sf136 - THE WORLD'S GREATEST TRUTHS (John 3 11-16)
SF136
THE WORLD'S GREATEST TRUTHS
John 3:11‑16
INTRODUCTION
Truth
The one thing we all desire
Men have paid millions
Worked all their lives
And it has still alluded them
THE WILES OF THE DEVIL
While visiting the ocean one day, the famous English art critic Duveen was unable to persuade his little daughter to join him in the chilly water. So he built a fire, heated a teakettle of water, and with a great flourish poured the steaming liquid into the ocean. Then the child ran gleefully into the water without further hesitation.
This father's trick, while harmless, is an illustration of how Satan often works. He mixes a small amount of truth into an ocean of falsehood, and people wade into it, not realizing how they are being deceived.
Yet it can be had for free
Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life..."
1A. THE SECRET OF SALVATION
1B. The Great Facts of Salvation Revealed (v.11)
1C. Two sides
Ø We - Jesus and his followers
Ø You - Nicodemus and those he represents
MAT 12:30<R>He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
2C. Two statements
Ø We know - unwavering certainity, Uncompromising assurance
Ø We have seen - "to perceive with the eyes." - hard facts i.e. eyewitness account
2B. The Great Faith that Salvation Requires (v.12)
1C. Two spheres
earthly things ‑ things we experience on earth
Ø Regeneration
Ø The hope of the millennial kingdom
heanvenly things
Ø The revelation of Jesus
Ø The mystery of the kingdom of God
2C. Two steps
Ø Believe (faith) in earthly things
Ø Believe (faith) in heavenly things
2A. THE SOURCE OF SALVATION (13)
1B. The Requirement
A bridge between two worlds
2B. The Response
The Lord Jesus
He knew both worlds
3A. THE SIMPLICITY OF SALVATION
1B. A Symbol (14)
NUM 21:4‑9
1C. The cause ‑ rebellion (4-5)
2C. The curse ‑ death (6)
3C. The cure ‑ the symbol (7-9)
2B A Statement (vv.15-16)
CONCLUSION
WHEN THE CLOUDS ARE LIFTED
Have you ever heard the unusual account of how the news of the battle of Waterloo reached England? The word was carried first by sailing ship to the southern coast. From there it was to be relayed by signal flags to London. When the report was received at Winchester, the flags on the cathedral began to spell it out: "Wellington defeated...." Before the message could be completed, however, a heavy fog moved in.
Gloom filled the hearts of the people as the fragmentary news spread throughout the surrounding countryside. But when the mists began to lift, it became evident that the signals of Winchester Cathedral had really spelled out this triumphant message: "Wellington defeated the enemy!"