Lee Strobel wrote that there are three great myths about religion:
1. All religions are basically the same
2. Christianity is simply one philosophy among many
3. Christians are narrow-minded to think Jesus is the only way to heaven. Only Jesus provides hope in our sin-stained world. He is the only one who gives life. He is the only one who provides the way to God as the Apostle John explains in John 1.
The Word was with God from the beginning. Everything came into being from Him. In Him was life and the light that shines in darkness, which did not comprehend Him (John 1:1-5). Jesus originates life by creating everything.
God sent John who came to bear witness of the light so all might believe through him (John 1:6-8). John the Baptist bore witness to Him so people could believe in God.
Jesus enlightens everyone even though His people didn’t receive Him. Those who did receive Him had authority to become children of God by believing in His name. They were born not of blood, will of flesh or will of man, but of God (John 1:9-13). Believing in Christ gives you the privilege to become God’s child.
Jesus in the flesh lived among us so we could see God’s glory full of grace and truth. John said Jesus had higher rank and existed before him so others could receive the fullness of God’s grace. Moses gave the Law and Jesus grace and truth to explain God (John 1:14-18). Jesus’ life on earth explained God’s grace and truth.
John told religious leaders that he wasn’t Christ, Elijah or the Prophet but “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet.” John said he baptized in water but another comes after Him “the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:19-28). John was a forerunner to prepare the way of Christ.
John identified Jesus as the Lamb of God to take away the sins of the world. John baptized in water so Christ could be known to Israel. John bore witness saying he beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven to remain on Christ who baptizes in the Holy Spirit as the Son of God (John 1:29-34). Jesus is the Lamb and Son of God who takes away sin and baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus told two of John’s disciples to “come, and you will see,” after asking where He was staying. Andrew said to his brother, Simon Peter, “We have found the Messiah (Christ)” and brought Peter to Jesus. Jesus said he would be called Cephas (Rock of Stone) (John 1:35-42). God uses people to bring others to Christ.
Jesus found Philip and told him, “Follow Me.” Philip found Nathanael and said they found Him who Moses in the Law and Prophets wrote of concerning Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. After Nathanael questioned whether any good thing could come out of Nazareth, Philip said, “Come and see.” Jesus told Nathanael he was an Israelite without guile. Jesus said he saw him before Philip called Nathanael. He acknowledged Him as the Son of God and King of Israel. Jesus said his belief in Him would lead to greater things as he would “see the heavens opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:43-51). Jesus calls people to Himself so they will experience every spiritual blessing in Him.
Have you placed your faith completely in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin? If so, are you bringing others to Christ? Are you experiencing every spiritual blessing in Christ as a believer in Him?
