In this passage we see that Jesus alone can give us the true freedom we need, because he alone possesses the truth that frees us. Jesus shows us that such freedom doesn't come to us by any earthly heritage, but by faith in Christ, the great "I Am". Only the gospel sets us free, and if the Son sets us free, we are free indeed!
The Gospel of Grace (John 6:41-71)
This Sunday we will be in John 6:22-40. Jesus continues his discourse on the bread of life, hearing and answering objections from the crowds. Jesus reveals how the Father sovereignly works to bring his people to Jesus and keep them until the last day and the Spirit gives life to the flesh. Salvation is a work of God from start to finish. Only those who believe, feasting on the bread of life, will live forever. Will we, like the hearers of Jesus in this passage, turn away from him? Or will we, with Simon Peter, embrace even the most difficult teachings of Christ, knowing that he alone has the words of eternal life?
The Bread of Life (John 6:22-40)
In this passage, Jesus speaks directly to the crowds who were awed by his many signs, including the feeding of the 5,000. As Jesus teaches, he directly confronts selfish motives and points his hearers to the proper response to his work: belief. To believe in Jesus is to receive the bread of life and have our souls eternally satisfied.
The Provision of Jesus (John 6:1-21)
The Real Jesus (John 4:43-5:18)
As Jesus' ministry continues on, his miracles grow more astonishing. His bold words in this passage are staggering. As Jesus speaks and ministers- the opposition from the religious authorities begins to increase. Who is this Jesus? What doe his miracles and words reveal to us about his purpose? How should we respond?
Prayer as a Pathway to Joy (Psalm 16)
King David was a man who experienced discouragements, sufferings, various sin struggles, and distractions. Yet he knew the pathway to joy in Christ through prayer. Psalm 16 is a prayer in which David brings his soul from a place of discouragement to delight. In doing so, he gives us some great truths about the character of God to motivate us to a life of joyful prayer.
The Better Wine (John 2:1-11)
In this passage, we look at the first sign of Jesus; turning water into wine at a wedding banquet. Jesus not only miraculously provides wine; he gives the best wine to those at the banquet. What does this sign tell us about the person and work of Christ? What does it tell us about our situation of need? Studying this passage helps us answer these questions. And a closer look shows us how this miracle reveals the glory of Jesus and the overflowing joy found only in him.
The Fundamentals of Discipleship (John 1:35-51)
In this passage, we see the first disciples of Jesus begin their journey of life with him. As we get a glimpse of their stories we're brought back to the basics of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is not just adding a little religion to our lives or conforming to a set of morals, it's an invitation to examine, follow, share, and worship Jesus.
Behold The Lamb of God (John 1:19-34)
In this passage, we are introduced to the ministry of John the Baptist. The Old Testament scriptures told of one who would come to prepare the way for the Messiah. John was clear about his purpose: to point others to the coming Jesus. When Jesus arrives on the scene, John uses clear Old Testament imagery to identify Jesus, calling him the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. John then willingly fades into the background as Jesus begins his earthly ministry.
Directing our attention (Proverbs 8)
In Proverbs 8 wisdom is once again personified as a woman (Just like Chapter 1). But instead of strong warnings against rejecting her, Lady Wisdom here draws the reader in with the rich rewards of pursuing wisdom. The pursuit of God, the source of all wisdom and blessing, is not a dry or lifeless endeavor. The blessing of wisdom is far more valuable than all the riches this world has to offer. Proverbs 8 serves to stir our affections for God and all he has to offer those who seek wisdom in him.