Church of The Open Door Sermons

#followprobs “Problems with Becoming a Disciple” John 8:12,31 Not everyone who begins to follow becomes a disciple. A disciple follows Jesus, to learn from Jesus, in order to become like Jesus. 1. Why we stop following Jesus:        Problem 5: We get confused.                       •  We don’t understand what God is doing.                       •  We decide to stop […]

#followprobs “Problems with Following Jesus” John 8:12, 21-31 You can start following Jesus but not end up with Jesus. 1st Problem: Following Jesus out of mere curiosity.         Curiosity is vital but should lead to commitment. 2nd Problem: Following Jesus with a critical spirit.         Thinking critically is essential but judgmentalism is deadly. 3rd Problem: Following Jesus but not believing Jesus.         Jesus is God in the flesh, sent to earth […]

Light of the World “Light That Brings Truth” John 8:12-20 “Truth” in our world is always changing The truth of Jesus always brings unrest The truth of Jesus always stands forever The truth of Jesus always brings relationship LifeGroup Questions: Applying the Teaching to Our Life People all throughout history have been confused by Jesus, why is that? In what ways are you confused about Jesus? Why is truth under attack in our day?  Has it always been under attack?  […]

Light of the World “Light that brings Joy” John 8:12; Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2 Christmas Day The joy comes in the following, not just in the destination. How do we “follow” in a way that brings joy? We want to follow Jesus:         Like the wise men followed the star, expectantly.         Like soldiers follow their commander, obediently.         Like servants follow their master, submissively.         Like disciples […]

Light of the World “Light That Brings Life” John 8:12 Christmas is the story of Jesus bringing light and life to those living in darkness and death. 1. The life that Jesus gives is:           abundant and fulfilling           full of meaning and purpose           energizing and eternal           the ‘life’ of Jesus 2. The Light that brings life is:         […]

Light of the World “PEACE OUT” John 8:12 & Luke 2:8-20 Christmas is the story of God’s light bringing peace on earth Peace of God is for followers of Jesus. The Peace of God is not: God giving us what we want God’s removal of all pain and suffering God changing other people The Peace of God is: God giving us what we need God’s redemption of man through Jesus pain and suffering God’s grace changing us We find the […]

Advent: The Light of the World “Light that brings Love” John 8:12; 1 John 2-4 1. Christmas is the story of God’s light and love penetrating our darkness.         We were created to run on love.         Sin damages us producing the darkness of feeling unloved and insecure.         Darkness is intensified as we try to fill our love deficit in self-centered ways.         We need God’s love […]

Light of the World “Light that brings Hope” John 8:12 1. When we are despairing and afraid, the light of God’s presence brings hope.           Jesus is the light bringing God’s presence. 2. When we feel helpless and trapped, the light of God’s salvation brings hope.           Jesus is the light bringing God’s salvation. 3. When we are confused and lost, the light of God’s revelation brings hope.         […]

Jesus Cares “Jesus Cares about People” John 8:2-11 Jesus cares about people of all kinds. He cares about people who are broken. He cares about treating people with grace and truth. He cares about reaching lost people for the glory of God. He cares about people who are spiritually blind. Jesus cares about how people respond to His grace. Wrong responses Abusing God’s grace by not leaving our sin. Taking God’s grace for granted. Working feverishly to not lose […]