Sermon Audio

Jesus makes the second of His "I AM" statements in the gospel of John. He stands in the Temple courts and proclaims that He is the Light of the world. With this claim, He also issues a promise for those who follow Him. This is a promise that holds true today in the lives of believers.

What if we planned to show a recording of all your thoughts, words, and actions this week? Would you be excited about coming to church? Would you be terrified of what we would all see? Don’t worry, we aren’t doing that. But in John 8:1-11, we are going to see the law brought to bear on us all...publicly. Throughout church history, the story of the woman caught in adultery has captivated the heart of the church. It is a perfect picture of the law’s condemnation and the gospel’s gift of grace. Here we see both those who turn away from the conviction of God and those who are crushed by it. But only one in this story hears the words that are the greatest joy of the believer’s heart..."neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

In John 7:40-52, we see the effect of Jesus’ gospel invitation in the temple. It causes division, ridicule, and persecution just as it does today. If that is so, why do we do what we do? Why don’t we just be quiet and lay low with this offensive message? Because the gospel also has another effect. Romans 1 tells us that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. In the midst of the darkness of the Sanhedrin, among those who are the chiefest of Jesus’ wicked enemies, the gospel is doing a work in a man’s heart. That is why we speak this gospel and live in light of its truth - because the gospel changes hearts, even those hearts we may think are beyond reach.

Jesus continues to teach in the Temple. He disputes with the people showing that man's knowledge cannot give a relationship with God. Jesus also demonstrates that the Father's truth cannot be silenced as they attempt to seize Jesus prematurely. And yet, even with all the opposition, Jesus still gives the invitation and promise that the thirsty can come to him and drink. He will be the satisfaction for the thirsty soul.

Jesus shows the source of His authority and then exercises that authority in exposing the sin in the hearts of the people. Jesus illustrates that those who will to do God's will are those who see Jesus for who He is.

Jesus exemplifies the life perfectly submitted to the will of the Father. He is faithful despite the presuure of the world, or the risk to himself. He exemplifies what we are called to be, but more than that He is faithful for us as He takes our sin upon the criss and gives us His life of righteousness.

Paul addresses disunity, sinful thoughts, rejoicing regardless of circumstances and other things the church needed instruction on.

Paul explains the significance and the proper observance of the the Lord's Supper to the Corinthian church.

Jesus has finished the bread of life discourse. The people find His teaching too hard to accept. And Jesus agrees, because it is only by the Spirit that life comes, but the instrument the Spirit uses is the Word. And that Word demands a response.

Jesus concludes the bread of life discourse by showing the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. In this picture, Jesus gives a perfect picture of saving faith and the faith that fuels the Christian life.