Why Were You Born? John 18:34-37

34 Jesus answered, "Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?" 35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?" 36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world." 37 Then Pilate said to him, "So you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.“ John 18:34-37

This Year’s Theme: At His Cross June’s Theme: I Find Purpose Today’s Lesson: Why Were You Born?

WHY WERE YOU BORN? What is the purpose of (your) life? Not just philosophically But practically, how should you spend your life?

WHY WERE YOU BORN? What is the purpose of (your) life? Various answers given There is no meaning—depressed people and atheists Finding peace and tranquility—Eastern philosophy Self denial, self improvement—Stoics Influence society with MY important message Finding true self, living in the present—not past/future Climbing a personally defined ladder of success To have instant gratification

WHY WERE YOU BORN? What is the purpose of (your) life? Various answers given I am a “nobody” I could never be used Look at the twelve “nobody” apostles Ignorant and unlearned fishermen; an uncontrolled, impetuous man; a despised person, etc. He took Amos a fruit picker and shepherd He took a young shepherd boy to become a king He took Isaiah from unknown source to become prophet He took Legion & told him to stay home (Mark 5:18-19)

WHY WERE YOU BORN? What is the purpose of (your) life? Various answers given I am a “nobody” I could never be used Can He take you? Jeremiah found out when an adult Esther never knew Without revelation, you cannot know certainly

Two Simple, yet profound, answers WHY WERE YOU BORN? Two Simple, yet profound, answers King Solomon’s search and conclusion The wisest man search for the answer His conclusion—“Fear God and obey Him” 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. Ecc. 12:13-14

Two Simple, yet profound, answers WHY WERE YOU BORN? Two Simple, yet profound, answers King Solomon’s search and conclusion Jehovah’s words to Isaiah 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.“ Isaiah 43:7

WHY WERE YOU BORN AGAIN? So we could enter His Kingdom—John 3:3-5 5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5

WHY WERE YOU BORN AGAIN? So we could enter His Kingdom—John 3:3-5 To be His voice to the lost—2 Cor. 5:19-20 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:18-20

WHY WERE YOU BORN AGAIN? So we could enter His Kingdom—John 3:3-5 To be His voice to the lost—2 Cor. 5:19-20 To be His priest & serve Him—Heb. 13:15-16 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Heb. 13:15-16

Becoming Part of His Family Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Believe John 3:16 Repent Acts 17:30 Confess Faith Acts 8:36-37 Be Baptized Into Him Gal. 3:27 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Be Faithful until death Rev. 2:10