultimately a matter of the heart. While intellectual understanding and evidence are important, it is the heart that must respond to Jesus' invitation. Everyone has the opportunity to become a child of God through faith in Jesus, regardless of their past or present circumstances. No one is too far gone to experience God's love and grace.

This heart decision involves a personal commitment to trust and follow Jesus. It means surrendering our lives to Him and allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. As we continue this journey of discovering who Jesus truly is, we are encouraged to invite others to join us. Sharing our faith and the hope we have in Jesus can make an eternal difference in the lives of those around us.

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV): "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."

Reflection: Have you made a heart decision to follow Jesus? If so, how can you share this journey with others and invite them to discover who Jesus truly is? If not, what is holding you back from making this decision today?

Quotes

1. "Jesus really doesn't make room for that kind of neutral ground. If you really, uh, get past your feels, you know, we're all into our feels, aren't we? I feel this way. I feel that if you get past your feels and get into the truth, Jesus doesn't make room for you to be neutral about him. I mean, he claimed to be the son of God that he could forgive sins. He said that you can't get to heaven or to the father except coming through him. That's kind of a big deal." [01:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "If this is really true, all this stuff about Jesus is true, then it's the most important thing I could ever do with my life would be to serve him. And, and if all of this stuff is not true, I'll never go back to church a day in my life because it's useless entirely. And that kind of fits to what the Bible says in the book of Revelation, the 66th. The final book of the Bible says, God says, I wish you were hot or cold, but if you're lukewarm and you're in the middle, he literally said, it makes me sick to my stomach and I'll spit you out of my mouth." [04:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The Christian doesn't have to suspend their intellect or their thinking to be a follower of Jesus. Actually, the more you honestly investigate the story of Jesus, the story of the creation, the story of the Bible, the more clear it becomes to you. Now, when you go to investigate, you got to be really careful that you don't let Google be your source of investigation because Google is not a believer, nor is Google trustworthy. I know it was true. I read it on the internet." [05:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You cannot just say, well, Jesus is like Muhammad Buddha, all these. No, no. He split history. He is the defining figure of all of humanity. You have to decide. He can't just be a nice guy who taught a few nice things and you ought to pick some of his and pick some of mine and pick some of Oprah's and pick some of what's popular in your favorite movie. He won't be cafeteria style faith. He's a liar or he's a lunatic. And if he's not one of those, he is the Lord of heaven and earth, the creator of all things." [08:00] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Actually, what Christianity teaches is that God is holy and he's perfect. And you and I never will be. We can't get there. We can't even live up to our own standards. Can I hear an amen to that? How could we ever live up to God's standards? And since I couldn't get to God, he came to me. He came and lived a perfect life and showed me the gap between my righteousness and his righteousness. Knowing I could never get there. He shed his blood, his perfect blood for my imperfect sin now perfected me through the eyes of God and brought me to God." [13:13] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The evidence is in. The verdict is clear. Jesus Christ is the risen Savior of the world. Does anybody believe that besides me? It's true. It's clear. And I don't have enough faith to believe the other story. It had to be this way. Let me give you one more in closing. And that's the resurrection. Did you know there is actual evidence of the resurrection? That he rose from the dead?" [28:51] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "If you work for Rome and you fall asleep on the job, they kill you in public. They fell asleep on the job somehow. Somehow, a rock that took 20 men to move were moved without any men helping. The tomb was empty. I've been to the tomb. It's still empty. 515 people saw him alive. If 515 people were brought up here just to tell you what they saw and each gave 50, 15 minutes, it'd take 128 hours for everybody to tell you what they saw. That's how much evidence there is that Jesus rose from the dead." [32:22] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And church, let me just stop right here. I could nerd out about these facts all day long. I love this story. But what it really comes down to is your own heart. It's not an intellectual decision. It's a heart decision. And I want you to know this, and I so want you to bring, I want you to bring people with you next week. I'm going to examine this Jesus for the whole month of September. But know this about every person hearing us right now and every person God ever created. He says to all. Everybody say all. That really means everyone." [34:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You don't know anybody that's too far gone. You don't know anybody that's too distant from God. You don't know anybody that's too distant from God. You bring them here next week. Maybe they won't come in the building. Send them this message electronically. And maybe that somebody is not somebody you know, but it's yourself and you're beginning to see. And it's not the telling of the story from the lips of a human being. It's the power of the Holy Spirit in this room. Do you know that?" [36:13] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "There's something special in this room. The Bible says, if two or more gather in my name, I am there among them. You can't see him in this room, but God is in this room. The Bible says he performs miracles as a confirmation of his word. Each and every week when I get up to preach, what I want is a miracle to happen, a miracle to happen in your life, in your heart, in your mind, in your physical body, in your marriage, in your family, in your finances. And the best way for a miracle to happen is for me to get behind this book. Because a miracle, a miracle is a confirmation of his word. We have preached his word today. And he's doing a miracle inside somebody's heart." [36:49] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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