A Different Jesus?

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 11

Scripture Focus: For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles. (2 Corinthians 11.4-5)

Devotional Thought: “This piece of mail could change your life forever.”  So read the announcement about the opening of a new church near Batavia.  The card didn’t say what denomination they were, so I am guessing they are non-denominational.  That made me stop and think, “How do we know they – or any other church – are teaching God’s Word?”  How do we know if someone is preaching “a different Jesus”?  The card I received mentioned that they are real people, living in a real world, serving a real God.  

That sounds good to a point.  Conventional churches are sometimes viewed as being irrelevant.  People don’t want what conventional churches offer.  What is concerning, however, is that what today’s “real people” want is to live the way they choose to live.  "If it feels good, do it!" is their mantra.  It’s “real people” like this whom Jesus changes into “Kingdom people.”  It’s “real people” like this that Jesus came to save.

The Bible doesn't teach an "anything goes" religion.  There are expectations of the Christ-follower - expectations Jesus laid down himself.

Is this restricting the grace of God?  Some might say so, but I view it differently.  I see these things as freedom – freedom to be the person God intended me to be in his presence.  New doesn’t mean better.  What really matters is that no church – new or old – should preach a different Jesus!

Fran Ginn

Prayer: Help me, Lord, to proclaim - by my life and testimony - the truth about Jesus.  May others receive the hope of the gospel.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 116.10-14

10 I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;

11 I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars. ”

12 What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,

14 I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.