The House You're Building

    Orient  John 8:31-59 This passage introduces an argument thread between Jesus and those that “believed in Him” from the first teaching segment of chapter 7.  Eventually, the listeners show themselves to be counterfeit as they pick up stones to kill him.  As we learned last time, many commentators believe He is still teaching publicly at the Feast of Booths.  This week’s passage contains many contrasts, and as typical of his dialog with the religious leaders, misunderstandings of spiritual truths taken literally; look for themes about slavery and genealogy.  Jesus continues to connect Himself with the Father’s approval and plans and uses Abraham to persuade the Jewish leaders of His authority.     Introduction Whenever a new baby is born, it’s natural to analyze their physical characteristics to see if they look more like their mother or father.  The resemblance can change with an expression or adapt as t...

Key Verse: But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed   to be called their God, for   he has prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16 Abraham: Read Genesis 12:1-9 and summarize God's call to Abraham.  Now look carefully at verse 3.  Why did God want to bless Abraham?  Read Galatians 3:7-9.  How did his blessing benefit us?  How is he calling you to bless others by what you've received?  Verse 8 says that when Abraham was called he didn't know where he was going?  Have you ever experienced a calling from God where you didn't know where it would end up?  Hebrews 11:9-10 contrast two types of dwellings.  Where did Abraham live?  Where did he want to live?  Now read 2 Cor 4:16-5:8.  How does Paul express the same desires as Abraham?  What do Paul and Abraham focus on to help them walk by faith?  Does that work for you?  Read verse ...

Key Verse: Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.”   (John 8:34-38 ESV)   When you ask people to give their testimony about how they got to know Christ, many people reference those who were examples in their life growing up.   Some people may even believe they are Christians because they went to church growing up or “it’s what my family believes.”   As we will discover this week, you don’t come to Christ by having a family history of church attendance.   You aren’t a demographic if you are a Christian—you are a new creation, humbled, repentant and covered in the blood of Jesus...