Messages From Easter

Intro: Even though Easter is passed, the message of Easter has not. There are some messages from Easter we need to remember so that we shall never forget Jesus' love for us. May we always give Him all the praise, honor and glory for what He has done. He is worthy!

I. Easter's message of the cross shows there is nothing Jesus wouldn't do for us. John 1:14  And the Word became 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. Luke 19:10  for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." Jesus left the glories of heaven and the worship of angels to come to this earth to seek and save that which was lost. That includes you and I. He was treated terribly from birth to death, yet He lived the perfect life in our place as the representative of all mankind. Then He proved there was nothing He wouldn't do for us by giving His life on the Cross of Calvary as a sacrifice for mankind's sin. He suffered more than any man. He was beaten with a whip, mocked, spit on, slapped, His beard plucked out and a crown of thorns pushed down on His forehead. Then He was nailed to a cross by His hands and His feet where He hung for nine hours where He was forsaken by the Father God for the last three hours of His suffering on the cross. There He shed His perfect innocent blood for us as a propitiation for us to appease God's wrath toward us because of our sins. 1 John 2:2 Jesus Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. The message of the cross is Jesus completed everything needed for our salvation when He cried. “It is Finished!” John 19:30

II. Easter's message of the tomb shows us there isn't anywhere Jesus wouldn't go for us. Matthew 27:57-60 ⁵⁷  When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸  He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. ⁵⁹  And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud ⁶⁰  and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. Jesus went to the tomb for us. Jesus who is God and could not die, became man so that He could experience death and be buried in a new borrowed tomb where His body lay for three days. Jesus in His love for us was willing to die and to be buried in that tomb so that He could experience everything that we do. At the tomb, God opened a sealed place of death, to reveal unmistakable evidence of Jesus raised to new life. The message of the empty tomb is our faith is to rise and trust in Jesus, His death and resurrection. The tomb proves there is nowhere Jesus would not go for us so that He could bring us abundant and eternal life.

III. Easter's message of Christ's resurrection promises nothing can separate us from God. The resurrection of Jesus confirms that God accepted Jesus' sacrifice for sin on the cross and gives us access to a right relationship with Him. When we believe Jesus died for our sins and God raised Jesus from the dead, we become children of God. Ephesians 1:13-14 ¹³  In Jesus you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴  who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. The Spirit sealed us for God and took up residence in us when we were born again and the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our complete salvation when Jesus returns for His church. 1 Cor. 3:16 Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? Because the Spirit of God lives in us, we can never be separated from God thru all eternity. Romans 8:31-39 (NKJV) ³¹  What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³²  He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?³³  Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.³⁴  Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
³⁵  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
³⁶  As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."³⁷  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.³⁸  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,³⁹  nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise be to the Lamb of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. All glory, praise and honor go to Him! The message of Jesus' resurrection is that the price for the penalty of our sins has been paid and our salvation has been secured forever!

Conclusion: In conclusion, let us continually give Jesus our all as we live for Him in this dark and sinful world. May we ever be the light of the world and salt of the earth as we reflect God's glory into the lives of others through our testimony for Him.

Invitation: Jesus came to this earth to save you from the penalty of your sins. If you have never taken advantage of His salvation for you, right now confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you for heaven. Be baptized to show your sincerity!

We Remember Jesus' Suffering!

Intro: As Easter approaches, we take time to remember what Jesus did for us more than 2,000 years ago when He gave His life on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. After His last Supper, Jesus made His way to the “Garden of Gethsemane” where He would pray for Himself. He prayed for the strength to fulfill the father's will for Him. No one ever suffered like Jesus!

1. Jesus suffers agony in the garden. After Jesus and His disciples had observed the Passover meal celebrating the exit of the Israelite's from Egypt. At the end of the Passover meal, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper. Then Jesus and His disciples made their way to the garden of Gethsemane. There Jesus' would be suffering great agony and pain and would be forsaken by His disciples that He loved as He made His final steps to the cross. As the Lord's Resurrection Day approaches, we need to take time to once again remember that severe agony, pain and humiliation Jesus suffered for us on His way to the cross. We must never forget what Jesus suffered for us! Luke 22:39-46 (ESV) ³⁹  And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. ⁴⁰  And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” ⁴¹  And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, ⁴²  saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” ⁴³  And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. ⁴⁴  And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. ⁴⁵  And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, ⁴⁶  and he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” These verses tell us what happened as Jesus prayed there in the garden. He was in such agony the angels came and ministered to Him, strengthening Him as He sweat drops of blood. There while He was praying, His disciples went to sleep on Him. They could not stay awake to pray for strength to go thru what was ahead. May we not sleep but pray!

2. Jesus was betrayed by one of His own disciples. Luke 22:47-48 (ESV) ⁴⁷  While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him, ⁴⁸  but Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”

3. He was forsaken by His disciples. Matthew 26:31 (NKJV)
³¹ Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' Not one disciple stood by Him. Jesus walked the road of suffering to the cross all alone.

4. Peter denied Him 3 times, the last time with a curse. Matthew 26:74-75 (NKJV)
⁷⁴  Then he began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know the Man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. ⁷⁵  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." So he went out and wept bitterly.

Peter had confessed that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and had seen Him work many miracles that only God could do, still denied Jesus. How that hurt Jesus!

5. No fault could be found in Him. Luke 23:13-16 (NKJV)
¹³  Then Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people,¹⁴  said to them, "You have brought this Man to me, as one who misleads the people. And indeed, having examined Him in your presence, I have found no fault in this Man concerning those things of which you accuse Him; ¹⁵  no, neither did Herod, for I sent you back to him; and indeed nothing deserving of death has been done by Him.
¹⁶  I will therefore chastise Him and release Him" Jesus was falsely accused and denied a proper trial before the religious leaders and Pontius Pilate.

6. Jesus was condemned to die unjustly. Luke 23:18-24 (NKJV) ¹⁸  And they all cried out at once, saying, "Away with this Man, and release to us Barabbas"--¹⁹  who had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder. ²⁰  Pilate, therefore, wishing to release Jesus, again called out to them.²¹  But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" ²²  Then he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has He done? I have found no reason for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go." ²³  But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices that He be crucified. And the voices of these men and of the chief priests prevailed. ²⁴  So Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they requested. Even though Jesus did no wrong, He was unjustly condemned to die on a cross by His own people the Jews.

7. Jesus forsaken by the Father the cross. Matthew 27:45-46 (NKJV) ⁴⁵ Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. ⁴⁶ And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" that is, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" He was even left alone by the Father God while He bore our sins in His body. We remember how Jesus endured that cross, hanging there in agony with His arms outstretched in love until He gave His Life and shed His precious blood to pay the penalty for our sins.

8. Jesus finished everything needed for our salvation. [John 19:28-30] ²⁸ After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I thirst!" ²⁹ Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. ³⁰ So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. The payment for mankind's sin was now paid in full. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God! Let us just take a minute to bow our heads and each of us personally thank Jesus for what He has done for us. In conclusion, may we always show our love, honor and respect for our Savior and Lord because of what He has done for us. May He always have first place in our lives. Let us leave here to live for Him daily!

Invitation: If you have never taken advantage of what Jesus' suffered for you, Do it now by confessing your sins to Jesus and asking Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to take charge of you and His love and salvation will flood your soul forever.

"The Life”

 

(John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION: Two of the most remarkable statement by Jesus is 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.” This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. In making such statements, Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Two weeks ago we learned why Jesus is the only Way. Last week we learned why Jesus is THE ONLY TRUTH! Today we will take a look at where we observe that Jesus is... THE ONLY SOURCE OF LIFE.

A. JESUS PROVIDES ETERNAL LIFE...

1. By His teaching regarding the new birth

a. We must be born again - John 3:3 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

b. Of the water and the Spirit - John 3:5-6 (NKJV) ⁵ Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

c. By our believing in Him – John 3:15-18 (NKJV) ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

d. By pouring out the Spirit who washes and regenerates us - Titus 3:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, ⁵ not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,⁶ whom He poured out on  us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.                            Through His redemptive work on the cross He justified us, By making us heirs of God. ⁷ having been (justified) by His grace (we should become heirs) according to the hope of eternal life.

e. By bearing our sins in His body on the cross. 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)
²⁴ who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness--by whose stripes you were healed.

f. By being the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls. [1 Peter2:25] For you were like sheep going astray but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

II. HE OFFERS ABUNDANT LIFE NOW...                                                   1. As He promised as the Good Shepherd - John 10:10-11 (NKJV)The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. ¹¹ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

 2. Jesus offers a peace the world cannot give - John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

 3. He gives us His love, which passes knowledge. John 15:10 (NKJV) If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. Ephesians 3:19 (NKJV) Paul prayed that all Christians might know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

4. He provides His joy, that is inexpressible - John 15:11 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 1 Peter 1:8 (NKJV) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. With such peace, love, and joy, what an abundant and eternal life Jesus offers. 

CONCLUSION: Jesus is truly the way, the truth, and the life. The way to knowing and experiencing God as your Heavenly Father. The reality of truth that provides freedom from the guilt and bondage of sin. The source of life that is blessed now and lasts forever!Jesus may be "the" way, truth, and life, but He is of no value unless He becomes "your" way to the true salvation that leads to eternal life with God.

Invitation: Have you responded to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and received eternal life? Have you ask Jesus to show you the way to God, the truth, and the life? Is He your truth to a close and personal relationship with God? Has Jesus become to you that abundant life by virtue of a spiritual rebirth and the blessings that follow? If not, now is the time to ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you. Then invite Him to take charge of your life. Be baptized to show you are sincere in your desire to be saved and live for Jesus.

"The Truth”

 

Scripture Text

(John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION: The most remarkable statement by Jesus is found in this one verse. This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Last time we looked at Jesus as “The Way.” Today we will take a closer look at this scripture, where we observe that Jesus is..THE TRUTH. If it's anything the world needs today in the midst of so much lies, deception is truth, because Jesus said it sets us free.

I. WHAT IS TRUTH...? [John 18:37-38] John 18:37-38 (NKJV)
³⁷  Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."
³⁸  Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault in Him at all.” In verse 37 Jesus told Pilate He came to bear witness to the truth. Then in verse 38 Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, what is truth? Consider the meaning of the Greek words translated as "true" and "truth." True means opposed to a lie." It means “real, ideal, genuine.'" Truth means The facts, certainty, reality, honesty, integrity. Truth is what Jesus came to this earth to bear witness to. Truth never changes!

A. Why is truth important? To many government officials, our society and social media, truth is whatever the majority of people agree with or whatever helps advance their own personal power and political goals. To many, the rulings of the Supreme Court are truth. Without the truth of God's word as a foundation, there is no basis for moral right and wrong. Today, Justice and truth has become whatever works or whatever helps those in power. When the government, the Supreme Court or society goes against the truth found in God's Holy Bible; we stay with the truth of the bible. There is no room for compromise on God’s word. When we change the truth of God’s word for a lie, God’s judgment is right around the corner. In Jesus and His word we have the standard for truth and our moral behavior.            B. JESUS IS THE TRUTH. By proclaiming that truth is real and knowable. [John 8:31-36(NKJV) ³¹  Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³²  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ³³  They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" ³⁴  Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. ³⁵  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. ³⁶  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.                             1. To know the truth we must study and live in God’s word. It is the standard for truth. Jesus urged those who really wanted to live by the truth and be His disciples, we are to abide, which means to hold on to, and continue in, and conform to his teachings. [V:31] Jesus proclaims when we abide (continue in) the truth and conform to its teaching, it can set one free from the bondage of sin, lies and deception of Satan and the world. (v:32)

2. People who don’t know the truth are unaware of their bondage to Satan and sin. (v:33-35) The Jews had been in bondage ever since they had rejected God's word and Jesus as their Messiah and King. Those living in lifestyles that are contrary to God’s word don’t realize they are slaves to Satan, sin and death, both physical and spiritual. God’s truth as taught by Jesus and found in Him can set people free of their bondage to Satan, sin and the deception of the world and the flesh. We are to help spread His truth.

3. Jesus as God's Son abides forever and He can set slaves totally free from bondage. (v:36)

4. Jesus speaks truth because He faithfully proclaimed His Father's Word. [John 17:17] Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. The Father’s word is truth. It sanctifies or sets us apart for God's use, it makes us holy. It purifies and frees us from sin!

Conclusion: In John 17:18 Jesus said He has sent us into the world just as God sent Him. We must carry His message of truth to the world regardless of the situation or circumstance, trusting God for his protection. As we pray and give to the Easter mission offering we support our missionaries that are going into all of North America with the truth of the gospel. The gospel is the only cure for all the problems that people have. You and I have the opportunity through the Easter offering to fulfill the command of Jesus and bring honor and glory to Him. Jesus came to this earth to bear witness of the truth which is the word of God. The world needs that truth and it can change a person's life for the good. Will you help spread the gospel? When we hear, read and study the word of God and obey it, and share it with others, Freedom from the bondage of sin and death becomes even more meaningful as we consider how Jesus is...the Truth and has the answers to the world's sin problems.

Invitation: Do you know the truth about whether you are saved or not? If not now is the time to find out the truth about where you stand with God and His Son Jesus. Jesus said you must be born again by the Spirit to ever see the kingdom of God. That is the truth! Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life and He will guide you into all truth by His Spirit.

"The Way”

 

Scripture Text

(John 14:6)

INTRODUCTION: The most remarkable statement by Jesus is found in this one verse...This statement was made in a discussion with His disciples as He prepared them for His impending death. In making such a statement, Jesus claims to be three things: "The Way, The Truth, And The Life." Today we will take a closer look at Jesus' statement in John 14:6, where we observe that Jesus said He is... THE WAY.

A. JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD. [JOHN 14:6] Jesus was more than good man! Jesus clearly claims to be the only way to God, not a way. This may sound politically incorrect, but Jesus states the truth nonetheless. There are many religions who claim to know the way to God, but they all stress works. If you are trying to please God by works, then you must perfectly keep all of the ten commandments at all times. No one has ever done this. The bible says in Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. This scripture rules out works. Romans 3:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹  Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰  Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. The case of God's law is against everyone, both Jew and Gentile. Peter said 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 personal relationship with Jesus, not in a religion of good works. Christians have faith in Jesus Christ, not a religion or themselves.

B. HOW JESUS IS THE WAY TO THE FATHER.

1. By revealing the Father as emphasized in the gospel of John. [READ JOHN14:7-9] 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. Jesus was the fullness of God in visible form.

2. By opening the new life-giving way to the Father. Hebrews 10:19-22 (NLT)¹⁹  And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. ²⁰  By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. ²¹  And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, ²²  let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

3. By serving as our high priest before the Father. Hebrews 2:17-18 (NLT) ¹⁷  Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. ¹⁸  Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) ¹⁴  So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. ¹⁵  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ¹⁶  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Jesus as our high priest has entered the presence of Father's throne in heaven once and for all where He sits as our High Priest before the Father.

4. By serving as intercessor for us. Jesus is the way to the Father because He is our Advocate at the right hand of God. 1 John 2:1 (NLT)  My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate (lawyer) who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. Romans 8:34 (NKJV) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Jesus is the one (and only) Mediator Go-between 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. You are not worthy on your own merits. No other religion has a mediator to approach God. Jesus is the way to the Father because He ever lives to intercede for us! He constantly pleads our case before the Father. Hebrews 7:24-25 (NKJV) ²⁴ But Jesus, 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 save to the uttermost and guarantee the way to God and eternal life.              Conclusion: By virtue of His perfect life that He lived on earth, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and now His intercession for us who believe in Him, Jesus is truly the only way to God!                            Invitation: As we have read 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 and then invite Him into your life to take charge of you. This is the only way to God and eternal life in Heaven with Him.

Jesus Our All

                                                                          Scripture Text                                                                             Song 5:16

Intro: Jesus in Revelation 2:4 told the church of Ephesus that they had left their first love. Jesus is to be our first love and we are to never forget Savior and Lord. He is our bridegroom and we are His bride. He has done so much for us, so we must give Him His rightful place in our lives and stand strong for Him in this dark and sinful world.

I. Christ's words are most sweet to us. Song of Songs 5:16 (NKJV)  His mouth is most sweet, Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are His word than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Psalm 119:103 (NKJV) How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Christ' words are Sweeter than honey; which is the sweetest food we know of. The honeycomb is that which is sweeter than the rest. Words are a principal part of Christ's beauty, and the main means of our comfort, security, joy and salvation. Our comfort and joy completely depends upon his sweet and excellent words, his holy teaching and gracious promises contained in the gospel. Luke 4:22 (NKJV) So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, "Is this not Joseph's son?" To appreciate the sweetness of His words you have to feed upon Jesus' words by reading and meditating on it daily. His word tells us in Jude 1:24 (NKJV) Jesus is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. That is most sweet to our souls.

II. Christ is altogether lovely. Song of Songs 5:16 (NKJV) Yes, he is altogether lovely. There is no part of him which is not all together lovely and beautiful. Now the important question is this: Is He altogether lovely to you? Are you able to speak of Him with the enthusiasm the bride had for her bridegroom? We must know Christ intimately if we are to witness of Him. When one comes to Christ it is not a business transaction, it's a forever commitment. He is wonderful, and I don't think we praise Him, glorify Him, lift Him up, worship Him, and honor Him with thanksgiving enough. He is altogether lovely any way that you look at Him. 1.Christ is lovely in his birth and by becoming flesh and dwelling among us. 2.Christ is lovely by being a blessing to others, He goes about doing good and helping those who are oppressed of the devil. He is lovely by His holiness, and His obedience to the Father, fulfilling His will. He is lovely by His perfection in all He does.  3.Christ is lovely in His death, for by His death on the cross, we sinners are reconciled to the Father; our sins are forgiven and no longer to be remembered, giving us the promise of everlasting life in heaven with Him and the Father. 4.Christ is lovely in the promise of His kingdom. He saved us so that we can have access to and serve in His kingdom. He made us heirs of God and joint heirs with Him. 5.Christ is lovely in His position as the mediator between God and us. He stands as advocate between the Father and us and brings us together in peace and harmony.  6.Christ is lovely in His person; He's full of mercy and grace, wisdom, knowledge, humility, holiness, righteousness, love, compassion, faithfulness, and kindness. 7.Christ is lovely in His care for us, protecting us at all times and meeting our needs. Christ, therefore, is lovely in everything He does. His loveliness cannot be improved on.

III. Christ is my beloved. Song of Songs 5:16 (NKJV) This is my beloved, Can you say He is beloved to you? Is He is the One whom you love the most? Is He is the One dearest to your heart. Do you desire none but him. Is He is the focal point of your interest; is your faith completely in him, and do you love him because He first loved you and gave Himself for you. Do you love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength which is the first and greatest commandment?

IV. Christ is my friend. Song of Songs 5:16 (NKJV) And this is my friend, Christ is lovely as our personal friend. We can talk to Him at all times. He discloses the secrets of His heart to us. John 15:15 (NKJV)  No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. He paid our sin debt for us by his suffering in our place on the cross, and by shedding His precious blood to purchase us as His own. He has entered into heaven in our name, where He is our advocate before the Father. He is abundant in His mercy and grace, and gives us help and relief in times of need. We can share all our secret things needs with Him, knowing that He will help us. He gives us good and wholesome counsel by His word. He shows us the right path to follow to avoid the pitfalls of life.
He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother; He loves at all times; is constant and faithful, and always to be trusted in; He is a rich, powerful, everlasting, unchangeable friend.

Conclusion: "Let others be governed by the love of the world, and seek their happiness in its friendship and favors, This is my beloved and this is my friend. Others may do as they please, but this is my soul's choice, my soul's rest, my life, my joy, my all; this is he whom I desire to live and die with." Quote from Matthew Henry Commentary

Invitation: Christ is seeking those that have not experienced His love in the forgiveness of their sins. If you have never experienced Christ's love for you, confess your sins to Him, ask Him to forgive you and save you from hell and give you a home in Heaven. He will not turn you away and you will begin to experience His great love for you! 

A Call to Remain Faithful

 

Scripture Text

Jude 17-21

Intro: We Christians are under persecution daily by those who don't know Christ. We are being mocked for our belief in Jesus Christ. These mockers are in our government, media, society and even some churches. Jude calls on all Christians to remain faithful.

I. Remember we are warned there shall be mockers. Mockers were predicted by the apostles. Jude 1:17 (NKJV) But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: What we see today shouldn't surprise us. We are warned in the bible that this would happen. There are mockers in and out of the church. They are in every aspect of life. Christianity is foolishness to them. They mock things they don't understand. The idea of a spiritual world that is more real and alive as the physical world is questioned. The idea of levels of authority, of principalities and powers and rulers in a spiritual world is mocked. The idea of Christ being exalted to the right hand of God is laughed at. The fact of believers someday ruling, serving and ministering for Christ forever in a new heavens and earth is ridiculed and mocked. We see a total disregard for anything concerning God! The devil has blinded their eyes. His favorite devise is to keep them ignorant and unconcerned about spiritual truths. These scriptures give us three characteristics of mockers! a. They are sensual. Jude 1:18 (NKJV) how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. Mockers are sensual (fleshly) and worldly minded. They don't ever think of spiritual things. Their mind is set on the things of this world and satisfying the desires of the flesh. They are like brute beasts. Jude 1:10b (NLT) They do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction. They walk after their passions. They think and act as natural fleshly men. These people couldn't care less about God or Christ but live their lives only after their own lustful passions. They think only of themselves and what they want. They hate people who disagree with them. Jude 1:16 (NLT) These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want. b. They cause divisions Jude 1:19 (NKJV) These are sensual persons, who cause divisions. They cause divisions every where they go. As we look at our world today we see divisions everywhere in and out of the church, in the nation & government, social media, news media, different religions. Divisions come when people turn from the source of unity which is the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit ruling in the hearts of men there can never be peace. Man has tried since the beginning to bring peace but has never been successful. c. They do not have the Spirit Jude 1:19c (NKJV) not having the Spirit. All these evil actions that people do is because they don't have God's Spirit in them. Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. They have never been saved. They are ignorant to the results of this kind of lifestyle, that leads not only to physical death, but also spiritual death. This is why the church is so important. We can't stop using every method at our disposal to reach people for Christ. He is the only hope for the world.

II. We are called to remain faithful. Many are turning away from the faith that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Even though mockers are all around us we are to remain faithful to our calling for there is no other way to unity and heaven but by Jesus Christ. a. By building upon our "most holy faith." Jude 1:20 (NKJV) But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith. We were called to be God's children. We were called to one day rule and reign with Christ. We are to keep assembling ourselves together as Heb. 10:25 says so we can help each other build up our “most holy Christian faith.” Holy means separate, set apart, different. Our holy faith is far different from all other faiths. It is a faith that is not based upon opinion, speculation, works and imaginations of men. It is a faith of grace and salvation thru Jesus only. John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. It is faith that has been separated and set apart from man's ideas about God and life. It is a faith that is set apart by God Himself, it comes from God. Our holy faith is based on the holy bible, God's word. We are to read, study, memorize it and live it. We are to preach and teach it as long as we are able. b. We are to remain faithful By praying in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20b praying in the Holy Spirit, We communicate with the Father in prayer letting our request be made known to Him.  We pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, asking and depending upon the Holy Spirit to cleanse our requests and make sure that what we ask is according to the will of God. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning (0r moaning) which cannot be uttered. We set time aside time every day in prayer before God for the needs of loved ones and for the needs of God's people and for the world, all in and with the help of the Spirit. c. We are to remain faithful by keeping ourselves in the love of God. Jude 1:21 (NKJV) keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude is telling us to keep ourselves in a place where God can actively bless us, and to keep ourselves away from all that is unlike Him, and those things that would drag us down spiritually. In other words, we don’t keep ourselves saved, but we keep ourselves safe in His love. That includes denying ourselves and embracing what God has for us. If we get out from under God's love, the devil will be waiting to make our lives miserable.

Conclusion: By doing these things we will keep ourselves safe in God's love. We must remain faithful in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation and shine as lights in a dark place. We are to be salt of the earth and light of the world as Jesus said.

Invitation: Have you responded to God's call to be saved from hell and to be saved for Heaven? If not, the bible says now is the time, today is the day of salvation for all who confess their sins to Jesus and ask Him for forgiveness.