Bringing Scripture to Life

  How does Christianity impact the lives of Jesus Followers?   Christianity impacts the lives of those who put their faith in Jesus Christ in a way that no other belief system or worldview can ever do, as it goes way beyond anyone’s philosophical belief system, and enables a person to be in a personal relationship with the living God, and be given a purpose that is much greater than any purpose this world can offer to us. And it is because of this that author James Sire writes,  “devoted Christians live not for themselves but for God.”  [1]  The moment a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ, they become a child of God (Galatians 3:26) and enter into a personal relationship with God,   [2]  through their faith in Jesus (John 17:3). From this point on the Christian is called by Jesus to “seek first the kingdom of God” above all other things in life.   [3] Christianity is the only faith in the world that can supernaturally transform the life of its followers. The moment a person puts t

Sermon Outline WANTED MAN: The Rule Breaker John 5:16-30   I.                 Introduction: a.      Last week we looked at Jesus’ visit to the Pool of Bethesda, and how He miraculously healed a man who had been crippled for 38 years  (John 5:1-15). You would think that this story would have had a happy ending, and Jesus would have become EVERYONE’S Hero for what He had done! And yet, this was the furthest thing from the truth. Jesus did not become everyone’s hero, He instead found Himself on Israel’s Most Wanted List. The moment Jesus gives this poor paralytic what he wants (John 5:6-8), He becomes wanted by everyone! However, the people that wanted Jesus most, did not want what Jesus could do for them through faith, they wanted to get rid of Jesus (John 5:16). b.      This response to Jesus, simply because He has forever changed and transformed this individuals life, has been the typical response to Jesus throughout the history of the Christian faith. People either rejoice and praise