Hello family and friends,

Here are my sermon notes from Sunday, September 13, 2015

Please feel free to copy and share with others.

 

Sermon Title: “The Shepherd and His Flock” - Part 1 of 2

Opening statement: This chapter is filled with Spiritual Truths and begins with an extended figure of speech or illustration, similar to a parable, about shepherds and sheep. The Apostle John provides two aspects of the illustration: the “gate” and the “shepherd”, each with its own interpretation - the “gate” is interpreted in verse 7-10, and the “shepherd” is interpreted in verse 11-18.  Theme is: Salvation and Jesus is The Good Shepherd. Its' about our relationship with the Lord. You see, Christianity is more of a relationship than it is a religion. I must say that the lessons learned here are applicable to all generations. We’ll discover a lot of symbolic meaning in today's scripture. 1. True believers know and hear the shepherd's voice and follow him. 2. The True Shepherd is revealed to believers through the Holy Spirit. 3. Jesus is the One and only way, and there is no other! Not Muhammad, not Buddha, etc. Comment: Often Jesus uses physical objects, or settings to depict a certain spiritual aspect and to teach a lesson. In today's scripture message he uses the sheep and shepherd to teach us. Note that Romans 9:6 – 9 addresses the Islamic / Jewish question as to who are the true children of Abraham. Also Genesis 17:21 addresses the Islamic / Jewish question.

Was presented September 13, 2015

Written by: Bill Ferguson

 

Scripture Reading …......................................... John 10: 1 – 21

Also Romans 9:6-12

Referring Scripture ....................Isaiah 40: 1-11.

Responsive Reading …...... Psalm 24 … # 755 & 756

The Words of God for the people of God, thanks be to God!

     Paralleling leaders with shepherds and their people with sheep was a common analogy in the Bible (it still is in the Middle East). Shepherding was a common occupation; many of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) leaders were shepherds, as were most of the ancestors of the entire nation of Israel. God is often called a shepherd and his people the sheep. Several of the

illustrations in verse 1-18 can be readily assigned a symbolic meaning. Here are some examples:

1. The “good shepherd” is the Messiah – who is Christ Jesus

2. The “sheep” are the Jewish believers – followers of Jesus

3. The “sheepfold” is Judaism (and the flock of believers)

4. The “gate” is Jesus - as the way to life

5. The “other sheep” are Gentile (non-Jewish) believers

6. The “gatekeeper” is God

7. The “thief or robber” is Satan or someone up to no good

     The entire passage calls to mind the imagery of Ezekiel 34, where the prophet severely reprimand the false prophets (Israel's evil leaders) and predicted that the true Shepherd (the Messiah) would come and provide God's people with genuine care and leadership. In comparison to the Pharisees, who were bad leaders of God's people, Jesus was (and still is) the true Shepherd of all God's people. The healed man who believed in Jesus (in the previous chapter - who had been born blind) represented all believers who would come out of Judaism to follow Jesus, as sheep follow their shepherd. We must remember that the first Christians were Jews.

     Listen closely to Jesus' words in verse 1 – 2 - NIV. “I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.” The “gate” is the main entrance (is also translated “door” - NKJV).  It is important that we realize that the sheepfold had only one entrance. Jesus explained that anyone who tried to get in any other way besides going through the gate would be a thief and a robber – that person would be up to no good. The gate represents the position of Messiah because Jesus went on to say, “The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep.”

     Listen. Only the shepherd has the right to enter the sheepfold and call his own sheep out to follow him. Friend Jesus is the only way to Salvation. That’s what this scripture is saying. Jesus is the gate and the shepherd. No one else. There is no other door by which we may enter to meet God.

     These words speak clearly to us about false leaders and false religions. Jesus rebuked those who claim to lead God's people without regarding the Messiah (who is in their midst, but unrecognized by them). Such leaders have false ambitions, selfish desires, and evil intentions.

     There is an important lesson here. Listen. Jesus' love for his people is contrasted with the treatment given the people by the Jewish leaders of the day. That contrast would hold for any leader, in any generation (past, present and future), who attempts to use the flock of God to his or her own selfish purposes.

Let’s take a look at the contrast of character:

False Religious Leaders                             Jesus                              

Self-centered                                      From God, is true

(thieves and or hired hands)

Strangers                                            Knows his sheep and they

                                                            recognize him.

Lead sheep away from God               Leads sheep to God

 

Flee when danger threatens               Provides real safety and

                                                           assurance (Psalm 23)

Have no heart of compassion           Lays down his life for the

for the sheep                                      sheep (Psalm 22)

 

Will abandon the sheep in                 Will return for his sheep

time of trouble or danger.                   (Psalm 24)

     Listen to Jesus in verse 3-6 - NIV. “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.” Scripture tells us that “Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.” Jesus explained it in verses 7-11.

     Friend the shepherd is also the gate for the sheep – which in the illustration meant Jesus is the only way to eternal life, the only way into the kingdom of God. The sheepfold of Judaism held some of God's people who had waited the coming of their Shepherd-Messiah (recorded in Isaiah 40:1-11). When the true Shepherd came, believing Jews recognized his voice and followed him. It is important that we realize that not all Jews were God's people. Listen closely to what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 9:6-8, “It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, ‘it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.’ In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.” In Romans 9 Paul address the Islamic/Jewish issue as to who are the true children of Abraham. Read it closely. The promise in Romans 9:9 includes Sarah – Abraham's wife, not Hagar! Hagar is the mother of Islam.

     We could say that this scripture lesson is a revelation in Reverse.  From the vantage point of the resurrection and two thousand years of church history, our position is almost exactly the reverse of what Jesus' listeners experienced. We understand

better what Jesus meant, but are largely unfamiliar with the shepherding process that he described.

     The challenge for us is to take Jesus' self-description seriously. He called himself the Gate and the Good Shepherd. Beloved, Jesus is the entry point and the caring master. The question is: Have you and I responded to his voice and are we following him?

     I'm not out of sermon but I am out of time. Lord willing, we'll continue our study next week and have a part 2.

     Dear Heaven Father, we praise your name. Forgive us of our sins and guide us into thy sheepfold. We ask this in your Son’s name, Amen.

 

  

 

 

 

Hello Family and Friends

Here are my sermon notes from this last Sunday – September 6, 2015

Please feel free to share and copy.       

Title of Sermon:

“Living as those made alive in Christ”

Alternate title: Noise Pollution

Theme addresses:

Moral behavior and the common use of profanity in everyday language.

Living an authentic Christian life. Christian Reality

The message was Presented September 6, 2015 – Communion Sunday.

Written by Bill Ferguson

I’ll be reading from both the King James and New International translation

Scripture Reading…………………….. Colossians 3:1-11

Referring scripture………….… James 5:12, Exodus 20:7

& Psalm 141: 3 - 4

Responsive reading ………Psalm 143…… # 856 – 857

The Words of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

     We learn from today’s scripture that we, as Christians, are to set our sights and focus upon Christ Jesus as Lord, who raised us to new life, for this is our authentic reality. We trust Christ Jesus who sits at God’s right hand in honor and power in the reality of heaven. Friends, because we are heaven bound, we are to set our thoughts and hopes on him. Today’s message is saying: Let Christ Jesus fill our thoughts and take hold of our will so we need not give a thought to earthly troubles and fears. Friends, born again believers are in Christ Jesus. We died to Him and now He is our genuine world and life and we share in His glory. We can put sin and our sinful ways to death, those earthly wants and needs that are bad and cause harm to others and to ourselves. The Apostle Paul tells us to have nothing to do with evil or sin or any kind of anger, greed, filthy language, lying, or any thoughts of impurity or idolatry. For these things stir God’s anger and we do not want that. Listen. When we have received His grace and forgiveness, why would we go back to what hurts others or ourselves? Today’s scripture message is saying: Strip off this old nature of sin and put on His nature of fruitfulness and renewal by clothing yourselves in His goodness with your new nature within you that He created. Scripture tells us that: Neither our nationality nor socioeconomic status matter when we are in Christ Jesus; all that matters is that he is real and true and lives in us. 

     It is not enough just to know what we should know, we must do as we are called to do. We need to not only engage God’s Word, but also obey and practice his precepts. If not, we are not living an authentic Christian life.  How do we do this? Paul tells us to put to death our old man (–our sin and evil desires-) and not only embrace our new lives in Christ Jesus but reside in them as well. As born again Christians, we are to make Christ Jesus first in order to receive His blessings and empowerment! That way, Jesus is our focus and attention rather than our own agendas. Then, we can lead lives of distinction, maturity, and character (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 6:1-14; Eph. 2:1-10).

     Even though Christ Jesus is our reality, we must contend with the reality of daily battles while living in a secular world. While watching television the other night, my wife and I couldn’t help but notice the extreme use of profanity being used. It was disturbing to say the least. After a few moments we changed the channel and, thank God, discovered a much better program.   

     Profanity and crude language are becoming more and more common in our society, not only on prime time television, but in the movies and music as well. The entertainment industry seems to be working overtime to desensitize the American public.  We must not kid ourselves, television and other forms of entertainment hold a great power of influence on the American society. Yes, America reflects much of what we see and hear through our entertainment. Many writers and producers seem to be intent on pushing the limits of how much immoral and offensive behavior and speech the public will allow. For Christians, it is becoming more and more difficult to find entertaining programs that are family friendly and not offensive. Christians are confronted from every direction with secular society’s influence.

     Some people will argue that “words are just words until you put a meaning to it.” That is a nonsensical statement. All words have meaning. It appears that the entertainment industry has done an excellent job of desensitizing the American public to the point that many people (especially the very young or young adults) have no idea of what polite language is.

     Listen. The Bible address the use of profanity and gives us direction. Yet, only a few pay attention. Turn to Colossians 3:8. This section, written by the Apostle Paul, is called rules for Holy Living. It says; “But now you must rid yourself of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”  Now let’s turn to the book of James chapter 3. This section, 3:1-12, is called Taming the Tongue. Look at verse 9-12. And James, the brother of Jesus, says: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.” And our Heavenly Creator says in Exodus 20:7; “You shall not miss use the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.” And Jesus says in Matthew 5:10 -11 “Listen and understand. What goes into a man’s mouth does not make him unclean, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean.” There are many more verses in both the Old and New Testament that address moral behavior.

     “Thou shall not use the Lord thy God’s Name in vain.” Yet, how many times have we all heard “God’s Name” spoken with disrespect, not only on television, but in the movies and in public?

     I am also amazed at how many people who claim Christianity as their faith, yet are not fazed by the current language trend. We even see it posted on Facebook. Profane and vulgar language is noise pollution of the worst kind.

     What does vulgar language do? Let’s make a short investigation.  

1.     Vulgar language dishonors God and degrades men and women. And stings the ears of young children.  

2.     Conversation punctuated by cursing, swear words, and crude or dirty expressions obscures the beauty of noble ideas. It weakens our witness.

3.     Words that condemn others can inflame anger and destroy relationships. They can inflict lasting hurt to sensitive souls who are battered by verbal abuse.

4.     Vulgar language sends the wrong message to young people who are easily influenced by the actions, language and lifestyle of older adults who they look up to.

     What else does vulgar language do?

1.     Ungodly language creates an immoral, unwholesome and un-spiritual atmosphere, which is hostile to clean thinking and clean living.

2.     Its deafening sound can all but drown out the voice of God's Holy Spirit speaking to you.

That's why the Word of God – The Bible - spells out in clear terms the kind of language that must not come from the lips of the followers of Christ Jesus, as well as the kind that should characterize our speech (Colossians 3:8).       

     Centuries ago the psalmist offered a prayer that we would be wise to echo. You might to write this down.  Psalm 141:3 - 4 says; “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.  Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.” Beloved, that prayer is needed today in America and all over the world more than ever before. And we need to pray it daily.

     If you feel the Holy Spirit speaking to you to make a new commitment or recommitment to our Lord Jesus, you are welcome to come forward during our closing hymn or during communion. If you want me to pray with you just ask.

Dear Heavenly Father we praise your Holy Name. Forgive us of our sins and keep a guard over our mouths so that only the words from our mouths will bring glory to you and not weaken our witness. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Communion …………………..…. UMH ………….. # 15 & 16

 

Here’s something for everybody. Be sure to mark your calendars.

                                                  You are invited to see the Kinsmen                                                              

If you enjoy Southern Gospel music, you’ll love the Kinsmen.

Reserve the date – Saturday, May 14, 2016 – 6 P.M.

Pot Luck after the Concert

Free Concert!

Love offerings are appreciated.

Where?

Plummerville United Methodist Church

200 West Church Street

Plumerville, Arkansas 72127

Bill Ferguson, Pastor

When and where?

Plummervillel United Methodist Church

Plumervillel, Arkansas

Don’t forget:

Saturday ……..May 14, 2016.... ....6:00pm

Arrive a little early to get a good seat.

Their CDs will be available!

Plumerville, Arkansas is located only 16 miles from Conway and 6 miles from Morrilton, Arkansas on highway 40 north.

Bring the family and your camera too.

You can hear a sample of their music by Googling:

www.thekinsmen.com and then clicking on THE KINSMEN QUARTET

Special Announcement

Att.: Plummerville United Methodist Church

And all Central District Churches

The Central District Conference

Will be Sunday, September 13, 2015

Beginning at 2:30 P.M.

At North Little Rock First United Methodist Church

6701 JFK Boulevard

North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116

Church Phone: 501 - 836-2201

Pastor and PPR Committee need to attend.

For more information Contact District Office:

Fonda Kirkman
Central District, Administrator
2 Country Club Circle, Box 1
Suite 101
Maumelle AR  72113
Office #'s (501) 851-1433 and/or (501) 851-1532

Cell # (501) 428-6434
Fax # (877)867-5308
Email: fkirkman@arumc.org

 

Hello Family and Friends,

Here are my sermon notes from yesterday, Sunday, August 30, 2015

Sermon title:

“Spiritual Blindness” – Part 4 of 4

Series title: “God May Use Our Suffering”
Introduction: Over the past few weeks we’ve been investigating John Chapter 9.
There has been so much to glean from this one chapter that we’ve extended our study for four sessions. Today is the last session in the series on Spiritual Blindness. Theme is: Spiritual Blindness, Salvation and Jesus is Light for a World lost in darkness. The lessons learned here are applicable to all generations. Jesus often uses physical objects, or settings to depict a certain spiritual aspect of the kingdom of God, his life and purpose and to teach a lesson. He does this with the man born blind. Jesus shows us through the healing of the blind man that God can demonstrate his power through our challenges. Notice that Jesus did not restore the man’s sight but gave him new sight. This is a picture of Salvation at work. Spiritual Blindness is a serious condition that affects everyone. We know from examples given in scripture and world history that spiritually blind political and religious leaders, can lead entire nations in to darkness. World I and II are good examples.  Right now our Country is struggling in darkness and is in desperate need of prayer, strong witnessing Christians and God’s intervention.

Was presented August 30, 2015

Written by: Reverend Bill Ferguson

Scripture Reading …....................................... John 9: 35 – 41

Referring Scripture............................................ Isaiah 42: 6 - 7

(optional reading: Isaiah 5: 20)

Responsive Reading …...... Psalm 1... UMH #738

The Words of God for the people of God, thanks be to God!

     Let’s have a quick review from last week. Jesus found a man born blind, put mud on his eyes and gave him a command that would uncover whether or not this man was ready to receive sight. Here was his chance to really see Jesus if he followed his command to go and wash in the pool of Siloam. The scripture message is asking: Are we (you and I) ready to receive complete spiritual vision and really see Jesus? Are we willing to follow his command?

     Right before our very own eyes we saw faith in progression –faith in action. We were given an example of witnessing by a formerly blind man. The experience/lesson of the blind is directed to everyone. In verse 13 – 34 the religious leaders questioned the formerly blind man. The Pharisees were unable to stop (throttle) the healed beggar's willingness to testify for Jesus. In fact the more the Pharisees questioned this man who had received his new sight, the stronger and clearer he became about who Jesus is. Their blind obstinacy helped his clarity and fortified his faith.

Let’s see how his vision cleared:

1. At first (in 9:11) the man recognized his healer as “the man called Jesus.” He recognized Yeshua by name.

2. Then in 9:17 he knew that Jesus was “a prophet” sent by God.

3. In 9:32-33 he saw Jesus as the One who was “from God” and had performed a miracle never done before.

4. Finally, in 9:35-38, when confronted by Jesus, he believed that Jesus is the “Son of Man,” the Messiah, worthy of worship.

     All the scriptures in this chapter lead up to today's message from Jesus about spiritual blindness. One of the lessons found here is; “Unless we have suffered rejection for our faith, we may not be able to identify with the state of this man whom Jesus healed.”  If we have not suffered rejection for our faith, perhaps we have not been sharing the Gospel story. This is a story of challenges, changes, conflict and persecution – all of which are ingredients of being a disciple of Christ Jesus. And it is a mirrored image of spiritual growth. In a single day, the man went from being a disabled outcast in society to a celebrity who had miraculously received his sight. He then moved to being a witness in court where he was treated like a criminal, and finally to being an outcast again (literally being thrown out of the church) for simply telling the truth as he clearly saw it.

         After the man had been thrown out of the synagogue, Jesus intervened in the man’s life again. Jesus asked a question that would uncover whether or not this man was ready to receive complete vision – both physical and spiritual. The man's understanding of the One who had healed him had already expanded considerably. But, here was his chance to really see Jesus. Jesus asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The Son of Man is the title of the Messiah. Perhaps the man instantly recognized Jesus by his voice. The man expressed immediate desire to believe, which here means not just intellectual recognition, but wholehearted trust.  Listen. God desires our heart attitude and wholehearted trust.

     This is a story of 20/20 Vision.  The man had been born blind but Jesus gave him new vision. The longer this man experienced his new life through Christ Jesus, the more confident he became of the One who had healed him. Listen. The man gained not only physical sight but spiritual sight as he recognized Jesus first as a prophet (verse 17), then as his Lord and Savior. Listen friend, when you turn to Christ Jesus you begin to see him differently and you see the world differently. The longer you and I walk with him, the better we will understand who he is. The Apostle/Disciple Simon Peter tells us in 2^nd Peter 3:18 to:  “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Today's scripture message is saying: If we want to know more about Jesus, keep walking with him and keep studying God’s love letter.

     Scripture tells us that the man asked who the Son of Man was. When Jesus told him, the man responded with: “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him. The man acted on his new-

found faith – by worshiping Jesus. He may have just been kicked out of the synagogue, but he had found true worship in the Messiah. His personal belief is the high point of John's narrative. This man's belief sharply contrasts with the blindness of the religious leaders. Have you found true worship in the Messiah?

     In the background of the man's willing trust and worship we hear the religious leaders mumbling, incensed that Jesus was unwilling to recognize their spiritual stature, Jesus diagnosed their problem as ongoing, profound, spiritual blindness coupled with guilt.

     Listen to Jesus' words in verse 39: “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” Wait a minute brother Bill! Does Jesus' words here contradict his statement in John 3:17? Well, let’s read John 3:17: “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world: but that the world through him might be saved”? Sounds contradictory but the answer is “No!” How’s that?; we might ask. Listen Jesus did not execute judgment during his years on earth, although he would do that in the future. However, his words here reveal that as the Light of the World, he sees and reveals peoples innermost thoughts and deepest motives. In so-doing, he “judges” or separates those who claim to have great spiritual knowledge (when in fact they are blind), from those who humbly seek to follow God and who thus find the Savior.

     John 9 would make a wonderful script for a play or movie. It would be an ultimate adventure/drama! Picture this. The innocent hero, a disabled victim, is expelled from his home and lives on the fringe of society. He becomes a beggar and social reject. The religious people suspect his parents committed some heinous sin, possibly before he was born. Thus, they reason the cause of the man’s blindness.

     Into our hero's life steps a remarkable stranger who heals his blindness. The blind man is told to wash off some miracle mud. He receives new sight and he loses track of the one who gave him this new sight. Strangely, no one recognizes the miracle that has just happened to the man or share in his joy. Instead, they treat him as if he has contracted am infectious disease! Even his parents maintain their distance. Finally, as he explains over and over what happened and what he thinks about the man who healed him, he finds himself thrown into the street. He’s been excommunicated from the church. He’s an outcast of society. It is only then that he finally meets Jesus face-to-face and completely believes.

     Think this is a fantasy? Quite the contrary.  This is a message to us. Dramas like this happen every day. Listen. By relating this incident, John prepares those who follow Jesus to expect opposition and challenges from nonbelievers – relatives, close friends, and even religious forms. Friend, the trials of those who trust Jesus are real. The backlash and rejection can take financial, family (familial), social and religious forms. It takes courage and conviction to keep on following Christ Jesus. Being a Christian is not for wimps. Being a Christian is a life long journey. It’s not a destination. Words written in Psalm 27:10 offer us encouragement; “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”

     You could say that this story is about choosing blindness. The religious leaders chose blindness instead of light. The Pharisees were shocked that Jesus thought they were spiritually blind. Jesus countered by saying that it was only spiritual blindness (their stubbornness and stupidity) that could excuse their behavior. To those who remained open and recognized how sin had truly blinded them from knowing the truth, Jesus gave

spiritual understanding, hope and insight. But he rejected those who had become complacent, self-satisfied, self-centered and “blind.”  

     Listen. Spiritual blindness describes the worst form of judgment. However, there is good news. The Light of the World, Jesus, gives us a glimmer of hope. All of us need to follow the Light given to us. Otherwise we are left with nothing but our blind judgment and self-darkening opinions. Friend, the message is urgent. Yes, we have an urgent message to share. We must reach out to others. Let others know that when we reject Jesus as the Light of the World we become Spiritually Blind.

     If you have never made a profession of faith or if you feel you need to make a recommitment to Christ Jesus, you are invited to come forward during our closing hymn. I’ll wait for you.

Dear Heavenly Father, we praise Your Holy Name. Forgive us of our sins and lead us into Your Light, anoint us with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

     

                   

 

Hello Family and Friends,

Here is my sermon notes from Sunday, August 23, 2015

Sermon Title: “Clearer Vision” – Part 3 of 4

Series title: “God May Use Our Suffering” Alternate Title: Once I was Blind, Now I can see. Incident: Here, the religious leaders question a formerly blind man and when they are not satisfied with his answers they excommunicate him. Theme is: The main theme in chapter 9 is Spiritual Blindness and coming to Salvation. Some Lessons: Jesus is Light for a Spiritually Blind World. God can demonstrate his power through our problems. Please note that the word “Jews” in verse 18 is in reference to the religious leaders not the people of Israel in general.

Was presented Sunday, August 23, 2015

Written by: Bill Ferguson

Scripture Reading …......................................... John 9: 13 – 34

Referring Scripture.......................................... Isaiah 42:6-7

Responsive Reading ………….... Psalm 1 ………………….. UMH #738

The Words of God for the people of God, thanks be to God!

 

     Right before our very own eyes we see faith in progress. In verse 13 – 34 the religious leaders questioned the formerly blind man. The religious leaders were unable to stop (throttle) the healed beggar's willingness to testify for Jesus. In fact the more the Pharisees questioned this man who had received his sight, the stronger and clearer the man became about who Jesus is. Their blind obstinacy helped his clarity.

Let’s investigate and see how his vision gradually cleared:

1. At first, in 9:11, the man recognized his healer as “the man called Jesus.” He recognized Yeshua by name.

2. Then in 9:17 he believed that Jesus was “a prophet.”

3. Then, in 9:32-33, he saw Jesus as the One who was “from God” and had performed a miracle never done before. The healed man’s faith was getting stronger. He was growing spiritually.

4. Then finally, in 9:35-38, when confronted by Jesus, he believed that Jesus is the “Son of Man” (the Messiah, worthy of worship). In the man born blind, we see a progression of faith in action.

     It shouldn't come as a surprise to us that the healing of the man born blind should cause a stir. For one thing, his healing on a Sabbath caused so much stir that the people brought it to the attention of the Pharisees.

     Because the people discovered both a miracle and a mystery surrounding the healing of the blind man, they took him to what they  considered to be the most dependable place for exploring such matters. The Pharisees quickly concluded that whatever else the healer might be, he wasn't from God, for otherwise he would not work on the Sabbath. The religious leaders had much to learn about

God's Sabbath. In their quest for “truth,” these Pharisees tried a number of explanations to invalidate the miracle: 1. perhaps the man had not been blind from birth or had not been totally blind; 2. Perhaps God did this miracle directly (the Pharisees would not recognize a human agent involved in the healing).

     When the formerly blind man pointed out the obvious answers that they had been so studiously avoiding, they responded by viciously berating him and expelling him from their presence. In essence, they excommunicated the man from the Temple. He was no longer welcomed to come and worship.

     The astonishing fact of the man's newly given vision eluded this group as if they were blind themselves. Indeed they were blind. But their blindness was not physical. Their blindness was spiritual. Later Jesus pointed this out as their problem, over their strenuous (strong) objections.  

      Isn’t it interesting that no one cheers and congratulates the man on his healing? Instead, they (the religious leaders) condemn the healed man and they condemned Jesus for doing good on the Sabbath. Jesus' message is saying: “It is right and good to care for others in need even if it involves working on a day of rest.” Friend, God requires compassion not ritual.

     Because the formerly blind man had been blind during the interview with Jesus, he couldn't tell the Pharisees who Jesus was. He could only exclaim, “I washed, and now I see.” Soon the formerly blind man would see even more clearly. Oh, that all human-kind would echo; “I was washed and now I see.”

     As time progressed the man had clearer vision and understanding. Listen, as we grow in faith, like this man who was once blind, we too will have a clearer vision and understanding.  Friend, our personal description of Jesus to others makes an impact. It did with this man. John, the disciple, encourages all of us whose eyes, hearts, and minds have been opened by Christ Jesus to speak out for the Lord. This lesson is for us because the formerly blind man's vision of Jesus got clearer and clearer as he reflected on what had happened and listened to the accusers frantically trying to discredit what he knew to be undeniably true. The message is saying: As we grow spiritually, we too will understand more clearly.  At first his description of Jesus wasn't accurate, but it was heartfelt. He said what he understood. Listen. New believers often bring this quality of freshness and earnestness to their statements about Jesus. How quickly we forget the wonder of being able to see spiritually for the first time! The scripture message asks: “Do you remember when you began to see more clearly?”

     Listen. Believers can testify that we were once blind to our own separation from God, blind to our need, blind to God's influence in our lives, and blinded by the world around us. Friend we may not be able to explain in detail how Jesus has done what he has done in our lives, but we can say with conviction: Once I was blind, now I can see!

     The religious leaders still did not believe that the man had been blind so they called for his parents to testify. They, apparently, were hoping the man's parents would refute their own son's testimony.

Now watch what the parents do. It’s tragic. They knew their son, and they knew his previous condition, but how he could see, they didn't know. Instead of giving praise for their son's healer, they responded, “Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” The parents didn't deny their son's story, but neither did they support the claim their son had. Perhaps their statement reflects their unbelief. We know from verse 22-23 that their son had been excommunicated. We can assume that they were intimidated by the Pharisees and were afraid they too would be excommunicated. I feel that this is a mirrored look at how some non-believing parents may react when a miracle happens to their child or when their child (even if their child is an adult) becomes a believer – Born Again. Non believing parents often struggle with the idea that their child has become a Born Again believer. Sometimes these non-believing parents not only reject the faith but their child as well. I've seen situations where non-believing parents try and lead their new Christian child in another direction – even to another religion. They confuse their own children.

     The Pharisees summoned the man a second time. They tried to make the man confess his wrong in proclaiming Jesus as a prophet and to make him agree with them that Jesus was a sinner.

     The religious leaders were looking for a loophole. In reviewing the case, the Pharisees had no intention of believing or following the One who had performed the healing miracle. They wanted to disqualify Jesus. They avoided the truth in their quest for a loophole. Listen. There are many in this generation who still search for a loophole to support their unbelief. In doing this they are choosing to walk in the darkness. In reality they are in rebellion against God and that, my friend, is very dangerous.

     Occasionally we will meet people who only want to argue and debate the merits and claims of Jesus without ever deciding to follow him. Like the Pharisee, they mask their rejection under a thin cover of inquiry. Perhaps, like the Pharisees, they have too much to lose. Or they think they do. Prestige, power, and personal independence are hard to give up. It is easier to keep the argument on intellectual grounds than to face our spiritual and moral shortcomings. Sometimes, people have worked hard to get to their comfortable place in life and are unwilling to consider change. Friend, we must help them see that Christ Jesus gives both the power and the desire to change. Oh, change might not happen overnight. Often change is gradual over a period of time.

     Notice what the man said (verse 25), “One thing I know: I was blind, now I see.” Many Christians, having been blind and then receiving spiritual sight, have testified the same!  Listen. Believers don't need to know all the answers before they share Christ Jesus with others. All they must know is how Jesus changed their lives and how he’s working in us now. Each of us is our own expert in that topic!  We should tell people what Jesus did for us, and trust God to help our words draw others to him. We’ll continue with the conclusion of our series next week.

     If you feel the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart to make a new commitment, or to rededicate your life, you are welcome to come forward during our closing hymn.

     Dear Heavenly Father, we praise Your Name. Forgive us of our sins. Thank You for Your gift of spiritual sight through Christ Jesus. Continue to lead us that we may see you more clearly, follow you more nearly, and love you more dearly.  In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.