Do you love Jesus? (Social Concerns 4)

26th September, 2010

Written By Rev. Law Hui Seng

Posted By Teresa Han 

John 21:15-19

Main Idea: To love the sheep of Jesus

Objectives: a. To stir awareness in the congregation to make disciples of Penans b. To inspire the congregation to love Jesus by loving Jesus.

A. Introduction

- The social principle we are dealing with today is on Human Rights and Responsibilities.

- You can do so many missions by defending the rights of humanity in our society. It is a tendency everywhere to neglect the weak or to easily push them aside. Owing to our sinful nature, the strong tends to get stronger in every aspect of life; the weak tend to get weaker and so, there is a place to defend the rights of the weak.

- Let us read the shorter principle today on Human Rights and Responsibilities. Read it with conviction and do what it says. Do not just provide the lip service.

- I pray that you will understand why we need to defend the rights of those mentioned in the principle. These are the people who have no chance to voice out; may have nobody to pay attention and fight for their rights; the physically weak; may not receive as much human love or the love of Jesus through you and me.

- Today, I just want to focus on the rights of ethnic minorities. What is stated in the book of discipline is very challenging. You and I need to make a lot of sacrifice to make it happened in our society. It says, “We affirm the rights of those who belong to ethnic minorities. They should be given equal treatment in employment, promotion, remuneration, compensation, education, voting, in positions of leadership and all other citizenship privileges, including freedom of religion. They should not be marginalized, intimidated or discriminated by any party in whatever way.”

- The ethnic minority I want to focus on is the Penan tribal group. My dealing with Pastor Tom Gatum of Pa Adang, Lawas, tells me that there are about 15,000 of them throughout Sarawak. They could be more as many of them do not have identity cards yet.

- Why Board of Evangelism wants to do missions among them? It is not only because they are the ethnic minority; also very much because they used to be nomads who lived in jungle and now they tried to settle down in long houses. They still struggle very much to survive as a human race despite the government effort to help them. Many of them still struggle to find food; most of them who live in jungles and long houses, they do not have the knowledge and skill of farming. I hope I am not underestimating and degrading when I tell you their problems and struggles. On the other hand, my purpose to teach you to do missions among them.

- Some examples of their behavior, they may chop down a tree that bears fruit; as a result of lack of knowledge of danger of drinking alcohol, they love to drink and get drunk; owing to lack of knowledge on family, they get married very early, even in their teenaged years; some long houses located near the timber camps, majority of their men do not go to work; I am sorry to tell you that in most cases their children are not going to school like our children; they do not have the means to do it because they do not how to plan to use their money which they get from the timber companies; many of them do not even have the primary school education, etc.

- You see why the social principle says we must affirm the rights of the ethnic minority in education and other citizenship privileges? Do you hear the cry of the Penan people? Do you see why we need to offer the love of Jesus; Jesus to them?

- Do you see Jesus has to ask Peter 3 times, “Do you love me?”

B. Jesus also asks you, “Do you love me?”

- Each time Jesus expected apostle Peter, “Feed my lambs; take care of my sheep; feed my sheep.”

- Jesus asked Peter in verse 15, “Do you truly love me more than these?” What are these? It could be his love for fellow human beings; people’s love for him; the fishing career.

- Why repeatedly 3 times like that? You could see that Peter was impatient in answering Jesus. He answered in 3 responses, “Lord, you know I love you.”

- Probably Jesus wanted to reinforce Peter’s love for him after the great denial (3 times) before the crucifixion. Jesus understands our human weaknesses, Peter’ weakness. Probably Jesus is preparing him for martyrdom in preaching the gospel. This is indicated in verse 19, “Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

- Each time Jesus wanted Peter to pay attention to “my lambs; my sheep.” I strongly believe that Jesus desired Peter to express his love for Him by taking care of the lambs and the sheep.

- Today, as disciples of Jesus, we are expected to do the same. The Penans are the lambs and the sheep of Jesus. We need to feed them with the word of God through education and the gospel.

C. Applications

- What you can do for the ethnic minority Penans? First and foremost, you need to pray for the missionaries to go there and serve long term in the area of education and preaching the gospel. then, when you have a chance, you must go in to visit them and love them through social concerns. Go and read more about Penans in the internet and develop your compassion for them. You may even write article about them in the connection. Will you?

- Win the Penans today, their future generations will be disciples of Jesus.

D. Conclusion

- Penans Jesus in every where. Will you be there for them?

Jesus Loves the Sick (Social Concerns 3)

19th Sept, 2010

Written By Rev Law Hui Seng

Posted By Teresa Han

Matthew 10:5-10

Main Idea: Reach out to the Sick

Objectives: a. To teach the congregation to reach out to the sick as Jesus loves the sick. b. To teach the causes of sickness.

A. Introduction

- The Methodist book of discipline has a big section on the social principle of the Church and General Welfare. Let us read it with conviction and allow it to influence our daily living.

- There are many answers to the issues we face in our society. Our stands for those issues are very clear. I pray that you will stand by them and promote them. Let us read them now.

- For my third social concern sermon today, I shall concentrate on the area of reaching out to the sick. The social principle on the church and General Welfare has a section on mental health and medical care. Let me quote the relevant parts. “…We strongly favor the healing ministries of the church… We believe that adequate facilities with professionally trained staff must be made available for the emotionally ill and the mentally retarded of every community. We also believe that churches may become spiritual centers of healing through worship, pastoral concern, and volunteer service for the emotionally ill.”

- How far have you reached out to the sick and lost? By the sick, I mean those who are physically, emotionally and psychological sick. Sometimes, they do not know God yet and they do not have proper life purposes on earth yet, and so they are lost. Have you grasped the opportunity to visit the sick and pray for them?

- It is Jesus’ priority to heal the sick. You can see that in today’s passage.

B. What can Jesus do with the sick?

- In Matthew 10 verse 1, we see that Jesus literally mobilized His 12 disciples and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. One implication for us here on this series of sermon on social concerns is this, the church needs to care for the sick. The church of Jesus is made up of disciples like and me, we need to heal the sick. That is the command that Jesus has given to disciples like you and me. Will you do it?

- And in verses 7 and 8 today, you see the clear command of Jesus for His 12 disciples and you and me, “As you go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.” And the ministry should be done with no expenses. In verses 9 and 10, the disciples were told not to bring along any financial means and facility to support themselves, for God will supply their needs through the people, “… for the worker is worth his keep.”

- Do you see the great priority that Jesus gives to the sick? I hope you do and you will reach out to the sick as commanded by Jesus.

- As I meditate on this passage, I ask why Jesus heals the sick. My answer is very simple. He loves the sick. He has compassion for the sick people. He does see the sick as people who are troublesome for him to deal to with him. He even gives special command to the disciples like you and me to heal them.

- As I reflect more, I just feel that Jesus is very down to earth, He desires to meet the deepest need of people. Brothers and sisters, this is the nature of our faith, our relationship with Jesus (God), our God desires us to meet the human needs of people. So, what people need, we must meet the need. When people are sick, they need healing.

- In our society, of course we have all kinds of sickness like cancer, sexually transmitted diseases, diseases caused by germs, bacteria, and viruses, etc. We are also at a stage where life is getting more and more stressful because we want to pursue a higher standard of living. We now also witness the fact that mental health problem is on the increase.

- There are more than ever, more and more people are getting depressed, emotionally ill and mentally ill. In most cases they need a lot of encouragement, support, and most important of all love, and attention. What can you do?

C. Applications

- When you see depressed people, do not do any finger pointing anymore. Do not condemn them any more. Let us reach out to them for Christ, whether they are Christians or not.

- In most cases, the causes of mental sickness could be due to unhealed hurts and the patients are depressed about it. They become very negative and depressed, even become suicidal. They just cannot come out of the negative thinking and I always believe it takes God’s intervention to happen. In serious cases, they need medication. But that is not all, they need lots of love and attention in order to recover. So, you need to do lots of listening, counselling, prayer, etc.

- In view of the need of the sick people of all kinds, God may be calling you to become counselors, doctors, dentists, nurses, pastors, etc.

- As an ordinary disciple of Jesus, can you express your love by visiting and praying for the sick? Most importantly, you need the compassion for them and then, you need to spend the time with them.

D. Conclusion

- Can you be Jesus to the sick?

Be a good tree (68) Social concerns (2)

12th September, 2010

Written By Rev Law Hui Seng

Posted By Teresa Han

Luke 6:43-45

Main Idea: To teach the congregation not to practice corruption.

Objectives: a. To explain the meaning of a good tree. b. To teach the congregation not to practice corruption.

A. Introduction

- The second social principle of the social creed is about Christianity and the economic order. Let us read it with understanding and allow it to impact our lives. This second principle is very rich in its content. It is touching on political power, corruption, property and acquisition of wealth, poverty and employment, workers and bargaining powers, consumerism, rural and urban life, mission and Christian vocation!

- I shall focus on corruption on this series of sermon on Social Concerns. Let me justify myself. First and foremost, it is for the purpose of awareness and we must not become part of it. Secondly, it is a serious problem that affects the allocation of resources of our country. Take a look at the part of the social principle that talks about corruption:

- “We are gravely concerned about the seriousness of problems and threats posed by corruption to the stability and security of societies, undermining the institutions and values of democracy, ethical values and justice and jeopardizing sustainable development, the rule of law and the administration of justice. We are also seriously concerned that most of the time, the least privileged bear the highest cost of corruption when the state’s financial resources are inefficiently allocated and wasted. The church stands against all forms of corruption in her Endeavour to be the salt and light of the world. The church advocates and promotes integrity, accountability, and proper management of public affairs and public property and to this end the church rejects and will not participate in the giving and receiving of bribes. The church supports all comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to prevent and combat corruption effectively”. (Page 34, Methodist Book of Discipline, 2008)

- It is in the context of corruption that I use the scriptural text today.

- I liken a person who does not practice corruption to a good tree that bears good fruit.

B. How destructive is corruption in Malaysia?

- You may ask what is corruption or bribery. Its simple definition is to intentionally give a reward in monetary form or other forms with the understanding that the other party will give you the project , license, or any business deal the giver of bribe desires for. The bribe can be given so that you become the preferred candidate or it is done to speed up a process of application for a particular permit, approval, license, etc. Take for instance; you give a bribe secretly to one government officer so that you can a project to supply something to his department. It is a sin because both of you bypass the principles of transparency, justice and accountability. A small example will be to give a small amount to a traffic police so that he will not “saman” for your traffic offence. It is a sin because as a responsible citizen you have disobeyed a traffic rule which is designed for the safety of road users. You also have contributed to making the police committing a sin.

- What is so destructive about corruption in Malaysia? What is at stake is not only a sin. When everybody is doing it, when people from top to bottom are doing it, then, ultimately, wealth will concentrate in a few hands throughout the country. It results in very unequal distribution of wealth given by God to all the citizens in the country. It is what the book of discipline says, “the state’s financial resources are inefficiently allocated and wasted.” Eventually, the poor will get poorer and powerless and the rich will get richer and more powerful. In the end, the poor may not stand it any longer, they will not only commit crime, they will organize demonstration and violence!

C. Applications

- A good tree produces good fruit. Christians, in essence, by nature, after salvation, as we walk through our journey of faith, we must live a life of holiness, God fearing, a life of godly characters. Jesus likens us to a good tree.

- So, Jesus teaches in verse 43, “No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.” When we are dealing with plant life, it is clear that each tree has its characteristic fruit. You cannot pick a certain type of fruit from any tree but its own. All other trees grow different fruit.

- Good people, good Christians, like good trees, produce good fruit. He produces his fruit out of the good treasure of his heart. It is what he has in his heart, in his inner life that determines what fruit his life will yield. So, also with an evil person, his inner evil can produce only evil

- The principle stated in the end is out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Our words reveal what is in our heart.

- People whose hearts are filled with greed will no doubt produce words of corruption and leading to bribery. No greed in the heart, there will be no bribery. A good heart, a good tree will not practice bribery.

- How to fight against corruption? You need to ask your what good will you gain by bribery. You have sold away your Christian characters like contentment, honesty, accountability, etc. You put the name of Jesus to shame, you take on greed, dishonesty, hypocrisy, self-centeredness, etc. You distant yourself from God and the person of Jesus, you sin against him. You may be richer, but you may not have peace in heart, you cannot face Jesus; etc.

- Remember, your godly characters are at stake when you compromise your Christian values. You sold away dignity and identity as Christians. Can you face Jesus’ judgments?

D. Conclusion

- Be a good tree that is grounded in the word of God. When your holiness is rooted in the word of God, you will not bribe. You shall be a great testimony for Jesus. People will know Christians, disciples of Jesus will not both receive or give bribe.

GMC Sermon Reading and Writing/typing(66)

29th August, 2010
Written By Rev Law Hui Seng
Posted By Teresa Han

Col 1:28

Main Idea: Read and write to give testimonies

Objectives: To challenge the congregation to read (listen to spiritual talks in DVDs) Christian literature and write testimonies to witness for Christ.

A. Introduction

- Who among us cannot read and write? I think all of you can do both. For the younger ones, I believe you can write in 3 languages (BM, Chinese, and English). For those of you in the 40s and above, you can read and write at least in English. God does not give you the reading and writing abilities just for the purpose of making a living. I pray that today’s sermon will help you to realize that you must use your reading and writing abilities to witness for Jesus.

- Reading and writing are powerful tools that you can capitalize to make a difference for Jesus.

- Paul in Colossians 1:28, exhorted us to claim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom.

- Reading and writing are part of wisdom given by God for us to proclaim Christ.

- This great letter of apostle tells us how he labored for the Church.

B. How apostle Paul labored for the Church

- In verse 24, chapter 1, Paul suffered for the church. You cannot understand why he still rejoiced when he suffered unless you believe that the presence of Christ with him.

- He said in verse 24, “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s affliction, for the sake of his body, which is the church.”

- Next in verse 25, see how he as a tent maker, see how he regarded himself as a servant of the church. The church at that time being young, they did not pay him anything to support. He still labored with strong sense of God’s calling.

- You see what he said in verse 25, “I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness –“ He believed he was called by God to preach His word to the Colossians. Do you think that God only called apostles and pastors or those who so called serve God full time. If you think so, then, it is wrong thinking and you need to repent. Paul was a tent maker and yet he preached the word of God everywhere he went.

- If you do not believe that God also very much calls His disciples and lay people in GMC, then, you cannot explain why He gave the great commission to His disciples in Matthew 28:19, “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey anything I have commanded you …”

- Paul took the commission seriously and so must we. He regarded himself as a servant of the church to bring God’s word to the Colossians. He believed that the mysteries of God had been revealed to him and then it was up to him to the mysteries to the Gentiles (verses 26 and 27). That is why in verses 28 and 29 you heard him said, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”

- Can you think of a way, a wisdom which Paul talked about to present Christ, God’s word to other people? Some of us are actively in missions in long houses, overseas; reaching out to your colleagues and try to invite them to church services; I believe you pray for your friends and relatives for their salvation; etc. Recently, with the visit of pastor Cheli, we receive the inspiration to do reading bus (mobile) at Tudan Methodist Church, among the indigenous people of Tudan. The wisdom that God has given us is teaching children how to read English and preach the gospel using Alpha. The mission committee will begin the project in October. For now, we need people to contribute literature like Lady Bird series. Let us pray that many Indigenous people in Tudan will be blessed with improved English so that they come to know Jesus and become His disciples.

- Today is once a year Christian Literature Sunday. A Sunday we need to emphasize the importance of Christian Literature in our disciple making ministry. May be when you hear this two words, it is all about written words in book form, magazines, newsletters; today you also find God’s word very much typed and found in the internet, websites, blogs, even face books, in electronic forms. Praise the Lord for the word of God is so readily available!

- What you can do with all the numerous of forms of written word of God. God has given us the wisdom of using electronic devices to spread His word. Can you use it?

C. Applications

- First and foremost, you must read the written word of God in the bible. That is most fundamental, only when you are familiar with the word of God, then, you can share it with others. You must do this homework first.

- You can read Christian literature like on a special topics like marriage, raising children, great bibliographies of God’s servants throughout the centuries, prayer, etc.

- You can read Christian literature like Connection, Methodist Message, etc. Very few people become friends of Methodist Message from our church. They are appealing to us again.

- You can also write your testimonies and put articles in websites an face books so that you can proclaim Christ.

D. Conclusion

- Before you go to see Jesus, use your reading and writing abilities to make a difference for Jesus.

Trinity (Part 2 of 2)

15th August, 2010

(preached at SMCGC)
Written By rev Law Hui Seng
Posted By Teresa Han

Main Idea: doctrine of Trinity

Objectives: To help the congregation to understand doctrine of Trinity in balance.

A. Introduction

- In my last sermon, I preached to you the persons of Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit.

- For Jesus, I emphasized that He was a man; had personality; He is God; and the same for the Holy Spirit.

- Today, I shall give you a balance view of Trinity, God the Father, the Son and the Spirit both in the Old Testament and the New Testament.

B. Trinity implicit in OT and Trinity explicit in NT.

- The general term for God in the Hebrew word is Elohim, in plural. It refers to the transcendence of God: His power and ‘otherness’. He creates by means of the Word and spirit.

- Genesis 1: 1-3, “…the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light…”

- The teaching becomes clearer in Genesis 1:26 “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, …”

- In the NT the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets 2Peter 1:21 “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke form as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

C. The Trinitarian Implications in the NT

- The preaching of John the Baptist: Repentance toward God (Matthew 3:2, 7-8); Faith in a coming Messiah (Matthew 3:11); baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11).

- The baptism of Jesus: The Father’s voice from heaven (Mathew 3:17); the Spirit like a dove (Mathew 3:16). The announcement of Jesus’ birth: the work of the Spirit in the incarnation (Luke 1:35); Jesus would be called the son of God (Luke 1:35).

- The baptismal formula (Mathew 28:19).

- The relationship between the Father and Son: The Word was ‘with’ God shows a Trinitarian relationship. No one knew the Son except the Father, and vice versa (Mathew 11:27). The Father sent the Son (John 6:44).

D. Relationship between the persons of the Godhead.

- They heap praise upon each other.

- Father: glorifies the Son (Mathew 3:17; 17:5; John 5:20-23).

- Jesus: honors the Father (John 5:19, 30-31; 12:28).

- Spirit: honors the Son (John 15:26; 16:8-10, 14)

- Intercession is made for us by both the Son and the Spirit.

- By the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27)

- By the Son (Romans 8:31ff; Hebrews 7:25)

- There is no rivalry in the Trinity. You can pray to any person of the Godhead. Jesus said to pray to the Father (Matthew 6:9ff). But in the bible there are prayers addressed to Jesus (Luke23:42; Acts 7:59).

E. Conclusion

- The doctrine of Trinity is central to the Christian faith. Any teaching that does not affirm the Trinity is heresy. It means false teaching not according to the bible.

Where Are the Other Nine?

8th August, 2010

Written By Rev Law Hui Seng

Posted By Teresa Han

Luke 17:11-19

Main Idea: Thanksgiving

Objective: To teach the congregation to develop a heart of thanksgiving to God in our daily life.

A. Introduction

- Christians/ disciples of Jesus must thank God for what He has done for us.

- I love to thank to God (my Lord/ master) for what He has done in my life everyday. I offer myself as an example to you all in my area of thanksgiving to God in my life. I would like to share with you more later when it comes to application. Thanksgiving to God is very much part of my life, then, it is worth sharing it with you.

- Many Christians do not have that habit and do it once a while. When was the last time you open your mouth and say a prayer to thank God for what He has done for you? Lots of us do not say grace before we eat, so, we seldom thank God.

- The scriptural passage today has very powerful teaching about the need for Christians’ disciples of Jesus to do thanksgiving. It is our Lord’s teaching.

- I am always motivated by the story of the 10 lepers that Jesus told in the passage. I always remind myself not to the other 9. That is why my sermon title this morning isjust as what Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?”

- The challenge is will you not become one of the nine?

B. The difference between the one Samaritan leper and the nine Jewish lepers

- In those days, leprosy was an uncurable disease. The disease carriers were all isolated from family members and they did not only suffer the physical pain of the disease as the flesh get decay; they were totally isolated from family members and no love would be shown to them as it was a contagious disease. They also suffered the in isolation.

- Jesus healed diseases all over the places in His time and the ten lepers knew it and they grasped the opportunity when they came across Jesus.

- You see the demonstration of Jesus’ healing power. As the 10 lepers could not get near Him and be touched by Him because it was required by the unclean law as it was a contagious disease. They stood at a distance and shouted to Jesus to ask Him for mercy. Jesus did not even get near to touch and He just told them to show them to the priests. Only after the priests examined them and they certified disease free, they could go home and be united with family members.

- You can imagine the excitement of being healed right on the spot. If you were one of the 10 lepers, what would you do immediately? May be you would like to thank Jesus immediately, right?

- But only one Samaritan (a mixture of Jews and Gentile descent) who did not get carried away with the excitement and immediately thanked and praised Jesus. The rest of the Jewish lepers (probably) forgot all about it. Their ingratitude was a concern to Jesus, that was why Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?... give praise to God except this foreigner?”

- You see Jesus expects gratitude from the other 9 also. Will you become the other nine?

C. Applications

- Do you see the need to thank God for what He has done for you? Personally, I give thank to God for everything in my life. As my heart tells me in gratitude, I will say it out with my mouth the moment I feel it. It ranges from food to relationships and all that have achieved for Christ. I thank God always and I find that it helps me to become very intimate with Jesus. Will you do the same?

- Thanksgiving is an act that strengthen your relationship with God. This is because you acknowledge his presence in your life. As you obey him, you do more and more of thanksgiving. Some Christians would like to express their gratitude to God with an offering.

D. Conclusion

- Thanksgiving matters to God.

Are you born again?

1st August, 2010.

Written By Rev Law Hui Seng

Posted By Teresa Han 

Main Idea: Born again through Jesus Christ

Objectives: a. To teach the need for people to be born again. B. To explain the meaning of born again. C. To change people to be born again.

A. Introduction

- Christianity is very relevant to our everyday life because it meets the need of the world which is full of sin. We need to find the answers to our problem of sin.

- Different religions and beliefs and world philosophy have all try to give answers.

- And today, we see one answer or the best answer Christianity is giving the world, to solve the problem of sin.

- It has to do with the question of: Are you born again?

B. Born Again

- This question arises out of the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a member of the powerful Jewish ruling council. He must be one of those Jews who was attracted to Jesus’ teaching and miracles and believed Jesus was sent by God. At the same time, he feared persecution by fellow Jews if he identified with Jesus in any way.

- So, he came secretly at night to ask Jesus about kingdom of God. Jesus recognized the visitor’s heart as He is God who is all knowing. He recognized the spiritual hunger for the kingdom of God. This was where Jesus took the opportunity to teach him that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he was born again.

- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) translated it as “You must be born from above.” Both the meanings of born again and born from above refer to how Jesus saves individuals from sins and forgiveness of his/ her sins.

- Naturally, Nicodemus misunderstood the meaning of Jesus and he thought one could not go back to his mother’s womb in order to be born again. So, Nicodemus asked, “How can one be born again?” This is where Jesus, being the word became flesh, grasped the opportunity to teach him and the world today and anybody who read this book of John will know answer in verse 5, “born of water of Spirit.”

- The water here refers to at least 2 meanings. One who is born of water means being baptized by water and life being transformed by the living word of God. Water here also refers to living word of God because Jesus Himself is living water. He offers the Samaritan woman living water that will not cause her to thirst. It is the living word of God.

- Jesus wanted to lead him into a personal relationship with Him. And for this to happen, it takes both the word and God’s Spirit, the wind, the pneuma. The action of the wind of God.

- It takes both the word of God and the Spirit of God together to transform a person’s life, to help him to repent to become a new person.

- Jesus went on to liken himself to bronze snake that Moses lifted up upon the instruction of God in the Old Testament for Israelites who received snake bites and the moment they look at the bronze snake, they would be saved and healed.

- Jesus is hinting that people who come into a personal faith in Him who would be crucified and lifted up high on the cross one and anyone who come to accept him and repent in Him shall have eternal life.

- He makes Himself very clear in verse 13 that he is the Son of Man coming from heaven. Then in this context, he says in verse 16, he says He is the only Son of God sent by God, to love the world, every human being. Not to condemn the world but to save the world and gives anyone who come to Jesus eternal life and salvation.

- He also equates Himself to the light of the world, in a world of darkness. He challenges people to come to this light and live by the light, do not do evil for the evil deeds cannot stand the test of the light. A person who is saved will live in the light.

C. Applications

- In view of the water (word of God), what should be our attitude towards the word of God? Do you believe and accept Jesus as the living water, word of God? If so, then, our attitude towards the bible must be that we are under the authority of the bible. we must obey all the teaching in it; not part of it. And this takes a life time.

- If born again is so crucial in deciding whether you enter the Kingdom of God or heaven, then, you have to be sure you are born again.

D. Conclusion

- The best life policy is to live a life in obedience to God’s word.