Bread of Life

I. Blessed: Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.

Many of us would like to live in better world. This better world is one where people would do what is right. Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness can be filled in Christ. We are changed by the presence of God in our lives. We are able to discern what is right and God gives us the power to do what is right with God’s help.

This is an imperfect system in this life. Our flesh is weak and there are times that we do not do what is right.

In heaven, that will all be changed. In heaven, life will be perfect. It will be righteous.

II. Bread of Heaven: John 6:32-35*

 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. ³³ For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

³⁴ Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.”

³⁵ And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.

In Christ we find fulfillment. If we are looking for righteousness, it can be found in Christ. In our relationship with Christ, our lives can be made complete. We do not need to look further.

III. Living Bread: John 6:47-51

 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes ^[a]in Me has everlasting life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. ⁵⁰ This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”

In Christ we find new life. This life does not begin after death. It begins the moment that we respond to Christ with faith. He sends His Spirit into our heart and we begin a new life. A life that is not simply of the flesh, but now of the Spirit. This life can only be found in Christ. There is no other option. In Christ we find life that is both abundant and eternal.

IV. Light: John 8:12

 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

A life with Christ is different. It is different in a very good way. If we try to navigate a dark room we may bump into all kinds of things. If we turn on the light, we can see where we are going. With Christ in our life, we can walk in the light. God will guide us by His Word and by His Spirit. Life with Christ is so much better.

If you are looking for a fulfilling life both now and for eternity, it may be found in Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life.

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*John 6:35 is the memory verse for this week.

These are the sermon notes from 5/16/21. All scriptures are from the New King James Version of the Bible. If you wish to view the message as it was preached you may view it at: https://www.facebook.com/116005455113481/videos/854811598451847

What Do You Seek?

I. What Do You Seek? John 1:35-39a

Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. ³⁶ And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

³⁷ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

³⁹ He said to them, “Come and see”

So, it is a good question to ask. “What do you seek?” Some are seeking for meaning or purpose in their lives. Some are seeking hope for the future. Some are seeking help for problems. Some are seeking forgiveness. Some are seeking peace. Some are seeking love.

I would suggest that all of these things can be found in God. We should seek God.

II. Seek God: Jeremiah 29:11-13

 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. ¹² Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.

A. Encounter God

We should seek God with all of our hearts and in all parts of our lives.

The Word: We can encounter God in the Word. God has revealed Himself through scripture and as we read it, God may speak to our hearts. It is not just an intellectual activity. It is spiritual.

Prayer: When we pray it is not just listing off a number of things that we want from God. We should listen to God. He may speak to us. Even if He does not speak to us we should quietly sit in His presence.

Worship: Singing songs of worship is not simply making music. It is an opportunity for heaven and earth to come together.

Community: We can encounter God in our relationships with each other. We are not meant to live in isolation but in the community of faith.

Service: We can encounter God when we serve the church, our community or others.

Life: Actually, Jesus has promised to be with us always, not just on specific religious occasions. We should ask God to open our eyes that we may see Jesus in all aspects of our lives.

B. Response: I John 4:19*

We love Him because He first loved us.

When we encounter God, we will be overwhelmed by His love for us. We will love Him in return.

III. Rejoice!: Psalms 100

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!
² Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
³ Know that the Lord, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

⁴ Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
⁵ For the Lord is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.

A. Gladness: The Christian life should be marked by joy and gladness. This joy does not come from the things of the world, but rather by the presence of God in our lives.

B. Thankful: The more that we encounter God, the more thankful we will be for all that He has done for us.

C. God is Good: The longer we walk with God, the more we will see the goodness of God.

So, what are you seeking?

I would strongly encourage you to seek God.

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These are the sermon notes from the message that I preached on May 2nd, 2021. All scripture quotes are from the New King James Version of the Bible. The * symbol identifies the memory verse for this week. If you would like to listen to the message as it was preached at the 8:30 service you may view it at: https://www.facebook.com/116005455113481/videos/2502427356733258