Conviction is a gift of God (experience it, ask for it)

Recap we were in 1 John,
John 15, send Spirit
0:56 pick up verse John 15:5
Grief clouds our vision, Jesus notices and encourages them, doesn't tell them to "suck it up"
Holy Spirit will come to live in them all the time. They have many questions.

The Spirit will lead them. Same for us, things make sense when we have the Spirit.

Jesus won't be limited to one time and one place,

verse John 15:8 at 5:10
Who is the world: those in opposition to Jesus
1. convicts those who come to Christ sin, righteousness and judgement (believers and salvation)
2. like a courtroom - (unbelievers, condemnation)
 the sin of refusal of who Jesus is and his authority

Our faith is an act of God and his grace.

Acts 2, people were cut to the heart - not from people but the holy spirit (what if Peter preached this sermon a day earlier.

conviction is a gift of God (experience it, ask for it)

righteousness (we compare ourselves to others) - our standard of each other will make us feel better about OUR SIN (great point). Also culture and public opinion - years ago culture's view of right and wrong has shifted and it always will. Jesus is not just a good standard of righteousness - like we could try harder and be like him. His righteousness is completely different than ours. Proved by his resurrection. Father gives us his righteousness.

12:43 - judgement

Satan's power/influence in the world is judgement. Cross proves the fact of judgement of sin (AWESOME statement). It's a gift of God to receive the judgement of God.

14:50, God's conviction is like a procedure that will seem painful

Spirit guides us in The truth
15:30 reading verse 12-15

Jesus taught them much, he did this through the Holy Spirit. These men wrote the new testament.

John 14:20, all things (history), doctrine to understand what it mean (about God, love, compassion)

John 16:13 He guides in all the truth. what's to come (prophecy).

Timing: 20, where is the truth - left - right news source. Where is the truth?

We get the truth in prayer. Listening and talking. Bible study, revelation (never contradicts his word).

To glorify Jesus: 14-15

22:32 P1 Holy Spirit guides believers to know and glorify Jesus

What work of the Spirit of your life? Conviction, repentance, trust, love, understanding, awareness of Jesus love, mercy and forgiveness. The desire to share Jesus with others. Where do you want more?

24:04 Division B) 16-22
Good gesture! ARRRRGGGHHH!!!!


1) See me no more (Physical sight), little while you will SEE (Perceiving)
Death, resurrection
ascension, Pentecost

Joy - in forgiveness
even during trouble, difficulty....

29:04, verse 23

Amazing promise around prayer
 - Jewish culture only high priest could talk to the father. Only possible when Jesus returned the father and sent the Holy Spirit.

Promise for family, children of God through Christ.
 - Joy when family comes

Ask the Spirit to help us to pray, and prayer changes us. Start one way and end up going another that is God's way. Start selfish and end with clarity about God's will for out lives.

Activity to activity: don't miss the privilege of prayer.

37: 00 world is full of trouble. How does Jesus have peace and ability to encourage disciples?

Do you have this? you can. We have the Holy Spirit living is us. take heart. Jesus has overcome the world.

A peaceful life is not a life without problems.

You have a flashlight in the woods, turn it on.

Last principal 39:30, Believers can have Jesus overcoming peace regardless of their circumstances.

We can have peace if you don't have peace. Ask him. Bring him your questions and confusion and ask him for guidance in truth.
40:50

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Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit

John 14:15-31
AIM: Our Triune God is perfect in holiness and love and Christians are called to this standard

Focus Verses

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth..." - John 14:15-17

 "I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe." - John 14:29

A) Jesus teaches love precedes obedience and the indwelling Holy Spirit
(15) Love Jesus, keep commandments (1 of Christianity's great themes, highest standard, conditions, decision criteria, Christian job description)

• Has and keeps commandments, he will reveal Himself (John 14:21)
• Love Jesus keep his word, God will come make our home with you (John 14:23)
• Keep commandments, remain in Jesus love like Father and Son (John 15:10)
• Be certain we have come to know him - keep commandments (1 John 2:3)
• Love of God, keep his commandments, not burdensome (1 John 5:3)
• Love = walk according to His commandments, since beginning, walk in love (2 John 1:6, John 8:42)
• Love Jesus more than family (Matthew 10:37), Love with hope and faith (1 Cor 13:13)
• Love expressed through faith (Galatians 5:6, 1 Peter 1:8), Love prevents sin (1 Peter 4:8)
• Love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19,20)

(16) Jesus will ask Father, Father gives another advocate to help and be with you forever (Trinity in one verse)

• Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Spirit - One God, Three "Persons" 
• No perfect examples in nature but that emphasises God is Holy. Closest examples are two things we can't live without
• H2O three seperate particals completely united/pour: Liquid, Vapor, Ice - universal solivant, nessasary for life
• Solar Sun: Heat that can be felt, light that can be seen, from a source that cannot be approached
• CS Lewis said and is written on his tombstone in London's Abby: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."

(17) Spirit of Truth, world cannot accept him, neither sees/knows | You with him, in you
(18) Jesus leaves, not orphans but comes to them
(19) World won't see Jesus but we will, Because he lives, we live
(20) That day, realize Jesus in Father, you in me, I in you

• That Moment we first believe (Obituaries in the hands of a preacher saved my life)
• "And can it be..."

(21) Has my commands and keeps them, loves me, will be loved Father, Jesus will love, show himself

• my thoughts on Love

(22) Judas (not Iscariot) why us, not the world?
(23) Anyone Loves me, obeys my teaching - Father, Jesus make home with them
(24) doesn't love, WILL NOT obey, words from Father spoken by Jesus
(25) Spoken while with you
(26) Advocate, Holy  Spirit, Father will send in Jesus name, will teach you all things, remind Jesus said

• Jesus expounds on this later in John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
• my thoughts on the Holy Spirit

(27) Peace Jesus leaves, gives not like the world. Don't let heart troubled or afraid
(28) "Going away, coming back for you" Love means your glad I'm going to Father, he's greater
(29) Jesus told us before it happens so that we would believe when it happens

• God knows the future, he has plans for you welfare/not evil - to give future and hope (Jer 29:11)
• We make plans in our mind, but purposes of Lord stand (Proverbs 19:21), he works all things together for good (Romans 8:28)
• Our thoughts and ways are not the Lords (Isaiah 55:8), he knows our thoughts before we do (Psalm 139:4)

(30-31) prince of this world coming, has no hold over me, he comes that the world may learn I love the father and do exactly what Father commanded me



Ephesians 5:1-20 - Living as children of light, in love - knowing God's will
knowing the future

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Jesus Illustrates God's plan as a Door and Good Shepherd

John 10:1-42
AIM: Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Good Shepherd
A) Jesus uses figures of speech to eluding to the truth of Ezekiel 34:1-30
(1-2) To Pharisees, Sneaking over the wall = thief, One enters through gate = shepherd of sheep

• Compassion and Conviction: sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34, Jude 1:12)

(3) Gatekeeper opens for him, sheep recognize his voice coming to him - he calls them, lead them out
(4-5) Shepherd gathers flock, follow him knowing his voice, run from stranger don't know his voice
(6-7) figure of speech they didn't understand, he explained it: I Am the Gate
(8-9) Before were thieves, sheep didn't listen to them, I Am the Door anyone enters by/through me saved, freely go in and out

• John 14:6: Jesus is the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through him.
• Revelation 7:7, "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”

(10) Thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

B) Jesus is the true shepherd of God's people because he lays down his life, to take it up again.
(11) I Am the Good Shepherd, lay down his life for sheep

• Psalm 23 The Lord is my Shepherd...
• Matthew 2:6, Bethlehem comes a ruler who will shepherd Israel, fulfilled with witnesses (Luke 2:15-18)

(12-13) Hired hand, no ownership/doesn't care,sees wolf flees wolf snatches and scatters them
(14-15) I Am the Good Shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me, like my Father knows me and lay life down for sheep

• “‘For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them." Ezekiel 34:11
•  I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Ezekiel 34:16
• ‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. Ezekiel 34:17, Matthew 25:31-32
• Matthew 26:31, "strike the shepherd, flock will be scattered"

(16-18) Other sheep, must bring them also - lay down my life, only to take it up again, my accord, authority, command received from Father.

• Jews and Gentiles Reconciled through Christ (Ephesians 2:1-22)
• Application: The role of the church, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood." - Acts 20:28, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, when the Chief Shepherd appears receive a crown of glory" 1 Peter 5:2, 4 
• Application: We also lay down our lives and take it up again by His authority and command. "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep," Hebrews 13:20. "For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." - 1 Peter 2:25. We offer ourselves as living sacrifice, dying daily - yet taking up our cross and following him (Romans 12)

C) Jesus proves he is Messiah by word and works but only those who believe and trust with whole life receive him.

(19-21) Jews (unbelievers) divided, "demon-possessed, raving mad", "no, demon open eyes of blind?"
(22-23) Jesus walking temple/Solomon's Colonnade Festival of Dedication/Hanukkah Jerusalem, winter
(24-26) Jews, "tell us plainly if your Messiah", Jesus "I did you didn't believe me, my works cause your not my sheep
(27-30) My sheep listen, I know them, follow me, eternal life, protected, given by Father, I and FAther are one
(31-33) Opponents try to stone him for blasphemy, mere man claims to be God
(34-36) Psalm 82:6, to whom word of God came Scritpure calls "gods", the one whom Father set apart as his very own, sent into the world, accuse me of blasphemy because I am God's Son?

• Ps 82:6 is addressed to the ruling judges of Israel, who were supposed to serve as God’s representatives on earth. Jesus’ argument (v 36) is that since He is in fact proving Himself to be the Father’s representative on earth, He is entitled to be recognized as the Son of God. - John 10:35 AMP

(37-38) Works of Father, only God could perform/Jesus does - believe him/Miracles, Father in me/I in Father

(39-42) tried to seize him, he went across Jordan where John first baptizing, John no miralcles but everything he said about Jesus was true and accurate. Many believed and trusted him

• Application believing means Accepting Him as Savior and following his teaching.

https://twitter.com/search?f=tweets&vertical=default&q=%23bsfjohn14&src=typd
Our Doctrine for the week is Eternal Security
Our Attribute is Preserver

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Jesus uniqueness should affect our Christian walk

Colossians 1:15-20

AIM: As God's people how should our Christians walk be affected by Christ's Supremacy?

1. Dependency on Him

 - Depending on Jesus because of who he is, not because I've crashed and burned my life.

 - Forward looking knowing he is going before me and I'm following him

 - He is previous, before all things (Col 1:15), "He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation"

 - He maintains creation Col 1:17, Heb 1:3 (upholds the universe by the word of his power word)

 - Christ identity should inspire our dependency, trust him more and more

 - God loves dependency, yoke yourself to him

Application:

 - Dependency is practiced in prayer that believes and hopes in the power of the Holy Spirit

2. Admitting Inadequacy doesn't always lead to Dependency but it should

 - Hell will be filled with self-sufficient people

 - Col 1:18, Jesus is the founder of the Church, Heb 12:2, only he is the reason for Christiananity and the Church

 - First born from the Dead: Gal 1:1, 1 Cor 15:20, John 11 (Lazarus wasn't resurrected to a glorified body, but resuscitated - later died and will be resurrected on the last day) 

(John 11:23-25) 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Reflection: These emotional statements in John 11:24,33,35,38 could show that Lazarus was not going to be resurrected on the last day, could it be he hadn't believed even though Jesus loved him John 11:36. Therefore he was resuscitated that he would believe (John 11:40-44). (I'm currently studying John 9, so this statement in John 11:37, made me think about how the blind man came to faith with that healing).

Application: Prayers for loved ones matters, God can "resuscitate" those in our lives who appear totally dead even for 4 days, 4 years or a lifetime. Praying God would work this miracle for those whom I love, praying earnestly for resuscitation, that they may know it was God who did that work and bring him glory, trusting Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God, Savior and Lord.

Christianity, however, is founded, not on what Jesus taught (and this distinction is vital to grasp) but on who Jesus is and on what Jesus accomplished. Of course, as Christians, we stand firmly on His teachings. No one ever spoke and taught like Jesus, but ultimately, the value of what He said was dependent upon who He was and what He did and the abundant historical evidence that authenticated His life and words. This gave the teachings of Christ authority and placed them alone in the category of absolute truth. The truthfulness of Jesus and His teachings stand on the validity of historical records which are subject to investigation and examination. - The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ

What if Jesus hadn't been born?

http://www.atgrace.com/information/general/sermon-archive/sermon/uniqueness-jesus-part-1

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Jesus exposes sin teaching freedom believing his light and truth

John 8

AIM: Sin and death is overcome by disciples of Jesus

A) Jesus teaches all have sinned with the woman caught in adultery

(1-5) Jesus Mount of Olives, dawn temple courts group teach | Pharisees woman adultery "Moses stone her, you?"

(6-8) Trap to accuse, Jesus wrote on ground finger, "anyone without sin, first stone", wrote more on ground

(9-11) oldest left first Jesus "I don't condemn you, go leave life of sin"

Application: where am I judging others "to death" when I should be repenting from my own sins?

B) Jesus teaches about light of life and freedom of obedience to him

(12) Jesus, "I am light of world, followers never dark, light of life"

(13-18) Pharisees challenged testimony, Jesus answered my Father witness, sent me

(19-20) "where's father?", "know me, know my Father" Jesus teaching temple courts near offerings | not seized, hour had not come

(21-23) "I'm going, you'll look but die in sin, you can't come, of world I'm of heaven

(24-26) Die in sin if you don't believe that I am he, from beginning, judgement, trustworthy from God tell the world

(27-30) didn't understand Father, Jesus "Lifted up Son of Man you'll know I am he, God sent - many believed

(31-32) to believers, Jesus said hold my teaching, then disciple, then know truth, then truth sets you free

Principle: Truth that sets you free progresses from obedient faith

Application: How do I stay in the light and continue in repentance daily? Where am I prone to deception and unbelief? 

C) Jesus clarifies slavery to sin, that Abraham rejoiced in God's promise fulfilled in Jesus

(33-40) Abraham's descendants, not slaves - Jesus "slave to sin", "no room for my word", trying to kill me not like Abraham

(41-44) belong to devil, do his works/desires/lies, if God were your father you'd love me, you can't hear me, 

(45-47) belong to God, believe Jesus - hear what God says

(48-51) "Samaritan, demon-possessed", no honor Father, he is judge, obey my word never see death

(52-55) "Demon-possessed, Abraham died, prophets died, anyone obey's you lives?" "My Father, your God glorifies me - I obey him"

(56-59) Abraham rejoiced seeing my day, before Abraham I am - they tried stone, slipped away

Application: How much room in my mind do I leave for Jesus word?

BSF Scripture Reference

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Jesus teaches about Living Water at Festival of Tabernacles

John 7
AIM: Things are not always as they appear at first.

Characters: Brothers don't believe, Religious Leaders want to suppress Jesus, Optimistic people say he's good, pessimistic people say he deceives, yet some believe he's the Prophet other that he's the Messiah.
Appearances:
A) Wrong Timing (1-9)
B) Wrong Understanding (10-32
C) Wong Background (33-52)

A) Unbelievers partake in Festival of Tabernacles, Jesus waits
(1) After thisJesus around Galilee, not Judea Jewish leaders looked to kill him
(2-5) Unbelieving (5) brothers: Jewish Festival Tabernacles go to Judea public figures not secret, show the world

• Tabernacle: a movable habitation, "tavern, hut, tent"
• 3 times annually all men must appear before Lord your God at the place he will choose: Festival of Unleavened Bread, Weeks, Tabernacles. No one should appear before Lord empty-handed Deuteronomy 16:16
• Leviticus 23 shows seven appointed festivals of the Lord or sacred assemblies are progressively leading to Festival of Tabernacles, they are; Sabbath, Passover and Unleavened Bread, Offering First-fruits, Weeks, Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and Tabernacles. In the presents of his mother and brothers (John 2:12), Jesus had spoken of his relationship to God his Father (John 2:16) and his purpose for coming (John 2:19-22). I speculate the brothers heard Jesus declare this festival points to his work and that they will indeed see Psalm Sunday (Leviticus 23:40-41; Matthew 21:8-11; Luke 24:44-53).

Application: What traditions do I take for granted, not understanding the significance? Where am I going through the motions of religious activity with an unbelieving heart towards God?
(6-9) Jesus time not here; you anytime will do. World hates me, I testify its works are evil - you go I'll stay

• Yet his hour had still not yet come (John 2:4;7:6). Many didn't understand the purpose of the Festivals, Jesus had already clarified that true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth and this is the kind of worshipers the Father seeks (John 4:23).

Application: What is God's will for my time?

B) Jesus teaches about understanding God's will and the law
(10-13) Jesus went after his brothers left in secret, Jewish leaders watch for him crowds, "good man" others replied "deceiver" silent in public

• To say Good Man or deceiver, both attitudes are wrong yet still prevalent in our society. He is God's son, the Holy One of God (Christ, Messiah). One thing that is still true is people don't feel comfortable saying anything publicly about Jesus for fear of leaders at work, in government and the home.

Application: Who do you say that Jesus is?
(14-15) Jesus 1/2 through festival teaches at temple courts amazing everyone by his learning without being taught
(16-19) Jesus "Teaching from God, anyone chooses God's will finds I speak for God's glory in truth,
Application: How does one choose to do God's will? Repent from the pattern of this world, be transformed, renewed in mind having given your life to God (Rom 12:1-2). Chip Ingram has a whole course on becoming a Romans 12 Christian that is excellent.http://truespiritualityonline.org/r12
(19-20) Moses law, no one keeps, why try kill me?" Crowd, "demon-possessed, trying kill?"
(21-22) Jesus, "miracle on Sabbath amazed you, Moses/Abraham circumcision on Sabbath
(23-24) "boy circumcision so Moses law isn't broken, why be angry for healing a man's whole body, stop judging by appearances, but judge correctly

• 1 Samuel 16:7: "...People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
• Isaiah 53:2 regarding the Messiah, "He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." Fulfilled in Jesus Christ "And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" (Philippians 2:8). Mark 12:14 Jesus was "not influenced by outward appearances or social status, but in truth You teach the way of God."
• Matthew 16:3 "...You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times."
• 2 Corinthians 10:7-11 "Judge by what we do", not "self-imposed worship, false humility and harsh treatment of the body" (Colossians 2:23)

Principle: God cares about the heart of our actions.
Application: How do I ensure my heart is right with God?
(25-27) People Jerusalem asked "trying to kill him, but he speaks publicly, concluded Messiah? But we know where he is from/Messiah no one will know where he is from"
(28-29) Jesus teaching temple courts, you know me, but not who sent me
(30-32) tried to seize him, no one did time hadn't come, many believed "who will perform more signs than him?"

C) Jesus provides living water, people question his background
(33-34) Here short time, going to one who sent me where I am you can't come

• much like "Lord, Lord...away from me I never knew you", "they honor with lips but hearts are far from him" (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 15:8; Isaiah 29:13)

(35-36) Confused can't find him? Greeks, what's he mean?
(37-39) Last day festival Jesus "anyone thirsty come and drink, believe in me Scripture said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" - Spirit believers would receive after resurrection of Jesus

• Revelation 7:16-17; Isaiah 49:10; John 7:37-38; John 4:14 - "Never again will they hunger (or) thirst"... "He will lead them to springs of living water"- He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them besides springs of water. Whoever believes in Jesus as Scripture said, rivers of living water will flow from within them, like a spring welling up to eternal life.

(40-43) Surely the Prophet, or Messiah but Galilee? Scriptures say Messiah from Bethlehem - divided
(44-46) Chief priests wanted to seize, didn't lay hand, guards confess "no one like him"
(47-49) Pharisees "he deceived you?" has any rulers believed?, no mob knows nothing, cursed
(50-52) Nicodemus, "law condemn man before hearing, find out what doing, "Galilee too - prophet not out of Galilee"
Application: Where do I jump to accusations about people sent from God into my life?

Palm Sunday
Judging on Appearances

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Jesus the Bread from Heaven, offered to all offensive to most

John 6:41-71

AIM: Ingesting Jesus Christ word’s brings eternal life; Or Spiritual Life, needs Spiritual food

Theme: Father, Son, Holy Spirit work together in giving eternal life

A) Jesus says God draws us to believe he is the Bread of Life

(41-42) people, “bread heaven, Joseph’s son – how?”

 - Many witnesses as well as Jesus miracles point out that he is from heaven (Matthew 1:18-25; John 1:29-34; 2:18-23; 4:43-54; 6:1-15)

 - Believing in Jesus heavenly origin is important for salvation and growth in the faith. Consider that mankind has a miraculous beginning (Genesis 1:26–27; 2:7) and key scriptures compares Jesus to Adam as a "last Adam" (1 Cor 15:21-22,45-49; Romans 5:12-21)

 - the key is receiving Jesus (Romans 5:17) and enduring in Jesus (2 Timothy 2:12)

(43-44) Jesus, “stop complaining, no one unless Father draws them, I’ll raise them last day

- Chances are good that someone here right now is complaining about something in there heart, we seem to be have no issues complaining

 - Father draws us to him; Greek word for draw is used to describe the fishermen dragging a heavy net full of fish to shore (John 21:6) or Peter drawing his sword in John 18:10. Same word is used to describe Paul and Silas being dragged to the marketplace before the rulers (Acts 16:19). 

 - He draws us (or drags us) "Because his heart is hard and his mind is darkened, the unregenerate person doesn’t desire God and is actually an enemy of God (Romans 5:10)." - GotQuestions.org

-   Last day, Non Christians find is hard to believe we are in the last days (2 Peter 3:3-4)

- Jesus talk a lot about the last days (Matthew 24:3-25:46) and evidence of it's coming was even apparent in the first century (1 John 2:18 fulfilling Matthew 24:5, 24, Mark 13:22). The early church and every church since has believed in the immanent return of Christ we'll see mass deception (Romans 13:11-12; 1 Timothy 4:1) and how to guard against deception (1 Peter 4:7-11, 1 John 2:22).

(45-46) “Scriptures; taught by God, listen to Father, come to me, only I’ve seen God”

- Scriptures play a key role in people coming to faith. When Jesus resurrected he explained Moses and Prophets and all the scriptures concerning himself ( Luke 24:27; John 5:39-40, 45-47; 6:63)

-  Here he quotes Isaiah 54:13 and this is a promise. A friend said to me today that our God is not a God of answers but the God of Promises. Acts 2:39 says, "This promise belongs to you and to your children and to all who are far off, to all whom the Lord our God will call to Himself." and  Hebrews 8:11, "No longer will each one teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest."

 - Those who err in mind will know the truth and those who criticize will accept instruction (Isaiah 29:24

 - He awakens my ear to listen as a disciple (Isaiah 50:4)

(47-48) “truth, anyone believes eternal life, I’m bread of life!

(49-51) ancestors manna all died, anyone bread heaven never die, living bread, world may live, my flesh

 - Look at the promises; Raise up last day, not die, John 11:25 says live even though they die, 1 Cor 15:54-55 proclaims the truth of Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14, "death is swallowed up in victory" 

Application: What scripture does God use to draw people to believe in Jesus? Who will I tell these scriptures too?

B) Jesus says eat the Bread for eternal life, truly united

(52) people argue about his meaning, “how?”

 - still happening today

(53) Jesus again, “truth, unless eat flesh Son of Man/drink blood no eternal life in you

 - Spiritual life requires spiritual food. Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Living is based on, 1 Timothy 4:7 which says, "train yourself to be godly". Scripture reading, prayer, worship, Scripture meditation, evangelism, serving, stewardship of time and money, Scripture application, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning

(54-56) eat flesh, drink blood raised last day, flesh true food, blood true drink, eat remain in me, I in them

- Vine John 15:1-7, remain in me, John 15:7 "my words remain in you"

(57) I live, because living Father sent me, same way feed on me lives because of me

- united as we are united John 17:11,14-23

(58-59) True bread from heaven eat not die like ancestors but live forever”, teaching synagogue Capernaum

Application: How does the practice of spiritual disciplines keep me united in Christ?

C) Jesus says my words are spirit and life, many disciples 

(60) Disciples, “hard understand, how accept it?”

(61-62) Jesus (aware complaining) “offended? What to think see Son of Man ascend to heaven again”

-          Transfiguration was the first, the resurrection and ascension will the “again”

(63) Spirit alone gives eternal life, Human effort nothing; very words are spirit and life

(64-65) some don’t believe, only unless Father gives them

(66-67) many disciples deserted him, Twelve “you going to leave?”

(68-69) “Lord words give eternal life, we believe, know you Christ Holy One of living God”

(70-71) Jesus, “I chose twelve but one is devil” (Judas Simon Iscariot later betrayed him)

Application: How does the resurrection of Jesus legitimize Jesus claims?

two adams

First and last adam

Romans 5:17

last days

1 John 2:18

What does it mean that God draws us to salvation

Isaiah 54:13

Spiritual Disciplines for Christian living

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Jesus reveals in word and deed that he is God

God revealed himself as "I AM" to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:6). Jesus consistently and repeatedly claims he is God with the I AM statements in John. The reason any of this matters is because Jesus proved himself with his miracles and his prophecy fulfillment in his life, death, resurrection, ascension into heaven and the giving of the Holy Spirit for all who believe.
Jesus said, I AM....
 - The Bread of Life (John 6:35,48)
 - The Light of the World (John 8:12, 9:5)
 - The Gate (of Door) for sheep (John 10:7,9)
 - The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14)
 - The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
 - The Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
 - The Vine (John 15:1,5)

John 6:35 says, "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."

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Crowds don't understand Jesus is the Bread of Life

John 6:22-40
 AIM: God's will is for you to Believe the One he Sent

A) Crowds want food and don't understand God's will of faith in Jesus
(22-25) Next day (after feeding 5,000/walking on water) crowd looking for Jesus went to Capernaum found him
(26-27) "truly, I tell you (79 times)", “You want food, didn’t understand signs – (Matthew 13:15,16-23)
·         seek eternal life (Matthew 6:32-34),
·         seal of approval (Matthew 3:16-17; Luke 3:22; Mark 1:11)
(28-29) Crowd wants to do God’s work, Jesus says “Believe in one he sent”
·         Righteousness of God has been made known, given through faith in Jesus Christ. All have sinned, all are justified freely by grace through redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through shedding of his blood - to be received by faith. Romans 3:20-26
·         By grace you have been saved, through faith - it is the gift of God, not by works so no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9,10
·         Application: Who has God sent into my life that I need to believe and trust? What evidence is biblical required for me to see in this person?
B) Jesus clarifies Moses
(30-31) Asked for sign, like manna – Moses gave bread from heaven
(32-33) Jesus clarifies, not Moses, His Father, offers true heaven bread gives life to world
·         Application: What scriptures have I misinterpreted? What miracles do I place on people rather than God?

C) Jesus is the bread of life does God's will to eternal life and resurrection
(34) crowd will take it every day
(35-37) “I am the bread of life” come/never hungry, believe never thirsty. Father given will come, never rejected
(38-39) Jesus does God’s will
·         God’s will finish the work (John 4:34), The cross (Matthew 26:39,42)
·         Uniqueness of Jesus Son of God/Son of Man (John 3:13,17) Only one who could do it (Revelation 5:1-14)
·         not lose those given (Luke 15:4; John 10:28-30; Romans 8:38-39; Phil 1:6; John 5:11-13), perseverance of faith that yields fruit (Hebrews 6:4-8)
·         raise them up last day
(40) Father’s will all who see his Son/believe in him should have eternal life. Jesus raise up last day (John 3:14-21)
·         Principal: All who see Jesus the Son of God and believe him will be saved to eternal life.
 ·        Application: Where do I set limits on God's grace in my giving and living the ministry? How will I have faith to share God's plan of redemption with someone close to me this week?

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2015/06/16/top-7-bible-verses-about-the-assurance-of-salvation/

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Jesus heals the sick, feeds 5,000 and walks on water

John 6:1-21
AIM: God's miraclous grace is abundant, mankinds apathy is abhorant
A) Jesus heals the sick then feeds 5,000 from 5 loaves, 2 fish with 12 leftover baskets
(1-2) Jesus, far shore Sea of Galilee (72 times, Tiberias just here), crowd followed signs, healing sick
(3-4) Jesus mountainside, sat disciples Jewish Passover Festival near
(5-6) Jesus saw crowd, tested Philip “where can we buy bread” – knowing his plan
(7) Philp “1/2 year’s wages for single bite
(8-9) Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother “Here boy, 5 barley loaves 2 small fish, but how far?”
(10-11) Jesus: “people sit down”, took loaves/fish gave thanks, distributed as much as they wanted

• Giving thanks magnify's God (Psalm 69:30)
• "Come Lord Jesus be our guest, bless this food prepared for us Amen" Psalm 50:14 "Pay your vows to the Most High"

(12) All enough to eat, Jesus commands gather left over/nothing wasted
(13) filled 12 baskets with pieces of 5 barley loaves
Application: Jesus Feeds 5,000+ and Promise we will do more. How am I recognizing God's healing by the nature of my body? How much "Left over" does God want me to recognize and use for his glory?

B) People see Jesus as Prophet and try to force him to be king
(14) After, “sign” people said he’s THE Prophet (John 1:21,25;7:40)
(15) Jesus knowing they intended make him king by force withdrew to mountains by himself
Application: What's my motivation for following Christ? What evidence in my life shows God is with me and not retreating from me?

C) Jesus sends disciples to Capernaum and walks on water
(16-17) evening came disciples set across lake for Capernaum
(18-19) strong wind, rough water rowed 4 miles saw Jesus walk water frightened
(20-21) Jesus "don't be afraid", then willing to take him in - immediately boat reached shore
Application: Where am I seeing Jesus show up in "imposible places"

“sea of Chinneroth This inland sea, or rather lake, which drives its several names, the Lake of Tiberias, Sea of Galilee, Lake of Gennesaret, from the territory which forms its western and south-western border, is computed to be between seventeen and eighteen mile in length, and from five to six in breadth. The waters of this lake, which are sweet and agreeable, lie in a deep basin, surrounded with lofty hills, except at the north and south, where it is a plain country or level. There is a current through the whole lake even to the shore; and the Jordan through it is discernible by the smoothness of the surface in that part. Its appearance from the north- western extremity is said by Mr. Buckingham to be exceedingly grand; but the barren aspect of the mountains on each side, and the total absence of wood, give a cast of dullness to the picture.” - http://biblehub.com/joshua/12-3.htm

http://biblehub.com/john/6-1.htm
Praying over food

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Jesus heals at Bethesda, explains God and testimonies authenticate him

John 5
AIM: Truth and life are found for all who receive Jesus in faith
Repetitions:

• Father (15), Son (10), life or live (10)
• True, truth or truly (7), "time" (7), "hear" (7)
• Judges, judgement or judged (6), Sabbath (4), kill, death or dead (4)

Characters: Jesus, healed invalid, Jewish leaders but no mention of disciples but certainly a crowd of people were around Jerusalem, the pool and temple where this all takes place.
Divisions:
A) Miracle Missed (5:1-18)
B) Truth of Eternal Judgement (19-30)
C) Truthful Testimony of God (31-47)

A) Invalid of 38 years healed by Jesus on Sabbath infuriating Jewish leaders
(1-2) Jesus, Jerusalem Jewish festival Sheep Gate pool Bethesda, five colonnades
(3-6) Many disabled people lie there, invalid 38 years Jesus asked "want to get well?"
(7-10) "no one to help me, others get ahead of me" Jesus: "pick up mat/walk" healed Sabbath
(10-13) Jewish leaders: mat carrying is forbidden Sabbath, He healed me said to do it I don't know him
(14-15) Jesus found him temple, "your well, stop sinning or worse will happen to you" told Jewish Leaders Jesus
(16-17) Jesus healed on Sabbath, Jewish leaders persecuted "My Father always works daily"
(18) For this tried to kill him, breaking Sabbath, calling God his Father, equal with God
Principle: Even religious people can see a miracle but miss it do to a hard heart
Application: How do I miss the big picture by being critical of other ministries around me? What command is God giving me right now that would heal me? What sin do I need to stop so that worse will not happen to me?

B) Jesus explains his relationship to God and his work of judgement to come
(19-20) Jesus answer Son does what sees Father doing, Father shows Son all he does, greater works
(21-22) Father raises dead, gives life, so Son gives life, Father entrusted judgement to Son
(23) That all honor Son as Father, doesn't honor Son, doesn't honor Father
(John 5:24) Truly: hear my word, believes God, has eternal life, not judged, from death to life
(25-27) dead will hear voice, Son of God live Father has life, granted Son has life/authority to judge is Son of Man
(28-29) time coming those in graves hear him good rise to live, evil rise condemned
(John 5:30) myself, nothing, judge only as hear, judgment just, seek not myself but him who sent me
Application: How is my life reflecting that I believe God? Do I see my friends and co-workers in light of eternity? When will I explain to my friends Jesus is the Son of God who will call everyone to rise to life or judgement?

C) Jesus points out testimony from John, his works, his Father and scripture authenticate his claims
(31-32) by self testimony is not true, another testimony is true
(33-35) John testified truth, not human testimony but that you'd be saved, lamp chose enjoy it
(36-37) Weightier than John, works Father given to finish, testify Father sent me - he testified you never heard his voice/seen his form
(38-40) His word not in you, you don't believe one sent, study scripture think eternal life, testify about Jesus yet refuse to come to Jesus have life
(41-42) I don't accept glory from humans, you don't have love of God in heart
(43-44) in Father's name, not accepted, you don't seek glory from God
(45-47) I won't accuse, Moses will (your hopes are set), if you believe Moses than Jesus too
Principle: Promises without faith are useless as is "faith" without action
Application: When have I rejected good testimony because of a hard heart? How do these many witnesses impact my faith in Christ?

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Jesus demonstrates how bringing people to faith can nourish us

John 4:31-54
AIM: God wills his work is done, his way by his workers
A) Jesus explains his food is doing God's will in bringing people to eternal life
(31-33) disciples urged Jesus to eat but he had food they didn't know about ("someone else brought food?")
(34) “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

• Psalm 40:8, I delight to do your will; law within my heart. 
• John 5:30, not my own will but God's will
• John 6:38 come to do the will of Him who sent me
• John 8:29 He sent me, with me always do what pleases Him
• John 17:4 Glorified You on earth accomplishing the work You gave me to do
• John 19:28-30 everything accomplished, scripture fulfilled He said "It is Finished"

(35) Field is ripe for harvest now

• Luke 10:1-2, Matthew 9:37-38 Harvest is plentiful, workers are few...pray to the Lord of harvest to send out workers into his harvest field (Mark 13:28-37, Matthew 24:45; 25:14; Luke 19:12-17) Son of Man is a man taking a far journey, left his fields
• 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, I planted Apollos watered but God made it grow
• 2 Thes 3:1 - Pray for us, message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored

(36) One who reaps draws a wage and harvest a crop for eternal life (sower/reaper glad together)

• Eternal life through belief (John 3:36; 4:14;5:24)
• We reap the harvest (Romans 1:13) that was sown in righteousness (Proverbs 11:18), wage as a true reward, leaving temporal for the eternal (Matthew 19:29)
• Not an earned wage, but eternal life is the gift of God (Romans 2:7;6:23;1 Cor 9:18)

(37-38) One sows/another reaps true. Sent reap not worked for, others hard work, you benefit their labor

B) Many Samaritans believed Jesus because of woman's testimony and being with Jesus for 2 days
(39-41) Samaritans believed Jesus, caused by her testimony, urged him to stay 2 days, then more believed
(42) Believe not just her testimony, heard from Jesus, know the Savior of world

C) In Cana Jesus heals the royal officials son
(43-45) Jesus to Galilee, (prophet without honor/country) welcomed witnessed Jerusalem/Passover he'd done
(46-47) Cana, royal official son sick at Capernaum - begged "heal my son"
(48) unless people see signs/wonders won't believe

• "Lord lamenting over ignorant/sensuous faith" - MacLaren's Expositions 

(49-50) "come before he dies", Jesus 1) Go, 2) son will live 3) took Jesus at his word.
(51-53) on way, servants boy is living, got better the moment Jesus said "your son will live"
(54) Second sign Jesus performed (first was John 2:1-11),

• Not the same miracle as in Matthew 8/Luke 7 - John 4:54
• Contrast miracles reminded me of wedding vows "in good times (wedding) and in bad (sickness)"
• Both required faith in action the first (do whatever he says, obey), the second (go, believe my word)

Luke 10:2, Mark 13:34, John 4:34, JOhn 4:36
Ellicott's commentary for English readers (Expository English Bible)
MacLaren's Expositions

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Jesus ministers to the Samaritan woman at the well

John 4:1-30
AIM: Jesus is approachable and brings truth to those he engages
Jesus went where the non-believers are or would be going and did this "on his way" to where he was going. He asked questions that challenge assumptions and prejudices, even exposing hidden sin. Contrast John 3 with John 4,

• Samaritan woman came for water during the day, Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. 
• Jesus approached the woman, Nicodemus approached Jesus. 
• Jesus told the Samaritan woman about knowing the gift of God, who he is and "living water". 
• Jesus told Nicodemus about spiritual birth,  reminding Nicodemus about Spiritual birth, faith and salvation

A) Jesus talks to the samaritan woman at Jacob's well
(John 4:1-3) Jesus avoided Pharisees (ministry bigger than John's) from Judea to Galilee
(4-6) Jesus tired at noon walk through Samaria, town Sychar Jacob's well for Joseph

• Sychar, 34 hour walk Genesis 33:19 Jacob's well

  

  jesuswalk.com

(7-8) Samaritan woman came for water, Jesus said "give me a drink" disciples into town to buy food
(9) She reminds Jesus; Jews/Samaritans don't associate
Who are the Samaritans?

• (2 Kings 17:23-28) they were foreigners, didn't know God and were being killed by lions, so a priests was brought in to teach them how to worship the Lord. 
• (2 Kings 17:29-33), each national group made its own gods, Avvites burned their children - worshiped the Lord but also appointed priest to shrines in high places, served own gods according to customs from nations they were brought. 
• (2 Kings 17:34-39) They persist in former practices, neither worship Lord, adhere to decrees, regulations, laws and commands "do not worship any other gods, bow down or serve them/sacrifice to them. Don't forget the covenant made with you - worship Lord God/deliverer. 
• (2 Kings 17:40-41) they wouldn't listen, persisted in former practices - while worshiping the Lord, serving their idols, children and grandchildren do as ancestors did.
• (Ezra 4:1-5), Enemies of Judah and Benjamin, "Let us help/we seek your God/sacrifice to him since 2 Kings 17", but they said "you have no part in this, we alone build temple for Lord, God of Israel. so they set out to discourage people of Judah, make them afraid to build, bribed officials work against/frustrate their plans.

(10) Jesus answered; knew/gift/God/Me/you'd have asked/I'd give living water

• Jesus would say this again in John 6:35 Jesus declares "I'm the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never go hungry and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 
• John 7:37-39 "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them (Holy Spirit)." 
• In Revelation 7:17 "lead them to springs of living" water
• In Jeremiah 2:13 God himself is the spring of living water that the idolatrous people have forsaken (see also Jeremiah 17:13; Zachariah 14:8)

B) Skeptical woman, believes Jesus is a prophet because her sin was exposed

(11-12) Woman: "You have nothing", "Where can you get living water", "Are you greater than Jacob/sons"
(13-14) Jesus:"water/thirst again", "water I give, never thirst, spring welling up in them to eternal life"
(15) woman: "give me this water/no thirst/stop coming here"
(16-18) Jesus: "call your husband/come back" woman: no husband/ Jesus "Yes, fact is you had 5 husbands, man with now is not your husband - you spoke true"
(19) she believes, "I can see your a prophet"

C) Seeking woman believes Jesus is Messiah because Jesus explained worship
(20) Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain but you Jews say worship in Jerusalem
(21-24) Jesus: Believe me, time's coming worship Father in Spirit and Truth (God is Spirit)
(25-26) Messiah will explain everything to us, Jesus told her, I'm the  Messiah!/I AM is here/I am the LORD
(27) Disciple came back, shocked he talked with a woman but didn't ask
(28-30) Woman left jar, ran to village telling all/ come and see him, could he be Messiah, people came streaming from the village

What is the significance of Jacob’s well?

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Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God

John 1:19-51
AIM: Identify Jesus, the Lamb of God and respond with faith

A) John Identifies himself with scripture
(19) Testimony of John the Baptist when Jews (Pharisees (vrs John 1:24) sent priest, Levites from Jerusalem to ask "who are you" (25 hour walk to 51 hours if there was no way to cross to get to Bethany, John 1:28)

• Because John was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:15) people came to John from all over to hear him preach "repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand", they confess sin and were baptized in the Jordan (Matthew 3:1-6), he also taught people what God expects from him people (Luke 3:8-14).

(20) John said, I'm not the Christ

• Luke 3:15 tells us people were in expectation, questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ - but he openly said to all that he was coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit (at Pentecost) and fire (at judgement), see Luke 3:16-17; Acts 2:1-4; Rev 14:14-16; Daniel 7:13.

(21) They asked "Elijah?"  he said "I am not", "the prophet" "No"

• Reincarnation is explicitly denied in the Bible, Hebrews 9:27 says each man is appointed to die and then face judgement
• Elijah was taken up (2 Kings 2:11), yet spoken of regarding day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5), at the transfiguration of Jesus Elijah and Moses were there as well as the Father speaking (Matthew 17:1-13).  Jesus explained John the Baptist was like Elijah, Matthew 17:11-13; Luke 1:16-17 - some see the two witnesses as being before the final judgement (Revelation 10:1-11:19)
• The Prophet was promised in Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:18,22-26

(22-23) "We need an answer for those who sent us", "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said (Isaiah 40:3)

(25-27) "Why baptizing if not Christ, Elijah or Prophet", "I with water, among you stands one you don't know, comes after me"

B) John identifies Jesus, the Lamb and Son of God

(29) John sees Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (forty days later Matthew 3:13-4:2)

• Matt Henry: "great sacrifice, by which atonement is made for sin, and man reconciled to God", plan of redemption (Acts 2:23), Our Passover lamb (1 Cor 5:7)
• Eternal Lamb (1 Peter 1:19-20; Revelation 13:8), Perfect sacrifice (Isaiah 53:4-10), Lamb to the slaughter (Isaiah 53:7)

(30-31) Jesus is who John has been preaching about, why he baptized - so Jesus would be revealed to Israel

(32) John, "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, remained on him

• Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit, to be born of the Spirit to see and enter God's kingdom (Luke 3:16; John 3:3,5)
• Believers would receive the Spirit like wind and fire and flow from their heart streams of living water (John 3:8; 7:38-39; Acts 1:5;2:1-4,17) Faith is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9;1 Cor 12:13)
• Living Water: Song of Solomon 4:15; Jeremiah 2:13;17:13; Zechariah 14:8; John 4:10;7:37-38; Rev 7:17

(33) (Holy Spirit) said to John, whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit 

(34) John's witnesses: "this is the Son of God"

• Prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, Child is born, son is given his name called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace
• The tempter believed, Matthew 4:3,6 as did demons in Matthew 8:29 and His disciples Matthew 14:33; 16:16 and everyone understood Jesus claimed to be Son of God Matthew 26:63;27:40,43,54
• Jesus taught we would be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9) and this has happened as 1 John 5:20 says, "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.", Ephesians 1:5 we are adopted through Jesus Christ.

C) Andrew, Simon/Peter, Philip and Nathanael follow Jesus

(35-36) John, two disciples points to Jesus, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

(37-38a) They followed Jesus who turned, saw them following asked "what are you seeking"

(38b) "Rabbi/teacher, where are you staying"

(39-42) "Come and you will see", they stayed with him a day - Andrew believed and told brother Simon/Peter we found the Messiah/Christ
(43-35) next day Jesus Galilee, found Philip from Bethsaida city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael found him whom Moses in the Law and prophet wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, son of Joseph
(46-47) Nathanael doubts, Jesus recognizes him as honest Israelite
(48) Nathanael questions Jesus about knowing him and Jesus answered "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."
(49) Nathanael says, Rabbi, you are Son of God, king of Israel
(50-51) Jesus answered because I said v48 you believe - you'll see greater things "heaven opened and angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man

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Jesus reminds Nicodemus of God's plan, John restates his position

John 3
AIM: God's plan of redemption requires faith in his name
A) Jesus reminds Nicodemus about Spiritual birth, faith and salvation
(1-2) Pharisee, Nicodemus, Jewish ruling council to Jesus, "Rabbi/from God/performed signs proofing God with him"
(3) Jesus, "No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."
(4) "How, can't be born when old/enter womb second time"
(5-6) repeats v3 + "born of water AND Spirit" - flesh to flesh, but Spirit births spirit
(7) you shouldn't be surprised at 'You must be born again'

• Isaiah 44:3-5, "I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Some will say I belong to the Lord others will call themselves the name of Israel"
• Ezekiel 36:26-27, " I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
• Ezekiel 37:9-10 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.
• Ezekiel 37:14, " I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”0p
• Promised Holy Spirit

(8-9) wind blows wherever it pleases, you can't tell where it's going or comes from - "how can this be" Nicodemus

(10-11) Israel's teacher doesn't understand these things, we speak what we know, testify what we've seen, you don't accept out testimony

(12-13) you don't believe us about earthly things, how then will you believe us about heavenly things? Only Son of Man knows of heaven (John 1:51)

(14-15) Moses lifted up the snake, so too the Son of Man must be lifted up, everyone who believes may have eternal life in him 

• Luke 24:45 - after resurrection Jesus opened there eyes to what the Scriptures said about himself

Application: The Holy Spirit will remind us of what Jesus said and open our minds to the Scriptures, when will I commit to reading and pondering the Scriptures. What's the condition of my faith according to my deeds, is it strong and in the light? Have I experience the Spiritual birth, what evidence do I see of that?

B) God's love accepted by believers, rejected by evil doers

(16-17) God so loved the world, he gave his only Son, whoever believes has eternal life, not to condemn the world but save the world through him

(18) believers not condemned, unbelievers condemned already because the didn't believe in the name of God's one and only Son

(19) Verdict: Light came into the world but people loved darkness instead of light, deeds were evil, 

(20-21) evil hates light, avoids exposure, those living in truth come into the light to see plainly what's done is from God

Application: How am I living in the truth, what evidence in my lack of participation in God's work exposes that I'm not in the light?

C) John the baptist serves as the best man preparing for the bridegrooms wedding

(22-26) Jesus and disciples baptized, John also baptizing at Aenon near Salim plenty of people coming and water - argument about ceremonial washing - everyone going to Jesus

(27-30) John said I'm not him, bride is for bridegroom, I'm the best man

(31-32) Jesus from above, over all from heaven - testifies what he's seen and heard but no one accepts his testimony

(33-35) Those accepted Jesus testimony, certified God is truthful, he speaks the words of God gives Spirit without limit, Father loves Son - everything in his hands

(36) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Application: Do I serve God as a best man serves the bridegroom? Or have I made his ministry "my party". What needs to change in my heart and actions to focus on Jesus?

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Jesus, Word, LIfe, Light, God, most rejected yet some received

John 1:1-18
AIM: Jesus is God
(1-2) In the beginning was the Word, with God, was God

• Genesis 1:1, Created heavens and earth, Hebrews 1:2-3
• In Proverbs we see hymns personifying wisdom as an attribute of God, active in creation (Proverbs 8:22-31;1:20-33;3:15-18;9:1-12). Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24,30; Col 2:3). (from Serendipity Bible on Proverbs 8:22-31), John 1:1-3; Proverbs 8:22-31;1:20-33;3:15-18;9:1-12;1 Cor 1:24,30; Col 2:3

(3) Through him all things were made, without him nothing was made (Colossians 1:15-17, Son of God, firstborn for him all were created (visible, invisible, thrones, powers, authorities))

(4-5) In him life, Light of mankind, The Light shines in darkness that hasn't understood, overcome, overpower, or appropriate or absorb it. UNRECEPTIVE to it

• John 3:19-21; 8:12; 12:46; 1 John 1:5-6
• Examples adoption is light, abortion is darkness, light is ability to excel at our highest level - darkness of drugs (feel big while gettting smaller)

(6-8) a man sent from God a witness, to testify about the Light

(9) True light enlightens everyone was coming into world

(10-11) He was in the world, made by him but it didn't recognize him, didn't receive him (Luke 19:14; John 19:15; Romans 3:1-2;9:4-5)

(12-13) All who did receive, believed in his name He gave right to become children of God, not of natural descent, human decision or husband's will but born of God

(14) Word became flesh, one and only Son from Father full of grace and truth

(15-16) John testified repeatedly about Him, testify (for the record), grace on grace already given

(17-18) law through Moses, grace and truth through Jesus Christ (is God, closest relationship with Father)

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Works the Holy Spirit does in the believers life

Jesus talks about the details of the himself being "the way, the truth and the life" in John 14:1-16:33, he promised to send the Holy Spirit to everyone who believes in him. He told us these things so that we won't abandon our faith John 16:1, when we see the world not just rejecting Jesus but even hating Jesus and the Creator, Lord, Father God (John 15:18-25). The Holy Spirit helps us by guiding us into truth, reminding us of Jesus and giving us gifts to continue Jesus' ministry. This is all possible because of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit
Jesus promises to send the Helper, Advocate to his disciples (John 16:7). When he comes he convicts the world of its sin and of God's righteousness and the coming judgment (John 16:8). Sin is refusing to believe in Jesus, righteousness is available because Jesus goes to the Father and Judgment because the ruler of this world has already been judged (John 16:9-11).

• What is the sin that the Helper, Advocate is convicting the world of today? What does refusing to believe in Jesus look like? What is the righteousness that is available because of Jesus? What is this judgment that is to come? 

Jesus wants his disciples to know many things but they can't bear it. It's like telling a 3 year to get into an airplane and fly across the ocean. Jesus knows that 3 year old will be a great pilot but he can't bear that now. Jesus explains further, "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard (from Jesus for his glory, John 16:14-15). He will tell you about the future. (more on sin, righteousness, judgment John 16:7-11)"

• Truth in our modern world has become a relative term, describing an individuals psychological response to their experience (body, mind, thoughts and consciousness). This definition is the "fact or belief that is accepted as true." So two people can be in the same situation and hold a different "truth". They may have wealth and say, "the truth is, I'm not happy" or have a disobedient child and say, "the truth is, I love this child no matter what"
• Traditionally truth is "that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality". This deals with the reality of what has actually happened. Actuality; actual existence, typically as contrasted with what was intended, expected, or believed. This is seen in the Bible, in the life of Joseph where man intended harm but God made it good (Genesis 50:20), as well as the for the Christian, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)"
• The Spirit of truth comes and will guide you into all truth. What different techniques does a guide use in comparison to a teacher? I've walked in town without a guide and then took the same walk with a guide and I found that I didn't see, understand or comprehend what was around me without the guide. A guide brings the learner into a place of discovery.

Jesus ministry continues through the Holy Spirit
We don't see Jesus, since he is risen - alive in heaven (Acts 1:9-12), but we rejoice having received the Holy Spirit, we can ask the Father directly in Jesus Name and receive abundant joy, or joy made full (John 16:23-24). This is why Christians pray "in Jesus name". Jesus explains how the Holy Spirit enables us to come directly to the Father, in his name " for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. (John 16:27)"

• What evidence is there that this is true? What claims are being made by Jesus? Have I experienced abundant joy from sorrow? This is a born again experience for many (including me). Some Christians I've met haven't had this definite "conversion" experience, others have but it didn't really impact there lives later on. In Luke 8:4-15 Jesus explains that God's word grows in the hearts of "honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest." 1 Corinthians 12:3 affirms all who say, "Jesus is Lord" and does not curse Jesus is doing this by the Holy Spirit.
• John 3:16-21 Jesus himself teaches that God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that who ever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus didn't come to condemn the world but to save the world through himself (the world was already condemned at Genesis 3). But this is the verdict; God's light came into the world but people loved darkness more than light because there deeds were evil. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.
• In John 3:33-36, John the Baptist said about Jesus, "Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

Jesus Christ crucified (power of God, salvation)
1 Corinthians 2:2-5 - explains why the symbol of Christ is the cross, not the empty cross but the cross with a man hanging from it. Jesus life (fully God, fully man), death, resurrection, ascension and soon return is the core belief of Christianity (1 Corinthians 15:1-58). Without this the rest of the promises and wisdom from God will be unacceptable to anyone (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).

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• The Holy Spirit lives in us (1 Corinthians 3:17), we are in Christ, blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph 1:3), we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, when we heard and believed in the gospel (Eph 1:13-14, Romans 10:9-15). 
• There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus for the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4)
• Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. (Romans 8:5-8)

Resurrection power, Spiritual Gifts

• But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 
• And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (Romans 8:9-11)
• Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. (Romans 8:12-14)
• So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. (Romans 8:15-17)
• The world is suffering and so are we awaiting the day we have full rights as his adopted children including resurrected bodies. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) (Romans 8:18-25)
• The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, when we don't know what to pray - the Holy Spirit prays for us, the Father knows what the Spirit is saying, pleading for us believers in harmony with God's own will - and God cause all things to work together for our good (Romans 8:26-30)
• All of this is to say, nothing can ever separate us from God. Not death nor life, angels or demons, or the powers of hell. Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)
• We are given gifts of the Spirit to help each other grow and serve faithfully according to the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). Like the body has many parts performing vital functions so does the spiritual body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31)

John 16;1 Corinthians 12:3;1 Corinthians 2,3:17; Ephesians1; Romans 8; 1 Corinthians 12,6:19-20,Ephesians 5:18,Galatians 5, Acts 1:8;2 Thessalonians 2, 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 8:23

http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/42-158/Gods-Generous-Response-to-Boldness-in-Prayer
The ascended Lord Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to his people.
What are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit?
What happened when our Lord Jesus Christ ascended to heaven?

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