John preached this morning on 5 promises God makes to us:
(1) Divine relationship: “I will build my church.”
In Matthew16:1-20, Jesus says that it is God’s divine intention to build His church. That church is built upon our relationship with Jesus (see Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Messiah). The church is not necessarily about numbers, but about those who have a relationship with God. The church is not built on human wisdom or human values but is based on the cross of Christ.
(2) Divine instruction: “I will make you fishers of men.”
Those who follow Jesus are given the promise that He will make us fishers of men. The church is built not by following our own agenda but by following God. We are to take our cross and deny ourselves and follow Jesus, showing compassion and love to others (as Paul did to the Philippian jailer, resulting in his conversion to Christ.)
(3) Divine infilling: “I will pour out my Spirit.”
The promise of the Holy Spirit is given so that we can effectively witness to Christ. The Holy Spirit does not come to make us look good or for ‘spectacle’, not for our vanity but to give us the power to witness for Christ. He is not for show but for sanctification.
(4) Divine insurance: “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
God promised His ongoing presence to people. Those who follow Jesus hear the Shepherd’s voice and have God as our helper and protector (see Psalm 121).
(5) Divine inheritance: “I will come again.”
We have the promise that Christ has gone to prepare a place for us (see John 14) and that He will return for His church, His bride. We are not deceived and led astray because we are listening to His voice and hear Him leading us in the everlasting way. We can be sure that He will come again, just as He promised.