Jesus Is Not a Novelty

Jesus Christ: The Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever
In a world filled with changing trends and fleeting ideas, there's something profoundly comforting about the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. As we navigate through various teachings and perspectives about faith, it's crucial to remember that Jesus is not a novelty or a seasonal decoration—He is the eternal, unchanging Son of God.

Why Jesus Is Not a Novelty
During Christmas season, it's easy to reduce Jesus to just another holiday figure alongside Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. But Jesus Christ is infinitely more real and significant than any fictional character or seasonal tradition.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us that "Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever." This isn't just a nice saying—it's a foundational truth that should anchor our faith. While the world around us constantly changes, Jesus remains constant.

The Danger of Strange Doctrines
We live in an age of information overload. Social media feeds us countless sermon clips, spiritual insights, and religious perspectives. While some of these can be genuinely helpful and thought-provoking, we must be careful not to be "carried about with divers and strange doctrines."

It's wonderful to hear different perspectives on Scripture and to have our thinking challenged. Truth doesn't fear examination. However, we must always return to the solid foundation of God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to help us discern what aligns with biblical truth.

What Makes Christianity Different from Religion?
Christianity is fundamentally different from religion. Religion is humanity's attempt to work its way to God through rituals, rules, and performance. Christianity is God reaching down to humanity through Jesus Christ.

We Have an Altar They Cannot Access
The Bible tells us "we have an altar whereof they have no right to eat, which serve the tabernacle." This altar is Jesus Christ Himself—not a physical structure, but the person who alters our lives completely.

Those who cling to old systems of works, rituals, and religious performance cannot partake of Christ's grace while simultaneously rejecting Him. Salvation is found in Christ alone, not in forms, traditions, or heritage.

Why Did Jesus Suffer Outside the Gate?
Under Old Testament law, sin offerings were taken outside the camp and burned. This represented judgment and separation from the holy community. Jesus fulfilled this picture by suffering outside Jerusalem, bearing our sin, shame, and curse.

Jesus was rejected so we could be redeemed. He was cast out so we could be brought in. Our salvation came at an enormous cost—His blood, not our works.

The Call to Go Outside the Camp
Following Jesus means being willing to "go forth therefore unto him without the camp bearing his reproach." This means identifying with Christ even when it brings misunderstanding, rejection, or persecution from others.

Living for Jesus will cost you something. It has to. Christianity is not a spectator sport—it's a call to follow. We must be willing to stand with Christ when it's unpopular and lose the world's approval to gain His.

Are You a Fan or a Follower?
There's a significant difference between being a fan of Jesus and being a follower of Jesus. Fans know about Jesus—His birth, life, death, and resurrection. They can recite facts and stories about Him.

Followers, however, have a personal relationship with Jesus. They don't just know about Him; they know Him. They spend time with Him daily through prayer and Bible study. They allow His Word to give them direction, conviction, correction, and instruction.

The Daily Opportunity
Every day we have the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jesus. We can go boldly before the throne of grace and ask Him for what we need. We can open His Word and receive guidance for our lives.

Don't just sit in church each week watching as Jesus passes by. Engage with Him. Follow Him. Let Him be seen in your life, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular.

What Sacrifices Should We Offer?
The Bible calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. But what does this look like practically?

The Sacrifice of Praise
We should offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." Praising God in church is good practice, but the real sacrifice comes when we praise Him in difficult circumstances, when things aren't going our way.

This means allowing His presence and blessings to pour out of our lips in the form of praise from a grateful heart, no matter what the day has brought.

Living by the Fruit of the Spirit
We also live for Christ by being led by the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. These aren't separate qualities we can pick and choose from—it's all of them or none of them.

The last one, temperance, means allowing God to do the production in our lives, to produce the good works that communicate that our lives belong to Him.

Why Is This World Not Our Home?
We're not here for here. We're not here for now. We're here for Him. Like Abraham, Isaac, and Enoch, we're looking for a city whose builder is God.
While we can love and appreciate the blessings God has given us—our homes, families, and church communities—we cannot allow these things to tether us to this world. This world is not our home.

Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to move from being a fan of Jesus to being a true follower. Stop treating Jesus as a novelty or seasonal figure and recognize Him as the unchanging, eternal Son of God who deserves your complete devotion.
Make a commitment to spend daily time with Jesus through prayer and Bible study. When faced with difficult circumstances, choose to offer the sacrifice of praise rather than complaints. Be willing to stand with Christ even when it costs you the approval of others.
Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I a fan of Jesus who knows about Him, or a follower who truly knows Him?
• What "camps" of popular opinion am I unwilling to leave in order to follow Christ?
• How can I offer genuine sacrifices of praise this week, especially in difficult circumstances?
• What religious works or traditions am I depending on instead of Christ alone?

Remember, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In a world of constant change, He remains your unchanging anchor and hope.