Saturday, April 17, 2010
STREAMS OF LIVING WATER
SPRINGS OF LIVING WATER
John 7:37-39
INTRO: The Feast of Tabernacles was in the fall and was a time of celebration of the harvest. It looked back to the wilderness wanderings of their forefathers. Though not commanded in the OT, they had developed a ceremony of water during this week. They would bring water from the well that supplied water to the town. They would march to the temple and march around the altar. On this day they had marched around the altar 7 times. Jesus used this opportunity to give a great invitation for people to come to Him for life.
THE GREAT INVITATION
The invitation was extended to the thirsty.
Thirsty meant a desire of something.
Mt 5:6 says "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled."
The invitation was to come to Jesus.
Then they were to drink. To receive life from Him.
THE RESULT
They would have a stream of living water.
It would spring up to eternal life.
It is a stream, not a pool or pond.
It is a reference to the Holy Spirit.
It is for evangelism and,
edification.
TODAY: Jesus extends the invitation today. He is the source of life, The Holy Spirit brings conviction, then life, then strength for the work. Will we receive this life and pass on the life giving water?
QUESTION: Is your life a stream or a pool???
----------------------
Sermon for April 18, 2010, Greenville (CA) Southern Baptist Church
Saturday, April 10, 2010
THE BREAD THAT GIVES LIFE
RECEIVING THE BREAD OF LIFE
John 6:51-69
INTRO: We have seen Jesus claim to be the bread of life. What are we to do with this? Here He promises eternal life to those who eat. What does this mean? How can we eat his flesh? There are some parallels between eating food and spiritual food.
RECEIVING THE BREAD OF LIFE
Spiritual truth must be internalized to be beneficial.
Eating is prompted by hunger.
Eating makes food/spiritual food part of us.
Eating involves trust faith.
Eating is personal. No one can eat for us!
PROMISED RESULTS OF RECEIVING THIS BREAD
Life (vs. 53, 57) -- Without Jesus we were dead in sin.
Eternal life (vs. 54, 58) beyond death
Christ will raise them up on the last day. (vs. 54b)
They who eat/drink abide in Him. (vs. 56)
JESUS' PROMISES DEMAND A RESPONSE
Some reject him outright. The Jews did not like the idea.
Some seem to follow temporarily.
Some will respond with truth faith.
THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL
Jesus' words give life.
Those whom God permits will believe.
Each one has a choice. (vs. 67)
Jesus has the words (source) of eternal life. (vs. 68)
Those who follow
have faith (have believed)
are faithful
---- Will you receive the Bread of life? Will you let him abide in you and you abide in Him? Is God calling you to Himself today? If so, will you come and eat?
=====================
Sermon for Sunday, April 11, 2010
Greenville Southern Baptist Church
