17 August 2025Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠OverviewFinishing John 8 (vv. 48–59), the tension peaks as Jesus answers insults (“Samaritan,” “demon-possessed”) with breathtaking claims: the Father will glorify Him, anyone who keeps His word “will never see death,” Abraham rejoiced to see His day, and—climax—“Before Abraham was, I AM.” The crowd understands: He’s claiming the divine name from Exodus 3. They reach for stones. John wants us to grapple with the truth that sets us free: Jesus is not merely a teacher; He is God the Son, the giver of eternal life.Scripture Passage (John 8:48 –59, NLT) • vv. 48–51: Accusations fly; Jesus honours the Father and promises: “Anyone who obeys my teaching will never die.” • vv. 52–56: Greater than Abraham—who “rejoiced to see my day.” • vv. 57–59: “You aren’t fifty!” → “Before Abraham was born, I AM.” They attempt stoning; His hour has not yet come.Main Points 1. Freedom hinges on the truth about Jesus • Not “good man vs. bad man,” but God or blasphemer. Jesus adopts the divine name (“I AM”)—the self-existent, eternal LORD (Exod 3:14 ). No safe middle. 2. Life stronger than death • “Never see death” = rescued from ultimate, spiritual death now and bodily death’s finality later (resurrection hope). Those who keep His word pass from death to life. 3. Family resemblance over family tree • Ancestry (Abraham) can’t save; alignment with Abraham’s faith does. Abraham rejoiced at Christ’s day; true children rejoice and obey the Son. 4. Glory and judgment belong to the Father • Jesus doesn’t self-promote; the Father testifies and glorifies the Son. Rejecting Jesus isn’t a neutral stance; it’s refusing the Father’s witness. 5. Hearing → Obeying → Freedom • Keeping (“obeying”) His word is the pathway where truth becomes lived reality and freedom becomes ongoing, not one-off.Illustrations & Threads • Burning Bush to Temple Courts: The same “I AM” who spoke to Moses now stands in the temple. Light has stepped into our darkness. • Stones vs. Open Hands: The crowd clutches stones; the disciple opens hands to receive truth—and freedom.Application • Decide about Jesus: If He is “I AM,” He has total claim on your worship, trust, and obedience. No halfway. • Keep His Word Daily: Move from hearing to doing—read, meditate, obey one concrete command each day (John 8:31 –32). • Freedom Inventory: Where am I resisting His voice (defensiveness, control, hidden sin)? Confess, renounce, invite the Spirit’s power. • Rejoice with Abraham: Practice gratitude for Christ’s day—name ways the gospel has brought freedom this week and share a brief testimony with someone. • Live Resurrection Now: Face fear, grief, or suffering with John 8:51 in view; pray it over situations that feel “final.”#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon