Confirmation 2002

Confirmation Sunday

May 5, 2002

John 6:47

"I tell you the truth, he who believes in Me has everlasting life"

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INTRODUCTION: Every confirmation class leaves their mark in one way or the other in the hearts and minds of parents and family; pastor and teachers, as well as congregation. To be sure, you have left your mark - thank you for allowing me to be a part of your spiritual development!

Your class is a bellwether group. Half the class I have been privileged to have baptized. The others have transferred into our congregation. But each of you has made Friedheim your home; a house and haven of peace. You were all born the year of our Lord 1987 or in the early months of 1988 when we were making plans to celebrate our congregation's 150th anniversary. Some of us can remember the way the church was decorated before 1988 - you cannot! Look at the pictures taken when you were baptized - the church interior looks far different then it does today.  

It's been over 30 years since we had a confirmation class larger then yours. The class of 1971 had eighteen members - yours has 15 - another milestone. Your class will participate in presenting a time capsule for the church cornerstone - something we haven't done in 100 years

The Lord has brought you to this point in time - What about your future? Let's consider the verse you have selected. Jesus says in John chapter six:   "I tell you the truth, he who believes in Me has everlasting life" (John 6:47)

I.         Jesus tells us “I tell you the truth…”

A.      By these words we are given a sure and certain truth – Jesus cannot lie.

1.       The words and promises of Jesus are all true – these truths remain timeless.  They are not regulated by society, the world’s thinking or the current thinking (conventional thinking) of our day. Jesus’ eternal truths are sure to you each and every day.

2.       Each of these promises, which the Lord has given to you are personally yours. All the Lord asks of you is to rely upon them each and every day of your life.

B.       We can depend upon Jesus and His Word for He has bound Himself to His Word.

1.      In the world in which we live – a world that has mitigated and watered down the truth to whatever is relative for the moment – you have been given Jesus’ final word, which cannot disappoint us. Jesus will never, ever, leave you frustrated. His Words are just and true.

2.       Use that word daily; spend time with the Savior each and every day. Since Jesus gives you His word use it daily. Spend time with the Savior on a daily basis. Mark the words of the Psalmist well:  "May the words of my lips and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to Your o Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Make these words your words. (Psalm19:14)

TRANSITION:  Not only does Jesus give you His Word and promises which are true - He gives you an eternal plan of salvation.

II.       Jesus continues "…he who believes in Me…"

A.     Jesus' message is a personal invitation given to you. Notice how Jesus says the same thing in the third chapter of John's gospel "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life." (v. 16) Consider the words of this phrase.

1.        "he" - whoever - you may write your name here! Jesus' invitation is personal

2.        "who believes" - take God at His word.  To believe simply means to take God at His Word. It means to place our entire life into the hands of God.  You and I pray this every morning and every evening whenever we pray the morning and evening prayer when we say: "…into Thy hands I commit my self; my body and soul and all things…" 

3.       "in Me" - Jesus Christ is His name - He is not one among many - He is our one and only true God, He is my Lord and my God.

B.       What Jesus has promised He means for all people.

1.        I bragged you up as a class in early December then on the day of the service someone stepped on someone's feet and you couldn't get the passage out! But you know the verse so well!  "All those who heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds" You are a witness to these things - may the Lord Jesus use you to tell the good news and to share Jesus and His love.

2.        But Mary kept all these things pondering them in her heart."  Meditate on God's blessings as He continues to work the same miracle in your life as He did in the lives of Mary and Joseph the shepherds and all who have met and found in Jesus to be the way the truth and the life. 

TRANSITION: The promises are not for you only today - they reach into time -even beyond time - they reach into eternity.

III.     "…He who believes in Me has eternal life"

A.      Life - This is another promise the Savior has given to you

1.        The life Jesus gives you is more then mere existing. Jesus has said in John chapter twenty "I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly (John 21:25)

2.        The life Jesus promised for you is a daily new experience with God. He desires to walk next to you each and every day. Each day fill your moments with Him. "Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you."  (Psalm 55: 22)

B.       The life Jesus promises for you is eternal

1.        It is a life, which will not end.  In this life everything has a beginning. In this life everything has an end. Your life with God is different. The life He has planned for you is a life, which will not end.

2.        The eternal life Jesus has planned for you is in reality your destiny. Mark the words of the hymn writer well. "I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home - heaven is my fatherland, heaven is my home" (TLH #660 stanza 1) 

CONCLUSION: Class of 2002 this is your day - what a day it has become. Your future is secure as long as Jesus remains in the center. Fare thee well O child of God - Fare thee well O chosen one - Remember the things which were taught you - cling to that which is good. Remember the Savior walks with you - "I tell you the truth - he who believes in me has eternal life."