Sermon Nuggets Fri May 30, 2008
Theme Light of the World
Verses John 8:27-30 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
God Saves
Up in the BWCA at times I would fish longer than I should, hoping some fish would bite on the line. You know the story- just one more cast. Maybe the big one will take the bait. But then the sun goes down. It is darker than I want it to be. But as I head back toward the campsite fortunately there is a fire going. It becomes the light that shows me the way home. I follow that light. I am safe. I am “home” again.
Spiritually I know where I am going too. I have followed the light that God gave. He gave me Jesus. How do I know? Well I believed in Him because God said. I figured he knew better. I believed because God knows. He knows the beginning from the end. There are historical records of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is not a legend. Jesus predicted this event. I believed and God saved me from my sin.
Many people still are not willing to bet their lives on Jesus. They think by occupying themselves with the things of this world they are really living. But Jesus is telling them, and us, that without Him we are dying in our sins. There is no other religion than offers to us a savior who has paid the price. Others will give you a prophet, a teacher, a god, a moral teacher, but the blood of Christ cleanses man for all unrighteousness.
You can trust the motives and intentions of the person who would sooner be crucified in your place than condemn you.
There is an allegory that talks about a conversation between a cave and the sun. The cave heard the sun talking about light and didn't believe there was any such thing as light. The sun heard the cave talk about darkness and didn't know what that once. One day the sun invited the cave to come up and see the light. When he did so, he marveled at its brilliance. In turn the cave invited the sun to visit him and find out was darkness was like. The sun took up the invitation, but when he went into the cave, he said, "All I see is light, there is no darkness."
There is no darkness with Jesus, only light. He drives the darkness away. There might be areas of darkness for you today. Maybe you have been saved but need to invite Jesus, the light, into your cave where He is not shining and dispel the darkness.
Pastor Dale
Friday, May 30, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
God's Historic Record John 8:27-30
Sermon Nuggets Thurs May 29, 2008
Theme The Light of the World
Verses- John 8:27-30 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
God’s Historic Records v. 27-30.
Thinking again on the illustration of the lighthouse, it served a purpose for guidance, for security, for authority. Jesus is the light to show the way, but why should people follow? Bottom line because He is their salvation. For some they needed to see that His prophecies came about just as he said it would. John recalls His words which had greater impact after his resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ we are asked to commit ourselves to what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard. How do we dare believe in Him? Do we dare trust him? Dare we risk anything valuable on the basis of his being trustworthy? All depends on faith in Jesus. But that faith also is founded on God's historic record!
When the Lord Jesus Christ claimed to be the light of the world He was claiming to be these three things for His people-God with them, the source of protection, and the One who guides, but this is only for those who follow Him.
Now into this world which has gone wrong comes Christ; and he comes with the cure. He brings forgiveness for sin and cleaning from sin, He brings strength and grace to live as man ought and to make the world what it ought to be. But a man can refuse a cure. Just like a physician that tells a patient, "If you do not do as I tell you and take this medicine, you are going to die." Jesus is saying, If you will not believe that I am who I am you will die in your sins." If men do not accept the cure for their souls they will die. Only Jesus can bring that cure.
Jesus was able to bring that cure because of the cross. The passage tells us that Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me." He first talked of being lifted up in John 3 during the conversation with Nicodemus. He was comparing himself with the serpent on the pole in the Old Testament. The people were saved from snake bites when they looked to the pole for their salvation. Jesus take on himself our sin when he goes to the cross and the punishment of God on man now falls on Himself in the person of Jesus. When people look to the Savior on the cross they are forgiven of their sins and the snake bite no longer affects them. Satan no longer has control. Jesus saves.
The cross gives us a much greater advantage than the people of Jesus day. The cross made the difference. History affirms that He died unjustly, was buried in a borrowed tomb and rose again. Many witnesses saw Him, spoke to Him, and watched him eat. His special friends were there when He ascended into heaven. We have the teaching of the cross and the explanation as to it's place is in the redemptive plan. But in that day how would they know except by faith in his words and works, and in his character?
The cross is necessary because Christ's death was part of God's eternal plan to save sinners. Nothing else could accomplish God's purpose. No other person existed who could pay the price of our sin so that we might be forgiven for our sin and go free. No man could do it. Men are all sinners, and must pay the price of their own transgression.
But it is the also at the cross that we have the fullest proof of Christ's divinity and teaching. When Jesus died there is no longer ignorance as to who he was. Only if they would believe in Him. When he arose there could be no greater historical fact as we have seen many times how the people and world has changed. That testimony points to the authenticity of His salvation claims. Either we accept the gift or not. It is hard to explain away his predictions and then execution of God’s plan. The historical records are there with many evidences.
In our day there is never a time in history when there was more knowledge about Jesus Christ and yet in which so few seem willing to follow Him. Lack of knowledge can hardly be pleaded as an excuse by those of our well-educated and informed generation.
Pastor Dale
Theme The Light of the World
Verses- John 8:27-30 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him."
30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.
God’s Historic Records v. 27-30.
Thinking again on the illustration of the lighthouse, it served a purpose for guidance, for security, for authority. Jesus is the light to show the way, but why should people follow? Bottom line because He is their salvation. For some they needed to see that His prophecies came about just as he said it would. John recalls His words which had greater impact after his resurrection.
Through Jesus Christ we are asked to commit ourselves to what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard. How do we dare believe in Him? Do we dare trust him? Dare we risk anything valuable on the basis of his being trustworthy? All depends on faith in Jesus. But that faith also is founded on God's historic record!
When the Lord Jesus Christ claimed to be the light of the world He was claiming to be these three things for His people-God with them, the source of protection, and the One who guides, but this is only for those who follow Him.
Now into this world which has gone wrong comes Christ; and he comes with the cure. He brings forgiveness for sin and cleaning from sin, He brings strength and grace to live as man ought and to make the world what it ought to be. But a man can refuse a cure. Just like a physician that tells a patient, "If you do not do as I tell you and take this medicine, you are going to die." Jesus is saying, If you will not believe that I am who I am you will die in your sins." If men do not accept the cure for their souls they will die. Only Jesus can bring that cure.
Jesus was able to bring that cure because of the cross. The passage tells us that Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know who I am and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me." He first talked of being lifted up in John 3 during the conversation with Nicodemus. He was comparing himself with the serpent on the pole in the Old Testament. The people were saved from snake bites when they looked to the pole for their salvation. Jesus take on himself our sin when he goes to the cross and the punishment of God on man now falls on Himself in the person of Jesus. When people look to the Savior on the cross they are forgiven of their sins and the snake bite no longer affects them. Satan no longer has control. Jesus saves.
The cross gives us a much greater advantage than the people of Jesus day. The cross made the difference. History affirms that He died unjustly, was buried in a borrowed tomb and rose again. Many witnesses saw Him, spoke to Him, and watched him eat. His special friends were there when He ascended into heaven. We have the teaching of the cross and the explanation as to it's place is in the redemptive plan. But in that day how would they know except by faith in his words and works, and in his character?
The cross is necessary because Christ's death was part of God's eternal plan to save sinners. Nothing else could accomplish God's purpose. No other person existed who could pay the price of our sin so that we might be forgiven for our sin and go free. No man could do it. Men are all sinners, and must pay the price of their own transgression.
But it is the also at the cross that we have the fullest proof of Christ's divinity and teaching. When Jesus died there is no longer ignorance as to who he was. Only if they would believe in Him. When he arose there could be no greater historical fact as we have seen many times how the people and world has changed. That testimony points to the authenticity of His salvation claims. Either we accept the gift or not. It is hard to explain away his predictions and then execution of God’s plan. The historical records are there with many evidences.
In our day there is never a time in history when there was more knowledge about Jesus Christ and yet in which so few seem willing to follow Him. Lack of knowledge can hardly be pleaded as an excuse by those of our well-educated and informed generation.
Pastor Dale
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
God Knows John 8:21-27
Sermon nuggets Weds May 28
Theme Light of the World
Verses John 8:21-27 Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."
22 This made the Jews ask, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, 'Where I go, you cannot come'?"
23 But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am, you will indeed die in your sins."
25 "Who are you?" they asked. "Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
26 "I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world."
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
God Knows
When Jesus spoke of going away He was speaking about His return to His Father and to His glory. That was precisely where His opponents could not follow Him, because by their disobedience, and their refusal to accept Him, they had shut themselves off from God. With that blindness, not only could they follow Him after His death, but neither after their death also.
God sees the beginning from the end. Jesus is equally aware of the hearts of his accusers. They do not desire to know God; they desire personal praise. They have no desire to confess sin, but cover up their plotting with clothes of self-righteousness.
Understand there was an attempt to arrest Jesus and this failed. Next there was the attempt to trap Him in the matter of the woman taken in adultery. Jesus showed Himself to be too smart for the rulers in this situation. Then there was the attempt to have His testimony discounted on the basis of a legal technicality. That didn’t work. Now they were seeking to making fun of Him personally. They are saying that if they cannot follow Him perhaps he will commit suicide. It was thought that anyone committing suicide was going to Hell. Since the rulers reasons that they would certainly be going to heaven they concluded that Jesus must be going to the other place.
As God in the flesh, Jesus in fact tell us that these people are not going to follow Him and they are the ones who will be going to Hell.
He calls us to follow Him by faith, not by sight. It is enough that God knows.
I read an interesting article awhile ago written by Mary Peterson telling us of an insect called the Processionary Caterpillar which feeds on pine needles. They move in a long procession through the trees, one leading and the others following eyes half closed and head pushed against the posterior of the one ahead. One scientist enticed a group of caterpillars unto the rim of a large flowerpot, getting the first one connected up with the last one so the procession had neither beginning nor end. To his surprise, the caterpillars did not grow tired of the useless circling. They did not set off in some new direction despite plodding around and around for seven days and seven nights. They would have kept that up until exhaustion and ultimate starvation overtook them, even though there was an ample supply of food visible and close at hand.
Sheer force of habit tradition kept the caterpillars from changing their direction even to their own destruction. That is not unlike the religious teachers and Pharisees who were blind to the light. They did not see, but they kept the eyes focused on the law without realizing what the law was trying to show them. around and around they would go.
God knows. He sees. Jesus is the one to be followed who will give life, not death. Another reason we can follow that Light is God knows what we do not.
Pastor Dale.
Theme Light of the World
Verses John 8:21-27 Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."
22 This made the Jews ask, "Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, 'Where I go, you cannot come'?"
23 But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am, you will indeed die in your sins."
25 "Who are you?" they asked. "Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied.
26 "I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world."
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father.
God Knows
When Jesus spoke of going away He was speaking about His return to His Father and to His glory. That was precisely where His opponents could not follow Him, because by their disobedience, and their refusal to accept Him, they had shut themselves off from God. With that blindness, not only could they follow Him after His death, but neither after their death also.
God sees the beginning from the end. Jesus is equally aware of the hearts of his accusers. They do not desire to know God; they desire personal praise. They have no desire to confess sin, but cover up their plotting with clothes of self-righteousness.
Understand there was an attempt to arrest Jesus and this failed. Next there was the attempt to trap Him in the matter of the woman taken in adultery. Jesus showed Himself to be too smart for the rulers in this situation. Then there was the attempt to have His testimony discounted on the basis of a legal technicality. That didn’t work. Now they were seeking to making fun of Him personally. They are saying that if they cannot follow Him perhaps he will commit suicide. It was thought that anyone committing suicide was going to Hell. Since the rulers reasons that they would certainly be going to heaven they concluded that Jesus must be going to the other place.
As God in the flesh, Jesus in fact tell us that these people are not going to follow Him and they are the ones who will be going to Hell.
He calls us to follow Him by faith, not by sight. It is enough that God knows.
I read an interesting article awhile ago written by Mary Peterson telling us of an insect called the Processionary Caterpillar which feeds on pine needles. They move in a long procession through the trees, one leading and the others following eyes half closed and head pushed against the posterior of the one ahead. One scientist enticed a group of caterpillars unto the rim of a large flowerpot, getting the first one connected up with the last one so the procession had neither beginning nor end. To his surprise, the caterpillars did not grow tired of the useless circling. They did not set off in some new direction despite plodding around and around for seven days and seven nights. They would have kept that up until exhaustion and ultimate starvation overtook them, even though there was an ample supply of food visible and close at hand.
Sheer force of habit tradition kept the caterpillars from changing their direction even to their own destruction. That is not unlike the religious teachers and Pharisees who were blind to the light. They did not see, but they kept the eyes focused on the law without realizing what the law was trying to show them. around and around they would go.
God knows. He sees. Jesus is the one to be followed who will give life, not death. Another reason we can follow that Light is God knows what we do not.
Pastor Dale.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
God's Affirmation John 8:12-20
Sermon Nuggets Tues May 27, 2008
Theme- Light of the World
Verses John 8:12-20 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."
13 The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
14 Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.
17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
19 Then they asked him, "Where is your father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. (NIV)
God’s Affirmation
The Lighthouse has the final word over all ships. God is final authority over all powers, opinions, and outcomes. It really doesn’t make a lot of difference what others think. God and does whatever He wishes. Jesus is fully aware of the facts of eternity. He was conscious of His own authority, coming from the realms of Heaven.
When the religious leaders wanting to have witnesses to authenticate Jesus claims, there were no other witnesses necessary. Jesus made the rules. He certainly needed no other human authority. It is like asking the author of a book to come up with someone who has credentials in literature to explain the book for us.
That author might reply, "I have no need for anyone to explain the meaning of the book. I am the one who knows how it should be interpreted. I wrote it."
No man could speak the words that Jesus speaks unless he is from God. No man could do such things as Jesus did, unless God was with him and acting through him. Barclay writes, "The very fact that Jesus can do for men what men can never do for themselves is the final proof that His power is not simply a man's power. It is God's."
In their court of law two witnesses were required for a testimony to stand. Jesus answers their charges by going to their law and saying there are two witnesses of who I am. Me and My Father. It was not just the words that became the testimony of Jesus, but the testimony of his works that any man there could stand up and affirm His power and authority is not like any man. The second testimony comes from Scriptures and all times Jesus had taught and went back to the writings to show how God was fulfilling those prophecies in Him. The affirmation of God the Father was enough also to point to the supremacy of Jesus as the one to be followed. Standing there in the temple of God fulfilling the types of the festival of the tents, the festival of the lights was God’s testimony that affirmed what many heard at his baptism. “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him.” Jesus not only had two witnesses but many who saw and many who heard. But as far as Jesus was concerned the final affirmation only rests in God! What difference does it make what others think or say?
Pastor Dale
Theme- Light of the World
Verses John 8:12-20 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."
13 The Pharisees challenged him, "Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid."
14 Jesus answered, "Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.
17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two men is valid.
18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me."
19 Then they asked him, "Where is your father?" "You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also."
20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. (NIV)
God’s Affirmation
The Lighthouse has the final word over all ships. God is final authority over all powers, opinions, and outcomes. It really doesn’t make a lot of difference what others think. God and does whatever He wishes. Jesus is fully aware of the facts of eternity. He was conscious of His own authority, coming from the realms of Heaven.
When the religious leaders wanting to have witnesses to authenticate Jesus claims, there were no other witnesses necessary. Jesus made the rules. He certainly needed no other human authority. It is like asking the author of a book to come up with someone who has credentials in literature to explain the book for us.
That author might reply, "I have no need for anyone to explain the meaning of the book. I am the one who knows how it should be interpreted. I wrote it."
No man could speak the words that Jesus speaks unless he is from God. No man could do such things as Jesus did, unless God was with him and acting through him. Barclay writes, "The very fact that Jesus can do for men what men can never do for themselves is the final proof that His power is not simply a man's power. It is God's."
In their court of law two witnesses were required for a testimony to stand. Jesus answers their charges by going to their law and saying there are two witnesses of who I am. Me and My Father. It was not just the words that became the testimony of Jesus, but the testimony of his works that any man there could stand up and affirm His power and authority is not like any man. The second testimony comes from Scriptures and all times Jesus had taught and went back to the writings to show how God was fulfilling those prophecies in Him. The affirmation of God the Father was enough also to point to the supremacy of Jesus as the one to be followed. Standing there in the temple of God fulfilling the types of the festival of the tents, the festival of the lights was God’s testimony that affirmed what many heard at his baptism. “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear ye Him.” Jesus not only had two witnesses but many who saw and many who heard. But as far as Jesus was concerned the final affirmation only rests in God! What difference does it make what others think or say?
Pastor Dale
Monday, May 26, 2008
Light of the World John 8:12
Sermon Nuggets Week of May 26, 2008
Theme – The Light of the World
Verses: John 8:12 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."
Perhaps you heard the story of the battleship at sea. The Admiral commandeering the ship saw lights at a distance directly ahead. He had his dispatcher radio the message. "We are in direct line, alter your course 10 degrees to the South." He saw the signal flash back confirming the approach but commanded the battleship to alter it’s course 10 degrees to the North.
The Admiral issued another command. "This is Admiral Brown. I order you to alter your course 10 degrees to the South."
They watched the return signal respond, "This is private Jones. You must alter your course 10 to the North."
He decided to show his power. "This is Admiral Brown, commanding a battleship- You alter you course 10 degrees to the South, if you know what is good for you!"
The response came. "This is Private Jones. I am commanding the signal of the Bay lighthouse. You alter your course 10 degrees to the North, if you know what is good for you!"
It makes no difference what your title or position is, you don't argue with the lighthouse. It makes no difference what your title or position is, You do not argue with God.
Jesus tells us He is that Lighthouse. He uses words a little differently but listen to them, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
He might as well have added, "Alter you course 180 degrees to the North."
Last week as we looked at the context of John 8 the Jews were celebrating the festival of the Feast of the Tabernacles. This commemorates the time when God provided for His people in the wilderness. God led them by the pillar of fire during the night and the cloud during the day. Many orthodox Jews today make temporary booths with a gap in part of the branches the use for the roof, so they might watch for a cloud or a pillar of fire.
William Barclay's commentary tells us that on the evening of the first day of the Festival there was a ceremony called the Illumination of the Temple. It was to acknowledge this light of God that led them in the dark of the night. In the center of the court four great candelabra were lit and it was said, that they sent such ablaze of light throughout Jerusalem that every courtyard in the city was lit up with their brilliance.
Jesus was standing there making this proclamation. As Light of the World He stood contrasting even the illumination of the light from the temple. Jesus is providing the light from God that saves and directs His people.
Jesus was not just the light for the Jews but for the world. We will look this week at the reasons for Jesus’ claim. All who follow Him will walk in the Light of God.
Pastor Dale
Theme – The Light of the World
Verses: John 8:12 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."
Perhaps you heard the story of the battleship at sea. The Admiral commandeering the ship saw lights at a distance directly ahead. He had his dispatcher radio the message. "We are in direct line, alter your course 10 degrees to the South." He saw the signal flash back confirming the approach but commanded the battleship to alter it’s course 10 degrees to the North.
The Admiral issued another command. "This is Admiral Brown. I order you to alter your course 10 degrees to the South."
They watched the return signal respond, "This is private Jones. You must alter your course 10 to the North."
He decided to show his power. "This is Admiral Brown, commanding a battleship- You alter you course 10 degrees to the South, if you know what is good for you!"
The response came. "This is Private Jones. I am commanding the signal of the Bay lighthouse. You alter your course 10 degrees to the North, if you know what is good for you!"
It makes no difference what your title or position is, you don't argue with the lighthouse. It makes no difference what your title or position is, You do not argue with God.
Jesus tells us He is that Lighthouse. He uses words a little differently but listen to them, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
He might as well have added, "Alter you course 180 degrees to the North."
Last week as we looked at the context of John 8 the Jews were celebrating the festival of the Feast of the Tabernacles. This commemorates the time when God provided for His people in the wilderness. God led them by the pillar of fire during the night and the cloud during the day. Many orthodox Jews today make temporary booths with a gap in part of the branches the use for the roof, so they might watch for a cloud or a pillar of fire.
William Barclay's commentary tells us that on the evening of the first day of the Festival there was a ceremony called the Illumination of the Temple. It was to acknowledge this light of God that led them in the dark of the night. In the center of the court four great candelabra were lit and it was said, that they sent such ablaze of light throughout Jerusalem that every courtyard in the city was lit up with their brilliance.
Jesus was standing there making this proclamation. As Light of the World He stood contrasting even the illumination of the light from the temple. Jesus is providing the light from God that saves and directs His people.
Jesus was not just the light for the Jews but for the world. We will look this week at the reasons for Jesus’ claim. All who follow Him will walk in the Light of God.
Pastor Dale
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)