February 9 2014 – Audio Sermon on John 5:1–18 Part I by Pastor William Hixson

The healing at Bethesda introduces controversy about Sabbath and Jesus’ authority to heal The first part of the sermon examines compassion that breaks ritual barriers, the identity of Jesus as one who does the Father’s work, and the social dynamics of exclusion at the pool It calls listeners to prioritize mercy over legalism and to see Jesus as the Lord of Sabbath and life

Some good hymns for John 5:1–18 Part I are The Old Rugged Cross by George Bennard, Christ the Lord Is Risen Today by Charles Wesley and When I Survey the Wondrous Cross by Isaac Watts