I am a Christian because of Jesus. Jesus is the most compelling and influential person who ever lived. His claims, His life, and His impact set Him apart from everyone else.

January 20-21, 2018

The Big Idea: I am a Christian because of Jesus.  Jesus is the most compelling and influential person who ever lived.  His claims, His life, and His impact set Him apart from everyone else.

Introduction:

I told you last week how I became a Christian at age 13.  Shortly after, another 13-year old at our little church in Sweet Home, Oregon, took me under his wing.  Nat encouraged me to read the Bible.  When he saw that my Bible was the King James Version my grandmother had given me, Nat gave me a modern translation: Good News for Modern Man (known now as the Good News Bible).  He told me to start at the beginning of the New Testament with the gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—because they tell the story of Jesus, and Jesus is the center of our faith.  It was great advice!  I read through Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; and then did it again; and then did it again.  I  was captivated by Jesus.  There is no one like Him!  And I’ve only become more convinced of that since then.   Why am I a Christian?

The Big Idea: I am a Christian because of Jesus.  Jesus is the most compelling and influential person who ever lived.  His claims, His life, and His impact set Him apart from everyone else.

I am a Christian because of Jesus.  Last weekend we talked about how Christianity makes sense of the universe and our lives within it.  Good stuff; important stuff.  But when I wrestle with my faith, I don’t go there first; the first place I go is to Jesus.  I am a Christian for lots of good reasons, but the most important is Jesus.  How do I explain Jesus?  Who is this man?  This is the most central and critical question of all.  

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