The Most Dire Famine
Fred Tomlinson emphasizes that true spiritual life comes only from receiving Jesus Christ, the living bread from heaven, without which there is a dire spiritual famine.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of leaving behind worldly influences, represented by Moab, to seek the true bread of life found in Bethlehem. It highlights the need for a personal encounter with God's living word, the transformative power of surrendering to God, and the divine timing of God's provision and destiny in our lives.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction and hymn setting the tone for prayerful listening
- Reading and overview of Ruth 1:1-9 highlighting famine in Bethlehem
- Explanation of Bethlehem meaning 'house of bread' and its symbolic famine
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II
- Bread as a metaphor for Jesus, the true bread from heaven
- Exposition of John 6 where Jesus declares Himself the bread of life
- The spiritual necessity of receiving Jesus to have eternal life
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III
- The life of Jesus as the essence of true spiritual life
- John’s testimony of life and light in Jesus
- The mystery of incarnation and the cross as the source of life
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IV
- Paul’s teaching on manifesting the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh
- The dire spiritual famine without participation in the living bread
- God as the initiator of spiritual hunger and the call to receive Christ
Key Quotes
“Speak Lord in the stillness while I wait on thee. Hushed my heart to listen in expectancy.” — Fred Tomlinson
“The true bread from heaven is Christ. The true bread from heaven is life.” — Fred Tomlinson
“Without this living bread from heaven, we are suffering a most dire famine.” — Fred Tomlinson
Application Points
- Recognize your need for Jesus as the living bread to overcome spiritual emptiness.
- Approach the Old Testament with understanding through the New Testament revelation.
- Respond to God’s initiative by receiving and feasting on the life-giving bread, Jesus Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the famine in Bethlehem symbolize?
It symbolizes a spiritual famine where people lack the true bread of life, Jesus Christ, despite living in a place named 'house of bread.'
Why is Jesus called the bread of life?
Jesus uses bread as a metaphor to show that He is essential for eternal spiritual life, just as bread is essential for physical life.
How should we read the Old Testament according to the sermon?
We should read the Old Testament through the lens of the New Testament, recognizing types and shadows fulfilled in Christ.
What is the significance of receiving the living bread?
Receiving the living bread means accepting Jesus into our lives, which imparts eternal life and overcomes spiritual death.
Who initiates the hunger for spiritual life?
God is always the initiator of spiritual hunger, placing the desire for the living bread in our hearts.