Jesus is Bigger than Sunday

Intro

“Reading” of the Story

Body

Body

You can worship Jesus anywhere

Institutionalized religion and the temple.

You can worship Jesus with heart and mind (v. 20)

Cosmic Geography

All religions are geographically located

On the mountain, or in Jerusalem

City standards for religious institutions

Freedom of worship in Christ. (21)

Spirit ()—heart

Truth (Scripture)—mind

Father — Ancient religions recognized a primordial ‘Father’

Samaritans vs. Irreligious theists (anywhere “worship”)

APP: Take your worship outside

Samaritans vs. Irreligious theists

You can worship Jesus any time

The significance of times of worship for institutionalized religion.

Power of the deity on days (New Years, birth/death of founder)

Power of the deity in seasons (dealing with harvest, cold winters, etc.)

Power of the deity at times (morning—life; evening—communing with known evil/black magic)

The freedom of worship in Christ. (23)

“and is here now” is present active (beginning now)

“and is here now” is present active (beginning now)

cf. 7th day eternal rest motif

APP: Worship at all times (you are always worshiping something)

Anyone Can Worship Jesus

Restrictions in Ancient Religion

Geography

Ethnicity (Proselytization)

Merit

Under religious experts

Freedom of Worship in Christ

ILL: Well/Spirit (13-14)

Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us the Spirit so we can worship.

Pastors/Elders are guides; we don’t regulate worship — that’s something you learn to do on your own.

Spirit (play on words between indwelling Spirit and inspiration of the heart)—heart (23-24)

In Christ, we are all priests.

Spirit (play on words between indwelling Spirit and inspiration of the heart)—heart

Truth (Scripture)—mind

Conclusion

Jesus is bigger than Sunday

(John 14:6)

Jesus is the means of worshipping the Father

bigger than the building (not the building)

bigger than the time/day (not the time/day)

bigger than the institution of the church and it’s leaders (not the institution)

APP:

Speak words of worship (praise God, thank you Jesus)

Be open about worship (Bible reading/presence, prayer in public)

Music (radio, internet radio; in public and private)

Invite others to worship (reading, praying, singing)