What IF?

Notice Ezra's progression in seeking God.

Ezra 7:10 (ESV)

10 For Ezra had set his heart 

(1) to study the Law of the Lord (the Bible), and 

(2) to do it and 

(3)to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

We are to do all three points like Ezra. 

Why did John write his gospel?  The last two verses of his book explains why.    

John 20:30-31  (ESV)

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

John outlived all the other 12 disciples.  He wanted to share his relationship with Jesus to others before his death. 

John 14:7 (ESV)

7 If you had known me (Jesus), you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

We, too, like John are to pick up Christ's mantle.

Matthew 16:24(ESV)

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

We are God's strategy to reach the world.  All of our friends are not supposed to be just Christians.  

We should exert effort to build friendships with those who do not know Christ, and have meaningful conversations.

Let them do all the talking at first, and ask them about their faith story.  Don't assume that they do not have one.

Ask God to use you in the faith of someone else.  

If you don't believe, don't fake your faith.  You are welcome to ask "what if"?  

"What if" there is a real God?  "What if" Jesus is the Messiah, and what we say are real? 

You are welcome to ask "what if"?

Have you ever just throw up a hail Mary to heaven?  Do you have enough guts to ask God, if you're real, will you reveal yourself to me?

God doesn't look at a crowd, but at the individual.  You are welcome to ask "what if". 

If some hear Him speak, they'll believe.  

The first person believed after the resurrection when Jesus called her name.  

The disciples had to see Jesus alive again.  

Thomas had to actually touch Jesus to believe.  

John 20:27 (ESV)

27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.”

God reaches out to you where you are.  He will show up for you in the way you need.

Jeremiah 29:13  (ESV)

13 You will seek me (God) and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

Are you willing to put out some effort in the search?  Is it time to begin? 

John 1:12 (ESV)

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

Here's the formula.

Belief + Receive = Become

Belief: You believe that God is a loving God.  Jesus was the Son of God who walked the planet to died in place of you.   

Receive: You receive Jesus into your life.  

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

20 Behold, I (Jesus) stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

Jesus offers to you an opportunity of being a child of the Most High God.  It's available to you.

Become: You become a child of God. 

God loves you so much not to force you. 

Tell Jesus: Lord Jesus, come into my life to be my Lord and Savior. 

Mark this date.  Say to Him what's on your heart.  Please receive Him now.  

Lord, listen to this person who is seeking you now.  Let them know your presence in their life.   

Steve Gillen, Willowcreek Church