Jesus – The Author of Your Life
Text: John 1:1-4; Acts 3:15, 5:31;
Hebrews 2:10, 5:9, 11:1, 12:1,2; I Corinthians 14:33
Introduction
As we begin a New Year 2012, we give thanks to God for giving us the grace to enter into the New Year, and for what He has done in our lives in 2011. When we read a book, on the cover or a page inside the book appears biographical information on the author of that book. When it comes to the Christian faith, our author is the Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Saviour. The Bible is written by 40 men over a period of 1,500 years, however, the Bible was given by inspiration of God. In other words, the Holy Spirit inspired these men to write what was written in the canon of Scripture. Paul wrote about this in his Second Epistle to his spiritual son, Timothy.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Timothy 3:16, 17 KJV
The Greek word for author is the word archgoV(archegos), which means the following: author, creator, originator, prince, and captain. It only appears a few times in the entire New Testament, however, it vividly describes the Lord Jesus Christ in his Deity and in his Humanity. The word archegos is derived from the Greek root word arch (arche), which means beginning.
In order to have a beginning, there has to be a beginner.
We'll see that Jesus is the author of the following: life, faith, eternal salvation, and peace.
The Author of Life
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:1-4
As stated in the Scripture (and in another message), the Lord Jesus Christ was with God the Father in eternity past and was with God the Father at the Creation. Christ is the Word, or logoV (logos) in the Greek, mentioned in John 1:1-4. He spoke life and light into existence.
Today, through the technology of three Space Telescopes in orbit around the earth, scientists have declared that the universe is in a constant state of expansion. Right now, there are billions and billions of galaxies in the universe. Science proves what the Bible declares to be true. When God created the universe, there was darkness upon the face of the deep, and the earth was without form and void. So, God (Elohim in the Hebrew), spoke and light came into existence. God did not create everything out of chaos as the evolutionists claim. There was an orderly purpose in the Creation, and it was created by an intelligent design. In other words, there had to be an intelligent designer, or Creator to make everything to be set in the proper order in the universe.
In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said let there be light, and there was light. And God saw the light, that it as good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. Genesis 1:1-5 KJV
Bereshith bara Elohim eth hashamayim ve eth ha'aretz. (Genesis 1:1 Hebrew Transliteration)
In the beginning created God both the heaven and the earth. (English translation from the Hebrew)
Right now, there is a spacecraft called Curiosity (aka Mars Science Laboratory) which was launched on an Atlas V rocket on 11/26 to find out if there is life or evidence of supporting life on Mars. Curiosity is the largest man-made rover to make scientific studies on the Red Planet, and will arrive on Mars in August of 2012. If there was life on Mars, God would have already put it there. According to a 2003 documentary on the history of NASA (the US Space Agency), there have been 115 planets discovered by the three US Space Telescopes, and if there was life on any one of them, God would have already put it there. However, the proof exists that God created life on Earth, and only on Earth.
Both the Apostle Peter and the Apostle John testified about the mighty creating power of God.
Peter addressed the people after the healing of the crippled man at the Beautiful Gate of Solomon's Porch about Christ being the Author of Life.
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince (archgoV) of life, whom God hath raised up from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. Acts 3:13-15 KJV
Many years later, the Apostle John testified about the Creator too.
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of Life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. I John 1:1-4 KJV
Through the life of Jesus, and through His death and resurrection, we can have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:9, 10).
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and theythat hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. John 5:24-27 KJV
And Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 KJV
You can have life, if you have faith in the Son of God who gave himself to be the ransom for many for the forgiveness of sins. We must believe by faith that Jesus is the Son of God.
The Author of Faith
By definition faith is not something you see, which is contrary to the popular notion, “Seeing is believing.” Here is what the writer to the Hebrews said about faith:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:1-3 KJV
If you notice the wind, you don't see the wind, but you can see the effects of the wind. For example, if a tornado passes by, you see the actual funnel cloud, but the damage is felt after the winds blow and throw things around. You breathe air, and even though you don't see it, it's there. It's the same way with faith. When you have faith, things become reality for you. Jesus is the author, or archegos, of our faith.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus he author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1, 2 KJV
Life is like a marathon race, and we must pace ourselves to run that race, but we must lay aside every thing that impedes our faith and life, like sin and unrighteousness, and we must fix our eyes on the goal, which is Jesus Christ, who gives us salvation if we believe by faith. He is the goal that we must reach at the end of the race, in which our faith will become sight (II Corinthians 5:7). If a man looks to the left or the right, or even behind in our lives, and not focus directly ahead to Jesus, it is like a man who sins, or does not put His focus by faith on Jesus Christ.
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. Luke 9:61, 62 KJV
When you got up this morning, how did you eat breakfast? BY FAITH. When you get in your car to go somewhere, how do you start the car? BY FAITH. You have faith that the chair you sit on will hold you up instead of collapsing. You also have faith to be a doer of the Word, and not only a hearer of that Word. How do you get saved and accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour? BY FAITH when you heard someone preach or share the Word with you, or reading a gospel message like this.
When you accept Jesus as your Saviour by faith, your life will change for the better. Even though there will be trials and problems that come in life, you can live life by faith and experience the grace of god in your life.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of he work, he shall be blessed in his deed. James 1:22-25 KJV
However, if a man says he has faith, his faith must not be dead faith. We must put steps in our faith to do the perfect law of liberty. Works d not produce faith, but faith produces the works which are a result of having salvation through faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour.
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead, being alone. James 2:14-17 KJV
Through faith, we obtain salvation, because Jesus is the Author of eternal salvation.
The Author of Eternal Salvation
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste of death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:9, 10 KJV
Jesus, in His death and resurrection, made complete the finished work of salvation through His sufferings, which were prophesied and proclaimed by Jesus himself in His earthly ministry that salvation would come through his obedience unto death, and the death of the cross.
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:6-8 KJV
Christ was obedient to the will of the Father, even though he lived sinless. He lived in a world under the Mosaic Law, and was obedient unto the Law, however Christ was the fulfillment of the Law and of the prophets.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:8-10 KJV
God sent His Son Jesus Christ to to the world because He loved the world so much, and that the world through Jesus would be saved. He came into this world to complete the plan of salvation. Since the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3, there was a need for a Saviour to save all humanity from the penalty of sin. Jesus came into the world, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of a virgin, and lived a sinless life, and died on a cruel, Roman cross so that we can have salvation in him.
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:23-26 KJV
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12 KJV
Through the salvation of Jesus Christ, we have peace with God through Jesus.
The Author of Peace
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV
Through the forgiveness of sins, we can have two kinds of peace, which are 1) Peace with God through justification and reconciliation; and 2) the Peace of God which passes all understanding.
Peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23), and is a result of living a life that is pleasing to God. The ONLY real peace we can have is the peace that God gives us through His Son. Is there peace in the world today? Certainly not! We hear of wars, and rumors of wars, and strife on every hand.
The United Nations was created in 1945 to bring world peace, but there will be no peace until the Prince of Peace comes. In Isaiah 9:6, the Messiah was called the Prince of Peace. He will also be the Prince of Peace when he comes to take His children home, and then after the Great Tribulation period, Jesus will rule and reign for 1,000 years, and there will truly be world peace. But first, there must be peace in one's heart with God as a result of salvation in Christ.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience, and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:1-5 KJV
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14: 26, 27 KJV
Through the reconciliation with God the Father, we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Also, by living right, we have the peace of God in us, which can help in times of trial and tribulation.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7 KJV
The Author of YOUR LIFE
We have stated that Jesus is the Author, or archegos, of life, faith, salvation, and peace. Also, Jesus can be the AUTHOR of YOUR LIFE if you let him become your Lord and Saviour today. He is keeping a record of everything we say and do in life on this earth. There is one book that will be opened in heaven, which is the Book of Life, and only the names of the ones who have trusted in Christ as Saviour is written in that book. However, if your name is not written in the Book of Life, you will spend eternity in a real, literal HELL, eternally separated from God, and it is my earnest desire and hope that NO ONE goes there for eternity.
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15 KJV
However, the choice is YOURS to make. It will be the most important decision you must make in life. Would you let Jesus Christ be your Saviour, and receive forgiveness of sins, or spend eternity separated from God, and not have peace in your life? Let Jesus Christ be the Author of YOUR LIFE today.
As we begin the New Year of 2012, would you put your trust in Jesus as YOUR Messiah today?
If so, here is what you need to do. It’s as simple as ABC.
A – ADMIT that you’re a sinner
B – Believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins on the cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and was raised for our justification.
C – Confess your sins to him with all your heart through prayer.
First, you must recognize your need for salvation in the Word.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23 KJV
You must ADMIT that you’re a sinner. Every person has the same sin-sick condition on earth.
For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 KJV
For the sinner, this is the inevitable consequence of sin. It is not only physical death in the grave, but it is the eternal separation from God in a real, literal HELL. It is my hope that none of you go there.
Next, you must BELIEVE that Jesus died for your sins, was buried in a borrowed tomb, and was raised on the third day for our justification.
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Romans 5:8-11 KJV
After that, you must CONFESS your sins to Jesus to receive the “treatment” for your sin condition. What is this treatment? It is salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:9-13 KJV
All this I said and wrote was to bring you this far to make a decision. Again, the decision is yours to make between you and God. However, there is no better time than the present to make this very important decision in your life.
We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. II Corinthians 6:1, 2 KJV
Jesus Christ gives you the “free gift” of eternal life, and forgiveness of sins. Now you must make the most important decision of you life. You can choose one of two things: You can ACCEPT Jesus as your Saviour, and receive the treatment you need, or you can REJECT and say, “I’m happy with my life, and I don’t need Jesus or His salvation. I’m happy with my religion.” However, if you refuse, you’re condemned to die and spend eternity in HELL unless you repent of your sins. If you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Saviour, then pray this prayer sincerely with all your heart.
Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. For this reason, I deserve to go to hell. I believe that you died on the Cross for my sins. I accept you now as my personal Lord and Saviour. I believe in the promises in Your Word, knowing that I accept you as my Saviour. Thank you for saving me. In Your name I pray. AMEN
If you prayed this prayer, please write or call at the following address:
Pastor Christopher Cartwright Dr. Earl R. Jackson
Missionary Ambassador Ministries Calvary Baptist Church
1007 Country Club Ct. 1123 St. Rt. 28
Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 Milford, Ohio 45150
(740) 335-9960 (513)575-9708
