By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
John 10:7-11
- Jesus came that we might have life: John 10:10.
- Jesus came that we might have purpose: John 12:23-27.
- Jesus is coming again to take us home: John 14:1-3
Same is good, when it’s Jesus
This earthly life changes constantly. Many like variety. But in Christ sameness is a wonderful quality.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!
Heb 13.8
Here are four comforting truths that arise from this affirmation:
- Jesus is divine and eternal. He is God, and his work remains.
- Christ’s teaching never changes. His truth continues the same.
- His promise never fails. Our hope is firm.
- His constancy gives security to those who are in him.
What other points can you draw out from the sameness of Christ?
What can keep us from God
By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
Psalm 70:5
- Pride keeps us from God (Psalm 10:4; Proverbs 16:18).
- Possessions can keep us from God (Luke 18:18ff).
- Arrogance can keep us from God (James 4:13-16).
- What can bring us closer to God?
- Psalm 70:5 “I am poor and needy.”
- Matthew 18:3-4 Become as little children.
- Psalm 51:17 “Poor, contrite heart.”
- Isaiah 66:2 God can save the humble.
Bring them back
Jas 5.19-20
- Spiritual objective: our purpose is to bring forgiveness of sins and salvation from eternal death.
- Community objective: the responsibility belongs to all.
- Optimistic objective: restoration can happen.
If you have been raised up
By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
Colossians 3:1-4
I. KEEP SEEKING (Verse 1)
a. The Things Above
b. Where Christ is in a Special Place
II. GIVE YOUR MINDS TO THINGS ABOVE (Verse 2)
a. The Practical Pursuit of Heavenly Goals.
b. THINK Heaven!
III. WHY FOCUS ON HEAVEN (Verse 3)?
a. Your Life Exists in God now!
b. Your Life is in a Safe Place Now!
IV. WHEN CHRIST OUR LIFE APPEARS (Verse 4)
a. Our Lives Hidden In Him, With Him
b. You Will Be Revealed in Glory (NASB)
c. Is your life hidden in Christ?
d. If not, obey the gospel now.
The effects of sin and of holiness
- Sin wastes time. Holiness redeems the time, Eph 5.7-15; 1 Pet 1.14-17; 4.1-2, 7.
- Sin ruins relationships. Holiness establishes loving relationships, Col 3.12-13; 1 Pet 1.22; Jude 19-21.
- Sin leads to a frustrated life. Holiness leads to a life of peace, Phil 4.7-9; 1 Tim 2.2; Heb 12.14.
- Sin separates from God eternally. Holiness sees God, Rom 3.23; 6.23; Heb 12.14.
- Sin brings sadness, sooner or later. Holiness causes joy, from start to finish, Rom 14.17; 15.13; Jude 24.
A description of Jesus
By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
Isaiah 11:2
- Wisdom and understanding (2a)
- Counsel and might (2b)
- Knowledge and respect (fear) (2c)
In Him, with Him
By John Henson, Dibrell congregation, McMinnville TN
Colossians 2:11-14
- In him you were circumcised (verse 11).
- With him you were buried in baptism (verse 12).
- With him you have been forgiven (verses 13-14).
Detailed outline: ‘John 3.16 in Chapter Context’
Weylan Deaver works with the Sherman Drive congregation in Denton TX and shares this PDF, a detailed outline about the most popular verse in the Bible. He uses chapter 3 to show that faith mentioned in verse 16 is not faith only.
Download the file by clicking here: 2016-11-john-3-16-in-chapter-context.
Things that don’t make sense
- Zeal without knowledge, Prov 19.2; Rom 10.2.
- Riches without wisdom, Eccl 4.13; Mark 10.17-27.
- Sex without commitment, Gen 2.24; Heb 13.4.
- Hope without reason, Prov 10.28; 1 Pet 3.15.
- Faith without obedience, Acts 6.7; Rom 1.5; Jas 2.14-26.
What points might you add?