Yes Virginia, There is a WayJohn 14:1-14

Introduction

• In 1897, an 8 yr-old, Virginia O’Hanlon, asked a great question

• “If you see it in the Sun it’s so…”• The response: “Yes, Virginia there

is a Santa Claus”

Introduction

Myths, legends and fairy tales the make-believe things that we tell our children to comfort or motivate them

Introduction

but, there is a horrible realization awaiting them.

My parents tricked me! (at best)

POOF POP FFFT FIZZLE

Introduction

• People are seeking for answers about the AFTERLIFE.

• This is serious. They want the TRUTH.• They will not be treated like 8-yr

olds.

Introduction

• PLURALISM, INCLUSIVISM, and UNIVERSALISM in our culture are deadly traps.

• Uncertainty breeds UNBELIEF.• They need the TRUTH.

Introduction

• The gospel has THE answer to these questions.

• Because we care about PEOPLE, more than we care about CONFLICT, we must tell them …

1. Heaven is for real

• There are real residences being prepared

• There is real comfort in these real places

• The Father is really there• Jesus has been there personally• and is planning to return there

2. You can go there

• A place is being prepared there for disciples

• He promised to return to “pick up” disciples

• His plan included the provision of the path or way to come

• But knowing the way is not the same as taking it

TENSION and objections

• Is heaven real?! We have never been there!

• How do we get there?! I can’t figure it out.

3. There’s only one way

• “You know the way” (v4)• “I AM the way” (v6a)• “No one comes to the Father,

except through me” (v6b)

• cf. Matt 7:13-15, Acts 4:12

Jesus said, “I AM the way…” Jesus said, “I AM the door…”

GODJesus Christwages

for sinDEATH

giftof God

eternal LIFE

TRUST

BUT

John 13:36-37

• Willingness, in all sincerity, to sacrifice everything to achieve this eternal presence is useless

• Jesus is the only way, His sacrifice made the difference

Hebrews 9:11-14

• All the religious activity you can possibly do to achieve this eternal presence is useless

• Jesus paid once and for all for us to be cleansed, acceptable to God

Ephesians 2:13, 16, 18

• It does not matter whether you are born into the right family, heritage, or culture – that is useless to gain heaven.

• Jesus has created access for all through his own bloody cross.

• We are now brought near and into the family of God.

Jesus said, “I AM the way…” Jesus said, “I AM the door…”

Conclusion

1. DEEPEN your roots and experience NEW growth in 2013a. SPIRITUAL VITALITYb. APOLOGETICSc. RELATIONSHIPS

2. Be a trail GUIDE not a travel AGENT