THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEYMAN ©: Why Do We Need Jesus? TCJ eBook (By Gary Patterson)

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Why Do We Need Jesus? TCJ eBook (By Gary Patterson)

Why Do We Jesus? (By Gary Patterson)

Who is Jesus to you? *Jesus Christ is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in history. To Christians, he is the "Son of God" and "Savior of humanity", whose mission was to bring salvation through his teachings, death, and resurrection. His life and message are chronicled in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament. Beyond Christianity, Jesus is recognized in various religious and historical contexts: In "Islam", he is known as "Isa", a revered prophet and messenger of God. In "Judaism", he is seen as a historical figure but not the Messiah. In "secular history", he is acknowledged as a moral teacher whose principles of love, forgiveness, and compassion have shaped societies worldwide. His teachings emphasize love, humility, and service to others, inspiring billions across different cultures and faiths. But personally, Who is Jesus to you? And why do we need Him in our lives? Here is a collection of TCJ Blog-Posts that addresses these questions concerning Jesus Christ.

Table Of Contents:

I Have No Need

That I May Know Him

The Best Answer We Can Have

A Personal Premise

To Live Is Christ

Biblical Insights Of The Resurrection

Is Jesus Our Lord And Christ?

Will Jesus Enter Your Heart?

[A collection of Blog-Posts from (The Christian Journeyman Blog-site) May, 2025

I Have No Need

(Luke 7:36-47) It happened in the home of a Pharisee named Simon, who invited Jesus to have a meal. And while Jesus was there, a woman (thought of by tradition as Mary Magdalene) slipped in, and brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and began to wet Jesus' feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, and then poured perfume on them. Right away Simon who had a heart of self righteousness, criticized Jesus for not recognizing the kind of person this woman was, a sinner. As Christians, how we look at people who are lost in sin, and are involved in worldly destructive pleasures and practices is very important. Important in the fact that we are the ones who are to be a beacon of light to those who are walking in this world of sinful darkness. If we look at these people and say, "I’m so glad that I am not like them.", "so glad that I am not where they are." and that is as far as our heart takes us. how selfish, and uncaring we are. But while we are expressing these thoughts, there are things in our lives that we would not want anyone to know. Our spiritual closets are not clean. Yet Jesus knows our thoughts, and our actions, even though the world is not aware of our short-comings. Jesus made it clear to Simon, that while He was there, Simon had not really made Him feel welcome with the customary courtesies of the day. But this woman who knew who Jesus was, and knew who she was, expressed her love and faith in Him. As a Christian, I cannot say, that I have no need of a Savior, because I need Jesus to save me every day. To help me in my journey every single moment of my life. It's not a one time event, but an everyday event. And we need to have one hand in the hand of our Savior, and the other hand extended to those who have never given their lives to Jesus before. That is where our heart should be. As Jesus is the life preserver, we are the rope that casts it out into the sea, to rescue lost souls for Him. And if I say, "I do have need of Jesus in my life, everyday, it will be an encouragement to those who are lost, to see their need for Him as well. GP The Christian Journeyman © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

That I May Know Him

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8-11) Here we are again, approaching Christmas day, and as usual, a lot of preparations will be made. I realize that people have different perspectives in regards to celebrating Christmas. But I want to make known this perspective presented to us by the Apostle Paul. He wrote this to the Christians at Philippi (and to us). At Christmas this year, let's take advantage of the opportunity to really get to know our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ. Because the question that comes to my mind is; How well do we know this one whose birthday we are celebrating? This one who God gave to us, to be our Savior and Shepherd of our lives? The Apostle Paul shares with us three things we must look at, if we are to know the Lord, and what He has to offer us in this blessed relationship.

1. A Look At The World.(v.8) This world has nothing to offer compared to what the Lord provides us with. The Apostle Paul said he counted all that he gained of this world, as "rubbish"compared to the "Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." This knowledge of Jesus Christ contained His person, His principles, His provisions, and His peace. These things are far better blessings than what the world can give.

2. A look At Ourselves (v.9) Because of sin, we are not righteous before God. But trusting in the sacrificial sanctifying death of Jesus Christ, we can obtain a righteousness acceptable to God. Along with this is a look at how willing we are to suffer for Jesus. He went to the cross to pay our sin debt. Will we take up our cross and follow Him? How far will we go, in suffering for our Lord?

3. A Look At The Future (vv.10-11) To embrace the power and hope of the resurrection through Jesus Christ. To believe and live everyday in the greatest blessing we as God's people have. That one day we will rise from the grave, to live eternally with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. As God's People we have the best hope for the future, a people could ever have. To celebrate Christmas is a joyous and blessed activity. But more than this, is a great opportunity to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ better than we ever have before. As we read and live out His Word, and spend time in prayer to Him, we come to feel His presence, and His peace. Christmas is more than just having a good time. It is rejoicing in the love, joy, and peace that only our relationship with Jesus can bring. Do you know Him today? GP

The Best Answer We Can Have

And Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son Of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) After Jesus enters the region of Caesarea Philippi (which is north of the region of Galilee) He gives His disciples more than a pop quiz. It is a direct question concerning His identity; "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man am?" The disciples try to answer by saying: "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah, or one of the the prophets." Then Jesus responds with an additional question; one that is a challenge to their thinking. "He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" I can just see Peter saying to himself: "I think I know this one!" And boy does he ever. And Peter speaks up and says: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!" Right away Jesus commends Peter for coming up with the right answer. The question of this post-article today is: How is Peter's answer the best answer for us today? This statement of the true identity of Jesus Christ should be shown in all that we say and do. As people watch our walk, what do they see? Do they see that we truly believe that Jesus is the "Christ" (which in the Greek means "anointed one")? As the Old Testament predicted, that God would send a chosen one - the Messiah - to save the world from sin. Jesus came to fulfill God's plan for the ages, and save man-kind from the penalty of Sin. Do we live everyday in great gratitude and praise for our redemption, and future eternal hope. Nothing matters more than our relationship with our Savior, Jesus Christ. Everyday we say no to the world, and yes, to Him. Jesus willingly came, to fulfill His role as Savior. Have we personally accepted Him as our Savior? Do we live, and act like we are saved? In Peter's answer he goes on to identify Jesus as "the Son Of The Living God." Jesus is more than a good man, or a good teacher, but He is the divine "Son Of The Living God." In our daily lives do we recognize Jesus as the second person of the God-head. Do we worship Him, live for Him, witness for Him, every opportunity that comes our way. Peter had his faults, as we all do. He learned as he went along, just who Jesus was to Him. He learned that the answer he gave at this time, was the right answer, and the best answer to the questionable world. And it will be the same for us. This answer is the best answer we have for our lives, and the lives of others! GP

A Personal Premise

"For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus." (1 Corinthians 3:11) I want to begin by stating how the Christian life is to begin; and how everything else in regards to our worship and practice stems from this premise. The Christian life begins with a saving, and living, relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter made this statement in Acts 4:12, "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." That name Peter is referring to is Jesus Christ. And before we can experience God's abundant, eternal blessings, and participate in the practices, and work of the Kingdom of God, we must establish this premise. When asked by the people of Pentecost, in response to Peter's sermon concerning Jesus Christ, they asked:"men and brethren, what shall we do" then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) This premise must be personal. As the church, we must share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Romans 10:17) When the gospel is received, it is a personal decision of each individual to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. No one else can do this for another. It is a commitment that must be made by each individual. This premise must be in place before we pursue or practice anything in our Christian walk. To jump ahead of this premise, and try to pursue, or practice the things the Bible instructs, is not going to mean anything, or accomplish anything in the kingdom of God. Accepting Jesus Christ into our life, for the rest of our life, comes first. For example: The partaking of the Lord's Supper is to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross of Calvary. That His broken body, and shed of blood, was to be a sacrifice to atone for our sins. If we have not established a personal, saving premise, of Jesus Christ as our Savior, how are we to get a hold of what taking communion really means? How can we remember the one who is our Savior, and understand what He did for us at the cross, if we have never accepted Him as Savior in the first place? How can we be a witness to what Jesus means to us at Communion, if we have not accepted Him as Savior to begin with? Like someone has said: "You cannot lead someone to place you have never been." I know that in some faith groups, there are strong restrictions in the matters of church practice and activity. And I believe that in the harshness of these restrictions, it tends to discourage people instead of encourage them, to establish and maintain what the Bible instructs us to do. Yes, as the church we are to evangelize (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8) and we are to edify the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12) But we are to do these two things in a spirit of love, and gentleness (Galatians 6:1-5) We are to help people to establish and maintain their personal premise; a personal, saving, and living relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ! When we start with Jesus, how meaningful, and effective our Christian walk, and ministry will be! GP

To Live Is Christ

"For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21) What is your main focus in life? What are you mainly living for? For many it is for their family. For others it is for their work, their vocation. And then there are those who are mainly living to gain material wealth, and to live high on the hog (sort of speak) And then there are those who are just living to survive. No real lofty goals, just living, and getting by. But what do you think of someone who says, their main goal in life, is to live for Jesus Christ? That nothing is more important than their personal relationship with Christ, and their desire to serve Him. Many would say this is radical, extreme. They are really out on a limb on this one. But after the Apostle Paul became a Christian, and started preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, this is how he felt. In Philippians 3:8, he says: "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ..." What Paul found was a deep inner peace with God, through Jesus Christ, and a greater fulfilled purpose for His life. Nothing of this world could equate with that. No one can fulfill our needs, and bring to us the longings of our heart, better than Jesus Christ. What the world offers is only temporary, and never totally satisfying. But what the Lord Jesus brings, is eternally fulfilling and secure. Now this is worth living for! GP

Biblical Insights Of The Resurrection

This coming Sunday, is Resurrection Sunday (Easter - principal festival of the Christian church, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his Crucifixion). The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a central event in Christianity, symbolizing victory over sin and death. Here are some key biblical insights:

1. Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus foretold His resurrection multiple times (Matthew 16:21, John 2:19-22). The Old Testament also hinted at the resurrection, such as in Psalm 16:10. It has been the inclination of Bible scholars through out the years to search for evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The best way to start, is to look at the various prophesies that speak about Jesus' resurrection. How could it not be true, when it was said that it would happen, many years in the future.

2. Proof of Christ’s Divinity

Romans 1:4 states that Jesus was "declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection." His rising from the dead confirmed His authority over life and death. The apostle Paul's words to the Colossians (Colossians 3:1-11), emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, stating that believers are raised with him and should focus on heavenly things, where he is seated at the right hand of God. It highlights that Christ's death and resurrection serve as a pattern for believers' lives, calling them to die to self and be clothed in the identity of Christ. This resurrection is a source of new life and a reason to live in a way that reflects Christ's presence and authority.

3. Victory Over Sin and Death

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 celebrates Christ’s triumph over death. Romans 6:9 affirms that death no longer has mastery over Him. And because Jesus conquered death Himself, He also conquered death for us as well. Not only at baptism do we rise to walk in new life in Christ, but when we die to this life, we will rise to walk in eternal life. Do you remember the words to the hymn: "Victory In Jesus?" Take time to read those words, and claim the victory we have in our risen Lord!

4. Assurance of Eternal Life

John 11:25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." 1 Peter 1:3 speaks of the "living hope" through Christ’s resurrection. How many people are walking without hope today? They are so burdened down because of sin, and trials. The world keeps disappointing people, and leading them down a path of discouragement and destruction. And hell will be the destination of so many. But not so, for those who believe, and accept Jesus Christ as Savior, and Lord. Eternal Life is the gift, and heaven is the destination.

5. The Foundation of Christian Faith

Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 15:17 that without the resurrection, faith would be meaningless. The resurrection validates Jesus’ teachings and promises. One of the best evidences for me, is the way the Lord Jesus has worked in my life. Especially in my times of trial. The Lord has always showed up, and has given me both His Word, and His strength. I may not have physically seen Him, but I have felt His presence, and I have viewed His work in my life. He is truly alive! 6. The Call to New Life Romans 6:4 encourages believers to walk in "newness of life" because of Christ’s resurrection. Colossians 3:1-2 urges Christians to set their minds on heavenly things. In the Bible, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, asked, "What shall I do with Jesus?". This question was posed to him during Jesus' trial before Pilate. The question reflects Pilate's dilemma and his desire to resolve the situation involving Jesus. But this question needs to be presented to the world, and maybe you today? "What will you do with Jesus today?" He calls you to walk in the "newness of life" only He provides. Will you today, say yes to Jesus, and yes to the path that leads to heaven. When you do, you will be abundantly, and eternally blessed. GP The Christian Journeyman © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Is Jesus Our Lord And Christ?

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36) The Jewish nation that gathered at Jerusalem "from every nation under heaven" needed to hear the truth concerning Jesus Christ. Not only did they need to hear, but they needed to respond in repentance and commitment concerning Him. On this day of Pentecost, by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the disciples were able to speak in the various tongues (languages) of the people that were there that day. We have Peter's sermon that truly laid out the responsibility the Jewish people had concerning Jesus Christ. *"The people of Jerusalem had rejected Jesus, and had seen Him crucified. They had turned their backs on Him, and His claims over their lives. But Peter boldly declared to them that God had taken the one they had crucified and made Him both Lord and Messiah, or Christ. It is with boldness to say that Peter laid it on pretty thick. But he had to, because these people needed to hear the truth, and repent, and make things right. Peter's message is for us as the church today. We need to recognize Jesus as Lord, and God's anointed today. Yes, this is critical, because I see the church today as being apathetic, weak in our relationship with the Lord; and uncommitted to the call of Jesus concerning evangelism and ministry. We get so caught up in the social activities to feed our bellies, instead of feeding our souls, and reaching out to lost souls, in our world. Jesus came into this world to lead the way in the soul saving business. The church today has taken it's eyes and hand off the throttle of "The Great Commission." We have become so focused on polishing the fire truck, that we are not involved in putting out any fires. Peter said to the people, "God has this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." My questions for us as Christians today: "Is Jesus our Lord? Is He in first place in our lives? Are we allowing Him to have His way with our lives, instead of ourselves? "Is He our Savior" chosen by God to rescue us from our sins, and sinful nature? Have we established a saving relationship with God's Anointed? The question then, is still the question for us today, What will we do with Jesus? GP The Christian Journeyman © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Will Jesus Enter Your Heart?

The Triumphal Entry is a significant event in the New Testament, marking Jesus' entry into Jerusalem just days before His crucifixion. It is recorded in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–10, Luke 19:28–40, and John 12:12–19. Here are some key insights:

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfills the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, which describes the Messiah entering in humility rather than as a conquering king. From His birth, to His ascension, Jesus displayed the virtue of humility. All of us are to follow His example. Jesus came, not for himself, but for the world. When will we get our minds off of ourselves, and focus on the welfare of others? Symbolism of the Donkey In ancient Near Eastern culture, kings would ride horses in times of war but donkeys in times of peace. Jesus choosing a donkey signifies His mission as the Prince of Peace. If only the world would look to Jesus, and find the peace He provides. There has been so much death, and destruction, all over the world. Especially in the Middle-east. Yes, Jesus, is the answer for the world today!

Public Acclamation

The crowd shouting "Hosanna" (which means "Save us, please!") and laying down palm branches reflects their hope that Jesus is the promised Messiah who would bring salvation. Just as Jesus rode into Jerusalem that day, promising a salvation for the world. He can ride into your life, and save you. From, sin, guilt, self, worry, pride, from everything that binds us, and holds us hostage in this life.

Expectation vs. Reality

Many in the crowd expected Jesus to establish a political kingdom and overthrow Roman rule. However, His mission was spiritual—offering salvation through His death and resurrection. Even today, there is mis-guided expectations concerning Jesus. Our Lord, Savior, is not a genie, that grants us our every wish. But He is our Savior, and our Shepherd. He won't always provide us with what we want. But He will always provide for our needs. Reactions of Religious Leaders The Pharisees were troubled by the public display of praise toward Jesus, fearing the response of Roman authorities and the potential disruption to their own influence. What Jesus promised to do then, was to bring about spiritual change. And that is not always welcomed. A disruption to the worldly lifestyles of many, is a concerning threat.

This event sets the stage for the Passion Week, leading to Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, which would bring true deliverance—not just from oppression, but from sin itself. Just as Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, to bring about spiritual restoration, He wants to enter your life, and change your heart, and your life. The question is: Will we let Him? GP

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Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Why Do We Need Jesus? TCJ eBook (By Gary Patterson)