On the Wrong Side of Jesus

Crucifixion and Salvation Jesus was crucified between two male factors (criminals). One on the right and one on the left. Jesus was innocent, as declared by Pilate, but was crucified according to God’s plan for salvation. One of the criminals recognized Jesus as the Son of God and asked for mercy. The other criminal continued to rail against Jesus. The criminal who asked for mercy was told by Jesus that he would be in paradise that day. The message is a call to examine one’s relationship with Jesus and to seek salvation. To not be on the wrong side of Jesus at the time of death. Being on the Wrong Side of Jesus The message explores instances in the New Testament where people found themselves on the wrong side of Jesus. It is possible to be on the wrong side of Jesus, even after having been on the right side. Through sin and straying from God. Repentance and turning back to God are necessary to correct this. The Wrong Side of Mercy The story of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand in the temple is used as an example. The Pharisees and scribes were more concerned with trapping Jesus than with the man’s suffering. Being on the wrong side of mercy means being unwilling to show compassion or see the needs of others. It leads to bitterness, hatred, and a lack of love. It is possible to turn from being on the wrong side of mercy and come to Christ. Those on the wrong side of mercy miss Christ and what their soul needs. Alienation and feeling outnumbered are signs of being on the wrong side of Christ. The Wrong Side of Grace The story of the woman caught in adultery is used as an example. Being on the wrong side of grace involves being guilty and condemned by sin. Jesus offered grace to the woman, despite her guilt. Conviction of sin is necessary to be set free by God. Those on the wrong side of grace may leave feeling convicted but unchanged. It is a conscious decision to remain on the wrong side of grace. In hell, there is no grace. Jesus did not condemn the woman but told her to go and sin no more. It is possible to be a great sinner and still find salvation through God’s grace. The Wrong Side of the Word The story of the disciples in John chapter 6 is used as an example. Many disciples left Jesus because his words offended them. The Word of God will stand either for or against a person. It is better to embrace the Word, even when it is difficult to understand, than to run from it. Those on the wrong side of the Word will find themselves among the ungodly and wicked. It is impossible to be right with both the world and God. Jesus did not change his word to keep those who were leaving. The Word of God has the power to save, keep, and set free. Peter recognized that Jesus had the words of eternal life and that there was nowhere else to go. Exclusivity of Salvation There is only one way to God and to heaven: through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Being on the wrong side of Jesus leads to hell, a life without mercy, grace, and His Word. Surrendering one’s life to God is necessary for salvation. The story of the thief on the cross illustrates how to get on the right side of Jesus. Believing that Jesus is the Son of God. Pastor Tommy’s personal testimony is shared as an example of going from lost to saved in a short time. Being on the right side of Jesus brings peace and assurance of eternal life. Call to Action A call is made for those who are convicted to come forward and be saved. Repentance and belief in Jesus as the Son of God are necessary for salvation. Salvation brings inner change that leads to outward transformation. The things once loved are now hated, and the things once hated are now loved. Life on the wrong side of Jesus is filled with heartache and suffering. Hell is a place of torment and separation from God. Those on the right side of Jesus experience true joy and happiness. The Holy Spirit spoke to Pastor Tommy and urged him to tell others to get on the right side of Jesus. There is a deadline for God’s mercy and grace. A final warning is given to heed God’s call or be on the wrong side of Jesus forever.