Meant for More
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Meant for More
Meant for More
Good morning.
I am truly humbled to be sable to speak to you all this morning.
Today we will be diving into John 10
Get God’s word in your hands. It is the only thing that brings change and makes a difference.
As you turning there,
Have you ever seen something or gone somewhere where you had a picture in your mind what it should look or be like?
When you get there, it’s disappointing
Mona Lisa story - 8x10???
I think at time we feel this way about our lives and even faith.
We ask is there more?
In our lives we remember the excitement of first jobs, first dates, first - fill in the blank
In our faith we remember when we first believed, that first service of a new church, fill in the blank.
Over time it looses its luster, becomes mundane, or even frustrating.
I think it sometimes feels like this:
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Meant for More
Meant for More
It’s funny, but sometimes our lives and even our faith feels like whacking ourselves in the head.
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.” – C.S. Lewis
Meant for More
Meant for More
We were made and meant for more than merely existing and surviving in our lives and faith.
I am not saying you can get everything you want, but I am saying we find all we need in Christ and Christ alone.
That is where we are going today.
Let’s pray
Let me set this up and put this in context:
Chapter 9 Jesus heals a man born blind on the Sabbath
Of course ticked off Pharisees - he is a sinner, how can a sinner do this, he was never blind
Ask his parents - they said yes he was blind - ask him what happened
Ask the formenrly blind man - I love his answer
24 So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, “Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered, “Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
Meant for More
Meant for More
SO they kick him out - the cancel culture has always been here
SO chapter 10 is an indictment against the so called Shepherds of the Jews, the Pharisees and the true Shepherd.
And there 4 things we can find through this exchange.
All real and full life only comes by going through Jesus.
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.
All real and full life only comes by going through Jesus.
There has always been and always will be people who will stand up and shout “I know the way”.
Or - “There are many ways”.
Ever see those bumper stickers ‘Coexist”
Its impossible - You can’t be a good Muslim and follow Christ, or a good Buddhist and be a Muslim or Christian.
Either one is right or they all wrong.
This is why people claim Christians are exclusive and bigots.
We are exclusive as in Jesus is the only way, but inclusive as it a message and invitation to everyone.
Jesus said it Himself
6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
2. Jesus offers more than just surviving, he offers thriving.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
2. Jesus offers more than just surviving, he offers thriving.
Jesus purpose was to bring not just life - abundant life.
in Greek - Perissos - beyond, extraordinary
It also means that every where you seek for fulfilment and purpose outside of Christ, is a thief, a murderer, a destroyer.
All who came before —- took advantage and exploited the sheep
Why is it only Christ - He changed the Paradigm
11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Before Jesus the sheep died for the shepherd, now the Shepherd is dying for the sheep.
3. Jesus sets the example of how to live and lead abundantly.
12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.
3. Jesus sets the example of how to live and lead abundantly.
The hired hand only cares for themselves and their well being.
When it gets hard or they are asked too much - they run
Sadly many churches are filled with hired hands.
People who only serve or give for their benfit, their honor
But Jesus show the ultimate example of what it is to give of your self
14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.
3. Jesus sets the example of how to live and lead abundantly.
We are fully known by Christ. Everything - everything has been redeemed
As we grow and know Him more and more - our vision and perception grows and grows.
We see the sacrifice of Jesus - should motivate us to more
16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.
Everything we spoke about before this was Jesus being the Shepherd to the Jews, but we the Gentiles, are being adopted in.
The fold of Judaism was transforming to the Flock of Christianity.
And we are all different - joined by one thing our Shepherd Jesus
We are invited to be apart of this mission.
4. Jesus has always been and always will be in charge.
17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
4. Jesus has always been and always will be in charge.
they never took Jesu’ life. He was not a martyr
He said when it was finished
He e have up his spirit
30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
4. Jesus has always been and always will be in charge.
And He is the one who took it up again when He rose
Who better to go all in with?
Where else will I find a fuller life?
Meant for More
Meant for More
Far to often, we settle.
We settle for less, settle for safe, settle for comfortable
We are meant for so much more.
If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!
–D.L. Moody
I was always told to dream a dream so big, that if God is not in it it will fail
Do you feel stagnant, are you asking if there is more
I am telling you there is more for you and for this church.
What are we holding on too that is keeping us from abundant life ?
Ity begins and ends with Jesus. I encourage you today surrender
Move from Surviving to Thriving.
Let’s pray
