Heritage Baptist Church of Frankfort IL

Often after salvation Christians still work as if God's favor rests on how closely they follow the Law. They forget the grace of God in Christ at salvation continues all throughout life. God is lavish in His grace. Christians need to enjoy God's grace in living life.

Four groups of individuals are found in this passage of John. Two groups honor Jesus with the greatest praise. The other two groups reflect a heart that does not believe in Jesus. They are using him or abusing him. In the end hopefully out of a heart of faith we honor the one who is supreme.

The stories of the Old Testament can admonish modern believers. The stories of Lot warn believers to keep away from certain thoughts and attitudes.

Abraham and Lot are compared and contrasted throughout the narratives of Genesis 18-19. They do many things alike, but sadly in many ways these righteous men are different. Abraham is a challenge to believers, while Lot is a warning.

This last sign in John's Gospel was recorded to point future readers to the truth that Jesus was God. Only God can give life and raise the dead to life. Jesus' challenge from this miracle is "Believeth thou this?"

Our condition before meeting Christ was dire. We were without hope trapped in our sins. However, God is rich in mercy. He saved us. However, the richness of God's mercy is designed to makes us fit for service and heaven. A sinner goes from sin to service by the richness of God.

Jesus reached out to those that no one else wanted around. He took time to fellowship with these people and point them to Himself as the good news. Jesus sets an example for believers to emulate. Believers should have fellowship with unsaved people for the sake of gospel presentation.

This passage contains the battles of kings and empires. However, in the midst of that conflict Abraham the stranger and pilgrim rises up. He defends cities and converses with kings. Lot is silent in the background. He is city dweller, living close to the world, but has no impact on the world.

Jesus was more than man. He was God. His works on earth proved His claims. His sheep that followed Him are safe. Since both the Father and the Son hold the sheep, no one can possibly remove a sheep from the security of the fold.

Life-changing decisions are being made all the time. The choice of schools, a new job opportunity, a move across the country. This story illustrates the danger of making a major decision without God's direction or influence. Lot made such a decision, and it had a devastating impact on his life.