I AM the way the truth and the life. Jesus' claim was exclusive. Truth matters. This is the first of two parts of a series on John 14:6. In a world of inclusivism and pluralism, Jesus' claim still demands a response.

1. Yes Virginia, There is a Way
John 14:1-14

2. Introduction
• In 1897, an 8 yr-old, Virginia
O’Hanlon, asked a great question
• “If you see it in the Sun it’s so…”
• The response: “Yes, Virginia there
is a Santa Claus”

3. Introduction
Myths, legends and fairy tales
the make-believe things that we tell
our children to comfort or motivate
them

4. Introduction
but, there is a horrible realization
awaiting them.
My parents tricked me! (at best)

5. Introduction
• People are seeking for answers
about the AFTERLIFE.
• This is serious. They want the
TRUTH.
• They will not be treated like 8-yr
olds.

6. Introduction
• PLURALISM, INCLUSIVISM, and
UNIVERSALISM in our culture are
deadly traps.
• Uncertainty breeds UNBELIEF.
• They need the TRUTH.

7. Introduction
• The gospel has THE answer to
these questions.
• Because we care about PEOPLE,
more than we care about
CONFLICT, we must tell them …

8. 1. Heaven is for real
• There are real residences being
prepared
• There is real comfort in these real
places
• The Father is really there
• Jesus has been there personally
• and is planning to return there

9. 2. You can go there
• A place is being prepared there
for disciples
• He promised to return to “pick
up” disciples
• His plan included the provision of
the path or way to come
• But knowing the way is not the
same as taking it

10. TENSION and objections
• Is heaven real?! We have never
been there!
• How do we get there?! I can’t
figure it out.

11. 3. There’s only one way
• “You know the way” (v4)
• “I AM the way” (v6a)
• “No one comes to the Father,
except through me” (v6b)
• cf. Matt 7:13-15, Acts 4:12

12.  Jesus said, “I AM the way…”
 Jesus said, “I AM the door…”

14. John 13:36-37
• Willingness, in all sincerity, to
sacrifice everything to achieve
this eternal presence is useless
• Jesus is the only way, His sacrifice
made the difference

15. Hebrews 9:11-14
• All the religious activity you can
possibly do to achieve this
eternal presence is useless
• Jesus paid once and for all for us
to be cleansed, acceptable to God

16. Ephesians 2:13, 16, 18
• It does not matter whether you
are born into the right family,
heritage, or culture – that is
useless to gain heaven.
• Jesus has created access for all
through his own bloody cross.
• We are now brought near and
into the family of God.

17.  Jesus said, “I AM the way…”
 Jesus said, “I AM the door…”

18. Conclusion
1. DEEPEN your roots and
experience NEW growth in 2013
a. SPIRITUAL VITALITY
b. APOLOGETICS
c. RELATIONSHIPS
2. Be a trail GUIDE not a travel
AGENT