October 1, 2023 - Finding the Ultimate Reason for Life - Pastor Paul Vallee

John 1:35-50, John Series What is it that each of us genuinely longs for? So, often, what we think we desire has been culturally conditioned. We want to be rich or have financial security; some want to be famous or have meaningful relationships, but people want to be happy. We need to be loved, heard, understood, and accepted. This need is ultimately found in a person, and that person is Jesus. For most people living in the daily grind of life, with its ups and downs, there is a part that desires life to be more than it so often is. Here in John's gospel, we have the introduction of the first followers of Jesus, how they came into contact with Him, and how that changed who they were and what they became. These people discovered the ultimate reason for life, which changed their lives' trajectory. Early in the chapter, John the Baptist discovers that Jesus is God's promised Messiah. This happened at the moment of Jesus' baptism when he saw God's Spirit descend like a dove upon Jesus.             John 1:32-34 Then John gave this testimony: 'I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but he one who sent me to baptize with water told, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Hold Spirit. I have seen, and I testify that this is God's Chosen One. So, how do we come to know Jesus? How does God reach us and those we care about? How do we find the ultimate reason for life? We see that this generally happens through the testimony of others. So, how do we become effective witnesses so others find the ultimate reason for life? Where do we begin? How did Jesus do it? Did Jesus have a method or a strategy? There is no argument as to what Jesus' purpose was.             Luke gives us the reason for His coming in Luke 19:10.             For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Jesus is here for people. How did Jesus bring His kingdom to our world nearly two thousand years ago, and what does that mean for us today? We are about to discover that God's kingdom comes through people like you and me. It occurs through people whose lives have been changed and are changing. It is people reaching out to other people.  John Maxwell explains, "The only thing God will ever rescue from this planet is people. Therefore, if you want a ministry of permanence, you must build it in the lives of others." Ministry is caring for others, building them up, praying for them, and communicating grace and truth. As we go back in time and see how Jesus went about His ministry, we will learn what makes life worth living by following Jesus' approach toward others. In John's gospel, we see how people came to Jesus. There are four insights that reveal the ultimate reason for life.