Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Gospels (John 15) Challenging sermon by Pastor JD Howell
What does it mean to truly know Jesus Christ, not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the very Son of God? In this sermon, Pastor JD Howell walks through the Gospel of John and shows how the Lord Jesus reveals Himself through the great “I am” statements. Each one points to a different aspect of His divine power and saving work. He is not merely a helper for life’s problems. He is the answer for the deepest need of the human soul.
From John’s Gospel, we are reminded that Jesus is the Bread of Life who satisfies the hungry soul, the Light of the World who exposes darkness and shows the right path, the Door who gives entrance into safety, and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. He is the Resurrection and the Life, proving that death does not have the final word. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, showing that no one comes to the Father apart from Him. And in John 15, He is the True Vine, teaching us that without Him we can do nothing and that all lasting fruit comes only through abiding in Him.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). That truth is as practical now as it was for the disciples then. We live in a world that tells us to depend on ourselves, trust our own strength, and build our own way. But the Christian life is not lived by self-sufficiency. It is lived by dependence upon Christ. When we stay close to Him, draw from His strength, and submit to His Word, He produces fruit in us that will remain.
Jesus also said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). This sermon is a clear call to stop looking for satisfaction, direction, or eternal hope anywhere else. Only Jesus can satisfy the soul, give light in darkness, conquer death, and bring us safely to God.
Are you merely learning about Christ, or are you truly abiding in Him and trusting Him as the great I AM?
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport is a church focused on reaching people and helping them “Build Bridges”.
From relationships with spouses and children to co-workers and neighbors, but most importantly a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a place here for everyone! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, we want to help you with where you are going.
We hope to see you at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
For more information and to plan a visit go to 2fbc.com/#planyourvisit
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pushpay.com/g/2fbcsaginaw?src=hpp
Like our page on Facebook
facebook.com/2firstbaptist
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First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
2400 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601
The Gospels (John 15) Challenging sermon by Pastor JD Howell
What does it mean to truly know Jesus Christ, not just as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the very Son of God? In this sermon, Pastor JD Howell walks through the Gospel of John and shows how the Lord Jesus reveals Himself through the great “I am” statements. Each one points to a different aspect of His divine power and saving work. He is not merely a helper for life’s problems. He is the answer for the deepest need of the human soul.
From John’s Gospel, we are reminded that Jesus is the Bread of Life who satisfies the hungry soul, the Light of the World who exposes darkness and shows the right path, the Door who gives entrance into safety, and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. He is the Resurrection and the Life, proving that death does not have the final word. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, showing that no one comes to the Father apart from Him. And in John 15, He is the True Vine, teaching us that without Him we can do nothing and that all lasting fruit comes only through abiding in Him.
Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). That truth is as practical now as it was for the disciples then. We live in a world that tells us to depend on ourselves, trust our own strength, and build our own way. But the Christian life is not lived by self-sufficiency. It is lived by dependence upon Christ. When we stay close to Him, draw from His strength, and submit to His Word, He produces fruit in us that will remain.
Jesus also said, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). This sermon is a clear call to stop looking for satisfaction, direction, or eternal hope anywhere else. Only Jesus can satisfy the soul, give light in darkness, conquer death, and bring us safely to God.
Are you merely learning about Christ, or are you truly abiding in Him and trusting Him as the great I AM?
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport is a church focused on reaching people and helping them “Build Bridges”.
From relationships with spouses and children to co-workers and neighbors, but most importantly a relationship with Jesus Christ.
There is a place here for everyone! It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, we want to help you with where you are going.
We hope to see you at First Baptist Church of Bridgeport.
For more information and to plan a visit go to 2fbc.com/#planyourvisit
Give on PushPay
pushpay.com/g/2fbcsaginaw?src=hpp
Like our page on Facebook
facebook.com/2firstbaptist
Follow us on Instagram
instagram.com/2firstbaptist
Follow us on Twitter
twitter.com/2firstbaptist
First Baptist Church of Bridgeport
2400 King Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601
