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Are There Many Paths to God?
by Lee Strobel
Text: Acts 4:12
Topic: How to get to heaven
Big Idea: There is only one way to heaven, and that is through Jesus Christ.
Keywords: Religion, Christian; Salvation
Introduction
- Jesus’ claim, “I am the way and the truth and the life” is controversial because it strikes at the core of three great myths about religion.
- John 14:6
The first myth about religion is that all religions are basically the same.
- The uniqueness of Christianity is rooted in the uniqueness of Jesus himself.
- Other religious leaders promise to help you find truth and salvation.
- Jesus says he is the truth and eternal life.
- Other religions are spelled do, requiring works, whereas Christianity is spelled done, signifying Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
- Illustration: In a Buddhist parable similar to the Prodigal Son, the errant son must work off the penalty for his sins, whereas in Jesus’ parable, the son is welcomed back with forgiveness and grace.
The second myth about religion is that although different, Christianity is one philosophy among many.
- Just because all religions are protected under the Constitution does not mean they are all equally valid.
-Illustration: Strobel relates how Mike Royco wrote in a column that he was a member of the Church of Asylumism, which believes that we on earth are descendants of crazed aliens, illustrating that in this country people have the right to believe what they want, although it may not be true
- Jesus authenticated who he was by living a perfect life, fulfilling prophesies, performing miracles, and rising from the dead.
The third myth about religion is that Christians are narrow-minded to think Jesus is the only way to heaven.
- The reality is that someone must pay the penalty for our sin, and Jesus is the only one that is sinless and therefore qualified to do so.
- Illustration: Strobel tells the story of some friends whose baby was jaundiced, and the doctor told them that exposure to a special light would cure the baby. The parents could not be accused of narrow-mindedness for heeding the advice of the doctor, because he had credentials and experience, and they were acting rationally.
- Only the Great Physician offers the treatment that erases the stain of sin.
- Illustration: Strobel describes two country clubs; one admits only people who have earned their membership, and the other invites everyone to join, because Jesus has already paid for their membership.
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