Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      02/12/12

“Young and Foolish”

2 Chronicles 10-12

INTRODUCTION:  The Chronicler’s goal is to establish Solomon’s reign as the standard of excellence for the future kings of Israel. All future kings would measure their success by comparing their kingdoms to Solomon and David. Rehoboam did not compare well.  He was inexperienced and foolish in his actions as king. Foolishness can be corrected with a healthy dose of reality. Rehoboam had to learn the hard way how to be wise and obedient toward the Lord.

THE BIBLE CONTRASTS FOOLISHNESS WITH WISDOM.

The Scripture lists some traits that identify a fool:

• Self-centered instead ofGod-centered: Psalm 14:1 - The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
• Unteachable and undisciplined: Proverbs 1:7 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
• Refuses advice: Proverbs 12:15 - The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
• Surrounds himself with other foolish people: Proverbs 13:20 - He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
• Careless and headstrong: Proverbs 14:16 - A wise man fears the LORD and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless.

Foolish actions can be avoided or corrected by wise, godly counsel.

HUBRIS IS THE ROOT OF FOOLSIHNESS.

*Rehoboamrejected wise counsel and embraced foolish advice.

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, “Come back to me in three days.” The king answered them harshly. Rejecting the advice of the elders, he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfill the word the LORD had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite… So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day (2 Chronicles 10:12-15, 19).

We embrace foolish actions when we are influenced by pride, position or peers.

HUMILITY IS THE ANTIDOTE FOR FOOLISHNESS.

*Rehoboamlost most of his kingdom to northern Israel and was conquered by the king of Egypt before he finally submitted to the Lord.

After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the LORD. Because they had been unfaithful to the LORD, Shishak king of Egypt attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 12:1-2).

*The Lord spared Judah and Jerusalem only after Rehoboam humbled himself before the Lord.

Then the prophet Shemaiah came to Rehoboam and to the leaders of Judah who had assembled in Jerusalem for fear of Shishak, and he said to them, “This is what the LORD says, ‘You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you to Shishak.’”  The leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is just.”  

When the LORD saw that they humbled themselves, this word of the LORD came to Shemaiah: “Since they have humbled themselves, I will not destroy them but will soon give them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. They will, however, become subject to him, so that they may learn the difference between serving me and serving the kings of other lands” (2 Chron. 12:5-8).

Proverbs 11:2 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      01/29/12

“Water for Life”

John 4:4-15

INTRODUCTION: Several years ago I went to Africa with some other pastors.  We observed the work of our missionaries in Kenya and Zambia. One need became clear: the need for clean, available water. Both missionaries we talked to had water projects going as part of their basic ministries. For the missionaries, water was as essential for the spread of the gospel as it was for the health of the people. Jesus also used water as the common ground for witness. We see this in the story of the woman at the well in John 4:4-15.

WE ALL NEED WATER FOR LIFE.

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) (John 4:4-8).

WE ALL NEED LIVING WATER FOR ETERNAL LIFE.

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans. Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”  “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water?...Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (4:9-14).

WE CAN GIVE WATER FOR LIFE.

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water” (4:15).

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      01/22/12

“Setting the Standard”

2 Chronicles 8-9

INTRODUCTION: The writer of the Chronicles told the story of David and Solomon building the kingdom and Temple of God. The writer does not include the sins or failures of Solomon and David in his accounts.  His goal is to establish Solomon’s reign as the standard of excellence for the future kings of Israel. His goal is to set a high mark for living: Give your best for God.All future kings would measure their success by comparing their kingdoms to Solomon and David. How are we to measure our lives? Jesus Christ is the standard of excellence for us. Solomon shows us some ways we can excel.

BE EXCELLENT IN WORSHIP.

*Solomonexpanded the kingdom and built the Temple (8:1-11, 16). All Solomon’s work was carried out, from the day the foundation of the temple of the LORD was laid until its completion. So the temple of the LORD was finished (16).

*Solomonsupported the Temple and participated in worship (8:11-15). On the altar of the LORD that he had built in front of the portico, Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings to the LORD...(12).

Maintain the place of worship andpraise the Lord of worship.

BE EXCELLENT IN SERVICE.

*Solomon strove for quality in all his work. When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built,  the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, the cupbearers in their robes and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed (9:3).

*Solomon was creative and innovative in his work. The king used the algumwood to make steps for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. Nothing like them had ever been seen in Judah...Then the king made a great throne inlaid with ivory and overlaid with pure gold... Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom (9:11, 17-19).

Do your work well and do not be afraid to try new things for God.

BE EXCELLENT IN WITNESS.

*Solomon’s work and wisdom gave a positive witness for the Lord. The Queen of Sheba said, “Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the LORD your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness” (9:8).

*Success with God brings success with other people.King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart (9:22-23).

Faithful worship and diligent effort make an excellent testimony.

APPLICATION:

 *Jesus is the measure of excellence for every Christian. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers (Romans 8:28-29).

The King deserves our very best in worship, service, and witness.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place 
   and gave him the name that is above every name, 

 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 
   in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 
 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 
   to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      01/15/12

The House of Prayer

2 Chronicles 6-7

INTRODUCTION: We continue our new study on Preserving Your Kingdom.  Solomon built the Temple as a place of prayer and sacrifice. He finished the work his father David had begun. Solomon dedicated the Temple and led the people in prayer. His prayer shows the importance Solomon placed on prayer. Jesus said we should always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1).  He said, “My house will be called a house of prayer” (Matt. 21:13). Prayer should permeate everything we do as individuals and as a church.  Let’s look at Solomon’s prayer to get an idea of how we can pray better.

ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO PRAY (6:1-42).

• National events. Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD...and then knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven (6:12-13).
• Broken relationships.“When a man wrongs his neighbor”(22).
• Times of defeat.“When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy...” (24).
• Times of drought. When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain...” (26).
• Disaster or disease.“When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come”(28).
• Times of travel and relocation. “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name...” (32).
• Times of war and conflict. “When your people go to war against their enemies...” (34).
• Times of sin and captivity. “When they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you become angry with them and give them over to the enemy, who takes them captive to a land far away or near; and if they have a change of heart in the land where they are held captive, and repent and plead with you in the land of their captivity...” (36-37).

WORSHIP IS A SPECIAL TIME TO PRAY (7:1-10).

• Place of Praise:When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD, saying, “He is good;   his love endures forever” (7:3).
• Place of Sacrifice:Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the LORD (4).
• Place of Dedication:So the king and all the people dedicated the temple of God (5).

A PROMISE IS GIVEN TO THOSE WHO PRAY (7:11-22).

*God is ready to hear and answer our prayers IF we are willing to humble ourselves and repent.

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people,  if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

 (2 Chronicles 7:13-14)

Are you taking time to pray? 

Are you going to worship on a regular basis?

Are you willing to humble yourself and pray, seek God’s face and turn from your sins?

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      01/08/12

Great Things for God

2 Chronicles 2-5

INTRODUCTION: We did a study in First Chronicles in the fall called Building Your Kingdom. David established his kingdom and laid the foundations for the building of a new Temple for God. In Second Chronicles, Solomon builds the Temple and expands the kingdom. We continue our new study today on Preserving Your Kingdom.  Solomon led the people to put first things first by worshipping God. He asked for wisdom and began the work.  Solomon wanted to do great things for God.  If you are going to do great things for God, then God must get all the glory. How does God get glory?  Solomon shows us how. Let's use the acrostic GLORY to understand these passages.

GIVE GOD THE GLORY (2:1-18).

*Solomon gave God glory. “The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods” (5).

*Hiram gave God glory. “Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, who made heaven and earth!” (12).

LAY A STRONG FOUNDATION (3:1-4).

*Buildsolidly on past successes. Then Solomon began to build the temple of the LORD in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the LORD had appeared to his father David (3:1).

OFFER YOUR VERY BEST TO GOD (3:15-4:22).

REJOICE IN THE LORD (5:1-13).

The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang:“He is good; his love endures forever” (5:13).

YIELD TO GOD’S PRESENCE IN YOUR LIFE (5:13-14).

Then the temple of the LORD was filled with a cloud, and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God (5:13-14).

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      01/01/12

First Things First

2 Chronicles 1:1-17

INTRODUCTION: We did a study in First Chronicles in the fall called Building Your Kingdom. David established his kingdom and laid the foundations for the building of a new Temple for God. In Second Chronicles, Solomon builds the Temple and expands the kingdom. We begin a new study today on Preserving Your Kingdom.  First and Second Chronicles along with Ezra and Nehemiah make up a series that describes the history of Israel from Saul to the rebuilding of the Temple after the Exile. The overall message is that those who are faithful to God and his worship are blessed and those who are not faithful experience judgment. Solomon set the standard for faithfulness to God’s house. Worship and wisdom preserve what God has built in your life. Solomon put first things first as he began his reign. As we begin a new year lets put first things first!

WORSHIP THE LORD (1-6).

*Worshipreflects on the past and praises God in the present.  Then Solomon spoke to all Israel...and Solomon and the whole assembly went to the high place at Gibeon, for God’s Tent of Meeting was there, which Moses the LORD’s servant had made in the desert... Solomon went up to the bronze altar before the LORD in the Tent of Meeting and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it (2-6).

SEEK WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE (7-13).

*Ask God for guidance in your life this year.  That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place...Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”(7-10).

DO YOUR WORK WITH EXCELLENCE (14-17).

*Do your best. Solomon accumulated chariots and horses…The king made silver and gold as common in Jerusalem as stones.... (14-15).

The Mission 2012

Verse:  “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Overriding Question:  How can we become more effective in evangelism and leading others to Jesus Christ?

Mission Statement:  During the year 2012, the members of Parkview Baptist Church will become more visible, vocal and assertive in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through practical hands-on ministry and intentional evangelistic efforts. 

Motto:  EACH ONE, REACH ONE.

Objectives:  The Vowels of Vision

Action Network – join area churches in specific projects to change the spiritual atmosphere of Gainesville.

Eastside Connections – begin to network with Eastside churches to alleviate poverty and family issues.

Immigration – become a voice of conscience for the community about immigration issues.

Outreach through evangelistic and missional projects (personal witnessing, revivals, special events …).  Missionary Lonnie Turner has treadle pump water wells we can sponsor for $2000 per well.

United in Spirit to make evangelism a priority so that every member can tell other people how to find Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Goals: to be developed by staff and ministry area directors.

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      12/25/11

Christ – The Word

John 1:1-14

INTRODUCTION:  Many words can describe Christmas.  God’s Word gives us some words to live by at this time of year.  The term logos, translated Word, is used by the Apostle John to introduce Jesus.  John was using a word from Greek philosophy that described “the spiritual principle” that filled the universe.  The Jews used the word to describe God. John took the idea to describe Jesus, the Son of God or the Word of God. Jesus is the final Word from God. No philosophy or person compares to him.

JESUS IS THE ULTIMATEEXPRESSION OF GOD.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it...The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:1-5, 9).

*The Word (the Mind, Logic or Intelligence of God) is

• Pre-existing and Eternal
• Co-existing with God
• God
• Creator
• Revelation (Light)
• Redeemer (Life)

“The Logos is God active in creation, revelation, and redemption”

 – Frank Stagg.

JESUS IS THE PERFECTEXAMPLE OF HUMANITY.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:10-14).

*The Logos became a little baby.  The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood (John 1:14, The Message).

*Jesus lived a normal human life yet revealed the fullness of the love and true nature of God.

But in these last days he [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Hebrews 1:2-3).

*The miracle of Christmas is that Almighty God would give up his glory to become like you and me so we could become part of his family.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

 Who, being in very nature God,

   did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

 but made himself nothing,

   taking the very nature of a servant,

   being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

   he humbled himself

   and became obedient to death—

      even death on a cross!

                                                - Philippians 2:5-8

*Have you believed in Jesus Christ and received him as your Savior?

He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (John 1:11-12).

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      12/18/11

Christ – Our Peace

Matthew 2:1-12

INTRODUCTION:  Many words can describe Christmas.  God’s Word gives us some words to live by at this time of year.  The word peace has always been associated with Christmas. My son, Andrew, asked me what I want for Christmas this year.  I said, “World peace.” We may joke about that stock answer but deep within all of us we desire peace on earth.  We want the wars and conflicts, the hunger and oppression, the racial clashes and political repression to cease.  We just want a world where peace reigns and everyone just gets along. Matthew shares a story of a visit of the Wise Men after the birth of Jesus. The Magi came to see the King of the Jews. The message of Christmas tells us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace.

CHRISTMAS BRINGS US THE GIFT OF PEACE.

*The angels announced to the shepherds that the birth of Jesus was a sign of God’s grace and a blessing of peace. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord... This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:10-12).

God wants to bring you peace this Christmas.

PEACE CO-EXISTS WITH CONFLICT.

*Wise people seek the source of peace.  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-3)

*Evil always tries to destroy what is good.  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him...Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  (Matthew 2:3-7).

No matter how bad it seems, God is always working around us for the good.

GOD’S PEACE OVERCOMES THE WORLD’S CRUELTY.

*Jesus was born to rule as the Prince of Peace. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

*Wise people bow to the Prince of Peace.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route (Matthew 2:10-12).

*Jesus conquers the world and its evil system and rulers. Jesus told his disciples: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

*You can experience the peace of Jesus in your life no matter what your circumstances. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Do you have this kind of inner peace? 

Do you know the Prince of Peace?

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      12/11/11

Christ – Our Joy

Isaiah 46:3-10

INTRODUCTION:  Many words can describe Christmas.  God’s Word gives us some words to live by at this time of year.  When we sing the carol “Joy to the World” we recognize that joy is a key part of the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The angel told the shepherds “do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). Great joy!  Isn’t that what all of us are looking for?  We want to be happy.  We want to be without pain and sadness and sorrow.  We want life to be good and pleasurable and, well, joyful!

Christmas reminds us that Christ is our joy.  The prophets of old spoke of the life that experiences true joy.  They looked forward to the day when Messiah would bring joy to the world.  Let’s see what the prophet Isaiah had to say about living a life of joy.

ONLY GOD PROVIDES JOY THAT SUSTAINS US.

*God made us andcarries us through life.  “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:4).

*We find joy when we find God.

ALTERNATIVES TO GOD’S JOY LET US DOWN.

*False gods deceive and disappoint us.  “To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?” (Isaiah 46:5).

*We make our gods and they become a burden (6-7). “Some pour out gold from their bags  and weigh out silver on the scales; they hire a goldsmith to make it into a god,  and they bow down and worship it” (Isaiah 46:6).

*An idol is anything we love more than God.

WE FIND TRUE JOY IN GOD AND HIS ETERNAL PURPOSES

*True joy comes from being part of something that is bigger than I am and has meaning and purpose.  True joy comes from attaching yourself to God’s plans for your life. “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” (Isaiah 46:10).

*Prophets like Elijah proclaimed that God’s eternal plan was to send the Messiah. “The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

*The birth of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy.  Jesus came to save us from our sins.  That is why the angel called the birth“good news of great joy.”

“An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ - which means, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:20-23).

*Do you know this “good news of great joy.”?  Do you know Jesus as your Savior?

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”

(John 3:16)

 Gregory C. Magruder       Parkview Baptist       Gainesville, FL      12/04/11

Christ – The Way

John 14:1-14

INTRODUCTION:  Many words can describe Christmas.  God’s word gives us some words to live by at this time of year.  Christmas is about the birth of Christ, the coming of God in the flesh.  Jesus lived his whole life in order that we might have life.  He is the way to eternal life, to a personal relationship with the Father, and to life with a purpose here and now.  Christ is the Way to life as God intended. 

JESUS IS OUR WAY TO HEAVEN.

*Jesus prepared his disciples for his death and prepares a place for us after death. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going” (John 14:1-4).

*Thomas was confused and Jesus told him the path to take. Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:5-6).

The way to Heaven is a person.

JESUS IS OUR WAY TO GOD.

*Philip wanted to know God, the Father.  Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us” (John 14:8).

*Jesus said no one comes to the Father except through him because he and the Father are one.No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well...“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:6-9).

The way to God is a person.

JESUS IS OUR WAY TO ABUNDANT LIVING.

*Jesus enables us to live in reality (truth) and to experience life as God intended it to be.  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6).

*We can have the same relationship with Jesus that Jesus has with his Father.  He gives us power for living as we put our trust in him.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it” (John 14:12-14).

The way to fullness of life is through a person.

Jesus Christ is our way to Heaven, to God and to abundant life.

Do you know for certain that you have eternal life and that you are going to Heaven when you die?

Do you have a personal relationship with God?

Is there evidence in your life that you are a Christian?