Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing
Pastor Jamie Self - 7/27/2025
In this message from 1 John 5, Pastor Jamie Self draws a sharp contrast between imitations and the “real thing” — eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. Using a courtroom metaphor, he highlights powerful testimonies from Scripture, including the water, the blood, the Spirit, and even God the Father, all affirming that Jesus is the Son of God and the only true source of salvation. The sermon challenges listeners to turn away from spiritual counterfeits and idols, calling them to real belief, real life, real gift, and real devotion rooted in the person of Jesus.
Weekly Reflection
“Keep yourselves from idols. Because anything less than Jesus is not real and won’t last.”
We live in a world full of substitutes—things that promise peace, joy, and identity but leave us empty. Like wanting a stuffed dog when the real one feels too demanding, we’re tempted to trade the real Jesus for easier, flashier versions of faith. But as Jamie Self reminded us, only the real Jesus—God’s Son, the Christ—gives true life, because He is life. Have we settled for a version of Christianity that’s safe and manageable, but spiritually hollow?
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This Week’s Challenge:
Each day this week, pray: “Jesus, show me what’s real—what’s from You—and what’s not.” Then name one thing you’ll turn from to fix your eyes on Him
Scripture:
1 John 5