SIX MARKS OF CHRIST’S SHEEP--JOHN 10:1-42

SIX MARKS OF CHRIST’S SHEEP

JOHN 10:1-42

Introduction:

Our Lord left us a great heritage that we must live up to in order to win other to Jesus Christ. It is a very high standard. We live in a world that almost no standard of morality and one that looks down on those of us who would live as the Lord desires us to live.

Here are six marks that are to be seen in God’s people by those around us today.

I. THEY KNOW THEIR SHEPHERD, v. 14

A. The Lord knows those that are His, 2 Timothy 2:19, “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”

B. The sheep know the Shepherd and have intimacy with Him, 2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

II. THEY KNOW HIS VOICE, vv. 4-5, 8,16

A. They don’t know the voice of strangers, Mark 4:24, “And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.”

B. They will follow in the Lord’s footsteps, 1 Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

III. THEY HEAR HIM CALLING EACH BY NAME v. 3

A. God knows us by name, Exodus 33:17, “And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.”

B. We hear His call and respond, John 6:37, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

IV. THEY LOVE HIM

A. He loved us first, 1 John 4:19, “We love him, because he first loved us.”

B. They keep His commandments, 1 John 5:2-3, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3- For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

V. THEY TRUST HIM, v. 11

A. He is the Shepherd, Psalm 23:1, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

B. He cares for them, Isaiah 40:11, “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

1. He seeks His lost sheep, Ezekiel 34:12, “As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.”

2. He feeds them in green pastures, Ezekiel 34:14, “I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.”

VI. THEY FOLLOW HIM, vv. 4, 27

A. They follow Him wherever He goes, John 12:26, “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.”

B. He is our example in life, 1 Peter 2:21, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:”

1. He is meek and lowly in heart, Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”

2. We are to be like-minded as Jesus was, Romans 15:5, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:”

3. We are to walk in love, as Christ has loved us, Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

CONCLUSION

A NEW COMMANDMENT--JOHN 13:34-35; 1 JOHN 2:8-10

A NEW COMMANDMENT

JOHN 13:34-35; 1 JOHN 2:8-10

Introduction:

The Lord knew that the only way these disciples would be able to continue in unity was through the bond of His love, John 17:21, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” So the Lord gave them a “new commandment” in v. 34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

I. THIS IS MY COMMANDMENT

John 15:12, 17, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.”

A. This is the commandment of JESUS CHRIST, vs. 17, 34, “These things I command you, that ye love one another. 34-A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

B. This commandment comes DIRECT from the THRONE OF GOD.

C. This is a commandment, NOT A REQUEST, John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

1. WHY are we commanded to love? John 13:35, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

2. Without love we are,..

a. As sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal, 1 Corinthians 13:1, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”

b. We are nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:2, “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.”

II. THIS IS A NEW COMMANDMENT

1 John 2:8-10, “Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. 9-He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10-He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.”

A. Now you walk in the true light, 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

1. If we walk in the light, we are TO WALK IN LOVE, Ephesians 5:2, “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

2. Followers of God walk in love, Ephesians 5:1-2, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2-And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

B. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren, 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

1. Evidence of salvation, “because we love the brethren.”

2. Evidence of a lack of salvation, “He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

C. This is HIS commandment, 1 John 3:23, “And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.”

D. We are to ABOUND in love one toward another, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”

1. Increase in love, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”

2. Increase more and more, 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10-And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”

III. THIS IS A COMMANDMENT TO LOVE ALL THE SAINTS OF GOD

Colossians 1:3-4, “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4-Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,”

A. In bearing each other’s burdens, Galatians 6:2-4, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3-For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4-But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

B. Do good to those of the household of faith, Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

C. Show kindness to the brethren, Colossians 3:12-13, “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13-Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

CONCLUSION

The Lord commanded us to love one another as He loved us. That was a sacrificial love. He gave His all to redeem us from sin. Therefore, what is it if we give our all in loving one another in order to glorify our Saviour?

COME AND DINE--JOHN 21: 1-14

COME AND DINE

JOHN 21: 1-14

INTRODUCTION:

One day in the not too distant future (3rd appearance) we will hear the word of our Lord when He says in verse 12, “Come and dine.” At present He is preparing us a place and soon He will come and receive us to Himself. He will speak as a Friend, the one who loves us with an everlasting love.

I. NOTICE HERE HOW FREE CHRIST WAS WITH HIS DISCIPLES.

A. He treated them as FRIENDS, JOHN 15:13-14, “Greater love hath no man that this that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14-Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.

B. HE DID NOT SAY to His disciples, Come, and wait, Come, and attend me, but COME AND DINE, JOHN 21:12, “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, who art thou? Knowing that it was the Lord.

C. When the Lord calls, you will not ask, WHO ARE YOU? JOHN 21:12, “Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, who art thou? KNOWING THAT IT WAS THE LORD.”

1. Saul of Tarsus got acquainted with the Lord, ACTS 9:5, “And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I AM JESUS whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

2. You WILL KNOW that it is the Lord as Samuel knew, 1 SAMUEL 3_10, “And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, SPEAK; FOR THY SERVANT HEARETH.”

II. THE CALL OF CHRIST IS…

A. “All things are now READY; COME,”  MATTHEW 22:4, “Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.”

B. Come, to the feast, come, and DINE UPON HIM.

1. His flesh is meat indeed, JOHN 6:55, “For my FLESH IS MEAT indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”

2. His blood is drink indeed, JOHN 6:56, “He that eateth my flesh, and DRINKETH MY BLOOD, dwelleth in me, and I in hi

III. CHRIST IS A FRIEND

A. “Come, ye blessed of my Father;”  MATTHEW 25:34, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:”

B. Come, sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob,  MATTHEW 8:11, “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.”

C. There is room and BREAD ENOUGH for all, LUKE 15:17, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!”

1. Without doubt there is FAMINE in this world as there was in the Lord’s day, Luke 15:14, “And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.”

2. However, there is a GREATER FAMINE of the Bread of Life in the world:

a. Eat this roll (the Word of God), EZEKIEL 3:1, “Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.”

b. It was as sweet as honey, EZEKIEL 3:2-4  2- “So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.  3- And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.  4- And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.”

D. The Fellowship will be WONDERFUL, 1 JOHN 1:3, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”

1. Fellowship with believers, ACTS 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

a. …In the apostles’ doctrine,

b. …In fellowship, what is common to all.

c. …In breaking of bread,

d. …In prayers.

2. Fellowship is with the Father, JOHN 17:3 “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

3. Fellowship is with Jesus Christ,  I CORINTHIANS 1:9, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

4. Fellowship is with the Spirit of God,

PHILLPIANS 2:1-3,  1- “If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,  2- Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.  3- Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

CONCLUSION

An old hymn says, “Come and dine,” the master calleth, “Come and dine, “You may feast at Jesus’ table all the time; He who fed the multitude, Turned the water into wine, to the hungry calleth now, “Come and dine.”

THE WORD--JOHN 1:1-4

THE WORD

JOHN 1:1-4

Introduction:

The Word, the LOGOS, is Jesus Christ. He was from the beginning with the Father. He is the Creator of this world and all of mankind.

He is the Incarnate Word of God, God in the flesh. He is the Saviour of man. He is the Life of man. The Scriptures declare Hiim to be the ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN.

I. JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD

A. Jesus is the UTTERED WORD of God, Revelation 19:13, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”

1. The eternal Word of God manifested, 1 John 1:1-2, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2-(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)”

2. He is the eternal witness in Heaven, 1 John 5:7, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

B. Jesus is the INCARNATE WORD of God, John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

1. The Word was made flesh, Matthew 1:16, “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

2. The Word was made of a Woman, Galatians 4:4, “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,”

a. He came at the appointed hour, Ephesians 1:10, “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:”

b. He was born of a woman, Luke 2:10-11, “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11-For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

1) He was a partaker of flesh and blood, Hebrews 2:14, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”

2) He became flesh that He might die for our sins, 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”

C. He was made under the Law, Romans 15:8, “Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:”

II. JESUS IS THE WORD OF LIFE

A. He is THE LIFE, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

1. Our life is in the Son, 1 John 5:11, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”

2. He is our life after death, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

3. He gives us eternal life, John 10:28, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”

B. His life is the LIFE OF THE FATHER, John 5:26, “For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;”

1. The Fountain of life, Psalm 36:9, “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”

2. The True God, Jeremiah 10:10, “But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus is the Word of God from the Beginning. He became flesh and walked among us and then He died that we might have life eternal.

THE SUPERLATIVE LIBERALITY OF THE LORD--JOHN 17:22

THE SUPERLATIVE LIBERALITY OF THE LORD

JOHN 17:22, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:”

INTRODUCTION:

It would have been surprising grace if he had allowed us to eat the crumbs of his bounty beneath the table of his mercy. However, the Lord does nothing half way; He makes us sit with Him and share the feast.

The Lord will have His Bride as rich as He Himself. She will share His Glory and His Grace. He has made us joint-heirs with Himself.

I. HE HAS GIVEN HIS CHURCH HIS GLORY

A. The Glory is the INCARNATE WORD OF GOD, JOHN 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

1. He manifested His Glory by His Miracles, JOHN 2:11, “This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.”

2. He is the Truth, JOHN 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

B. He is the Eternal Word of God, JOHN 17:24, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.”

C. He is the GLORIOUS HEAD of the church, EPHESIANS 1:22, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,”

1. The Lord LOVES His church, EPHESIANS 5:29, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:”

2. The Lord purposes to present her to Himself a GLORIOUS church, EPHESIANS 5:27,” That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

II. HE HAS GIVEN HIS CHURCH HIS AUTHORITY

A. To preach the glorious Gospel of Christ, MATTHEW 10:7, “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

B. To Teach His Disciples the all things of the Scriptures, MATTHEW 28:19,20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

1. The boundless limit of His Glory is as free to you as the air he breathes, if you believe, JOHN 11:40, “Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

2. The cup of God’s love and grace is at the believer’s lips, and he is invited to drink of it forever, PSALM 36:8, “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.

CONCLUSION

The last phrase of our text says, “that they may be one, even as we are one.” In order for us to manifest His glory we must in agreement. Amos said in AMOS 3:3, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” The Lord is greatly glorified when His people are agreed on doing His will.

THE LIFTING UP OF CHRIST--PART TWO--JOHN 3:14-15; NUMBERS 21:4-9

THE LIFTING UP OF CHRIST

PART TWO

JOHN 3:14-15; NUMBERS 21:4-9

Introduction:

The FIRST MESSAGE of this series was about the “Nature of Sin,” how it is OF A DESTRUCTIVE AND DEADLY NATURE, Jeremiah 17:9, “The HEART is DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, and DESPERATELY WICKED: who can know it?”

This is shown by the reaction of the Hebrews in their wilderness journey in Numbers 21:5, And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.”

I.   This message is about the Remedy that God had provided for the sin of mankind.

1.   Israel was guilty and that was without dispute.
2.   They had blasphemed the name of God and His servant Moses.
3.   God sent judgment, vv. 6-7, “And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. 7- Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.”

a.   Moses had PRAYED for the people and God HONORED THAT PRAYER.

b.   The Lord proposed a REMEDY BASED ON A LOOK OF FAITH, v. 9.

c.   In this we see God’s great MERCY, Psalms 145:8, “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and OF GREAT MERCY.”

II. A STRONG REMEDY PROVIDED

A. The WONDERFUL PROVISION that God made for their relief, Numbers 21:4-9.

1. God made Moses the INSTRUMENT in which Israel would obtain relief, vv. 7-9;

2. The REMEMDYwas SIMILAR to the punishment, a fiery [brass, the color of fire] serpent, v. 7a;

3. The proposal was: “LOOK AND LIVE,” v. 7b;

a. Jesus is the One with the words of life, John 6:68, “Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.”

b. There is NO OTHER NAME whereby we may gain salvation, Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

B. The Son of God, John 3:14-15.

1. God sent His Son in the LIKENESS of sinful flesh, Romans 8:3, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:”

2. Christ DID NOT KNOW SIN, 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

3. He was LIFTED UP on the CROSS, John 3:14, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:”

a. He was crucified, John 19:17-18, “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: 18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.”

b. He is the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 2:2, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

Note: “The propitiation does not procure his love or make him loving; it only renders it consistent for him to exercise his love towards sinners.” Easton’s Bible Dict.

4. All who LOOK IN FAITH, v. 8; John 3:15, “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

a. EVERY PERSON on the earth has been bitten by the serpent, Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

b. The condemnation is UNIVERSAL, Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

c. The offer is to WHOSOEVER will LOOK, v. 8;

1) Jesus was LIFTED UP, John 12:32, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. 33- This he said, signifying what death he should die.”

2) He is DRAWING MEN after Him, John 6:44, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

3) He is DRAWING men TO LIFE, Romans 5:18, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”

CONCLUSION

The Lord is GATHERING His people, Genesis 49:10, “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.”

THEY TOOK JESUS AND LED HIM AWAY--JOHN 19:16-18

THEY TOOK JESUS AND LED HIM AWAY

JOHN 19:16-18

John 19:16, “Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.”

Introduction:

Jesus “had been all night in agony, he had spent the early morning at the hall of Caiaphas, he had been hurried from Caiaphas to Pilate, from Pilate to Herod, and from Herod back again to Pilate; he had, therefore, but little strength left, and yet neither refreshment nor rest were permitted him. They were eager for his blood, and therefore led him out to die, loaded with the cross.” ---Charles H. Spurgeon.

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ for our sins was a cooperative effort by both Gentiles and Jews contrary to what established religion has said for centuries.

I. JESUS WAS DELIVERED TO THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE

A. The people were given a choice, Joshua 24:15, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

1. They chose Barabbas over Jesus, Matthew 27:26, “Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.”

2. They chose death over life, Deuteronomy 30:19, “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

B. The Roman soldiers were involved as Mark tells us, Mark 15:16-20, “And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band. 17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head, 18 And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! 19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.”

1. Jesus was led away from the Jews where the “whole” band of soldiers {400 to 600) could deal with Him, v. 16; Matthew 27:27, “Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.”

2. They clothed him with purple, any color mixed with red, (Matthew says scarlet), v. 17; Matthew 27:28, “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.”

3. They crowned Him with a crown of thorns, v. 17; Matthew 27:29, “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!”

4. The soldiers mocked Him, humiliated Him, and led Him away to be crucified, vv. 18-20.

II. THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE WAS TO CRUCIFY JESUS

A. “Behold, your King,” vv. 14-15.

1. Minutes before the soldiers had mocked Jesus calling Him “King of the Jews,” John 19:3, “And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.”

2. Now Pilate seeks to move the affections of the people in order to release Jesus, but to no avail, v. 15, “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.”

3. The chief priests hated the Romans, but they hated Jesus more, John 11:48, “If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.”

4. Their greatest fear became a reality, Ezekiel 21:26-27, “Thus saith the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. 27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.”

CONCLUSION

Jesus will soon return and claim His rightful place on the throne of David His father. What if He came today would you be prepared to meet Him? Or would you be among the mockers who are so bold today to speak out against the Lord.

He suffered and died to pay for your sins and now just as the Jews were given a CHOICE, you are given a choice today. Who will you choose?

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST--JOHN 19:31-35--(WITH ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS)

GREAT BIBLE WORDS

THE BLOOD OF CHRIST
John 19:31-35

Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

Introduction:

Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 21:22-23, “And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: 23- His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”

Jesus was hanged on a tree and therefore, cursed of God for our sins. The Jewish law require that a man hanged on a tree must be buried before sunset the same day. Pilate ordered the soldiers to break the legs of those who were crucified in order to hasten their death.

On arrival at the sight the soldiers found that Jesus was already dead and did not break his bones, Psalm 34:20, “He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.” However, one of the soldiers was not convenced and thrust a spear into his side, Zechariah 12:10b, “and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced.”

Blood and water poured out the side of the Lord Jesus. The spear had penetrated the first membrane around the heart callled the PERICARDIUM which contains a watery substance. The spear continued piercing the heart itself from which came the blood. NOW THERE WAS NO DOUBT!! JESUS WAS DEAD! Everyone present saw it. They were eyewitnesses that Jesus died on the Cross.

If there had been no other injury the spear thrust would have killed Him. Now the Sadducees who did not believer in the resurrection, could not make the people believe that Jesus was in a coma and not dead. The resurrection is one of the greatest proofs that Jesus was the Son of God.

Jesus shed His blood because the life is in the blood, Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”

The blood of Christ is the ground, or basis, for many precious blessings:

1. It is the basis for the blessing of PROPITIATION: that which turns away the wrath of God, Romans 3:25, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”

2. It is the basis for our JUSTIFICATION, Romans 5:9, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

3. It is the basis of our PEACE with God, Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

4. It is the basis for our BEING BROUGHT NIGH to God, Ephesians 2:13, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

5. It is the basis for our REDEMPTION and FORGIVENESS OF SIN, Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”

6. It is the basis for our SANCTIFICATION, Hebrews 13:12, “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.”

7. It is the basis for our being CLEANSED FROM SIN, 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

8. It is the basis for our VICTORY OVER THE DEVIL, Revelation 12:11, “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”

REGENERATION--JOHN 3:1-7

GREAT BIBLE WORDS

REGENERATION

John 3:1-7

Introduction:

Regeneration is a spiritual birth. Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:4, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” We have become partakers of the divine nature of God by faith in Jesus Christ.
That is what the Lord Jesus was saying Nicodemus needed – the new birth. He needed to be born of God.

I. REGENERATION IS PICTURED AS BEING “BORN AGAIN,”

A. The concept of being “born again” = “FROM ABOVE.”

1. This is not a fleshly birth, v. 4; John 1:13, “Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

2. It is a spiritual birth, vv. 5-6, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6- That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

a. The water of the Word of God, v. 5; 1 Peter 1:23, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

b. He is washed with the Word, Ephesians 5:26, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,”

c. The fallen sinner CANNOT regenerate himself; he needs a divine operation by the Spirit of God, v. 6; Titus 3:5, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

1) He has made us fit to partake of God’s inheritance, Colossians 1:12, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:”

2) He has written our names in the Lamb’s Book of Life, Revelation 21:27, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

B. The concept is of God TRANSFORMING the heart, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

1. By implanting a NEW principle of DESIRE, v. 17b. Old thoughts, old principles, and old practices, are passed away. Psalms 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

2. By implanting a NEW principle of PURPOSE, Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

3. By implanting a NEW principle of ACTION, 1 Corinthians 13:11, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”

C. This TRANSFORMATION made great differences in SAUL of Tarsus.

1. He believed the message of the gospel and was identified by faith with Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

2. He believer that he had been raised from the death to walk in NEWNESS of life, Romans 6:3-4, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4- Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life,”

3. He believed that Christ LIVED in him, Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

4. He GLORIED in the Cross of Christ, Galatians 6:14, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

5. He switched from a PERSECUTOR of Christ to a PROCLAIMER of Christ, Acts 9:5, 20-22, And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 20- And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21- But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22- But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”

II. FRUITS OF REGENERATION

C. The former manner of life, Ephesians 4:22, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”

D. Faith and love are seen, 1 John 4:7-8, “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8- He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”

E. Holiness is the fruit and proof that one is born of God, 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16- Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”

F. Righteousness the fruit and proof that one is born of God, Ephesians 4:24, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

CONCLUSION

Regeneration is a transition from spiritual death to spiritual life. Paul said in Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Regenerating grace creates a new world in the soul; all things are new. The renewed man acts from new principles, by new rules, with new ends, and in new company.

WHAT IS TRUTH?--JOHN 18:28-40

WHAT IS TRUTH?

JOHN 18:28-40

Introduction:

Pilate had asked the question of the Lord, but he did not wait for an answer. The world puts a high premium on truth, but does not really want to hear it. You are here today expecting me to tell you the truth, but some become angry when they hear it. Others ignore the truth hoping that it will go away, while yet others accept it with great joy.

Let us consider the question, “What is truth?”

I. THE WORD OF GOD IS TRUTH

John 17:17, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

A. The Word of God sets us up apart that we might believe, John 17:19, “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

1. Hearing the Word of God sets us apart to trust and have faith, Romans 10:17, So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2. Receiving the Word of God as the truth sets us apart unto the Lord, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

B. The Word of God, the Truth, has it affect on our lives, “And such were some of you.”

1. But ye are washed… by the Spirit of our God, Rev. 1:5, “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”

2. But ye are sanctified… by the Spirit of our God, Heb. 10:10, “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

3. But ye are justified… by the Spirit of our God, Romans 3:24, 28, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

II. JESUS DECLARES HIMSELF TO BE THE TRUTH.

A. I AM the way, John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

B. I AM the Truth.

1. Jesus is full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

2. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, John 1:17, “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”

3. John the Baptist bare witness of Jesus Christ, John 5:33, “Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.”

C. I AM the Life, John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

III. THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD POINT TO THE TRUTH, JESUS CHRIST

A. The Spirit of God bears witness to the incarnate Word, 1 John 5:6, “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

B. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit, Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”

C. The Spirit of truth lives within us, John 14:17, “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

D. The Spirit will guide us, John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

CONCLUSION:

What is truth? The Truth is Jesus Christ. He it is who can save you soul if you will trust Him today. He is the way to heaven; He is the Truth: He is the Life and that life is eternal life by faith in Christ.

WAKING AWAY FROM THE FEAST WITH THE GREAT “I AM.”- - JOHN 6:31-71

WAKING AWAY FROM THE FEAST WITH THE GREAT “I AM.”

JOHN 6:31-71

Introduction:

Many people would give almost anything to have a meal with some renowned writer or perhaps a great military man of years gone by. Many would consider that the high point of their life.

In these verses the Lord of Glory invites men to “Come and dine” (John 21:12) with him, but many have doubts about the “Bread.” Other remember the “manna” that Moses gave to Israel saying that he gave them “bread from Heaven,” v. 31. Let us consider these things as the Lord…

I. OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DINE.

A. Who was Jesus in comparison to Moses? The crowd that asked for a sign from Jesus must have felt that the feeding of the 5,000 did not compare with Moses’ gift of bread from heaven.

B. They thought Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand was less significant because manna fed the whole nation for 40 years, but they missed two things.

1. Many of the Israelites who were fed 40 years in the wilderness did not believe.

2. God’s signs authenticated both Moses and Jesus; therefore both should be listened to and believed.

II. OFFERED THEM A BETTER CHOICE THEN THEIR FATHERS HAD.

A. Our fathers did eat “bread from Heaven,” v. 31.

1. That bread was only for the physical life.

2. Jesus offers the true bread from heaven.

B. Jesus said, “My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven,” v. 32.

1. The great “I Am” offers this bread.

2. The “true” bread gives life, John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

III. OFFENDED AT THE CHOICE.

A. Jesus is too literal for their taste, vs. 48-51.

1. “I am that bread of life,” v. 48.

a. Jesus is saying that He is the true bread from Heaven.

b. He is saying that you have to partake of that bread.

2. “Except ye eat my flesh,” v. 53, “Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.”

B. “This is a hard saying,” v. 60.

1. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, v. 58.

2. Jesus promised, “he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.” v. 58.

C. Jesus asked, “Doth this offend you?” vs. 61-64.

1. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” v. 63. Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

2. Jesus knew those who did not believe, v. 64, “But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.”

CONCLUSION:

Jesus knows our hearts. He knew before this conversation with these Jews that many would not believe in Him. He knows right now whether you will trust His as your Savior. He still offers to save your soul even when He knows whether you will believe or not.

VERILY, VERILY GREAT TRUTHS- - JOHN 8:51

VERILY, VERILY GREAT TRUTHS

JOHN 8:51

Introduction:

“Verily, verily” at the beginning of a discourse means “surely, truly,” or “of a truth.” At the end of a discourse it means “so it is, so be it,” or “may it be fulfilled.” It was a custom, which passed over from the synagogues to the Christian assemblies, that when he who had read or discoursed, or had offered up solemn prayer to God, the others responded “Amen,” and thus made the substance of what was uttered their own.

There are 25 occurrences of the expression “verily, verily,” all in the Gospel of John. The word “verily” is used in other places, but in these 25 verses the word is doubled calling attention to an important thought that the Lord wants to convey to His hearers.

I. REGARDING SALVATION

A. You must be born again, John 3:3, “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

B. How you are born again, John 3:5, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

1. The hearing of the Word of God, John 5:25, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.”

a. Those dead in sin, Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

b. Hearing the Word brings faith, Romans 10:17, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

2. The believing of God’s Word, John 5:24, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”

a. You have eternal life immediately, John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

b. You shall never come into condemnation, John 3:18, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

c. You have passed from death to life, 1 John 3:14, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.”

C. Believing in Jesus Christ, John 6:47, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.”

II. REGARDING SIN

A. “I tell you the Truth (verily, verily) about sin, John 8:34, “Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

1. The servant of sin, Romans 6:16, “Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?”

2. But thank the Lord you obeyed the truth, Romans 6:17-18, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

B. Sin had made us the enemies of God, but we were reconciled to God by His Son, Romans 5:10, “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”

1. We have been declared righteous, Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

2. The problem of our justification was resolved by the shed blood of Jesus on the cross, Romans 3:25-26, “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

III. REGARDING UNBELIEF

A. You did not believe Me, Jesus said, John 3:11, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.”

B. Nicodemus was religious but had no knowledge of spiritual things, John 3:9-10, “Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?”

1. Paul speaks of his ignorant unbelief, 1 Timothy 1:13. “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”

2. Nicodemus came to know the truth and believed on Jesus Christ and was at the Lord’s burial, John 19:39-40, “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. 40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.”

CONCLUSION:

There is much more regarding the expression “verily, verily” in the book of John. We have only touched on a couple of area of these great truths.