Love Worth Finding

Guest (Male): A transformed life is the greatest witness of Jesus’ saving power. Listen to Adrian Rogers.

Adrian Rogers: You could argue with me all day long and never convince me against Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” I have tasted and I know. And if you were to tell me that apple pie is not good or there is no apple pie when I’ve just eaten a piece of apple pie, you can argue all you want, but I’ve got the evidence on the inside. Amen.

Guest (Male): Welcome to Love Worth Finding, featuring the dynamic teaching of Pastor and Author Adrian Rogers. Whether you’re a Christian or not, a man named Jesus lived 2000 years ago. And if you believe in the Bible, every page of scripture tells his story. In the book of John in the New Testament, Jesus’ disciples had the privilege of seeing him work from an intimate vantage point. They were not like the crowds who watched him perform miracles and then turned away once his message became too hard. They believed that he not only had answers, he alone was the answer. Through their testimonies, they give us reasons to believe this too. If you have your Bible, turn to John chapter 6, beginning in verse 66, as Adrian Rogers presents, Why I Believe in Jesus.

Adrian Rogers: Sometime ago, I had one of the most challenging experiences of my life. I was in Moscow, the capital of the former Soviet Union. And I had the opportunity to preach, and I preached in a marvelously beautiful hall. It was called the Red Army Theater. And in that auditorium were soldiers, army officers, and their wives.

The soldiers were all dressed in their military uniforms. And they were sitting out there rank upon rank upon rank. And God had given me the privilege to preach to them. Now, what would you preach if you had an opportunity to preach to a group like that? I mean, what would be the subject matter? What would you say? I prayed and asked God, “Lord, what would you have me to say to these people?”

God the Holy Spirit said, “Adrian, tell them about Jesus. Tell them why you believe in Jesus Christ.” And that’s what I talked to them about and here’s the text that I took. John chapter 6, verse 66. "From that time many of his disciples went back and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, “Will you also go away?” Then Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Peter said, “We believe and we are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And I said to those men and their wives assembled, “I want to tell you why I believe in Jesus Christ. And I want to tell you along with Simon Peter why I am sure that he is the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And I gave them four reasons that are found in this chapter.

They’re the same reasons I want to give to you, many of you who are already sure that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. But to reinforce your faith and to help you to share with others because we live in a shrinking world and many have never heard the gospel that we’ve heard, and many do not take for granted the things today that we take for granted. Now let me tell you something about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ alone. Only Jesus has the answer to the things that really matter.

Only Jesus can meet the deepest hunger of the human heart. Only Jesus is the answer to man’s sin. Only Jesus gives meaning to life and death. Only Jesus can take the sting out of sin, the gloom out of the grave, the pain out of parting and give hope that is steadfast and sure. To whom shall we go? He alone has the answers of life and death. But that brings a question: how do we know that Jesus is who we say he is?

Why? Why do we believe in Jesus? Why have I given my life to him? Why do I serve him? Why would I be willing to die for him if necessary? Why? Four reasons. Four reasons that we can know and be sure that we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. The first reason is the historical reason.

Jesus Christ is a F.A.C.T. fact of history. Now, I don’t care whether you’re a believer or whether you’re not a believer, whether you’re a Christian or someone else. You must admit, you have to admit, the man named Jesus was here upon this earth. All of the secular historians that have any merit at all admit the fact of Jesus Christ, regardless of what they believe about him. There’s no way to explain the Christian church, the fact that we’re here, apart from the fact that Jesus Christ was here. And what did the early church begin to preach?

Not only that the man was here, but that man walked out of the grave. That was the central fact of the preaching of the early church. These early Christians paid with their lives for their faith. How do you explain the historical fact of Jesus Christ and the church apart from the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ? I believe in him for historical reasons. It has well been said there is more proof that Jesus Christ rose from the dead than that Julius Caesar lived. He has shown to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, and the Bible says he showed himself alive with many infallible proofs.

That’s the historical fact. Now, let me give you the second reason I believe in him. Not only for historical reasons, but I believe in him for scriptural reasons. Look if you will now in chapter 6, verse 44. This Jesus who came down from heaven said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, and they shall all be taught of God.” Now here’s the second reason.

Not only the historical reason, but the biblical, the scriptural reason. I told those men, and I tell you today that I believe in Jesus Christ because I believe the Bible, the Word of God. Well, you say, “Pastor, that just moves the question back a little bit.” Because to say that you believe in Jesus Christ because you believe the Bible causes us to ask, “How do we know the Bible is true?” That’s a good question.

And I talked to those men, and I said, “I want to tell you,” and to those ladies, and to those Russian soldiers and army officers, “I want to tell you why I believe the Bible is the Word of God.” And I took time to explain to them how I know that the Bible is the Word of God, and I gave them the great five proofs of the inspiration of Holy Scripture. And what are they? Number one, fulfilled prophecy. Number two, the wonderful unity of the Bible, written over 1500 years by at least 40 different authors in three different languages. On all kinds of subjects, 66 books that make one book, the wonderful unity of the Bible.

I talked to them about the longevity of the Bible. How the Bible has lasted through the centuries, and how men have made laws against it, and how even there in Soviet Russia it was a crime to bring Bibles in to Soviet Russia. And I reminded them, every one of them there, that I had a Bible for them to give them when they left, and they broke out in applause. To give to them the Word of God. How do you explain the longevity, the ever-living quality of the Bible? I talked to them about the accuracy of the Bible and the scientific and the historical accuracy of the Bible.

And then I talked to them about the power of the Bible. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” He said that in this sixth chapter. And I told them how the reading of God’s Word had transformed my life, and I told them that we know the Bible is the Word of God, and I told them as I tell you, the central theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ. Now, if you read the Bible and you don’t find Jesus Christ, go back and reread the Bible. He is the hero of the Bible.

The Bible is his story. It is the story of Jesus Christ. Put this verse in your margin, Acts 10, verse 43. “To him,” that is to Jesus, “give all the prophets witness. That through his name, whosoever believes in him shall have remission of sins.” And so Jesus said here in John 6, verse 45, “It is written in the prophets, and they shall be taught of God.” Jesus called upon the scriptures to testify of him. And how do the scriptures tell us of Jesus?

What Jesus do these inspired words tell us about? Well, they tell us about the virgin-born Son of God. His life began with a miraculous birth. Then he lived a miraculous life. I told them as I’m going to tell you how Jesus Christ is absolutely unique as he’s presented in the Bible. Now, it’s one thing to believe that Jesus was here, but what kind of Jesus does the Bible describe? It describes a sinless man. A man who never modified or withdrew any statement that he ever made. A man who never apologized for anything he did, though he were often misunderstood.

A man who never asked advice from anybody, even though he walked among the Pharisees and the scribes and the doctors of the law. A man who never troubled to justify his actions when many people misunderstood what he did, like when he delayed to come to Lazarus’ sickbed. He never tried to justify or say, “I’m sorry,” or, “I hope you’ll understand.” He never confessed sin one time. Never asked forgiveness about anything.

What an incredible life he lived! That’s presented in the Bible. What strong points did Jesus have? None, because he didn’t have any weak points. Every part of his life was completely, totally balanced in perfect symmetry. The Bible presents his miracle birth, the Bible presents his miracle life. The Bible tells about his sacrificial death.

Let me tell you what was unique about the death of Jesus Christ. Not that he died, other martyrs have died. He was the only one who chose to die. You say, “Well, other people choose to die.” Oh no. Even a suicide doesn’t choose to die. He just chooses to die early. As a new statistic out on death, one out of one people die. Everybody’s going to die, except Jesus. There was no sin in him. There was no reason for him to die. Jesus said, “No man takes my life from me. I lay it down of myself.” He was the only man who chose to die.

The Bible presents him as the one who came out of that grave. He is the only one who has been raised from the dead. You say, “Now, wait a minute, Pastor, other people came back to life. What about Lazarus?” Lazarus was resuscitated to die again. Jesus was resurrected, and he lives in a glorified body and has become the first fruits of all of those of us who sleep, and Jesus said he will raise us up at the last day. What I’m trying to say is, I believe in Jesus Christ because he is an historical fact. There is no way that you can explain the Church of Jesus Christ apart from the history of Jesus who lived, died, and rose again. And I believe in him because of the Bible, the Bible, a miracle book that has stood the test of the ages, presents Jesus Christ as absolutely and totally unique.

Let me give you the third reason that I believe in Jesus Christ. And I believe in Jesus Christ for spiritual reasons. Look if you will now in verse 33 of this same chapter. Jesus, presenting himself to those multitudes, said, “It is the spirit that quickeneth. The flesh profiteth nothing.” You will never with your human mind comprehend who Jesus Christ is. It is the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit that quickens, that helps you to understand, that gives life.

Jesus said of the Holy Spirit, “He will testify of me.” Turn to first John chapter 5, if you would. Let me show you how the Holy Spirit of God will convict you and convince you as to who Jesus Christ is if you want to know. Look if you will in first John, uh, 5 and verse 6. “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ. Not by water only, but by water and blood.” He’s talking about the water and the blood that came out of Jesus’ side when he was crucified. “And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one, and there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, the water, and the blood, and these three agree in one.”

Now, Pastor Rogers, do you expect me to believe in Jesus Christ just because you say that he was a historical fact? Even if I believe that, I’m not going to trust him. Or do you believe that I’m going to believe in Jesus Christ just because your book says that he lived, and you have evidence for the inspiration of the Bible? That’s not enough for me. I will agree, you need something else. You need the Holy Spirit of God to say amen to these other facts.

You need the Holy Spirit of God to take you and convict you and convince you. I’ve told you before, anything I can talk you into, somebody else can talk you out of. But now notice in verse 9. “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. For this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.” God the Holy Spirit will testify in your hearts. I mean, we receive the witness of men. Somebody tells us something is true and we believe it.

I flew on an airplane yesterday. I had to trust the pilot. I ate in a restaurant. I had to trust the cook. You read a map, you trust the map maker. What am I saying? I’m saying we trust people every day. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. And the word “if” there may be translated “since.” Since we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. If you want to know who Jesus Christ is, ask the Holy Spirit.

God doesn’t just say that you must believe, and if you can’t believe, that’s your hard luck. God says if you want to believe, I will help you to understand and to know that these things are true. And don’t anybody in this building tell me you cannot believe. You may refuse to believe, but I will tell you this, that if you want to believe in Jesus Christ, if you seek truth, God the Holy Spirit will speak to you and confirm to you that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He witnesses to you and then he witnesses in you. Look if you will in verse 10. “He that believes on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.”

Verse 9 speaks of his witness to us. Verse 10 speaks of his witness on the inside. You see, why do I believe in Jesus Christ? Well, first of all, the Holy Spirit said to me, “He is the Son of God.” And once I received him into my heart, now I have the witness in myself, and you could argue with me all day long and never convince me against Jesus Christ. You could bring sophisticated arguments to me, but I have the witness on the inside, and a Christian with the witness in his heart is never at the mercy of a man with an argument in his mouth.

Learn that, my friend. The Bible says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” And I gave my testimony to these in the Red Army Theater, and I’ll give my testimony to you, “I have tasted and I know.” And if you were to tell me that apple pie is not good or there is no apple pie when I’ve just eaten a piece of apple pie, you can argue all you want, but I’ve got the evidence on the inside. Amen. Taste and see that the Lord is good. He that believes has the witness in himself.

Why do we believe in Jesus Christ? The historical reasons. “I’m that bread that came down from heaven.” The scriptural reasons. “The prophets testify of me,” he said. The spiritual reasons. “The words I speak unto you, they’re spirit and they’re life. The flesh profits nothing, it is the spirit that quickens.” Then I gave them the last of these reasons that I want to give you, why I believe in Jesus Christ.

I believe in him for personal reasons. Notice what Peter said here. Again, go back to our text if you will, and look for just one more moment. Look if you will in verse 68. “Then Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life, and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” What was Peter saying? Peter was saying, “I know it personally. I know it personally. I have proven it.”

Not only does history tell me that he’s the Son of God. Not only does the Bible tell me he’s the Son of God. Not only does the Holy Spirit tell me that he’s the Son of God, but I know through personal experience, for personal reasons, I can testify. I am sure. I want to tell you something else. The best people I know know him. The best people I know love him. I mean, I’ve met a lot of folks. I’ve met some charlatans, I’ve met some hypocrites, I’ve met some imposters. And Jesus in this sixth chapter of John talked about Judas who was a false apostle.

But I’m going to tell you one thing, folks. You live a few years traveling around, meet God’s wonderful, wonderful family. See how he changes lives. See what he means to you. Be able to sing it, say it, and mean it, “Victory in Jesus.” And he does give the victory. And I said to those men what I want to say to you. This is why I believe in Jesus. And I want to ask you to believe in him. Bow your heads and pray and they did.

Then I said, “If you pray that prayer and ask Christ into your heart, would you lift up your hand?” And it looked to me like more than half of those soldiers there lifted up their hand and they prayed to receive Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. And I wonder, oh precious friend, today, do you know him? He alone is the answer to your heart’s need. There’s nowhere else to go.

Where else will you go if you don’t go to Jesus? No one else has the answer to your sin. No one else can fill the longing of your heart. Nobody else can give you peace that passes understanding. Nobody else has the words of eternal life. No one else walked out of that grave, but Jesus did. And I want you to know and be sure that he’s the Son of God. And I’d like for you to pray and ask him into your heart today. I’d like for you to trust him and be saved today. Would you pray a prayer like this? Just pray it out of your heart, “Dear God, I need you. I want you. I need to be saved.

Jesus, I believe you’re the Son of God. I believe you paid my sin debt with your blood. I believe that God raised you from the dead. And now I repent of my sin. I open my heart by faith like a child, by faith like a little child. I receive you as my Lord and Savior. Come into my heart, forgive my sin, save me, Lord Jesus.” Would you pray that prayer? “Come into my heart, forgive my sin, save me, Lord Jesus.” And then would you pray this prayer? “Lord Jesus, give me the power and help me to obey and to make it public what I’ve done. Help me not to be ashamed of you. In your name I pray. Amen.”

Guest (Male): Maybe today you have questions regarding your faith in Jesus Christ. We’d love to offer you an insightful resource on our website. It’s our Discover Jesus page. You’ll find answers you may need about your faith. There’s a response section there as well. Share how this message or others have impacted you. Go to LWF.org/radio and click the tab that says Discover Jesus. We can’t wait to hear from you today. Again, go to LWF.org/radio and click Discover Jesus.

Kerry Vaughn: Hi, this is Kerry Vaughn, and this program has been brought to you by Love Worth Finding, a non-profit ministry showcasing the powerful preaching and teaching of Pastor Adrian Rogers. We operate solely through the generous gifts of individual supporters just like you. To give a gift today, call 1-877-LOVE-GOD. That’s 1-877-LOVE-GOD or write to us at Love Worth Finding, Box 38-600, Memphis, Tennessee 38183. You can also connect with us online by going to LWF.org/radio. There, we offer helpful resources inspired by the timeless teachings of Pastor Adrian Rogers. Additionally, you can sign up for daily emails, donate to the ministry, and learn more about how to become an ambassador of the word. Thank you so much for listening today. Be sure to join us next time for more profound truth simply stated right here on Love Worth Finding.

Guest (Male): We love this story from a listener who shared, “Many years ago while looking for good worship music on a long bus ride to work, I found Love Worth Finding. Throughout the years, I’ve listened faithfully. Dr. Rogers’ sound biblical exposition combined with his unique Adrian-isms, warm, loving Southern drawl endeared me to him.” You know, at Love Worth Finding, our mission is to draw people to Jesus and help believers grow deeper in their faith. And to thank you for your gift this month, we want to send you our book, The Real Battle for the Soul of America. Does character even count these days? Will God impeach America? In this book, Adrian Rogers offers answers and more insights on how we are to conduct ourselves as Christians in a country in desperate need of God. Request this resource when you call with a gift at 1-877-LOVE-GOD, or give online at LWF.org/radio. And thanks for your generous support of Love Worth Finding.