Sermons and Biblical Studies

EPHESIANS 2:1–10 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). Before completing our study of John 3, let us explore what it means to be born again in more detail. We will be basing our next five studies on R. C. Sproul’s series Born Again. Unfortunately, the doctrine of … Continue reading “OUR NEED OF GOD’S GRACE”

JOHN 3:18–21 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19). One of the primary focal points of Scripture involves teaching on God’s judgment. This doctrine, which is so prominent in both the Old and New Testaments, … Continue reading “UNDER CONDEMNATION”

JOHN 3:9–17 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should no perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Nicodemus, blinded by his system of salvation by works, could not grasp the meaning of being born again. Jesus rebukes him for his lack of understanding, … Continue reading “CHRIST, THE ONLY WAY”

JOHN 3:1–8 Do not marvel that I said to you, “You must be born again” (John 3:7). Nicodemus was a Pharisee. This party found its origins in the period preceding the Maccabean wars when Jewish groups reacted strongly against the secularism of the Hellenistic world. Those Jews who abhorred the idolatrous customs of the Greeks … Continue reading “BREAKING RELIGIOUS BARRIERS”

JOHN 2:23–25 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them because He knew all men (John 2:24). John tells us that many people in Jerusalem saw Jesus’ miracles and believed in His name. This is not to say that they had saving faith because a person can believe many things about Jesus’ character and not … Continue reading “DISCERNER OF HEARTS”

JOHN 2:18–22 Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19). Once Jesus had cleared the temple of its “thieves” and “robbers,” the temple authorities confronted Him. Jesus acted as a reformer and evoked the name of God as His authority. The religious leaders wanted to know what sign He … Continue reading “THE SIGN OF THE TEMPLE”

JOHN 2:13–17 Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house of merchandise (John 2:16). At the time of the Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem to keep the feast. When He arrived, He found the temple filled with merchants and money changers. Many of the people had turned religion into a motivation for … Continue reading “CLEARING THE TEMPLE”

JOHN 2:1–12 This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him (John 2:11). Jesus first revealed His divine authority at a wedding. He is the Bridegroom who has come to bring His holy bride, the church, into His kingdom. How appropriate, then, that our … Continue reading “FROM WATER TO WINE”

JOHN 1:50–51 Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (John 1:51). Deeply moved by Jesus’ penetrating knowledge of his own soul, Nathaniel made a glorious proclamation: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King … Continue reading “JACOB’S LADDER”

JOHN 1:43–49 Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel! (John 1:49). As Jesus travels north to Galilee, He adds Philip and Nathaniel to His small group of disciples. To Philip He simply says, “Follow Me,” which Philip immediately and willingly does. May each of us be so quick and … Continue reading “THE CALLING OF NATHANIEL”