Faith Community Church - Sunday Sermons

How can I change? This is a question that arises when we consider the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The apostle Paul points us to the twofold answer of the cross and the Spirit. He speaks not to condemn but to call us back to the basics of the Christian faith. We must trust in Christ who bore the cross in the place of sinners and heed His call to put to death the flesh and inviting the powerful influence of the Spirit of truth to dictate our thoughts and our affections. May the Lord tame the wolf of our flesh as the lion of the Spirit is enthroned in our minds and hearts.

John completes his gospel with these three safeguards against false ideas regarding the only Savior who can rescue us from sin, death, and hell. In this final study from the gospel of John, we also look back at the entire book to answer the question: “Who is Jesus Christ?”

How would Simon ever become the rock of a disciple and martyr John’s audience knew him to be? John answers with the twenty-first chapter that by the grace of God Simon became who he was known for. The Lord gave him the certainty of His word, His discipleship, and His sovereignty. He persuaded Simon to follow Him.

The Lord wants every Christian to have a resounding faith. This faith must first be received and then it persists in faithfulness.

Simon Peter had sinned grievously against the Lord. But because Jesus bore his sins on His body on the cross, there was forgiveness for him. Moreover, there was restoration waiting for him. Jesus restored this man. He could never be Rocky on his own by his own strength and will-power, but the Lord takes this man and brings him low before bringing him high. He humbles him before exalting him.

Jesus treated His disciples better than they deserved. He demonstrated to them His mercy, His provision, and His kindness. This is the Lord’s dealings with His elect. He will woo them and draw them to faith and repentance. This is indeed how the Lord deals with His elect throughout the ages. Those whom He has chosen He showers His kindness to lead them to repentance—though at times with the rod. May our hearts be warmed and led to surrender to the Lord in sweet yieldedness toward Him.