After surrendering my life to Jesus in 1999, I came to know Jesus in a real and personal way. I began attending an evangelical church where an “altar” call and “Come to Jesus for Salvation” was taught. In my heart, this became my language, where "Jesus the Savior” basically flowed from my mouth. Why shouldn’t it be, I mean that is what He did with my life.

However, I dare say now that the mantra of “Jesus the Savior” was a partial truth, and because of this, both good and bad played out in my heart. The grace for myself and others increased while the Truth of the Scriptures somewhat decreased. You might think this is a good thing but I would argue that this mentality can stump your growth and cause you to see what you want, instead of what is.

In 2012, I was introduced to a new and more biblical mantra through my friend Matt. This mantra is known as “Jesus is Lord”. I can hear you now saying, “I knew this all along and so what took you so long to figure it out." Here’s where I might challenge that notion of yours.

The truth of "Jesus is Lord” has been embedded in his followers from the earliest New Testament church. Men and women would give their lives for this statement dying horrific deaths to defend it and not recant these 3 powerful, yet divisive words. This mantra causes its proclaimers to yield all aspects of their life to the Lordship of Jesus. It is with a sad heart that I report that less that 5% of “christians” actually give 10% of their money away. Can we say that this is because Jesus is their Savior but fails to be their Lord. You see, when Jesus is Lord, all aspects of your life belong to Him and are open for heart change because you believe with all your fiber that He is FOR you. In western Christianity where 95% of “christians” don’t trust the tithe, we can assume they don’t really trust their Savior thus……we have a GOSPEL GLITCH.

It is only when Jesus becomes your Lord, that Jesus can also be your Saviour.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we... 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

MAY IT NOT BE SO OF YOU!

Much love and fighting for you,
Pastor Chris and your New City Pastoral Staff