Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

John 12:23 "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." We continue to study the questions that Jesus asked. This week's question will take us to the heart of what it means to glorify GOD. Yesterday we read from the book of Ecclesiastes. Written approximately three thousand years ago by King Solomon. Even back then, people knew "the whole duty of man" was to "Fear God, and keep His commandments." We also looked at the way the Westminster Shorter Catechism says it, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” When people think of "GLORY" today, we perceive that someone is at the top of their game. Maybe even champions! Definitions say "Great honor, praise, or distinction accorded by common consent; renown." Is this what GOD means?  In today's verse, Jesus said "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." Jesus is on His way to the cross. ...

Ecclesiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." Last week we studied the parable of the ONE lost sheep. In it Jesus explained that He wants us to help others find their way back to faith. No one is ever too far gone. Shepherd them back to the Lord. Don't give up. Don't be intimidated by what others might think and say. Get out there to find them. Even in difficult and dark places. When they are found, there is REJOICING in heaven! We need to align our hearts and minds with God. This has eternal implications for us, our family, our friends, and our world. For today's verse we go WAY back to the book of Ecclesiastes. Written approximately three thousand years ago by King Solomon. The very wise son of King David. He knew a lot back then. Some things that people of today have forgotten. The biggest one, "the whole duty of man." It doesn't get much plainer than th...

Luke 15:7 "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." The words of our Lord and Savior. More joy in heaven over the FOUND sheep! In the final verse of this parable, Jesus explains that the ONE lost sheep is "a sinner." We were all lost sheep at one time. We want to help others find their way back to faith. Lost Sheep need your help and care. Get them safe from abuse and danger. Reach out to them, even the abuser. Go out after the lost. We need help from the Holy Ghost. Let it sink in. No one is ever too far gone. Shepherd them back to the Lord. Because God wants to celebrate their return! Keep looking UNTIL they are found. Bring the missing back into the flock of faith. Don't give up. Be tenacious. Jesus went the distance for you. You probably know 4 to 7 people who are missing. Bring them back. Invite them to church. Don't be intimidated by what...

Luke 15:6 "And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost." In the parable of the ONE lost sheep, Jesus asked "Will you search for ONE lost sheep?" 1 out of 100 is NOT significant. 1% loss is not a big deal. But, it's a sheep. It's separated from the others. It is in danger. It is alone and afraid. It needs to be found. When it is found, there is REJOICING by all! In the final verse of this parable, Jesus explains that the ONE lost sheep is "a sinner." We were all lost sheep at one time. We want to help others find their way back to faith. Lost Sheep need your help and care. Get them safe from abuse and danger. Reach out to them, even the abuser. Go out after the lost. We need help from the Holy Ghost. Let it sink in. No one is ever too far gone. Shepherd them back to the Lord. Because God wants to celebrate their return! Keep looking UNTIL they ar...

Luke 15:5 "And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing." Jesus is telling the parable of the ONE lost sheep to His audience. Jesus asked "Will you search for ONE lost sheep?" 1 out of 100 is NOT significant. Right? We are often very happy with 99 of 100. 1% loss is not much. But, it's a sheep. It's separated from the others. It is in danger. It is alone and afraid. It needs to be found. "And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing." REJOICING! And the sheep is happy, too. In the final verse of this parable, Jesus explains that the ONE lost sheep is "a sinner." We all want to help the lost sheep get back to the herd. Where do we look for the lost sheep? They are right under our noses. The undesirable people. They need your help and care. Get them safe from abuse and danger. Reach out to them, even the abuser. Go out after the lost. We cannot do this on our own. We need help from the Holy Ghos...

Luke 15:4 "What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?" Jesus attracted an audience that is sinners, traitors, Pharisees and scribes. A volatile mix of people. Some look to Him for salvation. Some are looking to discredit Him, maybe even arrest Him. Today's verse is the start of Jesus's parable for this audience. This is a brilliant technique because believers will pick up on the spiritual truths but the people hostile to Jesus's teaching will not understand. In today's verse, Jesus asks "Will you search for ONE lost sheep?" It's a GREAT question. 1 out of 100 is NOT significant. We are often very happy with 99 of 100. 1% loss is not much. "Will you search for ONE lost sheep?"

Luke 15:3 "And He spake this parable unto them, saying," As Jesus's ministry grew, word spread. This attracted the type of people you would expect, "sinners." The type of people, ostracized by good upstanding Jews, that were coming to hear what Jesus was teaching. This inspired the Pharisees and scribes to MURMUR. They concluded that if Jesus treats sinners kindly, He must be okay with what they do. The Pharisees and scribes also insinuated that Jesus is of similar character. Disgusting behavior by the Pharisees and scribes. With this volatile mix of people listening Jesus tells a parable. Parables are earthly stories with a deeper, spiritual significance. This is a brilliant solution because believers will pick up on the spiritual truths but the people hostile to Jesus's teaching will not understand.