Christ Community Church of Magnolia Sermons

Sooner or later, you discover what makes people tick by their actions & responses to the

world around them. After Jesus miraculously raises Lazarus from the dead, we see heart

motives revealed by those around the orbit of Jesus. As we unpack God’s word this

morning, consider which response to Jesus best describes yours. Much to learn and apply

in God’s Word today!

Death is an inescapable fact of life. It is ruthless, indiscriminate, harsh, unrelenting, and

universal. But is death the end? In our text today, Jesus has an amazing answer to this

question that affects not only this life but the life to come!

As Christians, we’re called to believe in Jesus. But do we believe? What do we believe about him? And more importantly, how does that belief affect our lives? Today, we learn what it means to believe in the Good Shepherd!

In the animal kingdom, sheep are considered some of the weakest, helpless, stubborn,

and unintelligent animals of them all. Yet the Scriptures often liken humans to sheep who

need a Shepherd. But what kind of Shepherd do we need? Left with the wrong shepherd,

we are in trouble. However, with the right Shepherd, we are more protected and cared for

than we can ever imagine. Today, we meet the kind of shepherd we need most!

Ever woke up in the middle of the night & rather than turning on the light, you

tried to navigate in the dark due to familiarity with your surroundings? How’d

that work out? Today, we see Jesus turn the lights on for someone who knew

they were blind and keep the lights off for those who were confident in their

blindness. Much to learn & apply from these pages of Scripture this morning!

Ever been in a verbal debate that goes from exchanging arguments to

personal attack? In today’s text, the religious leaders argue with Jesus over

claims He makes about Himself & them. So, how does Jesus respond to their

vitriol? What does Jesus say to rile them up?

How often have you heard this phrase, the truth will set you free? People tend to ascribe their own “truth” to this phrase. Oftentimes, the very thing we believe is freeing is actually spiritually enslaving. Today, we examine the origin of this phrase and the context in which Jesus used it. Gospel truths and implications for our lives abound in this passage today!

Nearly everyone would agree that there is darkness in the world. We are constantly surrounded by this reality in the news, social media, school, work, etc. Where do we turn to in a world full of darkness? Our passage today reminds us that Jesus is our one and only light!

If you default to one or the other, is it grace or truth? These defaults can show up in our marriages, parenting tactics, politics, and generally how we view ourselves and the world around us. Where does God default, or does He? The passage we are unpacking today beautifully shows us that God is a God of grace & truth. Let’s let this truth sink in today!

Life can be exhausting & heart-wrenching at times. In hard times, life has a way of

emptying us of joy and hope. Yet Jesus promises to deliver us from our spiritual emptiness

& fill us up in and through the hardships of this temporal life. But, how do people respond

to this offer? Let’s dive in and be challenged and encouraged by God’s inspired Word this

morning!