Sermon Title: “Even So Must the Son of Man Be Lifted Up”

Watch Now

Text: John 3:13–21 (with Numbers 21:1–9)

Delivered by Pastor Josh at Forward for Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA 22835 (October 19, 2025)

Local Message Highlight
If you are searching for a Bible-preaching church near Luray, VA, this message from John 3 puts the spotlight where it belongs: on Jesus Christ lifted up. The sermon reminds us the need is urgent, the world is dark, and the answer is still the same. When Christ is exalted, sinners can look and live, and believers can shine His light without compromise.

What This Sermon Covers
From John 3:13–21, the message centers on Jesus’ words in John 3:14, “even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” First, the sermon stresses the necessity of Christ being lifted up, because salvation is not optional and the time is now. Second, it ties Jesus’ illustration to Numbers 21, where Israel, bitten by fiery serpents, could only live by looking in faith at the brass serpent lifted on a pole, a clear picture pointing to Christ and the simplicity of believing God. Third, it highlights Christ as the Light of the world, exposing the tragedy that men love darkness rather than light, while truth is drawn to the light. The message closes with a clear Gospel invitation to the lost to come to Christ by faith, and a call for believers to repent where needed and lift up Jesus openly in their daily life.

Why Visit Forward for Christ Baptist Church in Luray, VA?
Forward for Christ Baptist Church is a King James Bible-believing church serving Page County and the Shenandoah Valley with clear preaching, traditional worship, and a desire to see souls saved and believers strengthened. If you are looking for a church family that exalts Christ, preaches the Gospel plainly, and encourages people to walk in the light, you are welcome here.

Questions and Answers

Quick sermon takeaways from John 3:13–21 (with Numbers 21:1–9), built for clarity and easy reading.

What is the main point of the 10/19 sermon?

The main emphasis is Jesus’ words in John 3:14, “even so must the Son of man be lifted up.” The sermon calls the church to exalt Christ, because salvation is urgent, the world is dark, and sinners still must look to Jesus by faith to live.

What does “must be lifted up” mean in John 3:14?

It speaks to necessity. Christ was lifted up on the cross to pay sin’s debt, and He must still be lifted up in preaching and witness so people will hear the Gospel and see the Savior exalted.

Why does Jesus reference Moses and the serpent in the wilderness?

Jesus points back to Numbers 21 where Israel, bitten by fiery serpents, could only live by looking in faith at the brass serpent lifted on a pole. The sermon explains this as a clear picture of salvation: the remedy was God-provided, the response was simple, and the focus was looking by faith.

What do the fiery serpents represent in the sermon’s application?

The fiery serpents show the reality and consequence of sin. The message applies that sin bites, sin destroys, and sin brings judgment, but God in mercy provides a way of deliverance when people turn and look to what He has lifted up.

What does “look and live” teach about salvation?

The sermon stresses the simplicity of faith. The bitten Israelites did not earn healing, they believed God and looked. In the same way, sinners are not saved by works or religion, but by looking to Christ in faith and receiving God’s gift of everlasting life.

How does the sermon describe repentance in this passage?

Repentance is turning from sin toward God. The message highlights that if we want revival, God’s people must get honest about sin, confess it, and turn back to the Lord, choosing the light over darkness and obedience over excuses.

What does John 3 teach about light and darkness?

John 3:19 says light is come into the world, but men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. The sermon applies this: Christ exposes what is true, some reject Him to keep their darkness, but truth will always be drawn to the light.

Why does the sermon stress lifting up Christ in a dark world?

The message warns that if God’s people stay silent, darkness wins ground. The sermon calls believers to exalt Christ openly, shine His light through their life, and point both the lost and the religious to the only Savior.

What is the invitation at the end of the sermon?

The invitation calls the lost to come to Christ today, because “now is the day of salvation.” It also calls believers to repent where needed and to lift up Jesus with fresh boldness so His light is seen clearly through the church.

Floating Menu