New Testament
Caught | John 8:1-11
Caught! 1. Your Worst Fears Come True John 8:1–11 ESV 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been
Light of the World | John 8:12-27
The Light of the World It’s still the Feast of Booths and it’s still the last day of that feast/ Recall that the Feast of Booths was a celebration of God’s presence with Israel as they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. Specifically, he led them as a cloudy pillar during the day, and a
Rivers of Living Water | John 7:37-39
Introduction After we had first moved to Tucson we had a big get-together with the church – likely 80 people hanging around the house. Eventually the door opens up and in comes Bob Stickle, unannounced and without an pomp or circumstance, yet everyone turns around and celebrates that Bob showed up! Now we can have
I Am the Bread of Life
I Am the Bread of Life | 30-36 Jesus has just made some high claims about himself. To do the work of God and receive eternal life – you have to believe in Jesus. So they want some proof. John 6:30–31 ESV 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that
What Do You Seek? John 6:13-29
Introduction Jesus asks a very important question to the two disciples who first follow him: John 1:38 ESV 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” Your following Jesus – why? What are you looking to get? what do you want to see? Why are you chasing after
Give It To God | John 6:1-13
The Test John 6:1–6 ESV 1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there
Making God Submit
Introduction Do you remember when Harry Potter was labeled Satanic by a bunch of churches? You had a bunch of pastors and churches saying it was the work of the devil because it was all about magic. When I was in middle school I was at a Barnes & Noble I was going through the
Shallow Faith
Introduction This passage show us that just because you’re on good terms with Jesus, doesn’t mean he’s on good terms with you. Welcomed or Not? John 4:43–45 ESV 43 After the two days he departed for Galilee. 44 (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) 45 So
Worshiping in Spirit and in Truth
A Samaritan Woman To us this looks very innocuous, but to the ancient reader who knew about Judea and Samaria – this is a really uncomfortable scene. John mentions in a little side note to his readers in verse 9 that Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. They did their best to avoid each other
Born From Above
Introduction The gospel of John was written so that we could read of the signs Jesus did and believe that he is the Christ. It’s why John wrote the whole book: John 20:30–31 ESV 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31
Seeing the Signs
Seeing the Signs Introduction After John 1, the rest of the gospel can be divided into two parts: John 2-12 is the teachings and miracles of Jesus, often called the book of signs John 13-21 are all about the last week of Jesus’ life, his death, and resurrection So as we start John 2 we
Come and See!
Introduction This brief section, and through the end of chapter 1, is your personal invitation into the life of Jesus. John is inviting you to come and see some important things. This first chapter of John has given us so much about Jesus: He’s the word of God making us into something new and good
Behold! The Lamb of God!
Introduction The first 34 verses of John are pretty much one large introduction to Jesus. And within it is a large list of names Word Light Christ Rabbi Today we’re looking at three descriptions of Jesus and his work: Lamb of God The one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit The Chosen One of God
The Second Man | John 1:19-28
Introduction Why did Jesus need John? Because people need to see that someone is worth following John is a figure in all of our gospel accounts. All four of them tell the same story of John baptizing people in the wilderness, in the Jordan River, and pointing to Christ – hence the name John the
Grace in Place of Grace | John 1:1-18
Introduction Each gospel writer brings out a certain distinction in their openings of the gospel. It’s like the teaser trailer to a movie, giving us a snapshot of what we’re getting into. Matthew focuses on the fulfillment of God’s promises made throughout scripture Luke focuses on the common humanity Jesus shares with even the lowest
Standing Together
Introduction Paul urges us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. We have been urged to walk in various ways since chapter 4: We once walked in darkness Now we are walking in good works Worthy of our calling In love As children of light In wisdom But our
Submitting Together
Introduction Today we’re looking at Ephesians 5:21-6:9, where Paul gives instruction on how our individual relationship in family and at work are to be lived out. Unity within a church doesn’t happen by accident. If we want to live in unity with each other then we need to be practicing unity at home. The unity
Singing Together
Introduction In the first half of Ephesians Paul has been telling us about all the great plans, purpose, and work of God. God wants to show off. He wants to be able to brag. And he wants to do it with us. Ephesians 3:10 ESV 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of
Shining Together
Walk In Love Ephesians 5:1–2 ESV 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Here we have our third reminder of how we are to walk given our status as God’s children.
Renewed Together
Introduction In 2006, a Soccer player by the name of Chris Brass did something rare during a soccer match – he scored a goal! The only problem is that he scored by trying to kick the ball behind himself. Instead he kicked it straight into his face, breaking his nose, and launching it directly into
Mended Together
Introduction Throughout the letter we’ve been seeing the incredible power and generosity of God. He has this big plan to unite all things in Christ. And he’s done so by doing things like redeeming us from the power of sin, giving us the same power that was at work in the resurrection of Jesus. And