The Red Letter Words of Jesus

by Jack Countryman

Overview

The words of Jesus—red letter words—are the most important and life changing ever spoken.

Discover the things Jesus thought were most important.

What He says about how to live.

His relationship with God and the Holy Spirit.

And His overwhelming love for you.

More than 115 passages from the Bible are considered with illuminating explanation and background facts. Most of all, discovering Jesus’ words will breathe life into your relationship with Him and help you draw close to the One who knows you fully and loves you completely.

The Red Letter Words of Jesus, a classic gift book by bestselling author Jack Countryman, will encourage you in your faith journey, whether you are seeking Christ for the first time or have been following Him for decades.

With Jesus’ words on one beautiful, highly designed page, and an informative explanation on the facing page, The Red Letter Words of Jesus will bring to life the teachings of Jesus in a new way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718097240
Publisher:	HarperCollins Christian Publishing
Publication date:	08/22/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	798,195
File size:	13 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Jack Countryman is the founder of JCountryman gift books, a division of Thomas Nelson, and is the recipient of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's Kip Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award. Over the past 30 years, he has developed bestselling gift books such as God's Promises for Your Every Need, God's Promises for Men, God's Promises for Women, God Listens, and Red Letter Words of Jesus. Countryman's books have sold more than 27 million units. His graduation books alone have sold nearly 2 million units.

Read an Excerpt

The Red Letter Words of Jesus

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By Jack Countryman

Thomas Nelson

Copyright © 2017 Jack Countryman
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-7180-9724-0

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CHAPTER 1

Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, the Spirit led Him into the wilderness where He would be tempted by the devil. After Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, Satan challenged Him to turn the desert rocks into bread, to meet His needs in His own time and His own way, without considering God's timing or ways. But when Jesus faced the temptation to create bread for Himself — and just as in the two subsequent wilderness temptations — Jesus responded to Satan's words with the powerful words of God. Each time Jesus began with "It is written," and each time Jesus quoted God's truth and silenced the enemy. Jesus knew that God would provide the needed food at the right time.

Christians must know what God's Word says. They also must be willing to trust His timing. When you choose to build your life on His Word, you can — as Jesus did — stand strong against any temptation you find yourself facing. You can also trust Him to provide for you according to His perfect will. Follow Jesus' example and confront every temptation with "It is written." You will find strength in God's true Word and the faith to trust in His timing.

During Jesus' time in the wilderness, Satan tempted Jesus by offering Him all the kingdoms of the world ... if Jesus would fall down and worship him. Turning to God's Word and allowing it to guide His choice, Jesus said, "It is written." Jesus spoke aloud God's command — "You shall worship the Lord your God"— thereby ending His conversation with Satan. Jesus had overcome all of Satan's temptations by quoting the Scriptures.

Consider the items you are tempted to worship. The list of items that come to mind may seem full of clichés, but try not to dismiss them. Each one has the ability to attract your worship. What does the world invite you to worship? The world encourages you to set up an altar to — among other things — self, family, money, possessions, and status. When one of those temptations beckons you, try to follow Jesus' example. Choose to say aloud and boldly, "It is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" Trust that the temptation will abate just as it did in Jesus' case.

After His temptations with Satan ended, Jesus began His earthly ministry. While Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, He came upon two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew. He did not beg them to follow Him or make great promises about what the future with Him held. Jesus simply said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." The two brothers immediately dropped what they were doing and began to follow Jesus.

Today Jesus calls you to follow Him, to drop your old way of life and live as He models and teaches you to live. When you choose to follow Him, the relationship you forge with Jesus will give your life meaning and purpose.

God gives everyone certain talents and gifts that He wants him or her to use for His glory. He also uses Christians when they willingly surrender their lives to Him. When you do this day in and day out, you will experience a richness and joy as you live with His Spirit alive in your heart. What greater blessing could you ever ask for? The Lord calls you today. Will you follow Him?

The first verses of Matthew 5 list the Beatitudes, which were blessings spoken by Jesus for His followers. In verse eight, Jesus said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." So can flawed, imperfect people ever be pure in heart? Yes they can, but they will only be pure in heart if God purifies their hearts — and, thankfully, God can do that.

Your heart is purified when you put your faith in the truth that Jesus is God's Son, when you believe the blood He shed on the cross paid the price for your sins, and when you believe that He rose from the dead, victorious over sin and death. This does not mean you will never sin again while on earth, so how do you keep your heart pure? Again, you can't on your own, but God can when you ask: "Create in me a clean heart, O God" (Psalm 51:10). Purified by God, you see God, just as Jesus promised. You have access to your holy Father, and you can fellowship with Him through the privilege of prayer. Furthermore, you will one day see God face-to-face in heaven.

Jesus told His followers they were the salt of the earth. This was an obvious metaphor for how they should impact the world around them. Salt has many different uses. First, salt preserves food. Before refrigeration, people salted foods, which made them last significantly longer than they did when left unsalted. Salt also adds flavor to foods. Many foods would be bland and — to some — inedible without salt. So adding salt makes dishes more palatable.

What does it mean when Jesus calls you to be the salt of the earth? Jesus uses those who love and follow Him to help preserve this fallen world that has turned its back on Him. Jesus also uses you to spread the Word in a way that is easier for others to understand, easier for them to hear and digest, by adding flavor and depth to your words as you share the gospel. Salt brings out distinct flavors in food, just as believers can bring out the words of God to impact listeners in a positive way. Those who know Jesus, radiate His joy, and share His love add flavor to the world. Look for ways today to be the salt of the earth in your words and actions.

A little bit of light impacts a lot of darkness. The inky blackness of a cave is not so ominous once you turn on a flashlight. Light also gives comfort throughout the night — the literal night as well as the metaphorical night. And light — the sun bursting through the rainclouds — brings hope and joy with each new day.

This is why Jesus called for His followers to let their lights "shine before men." Those who have named Jesus as Savior and Lord have the ability to shine this kind of comforting, joyful light to people in the world. Do you know that within you is a light burning with heaven's fire? As a result, your faith should cause you to behave differently than the world. Your true faith in God should show through in your actions and reflect your heavenly Father. People should see God through you.

When you walk with God, His Spirit shines your light before others so people see your good works and the love of God within you. God has given you the gift of light within you. May you use it for His glory. After all, a little bit of light dispels a lot of darkness.

Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offered straightforward and radical instructions for His followers — among them: "agree with your adversary quickly"; don't "resist an evil person. ... whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also"; and "whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two" (Matthew 5:25, 39, 41). Such instructions would have puzzled His listeners.

Jesus summarized these sayings with the commands, "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, [and] do good to those who hate you" (v. 44). In Jesus' day, the Romans were the Jews' enemies and oppressors. The Romans could force Jews, randomly chosen along the road, to carry whatever needed to be carried. Yet Jesus told His listeners to love these enemies by carrying the load not just for one mile but for two miles.

Be aware of times when you could stop — figuratively speaking — at one mile when asked to help someone. Take a minute to consider going a second mile, knowing the difference a little extra work will make, especially if you help someone with whom you don't get along.

People who love Jesus are supposed to act differently than those who don't. They should have different activities on Sunday morning, different ways to spend their money, a different perspective on current events, and a compassion and peace that perplexes the world. But the temptation to blend in with the culture and remain silent about faith can be quite strong at times.

Maybe people will know you by your love for others, but as Jesus pointed out in His Sermon on the Mount, there is nothing remarkable about your love if you only love people who love you in return. Yet Jesus' command was to "love your enemies" (v. 44). And He continued: "Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (v. 44). You should be known for the love you show to those who treat you poorly.

Who has hurt you, cursed you, or used you? What will loving those people require of your actions and words? Choose one of those people to love this week. Start with a small step — and know that God will smile on your obedience.

Why do we serve at the soup kitchen, teach the two-year-olds every Sunday morning, lead a midweek Bible study, or volunteer at the Red Cross? We do good works and serve others to please the Lord. He is the one we long to please, and when He is pleased with us, we experience joy as we sense His approval.

The world sometimes notices what you do for the Lord and offers affirmation and appreciation for your services. For example, the Pharisees in Jesus' days loved to be praised by men for their good works. But you are to receive such recognition humbly — and, as Jesus taught in Matthew 6, not allow the desire for such recognition to motivate your service. Jesus said those who perform good deeds in secret will be recognized by the Father and rewarded openly. The world's praise of your "charitable deeds" is fleeting, but the Father's reward for your service is eternal.

May the giving of your time, money, and talents for the Lord and His purposes bring you the heartfelt satisfaction of knowing you are pleasing the Lord rather than the world.

In Matthew 6, Jesus taught His disciples a model prayer to aid their prayer time with God. The Lord's Prayer is a wonderful example for all disciples to follow when they find themselves struggling to pray.

The Lord's Prayer starts by your giving honor to God as well as praying for His perfect will to be done on earth. After this, pray for your personal needs, asking God to provide the essentials for your existence (food, shelter, and clothing). Your heart is important to God, too, which is why you also must ask Him to forgive your sins and enable you to forgive those who have hurt you. Next, ask God to protect you from temptation and from the deceit of the evil one.

Communicating with the Lord is not about speaking the right words or finding the most effective formula to please God. Prayer is about communicating from the heart and being open and honest with the God of the universe. If you follow the Lord's Prayer, then you will be able to deepen your communication with Him.

What do you desire above all else? Is it success, wealth, recognition, or the perfect family? Everyone has certain ambitions in life, and achieving them can bring prestige in the eyes of the world.

But in Matthew 6 Jesus commanded: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth" (v. 19). Instead Christians are to "lay up ... treasures in heaven" (v. 20). Nothing can steal your heavenly treasures. Moth and rust and time itself can destroy earthly treasures you strive to accumulate, but treasure you accumulate as you live for the Lord will last forever in heaven.

Your heart — your desires, your feelings, and your beliefs — will follow your treasures. Storing up heavenly treasures ensures a heart full of the joy God wants for you now on earth. But this path is not an easy path; temptations and pressures to find success in the world can seem quicker and easier than this path. Remember that God promises to provide all you need for this life, and God always keeps His promises. So, focus on storing up treasures in heaven for your eternal good and His glory!

God generously gives you the freedom to make many choices in your life. The primary choice that impacts all the others, though, is the choice of whom you will serve.

Matthew 6:24 reminds Christians that God will not be second in their lives. If you want to please Him, He must be first in your life. You must to choose to walk with Him and to live in His presence. Even though His presence includes purpose, joy, love, and peace, the world's beckoning voice still can be alluring and the love of money strongly tempting. Yet Jesus said you cannot serve two masters because you "will hate the one and love the other, or ... be loyal to the one and despise the other" (v. 24). Either God will be first in your life or something else will be. The choice is up to you.

When choosing whom you will serve, remember that God wants to have a relationship with you. When you choose to put Him first in your life, the attractions of this world will become less appealing. Living for God's glory will be the most important aspect of your life.

Have you ever noticed that the command "do not worry about your life" comes immediately after Jesus said "you cannot serve God and mammon" (v. 24)? After all, where is your trust — in God or in mammon — when you worry about having what you need in this life? You are not trusting God when you are worrying.

Be encouraged about what Jesus said shortly after this command not to worry. He reminded His disciples God cares for even the least in creation, the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, so surely God would care to a greater degree for His followers. Instead of worrying about basic necessities, His followers should focus their attention on deepening their relationship with God.

God will provide for you, regardless of the person, relationship, or situation that causes you concern. He will give you a clear awareness of His provision today, as well as vivid memories of how He has provided for you in years past. There is no time for worrying if you truly trust God.

Earlier in Matthew 6, Jesus said not to worry about what you will eat and drink and wear — your everyday essentials. If God cares for even the least in creation, then He cares for you exponentially more. At the same time, Jesus didn't tell you to stop worrying about food, shelter, or clothing because you don't really need them. Rather, Jesus encouraged you not to worry about such matters but instead to focus on the truths that God is in charge of your life and He will take care of you.

Jesus encouraged you to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and let Him take care of the food, drink, and clothing you need. This means living in a way that will serve and honor Him. If you focus on doing this, you will stop worrying about whether or not you will go without the basic necessities.

God promises to take care of the essentials, freeing you to live a fruitful life for His glory. Shift your focus from your worries and onto God, and your eyes will be opened to see how much He provides for you every day.

You often keep your personal life separate from your work life. But when you develop a relationship with God, He does not want to be restricted to just one specific area of your life. He wants to be involved in your life from the moment you awaken until you fall asleep at night. He wants you to seek Him with purpose and to persevere in your pursuit of Him. He does this because, as your heavenly Father, He loves you and wants to provide for you.

God truly does want to be included in every aspect of your life. So in Matthew 7:7, Jesus invited you to share with the Lord what you are thinking, to ask humbly for what you want, to seek Him for solutions to problems, and to knock — to persevere in prayer — so He can bless you with what He knows is best for you.

This invitation from the Lord to ask, seek, and knock reflects His desire to be involved in your life for your good and His glory. As your heavenly Father, He wants to bestow love and blessings in every area of your life.

Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount by making it clear to His listeners that the choice was theirs: Would they decide to follow Him and His teachings, or would they ignore Him and continue with their own worldly thinking? A decision to follow Jesus' teachings would result in receiving His blessings.

Jesus offered a word picture that warned about the consequences of building their lives on an improper foundation. First, the better option: building a life on Jesus' teachings is like building a house on a solid rock. Followers of Jesus will be able to stand strong in their faith no matter what storms of life come their way. In sharp contrast is the second option: building your life on what the world values is like building a house on sand. The rain, floods, and winds of life will cause the walls to crumble and fall. The house will be destroyed.

Jesus' question to His listeners is also presented to you: Will you allow Him to serve as the rock for your life, or will you choose a different foundation?

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from The Red Letter Words of Jesus by Jack Countryman. Copyright © 2017 Jack Countryman. Excerpted by permission of Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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