January 17, 2010
A Mirage Or A River? 
Pastor John Sprecher

“A MIRAGE OR A RIVER?”
Text: John 7:37-39
Introduction: Water is often related to spiritual and natural life in the Scripture.  The tragedy is that some who are thirsty will only find a mirage if they are looking for the wrong water.

1. THIRSTY PEOPLE NEED TO GO TO THE RIGHT SOURCE
1. Jesus declared Himself to be living water (John 4:10-14)
1. The woman at the well was offered water which would satisfy
2. The living water to become a fountain springing up for everlasting life from within
3. Some are thirsty but don’t realize it
2. God gives the invitation to thirsty people to come
1. To come to the living waters
1. Flows from the throne of God (Ezekiel 47)
2. You don’t need money
1. Accessible to all
3. Some are satisfied with the mirage
1. Good or necessary things of this life that don’t meet deep needs
4. If we come to God we can enjoy true abundance
2. LIVING WATER IS AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO SEEK THE LORD
1. While He may be found (Isaiah 55:6)
1. Times when God is near call for our response
2. Repentance is the key to coming to the Lord (Isaiah 55:7)
1. Turn from wicked way
2. Begin to think differently
3. The principle of the law and the heart in the beatitudes (Matthew 5:21-48)
4. God will pardon those who turn to Him
3. Religious or righteous?  (Isa. 58:1-5)
1. People seek God daily
1. Say they delight to know His ways
2. Act like they are doing right
3. Can’t figure out why God does not respond
2. The reality of their fast
1. They find pleasure
2. Exploit laborers
3. Have strife and debate
3. God did not call them to afflict their soul for the sake of doing it
1. Self imposed religion and false humility have no value against the indulgence of the flesh
4. God’s intended fast (Isa. 58:6-12)
1. Loose the bonds of wickedness
2. Share your food with the hungry
3. The Lord will guide you
3. BECOMING A RIVER OF LIFE FOR OTHERS
1. Build the house of the Lord first (Haggai 1:1-15)
1. People were back in the land
2. Did not see the timing as right to build the house of the Lord
3. Had taken care of themselves and built nice homes
4. Were finding that there was little in the fields and their lives
5. God did not bless them because they were not obedient to His commands
6. God promised to be with them and help them
2. We need to ask for His Spirit (Luke 9:11-13)
3. We need to acknowledge His work in our lives (II Cor. 4:7)