Episode 17
Message 1 - The Christ
This is the first message as we do a DEEP DIVE into the book that changed my life and ministry! After 30 years of ministry, easily over 1000 sermons - this book "What Did Jesus Say? Seven Messages From the Master," by Rev. Terry A. Christian - has brought more clarity to the Bible than any other teaching.
That is why I've partnered with him to get this book distributed around the world! Amen!
Today's message is the first of the seven: MESSAGE ONE - THE CHRIST
Help us to take this book around the world in all different formats, print, ebooks, pdf's, audio books, etc.
Takeaways:
- In the pursuit of understanding the Bible, the emphasis on Jesus's words is paramount, as they form the foundation of our faith.
- The call to discipleship is a profound invitation that requires surrendering one's personal ambitions and desires to follow Christ wholly.
- Abiding in Jesus is essential for spiritual vitality, as all fruitful living flows from a deep connection with Him.
- The abundant life that Jesus offers transcends mere salvation; it encompasses joy, peace, and purpose rooted in a relationship with Him.
Transcript
Welcome to Freedom Through Faith and the Red Letter Crusade, where the words of Jesus take center stage.
Speaker A:Join us as we bring healing, unity and clarity to your walk with God by focusing on one thing.
Speaker A:What did Jesus say now?
Speaker A:Now let's join Pastor Robert Thibodeau for the Red Letter Crusade.
Speaker A:Because when it comes to understanding the entire Bible, his words matter.
Speaker B:Hello, everyone, everywhere.
Speaker B:Pastor Bob Thibodeau here.
Speaker B:Welcome.
Speaker B:Freedom through faith.
Speaker B:Glory to God.
Speaker B:We're so blessed you're joining us here today.
Speaker B:It is a blessing to come together around the Word of God.
Speaker B:It is a blessing to study the Word of God.
Speaker B:It is an absolute blessing to come before you today and just share the message of Jesus.
Speaker B:Hallelujah.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Let's go to Lord with a word of prayer and we will get started in today's Bible study.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, we come this day thanking you, praising you for Jesus, for all that he accomplished and for all that you're going to accomplish this day.
Speaker B:Through this broadcast, we pray as this word goes forth throughout the world through the power of the Internet, that it touched someone's heart somewhere this day, that they'd receive Jesus as their Savior.
Speaker B:And to you, sir, we give all honor, glory and praise in Jesus name.
Speaker B:Amen and amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Jesus.
Speaker B:Join me in reciting the Lord's Prayer.
Speaker B:We're going to start this.
Speaker B:We.
Speaker B:We've been doing the Apostles Creed for years, but now that we're focusing on the red letter words of Jesus, I'm changing this up.
Speaker B:We're going to do the Lord's Prayer.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Just pray this out loud with me.
Speaker B:Loud enough for your own two ears to hear.
Speaker B:Because faith comes by hearing.
Speaker B:Hearing by the word of God.
Speaker B:Our Father who art in heaven.
Speaker B:Holy is thy name.
Speaker B:Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in this earth just as it's done in heaven.
Speaker B:Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Speaker B:Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil.
Speaker B:Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever.
Speaker B:In Jesus name.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:And amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:We are gonna have a good time today.
Speaker B:We've been studying about this book.
Speaker B:What did Jesus say?
Speaker B:Seven messages from the master.
Speaker B:And today we're gonna start a series where we do a deep dive into the seven messages.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:So let me just set this stage for you as we get started here.
Speaker B:You see, today we're not simply gathering for another church message or a Bible lecture or a Bible Study.
Speaker B:Today we are stepping into something divine, something life changing.
Speaker B:We are stepping into the living words of Jesus himself, drawn directly from the incredible book.
Speaker B:Like I just said right here, what did Jesus say?
Speaker B:Seven Messages of Master by Reverend Terry, a Christian.
Speaker B:And these words came directly from the Bible.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:This book, it just didn't interest me.
Speaker B:It actually revolutionized how I approach my faith, my ministry, my calling.
Speaker B:It sharpened my focus, it refined my mission and reignited my passion for the red letter words of Jesus.
Speaker B:And studying these things out, you know, when I first opened that book, I wasn't sure what to expect.
Speaker B:Okay, I read books all the time.
Speaker B:But as I continue to read this book, as I let those words soak in, it became clear these were not just familiar scriptures arranged in a nice order.
Speaker B:These were the living, breathing, heart piercing words of Christ presented plainly, with no commentary, without anyone else's opinions layered on top of it.
Speaker B:That hit my spirit strong.
Speaker B:Suddenly I'd realized I spent all these years, maybe some of you, digging through theological arguments and doctrinal debates and church traditions and cultural trends, when what I really needed was simply to return to the simplicity, the purity, the power of what Jesus actually said.
Speaker B:I mean, that realization rocked me.
Speaker B:It called me back to the foundation of our faith.
Speaker B:Not Paul's letters, though they're important.
Speaker B:Not the Old Testament laws, though they're important too, but the direct teachings of Jesus himself.
Speaker B:Do you think Jesus, in the time he was going to spend here, he had to emphasize the parts he wanted out there?
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:I mean, Jesus said in John 12 that his words will actually be what judges every person on the last day, not what someone else interpreted about his words, not what some denomination decided about him or his words, just his words.
Speaker B:And that's why I've recently partnered with Reverend Terry Christian to help take this book, these messages to the world.
Speaker B:Because the church, especially in this hour, needs to come back to Jesus's words.
Speaker B:I mean, the body of Christ has been distracted long enough by cultural wars and political noise and denominational spirits and really empty debates about what the Word says.
Speaker B:I mean, we just need to get back to what the Master said, what Jesus said.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Now, praise God for the Catholic Church.
Speaker B:Praise God for the Baptist.
Speaker B:Praise God for the Pentecostals.
Speaker B:Praise God for the Methodists and the Presbyterians and, and Evangelical, all of them.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:If you're a believer, you're a Christian, you're preaching from this Bible.
Speaker B:Praise God for you.
Speaker B:Because folks, it all is important.
Speaker B:From Genesis 1 to Revelation 22, it is important.
Speaker B:Now, there's divisions that go on.
Speaker B:You know, some people do not like sitting in a Catholic Mass, listening to the priest speak and teach and all that stuff.
Speaker B:Other people, you know, they don't want to go to a Holy Ghost revival.
Speaker B:Everybody's speaking in tongues and all that.
Speaker B:You know, a Baptist would not be comfortable in a Pentecostal Church.
Speaker B:Pentecostal would not be comfortable in the Catholic Church.
Speaker B:The Presbyterians and Methodists and all, you know, all that's.
Speaker B:That's heresy.
Speaker B:That's, you know, they're teaching the Bible wrong.
Speaker B:Well, how can I put this?
Speaker B:Lord?
Speaker B:My coffee's over there.
Speaker B:But I love coffee, and I like my coffee straight up black.
Speaker B:The stronger the better.
Speaker B:If it could be strong enough where you can stick a spoon in it and it's straight up, that's almost good enough for me.
Speaker B:Okay.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:I believe.
Speaker B:I mean, the, the stronger it is, the better it is.
Speaker B:I mean, I like it.
Speaker B:Whereas you drink it, your hair falls out, you can see, you know, that's how strong I like it, right?
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Don't shop.
Speaker B:But now I'm preaching good.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:But there are other people, you know, my wife, if we pour it into a clear cup, she'll hold up light.
Speaker B:Say, you can't even see light through this thing.
Speaker B:I say, yeah, it's good, isn't it?
Speaker B:But see, she likes hers mild.
Speaker B:Some people like, you know, they go to Starbucks where they order that light brew, right?
Speaker B:If that's what you want to drink, it's up to you.
Speaker B:But if you're drinking it, it's still coffee.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Coffee is the main ingredient.
Speaker B:Now, what am I getting to here?
Speaker B:I like that strong preaching.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:That's why it's straight up black.
Speaker B:The stronger, the better.
Speaker B:Someone else, they may need the Catholic mass other people need, you know, the, the.
Speaker B:The Presbyterian method of teaching, you know, the doctrines and things like.
Speaker B:But we don't need to argue amongst ourselves about this stuff.
Speaker B:You know, I always liken it to, we're building a church.
Speaker B:As Jesus said, we are building the church.
Speaker B:The church is the body of Christ.
Speaker B:We're building it here.
Speaker B:Well, when you're building a church, you know, you got the foundations, you got the walls, the framers, you got the plumbing that has to go in the electrical part, the roofers.
Speaker B:You do not want a roofer installing the electrical system.
Speaker B:You don't want the plumber putting up the four walls of the church, Right?
Speaker B:You want the specialists in each one of those things.
Speaker B:But when you all come Together and work together, man.
Speaker B:The result is beautiful.
Speaker B:Right?
Speaker B:So that's what I'm trying to get to here.
Speaker B:If we have all these denominational differences, all these arguments of who's right, who's wrong, who's interpreting it correctly, who's teaching it wrong and teaching it right, get rid of all that and come to the central person in the whole process.
Speaker B:His name is Jesus.
Speaker B:Can you do that?
Speaker B:You see, the red letter words of Jesus will unite denominations.
Speaker B:It will unite believers.
Speaker B:It doesn't matter if you believe in baptism is sprinkling or you're like Pastor Bob, got to hold them under till they bubble.
Speaker B:Either way, you're good to go.
Speaker B:You're getting baptized.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:I don't care about your denominational preferences.
Speaker B:It does not matter in the scheme, the overall scheme of things.
Speaker B:All that matters is what did Jesus say?
Speaker B:We can come back to what did Jesus say in every kind of argument that you have, whatever the case may be.
Speaker B:Well, women shouldn't be preachers.
Speaker B:What did Jesus say?
Speaker B:Not what Paul said.
Speaker B:What did Jesus say?
Speaker B:I mean, he sent women to go preach the gospel.
Speaker B:Oh, yeah.
Speaker B:Remember the woman at the well, she is an evangelist for Jesus.
Speaker B:She got that whole town excited.
Speaker B:Don't shut me down.
Speaker B:I'm preaching good.
Speaker B:I know I stepped over some denominational toes right there.
Speaker B:Again, if there's an argument, if there's a disagreement, come back to what did Jesus say?
Speaker B:That's the point I'm trying to make.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Now, as we enter Message one from this book, I want you to picture this in your mind.
Speaker B:Imagine you're part of the crowd that day.
Speaker B:The word has spread.
Speaker B:Jesus is coming.
Speaker B:You've heard about his ministry.
Speaker B:You heard about his miracles.
Speaker B:You've heard whispers about his authority, his wisdom, his power.
Speaker B:I mean, people are pouring in from every direction right now.
Speaker B:Farmers are leaving their plows behind.
Speaker B:Fishermen are dragging in their boats.
Speaker B:Early merchants are closing up their store because they want to come here with this guy has to say.
Speaker B:Mothers are gathering their children.
Speaker B:Families are trying to rush out to the hillside.
Speaker B:There's a whole mob going out to hear what Jesus is about to teach.
Speaker B:The air is thick with anticipation.
Speaker B:You can feel it, that electric buzz, that sense that something bigger than yourself is about to happen.
Speaker B:And the people are pressing in.
Speaker B:They're trying to get as close as they can to where he's going to be.
Speaker B:The old, the young, the poor, the wealthy, the healthy, the sick, they're all cramming together, elbow to elbow, waiting, hoping, straining, maybe catch a glimpse of this one that they've heard so much about.
Speaker B:And then they see him come around the corner.
Speaker B:There he is.
Speaker B:A murmur ripples through the crowd.
Speaker B:Heads turn.
Speaker B:Voices start to hush.
Speaker B:You can almost hear the collective breath being held as Jesus steps forward.
Speaker B:He makes his way to the raised spot where his voice can carry, where every eye can see him.
Speaker B:There's no microphone there, no amplifier system, no giant screens in the back.
Speaker B:Just the raw, undiluted presence of this man.
Speaker B:Some say the Son of God standing before the people.
Speaker B:And of course, the people do not know that he's the Son of God.
Speaker B:Okay?
Speaker B:Some think he may be a prophet.
Speaker B:Others, just a great speaker.
Speaker B:Other thinks he's one of the zealots roaming around, drawing crowds.
Speaker B:But yet there are rumors in the crowd he may be the one they've been looking for.
Speaker B:The Messiah, the Christ.
Speaker B:Some are there for the show.
Speaker B:They want to see the miracles perform like a magic show.
Speaker B:There's many more that they're just curious, what's this all about?
Speaker B:Then, in the midst of all that, you see Jesus make his way to the platform.
Speaker B:And you realize your heart starting to pound, your palms are getting sweaty, your mind begins to race.
Speaker B:What's he gonna say?
Speaker B:Will he challenge us?
Speaker B:Will he comfort us?
Speaker B:Will he call out sin or invite the sinner or do miracles?
Speaker B:We don't know.
Speaker B:But you can't look away.
Speaker B:Every part of you is being pulled forward towards him, waiting, yearning, desperate to hear the words from the mouth of the one that some are calling the Messiah, the Christ.
Speaker B:And then he opens his mouth and he begins to speak.
Speaker B:And that instant, it seems like the heavens hushed, the birds go quiet, the wind stops, and Jesus begins to teach.
Speaker B:And eyes lock onto the face of the man they have heard so much about.
Speaker B:When he opens his mouth, the crowd leans in, and that's what we need to do as well.
Speaker B:And he starts by saying, and this taken from the book, what did Jesus say?
Speaker B:John 6:38.
Speaker B:Obviously, that wasn't written down yet.
Speaker B:Okay?
Speaker B:Jesus just started to create what we call the New Testament.
Speaker B:Okay?
Speaker B:By his speeches.
Speaker B:He didn't say, turn to John 6:30.
Speaker B:There was no John 6:38.
Speaker B:All right?
Speaker B:But he started speaking.
Speaker B:He said, I have come down from heaven not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.
Speaker B:That's John 6:38 in our Bible.
Speaker B:Now, let's sit here for a minute.
Speaker B:Let's look at this.
Speaker B:Jesus doesn't start by explaining himself or justifying his ministry.
Speaker B:He begins by setting the foundation.
Speaker B:He has come down from heaven.
Speaker B:His mission is not human in origin.
Speaker B:He's not here on a personal agenda.
Speaker B:He is here to fulfill the will of the Father who sent him.
Speaker B:Now that alone right there, should stop us in our tracks.
Speaker B:Because when you hear Jesus, you're not just hearing a wise man, a good teacher, a moral philosopher.
Speaker B:No, you are hearing the direct expression of Heaven's will on this earth.
Speaker B:Jesus is not just speaking for God.
Speaker B:He is God.
Speaker B:We read that later on.
Speaker B:He's speaking as God, fulfilling God's exact purpose for him.
Speaker B:Now, the crowd doesn't grasp it yet, but something in their spirit stirs, maybe like them, you feel that stirring right now?
Speaker B:Maybe you've been chasing after spiritual insights, life hacks, motivational sermons.
Speaker B:But here today, Jesus reminds you that what he offers is not man made.
Speaker B:His words are heaven sent.
Speaker B:He says, the spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.
Speaker B:That's in Luke 4:18.
Speaker B:You see the pattern here.
Speaker B:Jesus isn't here for status or recognition.
Speaker B:He is here on a rescue mission.
Speaker B:The poor, the broken, the trapped, the hurting, those are the ones he has come for.
Speaker B:A lot of people in the crowd, they don't realize that's them.
Speaker B:But here's where it does start to get personal.
Speaker B:Are you poor in spirit today?
Speaker B:Are you captive to something?
Speaker B:Fear, addictions?
Speaker B:Regrets?
Speaker B:Are you spiritually blind, unable to see your next step?
Speaker B:Unable to see your purpose, Unable to see your worth?
Speaker B:Jesus declares right here and now, you.
Speaker B:Yes, you.
Speaker B:I'm pointing right at you.
Speaker B:You're the reason he came.
Speaker B:Give me an amen on that one.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Amen is because of you he came.
Speaker B:It's not the polished religious crowd that captures his attention.
Speaker B:No, it's the desperate, it's the hungry.
Speaker B:It's the ones who know they need help, the ones who know they need a savior.
Speaker B:And maybe as you listen, you realize that's you.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B: He says in Matthew: Speaker B:I will give you rest.
Speaker B:Oh, man.
Speaker B:Listen now.
Speaker B:Listen to what I'm saying.
Speaker B:Jesus's voice isn't harsh.
Speaker B:It isn't condemned, condemning.
Speaker B:It is a voice full of invitation.
Speaker B:Come to me.
Speaker B:He says, not.
Speaker B:Go fix yourself first, then come see me.
Speaker B:No, not.
Speaker B:Get it together and then I'll talk with you.
Speaker B:No, he says, come now as you are weary, burdened, overwhelmed, just Come to me and we'll take care of it.
Speaker B:Oh, man, it's getting me excited, you know, Put it like this.
Speaker B:In my own life, I can testify I've carried burdens I wasn't meant to carry.
Speaker B:All right?
Speaker B:Ministry burdens, family burdens, financial burdens.
Speaker B:And every single time I've come to Jesus with those weights, I found rest.
Speaker B:Not because the problems disappeared, but because he took up the load with me.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:His yoke, he says, is easy.
Speaker B:His burden is light.
Speaker B:Why?
Speaker B:Because when you walk yoked with him, he's the one doing the heavy lifting.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:But hear me now.
Speaker B:This invitation is not just a soft, sentimental call to personal comfort.
Speaker B:No, it's a call to surrender.
Speaker B: He says in Matthew: Speaker B:Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Speaker B:Brother Bob, didn't he just promise rest?
Speaker B:Oh, yeah, yeah.
Speaker B:But true rest comes through surrender, not looking out for self preservation.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:I know I'm stepping on toes right now, praise God.
Speaker B:But look, to follow Jesus means you need to lay down your life, to hand over your plans, your ambitions, your rights.
Speaker B:That's my right to do this.
Speaker B:Lay down those rights and take up your cross.
Speaker B:This isn't just a casual stroll behind a religious teacher.
Speaker B:This is a total reorientation of your life.
Speaker B:You lose your life, but yet you find it.
Speaker B:You die to self and you rise to a new life in him.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:I know for some listening today, this is a crossroads type of moment.
Speaker B:Will you keep clutching and holding on to your own control, or will you let go and just follow Jesus?
Speaker B:And John 7, 37, 38, I think it is.
Speaker B:He says, if anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.
Speaker B:Whoever believes in me, as the scripture says, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Let's stay on this one a little longer.
Speaker B:Jesus promises us living water not just for you to sip, but rivers of holy water that will actually flow out of you.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:You praise God.
Speaker B:This is Holy Spirit power, supernatural supply, God's own life, flowing through your surrendered heart.
Speaker B:But notice it starts with a thirst.
Speaker B:Are you thirsty?
Speaker B:Huh?
Speaker B:Do you long for more of God?
Speaker B:Is that what your prayer is?
Speaker B:Do you crave a life beyond spiritual dryness and your daily routine?
Speaker B:Jesus says, if so, come to me.
Speaker B:Believe.
Speaker B:Drink deeply of me.
Speaker B:As Jesus stands before this crowd, these words land like a wave.
Speaker B:Some are comforted, some are challenged.
Speaker B:Some are stirred to the core.
Speaker B:Some are mad, some are happy.
Speaker B:Right now you may be feeling all these at one time too, but the Master has spoken.
Speaker B:But you gotta wait.
Speaker B:He's just getting started.
Speaker B:He isn't done yet.
Speaker B:He's inviting you now to keep on listening, to go deeper, to follow where he leads.
Speaker B:In fact, that's the next section here in the book.
Speaker B:We're going straight through this.
Speaker B:In message one from this book, what did Jesus say?
Speaker B:Seven messages of the Master.
Speaker B:His next one is call to follow.
Speaker B:Jesus has spoken words that stirred a soul.
Speaker B:Now he shifts the focus even deeper, cutting past the surface comforts and and into the heart of discipleship.
Speaker B:Being a follower, he makes it clear to follow him isn't just about receiving, it's about surrendering.
Speaker B: Matthew: Speaker B:He says, do not think I've come to bring peace to this earth.
Speaker B:No, I haven't come to bring peace, but a sword.
Speaker B:Wait.
Speaker B:What?
Speaker B:Wait a minute.
Speaker B:Didn't the angels declare at his birth peace on earth, good will towards men?
Speaker B:Yeah, they did.
Speaker B:But Jesus is not speaking of political peace or social harmony.
Speaker B:He's speaking about a peace that actually divides.
Speaker B:Wait, wait a minute, Brother Bob, how can that peace that divides?
Speaker B:That doesn't make sense.
Speaker B:His truth does not leave room for half heartedness.
Speaker B:His message forces choices upon us.
Speaker B:Forces them.
Speaker B:You choose.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:No.
Speaker B:Right.
Speaker B:Wrong.
Speaker B:His presence demands a response.
Speaker B:The peace he brings is a peace between God and man.
Speaker B:But it disrupts the false peace of compromise and neutrality.
Speaker B:To follow Jesus means you have to step into the tension.
Speaker B:Not because he causes division, because he exposes the places where loyalties are being split.
Speaker B: In Matthew: Speaker B:Whoever loves sons or daughters more than me is not worthy of me.
Speaker B:Whoa, that's big there.
Speaker B:But Jesus isn't just being harsh.
Speaker B:Is Jesus being absolutely clear.
Speaker B:He is setting priorities straight.
Speaker B:He's telling us that our love for him must be so strong, so consuming, that every other love we have, even the purest human love, has to take second place to Him.
Speaker B:Why?
Speaker B:Think about it.
Speaker B:Only when he is first can we share love with others correctly.
Speaker B:Only when our hearts are anchored in him can we become the kind of, of spouses, husband, wives, parents, friends, leaders that he is calling us to be.
Speaker B:Let's keep moving on here.
Speaker B:Next, Jesus says, whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
Speaker B: Matthew: Speaker B:So now the stakes are rising.
Speaker B:Following Jesus isn't just something nice.
Speaker B:It's not a hobby.
Speaker B:It's not a weekend activity.
Speaker B:It's Definitely not just a Sunday morning thing.
Speaker B:It's not a spiritual side project.
Speaker B:It is a call to die.
Speaker B:Die to your pride, your agenda and your comforts.
Speaker B:Because in the first century, the cross was not a metaphor.
Speaker B:The cross was an execution device, much like hangman's noose and things like that.
Speaker B:To take up your cross meant you were walking towards your death.
Speaker B:Jesus says, if you want to follow me, you have to be prepared to lose it all, man.
Speaker B:Yet paradoxically, this is where true life is to be found.
Speaker B: In Matthew: Speaker B:Whoever loses his life for me, for my sake, will find it.
Speaker B:That doesn't make sense, does it, Brother Bob?
Speaker B:But it's not supposed to make sense.
Speaker B:It's supposed to make faith.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:On the upside down kingdom of God, you know, the world says, save yourself, protect yourself.
Speaker B:Look out for number one.
Speaker B:Jesus says, lose yourself in me and you'll discover who you truly are.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:You see, it's not about self preservation.
Speaker B:It's about self sacrifice.
Speaker B:It's not about clinging tightly to something, but letting it all go.
Speaker B:And in that letting go, you're able to find joy, peace, freedom, purpose, everything our hearts desire and we were made for.
Speaker B:So as the crowd here continues to listen, you can almost feel the atmosphere shifting.
Speaker B:Some are intrigued, some are offended, some are quietly deciding and contemplating.
Speaker B:Right then, right there, they're thinking, I need to get out of here.
Speaker B:Because make no mistake, Jesus never manipulates, he never coerces anyone.
Speaker B:He invites them, but he also warns them.
Speaker B:He lays out the cost and then asks, are you willing to pay it?
Speaker B:And John 10:1, I think it is, says, truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but tries to climb in some other way.
Speaker B:That man's a thief and a robber.
Speaker B:Oh, man.
Speaker B:Now we move on as Jesus introduces himself to us as the true shepherd, the only legitimate leader of God's people.
Speaker B:There are plenty of other voices out there clamoring for attention.
Speaker B:There's plenty of teachers and influencers, self appointed saviors trying to pull us away.
Speaker B:But Jesus here says, there's only one door and only one way in.
Speaker B:Only one path to the true life, and it's through him.
Speaker B:He says, I am the door.
Speaker B:If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.
Speaker B:Will go in and out and find passion.
Speaker B:Otherwise, find all your needs being met.
Speaker B:John 10.
Speaker B:9.
Speaker B:I'm enjoying myself with this teaching.
Speaker B:I don't know about you, but this is where the beauty of the gospel Shines because Jesus, he doesn't just call us to a sacrifice, he offers salvation.
Speaker B:He doesn't just demand we surrender.
Speaker B:He gives life in exchange for the surrender.
Speaker B:I mean, through him we find safety and nourishment and rest and provision.
Speaker B:He's the shepherd who leads us to green pastures and still waters and abundant life.
Speaker B: John: Speaker B:One of my favorite verses.
Speaker B:The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy.
Speaker B:I came so they may have life and have it more abundantly.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:God.
Speaker B:Hallelujah.
Speaker B:Matter of fact, let's just stop right there for a second.
Speaker B:The enemy wants you to believe that surrendering to Jesus will cost you too much, that you're going to miss out.
Speaker B:You're going to be restricted in what you can do.
Speaker B:You're going to live a lesser life than you deserve.
Speaker B:The thief steals, the enemy kills, sin destroys.
Speaker B:But Jesus came to give life, real life, abundant life, overflowing life.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:And just when you think this message can't get any richer, Jesus makes it breathtakingly personal.
Speaker B:Because then he says, I am the good shepherd.
Speaker B:And the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Speaker B: John: Speaker B:Here's the gospel, here's the good news, plain and pure.
Speaker B:Jesus is not a hired hand.
Speaker B:He doesn't run when danger comes.
Speaker B:He's the shepherd who lays down his own life for the sake of his flock.
Speaker B:He's not asking you to do anything he hasn't already done a thousand fold over.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:I mean, think about it.
Speaker B:He went first.
Speaker B:He's the one who physically carried that cross.
Speaker B:He's the one who paid the price.
Speaker B:He's the one who secured the victory.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:If you didn't shout amen right there, folks, you need to go back and start this lesson over and listen again.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:I mean, now Jesus is inviting you just to follow, not as a slave, not as a servant, but as a beloved sheep that he cares for, a cherished child, a treasured friend.
Speaker B:That's easy.
Speaker B:Just walk with me on this, he said.
Speaker B:So I guess the question is, will you follow?
Speaker B:Will you surrender to him?
Speaker B:Will you trust the Good shepherd even when the path seems to be leading through a valley of sacrifice?
Speaker B:Because on the other side of that valley is abundant life, life beyond anything this world can offer.
Speaker B:So as the crowd continues to hang on his every word, Jesus deepens the picture.
Speaker B:Now he's not done.
Speaker B:He doesn't want his listeners to only hear about the cost.
Speaker B:He wants them to hear about the promise that comes when they trust him as the good Shepherd, Jesus continues.
Speaker B:Now he says, I am the good shepherd.
Speaker B:I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.
Speaker B:I lay my life down for the sheep.
Speaker B:That's John 10, verses 14 and 15.
Speaker B:Now, folks, this is no small claim here, all right?
Speaker B:Jesus is drawing a breathtaking comparison.
Speaker B:He says that his relationship with you, yes you, is meant to reflect the relationship he has with the Father.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Let that settle in for a moment.
Speaker B:The intimacy, the closeness, the unshakable bond between Jesus and the Father, folks.
Speaker B:That's the kind of relationship he's inviting you to have with him.
Speaker B:Not this surface level religion stuff, not this empty rituals, but deep heart to heart, spirit to spirit communion with him.
Speaker B:And why does he lay down his life?
Speaker B:Because as the good shepherd, he loves his sheep.
Speaker B:He's not motivated by duty or obligation.
Speaker B:He's motivated by love.
Speaker B:He's the shepherd who counts every sheep, making sure they're there.
Speaker B:He knows every sheep by name.
Speaker B:He sees every tear you shed.
Speaker B:And he's going to stop at nothing.
Speaker B:Nothing can stop him to bring his sheep safely home.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:He says in John, chapter 10, verse 16.
Speaker B:Following up, he says, I have other sheep that are not of this fold.
Speaker B:I have to bring them also.
Speaker B:They will listen to my voice so that we will end up with one flock and one shepherd of that flock.
Speaker B:Oh, man.
Speaker B:This is where the mission expands.
Speaker B:Jesus, looking beyond the crowd in front of him, right?
Speaker B:He sees the nations, he sees the generations to come.
Speaker B:And guess what he sees you and me.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:He knows this message isn't just for Israel, for the people standing in front of him that day.
Speaker B:It's for every tribe, every tongue, every nation across this planet.
Speaker B:This is the great ingathering, the global mission, the heartbeat of evangelism, to gather all his sheep under the care of the one true shepherd.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Hear me now if you're listening today and you've ever wondered, does Jesus really want me?
Speaker B:Does he really see who I am?
Speaker B:Does he really care about someone like me?
Speaker B:Here's your answer.
Speaker B:Yes.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:You were on his mind when he spoke these words.
Speaker B:You were already part of the flock.
Speaker B:He came together.
Speaker B:You were already in his heart before you were ever, ever in his fold.
Speaker B:You were in his heart the day he spoke these words.
Speaker B:Says, my sheep, hear my voice.
Speaker B:I know them.
Speaker B:They follow me.
Speaker B:I give them eternal life and they will never perish.
Speaker B:No one will ever snatch them out of my hand again.
Speaker B:John, chapter 10 those verse 27, 28.
Speaker B:Can we just stop right here?
Speaker B:Shout Amen.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Did you hear what he just said?
Speaker B:No one, no demon, no human, no circumstances, no failure, no one can snatch you out of his hand.
Speaker B:Oh, man, this is good.
Speaker B:You are held like a baby.
Speaker B:You're secure.
Speaker B:You're sealed by the power of the shepherd who laid down his own life and then took it up again.
Speaker B:Eternal life isn't just a future promise, folks.
Speaker B:It's a present day possession that you can have.
Speaker B:You can have it now.
Speaker B:You have it now.
Speaker B:You live in it right now.
Speaker B:You walk in it right now, you possess it.
Speaker B:All right?
Speaker B:Now some of you listening to me right now have been living under fear and under condemnation, under shame, wondering if you're gonna make it, wondering if you're gonna slip through the crack somehow.
Speaker B:Folks, hear me here.
Speaker B:If you belong to Jesus, you are in his hand and he's not letting go.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:You can take that to the bank, brother.
Speaker B:I'm telling you.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:He says, I am the true vine.
Speaker B:My Father is the vine dresser every branch in me.
Speaker B:Listen now that does not bear fruit, he will take away every branch that does bear fruit.
Speaker B:He will prune that it may bear more fruit.
Speaker B:That's now John 15, verse 1 and 2.
Speaker B:Here Jesus shifts the metaphor from shepherd divine.
Speaker B:But the message is still the same message.
Speaker B:Stay connected, abide, live in him, connected to him.
Speaker B:Because apart from him, we can do nothing.
Speaker B:The fruit we are called to bear, the love, the joy, the peace, the patience, the kindness, the witness, it all flows out of our connection to the vine.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:This is not about trying harder.
Speaker B:It's not about striving harder or performing better.
Speaker B:This is about staying close, staying dependent, staying surrendered to him.
Speaker B:Yes, there will be some pruning involved.
Speaker B:There will be seasons where God cuts back and refines and removes.
Speaker B:Not because he's angry, no, because he's making room for you to produce more fruit.
Speaker B:You've seen those studies where they prove plants have feelings and all that.
Speaker B:They feel pain and all that stuff.
Speaker B:Although there's pain involved in the pruning process, it's actually designed to do one thing, allow that plant and allow you to bear more fruit for Him.
Speaker B:I can tell you my own life.
Speaker B:Oh, man.
Speaker B:The pruning seasons are not easy.
Speaker B:They hurt, they stretch you, they press you.
Speaker B:But on the other side of the pruning is multiplication and abundance and breakthrough.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:He says, abide in me and I in you.
Speaker B:As the branch cannot bear Fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine.
Speaker B:Neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Speaker B:John 15:4.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:That's the only way you're going to bear fruit is based by staying connected to him.
Speaker B:So let me ask you, are you abiding?
Speaker B:Are you staying connected to the vine?
Speaker B:Are you trusting the Shepherd?
Speaker B:Because here's the promise.
Speaker B:When you do, you will bear fruit that lasts.
Speaker B:You will live a life that matters.
Speaker B:You will walk in the fullness of what Jesus came to give you.
Speaker B:The good shepherd is calling, the true vine is inviting, and the abundant life he promises us is waiting for you just to step into it.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:As Jesus continues to speak to this crowd, the crowd is captivated.
Speaker B:But he's not finished yet.
Speaker B:Nope.
Speaker B:He wants to push them even deeper, beyond comfort, beyond simple assurance, into the profound reality of what an abundant life is.
Speaker B:Because this is just not about salvation from sin.
Speaker B:It's about the full, rich, overflowing life that comes from walking daily with him.
Speaker B:He tells him, I am the vine, you are the branches.
Speaker B:Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing.
Speaker B:John 15:5.
Speaker B:So let's look at this one again.
Speaker B:Let's stop right here for a second and unpack what we just read.
Speaker B:Notice the clarity.
Speaker B:Apart from Jesus, we do nothing.
Speaker B:Not just a little or a little less.
Speaker B:No, he says, we can do nothing.
Speaker B:No thing.
Speaker B:Every bit of spiritual fruit, every drop of lasting impact, every ounce of eternal reward flows simply from abiding in him.
Speaker B:It isn't about your human effort.
Speaker B:It's about that divine connection.
Speaker B:You see, the religious world will often push you into striving.
Speaker B:Do more, work harder, perform better, come to church more often.
Speaker B:But Jesus says, come closer.
Speaker B:Just stay near and abide in me.
Speaker B:Because the closer you stay to the vine, the more his life and his strength and his character flows through you naturally.
Speaker B:If anyone does not abide in me, he says, he's thrown away like a branch and withers away.
Speaker B:And the branches are then are gathered up and thrown into the fire and burned.
Speaker B:That's verse six, John, chapter 15.
Speaker B:That's a harsh word, but it's really a loving warning.
Speaker B:Jesus is saying that disconnected living leads to destruction.
Speaker B:A branch cut off from the vine has no source of life in it.
Speaker B:It shrivels and dries up and is good for nothing but the burn and the fire.
Speaker B:And that's what happens to us spiritually when we try to live independently from him.
Speaker B:You can have all the Outward appearances of religion.
Speaker B:But without abiding, there's no life there, just the dry shell of performance.
Speaker B:How many times we said, that's a dead church over there.
Speaker B:But look at the promise.
Speaker B:If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you can ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.
Speaker B:John 15:7.
Speaker B:Hallelujah.
Speaker B:Oh man, I'm having fun with this.
Speaker B:That's powerful right there.
Speaker B:All right.
Speaker B:Jesus links abiding with authority and prayer.
Speaker B:When you're connected to him, when his words are alive in you, your prayers line up with his heart.
Speaker B:And that's when mountains move out of your path.
Speaker B:That's when breakthroughs happen.
Speaker B:That's when miracles begin to flow.
Speaker B:Why?
Speaker B:Because you're no longer praying self centered prayers, you're praying kingdom centered prayers, spirit fueled prayers.
Speaker B:Prayers that are aligned with the will of God.
Speaker B:John 15:8.
Speaker B:By this my fathers glorified that you bear much fruit.
Speaker B:And by doing that, you prove to be my disciples, the followers Jesus has.
Speaker B:God's glorified when your life is fruitful, not when you're busy saying you're busy for him, not when you're impressing people by saying you're with him, not when you're applauded by others for all that you do for him, but when you bear the kind of spiritual fruit that can only come from abiding in Jesus.
Speaker B:Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithful and gentleness.
Speaker B:Self control.
Speaker B:That's the evidence of true discipleship.
Speaker B:That's what marks you as a true follower of Jesus himself.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Now listen to me now.
Speaker B:Fruitfulness is not about perfection.
Speaker B:It's about progression.
Speaker B:It's about abiding day by day, step by step if necessary.
Speaker B:Letting Jesus shape your character, refine your heart and deepen your ability to trust him.
Speaker B:As the Father's loved me, so I have loved you, so abide in my love.
Speaker B:That's verse nine.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:That, that's.
Speaker B:This is where it all comes home.
Speaker B:The Christian life is not ultimately about performance.
Speaker B:It's about love.
Speaker B:Jesus says, as the Father loves me, so I love you.
Speaker B:Just let that wash over you for a minute.
Speaker B:The same intensity, the same depth, the same purity of love that the Father has for the Son.
Speaker B:That's the love Jesus pours out on you.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:That love isn't earned, you cannot earn it.
Speaker B:It has to be received.
Speaker B:It's not achieved, it's abided in.
Speaker B:And that how can I say this, Lord?
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:You need to abide in his love.
Speaker B:You need to rest in his love.
Speaker B:You need to receive his love.
Speaker B:Let his love transform you from the inside out.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:He says in John 15, verse 11, these things I've spoken to you, that your joy or my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:So when you dwell like that, here's the result.
Speaker B:Joy.
Speaker B:Not temporary happiness, not fleeting excitement, but deep, lasting, overwhelming joy.
Speaker B:That's the kind of joy the world cannot give.
Speaker B:And it's kind of joy the world can never take away from you.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:This is the kind of joy that sustains you in the trials you face.
Speaker B:It strengthens you in weaknesses.
Speaker B:It fills you even when circumstances are hard.
Speaker B:It's the joy of the Lord.
Speaker B:And it becomes your strength in the Lord too.
Speaker B:Oh, man.
Speaker B:As we get ready to wrap up today because we're starting to run out of time, let me ask you, are you walking in this type of abundant life?
Speaker B:Are you abiding in the vine, drawing from his love, bearing fruit for his kingdom, praying with authority and living in joy?
Speaker B:Because this is what Jesus offers you today.
Speaker B:Not just salvation from sin, but a whole new way of living.
Speaker B:A life marked by connection and transformation and abundance.
Speaker B:A life marked by abundance.
Speaker B:The shepherd is calling you deeper.
Speaker B:The vine is inviting you to stay connected, closer.
Speaker B:Will you come to Jesus today?
Speaker B:That's the question.
Speaker B:As we come to the close of this message, take a deep breath here.
Speaker B:Reflect on what Jesus has revealed to us this day.
Speaker B:I mean, we've walked through his declarations as the Good shepherd, his call to abide, his promise of abundant life, his warning about disconnection, and his assurance of a deep, unwavering love that he has for you and for me and for everyone.
Speaker B:But here's the truth.
Speaker B:It's not enough just to hear his words.
Speaker B:You have to respond to his words.
Speaker B:This moment, right now, is your invitation to respond.
Speaker B:Yeah.
Speaker B:The crowds that gathered around Jesus, they did not leave unchanged that day.
Speaker B:Some were transformed, some were challenged, yes.
Speaker B:Some walked away confused or offended, but nobody left unchanged.
Speaker B:They were all touched in some form or fashion.
Speaker B:You right now are standing in that same moment of decision that that crowd was.
Speaker B:What will you do with what you just heard?
Speaker B:That's the question.
Speaker B:I can give you the answer.
Speaker B:Jesus says, come to me.
Speaker B:That invitation is personal.
Speaker B:Maybe you've never given your life to him before.
Speaker B:Maybe you've wandered away.
Speaker B:Maybe.
Speaker B:Maybe you've been caught up in religious routines but lost that heartbeat of relationship.
Speaker B:Maybe you've been burdened, dry or weary, longing just For a fresh touch from him.
Speaker B:Hear me clearly.
Speaker B:Jesus is calling you to himself today.
Speaker B:Not tomorrow.
Speaker B:Not after you clean up your life, pay off some bills or what.
Speaker B:No, not after you prove yourself worthy to him in some form or fashion.
Speaker B:He's calling you right now, just as you are.
Speaker B:Folks, I can tell you from my own story, when I surrendered everything to Jesus, when I laid all that down, folks, I can tell you I had to lay down my plans, my ambitions, even my own ministry.
Speaker B:I said, jesus, I just want you.
Speaker B:Not your blessings.
Speaker B:Well, that's good.
Speaker B:Not your gifts, that's good too.
Speaker B:But I just want you.
Speaker B:When I made that commitment, everything changed for me.
Speaker B:I promise you, when you surrender, you do not lose, you gain.
Speaker B:I'm telling you right now, that's the way it works.
Speaker B:You gain forgiveness, you gain peace, rest, joy, an abundant life and a relationship with the living Savior.
Speaker B:So right now, if you have never accepted Jesus as your Savior or if you want to recommit your life to him today, I pray.
Speaker B:Just pray this prayer with me right now.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God.
Speaker B:I believe you came, you died on that cross and you rose again for me.
Speaker B:I confess my sins to you, Lord.
Speaker B:I ask you to forgive me of all of them.
Speaker B:Be my savior, my Lord, my shepherd.
Speaker B:Fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Speaker B:Lead me, guide me.
Speaker B:Help me to walk with you every single day.
Speaker B:Thank you for saving me.
Speaker B:Thank you for making me new.
Speaker B:Thank you for giving me eternal life.
Speaker B:And I pray this in Jesus name.
Speaker B:Amen and Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God if you prayed that prayer.
Speaker B:Welcome to the family of God.
Speaker B:Heaven's rejoicing over you right now, but don't let it stop there.
Speaker B:Get connected.
Speaker B:Stay in his word.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Stay in his word.
Speaker B:Find a community of believers who will walk with you and encourage you.
Speaker B:Keep saying yes to Jesus leading one step at a time, one day at a time, day by day.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:And now, look, before we close, I want to share something from my heart.
Speaker B:This entire teaching today, as I said in the beginning, was drawn from this powerful book.
Speaker B:What did Jesus say?
Speaker B:Seven Messages from the Master by Reverend Terry, a Christian.
Speaker B:All of this that we just went over today was taken from message one.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:There's seven messages there.
Speaker B:This is what I received and shared with you from message number 1 1.
Speaker B:I pray you got a lot out of that message today because this book has deeply impacted my life and shifted the focus of my entire ministry.
Speaker B:That's why I partnered with Reverend Terry to take these red letter words of Jesus to the world.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:I mean, this is it.
Speaker B:There's no other commentary.
Speaker B:It's just the red letter words of Jesus.
Speaker B:So if you've been touched by what you've heard today, if you believe in the urgency of sharing Jesus, pure, unfiltered words with a hurting world, I invite you to join us today as a partner because we are launching a global initiative.
Speaker B:That's right, a global initiative through sermons and books and media and outreach and missions to bring these messages, these seven messages to the people who need them.
Speaker B:Your prayers, your support, and your partnership can help us reach the lost and strengthen the church and ignite revival.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:I mean, just imagine, families restored, churches set on fire, nations awakened, all because the living words of Jesus are going forth in power.
Speaker B:That's the vision.
Speaker B:That's the mission.
Speaker B:And, folks, we want you to be part of it.
Speaker B:We need you to be part of it.
Speaker B:So as we conclude today, remember, Jesus is not just some historical figure or a religious symbol.
Speaker B:He is the living Christ, the good shepherd, the true vine, the Savior who knows you by name and calls you.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Will you say yes to that invitation?
Speaker B:Will you come?
Speaker B:Will you help us carry his words to the world?
Speaker B:That's the question I have for you.
Speaker B:Because if you say yes to this, someone somewhere will receive Jesus as their savior because of what you've done.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B: website is wdjsw book project: Speaker B:I can't wait to continue next week when we start.
Speaker B:Message two from the book.
Speaker B:What did Jesus say?
Speaker B:Seven messages for the Master.
Speaker B:Message two is titled in this book the Father and the Son.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:It's gonna be good.
Speaker B:As Jesse Duplant, as you say, I guarantee it.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker B:Praise God.
Speaker B:Tell that folks, that's all time we have for today.
Speaker B:Oh, man, I could go on for another hour right now, but I won't.
Speaker B:Okay, Till then, just remember, abide in him his love, live his joy, never stop pursuing his heart and be blessed in all that you do.
Speaker A:Thank you for joining us for this session of the Red Letter Crusade.
Speaker A:Remember, remember, in a world full of noise, only one voice still speaks with eternal truth.
Speaker A:That's the voice of Jesus through the red letter words in the Bible.
Speaker A:Please hit that like and subscribe button and share this episode with others until next time.
Speaker A:Remember, in a world where clarity is needed now more than ever, his words matter.
Speaker B:It.
