Confirmation 2005

Confirmation

May 1, 2005

John 14: 1-14

Jesus said, “I am the Way”

INTRODUCTION: Standing here before you today makes me feel, well, a little dated.  {In your words, “old!”} With the exception of Kevin I’ve had the privilege of baptizing you and together all of us in this parish have watched you grow up among us. It’s been a privilege to be a part of your life as together we’ve studied Scripture, prayed, and talked about these matters of faith. 

Each confirmation class takes on it’s own personality and you are quite unique in a number of ways; particularly since every single one of you can trace your family roots back to the original Buuck brother which founded this parish! True, you may be an 8th generation member of this congregation but today you write a new chapter as you pledge yourselves to remain faithful to Christ in time and eternity.-for you share a common family history that is thicker then blood - and that is the walk of faith. 

The text you have chosen is taken from Jesus’ words recorded in John chapter 14. What would the Savior say to you this day? He would remind us; “Do not be worried our upset – believe in God – believe also in Me.” (v.1) Jesus your Savior is the only way to God.  He is the way - the only way; the truth - the only truth; and He is the life – for He offers us life eternal as a gift.

I.                    Jesus would remind us that He is the one and only way to life everlasting with the Father.

A.     As the author and finisher of our faith He has created mansions glorious for us.

1.      He reminds us that there are many rooms in our Father’s house. We don’t have to worry that we’ll some day find a “no vacancy” sign in heaven – there is always room for us.

2. Jesus has said, “I am going to prepare a place for you.”

a.       This would suggest to us that in heaven there is personal space for us.

b.      This personal space has been made specifically for you.

c.       You place in glory was individually created by your own redeemer.

3.      If this were not so He would have said so. But since it is as He has promised we believe it as fact.

B.      We will be ushered into these mansions by our gracious Savior.

1.      Notice His promise; “After I go and prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to Myself.”  What a great time to be alive – in the next few years you’ll be making decisions on your career, your family, where you will live –

But ultimately that’s only half the equation – Jesus here reminds us that our ultimate goal is to be with Him in glory – He will receive us only when our work here is done.

2.      Notice a second blessing “You will be where I am.”

Transition: Not only is Jesus the only way to everlasting life – only through Him do we gain access to the Father.

II.                 We come to the Father through Jesus the Son.

A.      Through Him and Him alone we gain access to the Father.

1.      “I am the way the truth and the life, no one goes to the Father except through Me.”

a.       He is not one among many “gods”. And there are many from which people choose these days…and in this culture the most popular idol begging to be served is the self!

b.      Yet Jesus would remind us -There are no other options. We come to the Father through Jesus the Son – He is the only way; the only truth; the only way to find life!

2.      Recall Jesus’ word to Philip “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father. Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me?” (v.9) How you will answer this question will determine you destiny – Seeking Him you will find fulfillment.

B.      The result of our life in Him is the resulting life everlasting.

1.      “If you ask Me anything in My name I will do it.” How then should we pray?

a.       Temporal gifts and blessings – conditionally – “Thy will be done.”

b.      Spiritual gifts and blessings – unconditionally – Requests such as, forgiveness, life, salvation never have to be begged or asked for.  They come from the gracious hand of our Savior.

2.      We live our lives by the words of the hymn, “I’m but a stranger here – heaven is my home.” On earth we are but pilgrims and strangers. Thus we live balanced lives – with our feet on the ground and our eyes heavenward. We experience the here and now as we await eternity!

CONCLUSION: Jesus – He is the way, the only way; the truth, the only truth; and the life – He offers us life eternal, which comes from our gracious heavenly Father.