FBCGridley

John 9 records an incident when Jesus healed a man of both physical and spiritual blindness. This man was really hurting. He was born blind. He had never seen the loving expression of his parents. He had never seen the magnificence of the Temple in Jerusalem. He had never seen the blossom of a tree. He existed by sitting by the road begging. He was kind of the outcast of society. He was aching for some meaning to life. But Jesus brought hope to this blind man, both for time and eternity. So, let's look at the story and see the parallels between physical and spiritual blindness because all of us could use a healing touch from Jesus. ​ As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” John 9:1-2

There's a woman in the Bible named Leah, who was disrespected by the people who mattered the most to her. But Leah met her fears head-on and made the most of the opportunity that God gave her. ​Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25

Close friends are people we’re so comfortable with that we visit in one another's homes, we go to games together, out to eat together on a regular basis. And we know we can call on those friends in time of trouble. They will be there. That's what a brother is for. The Old Testament characters of David and Jonathan provide a good example of intimate friendship in the Bible. ​A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17

The night of Jesus' arrest and trial, Peter was warming his hands at the fire in the High Priest's courtyard. When accused of being one of Jesus' disciple's, with cowardice he betrayed his master. Later at Pentecost, this same Peter preached in the power of the Holy Spirit with boldness calling the same people who crucified Jesus to give their lives to Christ. Some 3000 responded. What happened in the life of Peter to bring about that dramatic change? How was it that he made the most of this second chance that he was given? ​ I think the reason for his transformation can be identified in a large part to this encounter that is recorded in John 21. Every one needs a second chance. God wants to transform each of us into consistent effective servants. "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." Acts 2:36

Most Christians say that they believe in prayer, but in reality they don’t see much power in it because they don’t pray very much. If we saw more power, we would pray more frequently with a sense of anticipation and we’d give God the credit when prayer was answered. We all could say with Jesus’ disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1). Prayer can take the average Christian life and turn it into an effective, powerful life if we put it into practice. So let’s try to learn from James about what makes prayer an energizing force in our lives and in our world. ​Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

We all want to be chosen first with enthusiasm. We want to be significant. God has placed a desire in the heart of every one of us to achieve and to be important. But like all basic drives, it is crucial that this craving for importance be channeled in the right direction. That's what Solomon was talking about when he wrote, “And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:4 Solomon not looking from the ground up as his vantage point is from the top. And he's looking around at the others in those top positions. Solomon warns against ambition out of control. The key is not only balance, but pursuing the right kind of prosperity. Let's look at the difference between worldly success on one hand, and spiritual significance on the other. And be reminded that, it is the task of the Christian to live our lives counter to the culture. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13

There are a lot of Christian people who believe that when they accept Christ they have eternal life, but they don't understand the riches that are theirs as they go through this life. The Bible talks about, “the un-searchable riches of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:8-9) and Jesus said, “I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 In Romans 5 Paul is going to list some of the significant benefits that we have, once we understand that we are made righteous in God’s sight—not by our works, but by faith. There are so many benefits, he lists 7, that we see in the first 11 verses of Romans 5. ​ For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. Romans 3:28

Today we are discussing Christian love and its proper expression in the church. The Bible as a great deal to say about the subject. It is the single most important virtue in the fellowship of believers. But the world also has a great deal to say about love. There are all kinds of theories that are advanced by the experts of this age. There is a distinction between the love that is offered by Jesus Christ and that which is usually practiced in the world. ​By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

David distinguished himself as a man of God, a writer of the book of Psalms, a leader of men who just oozed charisma. But David's record was not without blemish. He had trouble at home and eventually, his marriage fell apart altogether. If marriage is ordained by God to be the highest of all human relationships, why do so many marriages break down? More importantly, how can we prevent this kind of disaster from happening to us? Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Hebrews 13:4

​ There is a spiritual hunger in every one of us just as real and needed as bodily hunger. When that is satisfied, it brings about spiritual strength and contentment. But when it is denied, it produces restlessness pain, and sometimes irrational behavior. Many people are familiar with the feeding of the 5000, an incredible miracle. This is the only miracle in all of the Bible with the exception of Jesus' resurrection, which is repeated in all four gospels. But do you know what happened immediately after the feeding of the 5000? Usually, it's overlooked, but that section that follows in John 6 is even more important. So, let's look at the feeding of the 5000 and then the discussion that follows that talks about food for the soul. ​ Jesus said, Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 10:35

Instinctively, almost from birth, we resist authority. We don't want any authority figure telling us what to do. ​ There's a sense in which every newborn is, “high maintenance.” They want their own way. And that drive for Independence surfaces in youth, in temper tantrums, and pouting spells, open defiance. Or they are just saying, “Please mommy, let me do it myself.” ​ But when we become a Christian, we make a deliberate choice to submit our wills to the authority of God. We repent of our self-will. We swallow our pride. We surrender our egos. And we say, “Lord Jesus, I am in need of a Savior. I submit to you as my God and my Sovereign in all things. No longer my will be done, but thine be done.” ​ Luke 20 relates that Jesus’ enemies challenged His authority. The religious leaders confronted Him with three difficult questions in an attempt to undermine His credibility. ​ If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:19

​ Somebody said, “There are three essentials for a meaningful life. Someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.” Life can’t be meaningful if we don't have something to hope for in the future. The message of the gospel is a message of eternal hope. No matter how grim the situation, there's always hope in God. The Psalmist asked, Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God Psalm 42:5 ​The apostle Paul wrote, we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10 God's power to revive hope is best seen in the story of the resurrection of Jesus from the grave.

James 1:13-18 There are times in the Christian life when our heart desires things that are not in the best interest of our family, our church, or ourselves. And if we can learn to say no, even though it's difficult at the moment—ultimately, that discipline will have positive results. All of us need some practical instruction about how to cope with temptation. ​ When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; James 1:13

Illustrated from the Life of Samuel Men tend to derive their self-worth based upon their performance in their career or their job. That’s why it is so crucial for fathers to show love in a variety of ways to their kids. One way is through the words they use and say. Your words have the power to encourage or to decimate that little child’s mind and their dreams for the future. ​Solomon said in Proverbs 18:21, The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. So be careful of your words and invest your time. ​

James 1:19-27 It is not always wrong to be angry. Some anger is normal. But the Christian has to learn to control their temper. There is such a thing as righteous indignation, getting angry at the right things at the right time in the right way. The Bible frequently speaks of “God's wrath being kindled against the wickedness of this world.” The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness Romans 1:18 James cautions us, My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, James 1:19

The Sermon on the Mouth James 3:1-12 The third chapter of James focuses on the awesome power of the spoken word. James insists, If we're going to behave as Christians, we have to learn to control our speech. James begins by emphasizing the positive power of the tongue. Human speech has its dangers, but the ability to speak is a tremendous blessing. James 3:1-12

We in America have this privilege of choosing our occupation. That is not the case in many cultures today where the government assigns a personal job or whether parents decide. But we have this opportunity to choose and that's both the distinct privilege and a heavy responsibility. Some high school and college young people are churning over what to do with their lives. Some people do not finding fulfillment in their current career. You may be contemplating changing jobs. Some counsel Children or others in school. ​Here are three basic principles that apply to discerning God’s will in your life and that can be applied to finding God's will at work. ​ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10 ​

Romans 8:18-28 ​ Why is there so much suffering in the world? That’s a question that cynics have asked for a long time. They'll say either God doesn't have the power or He does not care. In Romans 8, beginning with verse 18 Paul talks about how the Christian can survive and win the victory over suffering. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

Luke 10:25-37 ​ The parable of the Good Samaritan is about reaching out to needy people. All around us people are not only wounded physically by the violence in our culture, but many also hide emotional and spiritual wounds. The Christian's attitude towards ministry and how they are willing to "do church" affects their effectiveness in God's Kingdom and their ultimate reward in heaven. ​Jesus told this parable in response to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" ​In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. Luke 10:30Luke 10:25-37 ​ The parable of the Good Samaritan is about reaching out to needy people. All around us people are not only wounded physically by the violence in our culture, but many also hide emotional and spiritual wounds. ​ The Christian's attitude towards ministry and how they are willing to "do church" affects their effectiveness in God's Kingdom and their ultimate reward in heaven. ​ Jesus told this parable in response to the question, "Who is my neighbor?" ​ In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. Luke 10:30

Satan would have you believe that if you fall in the Christian life you're finished. If you doubt you can't be restored to faith. Or, Satan would lull you into the opposite extreme of believing that sin doesn't really matter. You can live as you please and God's grace will cover you. But the Bible makes it clear that the Christian life is a gift and a growth. As a gift we are given salvation absolutely free of charge. God does not require that we earn salvation by living a perfect life. Nor do we earn it on the installment plan. But He does expect us to grow to maturity. Sometimes that growth is 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 1 John 2:1

The increase in live-in relationships is also an indication that a lot of people are disillusioned with marriage. Many people have been deeply wounded by miserable relationships. Or they've seen friends in unsuccessful marriages and they don't want that to happen to them. And somehow they are convinced that the problem is with the institution of marriage itself rather than the relationships of the people involved. The solution is not abandoning the institution of marriage, but returning to God’s intent of what marriage was meant to be. ​ For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. Genesis 2:24

​ Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving ahead in spite of your fear. If you're you have no fear it takes no courage to perform. A courageous person is one who accomplishes the task in spite of fear, because it's the right thing to do. The bravery of John the Baptist is best seen in his courageous confrontation of sin. John was very outspoken against the evils of his day. He was so vocal that he didn't live long, but the effect of his ministry lasted forever. We could use some of John's courage in confronting some of the important evils of our day. ​ People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming… Matthew 3:5-7

Some have classified Jesus as a good moral teacher, the founder of a world religion. And they said He should be respected like Mohammed or Dalai Lama. Others suggested that Jesus was self-deluded, a madman like Jim Jones or David Koresh. He claimed supernatural powers and was able to persuade a handful of followers to die for him. Evangelical Christians believe that Jesus was God in the flesh, that He died for our sins, He rose from the dead. And the real question shouldn't be who WAS Jesus, but who IS Jesus—because He is alive today. Who was Jesus? The answer to that question will dramatically impact how you think, feel, and behave daily. ​Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey Zechariah 9:9

​Only the Lord can satisfy that hunger for the hope of eternal life, forgiveness of sins, unconditional love, and a purpose for living. In Luke 14 Jesus told a parable that likened the Kingdom of God to a sumptuous banquet. The church, the Kingdom of God on earth, should be a place where the spiritually hungry can be fed on a regular basis. It's not the building. It’s not the atmosphere. It’s not the location that makes the church. The food—the plain “meat and potatoes” of God's Word- nourishes our souls. Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. Luke 14:16

James 1:1-12 This past year the pandemic has been used to manipulate unprecedented changes in our American lifestyle. Stay at home orders, attempts at closing down houses of worship, businesses and school closures, the required wearing of face masks, and pressure to get vaccinated have all brought huge changes to our personal freedoms. ​ For many Americans, watching our freedom and our privacy rights disappear has caused alarm. Not to mention concern of huge debt spending and the possible collapse of the U. S. dollar. There is plenty of reason for concern. These changes have brought huge national stresses. We are indeed living in a pressure packed society. Stress is a nationwide problem. ​ Just before He died, Jesus said to His disciples, [My] “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27