I am a Part of Jesus' Continuing Story (Part 38)

  • Luke Brower
  • Mar 7, 2010
  • Series: The Gospel of John

Passage: John 21

Point 1: Jesus wants His followers to experience the life-giving power of living for His story.

  • The empty nets represent that their old life will never be enough for them again.
  • Tasting the power of living for the Kingdom of God; nothing in this world could ever compare.
  • Jesus is alive; there has to be more to life than what I am living now.
    • Is the way I've set up my life in line with my call as a follower of Jesus?
    • Are my priorities, activities and choices preventing me from truly living for Him and the story He wants to write in my life?
    • At the end of the day and all my pursuits, am I coming to shore with an empty net?

Point 2: Jesus is still the driving force of His mission

  • Even though Jesus is not with us physically, we are not alone; He will meet our needs
  • The work Jesus has given us is about Him and His power; not us and ours
    • If the work is about us, we can't get it done
    • He is here and He will provide
    • It will be finished

Point 3: Jesus can use any willing heart

  • Jesus gives us grace no matter how bad we mess up
  • Grace re-empowers our choice to surrender to God
  • In our sins, we are unworthy of Jesus
    • Jesus died for our sins; His grace gives us another chance
    • Given the choice, who am I going to serve?
    • Who am I going to submit my life to?
    • Who am I going to follow?

Point 4: We are called to sacrifice our own story for His story

  • The stories may be different, but they all have the same theme: your life for His Kingdom
  • Stop comparing our lives to others. Jesus asks us to obey.
  • My call is to answer no matter what may lie ahead; regardless of what others do
  • I have an individual invitation for Jesus to give my life in service for His Kingdom
    • My story is being written and He doesn't want me to miss out by wasting time comparing and complaining "that's not fair"
  • Jesus is writing the story of my life.
    • What is my part going to be?
    • Will I choose to give my life in service for the Kingdom?
    • To experience the life-giving power of living for Jesus and trusting His story?
    • Do I have a willing heart that's ready to faithfully sacrifice no matter what the cost?
    • Is He going to write my story or am I?

Life Giving Truth: I am a part of Jesus' continuing story.