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“I AM THE WAY”

SERIES: THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LIFE

Preached May 18, 2014 by Rev. Jeremy Stopford, Retired Pastor

TODAY’S SPECIAL: “A Crossing Funny”

There’s a man trying to cross the street.  As he steps off the curb a car comes screaming around the corner and heads straight for him.  The man walks faster, trying to hurry across the street, but the car changes lanes and is still coming at him.

So the guy turns around to go back, but the car changes lanes again and is still coming at him.  By now, the car is so close and the man so scared that he just freezes and stops in the middle of the road.  The car gets real close, then swerves at the last possible moment and screeches to a halt right next him.

The driver rolls down the window.  The driver is a squirrel.  The squirrel says to the man, “See, it’s not as easy as it looks, is it?”

INTRODUCTION

“JESUS SAID, ‘I AM THE WAY’” (John 14:6).

Perhaps some day I will do a message series on “Upper Room Discourse” (John 14-16)

We now will be concentrating on The Way, The Truth, The Life.

What does it mean when Jesus says “I Am the Way”?

Is He one of many ways? Are there other ways to God?

Have you ever said, or heard it said,

“It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.”

“All roads lead to the same (G)od”

“It doesn’t matter what church or religious system you believe in, as we all worship the same (G)od” PRAYER

[I’ll print out for you the verses other than the ones in Proverbs – you can look up the ones in Proverbs!]

THE OTHER WAYS TO GOD

A. The way of death/all the earth

Joshua 23:14 “Now I [Joshua] am about to go the way of all the earth”

1 Kings 2:1,2 “When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man…”

Jeremiah 21:8b “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.”

B. The way of the wicked

Psalm 1:6b “…the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”

Jeremiah 12:1 “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?”

See also: Prov. 4:19 Prov. 12:26 Prov. 15:9

C. The unfaithful: Prov. 13:15

D. Evildoers: Prov. 4:14

F. Fools: Prov. 12:15

G. The sluggard: Prov. 15:19

H. The guilty: Prov. 21:8

The only other “way” is “the way of death”, and it will NOT lead you to God.

II. THE WAYS OF DESCRIBING “GOD’S WAY”

A. The Lord

Genesis 18:19

For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.

Judges 2:22 I will use them [the nations Israel could not overcome] to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their ancestors did.”

Jeremiah 5:4, 5 “I thought, “These are only the poor;  they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God. So I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the Lord, the requirements of their God.” But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds.”

Ezekiel 18:25, 29 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Hear, you Israelites: Is my way unjust? Is it not your ways that are unjust? Yet the Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are my ways unjust, people of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?”

Ezekiel 33:17, 20 “Yet your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But it is their way that is not just. Yet you Israelites say, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ But I will judge each of you according to your own ways.”

Matthew 22:16 (see also Mk. 12:14/Luke 20:21) “They [the Pharisees] sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are.”

See also: Proverbs 10:29

B. Life

Jeremiah 21:8a “Furthermore, tell the people, ‘This is what the Lord says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death.”

Ephesians 4:20 “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned”

See also: Proverbs 5:6

C. Righteousness

Psalm 1:6a For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Isaiah 26:7 The path of the righteous is level; you, the Upright One, make the way of the righteous smooth.

Matthew 21:32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.

See also: Prov. 8:20 Prov. 12::28 Prov. 16:31

D. Faithfulness

Psalm 119:30 “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws.”

E. Wisdom: Prov. 4:11

F. Insight: Prov. 9:6

G. Holiness

Isaiah 35:8 “And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it.”

H. Peace

Isaiah 59:8 (quoted in Romans 3:17) “The way of peace they do not know; there is no justice in their paths. They have turned them into crooked roads; no one who walks along them will know peace.”

I. Love

Ephesians 5:1, 2 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

J. Truth

2 Peter 2:2 “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.”

This way – “the way of life” – will lead us to the cross!

III. THE JESUS WAY, AS SEEN BY THE FOLLOWERS OF “THE WAY” IN ACTS

Acts 9:2 [Saul went to the High Priest] “and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

Acts 19:9, 23 “But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.

Acts 24:14, 15, 22 “However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Then Felix [the governor] , who was well acquainted with the Way, adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.””

CONCLUSION:

* Jesus said, “I am the Way” – the way of life!

* Which way are you on for eternity – the way of life, or the way of death?

* Which way are you on for today? Don’t you wish everyone were on the way of life,

from the cross to Heaven!

CLOSE IN PRAYER

Blogs

Don’t blame your GrocerY Store!

Frank Becker

By Frank Becker

Americans shouldn’t criticize grocers for being unable to meet demand during this pandemic.

In 2017, the average household’s expenditure for food was $7,700, Of this total, nearly 50 percent – $3,365 – was spent on eating out.

By 2019, over half of all Americans said that they dined at a restaurant, got take out or had a meal delivered between two and three times a week. More than ten percent said they ate out between four and six times a week, and six percent said they ate out everyday.

According to CNBC, The National Restaurant Association projected overall industry sales would hit a new high of $863 billion in 2019, up 3.6% year over year. In what was a red hot economy, it was clearly destined to be more in 2020. Analysts said it was likely to continue, even if the economy went lower, as long as the job market remained steady.

They did not, of course, anticipate the Chinese Wuhan Virus of November, 2019 to ????

Where am I going with this?

With some states already requiring restaurants to close, and with consumers concerned about buying take-out or delivered meals, we can certainly expect that during 2020, anticipated sales exceeding $900 billion will easily be cut in half, for a loss of at least $450 billion in sales.

If we then assume that ingredients for these restaurant meals cost about 50% of the retail prices, or $250 billion, then we can say that restaurants would have been purchasing less ingredients each month> Calculating one twelth of the annual $250 billion reduction in food required by restaurants, we come up with a total of $20 billion per month.

So, overnight, America’s grocers had to somehow compensate for our moving from McDonald’s to the grocery store. Worse, virtually everyone suddenly wanted to stock up and even hoard food.

So, just in the past week, America’s grocers had to somehow miraculously anticipate this disaster, then increase their regular purchases from farmers and wholesalers by perhaps $20 billion above their regular commitments, then arrange transportation for the food, and retain personnel to stock the shelves and bag the goods.

Now the burden for supplying Americans with an additional $20 billion in food a month moved from the restaurants to the grocery stores, a seismic shift.

Our grocery chains have done an admirable job of trying to meet the challenge.

Blogs

Suggestions for pastors who broadcast messages

Frank Becker, 1980

The Wuhan Virus epidemic has force upon most pastors the necessity of reaching their people through the Internet or not at all.

As a retired pastor, and someone who has had some unique experiences in ministry, especially dealing with small groups, I want to offer a suggestion or two that might enhance the presentations.

In the past your congregation was seated in an auditorium, and expected to see your worship leaders, vocalists, and musicians on the platform, with you speaking from a pulpit.

But now your congregation is sitting at home, and those who minister can take advantage of a far more intimate and personal situation by changing the venue a bit.

While your congregation is viewing you from their homes, it seems a bit odd to have you, the preacher, behind a lectern. To make them feel more like you are all in the same room, perhaps you can make your side of the camera feel more like their living rooms. You might consider using some furniture to evoke a sense of your presence.

For example, those who minister could be seated on the sort of furniture people have in their living rooms at home.

The pastor might preach while seated in a fairly straight-backed easy chair (to preserve his posture and appearance). The trick there is for the camera people not to capture anyone’s extended legs, as that makes them look unusually large.

This constitutes a rare opportunity for Pastor Webb to enter every member’s living room, and to establish an intimate rapport never before possible, producing a less formal, more conversational, and perhaps less intimidating service.

People in their own homes might actually feel more free about expressing their faith. And you might even involve the head of each household to take a role in the service, leading in prayer or receiving an offering to be forwarded on to the church.

Blogs

Thoughts on the Pandemic

Frank Becker

It’s obvious that this pandemmic is very serious, and that people like me, aged 80 and above, are particularly threatened.

Nonetheless, it’s also obvious that politicians and pundits sometimes find it to their ungodly advantage to inflate and falsify the dangers .

For example, we have all see photos of people waiting peacefully in line outside grocery stores, but the pundits speak of panic and even rioting.

Yet I haven’t read a single article pointing out that the average American family formerly either dined out or ordered delivery or take out for at least one meal every day, not to speak of meals at school and work. This means that those people who once dined out must now buy the equivalent amount of groceries from a market and try to learn to cook again.

That’s a sea change in sources of food—from restaurant to grocery store— and no small amount of food either. To make matters worse, most people buy more of some items than they need, either because they are not familiar with what they need or because they are being careful to get enough. And some are hoarding.

Obviously the markets are experiencing difficulties in keeping their shelves stocked. So, be patient. Don’t buy more than you need. Give the system time to catch up.

And trust the Lord. He promised every faithful believer that he would provide our daily bread.

Blogs, John Grant

Dead End — Dead sea

All these latter kings joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Dead Sea Valley). (Genesis 14:3)

John Grant, Week 11, 2020

From the overlook, it appears to be so beautiful and full of life. I stood there and partook of its beauty and then thought of its lack of life. The Dead Sea, lies 1,300 feet below sea level and is the lowest and most mineral-rich body of water in the world. A significant landmark, too salty to sustain any marine life, the Dead Sea is famous for the water’s mysteriously buoyant qualities which allow people to float across the top of the water, without needing to swim. The sea is mentioned numerous times in the bible and has long been associated with mysticism, wonderment, and religious significance in the Biblical era.

It begins in the North where pure snow melts from Mt. Herman and cascades to the South through some of the best fishing grounds in Israel. It picks up nutrients along the way that support plant and animal life. Finally, it reaches the Dead Sea, where is stops and goes no further.

dead-sea

The nutrients built up to the point of snuffing out any semblance of life. There is too much goodness to support even the most microscopic forms of life.

Is there a parallel to life? Of course, there is. As we go through life, we build up goodness in our lives and as we pass it on, we sustain a balanced life, but when we hold it all in, it chokes our very being. Now, I am not talking about our nutritional goodness. I am referring to the goodness we get from society and from others as they pass goodness along to us.

When we begin to discipline ourselves spiritually, so much of the work is personal and interior that it is easy to become self-focused. This is why God has given us the task of reaching out and ministering to others. Ministry is crucial to spiritual growth. We are commanded to give and to serve, not because of what it will do for others, but because of what it will do to us.

The Dead Sea is dead because it has water flowing into it, but not out of it. It only takes and never gives. Our spiritual life is like that. If we take in but do not give out, like the Dead Sea, we spiritually stagnate and spiritually die.

The commands of Jesus, the teaching of the Scripture and the needs around us demand that we accept the challenges of ministering to others.

Who will you minister to today?

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

APPRENTICE DEVILS:

There’s an old fable that tells about three apprentice devils who were sent to earth by Satan to finish their apprenticeship. The Devil asked them about their plans to tempt people and lead them astray.

The first demon said, “I will tell them there is no God.” Satan said, “That will not delude many, for they know there’s a God.”

The second said, “I will tell men there is no hell.” Satan replied, “You will deceive some that way.”

The third said, “I will tell men there is no hurry.” Satan excitedly responded to him, “Go, and you will ruin them by the thousands.”

Sadly, many people will be lost because of neglect, disregard, and spiritual lethargy. Maybe this is why there are so many warnings regarding spiritual inattention. —Preacher Man

— o —

When was the last time you were attacked for being a Christian?

Maybe it was a disparaging word. Or exclusion from a group. Maybe it was even physical harm, as so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ suffer across the globe. The fact is: Jesus promised us that, if we are following him, we will face persecution (Matthew 10:22).

— o —

Pastor Ken Whitten on Idols:

• Whatever Gives You Joy and Security Apart From God Is an Idol.

• Idols Evoke the Deepest Emotion in Our Heart.

• Idols Need To Be Protected While Giving You the Illusion They Are Protecting You.

• Idols Demand Sacrifice to Keep Them Happy.

• Idols Are Not Just Psychological Forces, They Are Demonic as Well.

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Never be a prisoner of your past. It was just a lesson, not a life sentence.

Every time an old person dies, it is like a library being burned down. —Alex Haley

President Trump Tells March for Life: “Every Child Born and Unborn is a Sacred Gift from God”

Don’t Just Organize, Minimize. Minimizing is better than organizing. Minimizing possessions is an act of permanence. It lays the groundwork for overcoming consumerism and forces questions of values and purpose. And minimalism provides the opportunity to pursue our passions.

Jesus is the only God whom, when you obtain Him, will satisfy you, and when you fail Him, He’ll forgive you. —Tim Keller

How could anyone expect a gift from God if they have their hands cliched so tightly around what they already have.

Patience, the quality we love in the driver behind us…but hate in the car in front of us. —Dwight Short

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

“HOLY COMMUNION, BATMAN!”

Jeremy Stopford photo
Jeremy Stopford

John 10:22-30

“FOLLOW ME” SERIES – #8. Originally preached October 30, 2011

Rev. Jeremy Stopford, Retired Pastor

INTRODUCTION

Today’s “Special”: “Golf Funny” The hacker hit the ball into the rough and landed on an anthill. He tried three times to hit the ball and each time he missed the ball and hit the anthill.. Ants went flying all over the place.

One ant turned to the other ant and said, “If we are going to survive, we had better get on the ball.”

***

This message is the last in our series on the Biblical topic of “following” Jesus. Whether it is watching what He does, or leaving everything and submitting our whole lives to Him, Jesus wants us to follow Him.

Our text today shows the fellowship to which we are invited to enjoy with God. The old salts called this “Communion.”

Observe how it connects with “follow” (v.27).

PRAYER

22. Now it was the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23. And Jesus walked in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24. Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25. Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30. I and My Father are one.”

1. TRUE SHEEP COMMUNE WITH DEITY (vs. 22-25)

Jesus says (v. 25) that what He does He does through His Father. And if we are following Him, in essence, so are we. That is fellowship!

How would you respond if you knew that to fellowship with God is an invitation personally from Him to you?

Revelation 3:20: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

ILLUSTRATION: Martin Luther – today marks the anniversary of the start of the Reformation. Martin Luther is famous for many things, but especially for his private walk with the Lord. He once commented, “I have so much to do today that I need to spend at least 4 hours in prayer before I do anything.” Do we understand “communion with God” in the same manner Martin Luther did?

2. TRUE SHEEP COMMUNE AS TRUE SHEEP (vs. 26)

This is a brutal accusation. I’m glad I wasn’t at the receiving end of that accusation, aren’t you?

So… what are some indications that true sheep are truly communing as God has newly created them to do?

1 John 1:5-9 There will be a consciousness of walking in light

Acts 2:42-47 There will be a hunger to be identified with God’s people

3. TRUE SHEEP COMMUNE WITH ONLY ONE SHEPHERD (vs. 27)

(a) vs. 3-5 The sheep hear only the Shepherd’s voice “they are familiar with His voice” (Message)

ILLUSTRATION: Three flocks of sheep – whose voice do they hear? Phillip Keller, a shepherd turned pastor, once told the story of coming up on a stone fenced-in area with many sheep within the walled in area. At the “gate” or entrance by the walls were 3 men. They were each shepherds. The first shepherd called out, and a good number of the sheep perked up and followed him out. Then the second shepherd called out, and another group of sheep followed him. Finally all were left were a small flock of sheep and the third shepherd. The sheep even then did not move until the shepherd called out to them in his all too familiar voice. All three groups of sheep were familiar only with their shepherd’s unique voice.

Any other voice – any other shepherd – is a THIEF! He wants to steal you from following the true Shepherd! (vs. 8-10) – only He gives “abundant life”!

(b) Vs. 11-14 The true Shepherd gives His life for the Sheep!

Chicken “Funny”: So a gentleman walks into a restaurant and asks the maitre d’, “Can you please tell me how you prepare your chicken?” To which the maitre d’ replies, “Yes. We let them know right up front they’re not going to make it.”

The true shepherd is focused on giving His life for His sheep.

Commune with the One Who is the Source of true communion!

CONCLUSION It’s exam time!

Have you responded to the Savior’s invite to commune with Him?

Do you hunger to commune with God’s people?

Are you familiar with communing with the Savior’s voice? In Scripture? In His house?

Where He takes you in your journey?

CLOSE IN PRAYER

Blogs, John Grant

“OPTIMISTIC”

Week Ten, 2020

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

Amidst all the partisan rancor and hatred spewing from our nation’s capital most Americans are more upbeat about the country and their own prospects.

A recent Gallup poll revealed some fascinating findings. Most encouraging is this: An astounding 84% said they’re satisfied with the overall quality of life,” and “Americans” overall satisfaction with the country’s direction is at its highest point since 2005.

Issues with wide satisfaction include the economy (68%), “the opportunity for a person to get ahead by working hard” (72%), and military strength (81%). All three areas have gained tremendously in the past four years.

It’s no surprise that there’s plenty of dissatisfaction, though. Income distribution, race relations, immigration, healthcare, abortion, poverty and homelessness, and the moral and ethical climate” are all areas where dissatisfaction runs high.

It is heartening though most Americans see clearly the problems we face and at the same time they have a positive view of the greatest nation on earth.

As children, we thought it might be that bag of potato chips we begged our parents for at the store or that new bike, video game, or doll we wanted for Christmas. We thought they would make us happy. But they didn’t. As teenagers, we sought satisfaction in good grades, athletic accomplishments, a car, or in a significant other. But all of it left us discontent. As adults, we think that a bigger house, more (or less) children, or a better job will quench our thirst. But we’re still left wanting more.

At the root of our dissatisfaction is a never-ending thirst that nothing in this world can satisfy. We’ve been duped into a better job, more money, cooler friends, another spouse, or a new life is really what we need. And if we can’t obtain any of these things, or when they leave us dissatisfied, we resort to drug abuse, sexual immorality, or senseless entertainment.

While people gauge happiness and optimism from things of this world, true optimism and satisfaction comes from things above this world. God is the source and sustainer of all good. He and He alone is the abundant fountain of all goods. In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (PS 16:11)

Nothing in this universe is able to produce true goodness, unless the God, the good creator, is its wellspring. This truth puts all of life in perspective for mankind. To state it plainly, if goodness is what we desire, we must go to the source of all goodness: God.

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

The U.S. government’s budget deficit is projected to reach $1.02 trillion in 2020, according to a report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, as the federal government continues to spend much more than it collects in taxes. Why can’t the government learn to live within its own means, just like you and I have to do?

— o —

Nearly 3,400 Hepatitis A cases reported in Florida in 2019

— o —

Rick Warren was right: “The way you store up treasure in heaven is by investing in getting people there.”

How much treasure in heaven will you store up today?

— o —

Minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of anything that distracts us from it. It requires a conscious decision because it is a countercultural lifestyle that stands against the culture of overconsumption that surrounds us. The world we live in is not friendly to the pursuit of minimalism. Its tendencies and relentless advertising campaigns call us to acquire more, better, faster, and newer. The journey of finding simplicity requires consistent inspiration.

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

“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“(Matthew 5:43-44).

We need to conquer the fears that cripple our faith. Kelly Knouse

As long as a man has friends, he is not a failure.

It is impossible to praise or thank Jesus too much.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Don’t say God is silent when your Bible is closed.

When we buy things, we get maintenance. When we buy experiences, we get memories.

You can’t enjoy the sight of the beautiful rainbow without rain.

The peace of God requires the power of God. Jim Denison

Blogs, Jeremy Stopford

“Light Headed”

Thuvia and Jeremy Stopford

“LIGHT-HEADED” (John 8:1-12)

Rev. Jeremy Stopford, Retired Pastor

“FOLLOW ME” SERIES – #7

Today’s “Special”: “The Long-winded Pastor”

A Pastor goes to the dentist for a set of false teeth. The first Sunday after he gets his new teeth, he talks for only eight minutes. The second Sunday, he talks for only ten minutes. The following Sunday, he talks for 2 hours and 48 minutes.

The congregation had to mob him to get him down from the pulpit and they asked him what happened.

The Pastor explains the first Sunday his gums hurt so bad he couldn’t talk for more than 8 minutes. The second Sunday his gums hurt too much to talk for more than 10 minutes. But, the third Sunday, he put his wife’s teeth in by mistake and he couldn’t shut up…

Introduction

In today’s message, we continue to look at the times when Jesus said to follow Him. He used such an expression to encourage disciples to leave everything for Him; He directed blind people to exercise their faith; and through it all, we are challenged to do so, too.

Today’s familiar passage invites us to look at life through the eyes of several very unusual people.

PRAYER

John 8:1-12:

8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Now early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear.

7 So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

1. THE CROWD (v. 2)

Where are they? They are in God’s house! (Heb. 10:25; Ps. 122:1) This was a habit, a routine, a custom. Do we have that habit, routine, custom?

What were they doing? They were hearing God’s Word! (Romans 10:17: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” IF we don’t hear God’s Word, then we won’t have… FAITH!

What did they see? They were observers – to what Jesus does. Do we look at church that way? We should! Then we will be encouraged, or we may even be challenged!

2. THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES (v. 3)

They were the recorders (“scribes”) and interpreters (“Pharisees”) of the Word.

They were considered the guides of religion, the authorities of Biblical application (v. 5) But what did they really teach? See Leviticus 20:10. Did they teach the WHOLE truth? No! Like cults today, they applied a verse to meet their need, rather than read the entire passage.

Their purpose was to “test” Jesus (v.6) Didn’t the tempter do that in the wilderness? Is this a good thing? See Psalm 11:1ff The tempter “tests” (tempts) to destroy the righteous; God “tests” to purify them!

3. THE WOMAN CAUGHT IN ADULTERY (v. 3ff)

Here is the main character of this lesson. She is described as “caught” – she is probably publicly shamed as naked. And so often are we – Hebrews 4:13: “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

And she is the object of grace. Note:

The writing of grace (vs. 6,8). Hey! Check out Exodus 31:18! “And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.” The same finger which wrote the 10 Commandments just wrote in the sand here in John 8:6 !!! Do you think these dudes recognized the writing of the law and were immediately convicted as sinners themselves? Wow!

The digression of grace (v. 9)

The living of grace (v. 10, 11)

Which character are you?

CONCLUSION

Illustration: “A Memory Funny” – The boy forgot his lines in the Sunday School music and drama presentation. His mother, sitting in the front row tried to prompt him, gesturing and forming the words silently with her lips, but it didn’t help. Her son’s memory was blank.

Finally she leaned forward and whispered the cue, “I am the light of the world.”

The child beamed with acknowledgment and in a loud, clear voice so that everyone in the congregation could hear said, “My Mommy is the light of the world.”

Verse 12 tells us that “no one who follows Me (Jesus) stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” (Message)

God hungers for LIGHT HEADED followers – those who are headed in the light of Christ alone. Are you?

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Blogs, John Grant

“The Encourager”

The Encourager

By John Grant, Week Nine, 2020

“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts: 11:23).

He was born on the island of Cyprus and his name was Joseph and he was later named Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement.”. He moved to Jerusalem and became well-educated and relatively wealthy. He became a leading Christian. After traveling on missionary journeys with the Apostle Paul, he returned to Cyprus and formed the orthodox church before being martyred.

Chapel and Crypt, St. Barnabus Monastery

I recently stood by his grave on the Island of Cyprus and could only think that while he was never a person of notoriety, his fingerprints are all over the Book of Acts. He was the constant companion, the constant helper. When Paul dismissed John Mark after a disappointing missionary journey, it was Barnabas who persuaded Paul to give him a second chance and he did. Without that encouragement, we might not have even gotten the first Gospel written, the Gospel of Mark.

A reporter once asked the celebrated orchestra conductor Leonard Bernstein what is the most difficult instrument to play. Given Bernstein’s experience, and expertise, the reporter was eager to hear the great conductor’s valued opinion. To the reporter’s surprise, Leonard Bernstein replied without any hesitation whatever: “Second fiddle! I can always get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm, or second French horn, or second flute, now that’s a problem. And yet if no one plays second part, we have no harmony.”

Barnabas was a man content to play second fiddle, always the helper, not the leader, but the faithful follower. He was the messenger, the follower, the servant. He supported Paul financially. He was a generous giver and a faithful friend, a committed encourager and a forgiving brother. He was a model of character and integrity.

The world needs more people like Barnabas. He never wrote a book of the Bible, but he made many of them possible. Never trying to be the leader, he was the consummate follower.

We believe what we tell ourselves about ourselves, and if we are influenced by negative people, we will have a negative self-image. If we believe the encourager, we will have a positive self-image. That is why every person is truly blessed if they have a Barnabas in their lives, for Barnabas was an encourager. He always saw the good side of people. He saw past their failures to their potential for good.

It is amazing we do not know Barnabas better, for he is one of the most influential men in the New Testament. He played a major role in the early history of the church, and a major role in the lives of the men who wrote the New Testament. Yet he seems to be an obscure person because we do no know very much about him. Barnabas encouraged these men to be all they could be for the cause of spreading the Gospel.

Who will you be a Barnabas to today? Who will you encourage today?

***

SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Do you want a great blessing and words of wisdom each day? Go to http://www.thepreachersword.com/ and sign up. It’s free.

WORDS OF SPIRITUAL WISDOM FROM PASTOR KEN WHITTEN:

▪ Discipleship Is Not Just a Church Word, It’s God’s Word.

▪ One of the Ways You Know You Are Living Out God’s Plan Is You’re Investing in Others, Not Yourself.

▪ Apostleship Is not a Vocation, It’s a Conviction.

▪ Hardship in the Christian Life Is Not an Exception for Followers of Christ, It’s an Expectation for Those Who Do.

▪ Are You Risking Anything for Jesus That Might Cost You?

▪ Sometimes God Does Call Us to Dark Places.

▪ Don’t Change the Bible to Accommodate the Listener.

▪ Remember God Is With You When You Are Discouraged.

▪ Just Be Faithful, Give Yourself to the Gospel.

▪ The Sweetest Time in Your Life Can Come After the Darkest Time in Your Life

— o —

Americans are dying of heart disease and strokes at a rising rate in middle age. Normally that period is considered the prime of life. But an analysis of mortality statistics by the WSJ shows the problem is geographically widespread. Death rates from cardiovascular disease among people between the ages of 45 and 64 are rising in cities all across the U.S., including in some of the most unlikely places. The findings suggest that the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease are universal and difficult to address.

— o —

CHOCOLATE IS GOD’S APOLOGY FOR BROCCOLI

— o —

Worldwide Leading Cause of Death in 2019: Abortion

***

QUOTES YOU CAN USE

Grace is the fact that God knows every stupid mistake I’ll make in the ministry and yet he has chosen me anyway…that’s what grace is! Rick Warren.

Life in the Spirit is about letting go. Max Wilkins

Dwight Moody was once asked why he urged Christians to be filled constantly by the Holy Spirit. “Well,” he said, “I need a continual infilling because I leak.”

Harboring bitterness against someone is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will die. George Acevedo

It is impossible to praise or thank Jesus too much.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:18

Blogs

“FOLLOWERS FINDING FOLLOWERS”

Jeremy Stopford photo
Jeremy Stopford

John 1:35-51

“FOLLOW ME” SERIES – #6

Rev. Jeremy Stopford, Retired Pastor

INTRODUCTION

Today’s “Special”: “A Letter Funny”

“A wholesaler from up North sent a letter to the postmaster of a small Midwestern town. He asked for the name of an honest lawyer who would take a collection case against a local debtor who had refused to pay for a shipment of the wholesaler’s goods. He got this reply:

Dear Sir: I am the postmaster of this village and received your letter. I am also an honest lawyer and ordinarily would be pleased to accept a case against a local debtor. In this case, however, I also happen to be the person you sold those crummy goods to. I received your demand to pay and refused to honor it. I am also the banker you sent the draft to draw on the merchant, and I sent that back with a note stating that the merchant had refused to pay. If I were not, for the time being, substituting for the pastor of our local church, I would tell you fully just exactly what I thought of your claim.”

***

Last Monday afternoon, I had lunch at a restaurant in Norwich with a family whose loved one’s burial I had just officiated. The widow suggested the bacon burger on pita bread. And she had the same. And it was GOOD! In fact, it was DELICIOUS!

We were born with a hunger for God, and when we followed Him at the cross, we found that hunger met – He is GOOD! He is DELICIOUS! He is completely SATISFYING!

Our text today is like a visit to a restaurant – hungry people having their hunger met. Do you know anyone who is hungry for God?

PRAYER

1. Follow the One Who is the Fulfillment of Prophecy (vs. 35-37)

Verse 35: Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples.

36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

It had been 400 years since Malachi prophesied that Elijah would be the forerunner to the Messiah, and John the Baptist was that forerunner. (Check out Malachi 4)

Look at John’s insightful view of Jesus (v. 36)

After hearing John the Baptist’s word, the two disciples follow Jesus.

John was not heartbroken – he was thrilled!

Can you think of someone who you can share about Jesus?

2. Follow the One Who Alone Really Sees (Verse 38)

38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

His response to their question literally means, “come and see for yourself”. And Matt. 8:20 would tell them, “I have no home.”

ILLUSTRATION

I am good friends with a missionary couple who serve the Lord in the wilds of Brazil- they are veteran missionaries that we have been blessed to have here at our church. They have left all to follow Jesus with New Tribes Missions [now called “Ethnos360”] into the jungles of Colombia and Brazil so that the Guanano Tribe can follow Jesus. My wife and I also know a couple who hailed originally from nearby Otego, New York, who have left all to follow Jesus with Wycliffe Bible Translators to serve in the deserts of Mexico. They “have no home of their own” so that members of the Seri Tribe can hear the gospel in their own language.

Why do the these and other missionary couples go? Because that’s where Jesus is!

Following Jesus means that every area of our lives belonging to Him!

3. Follow the One Who Alone is Worthy to Invite Others to Follow (v. 40ff)

Verse 40: One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him,

was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him,

“We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ).

42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah.

You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).

43 The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee,

and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him,

“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you,

when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

49 Nathanael answered and said to Him,

“Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”

51 And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Andrew invites Peter (vs. 40-42): “He’s the Messiah!”

Philip invites Nathaniel (vs. 43-51): “He’s omniscient!” (See Psalm 139)

Andrew and Philip heard truth that caused them to see that Jesus alone is worthy of their trust, that Jesus alone is worthy to follow; and that Jesus alone is worthy to encourage others to come to Him!

CONCLUSION

So…who are the ones who this week you can encourage to “follow Jesus”?

How about those who used to go to church – they have a hunger you can meet!

How about those you know who are without Jesus – they have a hunger you can meet!

Why not invite them to follow Jesus!

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