Centering Faith: Jesus as Our Only Way

In this sermon, I explored the concept of faith and its relationship with Jesus. I emphasized the importance of making Jesus the center of our faith, rather than just a part of it. I expressed my belief that Jesus is the only way for us to have a perfect and permanent relationship with God. I argued that any other way that suggests we can be okay with ourselves or with God will fall short. This sermon was an invitation to reflect on our understanding of faith and to reassess the role of Jesus in our spiritual journey.

In the second part of the sermon, I invited the congregation to join us at any of our campuses as we continue this conversation about exploring God together. This was an open invitation for everyone to engage in a deeper exploration of their faith and their relationship with God. I encouraged everyone to be part of this ongoing conversation, to ask questions, and to seek answers together as a community of believers.

Key Takeaways:
- Jesus should be the center of our faith, not just a part of it.
- Jesus is the only way for us to have a perfect and permanent relationship with God.
- Any other way that suggests we can be okay with ourselves or with God will fall short ([00:30 ]).
- We should engage in an ongoing conversation about exploring God together.
- It's important to ask questions and seek answers together as a community of believers.

Bible Reading:
1. John 14:6 [00:30 ]

Observation Questions:
1. What does John 14:6 say about Jesus' role in our relationship with God?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea of having a faith where Jesus is a part but not the center?

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean when Jesus says He is "the way, the truth, and the life" in John 14:6?
2. How does this verse refute the idea that there are other ways to have a relationship with God?

Application Questions:
1. In what areas of your life have you been trying to maintain a relationship with God without making Jesus the center?
2. How can you reorient your faith to make Jesus the center, as suggested by John 14:6?
3. Can you identify any beliefs or practices in your life that suggest you can be okay with God apart from Jesus? How can you address these?

Day 1: Jesus at the Center of Faith

Our faith journey can often be complex and confusing, with various elements vying for the central position. However, it is crucial to understand that Jesus is not just a part of our faith, but He should be the center of it. Any other way that suggests we can be okay with ourselves or with God without Jesus at the center will fall short. This is because Jesus is the only way for us to have a perfect and permanent relationship with God forever. #!!00:30!!

Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: Reflect on your faith journey. Is Jesus at the center of your faith or is He just a part of it? How can you make Jesus the center of your faith journey?

Day 2: The Only Way to God

Jesus is not just a way to God, He is the only way. This is a profound truth that we must grasp and internalize. Every other way that suggests we can have a relationship with God will fall short. This is because Jesus is the only way that guarantees us a perfect and permanent relationship with God. #!!00:30!!

John 14:6 - "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Reflection: How does the understanding that Jesus is the only way to God shape your faith and your relationship with God?

Day 3: The Shortcomings of Other Ways

Every other way that suggests we can be okay with ourselves or with God will fall short. This is a sobering reality that we must confront. Without Jesus at the center of our faith, we will always fall short of the glory of God. #!!00:30!!

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Reflection: Reflect on the ways you have tried to be okay with yourself or with God outside of Jesus. How have these ways fallen short?

Day 4: The Perfect and Permanent Relationship

Jesus is the only way for us to have a perfect and permanent relationship with God. This is a profound truth that we must grasp and internalize. Without Jesus, our relationship with God will always be imperfect and temporary. #!!00:30!!

1 John 5:11-12 - "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."

Reflection: How does the understanding that Jesus is the only way to a perfect and permanent relationship with God shape your faith and your relationship with God?

Day 5: Exploring God Together

Our faith journey is not meant to be a solitary endeavor. We are called to explore God together, as a community of believers. As we center our faith on Jesus, let us also encourage and support each other in this journey. #!!00:30!!

Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Reflection: How can you encourage and support others in your community as you all explore God together?

So anytime you think about faith, it can be really difficult to know how does my faith and the way that I've grown in faith fit into this idea of Jesus.

It's really popular and really common for us to pursue a version or a vision of faith where Jesus is a part of it, but he's not the center of it.

But I'm telling you, not only do I think that Jesus is the only way for us to have a perfect and permanent relationship with God forever, I think it's the only way that's possible.

I think every other way that tells you and me that we can be okay with us or with God will fall short.

This weekend, we're going to talk about that very idea.

I'd love to have you join us at any of our campuses as we continue this conversation about exploring God together.

1. "Anytime you think about faith, it can be really difficult to know how does my faith and the way that I've grown in faith fit into this idea of Jesus." - 00:00

2. "It's really popular and really common for us to pursue a version or a vision of Faith where Jesus is a part of it but he's not the center of it." - 00:00

3. "I'm telling you not only do I think that Jesus is the only way for us to have a perfect and permanent relationship with God forever." - 00:00

4. "I think it's the only way that's possible. I think every other way that tells you and me that we can be okay with us or with God will fall short." - 00:00

5. "This weekend we're going to talk about that very idea. I'd love to have you join us at any of our campuses as we continue this conversation about exploring God together." - 00:00