Lifting Up Jesus

Lifting Up Jesus

February 3, 2013 Morning Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We must lift high the name of Jesus so that the world may know Him.

Focus Passage: John 3:14-21

Supplemental Passage: "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." (John 12:32 NASB)

Introduction: We talk and get excited about many things today. We are “died-in-the-wool” fans of our favorite sports teams. We wear T-shirts of our favorite singers. We encourage others to join us in our hobbies and even our vacations. We might go so far as to talk about our church and even invite someone to church. But what we are woefully silent on is JESUS. We’ll talk about Him, sometimes, with other believers, but we don’t want to mention Him to others, for the fear that we might offend them. In these days, where truth is offensive, go ahead and talk to others about Jesus; they’ll be glad you did.

I. Jesus Lifted Up (crucified)

a. Jesus was put on a tree

b. Nicodemus knew the reference, but didn’t understand

c. Most understand, but don’t know the reference

II. Bronze Serpent Lifted Up (Numbers 21:4-9)

a. The people of Israel were wondering in the desert

b. They became inpatient and grumbled against God and Moses

c. God sent serpents to bite them and many died

d. They ran to Moses asking him to pray for them

e. God didn’t take away the snakes, only the deadly effects of the snakes

III. Jesus Lifted Up (Exalted)

a. When we exalt Jesus, people can see Him

b. When they trust Him, he doesn’t take away the sin, only the deadly effects of the sin

c. We must lift up Jesus so that the world will know Him

Invitation: