AM Scripture Reading: John 8.21-30

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

Why I Am A Christian

 Introduction:

1. The reason I am a Christian is more complex than the reason I am a believer in God.
2. Jesus’ claims are controversial and His demands are both stringent and challenging. (John 8.24; 14.6; 12.48)
3. So why I a Christian?

THE MESSIANIC PROPHECIES ARE COMPELLING

1. Common objections:
   1. Prophecies after Jesus’ life. [1000 – 450 BC]
   2. Fulfilled prophecies were deliberately manipulated.
   3. Fulfillment was coincidental. [Just 8 prophecies- 1:1017]
2. Some significant Old Testament prophecies about Jesus;
   1. Born of a virgin. (Isa. 7.14; Matt. 1.23)
   2. Born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5.2; Luke 2.4-8)
   3. Called out of Egypt. (Hosea 11.1; Matt. 2.15)
   4. Betrayed by a friend. (Psa. 41.9; John 13.18)
   5. Pierced through His side, but not a bone in His body was broken. (Psa. 22.16-17; John 19.31-37)

CHRIST’S CHARACTER IS UNIMPEACHABLE

1. He lived simply & humbly. (Matt. 8.20)
2. He healed the infirmed. (Matt. 9.35)
3. He fed the hungry. (Matt. 14.14-21)
4. He accurately taught the Law. (Matt. 7.28-29)
5. He exposed hypocrisy. (Matt. 21.12-13; 23.1-39)
6. He practiced what He preached. (Matt. 27.4, 19, 24)
7. He gave His life freely for others. (Matt. 18.11; 20.28; 26.28)
8. The testimony of the Roman centurion. (Matt. 27.54)

THE CASE OF THE “EMPTY TOMB” IS UNDENIABLE

1. What happened to the body of Jesus? (Matt. 28.1-8)
   1. How about the Jewish leaders? (Matt. 27.62-66)
   2. Did the guards misplace it, or did they fall asleep, which allowed the disciples to take it? (Matt. 28.11-15)
2. The risen Christ is humanity’s only hope! (1 Cor. 15.1-19)

Conclusion: There is no salvation outside of Christ…