Why Christianity? MCBC East Kew

1. Introduction:

So here’s the big question this morning. Why Christianity? Why do we follow Jesus?

This question came up as I was driving a mate home from a party. It was one of those 100-day celebrations. I’m sure you know it, 100 day celebration. It marks a babies first full 100 days of life. it was a great party. Suckling pig. Fried noodles, old friends. I was enjoying it. And those red eggs. Never understood those eggs. it’s a big milestone, especially back in the day when lots of babies didn’t make it past 100 days. And given my mate had twins, a boy and a girl, all the more to celebrate.

So after the party, I drove my mate home, he lives not too far from me. We were driving and chatting lots of small talk, I was asking about his trip to Japan. I saw all this interesting food on his instagram account. But then the conversation turned serious. We reflected on things that have happened recently. We talked about how we know so many friends or family who are sick. You know, a friends brother younger than us had cancer, Leukemia. He has actually died recently. Very sad.

Now I hadn’t seen this guy for ages, he was actually living in Vietnam just living it up cost of living isn’t an issue there. He was loving life. But like a good son, he came back because his mother had a stroke and wasn’t in the best shape. That was hard.

And then I asked him, well, what do you think about death? where do you think you’re going? It’s the question you ask if you want silence. But there’s so much sickness going around. Life is fragile, that’s was the next logical question. He wasn’t silent. He said, Brian are you happy for me to ask you questions? for some reason he thought I was all closed minded because I’m a pastor. I’m like mate let’s chat. He goes: I don’t understand how there are so many religions and yet you are a Christian. Why Christianity? How can you be so sure? Religion is all pretty much saying the same thing. Just be good. We can’t find truth. It’s really a blind leap of faith.

2. Our approach: God in his word

This is a big question right. why Christianity? There are a lot of angles we could take it. We could talk about history. Josephus was an ancient Jewish historian. He wrote about Jesus. In history. He was a real person in real time and place. We could talk experientially. I have seen God work in people’s lives to change them to love Jesus. We could think logically. Why would the disciples be willing to die for a-lie after Jesus rose from the dead? Lots of angles we could take this question. But we will go to God in his Word. We’re going to the Bible.

Why? Well Christianity is about having a relationship with God. God has given us the answer. God has graciously given us the Scriptures. Yes, the Bible is a historical book. Real people real places real events. it’s not a fairy tale. And it has come through people in history and in a culture. But its not just made up by people. Look at what 2 Peter 1:20-21 says

2 Peter 1:20 ESV

knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.

My mate said look the Bible is written by humans. His point is, it’s all made up. It’s just their interpretation. 2 Peter 1 verse 21. It’s not someone’s own interpretation. Do you think God wouldn’t know people would think that? So he answers the question

2 Peter 1:21 ESV

For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

So while the Bible has human authors, they aren’t the ultimate source about God. They write with the personalities and quirks but the same time they are carried by the Holy Spirit. It’s written by humans but this is the word of God!

Friends don’t go to the opinions of others, social media, sound bites when you have God himself speaking to you in the Bible. God reveals himself to us in the Word.

So let’s jump into God’s Word.

We’re in the Gospel of John. John chapter 14. And the author John writes for a purpose. He doesn’t write aimlessly.

John 20:31 ESV

but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Right up front, John writes so you might believe Jesus is the Son of God. And have life in his name. But you might be thinking, of course he’s going to say that! That’s what all religions say. They all say believe. Trust this deity live a good life. Jesus doesn’t give us that option. Here’s my first point.

3. Jesus says: I am the way the truth and the life (14:6)

Jesus says – there’s only one way. Look at verse 6:

John 14:6 ESV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

This is a very big claim indeed. It is one of the most arrogant statements you’ll ever hear right? If he’s not the Son of God. But Jesus is the Son of God. He’s stating the truth. It’s fact. And it’s a very clear statement. He says the same thing in two ways just so you don’t get confused.

Positively – I am the way the the truth and the life. The way, not just a way. The Truth, not one truth among many truth and the life – if you want to have life after death you need Jesus. I am the the way the truth and the life. It’s a positive statement.

And then he says it again Negatively– no one comes to the Father except through me. No one can say Jesus is unclear. He cuts through the dross. There’s only one way to God. it’s through Jesus.

And with that one statement just think about that, Jesus he shuts the door on the over 4000 religions in the world. 4000! They do not lead to God. They are all dead ends. That is a big call.

Friends let’s clarify a few things

First, Jesus is not saying other folks from different religions are not sincere. One my good mates, a Muslim he is very sincere. Probably nicer than many Christians I know. I can call on him and he will help me out. I’m sure of it. But you can be sincere and wrong when it comes to your faith. You can be sincere and wrong. I sincerely think the earth is flat. I can be as sincere as I like but I’m wrong.

Second, Jesus is not saying look there are no truth in other religions. it’s just not the truth. Muslims say do not worship other gods, The God of the Scriptures says the same thing. And it true most religions say be kind to others, love others. There are elements of truth to other religions. The Apostle Paul himself quoted Zeus in Acts 17:28. It’s not that there is no truth in other religions.

but thirdly, all religions can be wrong theoretically but can’t all be right. we believe all religions all basically the same. That is a WRONG statement. It doesn’t make sense! Its what my neighbor Ben said. I Spent all this time talking about Jesus, ages he was building a retaining wall for me. We go to bunnings. We buy stuff. We drive on the way back. We unload stuff. All this time I’m talking to him about Jesus. It’s about grace, not about what we do… but you hear what you want to hear… his conclusion all religions the same… looks at me with this smile. Just do good Brian. no!

Islam says JC not son of God didn’t die on cross. Christianity says Jesus did die for sins. Juadism does not recognise Jesus as the Messiah. We believe He is the Messiah. He saved us from our sins! He is the most important person on earth.

Both can be wrong can’t both can’t be right.

Hinduism says there is reincarnation. Where you end up depends on karma. Be good so you don’t end up a butterfly. Jesus says man is appointed one man die once and after that face judgment. Both can be wrong not both can be right.

its not all the same. Jesus says he is he only way.

And lastly, fourthly, What about those who have never heard the Gospel? they live in a remote village in the middle of nowhere? This is difficult to grasp experientially. But God is just. He does not judge people on what they don’t know, but what they do know. We should know God. look at his creation. All that he has made. There’s no excuse. But here’s the thing. every one of us has rejected God at the level he has revealed himself. We worship another idea, we don’t worship God. We can think of the people out there, but here’s the thing, you can’t plead ignorance. You have now heard about Jesus. And if you are a believer, the need to go and preach the Gospel far and wide is great, isn’t it?

Now friends, this big statement I am the way the truth the life is no exception to the rule. Jesus says he is the only way throughout John. Jesus makes this big claim that he is the way to life. He’s been building and building and building to John 14:6.

He goes

John 6:35 ESV

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.

John 8:12 ESV

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

And who can forget when Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead, his good friend, Jesus says with tears in his eyes

John 11:25–26 ESV

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Here is a man who thinks he is at the centre of the universe. He satisfies forever. He gives life. he shows you how to live well. And he gives eternal life. resurrection life. He is the only way to God.

But you might be thinking. Why is there only one way? The answer is: God has revealed himself in this way. There’s an arrogance, an entitlement when we think that way isn’t there? He could have said I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the father… full stop. He didn’t have to save us.

Do you know it cost him his own Son? If that’s not love, I don’t know what is.

The Apostle Peter says it himself; in Acts 4:10-11

Acts 4:10–11 ESV

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.

Acts 4:12 ESV

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

That’s John 14:6 all over again. There’s one way to be saved.

Only Jesus can forgive sins. no other religions say this. they say do. Jesus says its done. sins are forgiven in Jesus.

Why is this such a big deal? Friends, there is a big chasm between us and God. it’s a bridge we can’t cross. We can’t make our way to God. he’s perfect. He’s holy we are not. We are sinners. We reject God. can’t stop rejecting God. We want to rule lives our own way.

This is why Jesus is so good. He can forgive sins. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

I was at a conference a few months back and the speaker shared about his experience in losing his wife to pancreatic cancer. They have 4 primary aged kids. Let me tell you there was not one dry eye in the room as he was telling this story. Can you imagine if the doctors had a cure? Do you reckon she would take the medication that would guarantee her survival? What do you reckon?

It’s obvious right, of course. Oh to spend another day with her husband her children. Jesus has come to save us from our sins. We are spiritually dead. Separated from God. we face God’s judgment. Friends if you don’t know Jesus. You are really really really sick. It’s worse than cancer. You need to trust that Jesus died for you.

Do you reckon if the doctor says hey here’s the cure take the medication, do you reckon there’s any chance they would go ohhh what only one way? Isn’t there another way? what about everyone else? I won’t take it unless they take it. Of course not. that would be so silly. Jesus is the only way to the Father. Only way to be saved.

Why Christianity? God has so wondrously, lovingly provided the most costly way to himself so that you can be right with God! He sent Jesus to die for your sins. Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. There no other name under heaven who can save you.

4. Jesus invites you to come home (14:1-5)

So friends, Jesus invites you to come home. Don’t stay on the outer. on the fringes looking in. come home. He tells us he’s gone to prepare a place for his people. This is wonderfully comforting.

John 14:1–4 ESV

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

This is the night before Jesus goes to the cross. he’s going to be crucified. And Jesus is dropping bombshell after bombshell. He tells his disciples he will go away. This troubles them. You got to remember his disciples have left everything to follow him. And what? he is going away? It’s only been 3 years. In fact, Jesus himself is troubled. He’s afraid. He’s about to face God’s judgment. He’s about to die on the cross. And here Jesus still ministers. He cares for his troubled disciples. See there verse 1

John 14:1 ESV

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

Jesus comforts them. Don’t be troubled. Believe in God. Believe in Jesus. And what exactly are they to believe? Well, He’s prepared a home for them. It’s not an Airbnb, not a hotel. It’s not temporary. it’s a home with him forever. He’s talking about heaven. Verse 2 see it there on the screen.

John 14:2 ESV

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

He’s not going away to abandon them. He’s going to prepare a room. Jesus is saying; He will die. He will be lifted up to take the sins of the world. He will rise again to give new life. that’s how our room is being prepared, once and for all. He’s good he is going. It’s necessary.

And notice there, there are many rooms. Verse 2. He has a room for you. He has purchased it by his blood. There’s no cap in the number of people. Heaven can fit us all. Don’t stress. It’s not like looking for an AirBNB in summer at the beach. There’s lots of space. And see there it’s so comforting he’s coming back; verse 3.

John 14:3 ESV

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

Friends Jesus has come once to live, die and rise again.

God has sent the Holy Spirit.

And now he’s saying he will come back at the end of history – when he will bring in the new heavens and new earth.

I’m sure many in this room know Tim Keller. The great evangelist, pastor author passed away the other day. Really hit me. I love his writing. What a gift from God. a giant in Christian circles. He had stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I love what he says in his final days. "I'm thankful for all the people who’ve prayed for me over the years. I'm thankful for my family, that loves me. I’m thankful for the time God has given me, but I’m ready to see Jesus. I can’t wait to see Jesus. Send me home."

Wow. There’s a man who trusts that Jesus will take him home. Jesus promises to take you home. its personal. I will take you home Richard, I will take you home Chris. And It’s not an empty promise. It does not get booked out like an AirBnB. It’s not expensive. You don’t pay God anything. if fact you can’t. It’s free. We call it grace.

CS Lewis the bloke who wrote the Narnia series. He rocks up to a conference a little late. People are debating about the unique features of Christianity. You know, is it the Trinity, Jesus is God’s Son etc. He goes that’s easy, it’s grace. Every other religion is based on works. Hinduism is about redeeming yourself; karma, climbing your way out of bad karma. For the Muslim, Allah weighs your good works against your bad works, and if you have more good works – you’re in. But Christianity is a free gift. You deserve to die but Jesus died for your sins in your place. You are in by the blood of Jesus.

if you are saved by grace - God’s free unmerited gift to you, He's prepared a home for you. You are in. you can be so confident. He will take you home.

Oh friends, Jesus has prepared a room. Why not Christianity? Where else have you to go? He has saved you by faith. It’s free. It’s certain. What comfort is it that you can call God your loving Father. He promises to take you home.

5. Conclusion

As we conclude: My mate actually said to me at the end of the conversation. It was a good conversation. He goes, Brian I like it that you don’t shove all this Jesus stuff down my throat. what you say makes a lot of sense, but I don’t think I will ever believe. My heart sank. But I said to him. You know there is a pointy end to this conversation. What are you going to say when you meet the King of King and Lord of Lords, when you meet God and he says why didn’t you believe? He’s going judge you for eternity. It’s no joke. Think that through very very carefully.

I pray for him. I’m looking for another opportunity to catch up again. I want to be intentional. Keep persevering in it. Can I encourage you to do that with your friends who don’t know Christ? Pray. Think about opportunities. Create opportunities. Be bold. Share Jesus, Believe God will work by his Spirit.

Let’s spend our days in thankfulness to God. Celebrate this wonderful way. But let’s keep the main game the main game. get out there this month share the gospel with 3 friends, this year. think about a friend or two you can pray, and share the Gospel with. it’s that important. Let’s have that aim for the rest of this year. I’m going to commit to sharing the Gospel with 3 people. Pray and commit to it.

Friends, Why Christianity? Jesus says “I am the way the truth the life no one comes to the Father except through me.” It might sound arrogant, but it’s not when its true. Jesus showed signs and wonders, but ultimately he died and rose for our sins. Like cancer, Jesus is the cure for our sin. God could have said, you are all condemned but he does not. There is a way to the Father and its through Jesus. You can be confident you will be home with the Lord. What a great God we have.

Let’s pray together.