[NOTE – sound was not available for the 1st couple of minutes but keep listening and it WILL come on!] Clinton Barrineau, A missionary with Crossworld, gave us an update on the need for missionaries in Italy and on his family's plans to begin their ministry in Italy in the near future. He shared some information on the current state of missions in Italy and their financial needs at this time.

Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and offers her “living water,” revealing Himself as the Messiah who gives eternal life. Despite cultural, ethnic, and moral barriers, Jesus meets her with truth and grace, exposing her sin while extending hope and transformation. Through their conversation, He teaches that true worship isn’t about location or ritual but about worshiping the Father “in spirit and truth.” The woman’s encounter with Jesus changes her life—she leaves her water jar, runs to tell her town, and many believe in Him because of her testimony. This story reveals Jesus as the source of new life, the revealer of true worship, and the Savior who seeks the lost and transforms hearts for God’s glory.

This message unpacks John 3:16–21, showing how God’s love is revealed in action through giving His “one and only Son” for the salvation of the world. Salvation is not gained through religion, ethnicity, or good works, but through faith in Christ, who was lifted up on the cross, bringing rescue from sin and condemnation. God’s love is universal, sacrificial, and costly, setting the standard for all love. Jesus came not to condemn but to save, offering eternal life to all who believe. Humanity’s response to Him reveals their standing: some reject the light, loving darkness and sin, while others come into the light, allowing God to transform their lives. The call is clear—believe and share the message.

This sermon on John 3:1–21 explores Nicodemus’s encounter with Jesus, highlighting the necessity of spiritual rebirth. Though Nicodemus was a respected Pharisee and leader, his religion and good works could not secure entrance into God’s kingdom. Jesus cut through his questions by declaring, “You must be born from above,” teaching that all people are spiritually dead in sin and need new life only God can give. Being born again means a complete spiritual transformation, not moral improvement. Like the wind, the Spirit’s work is unseen but powerful and undeniable. Salvation comes not through heritage, religion, or goodness, but through faith in Jesus, the One lifted up on the cross. Eternal life belongs only to those who trust Him.

The story of the rich young ruler contrasts sharply with Zacchaeus. Whereas Zacchaeus, a sinful man, received salvation through faith and repentance, this wealthy, moral, and respected young leader missed it. Though he sincerely sought eternal life, he approached Jesus asking what he must do to inherit it, relying on his goodness, rule-keeping, and wealth as signs of favor. Jesus lovingly exposed his heart idol—his riches—by calling him to surrender them and follow Him. Sadly, he walked away, unwilling to let go. The lesson is clear: no one is “good enough” for heaven, nor can eternal life be earned. Salvation comes only by God’s grace through faith in Christ, requiring humble surrender of anything we treasure above Him.

In Luke 19:1–10, we meet Zacchaeus, a wealthy and despised tax collector in Jericho. Though rejected by his community, Zacchaeus longs to see Jesus. In a surprising turn, Jesus seeks him out, calls him by name, and insists on staying at his house. This encounter reveals the heart of Jesus’ mission: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Zacchaeus responds with faith and repentance, joyfully welcoming Jesus and immediately showing the fruit of a changed life. His story reminds us that no one is too far gone, and salvation is urgent, personal, and transformative. The call of Christ still invites us today to respond with faith that leads to repentance, obedience and a fruitful life.

Hebrews 12 reminds us that suffering is part of God’s loving discipline -- part of His training program to help us to grow in faith and maturity. Early believers endured persecution with joy because they held an eternal perspective, knowing greater rewards awaited them in heaven. The writer urges us to look to Jesus, who endured the cross, as our model for perseverance. God’s discipline, like that of a good father, proves that we belong to Him and shapes us to share in His holiness. Though painful in the moment, it produces peace and righteousness for those who endure. Our trials are opportunities to lean on God’s strength, grow in dependence on Him, and prepare for eternal glory with Christ.

The Bible is filled with the accounts of many peoples’ lives who followed God faithfully and didn’t quit. We can find encouragement from reading those biblical accounts. But there is One who stands out above all and that is Jesus Christ, Himself. As we strive to follow the Lord’s plan for our lives, we often face difficulties and even suffering in our lives. The writer of the book of Hebrews encouraged his audience and us to look to Jesus who faithfully followed the will of His Father all the way to and through the cross. Jesus won the victory and we can, too, as we remain faithful to God.