"JESUS IS LORD!"

“I do not receive testimony from man” (John 5:34).

“There is an idea abroad of a semi-dependent Christ. It is the idea that Christ appeals for help, men imagining that by professing Christianity they are doing Christ a favor. You know what is apt to happen whenever any prominent man of letters, or scientist, or celebrity writes an article, publishes a book, or gives an interview in which he speaks approvingly about Jesus of Nazareth and the Christian religion. Immediately there are crowds of Christians ready to applaud it, as if it were another feather in the cap of Christianity, ready to broadcast it excitedly; “So-and-So has given his note for Christianity; isn’t it fine?”—As much as to say, “How gratified Jesus must be that this man of the world, this sophisticated pagan has thrown Him a bouquet!” That is all wrong. It is a travesty of the truth. Christ does not court any man. Christ commands him! And Christianity does not consist in complimenting Christ as a genius, or artist, or poet, or teacher, or social reformer, or anything else whatsoever: it means bowing to Christ as Lord and Commander-in-chief. Christianity is being ready to make Christ’s will our law, His command our joy, and His hardest marching-orders the music of our life!”

(James S. Stewart – Adapted.)

It was Peter’s conclusion in his Pentecost sermon that “God has made this Jesus…both Lord and Christ!” (Acts 2:36). He asks no man leave to serve as King. God has powerfully proven in every conceivable way that Jesus is His Son and the Redeemer—by prophecy, by miracle, by angelic appearance, by Jesus’ own character, wisdom, and truth! Now it is up to us, and all men, to believe, receive, and obey Him! Nothing is lacking in evidence, proof, or testimony that Jesus requires additional witness from the world, or powerful or gifted men, or clever and cunning celebrities. Nor is any earthly prominent personality doing Jesus a favor by “joining the church”!”
Jesus calls us to Himself by the truth of His message, the love of His Father, and the splendor of His character! He is Lord and Savior! Let us bow before Him and keep His commands!

Larry Atkin, Preacher