The most important Question!!

Mark 8:27–30 NKJV

27 Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” 29 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

My testimony. Baseball article!

I have been chasing the glory of my name! Who people think I am.

Our culture today promotes self focus, self love, and selfishness. Our culture much like what Caesarea Philippi was like, does not whoolly believe that Jesus is the Messiah, God’s Son and the Savior of the humanity.

Matthew 16:13–20 NKJV

13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.

Throughout the first half of Jesus’ ministry he repeatedly asked this question. “Who do you say that I Am?

Every individuals answer to this question is critical. It determines their eternal destiny. Peters answer was concise and unwavering.

What people think of Jesus:

Determines their destiny

Determines how we reach out to people

Determines their reaction to us as we witness to them

Determines to a large degree the morality and justice of society

Some of the answers noted in Matthew, Mark and Luke, are only half-true answers. This mentality is extremely dangerous.

Some thought he was only a great man of righteousness who was martyred for His faith

Some think that Jesus was only one of the great teachers

Some people think that Jesus was merely a great man who revealed some important truths

Some think that Jesus was just a great man and prophet sent to people (Jews) of His day.

Note three facts about the worlds opinion on Jesus Christ

The worlds opinion is not unanimous

The world sees Him just as a mere man.

The worlds opinions are false and inaccurate.

Simon Peters answer was not just an answer but a profession of Faith. Matthew 16:15-16

Matthew 16:15–16 NKJV

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Christ is so much more than just a “good man”.

It’s npt about who I am or who we are but whose we are. (Article)

I just realized something… they couldn't even get my name right!

Our culture has various viewpoints on what truth is.

Relativsim- Whats true for you is not true for me.

Close bible:

You see, from the very beginning God desired that people dwell with Him eternally. Now some bad news. But due to the fall of man in Genesis with the sin of Adam and Eve, we separated ourselves from the plan God intended for us all. Sin separates!

Romans 3:23 NKJV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

We will never do enough “Good” to ever deserve to be in Heaven (Curt example).

Ephesians 2:8–9 NKJV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Romans 6:23 NKJV

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

Hell is a literal place where people without a personal faith relationship with Christ, will be tormented eternally. No love, no mercy, no grace, and totally separated from God. I cannot imagine anyone in this room really wants this as an outcome.

We need a redeeming salvation in order to dwell with God eternally. Acts 16:30-31

Acts 16:30–31 NKJV

30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Acts 4:12 NKJV

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

John 5:24 NKJV

24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

SO here is the greatest NEWS you will ever here! EVen better than the music to “Storm center” the night before a big exam! God sent His son to be our replacement and pay the debt of sin so that we may accept His free gift of redeeming salvation.

John 3:16 NKJV

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9–10 NKJV

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

SO I challenge you and ask you tonight

“Who do you say that He is?”

You may or may not have another opportunity to ponder this question. Time is of the essence. ( 9th inning, two strikes, 3 balls, payoff pitch is about to be delivered type of moment). What is your answer to the most important life changing question you will ever be faced with?