A Place That Satisfies Eternally Series

THE WELL – A Place That Satisfies Eternally

John 4:13:15 March 20, 2022

Introduction:

[I remember hearing the story of a preacher teaching a group of 7 year olds the importance of marriage. God’s view of it...and he asked the class, “How many times are we supposed to get married?”

And one little boy put his hand up immediately...the preacher said, “Yes, Johnny.” And Johnny said, 8 times...we’re supposed to get married 8 times. And the preacher said, “Johnny where’d you come up with 8?” And Johnny said, “4 better and 4 worse...8!”]

The Samaritan woman hadn’t made it to 8, but she sure had a running start at it with 5 marriages and living with this 6th guy.

I’m not sure how many marriages I’ve done in the past 42 years of ministry, but let’s say, “A lot!!!”

And I’ve never sat with a couple who thought...“OK after 2 ½ years we’re gonna hate each other! We’ll leave God out of our day to day living and let the routine of life slowly corrode and kill this love and attraction we feel for each other.”

Never had a couple start with that goal...but have had dozens and dozens arrive there.

Marriage might be made in heaven, but they have to be loved out by real people here on earth.

I don’t think it’s an accident that Jesus is called the groom...and He describes His coming to earth as the Messiah like a party...a wedding celebration.

Remember last week when I reminded you of Jesus eating at Matthew’s house...He was eating with many tax collectors and sinners...and the religious Pharisees started to whisper “why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners.”

Jesus hears the question and answers it, “It’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick...I have not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Matthew 9:12-13)

On the heels of this, John the Baptist’s disciples (could have been Andrew & John) ask Jesus, “why do the Pharisees fast so often but your disciples do not fast.” (Matthew 9:14)

Listen:

MATTHEW 9:15-17

Jesus, the bridegroom is saying something very, very important about salvation and eternity.

I. JESUS THE GROOM WILL LOVE HIS BRIDE AND MAKE HER NEW

When the movie called, “50 Shades of Grey” premiered. The first weekend it did 80 million dollars...surpassing the past February record holder...ironically “Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.”

Maybe you haven’t heard of it...but if you are plugged into society even a little you have...It’s described this way in its trailer: “Mr. Grey will see you now...and then the movie becomes soft porn as a man dominates with sado masicism a young girl.

Statistics reveal that 75% of 50 Shades audience are female. Why? One reporter said, “Maybe women are looking for security and strength in a man, but they’re willing to settle for this.”

Satan promises “newness,” excitement.”

What he delivers is a perversion of God’s perfect plan...And before you see this movie because, it’s fun...remember you cannot un-see what you’ve seen and all Satan looks for sometimes is an opening...a foothold. Don’t give it to him!!!

I’m sure the Samaritan woman at the well felt like anything but an innocent young girl. As we’ve said, “5 husbands...not 8, but still 5 life experiences with different partners...children? We don’t know, but chances are yes...maybe with several different dads. And at this point in her life, she settles for living with a guy...trading herself for whatever security he provides.

New would describe very little in her life!

[And maybe you feel that way today...In your marriage, in your relationships, in your job. In almost everything you would say, “This is getting old!”

I had someone tell me that the other day and I asked, “When was the last time you stopped trying to fix it on your own?”

And they started to answer...defensively, but then the Holy Spirit made them stop...and with their head down they said, “years.”]

Folks, I cannot guarantee you a life free from pain and struggles...not here on earth anyway...but I can introduce you to a Savior who can make you brand new...I can introduce you to a Savior “who can take your sin though they be as scarlet He can make them as white as snow..though they are as red as crimson He can make them like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

He does that when we are born again...He washes away all the accumulated filth...He fills us with His Spirit...Everything changes. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ they are a new creation, the old things are gone and new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

“In Christ”...what an amazing place to be! And He, “IN US!”

Here’s the Samaritan woman’s promise...Here’s my hope for newness...and yours. Paul records the past lives of the Corinthians and then says...”you were.” Not you are, “you were”...but no longer.