John 16

Here is a recap of what we explored in John 16:

- Jesus left so that the helper, the Holy Spirit would come. The Spirit has some distinct advantages over the bodily incarnation of Jesus. It can be with every believer, all of the time.

- Jesus was powered by the same Holy Spirit that he sends to us. It is our inheritance from him.

- While there will be seasons of difficulty in our lives, we can live in anticipation that joy will triumph.

Notes
Audio

New Discussion Forum!

Many of you already know of or have been involved in some very deep discussions over email regarding scripture, biblical topics or other conversations. As you know, these can get long and tedious to follow using standard email. In order to facilitate this growing trend, we've created a forum where you can post topics and have discussions online without the hassle of following on email. If you're interested, check out the new discussion forum here. This will be a great way for us to keep a history of our in-depth electronic conversations and easily allow others to benefit spiritually in the same way we benefit. Enjoy!

Ben
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John 15 - Abide in Christ by Loving Like Christ

To sum up John 15 - we are called to abide in Christ; to abide in his love. We do this by obeying his commands. This is called out sepcifically in v12 and v17 - to LOVE. We are called to love one another like Christ has first loved us. This is not a selfish love or something that has alterior motives. But it is a sacraficial love - a love that seeks the glory of God the Father. For more insight on what love is and what it looks like, re-read 1 Cor 13 and Gal 5:22-23. What an incredible picture! Thanks for persevering through my rustiness last Sunday! Its great to be back in the saddle!

Notes
Audio

Ben
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John Chapter 14

As Jesus' time draws closer and closer to his crucifixion, He begins to pour out His heart to the disciples. And in Chapter 13 He tells them that one of them will betray him... and that He will be leaving them... and where He is going they cannot come. And He leaves His disciples in a state of shock regarding the events that are about to come.

Well in Chapter 14 despite the agony that Jesus is in anticipation of… he looks up at the disciples... see thier troubled hearts... and then He teaches one of the most magnificent sections of the Bible.

As we discussed, I think in this section Jesus teachs 3 themes that I believe all Christ followers need to keep in the fore front of their minds.

1. We have a hope beyond this world.
2. Jesus is the only way to the Father… and by looking at Jesus we are looking at the Father.
3. We have been given a comforter, the Holy Spirit, which when we believe indwells us and then teaches us and guides us.

I had a great time learning and discussing with you guys. The audio and the notes are below.

John 14 - Notes
John 14 - Audio

See you next week!!

Daniel