Alex on #Sincerity (Pt. 1)

"It doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you're sincere."

"We all end up in the same place after death."

"All religions are valid and equal."

"There are many ways to God."


Have you heard those statements before? It seems like everyone is pushing for the belief that sincerity is key. Meaning, if you are sincere (or, earnest and passionate) about your beliefs, you're cool. You're set. Your beliefs are true and good. But... is this right?

Let's take beliefs about religion, for example. I mean, I've got beliefs, you've got beliefs, he's got beliefs, she's got beliefs. That well-spoken smart guy in your science class says that he's an atheist, that science proves that God doesn't exist. That girl who sits at your lunch table is a Buddhist. Your neighbors are Muslims. Are all of these people believing truth?

Take this fact: Christianity is the only religion is which a loving, creator God sent his one and only son to earth to die for our sins through no merit of our own. We have done nothing and will do nothing to earn or deserve God's son dying for us. He simply came and died because of his love for us. In most other religions, the ultimate goal (heaven, happiness, nirvana, etc.) comes through our hard work - not from a loving, all-giving, compassionate God who wants a personal relationship with us. See, Christianity is all about a personal relationship with this amazing God. No other religion can claim such a fantastic opportunity.



(see Part Two)

Alex on #Sincerity (Pt. 2)

(see Part One)

Christianity makes a specific claim to being the only true religion. In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
Many people have had to wrestle and debate over this verse. If Jesus is really saying that there is no way to heaven unless we accept God, he is making a bold claim! I think can agree with C.S. Lewis, who once said that Jesus is one of three things: a liar, a lunatic, or our Lord.

• You could say that Jesus was a liar - he was simply lying when he said "No one comes to the Father except through me." But then you'd have to assume that many more things he said were lies. How could you determine truth? If Jesus isn't reliable, we shouldn't be reading anything else he had to say. Also, since Satan is the father of lies, if Jesus lied, that would make him part of Satan's group, not God's.
• You could say that Jesus was a lunatic - he was crazy. But isn't that a little far-fetched? I mean, Jesus had appropriate relationships with all kinds of people, things he said made sense, and he encouraged people to do the right thing, whether it was easy or not.
• Finally, you could say that Jesus is Lord. Our Lord. You can accept Jesus's claims to be God (John 10:30-33). You can deny that Jesus was a liar and a lunatic and you can recognize his perfect, divine nature. You can invite him to be your Lord.

If your breakout group didn't make it to the last question on the list, I've included here.
Who do you know and love who is without Christ?
There are many people we care about who do not know Jesus, who have not invited Him to be their Lord and Savior. I have three personal friends who have claimed that God isn't real and it hurts me to think that they don't know our Savior. I urge you to pray for the people in your life who don't know Jesus. Ask God for a chance to share with them how much He means to you.

Alex W / Message Writer