Alongsider Church

Is Jesus the Only Way? /\\ Acts 4:10-12

April 20 & 27, 2025

One Final Question: Is Jesus the Only Way?
In this final message of our Tough Questions series, we wrestle with one of the most personal and pressing questions of all: Is Jesus truly the only way to God? With honesty, clarity, and compassion, we explore what makes Jesus different from every other religious figure and why His exclusive claim is not arrogance, but rescue. If you’ve ever wondered how one man could be the only path to heaven, this message is for you.

Scripture. 

Acts 4:10-12

[10] let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. [11] This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. [12] And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Outline.

I. The Heart of the Gospel

• All religions except Christianity attempt to climb to God through effort.
• Christianity is about God coming down in Jesus.
• Romans 5:6–8: Christ died for sinners—God’s rescue plan.
• Only Jesus could be the substitute sacrifice for sin.
• Christianity is not exclusive in offer but exclusive in remedy.

II. The Narrow Way 

• Mark 14:36 – Jesus’ prayer in the garden shows the exclusivity of the cross.
• If salvation were possible another way, the cross wouldn’t be necessary.
• Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is by grace through faith.
• Matthew 7:13–14 – The narrow gate and the narrow way.
• John 14:6 – Jesus claims to be the way, the truth, and the life.

III. Crown Him or Kill Him

• Jesus did what other teachers did—but claimed what none dared.
• His claims leave no middle ground: “Crown me or kill me.”
• People often like Jesus without accepting who He truly is.
• But Jesus calls for a decision—not neutrality.
• “I Am” statements (John 6–15) declare His divine identity.
• Jesus demands a response: complete surrender or total rejection.

IV. The Cross, the Empty Tomb, and the Only Savior

• Luke 23:26–53 – Jesus’ crucifixion.
• His innocence, His substitution, His final words.
• Luke 24:1–7 – The resurrection.
• The empty tomb and the living Christ.
• Historical resurrection sets Jesus apart from all religious founders.
• Only Jesus leads to God’s throne of grace, not judgment.

V. What will you do with Jesus?

• How to become a Christian:
1. Admit sin and guilt.
2. Believe Jesus died and rose again.
3. Repent – turn from self to God.
4. Commit to follow Him.
• Romans 10:9,13 – Confess and believe, and you will be saved.
• Not about religion or ritual but relationship and surrender.
• Matthew 7:13–14 again – Urgency to enter the narrow gate.

Discussion Questions.

Why do you think the idea that “all religions lead to God” is so widely accepted in our culture? How does this message challenge that belief?

The sermon used the image of drowning in the ocean to describe our need for rescue. How does this change the way you understand Christianity compared to other religions?

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” What do you think He meant by that—and what difference does it make if He’s telling the truth?

The sermon emphasized that Christianity is about what God has done for us—not what we do for Him. How does that truth shape your understanding of salvation, grace, and identity?

What does it mean to “die to self” in response to Jesus’ call? Is there anything in your life that you’re holding back from Him right now?

Neighborhoods to Nations.

If someone asked you, “Why do you believe Jesus is the only way?”—how would you respond after hearing this message? What would you want them to know?