No, you can't fix this on your own.

-Eugene - Legacy

Can we all agree that it seems that the news we’re probably all seeing and hearing is sad, conflicting, heartbreaking. I thought about just reading a bunch of the headlines that we probably all saw. Sickness, grieving, loss of life, questions of justice. Bad news seems to be getting worse. War continues. Arguments continue…and not people civilly discussing ideas…but real unkind, rude, vicious arguments. And sometimes we can find ourselves in those things can’t we. We’re not perfect…lets just admit that right now.

It just seems that the world’s getting crazier and more scary.

I’m pretty sure that most would say that it seems as though there’s something wrong…something needs to be fixed…people are searching for fixes and sometimes trying to force fixes in life and …well, it looks like the fixes most of the world is finding or trying …most all of those “fixes” are not getting the job done.

Like we talked about last week, we see this stuff in every aspect of life…we see this around the world in politics, entertainment, education, athletics, relationships…on and on.

Some are feeling the need to take things into their own hands…while they’re consumed by anger rage.

How people value life seems to be based on just whatever makes them happy…a very egocentric position.

Nations are still rising up against other nations.

We still have a fear of illness and sickness.

Many are finding that having what they need for just simple living is getting harder and harder. Inflation looks like it will creep up even higher this week.

Depression and anxiety are at all time highs…especially in younger ages. And many are turning or needing to turn to medications…some to therapy.

We’re seeing more and more people turning to artificial “fixes” such as drugs, alcohol, and more as means of escape.

Some are entering virtual worlds and spending hours per day in “those places” to escape the real world around them. And many…maybe some of us here are becoming addicted to these escapes in the form of computers, phones and tablets.

Some are trying to change things about themselves, entertaining different ways of doing relationships, different ways of identifying themselves, and more…simply to find peace…saying they’re not who they’re suppose to be.

Did you hear about the recent interview with the man who created the cell phone? He and his team made the first cell call in 1973. While interviewing this man, Martin Cooper, the journalist casually said that they probably spend 5ish hours each day on their phone. The man laughed and said, “Get a life.” But how many of us would say that we probably have some unhealthy habits when it comes to time on our phones instead of time with the people or projects right in front of us.

Did you hear about the leader of the south african satanist council? This past week he made an announcement. He had recently done a radio interview where he talked about satanism and …his words…he was cocky and arrogant and mean against Christians.

After the interview he walked out and a lady from the radio station came up and gave him a hug…sincerely. He said I’ve never had anyone do that…and he said it was different. It felt like love. She then said, it was very nice to meet you today.

Later he found that she was a Christian.

Then he had a vision…experience where Jesus came to Him and he challenged Jesus to prove himself. So He said Jesus gave him that same feeling…overwhelming love. He said there were three other Christians who just treated him so differently than anyone else. Now for sure, and if you’ve read the story, there are other things in his life that he’s probably going to need to deal with…but he’s come to see something that he hadn’t before. It looks like he’s at least opened the door to Jesus.

The way he described himself and other satanists....broken, needy people searching for how to fix life.

Now that might seem like a big story…maybe flashy. My guess is that if we started walking around the room here with a microphone, we’d have a lot of people telling us stories about how they’ve felt broken, needy or currently feel like that.

I think we have a world searching for peace…and really having no idea of where to find it. Some of you all, sitting here today have said similar things…done similar things in your life. Struggled with similar things in your life. Searching for that thing that will make everything OK.

A few weeks ago I mentioned some recent survey results concerning Jesus.

News went far and wide last week…maybe you saw this…concerning a recent Gallup Pole. This pole found that 29% of those poled had major doubts that the Bible really has anything to do with God. They would say that it is filled with myths and stories and fables.

81% said they believe there is a God, but 28% of those believers in a supernatural being said that He can’t respond to prayers…11% of those said he doesn’t even hear prayer.

Maybe you’ve questioned or given up on God like that.

So here’s what we have, a world that is searching for answers and peace…because they are truly feeling that something isn’t right…either with them or with the world around them…us included. And it would seem that many are searching in all the wrong places…even coming to the conclusion that God isn’t of help or can’t be of help.

That’s tough to hear isn’t it? Where can we even begin to find hope? Is there hope? It would seem that most of us, most of humanity, try our best to fix things ourselves.

How many of you like change? Now…I’m not talking about changing the color on the walls in your bathroom…or getting a new hairstyle.

I’m talking about change…like the change you know you need but you’ll fight against to nearly the end.

We’re going to talk about change today…but in a different way. I think an encouraging way.

There’s an account in the Bible, recorded for us by John (Apostle John), giving us a really clear picture of one event as Jesus was nearing the cross.

It was right at the last supper. The guys were all around the table, reclining. And Jesus gets up...

In this account…and I think most of you are familiar with this account. In this account, there’s two teachable moments.

Oddly enough, Peter creates a teachable moment while Jesus is performing an object lesson.

I really think Peter was that kid who always had his hand up in class…wait, I mean the one who always talked without raising his hand. The one that maybe…spoke his mind…with the best of intentions…but speaking first thinking second.

Is there anyone here who relates to Peter…or knows someone who is like Peter…and that someone is in the room…sitting next to you....

Ok…so we can identify.

Towel and basin. A foot washing.

In this case the one with the towel and basin is the king of the universe. Hands that shaped the stars now wash away filth. Fingers that formed mountains now massage toes. And the one before whom all nations will one day kneel now kneels before his disciples. Hours before his own death, Jesus’ concern is singular. He wants his disciples to know how much he loves them…

Now…there’s the story. And we all know that…Jesus is showing true servanthood. Lifting others above yourself. Serve one another…love your neighbor as yourself. But in the middle of this object lesson is another one. It is quick and short and is brought about through a comment of Peter.

Jesus is making his way around the table, washing each dirty foot, and then He comes to Peter, and in John 13:6 John records Peter’s question

John 13:6 CSB

6 He came to Simon Peter, who asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Expecting a “no” answer…as though Peter knows best. Jesus…listen…you don’t have to do this. It’s all good…go on to the next guy if you wish.

He then, after Jesus says, don’t worry Peter just be patient because you’ll soon understand....Ok…now how many of you also, along with being quick with your mouth…you’re impatient?

Peter then just goes to the answer…Jesus you’ll never wash my feet.

Jesus stops and quickly and replies,

John 13:8 CSB

8 “You will never wash my feet,” Peter said. Jesus replied, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”

Jesus then takes a moment to talk about being washed completely. That Peter has been washed…a servant washing feet is just the lesson now.

Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.

Jesus makes a truth claim right there. We’re racking up the truth claims spoken by Jesus aren’t we?

Unless I....wash you…you cannot be with me.

Many people take Jesus out of that one little statement and put themselves into it.

Today we’re talking about salvation.

We’ve been walking through our principle, foundational, beliefs as a church family. I think this one is easy to understand…hard to live by.

We believe that for the salvation of mankind, recreation (regeneration - church word that we normally don’t hear) is essential.

So here, we’re in a way covering part of what we talked about last week, that Jesus died for us…His death did something…it satisfied something needed…on account of our sins. Someone sinless died for those who are sinners.

Today is in a way the next step. There’s something that begins to happen when forgiveness…salvation is granted…given…as a gift (grace is a word we could use there). Something begins to happen inside of us that is necessary.

And the only way this happens is through Jesus…and His spirit.

It is easy to begin with this verse…and we’ll go quickly through the OT and the NT doing…like I said…a quick survey of what this statement is getting at.

Remember we’re looking at principles…foundational principles that guide how we live day to day…and into eternity.

Beginning verse…this one is from Paul

Romans 3:23 (CSB)

23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...

Easy to start there. I don’t think Peter would have questioned this. He was the one who after a fishing miracle fell at Jesus’ feet and said go away I’m a sinful man!

We can go all the way back to the very beginning to start. That sounds appropriate doesn’t it?

Adam and Eve sin…they allow Satan to influence their decision to either obey or disobey God…to give Him glory or steal it for themselves.

Just after that God speaks to all three of them, but to Satan specifically He says this,

Genesis 3:15 (CSB)

15 I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.

This is often referred to as the first Gospel…the first good news. God is saying, in the future, I’m going to do something about this. He specifically says that “He” ....meaning, and we know who this is. Jesus.

Time continues and we see accounts of this epic story in humanity’s battle with and against sin and the sin nature.

God lifts up Abraham, the first brought out of another nation to become God’s nation…God tells Abraham this...

Genesis 12:3 (CSB)

3... all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

This is a hint of Jesus. Jesus is from Abraham’s line…lineage…family tree.

Someone is coming who will bless everyone!

And remember, the focus is on salvation. Sin pulls us away from God…our sin has separated us from God.

We need someone to take care of this problem.

David, the King, knew this problem well. (somethings not right…we need fixed!) It was a problem of the heart. Our heart is inclined to sin against God. And in this…we have no way to create a perfect and (in the words of Jesus) a full life. We can’t get there. We’re created in God’s image but sin has broken us and separated us from God.

Here’s what David once wrote.

Psalm 51:10

Psalm 51:10 ESV

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

David wrote this after literally, a life changing sin. He knew what He needed. He didn’t need …ONLY NEED…God to help him be better. Something bigger was and is needed.

Joel 2:13 (CSB)

13 Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in faithful love...

Think about Jesus’ words to Peter…unless I wash all of you...

Here’s David again....

Psalm 31:9–10 CSB

9 Be gracious to me, Lord, because I am in distress; my eyes are worn out from frustration— my whole being as well. 10 Indeed, my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.

This is a guy who is being very honest about his own inability to make a full life himself. He knows that his heart is sinful and needs changed.

So I think that what we see here is this idea of not just having God say, “You’re forgiven.” There’s this real need for change to take place. Here’s a man who knows there’s something wrong with him…with the world. And it is something that mankind can’t fix on their own.

Isaiah 43:11 CSB

11 I—I am the Lord. Besides me, there is no Savior.

Unless I wash you…emphasis on I....

All through the OT we find, not only in Abraham or David, but in others too…Job, Solomon, Ruth, Esther…the prophets....they…through their own trials and ups and down…realize that they need God. They need a savior. They need forgiven and they need a changed heart. They need a rescuer.

God said, I am the only one who saves.

Ezekiel 36:26 CSB

26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

Hebrews 10:15–17 CSB

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. For after he says: 16 This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, the Lord says, I will put my laws on their hearts and write them on their minds, 17 and I will never again remember their sins and their lawless acts.

His inclination is to wash! This is God’s choice. Jesus is wanting this. The Holy Spirit is doing this for us. Change recreate...

We have to allow His washing...

1 Timothy 2:4 (CSB)

4 (He) wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

From Genesis on what we’re reading is God’s plan to get us back with Him. He wants you to be with Him.

Jesus did this…for us. He came to save us. God wants you to find Him and accept His son and begin the process of being made new. A new heart.

Saved…from something…and for something.

More than just, “OK, I forgive you.”

Meaning…and we just looked at passages that gave us a hint of what God is really wanting to do.

We have a sin problem…God recognized it and made a plan. We know that it is a heart problem…that we need a new heart…that we need change…full change…and that we can’t do it on our own…God is our only savior.

Jesus, when talking with Nicodemus, a pharisee who I believe was really searching for that fix in life…and knew that the ways he was searching was not adequate. Some things just weren’t adding up…so he sought out a meeting with Jesus.

Jesus said…listen Nicodemus...

John 3:3 CSB

3 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

New life....this now seems much more than just a simple act of forgiveness…this really looks like Jesus wants to forgive our sins SO something huge can happen.

Titus 3:5 CSB

5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

regeneration…renewal.

Forgiveness…washing…so that something can happen. So that we can be born again and made new.

Who would like a new you?

The Holy Spirit.

This is super important. Jesus, before His ascension…we talked about that last week. Before He ascended back into Heaven…with all authority in Heaven and on Earth…said that unless He goes back the Holy Spirit can’t come. So…Jesus must see this as super important.

For some reason Jesus sees this as necessary for us…or the next part of the plan of His father.

God want’s to give you and I His spirit. On this side of eternity…this is as close as He’s ever been to His creation. Sin has been forgiven…making the way for this to happen.

And now...

Titus 3:5 CSB

5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Through washing…we’ve heard that before today haven’t we? Jesus’ response Peter.

And rebirth, renewal, regeneration…through who? The Holy Spirit.

This isn’t something humans can do on their own…but

This is what we see happening each and everyday People trying to bring peace into their lives…happiness…chasing life…and really not finding it…or giving up on it completely and not caring at all what happens....because they know that on their own things aren’t changing.

Jesus wants us to choose Him…to choose change…to choose to be saved…to choose to be washed…to choose to be reborn....regenerated....renewed.

Revelation 21:5 CSB

5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”

I’m making everything new.

You can be made New. Jesus said that that is the truth!

Unless I wash you...

I think Jesus wants us to lay aside our lives so He can forgive us, begin to wash us, ....so He can give us His spirit to begin to change us…to change out our heart…to make us new. The people He intended us to be…people who will be with Him forever one day.

Please Stand

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Remember to see Eugene on your way out if you think …the spirit might be guiding you to help people, Kids, in our community.