John 5:30-47 (guest preacher Nate Claggett)

After making bold claims about his authority with God the Father, Jesus now defends his statements by pointing to credible testimony – The Father’s. God affirms the truth of Jesus’ claim through his works, his prophets, and his word. Believing that Jesus is God’s Son is evidence of a right belief in the testimony of the Father through the Scripture.

Jesus’ heals for the sake of holiness. His authority and power over creation testify to his Sonship.

Jesus’ claim to be equal with God his Father set the Jewish leaders on a war path. The progression of hatred will quickly lead to Jesus’ death. But what exactly did Jesus claim that was so dangerous, it changed his persecutors’ actions from hindrance to murder? More than you think.

Those whose faith Jesus confirms are they that welcome Jesus, not on basis of what he may do for them, but on the basis of who he is. We believe and follow Christ because of his word, not what we want him to provide for us.

In a story that echoes of Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus, this notable exchange with the Samaritan woman at the well teaches us many things about the nature of truth, how we can arrive there, and the fruit of accepting it.

Sin causes us to distrust the promises of God and the faithfulness of God’s character, ultimately forcing isolation from God’s nearness. Through the story of Joshua 7, we learn the seriousness of sin and holiness of God, and treasure in Christ’s provision to secure for his people God’s presence.

The new birth produces faith in the heart of the believer. It is this saving faith, not intellectual ascension, that allows us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Resurrection event is foundational to the story of the gospel and the Christian faith. But how exactly are Christians to think about the resurrection, and why is it so important? Here we unpack the meaning of the resurrection, and discover four foundational things it accomplished for us.

The gruesome narrative of Jesus’ suffering and death may lead some to wonder if all that suffering wasn’t a bit excessive, necessary, or even evil. But the prophet Isaiah understood that the savior’s suffering was indeed necessary, and even carried out by God’s own hand.

Jesus’ indignation at the impure worship taking place in the Temple caused him to preform a sign that anticipates the coming sign of his death and resurrection. It is he, through the taking on of man’s reproach, who becomes a better temple where man can meet God.