A Certain Man

Reverend Hall preaches from John 5:1-9, focusing on the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda who had an infirmity for 38 years. The preacher emphasizes that when Jesus asks the man, 'Wilt thou be made whole?', the man does not simply answer 'yes' but instead offers excuses, blaming others for always stepping into the pool before him. Reverend Hall teaches that bitterness and blame prevent people from recognizing Jesus, the true healer standing right before them. The man's fixation on others cutting in line kept him from seeing his opportunity for immediate healing. The sermon stresses that believers must avoid letting a root of bitterness poison their hearts against others — whether at work, in church, or in daily life. Citing Ephesians 4:26-32 and Hebrews 12:14-15, Reverend Hall exhorts the congregation to follow peace with all men, to forgive as Christ forgave, and to love their enemies. He illustrates this through personal stories of praying for and befriending a coworker who tried to get him fired, and of overcoming resentment when his own father denied him work. The spiritual purpose is to urge hearers to reject the poison of bitterness, to pray for those who mistreat them, and to trust God with vengeance, being peacemakers who reflect Christ's love to a watching world. The preacher concludes with 2 Corinthians 6:3-6, calling believers to give no offense and to approve themselves as ministers of God through patience, kindness, and unfeigned love.