Genuine

Genuine Jesus: In a world filled with pretense and facades, Jesus Christ stands as the embodiment of being authentic and genuine. His unwavering commitment to fulfilling the Father’s will and His mission on earth was uncompromising, even in the face of intense persecution. Jesus never compromised His devotion to the truth. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6. From His miraculous birth to His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, every aspect of His life and ministry was a testament to His genuine nature as the Son of God. In other religious systems and cults, Jesus is often acknowledged in different roles — as a prophet, a spiritual teacher, or an enlightened being. However, what distinguishes Jesus is His own assertion of His unique identity and purpose. Jesus stood unwaveringly in His declaration of being the only way to the Father, contrary to the assertions of other religions. There is no ambiguity with Jesus; only the pure, genuine nature that He is the Son of God, the King of Kings, the prophesied Messiah, the Lamb that takes away the sins of the world, and the One who gives eternal life to those who believe in His name. His genuineness shines forth as a beacon of truth in a world clouded by falsehoods and deception.

Genuine Eyewitnesses: The genuineness of the gospel message is further solidified by the unwavering testimony of the original disciples who followed Jesus Christ. These ordinary men left everything behind to accompany the Messiah, witnessing His miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection and ascension firsthand. These men were transformed by encountering the risen Savior and empowered by the Holy Spirit, they fearlessly preached the truth of Christ’s redemptive work to the world, unflinchingly enduring persecution, imprisonment, and even martyrdom for the sake of the genuine gospel (Acts 1:8, 5:40–42). They gave their lives because they knew Jesus was who He said He was. They were true eyewitnesses and genuine in their testimony. Here is a summary of their deaths. Simon Peter: Crucified in Rome under Emperor Nero, around AD 64–67. He allegedly requested to be crucified upside down, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. Andrew: Crucified on an X-shaped cross (known as a saltire) in Patras, Greece, around AD 60–70. James, son of Zebedee: King Herod Agrippa I executed James with the sword, making him the first of the apostles to be martyred (Acts 12:1–2), around AD 44–46. Philip: Martyred in Hierapolis, Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), by crucifixion or hanging, around AD 80–90. Bartholomew (Nathanael): Flayed alive and then crucified, in Armenia or India. Matthew (Levi): Killed by a sword or spear in Ethiopia or Persia. Thomas (Didymus): Martyred by spearing in Mylapore, Chennai, India, around AD 72. James, son of Alphaeus (James the Less): Stoned to death in Jerusalem. Thaddaeus (Jude): Beaten to death with sticks or clubs, in Edessa, Mesopotamia. Simon the Zealot: Martyred by either crucifixion or sawn in half. John: It’s commonly believed that he died of natural causes in Ephesus, Asia Minor, during the late first century or early second century. However, he was imprisoned and also said to have survived being boiled in a cauldron of oil. Also, Paul was beheaded in Rome. These men all knew and followed the truth, and it cost them their lives. Their courageous examples stand as reminders to live genuinely for Christ no matter the challenges. Therefore, let us not yield to complaints or shrink from responsibility, but rather, let us boldly embrace a life lived fully for Him. We must remember that one day, we will each stand before the throne of judgment to give an account of our lives. Excuses and blame will not suffice; instead, we are called to embrace righteousness and live as unashamed followers of Christ, regardless of the circumstances.

Genuine Humility: True genuineness is not about stubbornly holding onto our opinions nor exhibiting self-righteous behavior. Rather, it demands a willingness to re-evaluate, seek truth, and humbly acknowledge when we are in error. The genuine life is one of continual growth, course-correction, and realignment with God’s unchanging Word. Admit quickly when you are in error or have wrongly offended someone. The Apostle Paul said, “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man…And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant.” — 1 Timothy 1:13–14. Paul did not cling to his old religious standing but allowed the truth of the gospel to completely transform his life. Genuine people living in the newness of life refuse to let pride or reputation hinder the pursuit of truth. We must be willing to say, “I was wrong” when the Spirit of God convicts you. As James 5:16 instructs: “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” The sooner you admit your wrongdoing, the quicker you can progress in life.

Genuine Preaching: Sharing the gospel requires an understanding that it is not about eloquence or charisma but about a genuine connection with the truth of God’s Word. Many believers grapple with insecurities and doubts about their ability to effectively communicate the message, but the essence of preaching lies in obedience to God’s command and a sincere heart for sharing the Word. Throughout history, God has consistently demonstrated His preference for genuineness over outward appearances. He called the disciples, ordinary fishermen, to be His witnesses (Matthew 4:18–22), and Jesus affirmed that childlike faith is key to entering the kingdom of heaven: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 18:2. David, the youngest son of Jesse, who was anointed king while still a shepherd boy. Though overlooked by his family, God saw David’s genuine heart and chose him to lead Israel, “…For God does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” —1 Samuel 16:7. The message of the gospel transcends human limitations and shortcomings, finding its power in the unchanging truth of Christ Jesus. The Apostle Paul, despite facing numerous hardships, boldly proclaimed his unwavering genuine commitment to the gospel, declaring, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” — Romans 1:16. Genuine preaching is not about impressing others with grand speeches or acting righteous, but about speaking the Word genuinely and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.

In Him,

Tim and Will