It is so easy to gloss over this little verse in 1 John 4:

1 John 4:15 (NIV)  If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.

John makes it clear as it can be.  If you acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God – THEN you have God in your life.

Funny how many people falsely believe they are “okay with God” while seeing Jesus as an optional accessory to faith.

Just in case you were wondering, John doubles up this essential truth earlier in chapter 2:

1 John 2:23 (NIV) No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Many people think its cool with God if we avoid Jesus.  They like to believe in a “higher power” to help them cope with their addiction or frustration.  It is no wonder they never get totally set free!  Without Jesus you are diluting yourself in false spirituality and disappointing setbacks.

Jesus said, John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus said, John 14:10 (ESV) Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

I watched “Life of Pi” with my wife last week.  I found out why it was so embraced by Hollywood.  The film depicts Jesus as one of many gods to whom one can relate to and find hope and peace.

The problem with that?  It’s apostasy!  (Apostasy is a fancy theological word for someone who has denied the faith).

Let me be clear.  We should respect and treat other people with different faiths with absolute dignity.  It’s not us versus them.  But as a Christian Pastor, I’m getting concerned over the apparent “okay-ness” with lumping Jesus up there with Chrishna and Budda.  Only one man claimed to be God, lived a perfect life and then willingly died on the cross for you!

No one else is worthy of affection.

No one else is higher.

No one else brings you life and life abundantly.