JESUS DESK

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, God’s Word or food? Job also said, I AM AFRAID OF HIM-Job 23:15.

    There is a Jesus of the Mormons, of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and of the Muslims. There is a Jesus of the Hindus, of Armstrongism, and of the spirit guides. There is a Jesus of men’s traditions and a Jesus that is what men want Him to be. There is also a Jesus that is what men’s 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 CHRIST’S (or that are saved) HAVE (past tense) CRUCIFIED THE FLESH WITH THE AFFECTIONS AND LUSTS-Gal 5:24. This Jesus—Who is seldom preached—also 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 CHRIST’S 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 God’s 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 Jesus—Who 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 doesn’t 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 saved—but 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 Jesus—which has been adjusted to suit today’s churches—who 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 can’t, 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.

    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?