We know that Jesus was born in a small town called Bethlehem and - since there was no room in the Inn - Jesus was laid in a manger; or a feeding trough. He didn't come as a mighty King, as many had anticipated, Jesus came to earth as a helpless little baby. Throughout His young life, he grew increasingly wise to the amazement of all. He was raised in a town called Nazareth, about which someone dared to ask, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Well, apparently it can. Something truly wonderful came out of Nazareth,  His name is Jesus! (John 1:46)

The Bible tells us that "All have sinned...", and that's true about everyone who's ever lived, except for Jesus. We're told that "He was tempted in every way that we are, but He was without sin ." (Heb. 4:15) And, the Apostle Peter added, "He never sinned, nor deceived anyone." (1 Pet. 2:22).  Jesus' sinless perfection is what made Him a worthy sacrifice. John the Baptist said, when he first introduced Jesus publicly, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!" (John 1:29)

Because God is Holy and just, He cannot allow sin to enter heaven. So, because we're all sinners by nature, God sent His Son, Jesus to pay for our sins on the Cross. He didn't deserve it (He was sinless), but He became our substitute - He is our propitiation (a word that means "a satisfactory sacrifice"), when He shed His blood, it completely washed away our sin. When He died, He said, "It is finished!" (John 19:30)    As the old song says, "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!" 

Because sin places us in bondage; because our fallen nature keeps us always doubting ourselves; since we only need to look at ourselves in the mirror to clearly understand how spiritually needy we truly are, the Bible tells us that "Whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. (John 8:34) But, because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, our sins are wiped away and we are no longer slaves to them. John 8:36 follows up with this transformational truth: "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." 

After His substitutionary death on the cross, Jesus' body was taken to a borrowed tomb where it  laid dead silent for 3 days. One the morning of the 3rd Day, the Bible says that the giant stone was rolled away from the opening, and Jesus came out of that grave - ALIVE!  He had been resurrected. He told a group of people who were at the funeral of a friend that He is the Resurrection and the Life.  If we believe in Him, though we may die, we will live forever!" (John 11:25) When Jesus came out of that grave, He proved He is God, and He proved He has the power over death, hell, and the grave!

After He rose from the dead, we're told by Dr. Luke (who - being a physician - would know better than most people the difference between clinically dead and alive) that Jesus "Presented Himself alive by many infallible proofs." (Acts 1:3) That means you can't really dispute that claim. It wasn't just a rumor or wishful thinking, Jesus showed Himself to men, women, believers, non-believers, He appeared before more than 500 people at one time (1 Cor. 15:6). He even appeared to His disciples and let them see the nail-scars in his hands. (John 20:28). One of them, Thomas, when he saw it said, "My Lord and My God!" He knew that Jesus had been raised from the dead and that everything He told them was true!

We're told in Acts 1:9 "Now when [Jesus had spoken to His disciples], while they watched; He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight." He had completed His earthly mission - to provide a way to eternal salvation through His death, burial and resurrection - and He told His followers that THEIR mission (our mission) was to go into all the world and tell all people about Him. He said He would be with us always - even to the end of the age. (Matt. 28:20) And right now, we're told that He is in Heaven, with God the Father, interceding for all those who draw near to Him. Jesus is praying for our strength, and courage, and perseverance. (Hebrews 7:25)   Because He knows what's coming next...

The greatest promise Jesus gave us before He ascended into heaven is that He would be back! This time though, He's not coming as a tiny baby... This time He will be coming on the clouds with great power and glory. Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. (Revelation 1:7) There are many fascinating details that will surround His triumphant return [this space is far too small to record it all], but rest assured, Jesus is coming back! For those who love Him and are called by His name; it will be absolutely amazing!  For those who have rejected Jesus in this life, it will be terrifying.  Therefore, we at River Oaks Church want to tell you one more very important thing about Jesus: