A TIME TO WAIT TABLES AND A TIME TO WORSHIP – A RESPONSE TO THE GRACE OF GOD

John 12:1-11

 The Text:

 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.  Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. MARTHA SERVED, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.  Then MARY took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected,  “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.”  He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead.  So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well,  for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. John 12:1-11

Transition: I want to share a few thoughts to consider as we move into 2026 as a Church.

1. HONORING CHRIST AROUND THE TABLE OF FELLOWSHIP IS THE NAUTRAL TO HIS WORK IN OUR LIVES.

• Think of it, Lazarus literally had gone from death to life!! Yes, I’m thinking his would be cause enough to honor Him.

• Every resurrection in the Scriptures serves as an illustration of the saving power of Christ. When a person hears the gospel and believes there is a spiritual resurrection within that turns a person into a worshipper!

 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.  And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ^{Ephesians. 2:1-7}

2. WORSHIP AND WAITING TABLES ARE BOTH IN THE OF THE BELIEVER.

Most of the time MARTHA and MARY are brought up in a sermon Martha gets all the bad press. She is the one who was upset that her sister Mary for not helping her prepare lunch for Jesus and his disciples. And yes, Jesus did chide her for missing an opportunity to sit at his feet and learn from him. However, Martha at this meal is serving from a place of gratitude rather than gripping.

Point of Interest: Every time Mary is mentioned in the Gospel’s she’s at the feet of Jesus. ^{(Luke 10:38-39, John 11:2,32, John 12:3)}. Every time Martha is mentioned she serving or gripping or both. ^{(Lk. 10:40, John 11:21-22)}

• Mary is celebrated as the worshipping sister but Martha expressed her love for Jesus through service.

• Jesus said the great ones in the Kingdom are servants Matt. 20:25-28

3. WORSHIP WHICH IS MOTIVATED BY FILLS OUR LIVES WITH THE OF JESUS.

^V.3 Then MARY took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Another Example of a sinful of woman who pour perfume over Jesus feet and dried them off with her hair is found in Luke 7: 36-47. In this story Jesus uses this experience as a teaching opportunity about worship that is motivated by love and gratitude.

• Worshippers give Christ their best. Expensive Perfume that cost this sister a year’s earnings.
• Judas was a crook and had ulterior motives when it came to money. He wanted to keep God’s money in his pocket. He was a taker not a giver.
• Worshippers don’t care who’s watching.
• Worshippers serve others from a place of gratitude.

CONCLUSION: 

 

RAISED AND RELEASED TO A BETTER LIFE John 11

INTRODUCTION: This morning, we are about to examine the greatest miracle of all time which is marked by another of the “I AM” statements made by Jesus to declare his deity.

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.”  ^{John 11:25-26}

• Setting up the Stage:

 I want to share three things from Lazarus’s real death to life experience.

1. GOD’S ARE OFTEN FOR A GOOD. V.1-32

Reading the chapter, you will discover that Jesus intentionally allowed Lazarus to die.

Review the event:

Martha is first to meet Jesus as he approaches the outskirts of town and shares her frustration with Jesus for his delay.

• In God’s providence He is always working behind the scenes to accomplish God’s redemptive plans that will most glorify his Son and stimulate faith in others.

ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSES. Romans 8:28

2. BELIEVERS ARE NOT FROM .

John records that everyone is mourning in the story including Jesus. The two sisters are mourning, their friends and family are mourning, and yes, Jesus is weeping too.

However, Jesus is not grieving over the death of Laz, he knows what he’s about to do in regard to his condition. No, his grief comes from a deeper place.

I believe he is grieving the spiritual condition of the Human Race that all will die because of the first Adam’s curse.

The wages of sin is death. ^{Romans 6:23}

Death is rough on us isn’t it. Losing a loved one is the toughest assignment known to man. We struggle to comprehend life without the one we love. A great sadness settles over us like morning fog when a loved one dies.

• Believers grieve like unbelievers except we have a hope grounded in the fact that Jesus is the life giver! He is the resurrection and the life! Whosoever believes in Him will live even though he dies.

3. JESUS HAS OVER AND ALL WHOSE IS IN HIM WILL LIVE AND .

After praying Jesus cries out loud, LAZARUS COME FORTH! And everyone must have been so startled when the mummy stands to his feet all wrapped in burial clothes.

• Listen to the Apostle John in Revelation 1

^“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last,  and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”            ^{Revelation 1:17-18}

“But your dead will live, LORD; their bodies will rise— let those who dwell in the dust wake up and shout for joy— your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.” ^{Isa. 26:19}

• What Jesus says next is the awesome: v.43-44

Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”  The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

If you look closer at the text Martha was not surprised about Jesus claiming to raise up Lazarus at the “last day.” But Jesus doesn’t wait until just the last day! He raises us to life when we believe!!!!!

• The Apostle Paul’s words to the Church in Ephesus are appropriate here:

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.  All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, MADE US ALIVE WITH CHRIST even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ^{Eph. 2:1-7}

 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ^{1Cor. 15:54-57}

CONCLUSION: If you’re struggling this morning, because God appears to be a bit late in your life, don’t give up hope!    You just can’t see what He’s got up His sleeve. If you’re grieving a loss this morning, know that you’re not alone. Christ is a sympathetic priest who grieves with you and will help you get through this period in your life.  Finally, never forget that death does not have the final word in our lives and the lives of our loved ones in Christ.

 

 

 

Intro. Video Clip

I. UNBELIEF IS NOT A MATTER OF NEEDING MORE BUT A HEART. V.22-24

“If you’re the Messiah tell us plainly.”

A. Jesus couldn’t have made it any clearer that he was the Christ.

Jesus taught in the open and his message was clear: I am the living water. ^{John 4} I am the bread of Life who eats of this bread will live forever. ^{John 6} I am the Light of the world, who believes in me will never walk in darkness. ^{John 8} I am the Door into the Kingdom.^{John 9} I am the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. ^{John 10}

B. Jesus’ miracles were more than sufficient proof of his deity.

Healing the sick, raising the dead, giving sight to the blind, casting out demons, turning water into wine. Yeah, I think his works were enough evidence.

C. Jesus made it clear that unbelievers can’t hear the voice of God because they won’t hear it.

He came to his own people, but they received him not, and their unbelief resulted in the hardening of their hearts. ^{John 1:11-12 & Romans 11:20)}

• Today is no different. People’s unbelief is not based upon a lack of evidence but rather a stubborn and rebellious heart.

II. BELIEVERS ARE IN THEIR SALVATION AND YET ARE EXPECTED TO OUT THEIR SALVATION WITH AND TREMBLING. V. 25-31

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ^V.27-29

A. Faith in CHRIST was never meant to excuse unbelief or sinful living.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil. 2:12-13

• Noone can snatch (Harpazo) his sheep out of the hands of God.

Eternal Life: (aionios) this word means perpetual or never ending. This is a great promise but even better is that early in this same discussion Jesus said that He has come to give his sheep abundant (perissos) life ^{John 10:10} a reference to quality not just quantity.

Question: Jesus teaching that Christians are secure in their Salvation?

B. My logic for believing in eternal security: Six Reason I believe in the security of the believer:

1. A person who has been “born again” can’t be unborn again can he? John 3:4, Titus
2. Jesus said the following: “This is the will of the Father who sent me, that of all he has given me I should lose nothing but raise it up at the last day.” ^{John 6:39}
3. The Apostle informs the believers in the Church at Ephesus that they have been sealed by the Holy Spirit whose role is to deliver them safely home.

^“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,  who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. ^{Eph. 1:13-14}

We are “sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption. “ ^{Ephesians 4:30}

         4. Believers have been adopted into the family of God. Therefore, it seems highly improbable that people can lose                    their position in the family.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love  he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— Eph. 1:3-5

       5. The Apostle was “convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what was entrusted to me,” ^{Timothy 1:12}

 

       6. The Apostle Paul speaks of our Salvation in the past tense that Bible scholars refer to as “positional” truth.

^“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” ^{Romans 8:28-30}

     7.  Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. Heb12:2

B. Admittedly, there are several scriptural references that should temper our attitude about our security.

Mark 3:28-29 ^{(Blasphemy the Holy Spirit)} Hebrews 6:4-6 ^{(people who were enlightened, tasted the heavenly gift and shared in the Holy Spirit)} 10:26-27 ^{(deliberately keep on sinning)} 2 Peter 2:19-22 ^{(dogs who return to the vomit)} Gal. 5:1-4 ^{(fallen away from grace)}

• Security is not a teaching designed to give people an excuse to live however they want to, if fact, if that is what you believe you are in grave danger of great loss when you stand before the Lord.

III. JESUS WAS ULTIMATELY SLAUGHTERED LIKE A LAMB ON THE ALTAR IN THE TEMPLE BECAUSE HE WAS THE AND NOT JUST BECAUSE HE TO BE THE CHRIST.

The lamb of God was sent by the Father to take away the sins of the world. ^{John 1:29}

The Jewish leaders thought of Jesus as a blasphemer who needed to be shut up and be snuffed out. These unbelievers wanted to kill Jesus because they understood what he was claiming: Equality with God.

“We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” v. 33

A.  Jesus was clearly God in the flesh.

• John 1:1 The Word was God
• John 10:30 I and the Father are one.
• John 14:19 To see me is to see the Father.
• Isaiah 9:6 He shall be called Mighty God.
• Titus 2:13 Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ

B. Jesus uses a prophetic word from one their heroes, King David to dismantle the point to their weak argument:

“I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’  But you will die like mere mortals; you will fall like every other ruler.”  Rise up, O God, judge the earth,
for all the nations are your inheritance. Psa. 82:6-8

CONCLUSION: 

 

CAN YOU HEAR HIS VOICE?

Your Salvation depends upon it.    John 10:1-21

Intro.  This morning, I want to speak to you about, Hearing the Voice of God and its relationship to your salvation.

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate ^{[Thyra: door or gate],} but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. ² The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.”

 ⁶ Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them.

⁷ Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. ⁸ All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. ⁹ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. ^{[a life of abundance]}

I. OUR SALVATION IS ON THE WORD OF THE LORD AND IN FAITH:

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” ^{Romans 10:17}

• Called by Name: Jesus says that “He calls his sheep by name” and not by tribe, not by family nor by nations, but by name! This calling is personal. His voice is not audible but Spiritual. His Spirit bears witness with our Spirit that we are His. And the end result is the sheep follow Him.

Example: Zacchaeus was called out of a tree by name. (Luke 19:5)

• Effectual Calling: His sheep hear and follow!

Shepherding 101: Jesus was speaking to people who were all too familiar with sheep, shepherds and the work involved in raising them. They knew that sheep were valuable commodities. For their wool, meat and role in temple worship.

Shepherds were responsible for caring for the sheep from birth to slaughter. The shepherd would lead the sheep into pasture lands to graze by day and lead them back into the safety of the sheep pen by night. The sheep pen had only one gate in and out. And sheep, like your pets were able to recognize the voice of their shepherd. A hired hand would keep watch by night to make sure no carnivores jumped the fence for some lamb chops and would also be on the lookout for sheep thieves who would steal sheep for personal profit. [Ezekiel 34]

• Thieves and Robbers. These so-called spiritual leaders could not hear the voice of the Shepherd because they would not. Israel was called to be gatekeepers of the God’s gracious plan of Salvation to blessed “all the peoples of the world” but they refused the messenger and rejected his word. ( I used to think the thief was the devil, and certainly his aim is to kill but these thieves are religious teachers who care only for themselves)
• God nowadays speaks through and about His Son.

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,  but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” ^{Heb. 1:1-3}

• There are many voices out there trying to persuade us to follow their worldly and vain philosophies in regard to spiritual matters.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. ^{Colossians 2:8}

II. JESUS IS THE “GOOD SHEPHERD.” v.11-15

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks ^[harpazo] the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

A. Throughout the pages of Holy Scriptures God is described has the Shepherd of his people.

• The Lord is my shepherd and shall not want. ^{Psa 23}
• See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. ^{Isa 40:10-11.}
• Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.
  You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth. ^{Psa 80:1}

Israel from antiquity understood God to be their shepherd but when he shows up, they reject him.

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.  Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. ^{John 1:11-12}

B. Three things about our Good Shepherd:

1. He lays down his life for our welfare. He was not only the good shepherd but also the sacrificial lamb who came to reverse the curse. ^{(John 1:29)}
2. He knows us personally and calls us by name.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who CALLED you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ^{1 Peter 2:29}

        3. He cares for us. Cast your cares upon him for he cares for you. ^{1 Peter 5:7}

III. JESUS HAS ONE FLOCK NOT TWO: v.16-21

I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.  The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again.  No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

The Jews who heard these words were again divided.  Many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to him?”  But others said, “These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

A. The Jews could care less about Gentiles and had no love for the Shepherd which is obvious from their response.

• The leaders of Israel though Jesus was a madman who was under the influence of demons.

• Jesus speaks of “other sheep” who were to be included in the flock of God-the Church.

• God promised Abraham to bless the all the peoples of the world through his descendants and be a light of revelation to the entire world. Gen.12:3, Luke 2:29-33

• The Apostle John informs his readers that Jesus came to his own people but they rejected him. This rejection was the catalyst for the gentile world to be grafted in the Vine.  

^“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” ^{Eph. 2:13-16}

B.  Our Good Shepherd was crucified according to the eternal plan of God.  

“This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.” ^{Acts 2:23}

C.  Our Good Shepherd had and exercised His authority to be raised from the dead!

CONCLUSION: The gospel message opens to gate into the kingdom of God and into abundance here and now. Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life that we would be saved. The flock is the family of God- the church that was purchased by his blood made up of both Jews & Gentiles. People who have heard the voice of their shepherd calling them out by name. People God the Father graced with Sovereign and saving faith.

 

John 9

INTRODUCTION: T

MIRACLE IN FOCUS: John 9:1-7

 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.  His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, WHO SINNED, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.   As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.  “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So, the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

So, what’s the takeaway from the miracle? I want to share three things for you to consider:

1. THE GENERATIONAL CURSE IS THE CAUSE OF AND , BUT THE CURSE GOES BACK MUCH FURTHER THAN OUR .

The disciples question makes it rather obvious that they believed in generational curses which result in human suffering.

They must have known about the stories of Moses and God’s conversations in regard to generational guilt and punishment.

So, what’s the deal? Are children be punished because of our sins? Are we punished for the sins of our parents?

Interesting story:

 Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. ⁶ And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. (Great News!)

Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Ex. 34:5-10

What do we make of this? 

Sin travels, from one generation to the next. We can and often do set in motion sequences of sin that are perpetuated by the next generation.

Illustration::   

• We have all heard people say something like, “Addiction runs in my family, divorce runs in my family, anger runs in my family, lust runs in my family. etc.. 

Yes, sinful patterns do run in families and demand us to repent from them. 

• In Adam we’re ALL CURSED with spiritual blindness and need Jesus to step in our path.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned. Romans 5:12

Yes, this man was born blind because of Adam’s sin. Fall is the primary cause of all sin and suffering. The reason bad things happen to good people is that we are living under the curse of sin.

• The Prophet Jeremiah spoke of a day in his future when people will have a better understanding of generational sin and punishment.

“The people will no longer quote this proverb: ‘The parents have eaten sour grapes, but their children’s mouths pucker at the taste.’ All people will die for their own sins—those who eat the sour grapes will be the ones whose mouths will pucker. 31:29-30 NLT

2. THE GENERATIONAL CURSE IS THROUGH IN CHRIST. 

“Christ redeemed us from that self-defeating, cursed life by absorbing it completely into himself. Do you remember the Scripture that says, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”? That is what happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross: He became a curse, and at the same time dissolved the curse. And now, because of that, the air is cleared and we can see that Abraham’s blessing is present and available for non-Jews, too. We are all able to receive God’s life, his Spirit, in and with us by believing—just the way Abraham received it.” Galatians 3:13-14 MSG

• This man was certainly lacking sufficient theology to understand the doctrines of grace- Christ alone, faith alone, Grace alone. But he did know he was blind and he was willing to do whatever was asked of him to receive his sight.

Faith in Christ removes the “curse of sin” but obedience to Him receive “go and wash” is the key to breaking the habits related to the curse.

• Washing is a picture of repentance. Deciding to change our ways is to make room for Christ in our lives. The man born blind had a decision to make after getting mud stuck in his eye sockets. Obey the word of the Lord– Go and Wash.

3. DELIEVERANCE FROM THE GENERATIONAL CURSE DEMANDS THE TO OUR SPIRITUAL (Sinfulness). V.35-41

After interrogating this man, the people who witnessed the miracle and his parents, some of the Pharisees become open to the idea of the miracle, while others think the whole thing was a sham.

• The Jewish leaders were so blinded by their bias. Mose was their teacher, but they misinterpreted his teachings. (The Sabbath was for God’s keeping). And Jesus responds by telling these blind guides that they think they “see” but are blind.

• The story concludes with Jesus finding the man who was cast out the synagogue. He asks him if he believed in the Son of Man? That man says, I know nothing about the man, but I would sure like to believe in him. Jesus responds, I am the man! The man responds in faith and believes and begins to worship Jesus!

• We have a choice to make, transmit our dysfunction or transition through faith and obedience.

 

I SAW THE LIGHT: John 8

INTRO. The late Hank Williams wrote a song in 1947 that has stood the test of time called, “I saw the Light.”

I wandered so aimless, life filed with sin
I wouldn’t let my dear Savior in
Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the Lord, I saw the light

I saw the light, I saw the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light

Just like a blind man, I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave his sight
Praise the Lord, I saw the light

It does appear that Hank had some good theology even though he struggled to walk in the light.

• This morning in our series, Mission 3:16 we are in John’s gospel chapter 8. Last week we looked at the woman caught in adultery who “saw the light” of the grace of God through her encounter with Jesus.  It’s on the heels of this story that Jesus declares himself to be the light that liberates people from their darkness.

SCRIPTURE IN FOCUS^:

 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

CONTEXT: The Jewish leaders are irate with Jesus for claiming that God was his Father and in chapter 8 he sends them into a frenzy with his claim of being the Light of the World.

Who do you think you are was the response of the Jewish leadership? ^v.53 

You have no right to testify about yourself in this way. Our law tells us that one can’t testify for himself. to which Jesus responds, my Father testifies on my behalf. and he is the one who sent me. ^v.18

 

I. JESUS CLAIMS TO BE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD AND THIS TRUTH IS KEY TO TRUE SPIRITUAL .

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” V. 12

• The Apostle John introduces Jesus as the Light in his opening chapter: John 1:1-18

• The Prophet Isaiah prophesied about the coming Christ some eight hundred years prior to this day:

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned. Isa. 9:2

(This is the same chapter that speaks of a child being born “unto us” who would be called, the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Isa. 9. 6)

• In the closing chapter of Revelation (21:23) John says that in the eternal city their will be no moon or sun because Jesus (the lamb) will be her light!

II. JESUS WAS SENT TO EARTH TO ENLIGHTEN PEOPLE IN REGARD TO SPIRITUAL THAT LEADS US OUT OF .  

• Spiritual Enlightenment Defined:

“Spiritual enlightenment is a state of profound understanding and liberation, often described as a higher state of consciousness or awareness.” AI. AGREE?

• Spiritual enlightenment: In our modern times the word enlightenment has evolved into some nebulous idea that “New agers” have grabbed onto and have created a mystical religion apart from Christ.

Jesus wasn’t claiming to be a light but the light.

• The Apostle Paul’s view on spiritual enlightenment:

“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. ² Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. ³ And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. ⁴ The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ⁵ For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. ⁶ For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” ^{2 Cor. 4:1-6}

• Paul understood the fact that preaching Christ was the only way to help people “see the Light.”

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Eph. 1:13-14

• True spiritual enlightenment requires faith in Christ which results in the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul informed the Corinthian Church that Spiritual realities are revealed to us because we have the Spirit. (1 Cor. 2: 9-10)

Side Note: The Apostle Paul prays for the church that she would receive further revelation-enlightenment in regard to spiritual truths. Eph. 1:15-21

III. THE JEWS SERVE AS AN OF PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY CAN BE SPIRITUALLY TO GOD WITHOUT IN CHRIST. 

Kids are afraid of the dark but adults are afraid of the light.

If you read through the entire chapter for yourself, you will find that Jesus indicts the Pharisees and the unbelieving Jews as follows:

• You don’t know me or my Father ^v.19
• You will die in your sins ^v.21-24
• You are of this world. ^V.23
• You don’t believe that I am the Christ. ^v.24
• You are slaves to sin. ^{V. 33-34}
• You have no room in your heart for my word. ^V.37
• You can’t hear me because you don’t belong to God. ^{v. 47}
• You are doing the work of your father- the devil. ^{V. 41-44}

Religion and/or spirituality without Christ can make one appear spiritual but in the dark, nonetheless.

 

CONCLUSION/APPLICATION:

Brothers and sisters, we are the people who have seen the great light in the face of CHRIST. We are therefore called to “Walk in the Light as He is in the Light.” ^{1 John 1:7}

In the words of the Apostle Paul: ^“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Romans 13:12

 

John 8:1-11

Introduction: This morning, we will examine a very familiar story found only in John’s gospel. I’m taking about the woman caught in the act of adultery.

Full disclosure: The earliest manuscripts of John’s gospel date back somewhere between 100-200 AD and do not include the story of the woman caught in adultery story. The earliest manuscripts that contain this story date somewhere between 300-400AD.

However, scholars refuse to omit the story in our modern bibles because the story is consistent with the character, style of ministry and teachings of Jesus.

ALL SAID, I believe this story is most beautiful and true and worthy to speak from.

 

FOUR GOSPEL TRUTHS DISCOVERED IN THIS PASSAGE

 

1. SOME PEOPLE ARE , MOST ARE , BUT ALL ARE .

All have sinned and come up short of the glory of God. All of us miss the mark. Romans 3:23

2. GOD TAKES SIN AND SO MUST .

Sin is not overlooked. Sin must be reckoned with.

• Adultery under the law was to be punished by death (Leviticus 20:10). Both the man and woman were to be killed. Leviticus doesn’t say explicitly that stoning was to the method of punishment, but Jesus didn’t debate the pharisees on this point.
  • Under the law homosexuality, bestiality, incest, idolatry were all under the same sentence.

• The Apostle Paul in his doctrinal dissertation had the following to say about sin’s consequences: 

^“When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the obligation to do right.  And what was the result? You are now ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom.  But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life.  For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:20-23 NLT

• The pharisees were just as guilty of sin as the woman they caught in the act.

The first of you without sin please throw the first stone!

3. JESUS DIDN’T COME TO SINNERS BUT TO THEM FROM THE AND OF SIN.

“Neither do I condemn you.”

• Jesus was the only one qualified to condemn this woman and yet he chose mercy!

^“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.  Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.  This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:16-19 NIV

Illustrations:

• For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

• Jesus was be criticized for breaking bread at Matthews house along with all his friends: sinners and tax collectors. And Jesus challenges their theology with a statement, go and figure out what this scripture means, “I desire mercy not sacrifice.” ^{Hosea 6:6} Matthew 9:10-13

4. GOD’S GRACE DOES NOT US FROM .

                                           “go and sin no more.”

” But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.  No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.”  1 John 3:5-6

Question:

• Jesus knew this woman would continue to wrestle with sin, but he was expecting her to walk away from this sin.
• As Christians, we will not be sinless in this lifetime, but we will sin less if the Holy Spirit is in us.

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

• Antinomianism is the belief that some laws, particularly moral laws, are not binding for Christians because they are freed from the law by grace through faith in Christ.
• We are not under Jewish law as Gentiles, but we are not free live any which way we desire. We are now slaves to righteousness not licentiousness.
• Sometimes people are not caught in the act of sin more often than not, people are stuck in the trap of sin and need help getting free. Galatians 6:1-3

There is now therefore “NO CONDEMNATION” for those in Christ Jesus. Roman 8:1

 

RIVERS OF LIVING WATER WILL FLOW WITHIN

A Promise to the Thirsty Soul

John 7:37-39

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

INTRO. Tomorrow morning, Oct 6^th, 2025, on the Jewish Calendar marks the first day of this very festival Jesus boldly spoke this spiritual truth to a massive crowd.  This festival goes back several thousand years in Jewish history. The festival is known by many names, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Booths, Feast of Weeks, and in modern times, Sukkot. This is a dual-purpose festival in which the Jews were to celebrate the ingathering of the harvest (Ex. 34:22) and the Exodus out of Egypt when their forefathers’ lived tents in the wilderness and were sustained with bread from heaven and water from the rock, which was Christ(Lev.23:42-43, Ex. 16:4, Ex. 17, Num. 20-1Cor.10:4).

This festival was a celebration!

Just for fun: I did a little research on the Sukkot and discovered that in New York City there are all sorts of parties around the Sukkot- flyers are all over the big apple inviting the Million Jews living there to come party at their venue.

I have a Jewish friend who told me he wanted me come to his synagogue for Sukkot- he tells me it’s a blast, where even the Rabbis get a bit tipsy.  My kind of party!   Just kidding!

Back to the Scriptures:  Jerusalem, the Holy City is packed in with tens of thousands of people celebrating probably their favorite annual religious festival.

Jesus and his disciples were in Galilee a day’s journey away just prior to this festival.  The disciples are excited to attend this celebration; Probably a celebration they had attended their whole lives. They want Jesus to join them, but he initially refuses. After all, he knew that his enemies would be lurking in the shadows to arrest him.

The Disciples were confused, but head off to the Holy City nonetheless. Once the disciples were gone Jesus decided to make his way to the festival as well but would try to fly under the radar.

Halfway through the week Jesus decides to come out of the shadows and go into the temple and teach those present.

As Jesus taught the whispering began. Some are leaning into his teachings with faith, others are claiming he is a deceiver and others still claiming he is demon possessed. V.14-20

Several times while teaching and defending his claims he tells the crowd that he was sent from God which pushes the Chief Priests and Pharisees over the edge. And therefore, they sought to arrest him.

On the last day of the Feast he stands up and makes a statement that has echoed throughout history:

“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

• Jesus is quoting from the Old Testament most likely a prophecy spoken by the Prophet Isaiah.

Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live. Isa. 55:1-3

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.” Isa. 44:3

BIG IDEA: Jesus strategically uses the last day of this festival to preach a truth that will matter most to the crowd if they will lean in with faith:

Religious tradition will not satisfy the real need in your spiritual lives only faith in Him which will result in them receiving the HOLY SPIRIT’S OUTPOURING.

THIS IS A PERFECT TIME TO SPEAK ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT (PNEUMATOLOGY 101

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS POURED OUT ON THE DAY OF PENECOST AND IS TO WHO WILL EMBRACE CHRIST ALONE. Acts 2- Joel 2:28-32

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE “” THAT JESUS PROMISED THE WOMAN AT THE WELL. (John 4)

3. THE PHYSICAL OF PEOPLE WHO COME TO CHRIST BY FAITH BECOME THE PLACE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

4. IF A PERSON HAS NOT THE HOLY , THEY ARE NOT AGAIN. Romans 5:9-11

• Remember that Jesus informed Nicodemus of this truth in John 3. This truth is also found in Titus 3:4-7 (Regeneration)

The SPIRIT through whom men are reborn is the same Spirit through whom JESUS born. St. Augustine.

5. THE INDWELLING PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL HIMSELF IN WAYS:

• Spiritual Fruit will begin to manifest in our daily lives. ^{Gal. 5:22-23}
• He will turn us into worshippers rather than winos. ^{Eph. 5:18}
• He will convince us of our sin and need of forgiveness and grieve in us if we try to push him to the margins of our lives. ^{John 16:8, Eph 4:30}
• He will assigned certain spiritual gifts to each of us so we can carry out His purposes. ^{1 Cor. 12:12}

CONCLUSION: If you honestly have no sense of the Holy Spirit in your life, perhaps today is your Feast of Tabernacles!

Come to Christ: “COME to ME all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”! Matthew 11:28

“Drinking represents a reception for which no fitness is required. A fool, a thief, a harlot can drink; and so sinfulness of character is no bar to the invitation to believe in Jesus. We want no golden cup, no bejeweled chalice, in which to convey the water to the thirsty; the mouth of poverty is welcome to stoop down and quaff the flowing flood. Blistered, leprous, filthy lips may touch the stream of divine love; they cannot pollute it, but shall themselves be purified. Jesus is the fount of hope. Dear reader, hear the dear Redeemer’s loving voice as he cries to each of us,

“IF ANY MAN THIRST, LET HIM COME UNTO ME AND DRINK.”

Charles Spurgeon

If a man is thirsty, a rope and a bucket alone aren’t much use to him. But, if there’s a well nearby, he needs the bucket and the rope to life the water. Faith is the bucket with which men have the ability to draw water out of the wells of salvation and drink to their hearts content. Spurgeon.

• If you feel that you are void of the Holy Spirit, you can ask God our Father to give you His SPIRIT. Luke 11:13

This Week I want to assign you Psalms 63 as a devotional and scripture of meditation.

 

Introduction: The Gospel of John records seven primary “miracles” that were performed to help people recognize the divine nature of Jesus and the reason to place their faith in him alone.  These signs include changing water into wine, healing a royal official’s son, healing the man at the pool of Bethesda, feeding the 5,000, walking on water, healing the man born blind, and raising Lazarus from the dead.

This morning, I want to speak on the Bread from Heaven and the message in the miracle.

 

READ: John 6:25-57

 

1. THE MIRACLE:

Jesus has massive crowds following him everywhere. On this particular occasion it is getting late, it’s also supper time and people are getting hungry. The disciples encourage Jesus to call it day and send the crowds home to feed their families. But Jesus has plan at work and so he tells the disciple to figure out how to feed the people.

Philip, go get them something to eat in town. A test of his faith. And Philip fails the test, excuse me Jesus, a year and a half’s wages wouldn’t be enough money to buy this amount of food.

Andrew on the other hand has a little more faith. He points out that a boy in the crowd brough his lunch along and perhaps they could start with this little amount of food. (Little is a lot when God’s in it)

Jesus has the disciples grab the boys lunch basket and divided the people up into groups of 50 people. Then he prays over the loaves and fish (Eucharisteo) and something happens. MIRACLE.

Then he instructs his disciples to pass out the vittles and encourage the people to take as much as they want.

When the people are all fed he instructs his boys to gather up the leftovers and there is plenty of food to spare. MIRACLE

• Miracle Accomplished Message about to begin. But we must first notice the among the people who are beginning to grumble. The spiritual dullness of the crowd.

2. THE MISUNDERSTANDING

• The crowd was all Jewish present at this miracle. And they all knew the story of the Exodus. But they missed the fact that it was God and not Moses that provided bread from heaven. And then he drops the bomb on them.

“I am the bread that was sent down from heaven.”

But this message was misunderstood. And they thought like the woman at the well did about the living water- give us more of this bread to eat, it’s free and its good!

• Nobody earns their salvation. V.28-29
  • What must we “DO” to please God ? v.28-1
  • Answer: believe in the one he sent!
• Jesus first temptation involved bread. He was hungry after fasting for many days and Satan said to him, if you are the Son of God turn these stones into bread. Jesus response says it all, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE. (Matthew 4:4)

^“ Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” (Philippians 3:19)

3. THE MESSAGE:

• Ingesting the truth about Christ is essential for salvation and eternal life.

• The words Eternal Life appear 17 times in John’s gospel and 5 are in this chapter. Only 9 times is this phrase used in the other tree gospels combined.

Observations:

• Most people come to Jesus motivated by self-interest.

John says that they crowd recognized Jesus to be the prophet and desired to make him King by force. Sounds good right! But their motivation is not based upon faith but on focus. Their motives were selfish. Give us this bread, like the woman at the well who says to Jesus, give me this water you’re talking about so I don’t have to make the trip to the well every day. (John 4)

Whosoever believes in him will never perish but have eternal life!

These are the people who are given the right to be called the children of God. John 1:12-14

• Those who truly believe give evidence that the Father is at work in them. V.35-51
• All those the Father gives me will come to me. V.37
• I will lose none of those He has given me but raise them up at the last day. V.39
• No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. V. 44

Effectual Grace: the word draw is: didwmi which means to compel, woo or draw. God the Father through the work of the Holy Spirit removes the blinders that keep people in the dark regarding to the true identity of Christ and the gospel.

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

We have been saved through the regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

• Jesus explains what he means by the drawing of the Father in verses 63-64
• Holy Spirit must be at work in person for them to truly receive the Bread from Heaven.
• Jesus told his disciples that the key to their ministry would be the Holy Spirit whose role is to convict the hearer that they need to be saved, that their sin is great, their righteousness is insufficient and that judgement is to be expected. John 16:8
• The Apostle Paul informed the Corinthian church that the Holy Spirit is the one who alone will interpret the mind of God and share it with people. 1 Cor. 2:14
• Man’s is unable to respond to Jesus unless the Spirit sent by the Father moves in them. It’s not that your will is unable to choose Jesus.

Lazarus was called from his dead state and the Holy Spirit raised him up! John 11

• Luke says that “as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. Acts 13:48. Say Effectual GRACE!

My story: I had an encounter with the Holy Spirit and repented in Washington State after a life of sin. But, when I moved back to the bay I was struggling to stay the course. I was single and unsatisfied.

 

 

Introduction: Today the conversative community all around the world is honoring the life of our brother, Charlie Kirk at his memorial Service in Glendale Az. Tens of thousands of people are packed into the State Farm Stadium with millions around the world are watching via television and streaming services.

What happened nine days ago exposed the great divide in our country and the fall out is all around us.  Yes, the United States of America might be better be defined as the “Divided States of America.”

I can’t speak for you, but I believe that this tragedy is a tipping point in America, either one that will bring us together or further divide us.  I want to be on that helps unite rather than divide us.

In preparation for this message, I was reminded of a documentary I watched a few years back called The Social Dilemma that warned of the days we are now living in. The premise of the documentary was for us to recognize the dangers of the internet and social media as it relates to division in our country and the world over.

VIDEO CLIP

• Political Scientists tell us that America has slipped from being the world’s greatest democracy to what now refer to as an anocracy. (a partial democracy (with free but not fair elections) moving us closer to civil war-not one with soldiers in uniforms on each side but with terrorist type groups that attack at will.

The Center of Systematic Peace in Virginia measures the political variances of the world’s democracies using a rating system of +10 to -10.

For most of American history our great nation has had a +10 rating (the exception was during the Civil War in 1860 and the Civil Rights period in the sixties. According to research America has dropped in the last decade to our worst rating ever: 2016 + 8, 2019+7, 2020 +5.

What’s interesting about this rating system is that when the variance drops between +5 and -5 on the scale a country is now defined as an ANOCRACY.

Anocracy is a hybrid political system that mixes democratic and autocratic features, often found in countries whose political climate is unstable. The term is used extensively in political science arenas by organizations such as the Center for Systemic Peace, which categorizes regimes on a scale from full democracy to full autocracy.

All this to say that as Christ followers, as it concerns us, we are to be at peace with all men as much as possible.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ^{Romans 12:18}

 

THIS MORNINGS TEXT:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:9-16

 

I want to share three things that I think every peacemaker must know.

 

1. PEACEMAKERS THAT NEVER ENDS WELL.

 “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. Matthew 12:25

It matters not whether it’s family division, church division, political division, etc.… it never ends well. And the enemy knows this all to well and will exploit our differences to stir it up.

• HIS STRATEGY IS KNOWN AS DIVIDE TO CONQUEROR.

From the very beginning Satan has made division his game. Get people to compare themselves with others and make sure the end up of the better side of the comparison

• DIVISION IS COMMON AMONG THE HUMAN FAMILY.

One thing we can observe in the story of the “Chosen People” is all the dysfunction and division among them.

Yes, the Bible is filled with accounts of dysfunctional families, including Adam and Eve’s family with Cain murdering Abel, Abraham’s family with jealousy and forced separation, Jacob’s family with rivalry and the selling of Joseph, and King David’s family marked by incest, rape, murder, and rebellion. Other examples include Lot’s daughters, Noah’s sons, and the sons of Eli and Samuel, showcasing a pervasive pattern of conflict, abuse, deceit, and brokenness throughout biblical history.

• DIVISION RUINS FAMILIES, CHURCHES AND NATIONS.

2. PEACEMAKERS WILL HAVE BUT MUST TRY TO THEM RATHER THAN THEM.

Jesus said to the peacemakers, blessed are you when you are persecuted, blessed are you when you are insulted, blessed are you when you are mistreated.

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.  If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48

Tension in the Text: Yes, we should aim to be peacemakers, but we shouldn’t expect a godless culture to lay down their weapons.

Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.  Luke 12:51-52

Truth isn’t hate speech, but it is often hated speech.

3. PEACEMAKERS AIM TO LIVE A THAT MAKES IT FOR PEOPLE TO US.

We are called to live BE SALT and LIGHT in a dark world.

• Salt makes things taste better i.e. adds flavor to a tasteless religion.
• Good deeds are expressions of God’s goodness and kindness.

Love your enemies and they won’t be your enemies for long.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ^{Romans 16:7}

CONCLUSION: Yes, in a country that is becoming more and more hostile towards Christians we must remember that we are to do our best to be peacemakers. Our post on social media should reflect truth and grace. Not hate and division.

I think we have the right to take our positions on political and social matters, but we must be wise in how we do so.

Resist the temptation to name call, make fun of and………

1. May we love your neighbors like we are loving ourselves.
2. May we do good to our neighbors.
3. May we share the gospel with our neighbors.