"The Way”

Scripture Text

 (John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION:

 Two of the most remarkable statements by Jesus are found in this one verse.. John 14:6 (NKJV) Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.These statements were made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death - John 14:1-4. Which prompted questions by Thomas and Philip - John 14:5,7-9 In making such statements, Jesus claims to be three things:  "The Way, The Truth, And The Life."  In this study we will take a closer look at Jesus' statement, where we first observe that Jesus is... THE WAY!

   A. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD... ( JOHN 14:6)

     1. Jesus clearly claims to be the only way to God, not a way.  

      This may sound politically incorrect, but Jesus states it nonetheless. There are many religions who claim to know the way to God, but they all stress works. What works are stressed? And you never know if you have done enough good to make it to Heaven where God lives. Romans 3:23 states for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This statement rules out works.

     2. As Peter would later proclaim, there is no salvation but through Jesus in Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The way to God is through a relationship with Jesus, not in a religion of good works. We have faith in Jesus Christ not a religion.

   B. HOW JESUS IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER...

     1. By revealing Him, stressed in the gospel of John - John 14:7-9 (NKJV) ⁷ "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him." ⁸ Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." ⁹ Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

John 1:18  No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 12:44-45 ⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. ⁴⁵ And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me.

      2. By opening the new way to Him, emphasized in the book of Hebrews. (He 10:19-20) Hebrews 10:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh.

      3. By serving as our high priest, another theme in Hebrews - Hebrews 2:17-18 (NKJV)
¹⁷ Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV) ¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

      4. Jesus now intercedes for us.

        a. As our Advocate –1 John 2:1 (HCSB) My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous One.

        b. At the right hand of God - Romans 8:34 (HCSB)
³⁴ Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.

    c. The one (and only) Mediator (negotiator) between God and man - 1 Timothy 2:5 (NKJV) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.

        There must be a Mediator for you to appear before God. Not worthy in your own merits.

  d. Jesus ever lives to intercede for us! He constantly pleads our case before the Father. -    Hebrews 7:24-25 (NKJV) ²⁴ But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

   No other religion has a Savior that can guarantee the way to God and Heaven!

  Conclusion: By virtue of His life on earth, His death on the cross, and now His service in heaven for us who believe in Him, Jesus is truly the only way to God

Invitation: As was just stated from scripture, there is only one way to God and Jesus is that way. You must confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you of those sins and then you must invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life. This is the only way to God and eternal life in Heaven with Him.

A True Spiritual Leader

   

Intro: Joshua is regarded by the Lord as the type of a faithful, humble, deserving, wise leader.  Rahab is said to have become Joshua's wife and they had a family together according to Jewish history. Joshua was one of the 12 spies sent out by Moses to check out the Promised Land. Only he and Caleb brought back a good report about the Promised Land and encouraged the Israelites to enter in. Joshua is a good example of a true spiritual leader and guide, one who loves and cares for others.

I. God chose Joshua. Joshua 1:1-3 (NKJV) 

¹ After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant, saying:
² "Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them--the children of Israel.
³ Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses. After Moses was dead, God addressed Joshua to confirm him as the Israelites' new spiritual leader. God chose Joshua to lead His people to the Promised Land.

  a. Dad, God has chosen and confirmed you through His word to be the spiritual leader of your household and lead them in the ways of God. Ephesians 5:23 (NKJV) ²³ For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)  And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. Dad, you are responsible for your families spiritual condition.

II. God gave instructions to Joshua. (Joshua 1:7-9)

  a. The instructions.  

    1. Joshua 1:7 (NKJV) Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left. Dad, God’s has given you instructions that His word is to be your guide for decisions that you have to make, at all times through all circumstances, situations and trials of this life. You are not to turn from it to the right or the left, if you are to be a good spiritual leader for your family, the church and your nation. God promises that if you follow His word you will prosper (flourish, thrive, succeed) wherever you go.

     2. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Dad, be careful what you say, you are to speak God’s word over every situation.  God’s word must be read and meditated on day and night to be able to fully comprehend and use it in everyday circumstances of life. Through God’s word we find the best way to lead our families. If speak God’s word, meditate on it day and night, and do what it says, then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

     3. Joshua 1:9 (NKJV)  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed. Dads, God has commanded you to be strong and of good courage in the Lord. You are to be afraid or dismayed, but minister to your family in the power of God’s Spirit. Your strength and courage come from the Lord our God, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

 IV. Joshua was a true spiritual leader. Joshua 24:14-15 (NKJV) 

¹⁴ "Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord!
¹⁵ And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

  a. Joshua encouraged people to serve the Lord. (V:14) You dad are to encourage your family and others to serve the Lord. A true spiritual leader wants what is best for everyone. There is an abundant life, blessings, and rewards for those serving the Lord out of a pure heart.

  b. Joshua was a good example to others. (v:15) You are to set the good example for your family and others also. These are the things a sincere, true spiritual leader will do for those he leads and cares for.

Invitation: Dad are you being a true spiritual leader for your family and those around you? Do your children know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord? If not, be a true spiritual leader and talk to them about their relationship with Jesus and God. Do you dad have your own personal relationship with Jesus and the Father God? If not, now is the time to repent of your sins and ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God. Then invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life and become the true spiritual leader God chose you to be! dad, don't just take your children to church, but go with them and worship God as a family!

Time to Pray

2 Chronicles 7:13-15

 Intro: Prayer is mentioned 262 times in the O.T.  And 68 times in the New Testament. If there was ever a time to pray for our nation, it is now.  The power released in prayer is greater than the explosion of any bomb. I believe all Christians should benhristians have been lax in prayer for our nation. We have the most powerful force accessible to mankind in the form of prayer. It’s time to put this most powerful force of prayer to work by using our faith in God that He will bring revival to our nation when we pray.  We prove our love and faith in God by the time we spend in prayer. Much prayer means much faith. Little prayer, little faith!

I. God’s judgment comes when a nation sins. 2 Chronicles 7:13 (NKJV) When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people.

 a. Judgment comes in different forms. We see God’s judgment beginning in our nation right now. The extreme weather conditions, floods, droughts, riots, same sex marriage, abortion, Isis, finances.

 b. Purpose of God’s judgments.

          1. To turn people back to Him. God promised Solomon that if His judgment (by drought, locusts, or a plague-epidemic) should fall on the nation for their sin, they need only turn to the Lord in earnest humility and repentance and they would find forgiveness and restoration. So will we if we turn!

II. God’s promise is conditional  2 Chronicles 7:14a (NKJV)     If My people who are called by My name.

  a. The stipulation for God’s promise is faith in action. If we who   are God’s people do not call on Him, there will be no prayers for God to answer. It is time to pray.

We have no one to blame but us. Just complaining and griping will change nothing. 

 III. The actions needed. 2 Chronicles 7:14b (NKJV)  must humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,

  a. God’s people must humble themselves. Humble means to be courteously respectful: not proud or arrogant, to destroy the independence, power, or will of yourself. The source of all of our problems is pride. We think we know better than God what will make us happy. It’s that pride that causes us to be disconnected from God on a personal level, a church level, and a national level. We the people cannot save ourselves. Neither can any government or body of governments such as the U.N. 

  b. God’s people must pray with tenacity.  Prayer is spiritual communication with God. It is talking to Him. Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)  Continue) earnestly in prayer, being vigilant (watchful) in it with thanksgiving; Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. God wants us to pray and refuse to give up. He wants us to pray with persistence. We simply give up too soon. That’s why we don't see answers. That’s why America doesn't see the widespread healing of the land the Bible talks about in this verse.

                        c. God’s people are to seek His face. This means a serious setting of our mind and focus on Him. You don't just seek God in your spare moments. It has to be our primary focus at every opportunity. Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV) ¹ If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. We are not to be overly focused about the things of earth, but look to God & His word. God doesn’t want to be in second place. He wants to be our passion, an active part of our lives.  If God is going to bring healing to our country, our churches have to be full of people truly seeking him.

   d. God’s people must turn from our wicked ways.  Who here hasn't found themselves straying far from God at some point in your life? God is not talking to sinners but His people. America is in deep trouble right now. If God is going to judge America, he'll start with us. He’ll start with his people. National healing will also start with us. America will not be healed because we passed a certain law. Healing won't happen because we elect the right people to government positions. Literally, turn from means to change your mind, to change how you think. To turn from the way you are going that God is not pleased with. When we repent, we change the way we think about ourselves and God. We change the way we think about our values, other people, our past, our present, and our future. Turning simply means to change our mind about something and then take steps to change it. Prayer is that first step!

  IV. God’s promise.

   a. God will hear our prayers and petitions from Heaven. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

   b. God will forgive our sin. Sin is the problem in America today. When we meet the conditions that God has laid out for us, He will keep His promise to forgive us of our sins because God sent Jesus to earth to die on the cross and God has raised Him from the dead so we could be forgiven.

   c. God will heal our land. God can and will turn this nation around if we do what He says. If we don’t like what is going on in America, then we must seek God in prayer. Will you join millions of other Christians to pray for America? Will you put your faith to work and pledge to pray for one year?

INVITATION: Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord? If not now is the proper time to do that. Ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God and invite Him into your life to take charge of you and help you to live for Him! Ask Him to help you be faithful to pray!