Sermons

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What Does Jesus Mean When He Says “I Am”?

 

Today’s sermon covers the “I am” statements that Jesus makes in the Gospel of John. Recorded live on 12/11/22. Sermon starts at 32:40.

The “I am” statements of Jesus throughout the Gospel of John have been the source of much discussion and debate throughout the centuries. From a fundamentalist theological perspective, these statements are significant as they are an example of Jesus’ divine nature and His power as the Son of God.

In John 6:35, Jesus declares “I am the bread of life.” This statement is a powerful metaphor for the importance of Jesus’ role as the source of spiritual sustenance for those who believe in Him. It is a reminder that Jesus is the only path to salvation and eternal life, and those who follow Him will be nourished spiritually.

John 8:12 says “I am the light of the world.” This statement affirms the truth of Jesus’ teachings, and His divine status as the source of spiritual light that guides humanity through darkness. It is a reminder to believers that Jesus is the only path to truth and spiritual guidance, and that all should follow Him for spiritual enlightenment.

John 10:14 states “I am the good shepherd.” This metaphor is significant in the context of the Old Testament, as it refers to the role of the shepherd in protecting and guiding the flock. It is a reminder that Jesus is the one who will protect and guide those who follow Him, and that they should place their trust in Him.

John 11:25 says “I am the resurrection and the life.” This statement is a powerful proclamation of Jesus’ divine power and authority, as He is the one who has the ability to bring eternal life to those who believe in Him. It is a reminder that Jesus is the only path to true life, and that only He can provide eternal life to believers.

John 14:6 says “I am the way and the truth and the life.” This statement is a powerful reminder that Jesus is the only path to truth and eternal life, and that those who follow Him will be led to true life. It is an affirmation of Jesus’ divine status as the source of truth and salvation for those who believe in Him.

Finally, John 15:5 states “I am the vine, you are the branches.” This metaphor is significant in that it reminds believers that they are only fruitful when they are connected to Jesus, who is the source of their spiritual nourishment. It is a reminder that believers should remain connected to Jesus in order to bear spiritual fruit.

In conclusion, the “I am” statements of Jesus throughout the Gospel of John are significant, as they are an example of Jesus’ divine nature and His power as the Son of God. They remind believers that Jesus is the only source of spiritual sustenance, enlightenment, protection, and salvation, and that they should remain connected to Him in order to bear spiritual fruit.

 

 

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Matthew 5:1-4

Pastor Maurice Williams covers the early beatitudes.

Matthew 5:1-4, commonly referred to as the Beatitudes, is a passage of scripture that outlines the values and attitudes Jesus Christ desires to see in His followers. In this passage, Jesus is speaking to a large crowd of people gathered on a mountainside. He begins by saying “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” which establishes that those who are humble and recognize their spiritual poverty will receive the highest reward. Jesus then follows this up with “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted,” which is a reminder that in times of sorrow, those who trust in Him will find comfort and peace.

The Beatitudes then transitions to “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth,” which is a promise that those who are gentle and resist the temptation to be prideful will be rewarded with a place in the world to come. Finally, Jesus concludes with “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” which is a promise that those who are passionately devoted to living a life of righteousness will be satisfied.

In conclusion, the Beatitudes are a powerful reminder of the values and attitudes that Jesus desires to see in His followers, and a promise of the rewards that will come to those who trust in Him and strive to live a life of righteousness. As Christians, we can take comfort in knowing that if we humble ourselves and seek to do what is right, we will be blessed with the kingdom of heaven.

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James 5:13-19 – Healing in the Church

Follow along with the 11/27/2022 service at CC Louisa, as Pastor Dave finishes Chapter 5 of James, discussing the healing power of prayer.

 

James 5:13-19 speaks to the importance of prayer. The fundamental theological perspective of this passage is that we should turn to God in prayer when facing trials in our lives. The passage speaks to the importance of prayer in times of suffering and sorrow, and it is clear that James is encouraging us to rely on God’s power and strength for comfort and strength.

In verse 13, James calls us to be patient in suffering, trusting that God will deliver us in his own time. This is a call to faith, not only in the power of prayer, but in the promise of God’s faithfulness.

The next few verses speak to the power of prayer. In verse 14, James encourages us to pray for one another in times of need, emphasizing the power of prayer to bring comfort and healing. Verse 15 encourages us to pray for those who are ill, once again emphasizing the power of prayer to bring healing.

In verse 16, James calls on us to confess our sins to one another and to pray for each other in order to bring healing and restoration. This is a reminder that prayer is not only a spiritual activity, but also a physical one.

Finally, in verse 17, James encourages us to call on the elders of the church to pray for us. This is a reminder that the power of prayer is not just an individual activity, but is something that should be done in community, in fellowship with other believers.

Overall, this passage speaks to the power of prayer in times of suffering and sorrow. It is a reminder that we should turn to God in prayer when we are in need, and that prayer should be done in community, with the help of the elders of the church. It is a reminder that God is faithful and will deliver us in his own time.

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