The Way

Acts 13:38–43 NIV84

38 “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40 Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’” 42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

1. Jesus is the Way to Forgiveness

Sub Point 1.1: Our Need for Forgiveness

Romans 3:23 “23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

We are all sinners, separated from God by our transgressions

Without forgiveness, we are lost and destined for eternal separation from Him

Sub Point 1.2: Jesus' Sacrifice for our Forgiveness

Romans 5:8 “8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Jesus, out of His great love for us, laid down His life on the cross. Through His sacrifice, He took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, offering us the gift of forgiveness.

Sub Point 1.3: Accepting Jesus' Forgiveness

Romans 10:9–11 “9 That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11 As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.””

To receive this forgiveness, we must repent of our sins, confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and surrender our lives to Him

Jesus is the only Way to find true forgiveness and reconciliation with God

2. Jesus is the Way to Salvation

Sub Point 2.1: The Reality of Our Lostness

Acts 4:12 “12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.””

Without Jesus, we are lost and wandering aimlessly in this world, searching for meaning and purpose

Our souls long for salvation, and Jesus is the only One who can provide it

Sub Point 2.2: Jesus' Redemptive Work

Matthew 28:5–7 “5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.””

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death

He offers salvation as a free gift to all who believe in Him, inviting us into an eternal relationship with God

Sub Point 2.3: Responding to the Invitation

Revelation 3:20 “20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.”

Salvation is not earned through our works or efforts; it is received by faith in Jesus Christ

We must respond to His invitation, accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, and surrendering our lives to His lordship

3. Jesus is the Way to Transformation

Sub Point 3.1: Jesus transforms our mind

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In this broken world, we all long for change, for transformation

Jesus offers the power to transform our lives from the inside out, giving us new purpose, joy, and hope

Sub Point 3.2: Jesus transforms our lives

1 Peter 2:9 “9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

When we invite Jesus into our hearts, His Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us, empowering us to live a life of righteousness and holiness

He transforms our desires, thoughts, and actions

Sub Point 3.3: Jesus transforms our walk

John 15:16 “16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

To experience transformation, we must daily walk in obedience to Jesus, following His teachings, and allowing His Word to shape our lives

Jesus is the Way to true and lasting transformation

4. Jesus is the Way to Eternal Life

Sub Point 4.1: Physical death leads to eternal separation of eternal life

Romans 6:23 “23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

John 3:36 “36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.””

Death is a reality that we all face, but Jesus offers us the gift of eternal life

He conquered death through His resurrection and promises eternal life to all who believe in Him

Sub Point 4.2: Know Jesus Know Peace, No Jesus no peace

John 17:3 “3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we have the assurance of eternal life with Him

We can have confidence that we will spend eternity in the presence of God, experiencing His love and glory

Sub Point 4.3: Sharing the Way with Others

Matthew 28:19–20 “19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.””

Acts 1:7–8 “7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””

As followers of Jesus, we are called to share the Good News of salvation with others

We have the privilege and responsibility to point people to Jesus, the Way to eternal life