Israel certainly related to Jesus’ references to sheep and shepherding. He made a very important point about the Jewish religious system using illustrations about the sheepfold, and shepherds. He likened the Jewish religious leaders to dangerous hirelings who are out to abuse the sheep, and Himself as the Good Shepherd who is the Door to the fold of God’s spiritual family.
How's Your Vision
November 10, 2024 • John Anderson • John 9:13–41
Instead of praising Jesus for healing the man who was blind from birth, the Jewish religious leaders were angry, full of criticism and contempt for Jesus. They were spiritually blind, and even the blind man could see that! Their religious system kept them in the dark.
Getting Theology Right During Suffering
October 20, 2024 • John Anderson • John 9:1–2
There are many things we’ll never understand about God outside of suffering. We hate it - He uses it. In seasons of suffering, it is crucial that we keep our theology right.
Continue
October 13, 2024 • John Anderson • John 8:21–59
There are certainly no perfect disciples of Jesus, but do you have the earnest desire to follow His commands, to learn and mature, and to enjoy His presence? The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day refused to let go of their religious traditions and prejudices and would not believe His words. They would not “continue” with Him.
Light For Your Life
September 15, 2024 • John Anderson • John 8:12–30
The Jewish people had the very Light of the World standing before them, speaking truth and ministering to needs. Yet, they did not recognize Him and instead preferred to go on in the light of their religious traditions and personal agendas. It is a dangerous thing to reject the Light of God, the true Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.
The Light of the World
September 8, 2024 • John Anderson • John 8:1–12
In Jesus’ encounter with the woman caught in the act of adultery, only the Light of World could deal with her accusers’ self-righteousness and forgive her sin as well. The mercy and forgiveness of Jesus changes us!
When Your Religion Runs Dry
September 1, 2024 • John Anderson • John 7:25–39, Ezekiel 47:1–11
The religious leaders of the Jews thought they were doing all the right “religious” things, and measuring up to the Law. However, Jesus knew they were really dry and empty inside. Religious ritual and tradition cannot buy peace and joy. Only Jesus offers living water that will satisfy the thirsty soul!
Beneath the Surface
August 25, 2024 • John Anderson • John 7:1–24
The Jewish religious leaders seemed just that - religious! But Jesus saw what was beneath the self-righteous surface of their religion, their trust in good works to put them in good standing with God. Is your religion real? Is it built on faith or works?
Why People Walk Away From Jesus
August 11, 2024 • John Anderson • John 6:41–71
The Bread of Life
August 4, 2024 • John Anderson • John 6:22–40
As the Bread of Life, Jesus is all we need spiritually to sustain and satisfy us. So why do so many of us look to the things of this world to bring satisfaction? They always leave us empty. Come and eat of the Bread of Life and receive everlasting life!
Jesus Is Greater Than Moses
July 28, 2024 • John 6:1–21
Moses, the venerated prophet of the Old Testament, had tried to tell the Jewish people that God would one day send a Prophet, though like Moses, would be so much greater than he. The Jews rejected Jesus their Messiah and only wanted a conquering king to rule over them and free them from oppression. Do we still make that mistake today? Do we want a Jesus who meets our demands and grants us a comfortable life?
The Results of Rejection
July 21, 2024 • John Anderson • John 5:37–47
Scripture tells us that Jesus “came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11). The choice to reject Jesus comes with severe consequences, as the Jewish religious leaders learned. Don’t reject the only One who can give you eternal life and life more abundant here on earth!
The Credibility of Christ
July 14, 2024 • John Anderson • John 5:30–39
In response to the Pharisees’ anger over Jesus breaking the sabbath and declaring Himself to be God, Christ presents three witnesses to authenticate His position as Messiah: the ministry of John the Baptist, the miracles that were performed, and the message of scripture. He is indeed the Christ, the Son of God!
Equal with God
July 7, 2024 • John Anderson • John 5:18–29
The Jewish religious leaders were incensed that Jesus claimed to be God. But Jesus actually came to earth to show us what God is like! He was here on God’s behalf, doing God’s business. We are blessed that He came as Savior, but one day He will be the Judge of all.
Fighting Against Grace
June 23, 2024 • John Anderson • John 5:1–18
The Pharisees attacked Jesus because He healed a man on the Sabbath. Was He really breaking the law, or just breaking their religious tradition? Jesus brought grace and truth - we need both!
