Sermons on John
Bearing Witness
A look at the life of John the Baptist and what it means to ‘bear witness’ to Jesus the Word and the Light. (John 1:6-8) Sermon Outline “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.” (John 1:6-7) John the Baptist Knew Who He Was: Sent from God (John 1:6) John the Baptist’s identity –John “is” from God; sent from God…
The First Word
An exploration of the concepts in the first 5 verses of John 1, with particular attention to Jesus as the Word, plus some mention of themes in John. (John 1:1-5) Sermon Outline “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) Jesus the Divine and Preexistent Word (John 1:1-2) Jesus at the beginning: echoes of beginning of all things in Genesis 1:1-2 and the ancient wisdom of God in Proverbs…
Tears of Frustration
This message will explore the second of two types of tears we see in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, the tears of frustration. Through these tears we see our God’s frustration over the impact of sin and death on human experience that was made for more. John 11:1-44 Sermon Outline “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. Jesus said, ‘Your brother will rise again.’” (John 11:21-23) Frustration in John 11 Disciples (John 11:6-16) Mary…
Tears of Compassion
This message will explore the first of two types of tears we see in Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus, the tears of compassion. These tears reveal our God who is moved by compassion over human loss and grief. John 11:1-44 Sermon Outline “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35) Introduction The journey of Lent “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) The variety of Jesus’ tears Seeing Jesus’ Tears through a Theology of the Incarnation Jesus as the revelation of God (Colossians 1:15) Jesus as…
Following Jesus Means Taking Up Our Cross
Choosing to follow Jesus means we are often saying no to many things: no to the what the world calls success, no to what the world call pleasure, no to what the world calls popular. Are we consistently willing to pay the cost of standing apart of Jesus, no matter the cost? (Matthew 16:24-27) Sermon OutlinE The Definition: A disciple is someone who is following Jesus, is being transformed by the Holy Spirit and is committed to the Mission of God.…
Following Jesus Means Serving Others
Jesus says the truest sign others will have that we love Him is when we show love towards each other. One of the clearest ways to demonstrate this love is by serving each other! (John 13:12-17; 34-35) Sermon OutlinE “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:12-17, 34-35) The definition of a disciple of Jesus: A disciple is following Jesus, being changed by the Holy Spirit,…
Following Jesus Means Knowing the Truth
There are a lot of places people look to for “truth” – themselves, their heroes, their parents, their friends, famous philosophers. Jesus says He is the source of truth and that those who follow Him will not only walk in the truth but experience freedom because of it. Why does knowing the truth set us free?. (John 8:31-32) Sermon OutlinE Following: X/Instagram vs. Jesus “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew…
Mistaken for a Gardener
A standalone message for Easter Sunday out of John 20. Sermon Outline “Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’” (John 20:15) The Gardener? Is Mary mistaken? Does Jesus look different? Is John telling us something? The Garden of Eden and the Resurrection Garden The garden of Eden The ruins of the garden of our world The resurrection garden Jesus’ New Gardening…
Palm Sunday
This week we look what is known as Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. We will explore the meaning of this event in light of the week to follow, and gain insights into both John 15 and Psalm 1 as we conclude our series “The Tree and the Vine.” (John 11, 12, 15 & Psalm 1) Sermon Outline They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” (John 12:13a) Jesus Orchestrates a Miracle (John 11) Jesus…
The Fruitful Life
This week explores how we are made for fruitfulness and that true fruitfulness comes from God’s life in us and from our obedience to God and love for others. (Psalm 1:3; John 15:1-8, 16-17) Sermon Outline “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear in prayer, asking God to speak to you through this study. fruit—fruit that will last.” (John 15:16) The Way of Fruitfulness In Psalm 1: meditating…
The Pruned Life
This week explores the pruning work of God necessary for fruitfulness in our lives. (John 15:2, 6; Psalm 1:4) Sermon Outline “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” (John 15:2) Pruning as Cleansing for Fruitfulness The word means cut “clean” and implies healing Jesus’ word is the pruning tool that cuts clean What about the branches that don’t bear…
The Nourished Life
This week explores the nourishment we receive through meditating on God’s word and letting the words of Jesus abide in us. (Psalm 1:2; John 15:3-7) Sermon Outline “. . . but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (Psalm 1:2) Nourishment In Nature In Humans Nutrients Law of the Lord (Psalm 1:2) Words of Jesus (John 15:7) The Malnourished Life Convenience Disconnectedness The Nourished Life Delights Remains DISCUSSION QUESTIONS…