OUTRAGEOUS

OUTRAGEOUS. This is the title of a new series of sermons that Pastor Bob is preaching at Cornwall Church. The premise of the series is to look at 6 different outrageous statements made by Jesus. Here are a few of my thoughts on the first two.

Last week's outrageous statement is found in John:14:12: "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." Here is Jesus, in the middle of His ministry of healing the sick, raising the dead, feeding the thousands, changing lives for all eternity. And he tells the disciples that they are going to do greater things than these! And He is saying the same thing to you and I today. This is His promise to us. Because He went to the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to us. With His Spirit within us, we too can "do greater things than these!" Jesus is thinking globally here. Divide and multiply. Reach out and touch someone. Everyone reach one. However you want to say it. He is calling us to live out our lives in such a way that He is able to reach people through our lives!

This morning's outrageous statement is from John 8:58: "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" There is Jesus, in the middle of the temple with all the worshippers and Pharisees. People are listening as the Pharisees and Jesus have quite the discussion about Jesus' teachings and claims. Then, in this place filled with Jews who weren't even willing to speak the Name of YHWH, the "I Am" Who delivered them from the hands of the Egyptians, because it is soooo holy, Jesus says, "That's me." Jesus is God. I believe that with every fiber of my being. Do I understand it? Can I fully grasp what it means for the God of the Universe to come to earth to be a man, walk around with us and die a cruel death on a cross? I can't wrap my mind around it. But I believe it. And therin is where my faith lies. Jesus IS God. And He alone is worthy of all of my praise and adoration. Amen!

Both of these sermons (and other series) can be found at (and downloaded from) the church's website (www.cornwallchurch.com).

Live in His Presence and blessing this week...