Sermon20140525

Introduction:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John * testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘ He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me. ’”

16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him
(John 1:1-18 NASB)

Theme: Three truths you must affirm about Jesus Christ so you may know God and enjoy a right relationship with Him.

I. You must affirm His Deity vv. 1-4a
Four lines of evidence. One bold assertion:

A. His Preexistence vv. 1-2
B. His Personal Communion with God vs. 1-2
C. His Pronouncement as God vs. 1
D. His Preeminence as Creator vs. 3
E. His Property of life vs. 4a

II. You must affirm His Luminosity vv. 4b-13
Three characteristics of the True Light:

A. The Brightness of the Light gives us hope vs. 5
B. The Witness to the Light provides us an example vv. 6-8
C. The Personality of the Light brings us salvation vv. 9-13

1. His presence in the world brings man spiritual light
2. His presence in the world was unknown to it
3. His presence in the midst of his people was unwelcome
4. His provision for God’s children is received through faith

III. You must affirm His Humanity vv. 14-18

A. His humanity was visible for us to see vv. 14-15

1. A humanity dwelling among men vs. 14
2. A humanity of glory vs. 14
3. A humanity testified by John the Baptist vs. 15

B. His humanity was necessary to explain the Father to us vv. 16-18

1. The fullness of grace and truth came through Jesus Christ vv. 16-17
2. The only begotten God is uniquely qualified for this vs. 18

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Sermon20140518

Introduction:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John * testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘ He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me. ’”

16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him
(John 1:1-18 NASB)

Theme: Three truths you must affirm about Jesus Christ so you may know God and enjoy a right relationship with Him.

I. You must affirm His Deity vv. 1-4a
Four lines of evidence. One bold assertion:

A. His Preexistence vv. 1-2
B. His Personal Communion with God vs. 1-2
C. His Pronouncement as God vs. 1
D. His Preeminence as Creator vs. 3
E. His Property of life vs. 4a

II. You must affirm His Luminosity vv. 4b-13
Three characteristics of the True Light:

A. The Brightness of the Light gives us hope vs. 5
B. The Witness to the Light provides us an example vv. 6-8
C. The Personality of the Light brings us salvation vv. 9-13

5. His presence in the world brings man spiritual light
6. His presence in the world was unknown to it
7. His presence in the midst of his people was unwelcome
8. His provision for God’s children is received through faith

III. You must affirm His Humanity vv. 14-18

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Sermon 20140511

Introduction:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.

11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him.

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

15 John * testified about Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘ He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me. ’”

16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him
(John 1:1-18 NASB)

Theme: Three truths you must affirm about Jesus Christ so you may know God and enjoy a right relationship with Him.

I. You must affirm His Deity vv. 1-4a
Four lines of evidence. One bold assertion:

A. His Preexistence vv. 1-2
B. His Personal Communion with God vs. 1-2
C. His Pronouncement as God vs. 1
D. His Preeminence as Creator vs. 3
E. His Property of life vs. 4a

II. You must affirm His Luminosity vv. 4b-13
Three characteristics of the True Light:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Introduction:

Theme: Six foundational questions regarding the gospel of John so you can have greater confidence that what we read in this gospel is trustworthy.

I. Who was John?

A. John the man
1. Other’s by the name “John” in the NT
a. John the baptist (1:6, 15, 19; Luke 1; all synoptics)
b. John connected to Simon Peter (1:42; 21:15-17; also translated Jonah)
c. John, of high-priestly descent (Acts 4:6)
d. John who was also called Mark (Acts 12:12)
2. His vocation was a fisherman in partner with his brother James and Peter (Matthew 4:21-22; Mark 1:19; Luke 5:10)
3. Never named in the gospel, though all three synoptics identify and name him as the brother of James and son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19, 29; Luke 5:10)

B. John the disciple/apostle
1. One of four earliest disciples called by Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22//Mark 1:16-20)
2. Included among the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:13-17; Luke 6:13-14)
3. Included among the circle of disciples closest to Jesus (Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37)
4. Self described as the “disciple whom Jesus [He] loved” (John 13;23; 19:26; 20:2; 21)

C. John the author/evangelist
1. Overwhelming support of early church writers
2. Identifies himself in the epistle as the author, though not by name
3. Determined by process of elimination
4. The volumes he penned
a. His gospel
b. His epistles
c. His apocalypse
5. The intimate knowledge he had with Jewish people, customs, the geography and places of Israel, words, works and interactions of Jesus – evident in the writing of the gospels

II. When did John write the gospel account bearing his name? 85-90 A.D.

“John the disciple of the Lord, who leaned back on his breast, published the Gospel while he was resident at Ephesus in Asia.”
Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130-202), Against Heresies, 3.1.1

“The Gospels containing the genealogies [i.e. Matthew and Luke], he says, were written first. The Gospel according to MARK had this occasion. As Peter had preached the Word publicly at Rome, and declared the Gospel by the Spirit, many who were present requested that Mark, who had followed him for a long time and remembered his sayings, should write them out. And having composed the Gospel he gave it to those who had requested it. When Peter learned of this, he neither directly forbade nor encouraged it. But, last of all, JOHN, perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the Gospel, being urged by his friends, and inspired by the Spirit, composed a spiritual Gospel.”
Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215) as cited by Eusebius (260-340), Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 6.14.5-7

III. Where did John write this gospel from?

Ephesus, based on the witness of the early church fathers

IV. Why did John write this gospel? John 20:30-31

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name

(John 20:30-31 NASB)

V. How should we understand John’s relationship to the synoptic writers?

A. John writes after the three synoptic writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke
B. John was a close associate of Peter
C. John contains 93 % of material not found in the other three gospels
D. John devotes nearly half his gospel to the night before the crucifixion and following.

VI. What are the major themes of the gospel?

A. The major themes are directly related to his purpose.

1. The theme of Who Jesus Christ is.
2. The theme of belief in Christ for eternal life.

B. John employs seven signs, which are attesting miracles.

1. Changing the water into wine – 2:11 “beginning of His signs” cf. 3:2 Nicodemus’ acknowledgment
2. Healing the nobleman’s son – 4:53-54 “a second sign”
3. Healing the lame man – 5:5-9; cf. vs. 36; 6:2
4. Feeding the 5000 – 6:9-11, 14 “the people saw the sign which He had performed”
5. Walking on the water – 6:19-21
6. Healing the man born blind – 9:1-8, 16 some respond, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?”
7. Raising Lazarus from the dead – 11:43-47; 12:18 “He had performed this sign”

C. John records eight “I am” statements

1. I am the bread of life – John 6:35 the sign of feeding the 5000 leads into this great discourse
2. I am the light of the world – John 8:12; 9:5
3. I am the Great I AM – John 8:58
4. I am the door/sheep gate – John 10:7, 9
5. I am the good shepherd – John 10:11
6. I am the resurrection and the life – John 11:25
7. I am the way, the truth and the life – John 14:6
8. I am the true vine – John 15:1

D. John traces a messianic emphasis in the life of Christ.

E. The first major theme John begins to trace as the gospel begins is the nature of the Word.

1. He was in the beginning
2. He was with God
3. He was God
4. He was the Creator
5. He was the source of life

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

17 When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful
(Matthew 28:17 NASB)

Introduction:

Positive Responses to the Resurrection of Christ

1. Belief – John 20:8

2. Repentance – Luke 24:46-48

3. Obedience – John 21:6

4. Devotion – Matthew 28:19

5. Excitement – Luke 24:32-35

6. Amazement – Luke 24:41

Negative Responses to the Resurrection of Christ

1. Deny and Excuse – Matthew 28:11-15

2. Unbelief – John 20:25

3. Annoyance – Acts 4:2

4. Mockery – Acts 17:31-32

5. Apathy – Acts 25:19

6. Anger – Acts 26:8-11

Three Times Christ Clearly Receives Worship in the Gospels

1. Jesus receives worship at his birth – Matthew 2:2,11

2. Jesus receives worship when He does a miracle – Matthew 14:33; John 9:38

3. Jesus receives worship after He is resurrected.

Theme:

Three reasons why worshiping Christ is the right response to His resurrection so you may render to Him the adoration He deserves.

I. The resurrection confirms He is the Christ, Israel’s Messiah. – Luke 214:46

II. The resurrection confirms He is the Son of God – Romans 1:4; John 20:31

III. The resurrection confirms He is God – John 20:28

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Introduction:

Theme: Six foundational questions regarding the gospel of John so you can have greater confidence that what we read in this gospel is trustworthy.

I. Who was John?

A. John the man
1. Other’s by the name “John” in the NT
a. John the baptist (1:6, 15, 19; Luke 1; all synoptics)
b. John connected to Simon Peter (1:42; 21:15-17; also translated Jonah)
c. John, of high-priestly descent (Acts 4:6)
d. John who was also called Mark (Acts 12:12)
2. His vocation was a fisherman in partner with his brother James and Peter (Matthew 4:21-22; Mark 1:19; Luke 5:10)
3. Never named in the gospel, though all three synoptics identify and name him as the brother of James and son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19, 29; Luke 5:10)

B. John the disciple/apostle
1. One of four earliest disciples called by Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22//Mark 1:16-20)
2. Included among the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:13-17; Luke 6:13-14)
3. Included among the circle of disciples closest to Jesus (Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37)
4. Self described as the “disciple whom Jesus [He] loved” (John 13;23; 19:26; 20:2; 21)

C. John the author/evangelist
1. Overwhelming support of early church writers
2. Identifies himself in the epistle as the author, though not by name
3. Determined by process of elimination
4. The volumes he penned
a. His gospel
b. His epistles
c. His apocalypse
5. The intimate knowledge he had with Jewish people, customs, the geography and places of Israel, words, works and interactions of Jesus – evident in the writing of the gospels

II. When did John write the gospel account bearing his name?

“John the disciple of the Lord, who leaned back on his breast, published the Gospel while he was resident at Ephesus in Asia.”
Irenaeus of Lyons (AD 130-202), Against Heresies, 3.1.1

“The Gospels containing the genealogies [i.e. Matthew and Luke], he says, were written first. The Gospel according to MARK had this occasion. As Peter had preached the Word publicly at Rome, and declared the Gospel by the Spirit, many who were present requested that Mark, who had followed him for a long time and remembered his sayings, should write them out. And having composed the Gospel he gave it to those who had requested it. When Peter learned of this, he neither directly forbade nor encouraged it. But, last of all, JOHN, perceiving that the external facts had been made plain in the Gospel, being urged by his friends, and inspired by the Spirit, composed a spiritual Gospel.”
Clement of Alexandria (AD 150-215) as cited by Eusebius (260-340), Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 6.14.5-7

III. Where did John write this gospel from?

Ephesus, based on the witness of the early church fathers

IV. Why did John write this gospel? John 20:30-31

30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name

(John 20:30-31 NASB)

V. How should we understand John’s relationship to the synoptic writers?

VI. What are the major themes of the gospel?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Introduction:

Theme: Six foundational questions regarding the gospel of John so you can have greater confidence that what we read in this gospel is trustworthy.

I. Who was John?

A. John the man
1. Other’s by the name “John” in the NT
a. John the baptist (1:6, 15, 19; Luke 1; all synoptics)
b. John connected to Simon Peter (1:42; 21:15-17; also translated Jonah)
c. John, of high-priestly descent (Acts 4:6)
d. John who was also called Mark (Acts 12:12)
2. His vocation was a fisherman in partner with his brother James and Peter (Matthew 4:21-22; Mark 1:19; Luke 5:10)
3. Never named in the gospel, though all three synoptics identify and name him as the brother of James and son of Zebedee (Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19, 29; Luke 5:10)

B. John the disciple/apostle
1. One of four earliest disciples called by Jesus (Matthew 4:18-22//Mark 1:16-20)
2. Included among the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:13-17; Luke 6:13-14)
3. Included among the circle of disciples closest to Jesus (Matthew 17:1; Mark 5:37)
4. Self described as the “disciple whom Jesus [He] loved” (John 13;23; 19:26; 20:2; 21)

C. John the author/evangelist
1. Overwhelming support of early church writers
2. Identifies himself in the epistle as the author, though not by name
3. Determined by process of elimination
4. The volumes he penned
a. His gospel
b. His epistles
c. His apocalypse

II. When did John write the gospel account bearing his name?

III. Where did John write this gospel from? Ephesus, based on the witness of the early church fathers

IV. Why did John write this gospel? John 20:30-31

V. How should we understand John’s relationship to the synoptic writers?

VI. What are the major themes of the gospel?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The Ten Commandments, Part 2

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

The Ten Commandments, Part 1

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS