Podcasts about jesus maybe

Pastor Dale Benson Last week Pastor David spoke to us about "imposter Syndrome" and learning to find our identity at the feet of Jesus… Maybe some of us are just worse at this following Christ thing than others. Maybe this is just the state we human beings live in, where we naturally look at what we don't have rather than what we do have. It started in the beginning with Eve wanting to eat from the only tree God told her and Adam they could not eat from. In the longest recorded sermon we have of Jesus, He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or drink, or what we will wear. Our Father takes care of the lilies and the sparrows. He will take care of us. I would love to talk with us a little about that today. We are going to talk about the perspective of a scarcity mindset. A Scarcity Mindset can affect us - Financially, Physically, Mentally. A scarcity mindset can be found among the rich as well as the poor. Those who attend church and those who don't. Those who claim to be followers of Jesus, and those who don't. 1 Kings 17:8-16 (NLT) - Make some for me first… - What do you do when God asks something of you, but you don't have enough? - What do we do when we come to the end of our resources? Sometimes God gives us enough for that day. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NLT) 1 Kings 17:17-24 (NLT) - I am WHO I am because of WHOSE I am. Because I am God's child... I can live out of that mindset knowing that I have all I need. Because He is all I need, and He has everything I need. - Oil: - It is a symbol of the anointing and/or presence of the Holy Spirit. - It is a symbol of the healing power of God. For the Holy Spirit to fill your life...you must be empty. This week I want to perhaps remind us, or maybe even help us understand for the first time WHOSE we are. You see, we are the children of the God who does not run out of resources. While that may include money and time and things like that, I am talking about something different. We are children of the God who has enough grace and power and mercy and strength and self-control and patience and peace for all of us. But we must take our eyes off what we do not have and put them back on the One who has all we need. Some of us are here because we have reached the end of our rope...and the end of our resources, and you feel as though you have no resources. A scarcity mindset overshadows you, and you feel. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in weakness. Some of us are at the end of our resources. Some of us have been living beyond our resources and are in a deficit.

TDAgiantslayer@gmail.com    Brought to you by wellbuiltbody.com    97X     PODBEAN   Apple Podcast      Matthew 8 5 Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,' and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.   Jesus was willing to go into a Gentiles house which would have made him unclean. but the centurion knew it would dishonor Jesus… Maybe it was a test to see where Jesus heart was at?  And maybe Jesus proved his heart to the centurion and that is why he now had faith to tell Jesus to simply speak the word.   Spoken word is powerful - especially when coming from jesus and especially when you believe his words.    The Centurion: 1. Humbled himself, knowing anything God did was an undeserved gift. 2. Focused on the needs of others (his servant). 3. Believed Jesus could do whatever He said He would do.

Christ is the center of Psalm 16. Peter, in Acts 2, says that David was a prophet-speaking about the coming of Messiah.--Did the prophets always understand the implications of what they said-- Did they always even know that they were speaking of the future-- The same apostle Peter later tells us in 2 Peter 1-21 that -no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.--Did David realize that he was speaking of Jesus-- Maybe. Maybe not. But whether he realized it or not, he was indeed prophesying about the one to come.--Psalm 16 describes the Son of God in his reliance upon his heavenly Father. This was to be Israel's attitude toward God. It was especially to be the Davidic king's attitude. And it was most emphatically the attitude of our Lord Jesus Christ.--And so it is to be the attitude of us who are in Christ...

We are all unique and different, and we all done and said things we would be horrified if they were made public - maybe things we did and said before we knew any better, before we gave our lives to Jesus… Maybe things we did and said since we gave our life to Jesus and that's why we carry the guilt with us still. These things can't be undone so we don't know what to do or say or feel about it, but the constant shame and guilt can end up leaving us … Numb

Today Pastor Jimmy discusses the question, Does a person who has Victory in Jesus by default experience a Victorious life for Jesus?  The first is a gift of grace through faith, the second is built on choices and practices.  Are you enjoying a Victorious life with Jesus? Or more importantly, have you received Victory in Jesus!? Listen to better understand how to be more Victorious! This message can be watched on our Facebook page also on our YouTube if you will “Like” our page you will receive a notice each time we Go LIVE on Sunday mornings at 10 AM CDT.

Why don't Christians accept Mormons as Christians? How am I supposed to talk to my Mormon neighbor? Is there any archaeology supporting the Book of Mormon? How do Mormonism and Christianity differ on their view of God and Jesus? Maybe you haven't had these questions, but you have wondered something else. Join the show LIVE to have your pressing questions about Mormonism and Christianity answered. Bill McKeever, founder of Mormonism Research Ministry, will be answering your questions so that you can more confidently talk to the Mormons in your life. He has written various books on Mormonism (listed below). He also serves as the editor of "Mormonism Researched" and is the host of the daily radio program, "Viewpoint on Mormonism."

God is storing up a treasure for us. We will receive it when we get to heaven. And that treasure will never wear out or run out. Based on these words from Jesus, we add to that treasure when we sell our possessions and give to charity. What tension and anxiety do you face today? How can you step out of your comfortable groove or rut and trust Jesus? Maybe we need to sell our possessions and give them away. What will you do today after hearing this?   Need some help getting out of your rut? Check out the Marketplace Mission Trip (MarketplaceMissionTrip.com). This is a 2-week exercise to blast you out of your workplace rut. Your faith will intentionally, deliberately come alive at work. Go to MarketplaceMissionTrip.com to learn more and sign up for the next trip! Time is short. The cut-off for signup is July 18!

In this episode, Danny talks about our Plastic Jesus. Do you have a plastic Jesus? Maybe it's made of granite, or gold. Maybe it's not even "Jesus" at all. Listen in to get the rest of the story!

Jamey Nettles | “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16) - but how are Old Testament narratives profitable for New Testament Christians? As history lessons? As accounts of “good guys” to be like and “bad guys” to be unlike? As God’s preparation for the coming of Jesus? Maybe all these things and something more? This teaching series intro will cover themes of 1-2 Samuel as well as how the New Testament teaches us to read and apply the Old Testament.

"God Will Make a Way Even If He Has to Kick Your Butt." Acts 15:36-18:17 Seriously though. Maybe you’re like me and you've bumped hard against people you love and serve alongside of. What happens when Christians disagree...like, really, really go at it? Maybe you struggle wondering if God’s going to just let people die without having heard about Him? I mean, what about all those people in the world who have never heard about Jesus? Maybe you have been feeling like God is not really hearing you or worse that He’s blocking your way in life. How does the Holy Spirit get us where He needs us to go? This account in Acts gives us answers to these and more questions. Connect with Jennifer and the Dwelling Richly Community Bible study on Facebook and Instagram. Jennifer blogs at www.JenniferGRichmond.com and posts fun ideas, delicious, recipes and encouraging devotionals along with the deep and faith-building Dwelling Richly Community Bible study. Studies are available to download, and you can go at your own pace on your own or with a small-group. Most studies also have an accompanying video series on www.YouTube.com/c/JenniferRichmond

To learn more about Bible News Radio visit our website at http://www.biblenewsradio.com and follow us on all social media channels @biblenewsradio LOVE THE SHOW? BECOME A MONTHLY PILLAR OF THE COMMUNITY! Simply commit to donating to our show once a month and help us further the gospel to the world! http://www.biblenewsradio.com/give Are you a Christian who needs support in your faith? Join our exclusive Daily Disciples Facebook group - http://bit.ly/dailydisciples JOIN OUR TEXT MESSAGE LIST: Text BibleNews to 33222 and get daily texts from us! SHOW INQUIRIES: Contact stacy@biblenewsradio.com and send a press release with your information for guest consideration. SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR ARIEL MINISTRIES! Visit http://www.ariel.org and use our exclusive coupon code BIBLENEWS to save 20% on anything in the bookstore. This is only for our listeners! SHOP SPARK NATURALS ESSENTIAL OIL! Use our special Bible News Radio coupon code to save 10% on all of your orders at http://www.sparknaturals.com Use JOHN316 to save! SHOP AMAZON AND SUPPORT BIBLE NEWS RADIO! To help me keep making great programs throughout the year, place your next Amazon order through the Bible News Radio affiliate link. It's no extra cost to you and a big help for me to show you things that may help you in your life as they have helped me. https://amazon.com/shop/biblenewsradio --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/biblenews/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/biblenews/support

Have you ever prayed to be more like Jesus? Maybe that aspiration was to be more moral or to sin less. Being more like Jesus actually looks more practical. Jesus loved the people that no one wanted. God's mercy for our shortcomings is ours, too. Because of the love we've received, we can extend mercy to others. May the power of Christ transform you daily into the generous person you were designed to be. Acknowledge God's love and experience the thrill of hope. #Hope4Kids #messiahyl

Okay we know a lot, if not most of y'all are done with Kanye. If you've been listening, you know our take. And you probably knew we we're gonna talk about it too. And you were right. I'm not even going to say much here. This convo starts a little all over the place. Hang in there with us though. We reign it in and get down to a lucid conversation lol. Let us know what you think in the comments. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as we enjoyed having it. Make room for the tag...#ConversateForAFew --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/conversateforafew/support

In our everyday lives, where do we see people following the teachings of Jesus? Maybe we observe these interactions at work, or while running errands, or at social events, or other activities. In our passage today, Jesus tells John the Baptist’s disciples, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:...” These words are followed by mentions of healings and compassion for the people of God. Jesus tells them that his ministry is to those outside the perimeters of society, to those people who need kindness, acceptance and healing. It is not a secret. It’s right there in front of them if they would just pay attention. These teachings have been passed down through generations and are now passed to us. It is our responsibility to pass them on to future generations. In our busy lives, do we take the time to notice others carrying out the teachings of Jesus? Can we slow down enough to watch for these moments? Do we show kindness and Christ’s love to others we encounter each day? Opportunities are anywhere, at any time, and can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, a quick phone call or email, or even a compliment. As we go about our lives this week, let’s look for others who are following Christ’s teachings. And may others also observe us sharing the kindness and love of Christ in our interactions with God’s people. Podcast Notes: Joshua Bell https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/pearls-before-breakfast-can-one-of-the-nations-great-musicians-cut-through-the-fog-of-a-dc-rush-hour-lets-find-out/2014/09/23/8a6d46da-4331-11e4-b47c-f5889e061e5fstory.html?utmterm=.a22bb23ed52d

Could you imagine spending 40 days fasting from sugar while feasting on Jesus?Maybe you've never fasted before.Maybe feasting on Jesus sounds a little weird.Maybe you're not sure that you can say no to sugar much less anything else that has a stronghold over you.Well, sister, you're not alone. That's where I was 365 days ago. But God allowed me to get so desperate with my health in order to discover an area of my heart that needed grave attention. In July 2018, I dove into a Whole30 journey to get to the root cause of my health issues, only to discover that behind the health was a heart desperately in need of attention. I was addicted to sugar and comfort food was my idol of security. As the truth burst forth, I knew there was no going back.Six months later, I'm not only 25 pounds lighter, but I'm also spiritually and emotionally freer -- and that by-product is worth the journey. My sugar dragon still wants to dominate, but in Christ, I've found the power to say no. I've found the strength and motivation to say no.I've found freedom in Christ that I never tasted before. No pun intended.The invitation stands before you, my friend to embrace freedom too. Come join me on the 40-day Sugar Fast led by author, speaker, and this episode's special guest, Wendy Speake, which kicks off on January 7, 2019. Even if you don't believe sugar is your issue, I urge you to join in this season of discovering how to feast more on Jesus and less on everything else. Wendy has prepared for you a soul-deep journey through God's Word and a community steeped in authenticity and accountability. I'm grateful to be on the leadership team this year and experience my first sugar fast with Wendy.On this episode, Wendy and I chat about what fasting is and is not, what causes hangups in our fasting endeavors, and how to break strongholds through fasting. Wendy is a grace-filled guide filled with holy boldness. You'll not want to miss out on this opportunity and you'll want to bookmark it for future reference. It is that good, especially for those us of who need to learn and practice fasting as a spiritual discipline. I pray you'll be as blessed as I am to sit under Wendy's teaching. Scripture FocusJeremiah 2:13Psalm 139:13Psalm 90Notable Links & MentionsGrab the R.A.W. Scripture Study Method and join us in the More to Be Tribe Facebook Group.Use the More to Be Podcast Reflection Guide to turn this episode into your own personal Bible study.40 Day Sugar Fast led by Wendy SpeakeBrave Together: Devoted to God and Each Other by Elisa PulliamBecoming Holy Whole: Because Wellness is a Spiritual Matter by Elisa PulliamLearn more about the Holy Whole Coaching Program, Challenge Group, and ResourcesMore to Be Sisterhood CircleJoin the Sugar Fast with WendySpeake.com/sugar/Share & BlessListen on iTunes, Stitcher, and SpotifyIf you've been blessed by this podcast, then hope you'll show your support by share it with your friends and family! We would also be so grateful for you to rate and review our podcast wherever you listen.Show Your Support by Joining the Sisterhood CircleWe invite you to become a More to Be Sisterhood Circle Member as a way of supporting this podcast. With your membership support, you'll gain access to our signature courses and resources for FREE plus receive advance notification of new resources, trainings, and special sales.To get access to over $100 worth of bonuses, become a Sisterhood Circle Member by clicking here and upon check-out, enter coupon code “Podcast” to save an additional $20! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Message #333 "When to Take a Stand, and How to Help Others Understand" - Acts 16:35-17:4 Sunday, July 22 2018 The team of Paul, Silas, Timothy, and doctor Luke had travelled to churches established in the first missionary trip to encourage them, then were directed by the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel in yet unreached areas. After being beaten and imprisoned, God miraculously delivers Paul and Silas and saves the jailer and his household. Following these events, we examine Paul's exit from Philippi and answer the question: When should I as a believer take a stand? Next week we'll start into Acts 17, and learn how we can help others understand the Gospel, including ways to use various tools to get the most out of your personal Bible study. James 1:22 encouragement- Are you facing a situation where you are tempted to react in a way that would misrepresent your relationship with Jesus? Maybe it's a workplace difficulty, or you're being ridiculed or insulted for your love for Jesus. Study this passage with us and see how God would have us respond in these kind of challenging circumstances. Related verses: Acts 14:22 Luke 24:26-27 John 15:20 John 15:12-13 Philippians 4:14-16 Matthew 5:38-42 Romans 12:17-21 Romans 13:1-4 John 18:19-23 Calvary Chapel Reston Station 1950 Isaac Newton Sq. Reston, VA 20195 (703) 834-8100 http://www.calvaryreston.org/

The Father had to treat Jesus like Barabbas so that He could treat Barabbas like Jesus. In one of the greatest exchanges of history, Jesus stepped in and took our place on the cross yet how often do we reject that gift? We can become so comfortable with the stories we hear time and time again that we grow numb to the often gruesome details that bring the story to life. In this account, we get to hear from a doctor's perspective the impact that the cross physically had on Jesus. What does it mean that the crowd chose Jesus? Maybe we've been asking ourselves the wrong question all along...........instead we should be asking, what does it mean that the Father chose to love us like Jesus when we've lived like Barabbas?

With all that is crazy and ugly in American Christianity, there is always hope. After all, Jesus didn't come to start a new religion or jumpstart an old one. He wasn't into nationalism or populism. He was never about getting rich or powerful. Jesus came to give us a different way to engage with the world, a new set of Kingdom-minded ethics that will always be in conflict with the prevailing empire of the day. The way of Jesus is still very alive; you just might not find in a church. I’ve recently had various conservative trolls calling me out and trying to find a label that fits my faith, worldview, and ethical system. While that I appreciate their efforts, labels are not what interest me; action is. Labels are effective tools for tribal identity, but they are also effective ways to categorize and wholeheartedly dismiss a person or a group. Labels are what are polarizing our country. We cease to see the individuality of people and only see the broadly painted groups to which they ascribe. For contrast sake and to feed the trolls a bit, we'll seek to find out more about the Christian left. It’s not about answers but pursuing what is happening within progressive Christianity. With our show, it’s never about the point. It’s all about the conversation, and we’re not seeking labels but always seeking how to right the ship of American Christianity and put it back on the path of being like Jesus. We also delve into the alarming fact that 51% of Christians have no idea what the Great Commission is. This is a symptom of why the faith has gone off the rails. If you don’t know what Jesus is about, how could you possibly understand how to move the faith forward? Things like this scream to why the religious right has hijacked Christianity. If we don’t know what it means to follow Jesus, then why do we call ourselves followers of Jesus? Maybe this is part of the problem with American Christianity. Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

It had to be a rather rude awakening to be sure—Paul’s initial introduction to the unenviable life of an apostle. As we will learn in this PODCAST, there is much—much more than we could possibly imagine—behind Paul’s otherwise enigmatic statement in 1 Corinthians 4:9, a rare moment of personal reflection (and dare-I-say exasperation and frustration) in the writings of this most-prolific apostle: “I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike.” Well, here in Acts 9, the Apostle to us Gentiles endured quite the humiliating spectacle indeed. It was hardly the homecoming our new friend, the Apostle Paul, had anticipated as he entered archway in the main gate leading to Straight Street in Damascus. Was his heart all a-flutter? Mine would have been. After a three-year absence from its legendary landscape, his formal training as an apostle now complete. I have to believe that Saul-now-Paul had much upon which he would have liked to reflect. Perhaps a quiet, private, personal rendezvous with the spot on the road where he first met Jesus? Maybe a knock on the door of Judas’ house, where he was graciously housed for three days as a man-struck-blind? How about cup of Turkish coffee with Ananias, the man tasked with, and understandably fearful of, being first follower of Jesus to approach just-converted Saul? Possibly some visits to the synagogues where he first preached, “Jesus is indeed the Son of God”? Paul’s heart had to be pitter-pattering with excited anticipation as he once-again approached the storied city. But alas. A happy homecoming wasn’t in cards that fate dealt this soon-to-be-suffering servant of Jesus. Please remember that depending upon your web browser and connection speed, it may take up to 60 seconds for this podcast to begin to play. God bless you richly as you listen.

Jesus has some hard, countercultural-feeling encouragements for us, like "give to anyone who asks" or "give up your status". Should we follow Jesus out of duty or courage? Or, as Jesus himself instructs, should we follow him because he has our good health in mind? Isn't that a bit self-interested, Jesus? Maybe not...

What does it mean to be alive in Christ? Do you feel "alive" in your relationship with Jesus? Maybe distant or in a rut would better describe where you are at right now? Regardless, God hasn't moved, we have. How do we get back? Find out in lesson 5 of James.

Have you ever struggled in your relationship with Jesus? Maybe you feel like no matter how hard you try, something always gets in the way. Come learn more this Sunday from II Corinthians 3:16 that when we turn to Jesus, the veil can be removed for us to experience His love more fully. That love changes us into a reflection of His likeness and glory for the world to see.

It's a simple question... Is it possible to make an idol of the life of Jesus? Maybe it's splitting hairs, but perhaps it is more necessary as a question than we care to admit. This is sure to be conversation fodder for you and others. Enjoy!

Want to read the Bible all the way through in 2014? Ever tried to do it before and had trouble wading through some of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy before you heard the Good News about Jesus? Maybe you've never read the Bible because you couldn't put it into context. Mark Lanier introduces "The Context Bible".  Using The Gospel of John, The Acts of the Apostles, and the Book of Revelations as anchor texts, daily readings covering all the books of the Bible will be applied to each week's verses. Come to the Lanier Life Group and hear in depth study extending from the worship hour by Dr. Fleming.

Why did Matthew include all of the dirty laundry in the family tree of Jesus? Maybe it's because Jesus didn't just come to save sinners. Maybe sinners are the point for why Jesus came. Pastor Nate speaks from Matthew 1 & 9 in the first of four talks this Christmas season.

What has it cost you to follow Jesus? Maybe this is a question you've never given much thought to. However, throughout his ministry Jesus reminds his followers that following him will cost you something. In this sermon Pastor Eric looks at...

Were continuing our series, Looking Under the Hood. Were talking about not just the what of our faith but the why and the how. This morning we are turning our attention to understanding why the church believes that Christ is divine and not just a man, not just a good teacher or even a Prophet. Why do we believe He is God incarnate? Many of you know Im a Bears fan. I have not attempted to hide that fact over the years. Years ago, it was a Sunday night game, and the Bears were playing the Falcons. To show you what a diehard fan I am, it was seven below zero for that Sunday night game. It was just freezing. The quarterback that we had-this was B.C., before Cutler. If youre a sports fan, you understand that. We had a quarterback by the name of Rex Grossman who was hurt. His backup, Kyle Orton, was in the game, and he was not doing well. Everybody in the stands was cheering, Rex! Rex! Rex! Rex! In the second half, he comes running out-the first action since his injury, and the place goes nuts. Hes moving the ball, we scored and we won the game. Everybody loved him, Rex is a savior! Rex is going to lead us to the Promised Land. The next year, he was not having a good season. I made my annual voyage to Soldier Field. While he was playing, they were booing basically every time he came onto the field. We want Orton back! We want the other guy back! The guy that we booed last year-now were cheering him, and we want him in the game. The guy that we cheered for last year-the guy that was our savior-were now booing him and we want him out! I just remember thinking to myself how fickle people are, how fickle we are. Friends, people have not changed. If people are fickle now, they were fickle in the times of the Bible too. This crowd-this Palm Sunday that we reflect on and are chanting, Here comes the King! Hosanna Lord, save us! Those who are pledging their allegiance to Him, throwing down their cloaks and throwing down their palm branches, some of that same crowd just days later is going to be cheering for Him to be crucified. They dont like the idea of the Messiah being arrested or the Messiah being beaten. Thats not their idea of the Messiah. The Messiah is to come and conquer. Hes going to lead, and there were times when they tried to get Jesus to be king if you recall; and He rejected those attempts, but the crowd was fickle. Thats how people are. Jesus was not a safe teacher. There are some churches in America where you hear a very different Gospel. They try to present Jesus as somebody who is very safe, somebody who only said nice things like turn the other cheek and love your enemies- the Golden Rule. But Jesus was anything but a safe teacher. In fact the Bible says that many of the things Jesus said were scandalous. The Old Testament-the Prophet Isaiah said that the Messiah would be a scandalon. Peter in 1 Peter 2:8 said that Jesus was a scandalon. That meant a trap, a rock of offense, something that causes people to stumble and fall. Jesus was not safe. Jesus said things that were controversial. Jesus said things that caused men to stumble in their walk and their faith-not in the sense of telling them air, but in the sense that though it was true, they could not understand it. It was offensive to say the things that He said about Himself. Still today, if you say that Christ is God in the flesh, it is offensive to people. Say that to somebody who is an Orthodox Jew and see what their response is. Say that to somebody who is committed to Allah-that Jesus was not just a Prophet but He is the divine Son of God, and watch the response. The response to the things that Jesus said was very strong in the times of the Bible. In fact there were times when He said things that were so egregious that they immediately were filled with rage and wanted to kill Him. Have you ever heard somebody say something that just enraged you instantly? Maybe youre traveling abroad and somebody says something about your country, says something about Americans, and it just makes you mad. I remember I was a pretty peaceful kid growing up. In grade school, I got into a couple scraps. Both times it was when they said something about my mom. Say anything you want about me, but if you say something about my mama, theres trouble. To this day if you say something about my mom, Ill punch you in the nose. If someone says something about your child or somebody that is precious to you, it immediately causes this visceral reaction, this rage. If somebody says something derogatory about your God or if somebody says something blasphemous about Jesus… Maybe youre watching television. Theyll do something that mocks Christ. Tell me that doesnt cause anger to well up inside of you. Friends, there were things Jesus said about Himself, things that He did that caused this kind of anger-this kind of rage. Were going to join the story here in John 8 of a dialogue that has become increasingly tense between the Pharisees and Jesus. Keep in mind that the Pharisees are the religious leaders. The Pharisees are the ones who claim to know God the most. Yet, they were the very ones that Christ had the most confrontations with. In Verse 48 of John 8 (page 1060 of pew Bibles), The Jews answered Him and said, Arent we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed? To call Christ a Samaritan was a racial slur. Think of a racial slur, something very derogatory you could say about another race that would cause instant anger. Thats what theyre seeking to entice in Christ; by calling Him a Samaritan, they are making a racially prejudice remark designed to get under His skin-designed to cause Him to become angry or to be hurt. Of course, saying Hes possessed of a demon is to have a similar effect. I am not possessed by a demon, said Jesus, but I honor My Father and you dishonor Me. I am not seeking glory for Myself; but there is One who seeks it, and He is the judge. I tell you the truth, if anyone keeps My Word, he will never see death. Thats a controversial thing to say, isnt it? Now Hes talking here not about physical death, but Hes talking about spiritual death. They understand it to be physical death. …the Jews exclaimed, Now we know that You are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the Prophets, yet You say that if anyone keeps Your Word, he will never taste death. Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the Prophets. Who do You think You are? Thats an interesting question. Thats a question that people have been trying to answer for many centuries. Who is Jesus? Who did He claim to be? Some would have us believe that Hes just a man, that He taught that He was just a man, or that His followers believed He was nothing more than a great man or a Prophet of God. Were going to listen right now to a short clip before we finish this text from the movie, Da Vinci Code, which we started last week. Last week, by the way, over 40 percent of you were gone because of the weather; so we did talk about the credibility of the New Testament and how the Bible came to be. You might want to pick that up as part of your series in case you missed it. We showed a clip from the Da Vinci Code with Leigh Teabing, also known as Professor X or Gandalf the Grey. It is talking about how the Bible came to be and how the deity of Christ came to be, so lets listen to what he says. Well I could take the remainder of our time this morning and correct a lot of the things that he said there. Im not going to do that because thats not our topic, but the deity of the Christ-the divinity of Christ-was not at stake at Nicaea. Nicaea was about whether He was equal with the Father and co-eternal with the Father; or the same substance as the Father; or was He of a similar substance-still divine but also created by God? That was the debate. Bishops from around the world-the east and the west-gathered in Nicaea. They did hold a vote; they did adopt a creed. The vote was over 300 to 2. There were 2 that sided with whats called Aryanism-that He is a created being. The majority of the bishops-99 point some percent of the bishops-said and affirmed the deity of Christ, what the church had always believed. Lets look at history. Does it make sense that the Apostles died for their faith-that they thought that Christ was just a man or a Prophet? That would not get them killed. Would it make sense that under Nero and other emperors that Christians would be fed to the lions and burned alive at the stake if all they thought was that Christ was a man? They were tortured and killed because they would not worship the Roman gods; because they would not worship Caesar as God; because their allegiance was to Christ as God. So where does that come from? Where does this whole idea of the divinity of Christ come from? It comes from Christ Himself. It comes from the words that He spoke. Remember this dialogue that were in, and its getting increasingly agitated. Theyre getting increasingly hot under the collar, so theyve resorted to name calling back and forth. Who do you think You are? Jesus replied in Verse 54, If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the One who glorifies Me. Though you do not know Him, I know Him. Understand Hes saying this to the religious leaders. These are the poster boys for faith, and Jesus has the audacity to say, You dont even know God! That's certainly going to demand a response! Though you do not know Him, I know Him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you… Well, that will calm things down right away. But I do know Him and keep His Word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day. He saw it and was glad. Oh, time out. Wait a second now; youve just taken a train to crazy town here. You are saying that You saw Abrahams response to Your coming? Abraham is a couple thousand years old, right? You have to be thinking this? You would think somebody was delusional if they are being patriotic and she or he says, You know, when our country signed the Declaration of Independence, what a great day that was! I remember watching George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and seeing the smiles on their faces when they signed that document! Youd go, You know, come on! Who are you kidding? So thats what they say to Jesus. They say, Youre not even fifty years old, and Youve seen Abraham? You have to know that some are chuckling and laughing. This guy is wacked! He is absolutely crazy if He thinks He has seen Abraham with His own eyes. Then Jesus is going to take the conversation to another level. He is going to say something that is so controversial that causes such anger that the dialogue is going to end. Its going to end with them wanting to kill Him. I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, before Abraham was born, I am! At this, they picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus hid Himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. If your Bible says, I am He, the He will be in italics. Most of your Bibles will simply say, I am. Why did that so enrage the Pharisees? The words I am or the verb to be is the covenant name for God. In the Old Testament when God appears to Moses in the burning bush, thats whats called a theophany or physical manifestation of the presence of God that can be seen by the eye of man. Moses is told to go to Pharaoh to say, Let my people go, and he says, Who shall I say sent me? God says through the burning bush, Tell him I am. Tell them I am has sent you, so that became the covenant name for God. Jehovah, Yahweh, I am. So when Jesus takes and says, Before Abraham was born, I am, He has taken the covenant name of God to Himself and applying it to Himself. They understand that, and you can tell they understand it because theyre going to pick up rocks. If He is just a crazy man, hed be like, Yeah, Im 2,000 years old! I lived before Abraham! Whoo! Im crazy! Theyre not going to pick up rocks; theyre going to feel sorry for the guy. Theyd probably pat Him on the back and go, Okay, sure you were. Thats all right, pal. Yeah, sure, You knew Abraham. Lets leave Him alone. Hes nuts! But straight-faced, He takes the covenant name for God to Himself, meaning that He saw Abrahams day. It gets worse after that. John 10, Jesus is talking about the fact that Hes our good shepherd-that were His flock. He even talks about you and me here, literally. In Verse 16, He says, I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen… Thats Gentiles. …I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock… Following this discourse, many of these same people confront Christ again in Verse 19. At these words the Jews were again divided. Many of them said, He is demon-possessed and raving mad. Why listen to Him? But others said, These are not the sayings of a man possessed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind? They start to use their reason. Demon-possessed people froth at the mouth; they cut themselves; they growl; they snarl. They dont teach as Christ taught. They dont say things that will stump the wisest theologian of the day. No, no-these are not the words of a crazy man. There must be another explanation. Verse 22, Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. Whats that? Do you know what that is? Its winter-thats a clue. Its Hanukkah; its the Festival of lights. Its the rededication of the temple when Maccabeus drove out Antiochus, Epiphanies and the Seleucids. Actually for a period of time, Jerusalem is in control of their destiny. Theyre not under Rome; theyre not under anybody. Its a very happy time in the history of Israel. Jesus comes, and Hes celebrating that. Its the Feast of Dedication; its Hanukkah. While Hes walking there in Solomons Colonnade, it said that Jews gathered around Him. Theyre curious-who is this Man? They say, How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly. He has their curiosity aroused. Apparently, taking the covenant name of Jehovah on to Himself was not enough. Some want more proof. Jesus answered, I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in My Fathers name speak for Me. Its interesting, and this is an apologetic in and of itself, the miracles of Christ testify to His deity. Do they not? If you have control over the elements, if you have control over life and death, is that not a testament to the deity of Christ? Whats more is the critics of Christ-the enemies of Christ-do not question the miracles. That is an apologetic. That is a defense of the faith. They try to come up with other rational explanations for the miracles, but they never question the miracles. They become angry about how He did it and when He did it, but they never question the fact that He did it. So before you got me off track, where was I here? He says, …but you do not believe because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life… That is a bold thing to say, to tell someone you give them eternal life-that you have the authority and capability to give someone eternal life. …and they shall never parish; no one shall snatch them out of my hand. They understand when He says My Father that Hes speaking about God in Heaven. My Father is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Fathers hand. I and the Father are one. Some have taught that when He says one, it means Hes in agreement with God. Theyre on the same page. Hes saying, Yeah God! Im on Gods side. Were one. Were united. Were a team! Really, does that get rocks thrown at you? If you go to religious people, and you say, Hey, thumbs up for God, are they going to try to kill you? No, theyre going to go, Oh, okay. Yeah, youre one of us. You love God too. Would you say that these people understood the language Christ was speaking and that words meant better than the scholars that are alive today? If English became extinct like Koinonia Greek is no longer spoken, if our English-our modern-day English became extinct, in 2,000 years from now if somebody was an expert in English, would they understand the language better than us who lived it? No way. We would know the language better than them. Even the most-learned scholar 2,000 years from now would not understand our language because we speak it every day. Make no mistake about it when Christ claims the oneness with the Father, they understand He is referencing His equality with God. That is seen by their words; that is seen by their response. It says, Again the Jews picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me? We are not stoning You for any of these, replied the Jews, but for blasphemy, because You, a mere man, claim to be God. The understanding that Christ is divine comes from none other than Christ Himself. It is what the early church taught and believed. It was not the result of a council in Nicaea in 325 A.D. It was not the decree of an emperor. It was from the words of Christ Himself. The visceral response was, Were going to murder You! The law said in Leviticus if somebody blasphemes God, you stone them; but that was only after trial and evidence and a jury made a verdict. Then you were sentenced and then you were stoned. They were saying, Were going to be Your judge and Your jury. Were going to kill You right now! They were so angry, so offended. He is a scandalon; He is a rock of offense that causes men to stumble. That was a scandalous thing to say, and, friends, it still is. If someone were to say the things that Jesus said, you would be offended. You certainly would not follow them. Jesus said to see Him was to see God; to know Him was to know God; to believe in Him was to believe in God; to obey Him was to obey God; to follow Him was to follow God; to serve Him was to serve God. He was the source of eternal life; no one came to God but through Him; that He was the way to Heaven; He was the truth of God. Can you imagine? Ill pick on Pastor Jerry now. Hes not here, so Ill pick on him. Oh, he is here. Sorry, Jerry. Ill do it anyway. You go to Pastor Jerrys class. I dont normally do that, Jerry. I dont pick on you because youre not here. Anyway, Im in big trouble. Jerrys a good teacher, so you go to one of his classes. Ill always ask, Hey, how was that marriage class with Pastor Jerry today? Its a normal conversation. Ill hear, Oh, it was great. So you go to Pastor Jerrys class, How was Pastor Jerrys class? It was great! Thats good to hear. Hes a good teacher! Yeah, yeah. We learned a lot today. I learned this and that. I am like, Wonderful! Great, Im glad you liked the class. The next week, I say, How was class with Pastor Jerry? Oh, it was really good. Today Pastor Jerry told us hes athletic. Yeah, he is. He played three sports, and hes a pretty athletic guy. Hes a coach; yeah thats true. Yeah, hes an athletic guy. I see you the next week, How were things with Pastor Jerry? Oh, it was a great class. Jerry is a good Bible teacher. Today he told us that he was strong, and he broke a railroad tie with his hands. These are things Jerry actually does-truthfully. Hes won some contests-bench press contests. Hes a strong guy. He told us that today. Well, thats true. He is a strong guy. How was class with Jerry? I ask the next week. Oh, it was good. Jerry told us today hes a good-looking man. Well, yeah. Jerrys a good-looking guy, sure. And he reminded us again that he was athletic. Well, yeah, he is. I see you the next week, How was class with Pastor Jerry? Well, you know, hes a good teacher, but today he told us that if we saw him, we saw God, and he told us that hes the way to Heaven. He did? Are you sure you werent mistaken? No, he wrote it on the board, Im the way to Heaven. Im the truth, and no one gets to Heaven but through me. Now what do you think about Pastor Jerry? Do you think hes a great teacher still, or do you think maybe hes cuckoo? He has issues, loco in the cabeza. Good teachers dont go around claiming to be God. That's the point of C.S. Lewis in his book, Mere Christianity. C.S. Lewis says, Look at the claims of Christ. You have the same choices to make about the words of Christ according to Scripture as you would with our hypothetical story of Pastor Jerry. Either he is crazy, delusional, really believes that he is the Messiah-you could go into any psychiatric ward in the country and you could find a lot of Jesuses… But nobody believes them. Theyre not walking on any water. Or, around our world today there are cult leaders. Right now there is a Hispanic-Latin man who is teaching that hes Jesus, and people believe him-whether you know that or not. They believe he is God incarnate. He smokes; he drinks; he tells people there is no sin. Sin is a bad word. This is true! People believe he is the incarnation of Christ. Hes rich; hes making a lot of money. Hes living quite a lifestyle. You could say, Well, hes trying to deceive people. He knows hes not. In that case, hes wicked. Listen, Jesus said in John 8 to His enemies, Who among you accuses Me of sin? Try saying that even to your family. Go to your family and say, Hey, have I ever done anything wrong? Do that to your friends, Hey, youve never seen me do anything wrong, have you? We laugh, but try doing that with your enemies. Go to somebody who doesnt like you-if there is such a person-and say, Hey, Ive never done anything wrong, have I? That takes a lot of nerve to go to your enemies and say, Who of you accuses Me of sin, and have silence be the response. Jesus is a moral man. No one questioned that. Hes an intelligent man. Nobody thought He was crazy. Whats our third alternative? Our third alternative is He is who He claimed to be. He is Lord. His miracles testify; His Resurrection testifies that He is who He claimed to be. Now this kind of an understanding of the nature of Jesus should not be reserved to a theological discussion, a creed or an intellectual statement or doctrine. This truth demands much more personal response, an emotional spiritual response. In the same Book, we find the story of a man who had been born blind. Jesus encounters him begging and uses him as a moment to teach. He says in Verse 5 of Chapter 9 (page 1061 of pew Bibles), While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. He spits upon the mud, and He makes clay and rubs it on the mans eyes. He tells him to go and wash in the Pool of Siloam. The mans eyes are open, and he begins to see. For the first time in his life, he sees color. He sees people; he sees his own hand; he sees trees; he sees water. His senses are overwhelmed. This man who was a beggar now has sight, and the people who have seen him year after year after year-the people are coming up to him and saying, Arent you the guy? Who did this to you? What happened? They ask him in Verse 10, How were your eyes opened? He replied, The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see. Where is this man? they asked him. I dont know, he said. How does he see Jesus? He sees Him as a man. Hes a pretty special man, but as far as this man knows, Hes a man. Thats all he knows. Then they bring him before the Pharisees. The Pharisees ask him what happened. He tells them the same story again. The Pharisees say, Well, this man is not from God. He doesnt keep the Sabbath. Theyre not rejoicing in this miracle of a blind man seeing. Theyre upset because it happened on the Sabbath day when you shouldnt work. To make mud was to work. …How can a sinner do such miraculous signs? others asked. Finally they turned to the blind man and said, What do you have to say about Him? It was your eyes He opened. The man replied, He is a Prophet. His viewpoint has changed, hasnt it? I now dont just see Him as a man, I see Him as a Prophet of God. I have new understanding of who He is because of what He has done. He couldnt possibly be just a man. The dialogue deteriorates here. As they question the man, he gets a little snotty. He gets a little bit too big for his britches, and they cast him out of the synagogue. Who are you to talk to us like that? You were born in sin. Were the leaders, and get out of here, so they kick him out. Verse 35, it says, Jesus heard that theyd thrown him out, and when He found him… Who found whom? Did the blind man find Jesus, or did Jesus find the blind man? Jesus found the blind man, and it still works that way, friends. God is a seeker. God is the initiator. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. If youve found Christ today, its not that you found Christ; its that Christ found you. Christ is the seeker of the souls of men. He said, Do you belive in the Son of Man? Jesus still asks that question. The Son of Man, by the way, comes from the Book of Daniel. In Daniel, he prophesized about the Son of Man receiving a kingdom from the ancient of days-thats an eternal kingdom, and that Hell rule over that kingdom for all of eternity. So it was understood that the Son of Man was a Messianic figure, the Son of God. This is one like the Son of God who received a kingdom that would last forever. Jesus takes that prophesy from Daniel, and He applies it to Himself. Again, an assertion of deity. Who is He, sir? the man asked. Tell me so that I may believe in Him. Jesus said, You have now seen Him; in fact, He is the One speaking with you. In other words, I am the Son of Man. The man replied, Lord, I believe, and he worshipped Him. How had he changed? Hed gone from seeing Him as a man to a Prophet, and now he sees Him as Lord. Hes the Lord, and he worships Him. What does Jesus do when the man worships Him? Does Jesus say, Oh, dont worship Me. Im just a Man. Dont worship Me! Im a Prophet!? Anytime in the Bible like somebody like Paul or Peter or a Prophet-when people try to worship them, what did they do? An angel? Dont worship me. Im just a man! When Jesus is worshipped, what does He do? He receives the worship. He receives the worship. Only God receives worship, right? Correct. By Jesus receiving the worship, that also is a statement of deity. Jesus still demands a response from every single person. The Jesus that we preach here is not a safe Jesus. Hes not just a good teacher that walks around blessing everybody, healing people and saying, Love your neighbor. He is a Jesus that came and died for your sins. He is a Jesus that said, Unless you believe I am He, you will remain in your sins. He is a Jesus who said, I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father but through Me. Friends, those words are as offensive as when they were spoken to some people. That is a stumbling block for them. But there are many ways to God! There are many sources of salvation! they will say. There is only One who died for you, and that is Christ. There is only One qualified to save your soul; and that is Jesus. Its a scandal. Its a stumbling block. One of my favorite artists-I dont know if hes recording music so much anymore, but because he is a scholar and a theologian, he wrote some very rich music. One of his most famous tunes, Love Crucified a Rose, will be sung on Easter Sunday around the nation. His name is Michael Card. He wrote a song called, Scandalon, using this Greek word, using this Old Testament Prophesy from Isaiah about the Messiah. Were going to listen to song-just text only. There are no images in this one. Lets reflect on Michal Cards song. (Click here for lyrics: http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/m/michaelcard9232/lovecrucifiedarose543715.html). It is my prayer today that if youre here this morning, and you dont know Christ, you can know Him today. It is Jesus who we studied and learned so much about and longs to have a relationship with you. Pray this with me: If youre here this morning, you do not know Christ and you wish to respond to Him today-Heavenly Father, I come to You today in Jesus name. Lord, I believe in my heart that You are the Son of God, that You died in my place upon the cross and that You rose again on the third day-that Youre Lord. I give my life to You, my soul to You. Forgive my sins and cleanse me. I pray your Holy Spirit would enter my life, empower me to live for You all my days and that one day I will live with You in Heaven for all eternity. In Jesus name. Father, for those who prayed that prayer, extended their faith, received You by faith, Your promise is their sins are forgiven. A miracle of a different kind is taking place, a miracle that we cannot see with our eyes, but we can know with our hearts a new life in Christ is theirs. Lord, weve tried to present an accurate representation of what You taught and what You did at our church, that You are not a safe teacher. Your message was a very dangerous one, and there were many who fell. It was a scandalous thing and still is to say that a human being is divine. You demonstrated that not only through Your teaching as You taught as no man has ever taught; and only through Your miracles which even your enemies could not dismiss; but Lord most importantly through Your Resurrection and the empty tomb. Next week well talk about that. Well invite friends, families, coworkers and neighbors to come and hear this message, to come and hear the story of the Savior who loved them, who was crucified and who rose again. I pray even now that You prepare hearts, grant us favor as we speak, that this place would be full of people who want to hear the good news of Christ. Lord, like the blind man who had seen physically and then began to see spiritually, might we see You for who You are. Might we celebrate that every day of our lives-that the God of the universe visited this planet and that He gives our life meaning, significance and purpose-we might be determined all the more to live for You. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.