1. Encountering Christ Jesus Encounters The Hopeless John 5:1-15
Grace Community Church December 7, 2008

2. We can experience wholeness when we make three resolutions of belief in
Christ and the Gospel.

3. John 5:3 / 6
3 “Here a great number of people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.”
6 “Do you want to get well?”
God can heal physically – it’s not always His will to do so
Sickness is a result of the fall and sin and not necessarily my doing (John 9)
God didn’t cause it
The blind man didn’t deserve it
God was going to use it
People will reap what they sow (Galatians 6:7)

5. Approach your heart condition honestly (you reap what you sow)
First Resolution:
Approach your heart condition honestly (you reap what you sow)

6. John 5:7
“Sir”, the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
His hopelessness had become a very real faith to him.
He had yet to recognize that his current plan was an exercise in futility.

7. Acknowledge your state of inability (but look to Christ)
Second Resolution:
Acknowledge your state of inability (but look to Christ)

8. John 5:8
Then Jesus said to Him, “Get up! Pick up your matt and walk.” At once the man was cured, he picked up his matt and walked.

9. Accept His Word in all humility(obedience and a grateful response)
Third Resolution:
Accept His Word in all humility(obedience and a grateful response)

10. Summary
You can experience wholeness by making 3 resolutions of belief in Christ and the gospel
Approach your heart condition honestly (you reap what you sow)
Acknowledge the state of you inability (but look to Christ)
Accept His words in all humility (obedience and grateful response)