July 10th, 2026
by Chris Smith
by Chris Smith
Seeing Him as He Truly Is
In our modern world, the name of Jesus is everywhere. It's on t-shirts, in songs, sprinkled throughout social media posts, and referenced in casual conversation. Yet familiarity can breed complacency. We can become so accustomed to hearing His name that we lose sight of who He truly is. The question we must wrestle with is this: Do we have a biblical view of Jesus, or have we adopted a version shaped by our culture, our preferences, and our comfort?
“When Our View of Jesus Is Wrong, Everything Else Is Wrong”
Here's a sobering truth: if our view of Jesus is incorrect, then our view of everything else will be skewed. Our understanding of Christ forms the foundation of our entire worldview. It shapes how we see our marriages, our finances, our children, our work, and our purpose. When we get Jesus wrong, we get life wrong.
We need the Jesus of the Bible—not the Jesus of our culture. American culture will talk about Jesus, even applaud Him at times, but often presents a watered-down version that appeals to popular sentiment rather than biblical truth. We can easily fall into the trap of making Jesus in our own image, crafting a version of Him that aligns with our desires rather than recognizing that we are made in His image.
The mindset that wants Jesus as Savior but not as Lord must change. We love forgiveness. We love the feeling of burdens lifted. But salvation includes both forgiveness and Lordship. When Jesus becomes Lord, every decision we make falls under His authority. Sometimes we avoid talking to Him because we don't want to hear Him redirect our plans. We prefer control with a side of forgiveness, but that's not the gospel.
The Fear of the Lord Must Be Restored
One televangelist who fell into serious sin was once asked when he fell out of love with Jesus. His response was striking: "I didn't fall out of love with Jesus. I just no longer feared Him."
The fear of God is not a paralyzing terror but a recognition of who He is—His holiness, His power, His majesty. It's standing in awe of the Creator while being overwhelmed by His love for us. We need both love and reverence. When we lose the fear of the Lord, we lose our moorings.
Jesus Is the Point—Not Ministry
In church culture, ministry has often become the point. We measure success by programs, attendance, and activities. But ministry should never be the point—Jesus is always the point. “Ministry should be the pointer to the point.”
Every platform, every message, every act of service should direct people to Christ. Even if God uses you to reach a billion people, He is still the point, not the ministry. This applies to every believer. You minister in your workplace, your school, your neighborhood—you are there to point people to Him.
The critical question isn't whether people were pleased with our worship or our programs. The question is: Was He pleased? When we aim to please Christ above all else, when He is honored and lifted high, His presence becomes manifest. And His presence is what people truly need, even when it's not what they think they want.
Jesus Is Among His Church
In Revelation 1, the apostle John—Jesus' beloved friend—found himself exiled on the island of Patmos for boldly proclaiming Christ. Rather than silencing him, this isolation gave John the space to encounter God in a profound way. “On the Lord's day, John was in the Spirit and heard a voice like a trumpet. When he turned around, he saw seven golden lampstands, and among them was someone like a Son of Man."
The lampstands represent the church, and John saw Jesus walking among them. This is crucial for us to grasp: Jesus is not sitting on a distant throne, removed from His people. He is among His church. He is with us.
This means His power is with us. His purity is our standard. His plans are the only plans that matter. His leadership is what we follow. His desire to be with us is clear and unquestionable. And our aim should always be to please Him.
The High Priest and King of Kings
John's vision reveals Jesus dressed in a robe reaching to His feet with a golden sash around His chest. This imagery identifies Him as both High Priest and King of Kings.
In the Old Testament, the high priest made yearly sacrifices for the sins of Israel, but these sacrifices could never permanently bridge the gap between God and humanity. Jesus came as the ultimate High Priest, sacrificing not a spotless lamb but Himself as the spotless Lamb. Once and for all, the price was paid!
Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
You don't need to go through anyone else to reach God. You can approach His throne directly through Christ. He hears you. He intercedes for you. The price has been paid.
The Victorious King
Revelation 19 presents another powerful image: ‘Jesus riding a white horse, called Faithful and True. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. On His robe and thigh is written: "King of kings and Lord of lords."’
We serve the victorious King. Jesus is not the baby in the manger anymore. He's not on the cross. He has risen and has power over sin and death. The battle is won. The devil is a defeated foe, not an equal opponent.
Seeing Jesus Clearly
John's vision continues with rich details about Christ's appearance:
His hair was white like wool—representing His wisdom and purity. He is wisdom itself. When you need discernment, go to Him.
His eyes were like blazing fire—He sees everything, knows everything, discerns all things. Nothing is hidden from His sight.
His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace—He stands absolutely stable and unmoved. While everything around us constantly changes, Jesus remains the same. We can depend on Him completely.
His voice was like rushing waters—His words are life-giving and powerful. They cannot be ignored. When He speaks, listen.
In His right hand He held seven stars—He holds all of creation, including His church, with ultimate authority.
Out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword—The gospel carries both judgment and salvation. It divides because it demands a response. We either stand with Him or we do not.
His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance—He is divine, glorious, holy. He outshines all else.
Our Response
When John saw this vision of Christ in His glory, he fell at Jesus' feet as though dead. What is our response to Him? Have we lost the fire of our first encounter with Christ?
Jesus placed His right hand on John and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."
Jesus alone holds the keys of death and hell. He alone is victorious over them both.
Restoring Our View
Every day, we must restore our view of Christ to where it should be. Let who He truly is captivate our hearts and minds. Make decisions based on who He is. Listen to Him because of who He is. Walk in faith, confidence, and boldness because of who He is.
Because He is in us, with us, and for us as we walk in the things of His kingdom, we can live differently. Not to earn His love—we already have it—but because a right view of Jesus transforms everything!
Check out the full message: https://equippedchurch.net/messages
Learn more about Equipped Church: https://equippedchurch.net/about-us
Come worship with us & plan your visit: https://equippedchurch.net/plan-your-visit
Contact us: https://equippedchurch.net/contact-us
“When Our View of Jesus Is Wrong, Everything Else Is Wrong”
Here's a sobering truth: if our view of Jesus is incorrect, then our view of everything else will be skewed. Our understanding of Christ forms the foundation of our entire worldview. It shapes how we see our marriages, our finances, our children, our work, and our purpose. When we get Jesus wrong, we get life wrong.
We need the Jesus of the Bible—not the Jesus of our culture. American culture will talk about Jesus, even applaud Him at times, but often presents a watered-down version that appeals to popular sentiment rather than biblical truth. We can easily fall into the trap of making Jesus in our own image, crafting a version of Him that aligns with our desires rather than recognizing that we are made in His image.
The mindset that wants Jesus as Savior but not as Lord must change. We love forgiveness. We love the feeling of burdens lifted. But salvation includes both forgiveness and Lordship. When Jesus becomes Lord, every decision we make falls under His authority. Sometimes we avoid talking to Him because we don't want to hear Him redirect our plans. We prefer control with a side of forgiveness, but that's not the gospel.
The Fear of the Lord Must Be Restored
One televangelist who fell into serious sin was once asked when he fell out of love with Jesus. His response was striking: "I didn't fall out of love with Jesus. I just no longer feared Him."
The fear of God is not a paralyzing terror but a recognition of who He is—His holiness, His power, His majesty. It's standing in awe of the Creator while being overwhelmed by His love for us. We need both love and reverence. When we lose the fear of the Lord, we lose our moorings.
Jesus Is the Point—Not Ministry
In church culture, ministry has often become the point. We measure success by programs, attendance, and activities. But ministry should never be the point—Jesus is always the point. “Ministry should be the pointer to the point.”
Every platform, every message, every act of service should direct people to Christ. Even if God uses you to reach a billion people, He is still the point, not the ministry. This applies to every believer. You minister in your workplace, your school, your neighborhood—you are there to point people to Him.
The critical question isn't whether people were pleased with our worship or our programs. The question is: Was He pleased? When we aim to please Christ above all else, when He is honored and lifted high, His presence becomes manifest. And His presence is what people truly need, even when it's not what they think they want.
Jesus Is Among His Church
In Revelation 1, the apostle John—Jesus' beloved friend—found himself exiled on the island of Patmos for boldly proclaiming Christ. Rather than silencing him, this isolation gave John the space to encounter God in a profound way. “On the Lord's day, John was in the Spirit and heard a voice like a trumpet. When he turned around, he saw seven golden lampstands, and among them was someone like a Son of Man."
The lampstands represent the church, and John saw Jesus walking among them. This is crucial for us to grasp: Jesus is not sitting on a distant throne, removed from His people. He is among His church. He is with us.
This means His power is with us. His purity is our standard. His plans are the only plans that matter. His leadership is what we follow. His desire to be with us is clear and unquestionable. And our aim should always be to please Him.
The High Priest and King of Kings
John's vision reveals Jesus dressed in a robe reaching to His feet with a golden sash around His chest. This imagery identifies Him as both High Priest and King of Kings.
In the Old Testament, the high priest made yearly sacrifices for the sins of Israel, but these sacrifices could never permanently bridge the gap between God and humanity. Jesus came as the ultimate High Priest, sacrificing not a spotless lamb but Himself as the spotless Lamb. Once and for all, the price was paid!
Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
You don't need to go through anyone else to reach God. You can approach His throne directly through Christ. He hears you. He intercedes for you. The price has been paid.
The Victorious King
Revelation 19 presents another powerful image: ‘Jesus riding a white horse, called Faithful and True. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. On His robe and thigh is written: "King of kings and Lord of lords."’
We serve the victorious King. Jesus is not the baby in the manger anymore. He's not on the cross. He has risen and has power over sin and death. The battle is won. The devil is a defeated foe, not an equal opponent.
Seeing Jesus Clearly
John's vision continues with rich details about Christ's appearance:
His hair was white like wool—representing His wisdom and purity. He is wisdom itself. When you need discernment, go to Him.
His eyes were like blazing fire—He sees everything, knows everything, discerns all things. Nothing is hidden from His sight.
His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace—He stands absolutely stable and unmoved. While everything around us constantly changes, Jesus remains the same. We can depend on Him completely.
His voice was like rushing waters—His words are life-giving and powerful. They cannot be ignored. When He speaks, listen.
In His right hand He held seven stars—He holds all of creation, including His church, with ultimate authority.
Out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword—The gospel carries both judgment and salvation. It divides because it demands a response. We either stand with Him or we do not.
His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance—He is divine, glorious, holy. He outshines all else.
Our Response
When John saw this vision of Christ in His glory, he fell at Jesus' feet as though dead. What is our response to Him? Have we lost the fire of our first encounter with Christ?
Jesus placed His right hand on John and said, "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."
Jesus alone holds the keys of death and hell. He alone is victorious over them both.
Restoring Our View
Every day, we must restore our view of Christ to where it should be. Let who He truly is captivate our hearts and minds. Make decisions based on who He is. Listen to Him because of who He is. Walk in faith, confidence, and boldness because of who He is.
Because He is in us, with us, and for us as we walk in the things of His kingdom, we can live differently. Not to earn His love—we already have it—but because a right view of Jesus transforms everything!
Check out the full message: https://equippedchurch.net/messages
Learn more about Equipped Church: https://equippedchurch.net/about-us
Come worship with us & plan your visit: https://equippedchurch.net/plan-your-visit
Contact us: https://equippedchurch.net/contact-us
Posted in Devotions, Discipleship, Encouragement, Leadership, Perspectives
Posted in Knowing Jesus, Jesus, living for Jesus, walking with Jesus, Right View of Jesus, Biblical World View
Posted in Knowing Jesus, Jesus, living for Jesus, walking with Jesus, Right View of Jesus, Biblical World View
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