“John the Baptist’s Confession”

John 1:19-34

Introduction

Last Sunday John the Baptist was introduced to us as someone who comes as a witness to Jesus. Today we learn what his testimony regarding Jesus was.

JOHN’S FAITHFUL CONFESSION (vv. 19-21)

• John was a simple man

• John was a humble man

• John was a courageous man

JOHN’S FOCUSED CONFESSION (vv. 22-28)

• I baptize with water

JOHN’S FORETELLING CONFESSION (vv. 29-34)

• Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! (v.29b)

• Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit

APPLICATION

• The Holy Spirit comes through Jesus

• The Holy Spirit saves, sanctifies, and empowers believers

• The Holy Spirit gives new life by causing the new birth

• The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ presence with us

CONCLUSION

Beloved, John the Baptist came to testify that Jesus is the Son of God who takes away sin and baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Have you come to Jesus in repentance and to receive forgiveness of your sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit

“John the witness ”

John 1:6-8; 15-18

 Introduction

Last Sunday, we learned that Jesus is the life and light of humanity come from God. Today John the Baptist is introduced as the one who is sent by God to bear witness about the Light, Jesus.

THE SUBSTANTIATION OF JOHN (vv.6-8)

a) John came as a witness sent by God.

b) John testified about Jesus that all might believe.

THE SUPERIORITY OF JESUS (vv.15-18)

a) To John the Baptist

b) To Moses and the law

c) To all other witnesses

APPLICATION

· You are sent by God. (Acts 1:8)

· You have a daily endless supply of grace from Jesus.

CONCLUSION

Beloved, God desires that each of us bear witness about Jesus. Do you bear witness through a transformed life? Do you bear witness through proclaiming the Word? The purpose of bearing witness is so others come to believe in Jesus (v.7). Do you help or hinder those around you to believe in Jesus?

“Jesus, the life and light of men ”

John 1:4-5; 9-14

INTRODUCTION

Last Sunday, we saw John introduce Jesus as the Word, who is eternal, Creator, and God. Today, he continues by sharing that Jesus is also the life and light of humanity revealed. Although many people—including His own—rejected Him, those who did receive Him were given the right to become children of God. The same remains true today: while many choose not to receive Jesus and miss out on His blessings, all who believe in Him become children of God.

THE WORD REVEALED (vv.4-5, 9)

THE WORD REJECTED (vv.10-11)

THE WORD RECEIVED (vv.12-13)

THE WORD REALIZED (V14)

APPLICATION

· Receive Jesus!

· Reflect Jesus!

CONCLUSION

Beloved, Jesus is the “True Light” who brings light to everyone, offering grace, truth, and the path to salvation. Anyone who believes in His name is granted the right to become a child of God. Jesus said, “…I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b)

“Jesus, the word ”

John 1:1-3

INTRODUCTION

If the best way to understand the Christian faith is to know who its founder, Jesus Christ is, and to understand why He came to earth, then perhaps there is no better place to start than the Gospel of John. In John, chapter 3 verse 16, we are told that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus is the Son of God who came to bring us salvation from sin through faith in Him. John also tells us that he wrote his gospel, “…so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

JESUS IS ETERNAL (v.1-2)

JESUS IS GOD (v.1c)

JESUS IS CREATOR (v.3)

APPLICATION

• Jesus is God’s message to you.

• Acknowledge your dependence on Him.

• Commit to follow Him.

CONCLUSION

Beloved, Jesus is the eternal God who created you to be His image-bearer in the world. Declare Him boldly, and reflect Him brightly.

“A Lost Sinner Sought and Saved”

Luke 19:1-10

 INTRODUCTION

In our passage today, we have the story of a man who literally climbed a tree in order to see Jesus, and ended up having a lifesaving, lifechanging encounter with Him. Jesus brought salvation to a seeking chief tax-collector, and He can do the same to you.

1.  A SEEKER SOUGHT (vv. 1-7)

2.  A SINNER SAVED (vv. 8-10)

CONCLUSION

Jesus went to Jericho on a mission to find and save a lost sinner. He is still seeking and saving the lost today. “Your sins might be many, but His mercy is more.” No one is too bad, or too big a sinner to be saved. No one is beyond the power of Christ’s saving grace. Come to Jesus, confess your sins, believe in Him and He will save you and make you a new person. 

“Wisdom Regarding Parenting”

Proverbs 22:6; 23:22-26

 INTRODUCTION

As we come to the end of our summer studies in the book of Proverbs, today we learn that the value of wisdom is seen in family relationships, and especially in parenting. This is an all-important task, and we need wisdom. But where shall we go? To so-called “experts”? to AI? Thankfully, God has given us His timeless Word.

AN EXHORTATION TO CHILDREN

• Listen to your parents

• Buy truth, and do not sell it

• Let your parents rejoice in you for being wise and righteous

AN EXHORTATION TO PARENTS

• Instill a fear of the Lord in your children

• Give your children love

• Provide your children with a peaceful family life

• Teach your children that spiritual provisions are more important than material ones

• Train your children in the way they should go

BONUS APPLICATION

• Instruct your children

• Cherish your children

• Be sincere with your children

CONCLUSION

Beloved, sometimes we lose sight of what the goal is in parenting. The goal of parenting is to train our children in biblical morality, not simply to restrain the sinful patterns of the heart, but to reveal the character and grace of God. Christian parents aim to raise children who come to salvation in Jesus Christ, who live by the words and precepts of Jesus, and who reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

Live Like the Samaritan Woman (After She Met Jesus)

John 4

We extend a warm welcome to Mike Petkof to The Cross Bible Church. We thank you for sharing the message God has put on your heart and for your dedicated service in advancing the gospel in Greece.

Living in Harmony (Can Be Hard)

Galatians 5:16-21

We extend a warm welcome to Gerry Perrin to The Cross Bible Church. We thank you for sharing the message God has put on your heart and for your dedicated service in advancing the gospel.

Growing By “Going Back”

2 Timothy 1:1-7 Pastor Jason Coplen

1. A Proper Discussion of Spiritual Growth Must be  Rooted in the Gospel (vv. 1:1-4)

2. We Grow from a Specific Point in Our Lives (v. 5)

3. We Must Feed the Flame of Faith in Our Lives (vv.6-7)

What “Flame” are You Feeding in Your Life?

“Wisdom Regarding Work & Wealth”

Proverbs 10:2-5,15; 18:11,23; 19:4,6-7,17; 20:21-23

INTRODUCTION

The Bible says a great deal about money and work. It speaks about earning, spending, saving and giving. The Book of Proverbs in particular discusses issues related to work, money, wealth, and generosity. It also warns about the dangers of money and wealth.

WISDOM REGARDING WEALTH

WISDOM REGARDING WORK

WISDOM REGARDING GENEROSITY

THE DANGERS OF WEALTH

· Money has the power to corrupt your integrity.

· Money can make you distracted.

· Money can make you proud.

APPLICATION

· Be rich toward God (Luke 12:21)

· In Christ you are truly rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9)

CONCLUSION

Beloved, with the help of God’s Word you can have wisdom regarding work and wealth. With the blessing of the Lord, we can experience both: Wealth that comes from honest labor, and generosity that springs from a merciful heart. May the Lord give us the wisdom and grace to use our wealth for His glory and the spread of the gospel.

"On Friendship”

Proverbs 18:24; 27:6,9,10,17

INTRODUCTION

According to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory, America is experiencing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. Yet, the Bible teaches that we were created by God for companionship, fellowship and friendship. In His Word, and especially the Book of Proverbs, God has provided the wisdom necessary to do that.

THE COUNCIL OF A FRIEND (vv.5,6,9)

THE COMFORT OF A FRIEND (v.27:10)

THE COMPETENCE OF A FRIEND (v.27:17)

APPLICATION

Friends you do not want, and friends you do want.

You have a “Friend” who “sticks closer than a brother.”

CONCLUSION

Beloved, properly applying the wisdom of God found in His Word can ensure that we enjoy the blessings of good friends in this life. We can also look forward to enjoying these dear friends in life eternal! But of all the friendships we could possibly develop, none can excel the one we can have with the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus as your Friend who laid down His life for you?