Sermon On the Net

TO NEVER DIE

 

John 11: Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus was very sick and his sisters sent word to Jesus to come and help him. Upon receiving word of his friend's distress He told His disciples in John 11:4, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." When Jesus decided to go to Judea, two days later, His disciples reminded Him of the danger He would be facing, because the Jews wanted to kill Him. Jesus told them that everything would be all right because He was doing His Father's will and walking in His strength. He told them that Lazarus had fallen asleep and He was going to awaken him. The Disciples thought He was referring to literal sleep, but He was referring to his actual, physical death. The Disciples belief and conviction increased following the resurrection of Lazarus, because of the fact that Jesus was not available when Lazarus died. 

 

When Jesus approached the area, Lazarus' sister, Martha went to Jesus saying that if He had been there Lazarus would not have died. Jesus told her not to worry for Lazarus would rise again. She thought He meant he would rise on resurrection day in the end times. Then Jesus told her in verse 25, "I am the resurrection and the life. He that believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"   

 

At this point, Martha left Jesus to return home to tell her sister Mary that Jesus had arrived. She went to meet Him and told Him that every thing would have been okay if only He had been there. Jesus got very emotional when He saw Mary and the Jews who had accompanied her to comfort her. 'Jesus wept;' verse 35, the shortest verse in the Bible. Jesus went to the tomb where they had placed Lazarus and told them to remove the stone from the mouth of the cave. He then engaged in prayer directly to His Father, actually for the benefit of the of the crowd, and then in a loud voice: "Father, I thank you that you have heard me I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me. Then He said: "Lazarus, come out! When he appeared he was bound hand and foot with grave wrappings and Jesus told them to unbind him and let him go.

 

This scene caused many of the Jews who had been there to believe in Jesus, however some were still not convinced and they went to tell the Pharisees all that happened. The Jews were perplexed and formed a council to determine their course of action. They were very concerned about Rome and the reaction Rome would have when they discovered the Jews were not able to control their nation. They feared Rome would take away their place and nation. The high priest, Caiaphas, without realizing his words was prophesying the death of Jesus in verses 51,52, and also the gathering together of all the children of God into one place. As he said it will be better for one person to be sacrificed than a whole nation. So from that day forward they began to plan to kill Him. Jesus ceased to walk in public at that time. He went to the country to a place called Ephraim and there He remained with His Disciples. At this time the Jewish Passover was at hand and many Jews went to Jerusalem for cleansing and purification. They began to wonder if Jesus would show up. The chief priests and Pharisees gave orders for anyone seeing Jesus to report to them immediately so they could seize Him.

 

The meaning to me of this chapter: people get sick and die in this world and we can't stop it. Death (separation from God) is final for all non-believers (verse 25) but not for believers. Here again, we see the power of Jesus' praying to the Father, raising Lazarus and causing his dead body to come alive, all for the glory of God. I become further convinced of eternal life being granted to every believer from the moment they accept Jesus as Savior and join the ranks of those who will never experience spiritual death; but for their spirit to live forever with the Lord, Verse 26). Now we see for the first time what is motivating the Jews to want to kill Jesus, in verse 48 they admit their reason; fear of Rome taking their place and nation. It's hard to believe they would take this course of action for their own self- preservation. Actually the high priest was encouraging His death saying it would be expedient for one to die for all. It appears that man is capable of any thing, especially when we see men who want to kill their own Savior, the only person who could save them from eternal loss.

 

What I intend to do about what I read is to trust the Lord, not man. I know the Lord will never let me down. I will continue to walk in His Light, Amen.

Sermon On the Net

THE BLIND SEE

 

John 9: One day Jesus and his disciples were walking and came upon a man who was blind from birth, and they asked Him who was to blame for his condition, because in those days people related infirmities with sin in one's life or a relative. Jesus told them in John 9:3, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."  Jesus covered the man's eyes with clay and told him to go to the pool of Siloam and wash his eyes, which he did and his sight was restored. The manner in which this was performed by Jesus was a test of the man's faith. He believed in Jesus and his faith made him well. Even though the people saw this miracle with their own eyes some of them refused to believe that it was the same person.

 

They brought the formerly blind man to the Pharisees to show them the man on whom the miracle was performed. It was on a Sabbath day and the Pharisees didn't particularly appreciate Jesus 'working' on that day. Of course they didn't believe what happened and  began to question the man repeatedly and asked him the same questions over and over again. They even queried his parents, thinking that it was not the man, and his parents also confirmed the man's story. The man finally became agitated and began to tell the Pharisees a thing or two. This man was no dummy. His words pierced the minds of the Pharisees and they threw him out of the Temple, accusing him of trying to teach them some things. Apparently he challenged the Pharisees, finding it difficult to believe they didn't know where Jesus came from considering all the miracles He was performing. He also told them that God hears people who are willing to serve Him. He placed emphasis on his position when he reminded them that no one who had been born blind was ever made able to see, since the beginning of time. The final blow to the Pharisees came when he told them that Jesus could do nothing unless it was of God; John 9:33, "If this man were not from God he could do nothing." They called him a sinner and threw him out.

 

Jesus came upon the man and asked him, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?" John 9:35. He asked Jesus who that was. Jesus told him in John 9:37, "You have now seen him; in fact he is the one speaking with you." The man confessed his belief in Jesus. Jesus then explained the reason He came on earth was to show those people who thought they could 'see' and couldn't, (these were the so called religious people of that day) and for those people who were 'blind', but now had the opportunity to see the truth, see John 9:39. The effect of His presence and teaching caused a division among the people. The Pharisees said to Him, "What, are we blind too?" Jesus replied in John 9:41, "If you were blind you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."

 

Meaning to me: the compassion and power of Jesus never ceases. We see this when He felt sorry for the blind man and made him see; his faith made him well. This is a further demonstration that nothing is impossible for God. The fact that there was disagreement among the witnesses to this miracle as to the identity of the man tells me to be very careful to whom you listen. Here we see two people seeing the same event with their own opinion as to what took place. Not even the Pharisees could agree, some believed, others didn't. Situations like these prove to me that man is not dependable in his appraisal of things and should not be relied upon in all circumstances. We don't have to be subjected to one's opinion about spiritual things when we have the final word from God, i.e. the Bible. Verses 35-38 clearly show the reason for the man's healing, his faith in God, he believed. Verse 39 demonstrates the effect of Jesus' presence in the world at that time, the blind see and those who thought they could see couldn't (religious people). The people who didn't know God, when given the chance, did believe in faith. It is always faith first; revelation follows. The religiously righteous, if you will allow me a liberty of words, didn't really know after all, because they had (have) hardened hearts and never knew (know) who the true God was, and the same thing applies today as it always has since the beginning of time.

 

What I plan to do with what I have learned from this chapter is to rely more on the Bible and less on what man says. It's interesting to remember that Judaism was the 'religion' of the day at that time, for the Jews who were and are God's chosen people, and yet they didn't know the true God, according to Jesus, and I am not going to doubt Him. This makes me think, as it might you, as to what we listen to and what path we are on for eternity. The Bible, in its entirety, is my choice.

Sermon On the Net

I AM

 

John 8: After the crowd went home, Jesus went to the Mt. of Olives for a while, probably to pray. In the morning He went back to the Temple to teach. While He was teaching, the Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman who was caught in the act of adultery, and set her before Him. They asked Him what He would do to her because according to Moses she should be stoned to death, Leviticus 20:10. Jesus stooped and began to write on the ground and as He did so, He asked: "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." They immediately got up and left, one by one. When Jesus got up He asked the woman where the accusers went   she replied 'they went away.' Jesus then told her to go and sin no more; they didn't condemn her and neither did He.

 

Jesus continued teaching, stating that He was the Light of the world in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." The Pharisees challenged Jesus' testimony because He was being a witness for Himself. His reply was that even if that were so He knew where He came from and where He was going; John 8:16, "But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father who sent me." Obviously they had no clue as to what He was talking about. He told them that they judge according to man's way and He wasn't judging anyone, however even if He were, He said His judgment would be true because He and the Father are in agreement. He reminded them that in their own law it stated that the testimony of two witnesses is true and He and His Father were the two witnesses. They queried Jesus as to the where the Father was and He told them: "You do not know me or my Father. If you knew me you would know my Father also," John 8:19. Again, they tried to seize Him and couldn't.

 

Jesus told them that He would be leaving them soon and where He was going, they couldn't accompany Him, further more even if they tried to find Him, they couldn't and they would die in their sins. John 8:24, "I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins." He told them they were from Hell, in that they were in and of this world. He repeated that they would die in their sins unless they believed in Him. Again they asked Jesus who He was and again He told them He had been telling them all along and yet they refuse to believe. He told them that His words were directly from the Father whom they didn't know. He told them in John 8:28, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me." Again He told them that it was His Father's will for Him to be there and teach them the truth. He told them that he always obeys His Father and does His will because it pleases Him. As He spoke many came to believe in Him.

 

Jesus told those who believed in Him in John 8:31-32, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They quickly replied they were not slaves to be set free, not realizing that Jesus was talking about their sins; sinners are slaves to sin. Believing in Jesus would, indeed, make one free. Jesus told them that in spite of the fact they were ancestors of Abraham, they were still trying to kill Him because they simply refused to believe in Him. Jesus told them how He does things that the Father has done and they replied they do the same with their father, Abraham, to which Jesus responded, 'if you were the children of Abraham, then you would do his deeds,' John 8:39. But they can't, as they would much prefer to kill Him instead.

 

At this point Jesus told them in no uncertain terms that their father was the devil in John 8:44, "You belong to your Father the devil, and you want to carry out your Father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." This was the reason they didn't believe in Him. He said they wanted to do the desires of their father which was to kill Him. Jesus said, "If I am telling you the truth, why don't you believe me? He asked if there were any one in he crowd who could convict Him of sin and if not, then why don't you believe? As Jesus said, "He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God," see John 8:47. They continued in their blasphemy and refusal to recognize who Jesus was and began to accuse Him of being demon possessed and His response was that they continue to dishonor Him. Again Jesus told them that if they 'believed in Him they would never see death' (separation from God). Their hardened hearts showed up again when they were convinced He was demon possessed because Abraham and the prophets died, and now He is telling them that they will not die (be separated from God). Jesus continued telling them the truth and defending the Father and told them how Abraham rejoiced greatly over Jesus. They, immediately, replied that it would be impossible for that to occur because Abraham was much older then Him and He was to young to know him Jesus said, "Truly, Truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am," John 8:58.They tried to stone Him, but failed again.

 

Meaning: Time and time again in the Scriptures, we see the love and compassion God has for everyone. What impresses me the most is the seemingly, never ending patience of Jesus, as He, time after time tells the truth, teaches them and never gets angry with them. Personally, I'd have blown a gasket or two. Jesus is always ready to forgive as He did the woman in verse 11. In verse 28 Jesus foretold of His crucifixion and it came true. I find it difficult to comprehend how those who actually witnessed these events refused to believe in Him. We haven't been witnesses, but yet we believe Him, because of faith and our hearts are not hardened. I believe His words in the Bible, because I believe they are inspired of God. I am so happy to be free in Jesus, no longer enslaved to sin and to the devil. This chapter identifies one form of death that is eternal separation from God, because of sin, for those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ. The other death, of course, is the physical death of the body. But I know that I will live forever in Christ. 'Never see death,' verse 51 means that as I am with Him now, I will always be. We need to recognize the presence of God in our lives and live accordingly. In verse 58 Jesus said, 'I AM' which means always in existence i.e., absolute eternal existence.

 

What I have learned in this chapter encourages me to remember that He is with me, now and forever and to live my life in such a way as to please Him; to do His will. I know this will not be easy because Satan is constantly on the scene and vigorously tries to discourage Christians everywhere. Fortunately, I also know that in Jesus I have victory over Satan and do not have to yield to the temptations he presents to me, and I might add, on a daily basis, not only to me but to everyone. The Holy Spirit is our   protector.

Sermon On the Net

YOU WILL KNOW

 

John 7: We see Jesus in Galilee walking and talking to His brothers, who as yet, did not believe Him. They wanted Him to go up to Judea for the annual festival that was called the Feast of the Booths. Jesus didn't want to go with His brothers at this time because He was not ready and He knew the Jews wanted to kill Him. One could almost detect a bit of jealously in His brothers, because they wanted Him to show Himself more and more so as they put it, 'they will believe you'. This was not an act of encouragement. He declined and they went up to the feast by themselves. John 7:8, "You go to the feast. I am not yet going up to this Feast, because for me the right time has not yet come." Later Jesus went up by Himself in secret, as it were.

 

The Jews were relentlessly seeking Him at the feast, asking everyone if they had seen Him or knew where He might be. The crowd was mixed as to whether or not Jesus was a good man or a troublemaker. However the people were afraid to talk about Him for fear of the Jews.

 

At midpoint of the feast Jesus went into the Temple and began to teach, impressing the crowd with every word. They were amazed and wondered where this man gained this knowledge, especially since He had not been educated in their schools. Jesus told them that His teachings were not from Him, but from the Father, and if anyone would do the work of the Father they, too, would know of the teaching and its origin. John 7:16-17, "My teaching is not on my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." He reminded them that Moses gave them the law and yet none of them were adhering, no not ever. John 7:19, "Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me? Jesus asked them if it were okay to circumcise a man on the Sabbath. Why then, are they condemning Him because He healed a man on the Sabbath? By now, the crowd began to wonder why the Jewish rulers and Pharisees were not doing anything to Him. They were assuming that they really didn't know who He was. The crowd knew where Jesus, the man, had come from, but was under the impression that no one would know where Christ would come from. Jesus told them that the Father sent Him and the reason they didn't believe Him was because they didn't know the Father, "…You do not know him), which infuriated the Jews even more. Consequently they were trying to seize Him to kill Him but they couldn't. Many people in the crowd began believing Jesus, so the Pharisees, again, sent officers to capture Him, and again failed to do so. Jesus told them He would be with them a little while longer and then He would go back to the Father. Jesus said to them in verse 34, "You will seek me and will not find me, and where I am going you cannot come." They thought He was going to go to some other area.

 

On the last day of the feast Jesus told them that if anyone wanted to be saved they should go to Him. John 7:37-38, "…If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." He used a metaphor of living water in describing the Holy Spirit whom those who believed were to receive, on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit became active in the lives of the believers.

 

The crowd continued in confusion, some saying He is the Christ, while others were saying He was a Prophet. They were saying that Christ was not going to come from Galilee, but from Bethlehem. Apparently they did not know that Jesus did indeed come from Bethlehem; that is where He was born, as the Scripture had prophesied. Micah 5:2, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel." Again the officers failed in their attempt to seize Him, and they went to the rulers and explained to them they never heard a man speak as Jesus did. The rulers sarcastically replied and asked them if they were beginning to believe in Him. At that point, Nicodemus appeared on the scene, ( the one who had met Jesus in the garden in John 3), and reminded them that their law did not provide for pre judging a man unless he was heard from first to tell his side of the story. The leaders told Nicodemus that no prophet would come from Galilee. At that point the crowd dispersed and each went to their own house.

 

The teaching of this chapter shows the difficulty Jesus had trying to make the crowd believe Him, which simply demonstrates the result of a hardened heart. When a person has a closed mind it will be very difficult to try to teach anything. Jesus certainly gave the world every opportunity to accept Him. As He said, 'if anyone would be willing to do the will of the Father then that person would know the truth, (verse 17). This chapter is loaded with the ignorance of man. We should always be aware of the lack of knowledge is what leads to ignorance and closed minds. Verse 38 tells us that when one believes and accepts Jesus as Savior, that person will receive the Holy Spirit and will then know the truth. This happened on the day of Pentecost when the disciples were speaking to a very large crowd. (We'll cover that in Acts). 

 

The meaning to me is that the words of Jesus are true and emanate from the Father, as He said so many times. When I received Jesus as my Savior I knew the Holy Spirit came into my very being. There was a dramatic change in my life. All I need to do is give Him control of my life, to realize that He is with me now and always. The Holy Spirit is no longer a resident in my heart; He is now the President.