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Friday, March 5, 2010

Lessons From A Blind Man

John 9

This man couldn’t see Jesus, but Jesus saw him. Even though this man was helpless, Jesus knew where he was. Jesus had to work on this guy in several areas to bring him to the point of salvation. He used some unusual circumstances to bring him to his knowledge of his sinful condition. His eyesight was not his worst problem; he needed to be saved. Let’s look at this man’s journey from blind beggar to a bowing believer.

I. The Reason for his Condition (vs. 1-5)

A. Not for his sin
B. Not for his parent’s sin
C. For God to be manifested in him

II. The Routine for his Cleansing (vs. 6-7)

A. Unconventional Operation
1. Socially Unconventional (spittle)
2. Scientifically Unconventional (dirt in eyes)
3. Sensibly Unconventional (he made matters worse)

B. Undisputed Obedience (and he went his way therefore, and washed)
C. Undeniable Outcome (and came seeing)

III. The Reaction of the Crowd

A. The Neighbors’ Confusion
B. The Notice of his Condition
C. The New Curiosity (how were thine eyes opened?)

IV. The Reasoning of the Council

A. The Delivery (vs. 13)
B. The Denial (vs. 16 a)
C. The Division (vs. 16d)
D. The Doubt (vs. 18-19)
E. The Dilemma (vs. 22)

V. The Response of the Cured Man

A. His Ignorance Concerning the Christ (vs. 25) An experience without the expertise!
B. His Insistence Concerning his Condition (vs.25)
C. His Interrogation Concerning the Cure (vs. 26)
D. His Implication Concerning the Charge (vs. 30-33)

VI. The Redemption of the Castaway vs.35-38

A. His Sinful Conditions (vs.34)
B. His Search for the Christ
C. His Salvation Complete (vs.38a)
D. His Sincere Conclusion (and he worshipped him)

VII. The Remarks of the Christ

A. His Dual Purpose (vs. 39)
1. To Heal (that they which see not might see)
2. To Hinder (they which see might be made blind)

B. His Disappointing Pronouncement (vs. 41)
1. Concerning Their Sight
2. Concerning Their Sin

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Will Ye Also Go Away?

John 6:48-67

This is an unusual question at first glance. Jesus is asking his disciples if they are going to go away. This sounds like a sad, helpless question on Jesus’ behalf but that is not the case. He KNOWS who will stay and who will go. He wanted them to make their decision. He is asking for a commitment in these verses. He wants them to “count the cost”.

I. The Doctrine – vs. 45 and they shall be all taught of God
A. It minimized their signs – vs. 31, 49 – told them it was time to get over it
B. He minimized their logic – vs. 41,42 – he called it murmuring!
C. He minimized their will – vs. 38,39 – what they wanted wasn't important
D. He minimized their efforts – vs. 44

II. The Division (vs.52a “…strove among themselves”

III. The Difficulty (vs.60) – this is an hard saying, who can hear it?

IV. The Declaration – vs. 63 the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life.

V. The Disappointment – vs. 64 But there are some of you that believe not.

VI. The Departure – vs. 66 from that time many of this disciples went back

VII. The Decline – went back, and walked no more with him

VIII. The Decision – will ye also go away? Make up your mind NOW!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

What Are They Among So Many?

John 6:1-14

The main thought presented in this outline is the importance of giving to the Lord. Even if we seem weak, ineffective, insufficient, and small, He can take even the smallest things and do great things with them. This message could be preached with an emphasis on financial giving or sacrificial giving such as surrendering to missions, full time service, preaching, or whatever. This little boy didn’t let the “insignificance” of his gift to stop him from giving it to God. “What are they among so many?” Well, I tell you “they” are enough when it’s in God’s hands!!

I. The Crowd
1. They were determined (they followed Jesus over/around the sea)
2. They were diseased (vs.2 This represents the needs of the crowd.)

2. The Cause (vs.2)
They didn’t follow him in order:
i. To hear His Words
ii. To learn from him
iii. To have him change their life
iv. To learn more about him
v. To become better disciples

1. They wanted to see outstanding miracles.
2. They wanted to see outward signs of His power.
2. They wanted to see others made whole.

3. The Crisis (vs.5)
1. The need for provision (that these may eat)
2. The need for providers (Whence shall WE buy…)
3. The need for proving (vs.6 he is testing their reaction to the need.)

4. The Contribution
1. It was passed down (he got it from somebody else no doubt!)
2. It was put down. (but what are they among so many?)
3. It was passed out (vs. 11)
4. It was picked up (vs. 13)

5. The Conclusion
1. The crowd received Jesus (vs.14, 15)
2. The contributor received reward. (I’m convinced that the boy got the 12 baskets back!)
3. The critics received instruction. (Little is much when God is in it! I’m sure they didn’t make fun of people’s contributions after this!)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The New Birth

John 3:1-21

I. The Person of Nicodemus – vs. 1-2

A. His Position – Pharisee, ruler vs. 1
B. His Pride – came by night vs. 2
C. His Propriety – complimented Jesus for being good vs. 2
D. His Problem – wasn't born again – vs. 10 -12

II. The Proclamation of Jesus – vs. 3
A. The Exception – except a man be born again...
B. The Exemption – he cannot see...

III. The Picture of the New Birth – vs. 4-10
A. The Natural Birth vs. 5
B. The Wind vs. 8

IV. The Promise of Salvation – vs. 14-21

Monday, March 1, 2010

Our Purpose

Exalt the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18)
• through worshipping the Lord Jesus as God
• through the Lord Jesus being the focal point of our church

Energize people to love God with all their hearts (Matthew 22:38)
• through Bible preaching
• through Christ-honoring music
• through prayer and fellowship

Embrace them into our church family (Acts 2:41)
• through membership in our church family
• through fellowship with other believers

Educate them in Bible doctrines and Christian living (II Timothy 2:15)
• through the Discipleship Program
• through Adult Bible Classes
• through Sunday School Classes

Encourage them to be involved in ministry service (Psalm 100:2)
• through various ministry opportunities of the church

Evangelize the City, and regions beyond with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 126: 5,6)
• through Christians sharing the Lord Jesus Christ daily
• through weekly soul-winning opportunities
• through a worldwide missions program