Introduction: When we talk about what Christians believe concerning Jesus Christ, we need to approach it from two directions: theologically and relationally. Christians believe certain facts ABOUT Jesus; but being a Christian means more than believing facts. It involves a personal relationship with the Living Jesus.

I. What do Christians believe about Jesus?

A. He is God, the second Person of the Trinity.

B. He became a man, by being born of the Virgin Mary and conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit.

C. He lived a sinless life.

1 Pet 2:22 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."
1 Pet 2:23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

He was tempted to sin, in all points as we are, but he did not sin. He was tempted to lust, but He never sinned. He was tempted to be proud, but He never gave in. He was tempted to be selfish, but He never was selfish. He was tempted to disobey His mother, but He never did. He was tempted to profane the Sabbath day, but He never did. He was tempted to steal, but He never did. The Bible says that Jesus never sinned. Why does the Bible say that? Because it is TRUE.

D. He died on the cross as God's sacrificial lamb, to take away the sins of all who believe in Him.

1 Pet 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

E. He rose from death in the same body.

F. He is in Heaven now, our Advocate, interceeding for us.

Rom 8:33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Rom 8:34 Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

G. He will come again to judge the earth, and to rescue His saints.

Acts 1:10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.
Acts 1:11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

II. What personal relationships do Christians have with Jesus?

A. He is our King and Law-giver, we are His obedient subjects.

B. He is our Lord, we are His servants.

C. He is our Teacher, we are his disciples.

D. He is our God, we are His worshippers.

E. He is our Shepherd, we are His sheep.

F. He is our Friend, and we are His friends.

Jesus was called the "friend of publicans and sinners." He called Judas His friend, as Judas kissed Him. He called Lazarus and Mary and Martha His friends. He told the disciples they were His friends. He even refered to a crowd of listeners as His friends.

Luke 12:1 Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke 12:2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.
Luke 12:3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Luke 12:4 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.

Conclusion: To be a Christian, you must do two things. First, you must understand and believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus. Why does the Bible say these things? Because they are true! Second, you must enter into a personal relationship with Jesus. Believe in Him, pray to Him, ask Him to save you from your sins. Commit your life to living by His commands. Walk with Him daily, and He will be your Friend. Amen.