Lent mid-week 6

Mid-week 6

March 16, 2005

John 11:1-44

Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection”

INTRODUCTION: The background from which our text for this evening is taken is the occasion of the death of Lazarus, the friend of Jesus. The Savior was quite close to this family. In Bethany where this family lived we remember that Mary was the one who poured the perfume on the Savior’s feet and wiped them with her hair. (v.2) Sister Martha is remembered as the one who was troubled with serving, and it was her brother Lazarus who had taken ill. Our text reminds us that Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. (V.5)

When Jesus received the news that Lazarus was sick He stayed where He was for two more days. (v.6) By the time Jesus arrived at the house in Bethany Lazarus had been buried four days before although the city was less then two miles from Jerusalem. (Vv. 17-18) No wonder Martha said to Jesus as she met Him, “If you had been here Lord, my brother would not had died!” (v.21) What an incredible week it had been! Yet, in the events which unfold we see quite clearly that Jesus alone has the power over life and death. Jesus alone is the resurrection and the life.

I.                    Whoever believes in Him will live even though he dies.

A.       “It is appointed for man once to die and after that comes judgment.”

B.       “Seventy years is all we have, eighty years is we are strong yet all they bring is worry and trouble life is soon over and we are gone.” (Psalm 90:10)

C.       While we cannot avoid death there is the promise of life beyond the grave. “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved.”

D.       Jesus words are quite simple so that all can know and understand. “I am the resurrection and the life whoever believes in Me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.” (Vv. 25-26)

II.                 Here we have an eternal truth. Whoever lives and believes in Him will never die.

A.     Jesus’ promise is not for the future – when we die. It is for now. “I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.”

B.      Jesus has given us this life now so we can be witnesses of His mercy and grace. That we might be salt and light in this world.

C.     How do we know of this truth and message? In the Scriptures alone. “Many other miraculous signs Jesus performed in the presence of His disciples but these have been written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ and believing you might have life in His name.” (John 20)

CONCLUSION: Jesus’ statement to Martha is quite a famous passage of Scripture. At the end of the verse Jesus asks her one simple question. “Do you believe this?” That question is asked of you this night. How you answer it determines where you will spend eternity.

Lent mid-week 5

Mid-week 5

March 9, 2005

John14: 1-14

Jesus said, “I am the Way”

INTRODUCTION: As we continue our pilgrimage through Lent the cross of Calvary looms ahead of us. As the Savior makes His way to Galgatha He will offer us His life. He would remind us “Do not be worried our upset – believe in God – believe also in Me.” (v.1) Jesus is the only way to God.

I.                    Jesus is the one and only way to life everlasting with the Father.

A.     He has created mansions glorious for us.

1.      There are many rooms in our Father’s house.

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

a.       Personal space.

b.      Made specifically for you

c.       Individually created.

2.      If it were not so He would have said so.

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

1.      After I go and prepare a place for you I will come back and take you to Myself.

2.      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.

b.      There are no other options.

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)

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 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.

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.

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 the Father.

Lent mid-week 4

Mid-week 4

March 2, 2005 

John 15:1-17

Jesus said, “I am the Vine”

INTRODUCTION: One of Indiana’s best-kept secrets is its winery’s scattered across the Hoosier heartland. There are no less then twenty-five wineries located in the state of Indiana. The Indiana State Fair International wine competition has grown to be the second largest in the nation with over 6,000 amateur and professional vintners offering their selections to be judged each July. One vine carefully pruned and treated can produce a crop of grapes, which can make some of the choicest wines. The Indiana Wine Grape Council has become a lucrative business.

In our text for tonight Jesus explains to us, “I am the vine.” By these words what would He have us know concerning His person?

I.                    Jesus is the vine who gives life.

A.      We are the branches.

1.      The Father, the gardener, prunes every branch that does bear fruit so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. 

2.      His message – “Remain united to Me and I will remain united to you.” (v.4)

B.      A branch cannot bear fruit by itself.

1.      It can do so only if it remains in the vine. (v.4b)

2.      “In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” (4c) Apart from Jesus we can do nothing.

II.                 We are the branches.

A.      We are connected to Jesus the true life source.

1.      “Whoever remains in Me and I in him, will bear much fruit.” (v.5) This is a guarantee that the good works of faith will be evident.

2.      “You can do noting without Me.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  It is He working in you to do His (the Father’s) good pleasure.

B.      His desire is to keep us connected to Him.

1.      “You have been made clean already by the message I have spoken to you.” (v.3)

a.       It is the Gospel message, which converts and saves.

b.      Sharing with others the story of the bloody cross and empty tomb will make them Easter people.

2.      His plea, “remain united to Me and I will remain united to You” (v.4) The Father may cut and prune to help us produce better fruit but He will never cut us off so long as there is faith. He will only sever those who refuse to bear fruit.

Transition: Christ is the vine, we are the branches. It is fruit, which the Father desires.

III.               The Father as gardener comes seeking fruit.

A.      If we remain in Him we will bear much fruit.

1.       He prunes the branch so that lush fruit is produced. Discipline when we endure it does not seem pleasant. We gain often through pain. As we reach out to Him seeking His aid and comfort we grow in our faith.

2.       Discipline is not punishment! God is working in us to will and to do His good pleasure.

B.      If not, we’ll surely die.

1.      “He breaks off every branch in Me that does not bear fruit.”

a.       Faith without works is dead according to James.

b.      Works are not the basis for but the result of faith.

2.      “Whoever does not remain in Me is thrown out, like a branch and dries up; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire where they are burned.” (v.6)

a.       It is not our duty to do the cutting and pruning.

b.      Only the Father will do this.

1.      On the Last Great Day.

2.      At the close of the Age.

CONCLUSION: Two words apply to the Christian – “You have been made clean already by the message I have spoken to you.” (v.3) – “Remain united to Me and I will remain united to you.” (V.4)

Lent Mid-week 3

Mid-week 3

February 23, 2005

John 10:11-18

"Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd”

INTRODUCTION: We are now mid way through our Lenten Pilgrimage. What would we learn of the Savior this night? In a clear and straightforward manner the Savior would remind us, “I am the Good Shepherd.” (v.11) What makes Him such a good shepherd? By His own words He will explain why we can call Him good.

I.                    Jesus is our Good Shepherd because He alone lays down His life for His Sheep.

A.     He is not a hireling.

1.      The hired man, who is not a shepherd, does not own the sheep.

a.       There is no investment on his part.

b.      The sheep mean nothing to him.

2.      The hired man cares nothing for the sheep.

B.      Jesus is willing to die for the sheep.

1.      Because He cares for them.

a.       He will tend, feed and watch over them.

b.      He will leave 99 in safety to seek after one who is lost.

    2. Because He loves them! “Greater love that no man then this that He lay down His life for His friends.”

Transition: We can call Jesus our Good Shepherd because He lays down His life for His sheep. We call Him Shepherd because He guards and protects us.

II.                 Jesus is our Good Shepherd because He guards and protects us.

A.     Not so with the hireling.

1.       He runs when he sees the wolf coming. He’s more interested in self; in self-preservation, in self-promotion then the sheep.

2.       The wolf preys upon the flock. He snatches the sheep and scatters them.

B.      Jesus is our protector.

1.      “No one shall snatch them out of My hand!” Says Jesus our Good Shepherd.

2.      He offers His life for the flock. He’s willing to die for the sheep and will in fact offer His life for the flock.

3.      He owns the flock – they are His – He is responsible.

Transition: Our Good Shepherd lays down His life for us. He guards and protects us. He knows us.

III.               The Good Shepherd knows the sheep.

A.       “As the Father knows Me and I know the Father, in the same way I know My sheep and they know Me.” (Vv. 14-15)

1.           There is a special and close relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep.

2.           He’s your closest and dearest friend.

3.           For a second time Jesus will remind us, “And I am willing to die for them.” (v.15)

B.       He calls them each by name. “There are other sheep that belong to Me that are not of this sheepfold. I must bring them too.” (v. 16)

1.      “They will listen to My voice.” (v.16) We do not heed the voice of a different Shepherd. We know His voice only. From the mount of Transfiguration, “This is My beloved Son – listen to Him.” (Matthew 17)

2.      “They will become one flock with one shepherd.” He is not one voice among many – one of several options. He demands our whole heart and our true devotion. Heed His voice and follow in His wake as He leads the flock.

CONCLUSION: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He lays down His life for the sheep. He guards and protects His sheep. He knows them each by name! No wonder we call Him our Good Shepherd.

Lent mid-week 2

Mid-week 2

February 16, 2005

John 10:7-10

Jesus said,  “I am the gate”

INTRODUCTION: As we review the words of the Savior we have a better understanding of His will and His ways. Last week we learned that Jesus is the light of the world. Tonight we will learn that He is the door, which leads to eternal life. He is the gate, which lead into mansions glorious. In very clear words Jesus would tell us, “I tell you the truth I am the door for the sheep.”

I.                    Whoever enters through Him will be saved.

A.      “All others who came before Me are thieves and robbers.” (V.8)

1.       There had been many false Christ’s who had come, claiming to be the only Christ.

2.       In our day, to this very hour, many false prophets will come claiming to be Him. “Jesus answered, “watch out, and do not let anyone fool you. Because man men will come in My name, saying I am the Messiah and fool many people.” (Matthew 24:4-5)

3.       These imposters can not help, they can not heal, they cannot lead. They only seek to destroy. “The thief comes only in order to steal, kill and destroy.” (v. 10)

B.      There is something special about the Savior’s voice – He speaks as a true shepherd.

1.      “The sheep do not listen to them” (v. 8)

2.      “My sheep hear My voice and they follow Me and I give them eternal life and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”

Transition: Jesus is the true door. Whoever comes in by Him will be saved. And in His care they will live securely.

II.                 As the true door He gives life to the fullest measure.

A.     Jesus reminds us why He came into this world.

1.      “I have come in order that they might have life.” (v. 10b)

2.      The life He gives is one He won for us by suffering on the cross. He lost His life to give us our life. He sacrificed Himself so we could obtain glory.

B.      The life He offers is “life in all its fullness.” (V.10c)

1.      The wine He offered at His first miracle in Cana was “the best.” (John 2)

2.      Anything worth doing is worth doing well. The blessing He bestows are only the best; forgiveness, life, salvation.

CONCLUSION: Jesus is the gate for the sheep. They enter through a marked door to safety and security. Listen to your Shepherd’s voice and follow Him into a safe way made secure by Him.

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday

February 9, 2005

John 8:12-20

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world”

INTRODUCTION: Our Lenten pilgrimage begins tonight on Ash Wednesday. During these next 40 days we will observe our Lord’s Passion as He bears our sins on the bloody cross, offering us a great exchange – our sins for His righteousness

To help us along this Lenten journey we will be listening to Jesus’ words as He describes Himself to us in the Gospel of John. What would the Savior say to us tonight? He would remind us that He is the light of the world.

“Then Jesus spoke again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Light – we take it for granted until we don’t have it – as in an ice or snowstorm! Its wonders are beheld in magnificent sunsets and sunrises – it can travel at a distance of _____________.  In our text for this evening Jesus refers Himself as the true light that this world still needs. 

I.                    Jesus is the light of the world.

A.       He is the one who gives life and light to the world.

1.        He was present at the world’s creation. “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it.”  (John 1:1-5)

2.        He alone can give us life and rest spiritually. “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give your rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

B.        He alone is capable of sustaining life.

1.        He asks, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” (Luke 12:25)

2.        His answer – “Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” (V. 26)

3.        We need to commit all into His care, trusting in Him that He will bring everything to pass.

Transition: Since the Savior has brought life into this world He asks of us to trust Him.

II.                 Believe and follow Him.

A.       You’ll never walk in darkness.

1.      You can’t be in darkness if He is the true light.

2.      Follow Him as He goes to the cross exchanging your life of sin for His perfection, your darkness for His true light.

B.        With Jesus leading we will always have the light of life.

1.      John reminds us early in his Gospel “He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him.” (v.11) The world rejected Him! Who killed Jesus? You did! I did!

2.      But to those who come by faith – “Yet to all who received Him to those who believed in His name. He gave the right to be come children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will but born of God.” (John 1:12-13)

CONCLUSION: Jesus is the light – neglect not the light! Hate not the light! Seek it. But beware of false light!

Transfiguration

February 6, 2005

Matthew 17:1-9

The Transfiguration of our Lord

INTRODUCTION: The Transfiguration of our Lord – how should we consider it? To some, the transfiguration was only an historical event, which occurred in the distant past. They may ask, “so what?” What does the transfiguration have to do with me today in the year 2005? If it is to be real some may argue it must be applied to my life today. This morning let’s address this question, “how does the transfiguration transfigure my life today?” To answer this question we must say that the transfiguration gives us today four certain realities. Let’s consider them.

I.        The transfiguration gives us today a sense of awe for the holy.

A.     “When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces in awe.” (V.6)

1.      By most accounts they fell due to fear.

2.      Is there a genuine fear and awe of God today?

B.     We experience a sense of awe when we come into God’s presence – we have done so this day.

1.      When He comes to us through His Word – Gospel.

2.      When we receive His body and blood in the Holy Communion.

3.      Worship is more then mere entertainment. It is a time to experience God in His holiness and awesomeness.

Transition: There a sense of the holy. There is an appeal to listen to His voice.

II.     A command to listen and obey, “This is My Son listen to Him” (v.5)

A.     We hear Him – listen to Him. There is a difference between looking and seeing, hearing and listening.

1.      May we hear His message – may we hear His voice.

2.      We are called to listen to His voice.

B.     Christ is the Word made flesh – John 1

1.      Christ has come to dwell among us, full of grace and truth.

2.      Christ bestows on us the Father’s peace.

Transition: We witness someone holy, we list, we witness of Him.

III.   An opportunity to witness. (V. 9) “Tell no one until the Son is risen from the dead.”

A. Now we know who He is; no longer a mere carpenter, an infant, a young obedient son, not even a miracle worker.

1.      He’s God’s Son – The One made flesh.

2.      In Whom the Father is pleased for He will bear the world’s sin and guilt.

B. The disciples would keep the vision a secret until only after Jesus had risen from the dead.

1.      Then they would boldly proclaim, “He is Risen!”

2.      We have opportunity to witness. Lent is a time to pilgrimage with the Savior.

Transition: Faith is not lived in a vacuum it’s expressed as we witness in this world.

IV.  An example of service. (V.4) “Lord it is good to be here, if You wish we can make three booths…”

A. Peter wanted to tabernacle with Jesus – stay with Him removed from the trappings and temptations of the world.

1.      We today remain separated from the world.

2.      But we live in it – this is our arena where we work, play and interact with others.

B.     Thus into this world we shine forth being witnesses for     Christ – we become shining lights for Him.

1.      This happens when day dawns and morning star rises in our hearts.

2.      Christ shines through us, as He is the true light that shines forth into our life and into the world.

CONCLUSION: Today we close the season of Epiphany only to begin the discipline of Lent. During our pilgrimage we will walk with the Savior as He comes down from the mountain of exaltation and transfiguration to the valley of suffering. As we view His humiliation, agony and denial we will witness Him offering Himself to give us His life in exchange for our sin and our guilt. This is the Father’s Son – the beloved –may we listen and learn from Him.