“...In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." —John 16:33

I wonder how Jesus feels listening to some of the messages preached from our American pulpits. I wonder if He’s noticed the same thing I have--that most of the messages in our “me-centered” culture come from one of two angles:

1) Either they are nice messages that tell people how to be a better person, how to get their prayers answered, or “how to…” This type of message is usually a very well organized three- to seven-point message that leaves the listener feeling encouraged and ready to go (all too often just to a big lunch). Or...

2) They focus on the fact that Jesus said in John 16:33, “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." This makes us feel good if we’re going through life’s trials, which truly can be very tiresome. (Incidentally, use of this verse is also a great way to get people to read articles, which is why I put that scripture on the top of this article; I knew this piece would be a bit challenging, and having it there might get you to read it).

I can’t help but notice that we as ministers spend more time preaching to make people feel good than drawing the body of Christ into a deeper relationship with Him. I know that people need to be encouraged (myself included), but isn’t the emphasis supposed to be on Jesus?   It may seem a bit “simple” to some, but in Hebrews 11:6 Paul told us that it is impossible to please God without faith. So shouldn’t the focus of our faith in any situation be Him? If the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, then the shortest way to answered prayer might be faith in God and the finished work of Jesus His son. Lately the old hymn Jesus Paid it All keeps resurfacing in my life, so I thought I would share the words of that incredible work of art with you as a focal point:

Jesus Paid It All

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”

Refrain
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

Refrain

And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.

Refrain

Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.