Only A Few - Book 1: Is Jesus Your First Love? (Only A Few - Is Jesus Your First Love?)

This book is about true salvation in Jesus, based on to a wider reading of God's Word. Why emphasise 'true salvation' and 'wider reading'? Because, according to Jesus, not every sincere faith in Jesus leads to heaven. Our faith must be in accordance with His Word, and not only satisfy the words of singular passages. This book is for those who already profess a faith in Jesus - the reached. It is hard to over-emphasise that we are responsible for the truth of what we believe - that our faith is consistent with the Word of God. The sacrifice of Jesus was God's greatest love gift to all mankind, a love that is beyond our understanding. And yet, unless we come to God on His terms, His love does not benefit us. Jesus died the most sacrificial death. Yet in Matthew 7:21-23 He warns of a grave reality: that on Judgement Day He will call many active, professing Christians 'evildoers'! That will be shocking! They will not benefit from God's extravagant love, even though they profess His name and may work hard in the church. If we want His salvation, then we cannot make up our own religion. The modern church may gave a 'practical understanding' of how to be saved: 'believe in Jesus'. But what does that mean? And what of the many passages that don't agree with that understanding? Do we ignore them and believe what we agree amongst ourselves? The message of God becomes clear when we join together other salvation-related passages. This reality is often very different from our practical understanding, however sincere and diligent we may be. This book seeks to bring together passages that are a part of the salvation message of the Bible but are often ignored in our understanding of salvation. God took me on a life-changing journey of 20 years. This is what He confronted me with - that my deficient faith was leading me to hell, even inside the church! I walked the agonising path of finding true salvation according to His Word. Is it difficult to find Jesus? Not at all! But it can be so hard to let go of our earthly treasures, fears and joys, and especially our religion we love so dearly and which often conflicts with the words of Jesus! God brought me before serious decisions. He may do the same with you. This message may not make for comfortable reading, but we stick with what God says. We speak to issues plainly, without sugar-coating them. It is not a book of comfort, but challenge: is what we believe Biblical? This may challenge what is taught about salvation by churches across the spectrum, and even things taught by much-loved relatives. Know for certain, though, that it was written with the greatest love and concern for all, especially for sincere believers who may be unknowingly lost. What is the approach to the book? One of faith and a plain reading of Scripture, rather than a study in theology. We also don't try to make the Bible say what we want to hear. Our purpose is exclusively to find God's truth. The consequences of not doing so are dire! I pray this book will help you on your journey. May God lead you by His Spirit. And may we meet in heaven one day, through the unending mercies of our gracious God! This is the first of two volumes entitled 'Only A Few' and together they form one message. I do recommend reading both to get a truthful understanding of what Jesus taught. It is my great privilege to share this message with you. Thank you.