Quote from Forum Archives on July 2, 2002, 10:37 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Here is a long message from the Maranatha Gospel Mission that makes a good case
for following the true Jesus, the Jesus Christ of the Holy Bible, the Son of
God.

I will be away for several days, so I'm sending out a couple of messages. For
those of you who like to read them, hopefully these will give you material to
consider over the holiday weekend and in the days ahead.

For those of you who like to research on your own, take a look at some of the
great resources available from devotionals.crosswalk.com/ or
www.gospelcom.net/spiritual_walk/devotionals/. Both are excellent. Be
sure to read the Bible though, too. These resources only SUPPLEMENT reading
the Bible - never replace it! They can be helpful resources to provoke
thought. But it is the reading of scripture, seeking the Presence and
direction of the Holy Spirit, and preparing our hearts by removing whatever
impedes us (forgiving one another and asking God to forgive us) that makes the
difference.

I pray that your life will be enriched through Christ, the REAL Jesus.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Subject: WHICH JESUS DO YOU FOLLOW?
From: "MARANATHA GOSPEL MISSION" <gracecollege@sify.com>

MARANATHA GOSPEL MISSION - Powered by In Jesus

WHICH JESUS DO YOU FOLLOW?
Jul 2, 2002

JESUS REMANUFACTURED !

Have you ever noticed how often Christ is portrayed as having blue eyes and
blonde hair? Yet the Scriptures say, He WAS MADE OF THE SEED OF DAVID ACCORDING
TO THE FLESH-Ro 1:3. We have made Jesus into what we want Him to be, rather
than receiving Him as the Bible says He is. We have, in essence, manufactured
an altered version of the true Christ. Which Jesus do you follow? The real One
or one you have made up in your mind? Do you follow a Jesus of your
imagination, or do you follow the real Jesus? Can you say, as Job did, I HAVE
ESTEEMED THE WORDS OF HIS MOUTH MORE THAN MY NECESSARY FOOD-Job 23:12. Which is
more important to you, Gods Word or food? Job also said, I AM AFRAID OF
HIM-Job 23:15.

There is a Jesus of the Mormons, of the Jehovahs Witnesses, and of the
Muslims. There is a Jesus of the Hindus, of Armstrongism, and of the spirit
guides. There is a Jesus of mens traditions and a Jesus that is what men want
Him to be. There is also a Jesus that is what mens itching ears want to hear
about Him. Then, there is "the Jesus," Who says, WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT
FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE-Lk 14:33. Which Jesus
do you follow?

There is a Jesus of the world and a Jesus that is not of the world. Do you
understand? Which Jesus do you follow?

There is a Jesus that says we are saved by grace, but no commitment of any kind
is required. This Jesus is preached in many churches today. Then there is the
Jesus, Who says, you are saved by grace "for the purpose" of serving the living
God. As it is written, Heb 9:14-HOW MUCH MORE SHALL THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, WHO
THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT OFFERED HIMSELF WITHOUT SPOT TO GOD, PURGE YOUR
CONSCIENCE FROM DEAD WORKS TO SERVE THE LIVING GOD? He tells us, WE
ARE...CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS, WHICH GOD HATH BEFORE
ORDAINED-Eph 2:10. Which Jesus do you follow? He also tells us, BUT NOW BEING
MADE FREE FROM SIN, AND BECOME SERVANTS TO GOD, YE HAVE YOUR FRUIT UNTO
HOLINESS, AND THE END EVERLASTING LIFE-Ro 6:22. Are you a servant of the Jesus
of the world or a servant of God? What fruit are you bearing, worldly fruit or
souls? Will you hear these words in that day: WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL
SERVANT-Mt 25:21?

There is a Jesus that teaches we need not serve God. He is also preached in
many churches today. People that hear this Jesus may become very comfortable
and confident.

Then there is a different Jesus, Who tells us, THOU SHALT WORSHIP THE LORD THY
GOD, AND HIM ONLY SHALT THOU SERVE-Mt 4:10 Which of these two do you follow?

There is also a Jesus that wants you to prosper and be in health; however, this
is a Jesus that wants you to prosper in worldliness, money, and material goods.
This Jesus never allows you to be chastened with sickness.

Then there is a different Jesus, Who tells us, PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING
SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE-Ro 12:1.
GATHER MY SAINTS TOGETHER UNTO ME; THOSE THAT HAVE MADE A COVENANT WITH ME BY
SACRIFICE-Ps 50:5. Which of these two do you follow?

There is also a very popular Jesus of self-esteem, self-worth, and pride, that
encourages the attitude of "I am somebody important." This Jesus is well
received today in many Christian churches. Then there is a very different
Jesus. He says deny yourself-ref Lk 9:23. KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN (our
old desires are)...CRUCIFIED WITH HIM-Ro 6:6. I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST-Gal
2:20. AND THEY THAT ARE CHRISTS (or that are saved) HAVE (past tense)
CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS-Gal 5:24. This JesusWho is
seldom preachedalso says, GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE
HUMBLE-Ja 4:6. Which Jesus do you follow?

There is a Jesus of secrecy that tells you, "There is no need to share or be
open and transparent." The real name of this "Jesus" is Satan. Then there is a
Jesus, Who says CONFESS YOUR FAULTS ONE TO ANOTHER, AND PRAY ONE FOR ANOTHER-Ja
5:16. Which Jesus do you follow: the one that masquerades as an angel of light
and misleads you to hell? or the true Jesus? Do you follow the Jesus of your
emotions? or the Jesus of Scripture, truth, and love?

There is also a Jesus many follow that confronts no one and requires no
commitment. People seldom mind if you worship a Jesus that demands nothing of
you. This Jesus is preached in most Christian churches today. Then there is
another Jesus, Whom, if you follow, there is often strife and division in your
household. As Jesus said, SUPPOSE YE THAT I AM COME TO GIVE PEACE ON EARTH? I
TELL YOU, NAY; BUT RATHER DIVISION: FOR FROM HENCEFORTH THERE SHALL BE FIVE IN
ONE HOUSE DIVIDED, THREE AGAINST TWO, AND TWO AGAINST THREE. THE FATHER SHALL
BE DIVIDED AGAINST THE SON, AND THE SON AGAINST THE FATHER; THE MOTHER AGAINST
THE DAUGHTER, AND THE DAUGHTER AGAINST THE MOTHER; THE MOTHER-IN-LAW AGAINST
HER DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, AND THE DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER-IN-LAW-Lk
12:51-53. Which Jesus do you follow? Is it the Jesus of compromise? or the
Jesus of obedience? (which may cause division with your husband, wife, mother,
father, or relatives).

There is another very popular Jesus being preached these days. It is a Jesus
that tells people to buy, buy, buy, accumulate possessions, make more money,
and get ahead in this world. Then there is a very different Jesus, Who says,
LAY NOT UP FOR YOURSELVES TREASURES UPON EARTH, WHERE MOTH AND RUST DOTH
CORRUPT, AND WHERE THIEVES BREAK THROUGH AND STEAL: BUT LAY UP FOR YOURSELVES
TREASURES IN HEAVEN, WHERE NEITHER MOTH NOR RUST DOTH CORRUPT, AND WHERE
THIEVES DO NOT BREAK THROUGH NOR STEAL: FOR WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE WILL
YOUR HEART BE ALSO-Mt 6:19-21. SET YOUR AFFECTION ON THINGS ABOVE, NOT ON
THINGS ON THE EARTH-Col 3:2. WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT
HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE-Lk 14:33. This Jesus told the rich young
merchant to go and sell what he had, give to the poor, and come and follow
Him-ref Mt 19:21. This is a very unpopular Jesus today. Which Jesus do you
follow?

There is also a very popular Jesus that says you can smoke, get drunk, take
drugs, watch filth on TV, and yet go to heaven. Then there is a very different
Jesus, Who tells us, THEY THAT ARE CHRISTS HAVE CRUCIFIED THE FLESH-Gal 5:24.
He also says, IF ANY MAN DEFILE THE TEMPLE OF GOD, HIM SHALL GOD DESTROY; FOR
THE TEMPLE OF GOD IS HOLY, WHICH TEMPLE YE ARE-1 Cor 3:17. This Jesus also
says, I WILL SET NO WICKED THING BEFORE MINE EYES: I HATE THE WORK OF THEM THAT
TURN ASIDE; IT SHALL NOT CLEAVE TO ME-Ps 101:3. Which Jesus do you want to
follow? the one of your fleshly desires or the One that says, "Repent"?

There is a Jesus being preached by many today. He is a Jesus of compromise; he
never insists you must do Gods will. Many people love this Jesus but hate the
other.

The other Jesus tells us, NOT EVERY ONE THAT SAITH UNTO ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL
ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH
IS IN HEAVEN-Mt 7:21. Which Jesus does your heart love?

There is also a Jesus of bitterness, jealousy, and envy. This Jesus does not
require you to repent of these things. Then there is a very different Jesus,
Who says, LET ALL BITTERNESS, AND WRATH, AND ANGER, AND CLAMOR, AND EVIL
SPEAKING, BE PUT AWAY FROM YOU, WITH ALL MALICE-Eph 4:31. And that IF YE HAVE
BITTER ENVYING AND STRIFE IN YOUR HEARTS, GLORY NOT, AND LIE NOT AGAINST THE
TRUTH. THIS WISDOM DESCENDETH NOT FROM ABOVE, BUT IS EARTHLY, SENSUAL,
DEVILISH. FOR WHERE ENVYING AND STRIFE IS, THERE IS CONFUSION AND EVERY EVIL
WORK-Ja 3:14-16. Which Jesus do you wish to follow?

Then there is the Jesus of unforgiveness. This Jesus is in nearly every church.
He is a Jesus that tells you it is all right not to forgive those who have
wronged you; your heavenly Father will still forgive your sins. Then there is a
very different Jesus, Who says, IF YE FORGIVE MEN THEIR TRESPASSES, YOUR
HEAVENLY FATHER WILL ALSO FORGIVE YOU: BUT IF YE FORGIVE NOT MEN THEIR
TRESPASSES, NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER FORGIVE YOUR TRESPASSES-Mt 6:14,15. Which
Jesus are you committed to? There is also a Jesus of no change. Multitudes
follow this Jesus. He tells them they can go on living just the way they have
been; their attitude and outlook on things does not need to change. He tells
them they never have to be converted or transformed. This Jesus is greatly
loved by nearly all Christians. Then there is a very different Jesus, Who says,
VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN,
YE SHALL NOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-Mt 18:3. BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE
RENEWING OF YOUR MIND-Ro 12:2. For you are to put NEW WINE...INTO NEW
BOTTLES-Lk 5:38; and PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN,
WHICH IS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE DECEITFUL LUSTS; AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT
OF YOUR MIND; AND THAT YE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN
RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS-Eph 4:22-24. This Jesus is greatly hated and
rejected by all that will perish to hell. Which Jesus do you love? Which Jesus
do you follow and obey?

There is another Jesus, one of no correction. Oh, how carnal Christians love
the Jesus that never points a finger at them, and says, "You are wrong." People
love a Jesus that lets them do anything their evil heart desires and a church
that teaches what their itching ears want to hear-ref 2 Tim 4:3,4. One that
never tells them they must change, repent, and forsake their own ways. Then
there is a Jesus that was hated by the religious leaders of His day. The
Pharisees, lawyers, scribes, Herodians, and Sadducees despised this JesusWho
pointed out their sins and corrected them. This Jesus, Who was hated, says,
REPROOFS OF INSTRUCTION ARE THE WAY OF LIFE-Pv 6:23. He tells us not to despise
the chastening of the Lord-ref Pv 3:11. HEAR INSTRUCTION, AND BE WISE, AND
REFUSE IT NOT-Pv 8:33. He tells us, CORRECTION IS GRIEVOUS UNTO HIM THAT
FORSAKETH THE WAY. He warns that those who will not receive correction shall
perish, by saying, AND HE THAT HATETH REPROOF (or correction) SHALL DIE-Pv
15:10. Do you want to follow a Jesus that will correct you? or one who will let
you live in sin, deceit, and disobedience? Which Jesus do you follow? Jesus
frequently corrected His disciples, and they received it gladly. Do you want to
follow the same Jesus that Peter, Matthew, John, and Paul followed? If you do,
you shall be corrected; you are even to ask for correction. As it is written,
Ps 26:2-EXAMINE ME, O LORD, AND PROVE ME; TRY MY REINS AND MY HEART. Then there
is the Jesus that doesnt cast people into hell. He is the Jesus that tells us,
"Everyone is saved." This Jesus is loved by most people. Yet there is another
Jesus, Who says, AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS
CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE-Rev 20:15; He also says to those that have lived in
rebellion to God, DEPART FROM ME, YE CURSED, INTO EVERLASTING FIRE, PREPARED
FOR THE DEVIL AND HIS ANGELS-Mt 25:41. This Jesus casts people into the lake of
fire. This Jesus is hated by most, for He also says that few people truly find
salvation-ref Mt 7:14. However, multitudes are positive they are savedbut will
perish-ref Mt 7:22,23. He tells us, if you will not serve God, if you are an
"unprofitable servant," you will be cast into outer darkness (the lake of
fire)-ref Mt 25:30. This Jesus is hated by most that claim to follow Jesus-ref
Mt 7:21-23. Which Jesus do you love?

There is a manufactured Jesus that tells us we do not have to obey the Gospel,
also that we do not have to obey our pastor. Many follow this Jesus. However,
there is a different Jesus, Who tells us, the Holy Ghost (salvation) is given
TO THEM THAT OBEY HIM-ref Acts 5:32. His Word tells us, HE BECAME THE AUTHOR OF
ETERNAL SALVATION (only to a select few) UNTO ALL THEM THAT OBEY HIM-Heb 5:9.
He tells us to obey our pastor, SAYING, THE SCRIBES AND THE PHARISEES SIT IN
MOSES SEAT: ALL THEREFORE WHATSOEVER THEY BID YOU OBSERVE, THAT OBSERVE AND
DO; BUT DO NOT YE AFTER THEIR WORKS: FOR THEY SAY, AND DO NOT-Mt 23:2,3. OBEY
THEM THAT HAVE THE RULE OVER YOU, AND SUBMIT YOURSELVES: FOR THEY WATCH FOR
YOUR SOULS, AS THEY THAT MUST GIVE ACCOUNT, THAT THEY MAY DO IT WITH JOY, AND
NOT WITH GRIEF: FOR THAT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR YOU-Heb 13:17. Which Jesus do you
obey and love?

There is a Jesuswhich has been adjusted to suit todays churcheswho tells us
we never have to let Him or His Word reign over us. This Jesus is preached in
most churches and is greatly loved by many. Then there is a Jesus that few
understand. Few want to know of His teachings or His ways, because He teaches
that we shall perish if we do not submit to Him, to His Word. We are to let Him
reign over us; as it is written, Lk 19:27-BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD
NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY THEM BEFORE ME. Is
this the Jesus you want to follow? Or would you rather follow a Jesus that does
not tell you what to do and perish later? There is a Jesus that we never have
to suffer for. We can enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, yet rest in hope
that we will still go to heaven. Then there is another Jesus, Who says, WE ARE
KILLED ALL THE DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER-Ro 8:36.
This is a Jesus of no compromise; His Word tells us, 2 Tim 3:12-YEA, AND ALL
THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION. 2 Tim 2:12-IF WE
SUFFER, WE SHALL ALSO REIGN WITH HIM. Which Jesus do you want to follow? Where
is your heart?

There is a Jesus that says, "I know you love me, even though you do your own
will and justify yourself." This Jesus says, "God knows your heart, He knows
you love Him." However, there is another Jesus that disagrees. He teaches that
the "evidence of your love" for Him is not emotion. The way to know you truly
love Him is by keeping His commandments. Jn 14:15-IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY
COMMANDMENTS. Jn 14:21-HE THAT HATH MY COMMANDMENTS, AND KEEPETH THEM, HE IT IS
THAT LOVETH ME. Which Jesus do you follow? The one that says, "I know you love
me, even though you do your own will"? or the One that teaches the proof of
your love is expressed in keeping His commandments? It is written, Jere
17:9-THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN
KNOW IT?

There is a Jesus, revised by men, that says you do not have to keep his
commandments. There is another Jesus, Who says, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS OF GOD,
AND THE FAITH OF JESUS-Rev 14:12. Which Jesus do you follow?

Do you follow a Jesus that tells you to serve the world or serve God? Do you
follow a Jesus that says, "Souls, souls, souls, win souls," or a Jesus that
allows you to say, "I am afraid, I am too busy, I just cant, I am not going to
make it." The Jesus of the Bible, says, FOLLOW ME, AND I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS
OF MEN-Mt 4:19. Which Jesus do you have in your heart? Which Jesus do you
follow? Do you have the attitude, "No one is going to tell me what to do"?

There is a Jesus that says, "Love this world; strive for success; get all the
good things in life; eat, drink, and be merry." Then there is another Jesus,
Who says, LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY
MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM-1 Jn 2:15. KNOW YE NOT
THAT THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY (or hatred) WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER
THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD-Ja 4:4. So which
Jesus do you love? the Jesus of this world or the Jesus of the world to come?

There is the manufactured Jesus that tells us we do not have to repent nor are
we to fear God. He tells us not to worry, everything will turn out all right.
Then there is the Jesus, Who commands ALL MEN EVERY WHERE TO REPENT-Acts 17:30.
EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH-Lk 13:3,5. He says, Lk 12:5-I
WILL FOREWARN YOU WHOM YE SHALL FEAR: FEAR HIM, WHICH AFTER HE HATH KILLED HATH
POWER TO CAST INTO HELL. Mt 10:28-FEAR HIM WHICH IS ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH SOUL
AND BODY IN HELL. Which God do you follow?

There is a Jesus of complete mercy and no judgment. He may tell you that it is
all right to sin. It is all right to disobey the Scriptures, to serve the
world, and to put souls last. It is all right not to read your Bible or obey
the Gospel. God will forgive you. Then there is another Jesus, Who says, IT IS
APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT-Heb 9:27. MERCY
REJOICETH AGAINST JUDGMENT-Ja 2:13. IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE
HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD-Heb 10:31. NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN
HIM OR KNOWN HIM-1 Jn 3:6 NIV. And if you trample THE SON OF GOD UNDER FOOT,
and treat His blood as AN UNHOLY THING-ref Heb 10:29 NIV, then know this:
VENGEANCE BELONGETH UNTO ME, I WILL RECOMPENSE, SAITH THE LORD-Heb 10:30.
VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL REPAY, SAITH THE LORD-Ro 12:19.

Consider:

When the Rapture occurs or you die, what will your life and all the things you
have done mean? At that last moment, only what you did regarding Jesus will
count. Can you receive this now? Which Jesus do you follow?

Visit our sites and be blessed:
www.ourchurch.com/member/m/MARANATHAGOSPEL
www.ourchurch.com/member/g/gracebblcollege
www.ourchurch.com/member/g/graceorphanage
www.gracebiblecollege.injesus.com
www.maranathamission.injesus.com

=====
--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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