Encountering Jesus - Desperate Faith
In May we began the "Encountering Jesus" sermon series by learning what happens to people when they encounter Jesus. When Jesus Christ reveals Himself to someone, their life is impacted and transformed. In the first week, we saw that Jesus' first disciples, when they met him, told others and followed him (John 1).
In the second week, we learned from Mary, the mother of Jesus, to accept God's call to carry the Savior of this world. She was an obedient and persevering servant of God from before Jesus' birth until His death on the Cross (John 19).
In the third week we saw that Nicodemus, a religious leader, did not know how to enter the kingdom of God—despite his age and biblical knowledge. Jesus explained to him that he must be born again of water and of the spirit to see the kingdom of God. So, it is never too late to be born again and gain eternal life (John 3).
During the fourth week, we noticed that people like the Samaritan woman are looking to meet their basic needs such as water to drink. But when she met Jesus, he gave her living water and she obtained redemption from her sins and subsequently went to tell everyone about Jesus (John 4).
In the last two weeks, we have observed that people can encounter Jesus through their friends, to find forgiveness and healing, hence the importance of having friends to guide you to your encounter with Jesus (Mark 2). We also learned that even people possessed by unclean spirits, when they encounter Jesus, can be truly free (Mark 5).
This week, we will have another encounter with Jesus to find acceptance in society, healing from our illnesses, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. You have probably experienced suffering with some illness, or you have not been able to integrate with a group in society, or you are simply looking to have an encounter with God.
I encourage you to attend to any of the three worship services we have each Sunday here at DSMC, to meet Jesus and lead others to meet our Lord and Savior.
Many blessings!
Rev. Jesus Samano