Bethany Bullet - July 10, 2013

Jesus + Nothing = Everything is the Galatians equation that we’ve been working with.  God and God Alone Saves!  Now there were those who said, Jesus + Something (obedience to the Mosaic covenant) = Everything. In Galatians chapter 2 we find that they had impacted Peter’s behavior on one occasion. 

Please read Galatians 2 (click HERE to go to reading) and then return to this Bethany Bullet.

 

Practically Hypocrisy is what Peter is accused of.  Yet, said hypocrisy could lead some to embrace a heresy, the heresy of works righteousness. The notion of a salvation in which we play a role can only leave you in doubt about your standing before God or in denial about the person standing before you in the mirror.  This is why Paul corrects Peter.

It wasn’t however the first time Paul met Peter. You read that story as well in chapter two. That first meeting between Paul and Peter, James and John introduced a corollary equation: Everything – Jesus = Nothing.

You could have influence beyond measure (replace EF Hutton with your name), you could have wealth beyond comprehension (makes Warren Buffett look like a pauper), you could have looks that make George Clooney or Heidi Klum jealous, you could have name recognition that would cause Bill Gates to get bumped to the table by the kitchen – but if you don’t have Jesus you don’t have anything!

You could live in the greatest nation on the face of the earth of all time. Where residents dwell in complete safety, where leaders guide in total humility, in which people live with absolute purity but if you are not a citizen of another country, a heavenly one, you really have nothing!

You could belong to a congregation that worships tens of thousands, the preacher has the voice of an angel and the wisdom of Solomon, and a budget to make Solomon blush, but if in the long run that ministry has added something to Jesus for salvation – even without intention, be it decision, emotion, obligation, you have or risk having – NOTHING.

You can have all the world, you can have all the world, but without Jesus you got nothing.

Click HERE to watch YouTube clip, Give me Jesus.

*If unable to open link; copy/paste this into your browser: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rZ8k9m2hwo

-Pastor Kevin Kritzer