A Jot from John
Said an ancient worthy: “Were the highest heavens my pulpit, and the angels, with the numberless host of the redeemed, my audience, and eternity my day, Jesus should always be my text”. This was the text of Peter (Acts 2:22-36); and of Paul (1 Cor. 2:2); and of Philip (Acts 8:5-35). And this should always be our text, our THEME. With all of the power at our command, let us proclaim him:
As the teacher. (John 7:45-46; Matt. 7:28-29). There is not a virtue that he did not exalt; there is not a vice that he did not condemn. It is only when men follow his teaching that they are safe.
As the sacrifice for sin. (John 1:29; 3:16; Rom. 5:7-8; 1 John 1:7). It is through the merits of his blood that we have access to the throne of grace.
As the savior. (Matt. 1:21). He saves people from the love of sin, the practice of sin, the guilt of sin, the penalty of sin. This he does through a plan. (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; Heb. 5:8-9).
As the lawgiver. (Matt. 28:18). As a lawgiver, he has “all authority.” This means there is no authority left for any man –the preacher, the pope, the priest, the church. Woe be unto him who assumes the authority to make any law for God’s people.
As the resurrection and the life. He raised Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43); the widow’s son (Luke 7:11-17); and conquered the grave and brought life and immortality to light. (Matt. 28:1-6; 2 Tim. 1:10).
As a judge. (John 5:22-27; 12:48; Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:10). The time of the judgment will be at this coming. (Matt. 31-33).
As the associate of the redeemed. (John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:16-17; Rev. 7:13-17). When on the judgment seat, the judge is stern, austere; he seems unapproachable. Once the judgment is past, he lays aside his austerity and becomes an intimate associate. “So shall we ever be with the Lord” – in loving fellowship, in joyful companionship.
When we preach Jesus, we preach what he preached, we preach what his preachers (the apostles) preached, we preach what his writers (his inspired penmen) wrote!
Onward Rejoicing,
John B. Daniels, Associate Minister
