Bethesda Christian Church Sermon of the Week

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” The only way to eternal life is by Jesus who holds the power over death. He proved it by raising from the dead his friend Lazarus, and then He too rose from the dead. The resurrection of Jesus is a fact, and He promised the same resurrection for those who believe in Him. Yet there is more to the resurrection than just a promise for the future, it holds practical application in the present. Listen in to learn how the resurrection applies to your life today, and every day.

There is no “get rich quick" scheme when it comes to Christianity. There is no secret that just has yet to be unlocked. The secret to bearing fruit is to remain in Christ’s love, day after day, week after week, year after year. There is no shortcut. Jesus says to remain in him and he will remain in us. We all wish it could be a quick process, but just like a great marriage, it takes much time and much striving to grow with our Lord. But, oh, when we do, the results are a fruitful life that will be filled with complete joy and security of our salvation.

“There is one mountain with many paths” is a common saying among a variety of faiths. It’s a way to express there is one God and many ways to God, but is that true? Jesus declared, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Was Jesus teaching that He is the only way to God, or one way among many paths? Though many have debated the answer, Jesus’ actions give definitive meaning to his declaration. Listen in and learn the depth of meaning in Jesus’ words: “I am the way.”

Are you hungry? Jesus offers food that satisfies forever, you will never be hungry again. When Jesus made such a startling claim, those who first heard Him were incredulous and responded, “Give us this food!” Who wouldn’t want food that would satisfy forever? But Jesus was not speaking of earthly matters, He was talking about eternal life. Thus He declared, “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never be hungry.” Discover how you too can be filled with life forever.

Without Jesus, the world is hopelessly lost in darkness. Not literal darkness, but souls in the dark separated from God. Jesus claimed that He was not only sent from God, but that He is God. He is the light of life, eternal life. Jesus declared, “I am the light of the World.” Hear how the light of life is available to you, and all who would choose to follow the light.

Jesus made the statement to his disciples in John 14:11 " Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves." HIs disciples who had spent three and a half years with him were being told He was going away. What a change was going to be happening in their lives. They were so comfortable with having Him walk with them, eat with them, teach them daily. Why would he leave now? How could Jehovah God, the Father be as trustworthy as Jesus? Jesus was God incarnate and in his leaving, He was going to give them something even better than His physical presence.

Some say Jesus was a foremost teacher, others the greatest philosopher, yet they do not acknowledge Jesus as God. Yet Jesus did. Although there many who contend Jesus never claimed to be God, Jesus directly declared His divinity. About being God Jesus said, “I am.” Do you see Him as a God, or is he just a teacher? Listen in and discover why it is imperative to receive Jesus as God.

"How well do we know Jesus, or do we just know about Jesus? After we apply the understanding to what "know" means in context, it will help us with the next question we will address. Do we really love Jesus? Looking at some scripture and applying it to our lives can be difficult and challenging. Jesus didn't attempt to give us the "fast pass" to just go to the front of the line. His disciples learned things just like everyone else does, through experience, difficulties, trials and problems. We all need to know how much He loves us.

The Spirit of wisdom and revelation Paul writes about in Ephesians 1:17 is what helps us know God better. But our pride and self-sufficiency can prevent God from revealing the deep truths that are waiting to be discovered in His Word. What can help bring the full story of the Bible into focus? A hint: “A Humble Heart is a Hearing Heart.”

What is truth? That was the disdainful response Pontus Pilate, the Roman Governor of Judea, gave to Jesus at His trial. Pilate didn’t care about the truth, neither did the mob who wanted Jesus dead. Since the beginning of time, truth has been blurred by the enemy Jesus called the Father of Lies, Satan. Yet Christians are called to live out the truth. How can we do that in world full of untruth where the Father of Lies is still active? We need the promised Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth. God’s standards do not shift to conform to the modern world and the ways of mankind. His standards are confirmed by the Spirit of truth, who guides us and directs us into all truth.