God Wants To Give Us Eternal Life

Comprehensive Notes for Publication as a Book Chapter, Based on the CFC Bangalore Sermon, April 13, 2025

The sermon delivered at the Christian Fellowship Church (CFC) in Bangalore on April 13, 2025, unveils the profound truth of God’s desire to grant eternal life—a life of intimacy, abundance, and obedience to Him. Rooted in Scripture, this exploration draws believers into a deeper understanding of God’s heart, offering assurance that transcends earthly struggles and calls the least among us to a transformative relationship with Christ. Below is a detailed exposition, crafted as a book chapter, preserving all content and Bible references in an organized, narrative form suitable for publication. The messages are distinguished by author subheadings to reflect the contributions of Brothers Danish, Shankar, and Charles.

Brother Danish

Introduction: The Joy of Our Heavenly Assurance

Good morning, dear brothers and sisters. It’s a great privilege that God gives us the opportunity to come together, listen to His Word, and fellowship with one another. There’s great joy when we gather, but I was reminded of what Jesus said: our joy should not depend on what we do for the Lord but primarily on what He has done—that our names are recorded in heaven. I believe many of us seek and have this assurance: no matter what happens on earth, through difficulties or struggles, we don’t belong to this world. This is not our home. Jesus has prepared an eternal home for each of us, and that’s where we ultimately want to go.

Overcoming Discouragement and Condemnation

One of the greatest battles in my life has been discouragement and condemnation. As I’ve tried to overcome these, I’ve realized the issue isn’t a lack of doctrine or understanding of God’s Word but often a lack of seeing God’s heart—how He loves me as my Father, not One who calls me for a while and leaves me halfway. The Israelites thought they were taken out of Egypt only to be buried midway, but they didn’t trust God’s plan. We must learn to trust the Lord with all our heart, no matter what the devil whispers in our ears.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:10, 14, 27-30)

Let’s turn to John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” The thief comes to steal our joy and peace, but Jesus came to give us abundant life—a life that overcomes human limitations and the darkness of hell through God’s power. In verse 14, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, even as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.” He laid down His life for us. In verses 27-30, He continues, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

I’ve heard the expression: God gives and forgives, but man gets and forgets. Jesus replaces what the thief steals, giving us abundant life with the potential to grow and overcome.

God’s Grace for the Journey

Sometimes, I’ve thought God points me to a wonderful place but won’t give me the grace or ability to reach it. That’s a lie from the devil, making us feel others can follow the Lord, but we can’t because of our failures. I’m encouraged by Brother Zac’s testimony of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The brother who led him said it’s unthinkable that God would call you to serve without giving the power of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, it’s unthinkable that God would call us to a new covenant life and speak of discipleship without giving us the power to be disciples. God gives the desire and the ability to do His will. Nothing is difficult with the Lord, and He works all things together for good.

We sang this morning, “My Shepherd will defend me, through the deepest valley He will lead me.” I hope we have that assurance not just when singing but when walking through the valley. Jesus’ experience shows this: after His baptism, He heard, “This is my beloved Son,” and the Holy Spirit rested on Him. But where did the Spirit lead Him? To the wilderness for 40 days of testing, with no open heaven or voice, only the devil’s lies. Yet Jesus trusted God’s Word, saying, “It is written.” His faith wasn’t based on past experiences but on God’s promises. Our strength comes from looking back at how God has led us, but our faith must rest on His Word today.

Eternal Life: Knowing God (John 17:3)

John 17:3 says, “This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” Knowing God isn’t just knowing about Him or His truths; it’s an intimate, personal relationship, like Mary’s question, “How can this be, since I have not known a man?” Eternal life is knowing God personally.

The New Covenant Promise (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

In Jeremiah 31:31-34, God promises a new covenant: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant I made with their fathers… I will put my law within them, and on their heart I will write it, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor… saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest… for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” Even the least of us can know God because He reveals Himself to us. You may come to church feeling doubtful or insecure, but the Lord cares for you.

I recall my early years in church, seeking practical help from Brother Ian. He didn’t just pray; he walked with me through a business matter involving money, ensuring I came through peacefully. Jesus taught, “If someone asks you to go one mile, walk with him two.” This isn’t a law but a heart led by the Spirit to help the helpless. I’ve seen this in Brother Zac and Brother Ian’s lives—their love for the church and care for the least challenge me to have the same passion, reflecting God’s heart.

A New Heart and Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

Ezekiel 36:26-27 says, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you will be careful to observe my ordinances.” When we’re born again, God’s kindness leads us to repentance, giving us new life, hope, desires, and direction. Yet, our hearts can harden over time. Does God give up on us? No—He comes to us daily with expectation. When we gather, His will is that we come with faith, not fear or self-condemnation, believing He will speak to us.

Think of Samuel: God called him four times in one night. I don’t know how many times He called before, but He’ll call until we respond, even until our last breath. We have hope.

Hope and Power in Christ (Ephesians 1:18)

Ephesians 1:18 says, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.” I may not always feel God’s power or see Him on the throne, but I believe His Word: He cares for the church, surrounding His people like mountains surround Jerusalem. Those who come through repentance and faith have great protection and care. This is for the sheep who hear God’s voice, seek to obey, and follow Him.

The Prodigal Son: A Picture of God’s Heart (Luke 15:17-20, 25-28)

I don’t want to define eternal life but to show it’s available to the least of us, transforming us. Let’s look at Luke 15:17-20, the prodigal son: “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger? I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.”’ So he got up and came to his father.”

At his lowest point, his eyes were opened. He was convicted of his sin and his father’s goodness, deciding to confess. But notice: up to verse 19, the devil may allow conviction and thoughts of God’s goodness, but the moment you decide to walk toward the Father’s house, hell opposes you. Reasoning, guilt, and emotional pulls—like in Pilgrim’s Progress, where the pilgrim’s family begs him to return—try to stop you. Yet, we must run for eternal life, crying, “Life, eternal life!”

The son expected nothing, willing to do any job for food, humbling his pride. Our pride often hinders us from receiving God’s blessing, but when need surpasses pride, we’re delivered. The father ran to embrace him, not even letting him finish his confession, clothing him with the best robe, ring, and sandals. Psalm 51:7 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken and contrite spirit.” I never want to lose this picture of the father embracing his son, even when I’m old. The son received a second revelation: the father loves me and won’t give up on me.

But the elder brother, in verses 25-28, was different: “Now his older son was in the field, and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing… He summoned one of the servants… and he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he received him back safe and sound.’ But he became angry and was not willing to go in.” He thought his hard work earned his father’s approval, but hearing celebration for his brother, he was offended. He had no relationship with the father, needing a servant to explain. He knew the house’s details but had zero eternal life. The prodigal, fresh from the pigsty, knew the father’s heart—full of eternal life, though his capacity was small.

Brother Zac once said many churches backslide because founders knew God, but followers knew only doctrine. I don’t want to be satisfied with politeness or a welcoming church without light. A couple in their 60s seemed pious here but fought in the parking lot. External appearances deceive; trials outside reveal who we are. Our failures should drive us to Christ’s feet, not away.

Paul’s Pursuit of Knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8-10)

Apostle Paul’s conversion was dramatic—he met the Lord while persecuting Christians, repented, and built churches. Yet, his one desire in Philippians 3:8-10 was: “I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish so that I may gain Christ… that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Paul found the secret to eternal life: through death and suffering, we know Christ more deeply.

God’s Promise to the Thirsty (Isaiah 44:3)

Isaiah 44:3 says, “I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground.” Like dry land in summer, my heart can feel dry. I pray, “Lord, I want to know You, Your heart, how You treat repentant sinners and Pharisees.” Being filled with the Holy Spirit changes how we see circumstances, giving us assurance to live with God’s attitude.

Rejoicing in Suffering (Acts 5:41)

In Acts 5:41, after persecution, the disciples “went on their way… rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.” We need this strength for the days ahead. God won’t lead us to suffering until we’re ready, training us through small trials—like mosquito bites from family or friends—to prepare us for the future.

Stephen’s Example (Acts 7:59-60)

Stephen, a young Christian, was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. In Acts 7:59-60, as he was stoned, he prayed, “Lord, receive my spirit,” and cried, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” His eyes were fixed on the Lord, not the stones or mob. We must learn to look at Jesus’ beautiful face, as we sang this morning. In His light, we see light, transforming us with courage and strength.

The Bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-9)

Last week, Brother John spoke of being disciples, not just believers. Revelation 19:7-9 paints a picture: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready… clothed in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints… Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” The bride, adorned with beauty, contrasts with judged Babylon. You can be part of the bride without standing on a pulpit, by being faithful in your heart and obeying the light God gives. Even being invited is a great joy, freed from hell.

William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, had a dream as a nominal believer. In heaven, he saw others with more joy and closeness to the Lord, who had surrendered fully on earth. Disappointed, he woke and changed, living with heaven’s vision. We need this vision to wake us from worldly thinking. If we thirst to know God deeply, He’ll fulfill His promises, even for the least of us.

Closing Prayer

May God help us trust Him to experience His eternal life. Amen.

Brother Shankar

Responding to God’s Offer of Eternal Life

I’m thankful to the Lord for the word we heard about eternal life, which He’s ready to give us. But how do I respond to this call? In 1 Timothy 6:12, Paul encourages Timothy, “Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” Like Paul, who laid everything aside to know Christ (Philippians 3), Timothy is urged to take hold of eternal life and not deviate.

The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-21)

In Mark 10:17-21, a young man ran to Jesus, knelt, and asked, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Imagine Jesus preparing to leave, and this rich, young ruler, feeling a lack, runs to Him with a sincere heart. Unlike typical youth, full of pride, he didn’t care what others thought, humbling himself. He said he’d kept the commandments since childhood, likely raised in a God-fearing home. Jesus, in verse 21, “looking at him, felt a love for him and said, ‘One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”

Letting Go to Take Hold

Jesus loved him and pointed out one thing—not a long list—that he held onto, preventing him from grasping eternal life. His hands were full. Many times, we come to Jesus sincerely, but when He reveals the root issue, we hesitate. It’s like my childhood visits to the ration shop: for one rupee, we’d get rice based on family size. God asks for a small “penny”—the one thing we cling to—and offers abundant life. This eternal life is backed by the government of heaven, not earthly systems.

Closing Prayer

May the Lord help us leave that one thing and take hold of eternal life. Amen.

Brother Charles

Eternal Life Through Belief (John 3:16)

When we think of eternal life, John 3:16 comes to mind: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” We often read it casually, but it’s profound. Verses 14-15 compare Jesus to the serpent Moses lifted up, so whoever believes may have eternal life. The key is “believes”—not “believed” once in the past, but present, ongoing belief: I believed yesterday, believe today, and will tomorrow until life’s end.

Belief Equals Obedience (John 3:36)

Belief isn’t just mental assent. John 3:36 clarifies, “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” Belief means obedience. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus’ commission was to make disciples, “teaching them to obey all that I have commanded.” Many claim belief in Jesus for eternal life, but without obedience, it’s incomplete.

The Sheep Who Follow (John 10:26-28)

In John 10:26-28, Jesus says, “You do not believe because you are not of my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish.” Eternal security is real but conditional on being His sheep—those who hear, know, and follow Him. Knowing is two-way: I know Jesus, and He knows me, unlike knowing a president who doesn’t know us. Jesus knows every hair on our head, numbered individually.

The conjunction “and” in verse 28 connects eternal life to those who hear, know, and follow. Without obedience, faith is fake or dead, as James says: “Faith without works is like a body without spirit,” disintegrating over time.

Obedience of Faith (Romans 1:5, 15:18, 16:26)

In Romans 1:5, Paul speaks of “obedience of faith” among the Gentiles. In 15:18, he mentions Christ’s work through him, “resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed.” In 16:26, God’s command is “made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.” Faith must produce obedience in word and deed, or it’s dead.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for this day and Your Word, making clear that faith without works is dead. Eternal life is for those who believe, continue believing, obey, love, and know You, and are known by You. May we not deceive ourselves but live in Your fear for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This blog post preserves the full content, organized under each speaker with subheadings for clarity, and maintains the original wording as closely as possible. Let me know if you need further adjustments!