It comforts Christians to know that Jesus is ready to make intercession for us when we sin. First, John 1:19 reads, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” For the Christian, Jesus is the “Voice” for the good of mankind. He serves in three roles to Christians: He is 1) an advocate; 2) an intercessor; and 3) a mediator.

Imagine a general practitioner - maybe your family doctor. He has educated himself in the general practice of medicine. However, he is not in a position to perform major surgical procedures or to diagnose some major illnesses without a specialist’s guidance. For example, if you have a severe heart problem, he would refer you to a cardiologist. He would speak on your behalf to the specialist, pleading the symptoms of your problems, and serve as an impartial “go between” to see that your heart-care is fully provided. Therefore, he would act as an advocate of your problem, an intercessor for your symptoms, and a mediator for your care.

Jesus serves in exactly the same ways.

First, He is our advocate. He advocates to our Father our sinful condition and chooses to help us commit our change before God. First John 2:1 reads, “And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Second, He is our intercessor. He intercedes on our behalf, to plead our cause to God whom we have offended. Our symptoms are laid on the table before God, and mercy is pleaded on the condition of repentance. Romans 8:34 says, “It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” Hebrews 7:25 reads: “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

Third, Jesus is our mediator. He is actually our only mediator. He is the “go between” that attempts to bring reconciliation between God and men. First Timothy 2:25 says, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”

If you will let Him, He will be your advocate, intercessor, and mediator. He wants you to come out of your sins and be with Him forever.

Copied from The Sandusky Sower

In my files, I have a copy of one of Gus Nichols’ old hand written sermons. It is entitled “Do you follow Jesus or the World?” The text is Mark 16:16. He addresses four ways the world views Mark 16:16 and the one true way.

Consider the following:

An Atheist’s View ~ “He who believes and is baptized will not be saved.” The atheist rejects the existence of God and the authority of the Bible. This approach falls into the category of Psalm 14:1.

A Catholic’s View ~ “He who does not believe and is baptized will be saved.” Most Catholics and Lutherans practice infant Baptism or sprinkling. They claim that faith is not essential to salvation. This approach contradicts countless scriptures, namely Romans 10:17.

A Universalist’s View ~ “He who does not believe and is not baptized will be saved.” Universalist’s reject the concept of Hell and teach that God will save everyone eventually. Truly, God is love, but God is also just. Jesus said “...the word that I have spoken will judge him (man) in the last day” John 12:48.

A Protestant’s View ~ “He who believes and is not baptized will be saved.” Most Baptist teach that baptism is nonessential to salvation because one is saved before baptism. This approach denies the “whole counsel of God” on the matter of salvation (i.e. faith, repentance, confession and baptism). Acts 2:38 is clear and simple. Amen!

Jesus” View ~ “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Jesus’ view needs no explanation; it just needs to be practiced.

Following the world makes us believe unbelievable things!

Following Jesus, leads us to heaven (John 14:6). Let’s follow Jesus’ View!

Copied from The Visitor, Adamsville, AL

“I go out to preach with two propositions in mind. First, every person ought to give his life to Christ. Second, whether or not anyone else gives Him his life, I will give Him mine.” —Jonathan Edwards

“I am confident that the Almighty has His plans, and will work them out; and, whether we see it or not, they will be the best for us.” —Abraham Lincoln

If you think the church is not friendly,
try speaking to someone before he speaks to you.

If you think that too little is being done,
try doing some of the work yourself.

If you think it is hard to sit through a sermon,
try preaching one.

If you think the singing should be better,
try leading the songs.

If you think the teaching is not plain enough,
try explaining the lesson yourself.

You will be amazed at what you discover!