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We begin our miniseries on the Holy Spirit because of how much the Spirit is mentioned in 1 Corinthians by unpacking John 14:15-21.
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit | John 14:18–21 | Jon Benzinger Watch on YouTube
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit | John 14:15–17 | Jon Benzinger Watch on YouTube
John Owen on the Holy Spirit, Volume 4 introduction and analysis Welcome to The Narrated Puritan Podcast. In this episode, we unpack the practical and pastoral brilliance of John Owen's Works on the Holy Spirit (Volume 4)—a masterwork that defends the self-evidencing light of Scripture, illuminates the Holy Spirit's vital role in genuine prayer, and draws crucial distinctions between temporary spiritual gifts and true saving grace. Whether you are looking to sharpen your theological discernment, guard your heart against spiritual drift, or simply grasp how the Spirit actively applies God's Word to your daily life, join us as we bridge the gap between 17th-century Puritan depth and today's modern listener. There is a discussion in some detail of the argument of "cessationism."
John Owen on the Holy Spirit, Volume 4 introduction and analysis Welcome to The Narrated Puritan Podcast. In this episode, we unpack the practical and pastoral brilliance of John Owen's Works on the Holy Spirit (Volume 4)—a masterwork that defends the self-evidencing light of Scripture, illuminates the Holy Spirit's vital role in genuine prayer, and draws crucial distinctions between temporary spiritual gifts and true saving grace. Whether you are looking to sharpen your theological discernment, guard your heart against spiritual drift, or simply grasp how the Spirit actively applies God's Word to your daily life, join us as we bridge the gap between 17th-century Puritan depth and today's modern listener. There is a discussion in some detail of the argument of "cessationism."
John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.
John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.
John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.
John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.
John Owen's Works, Volume 3 (Pneumatologia), provides a foundational, Spirit-centered defense of Christian theology that spans the Holy Spirit's distinct personhood, His work in Christ, regeneration, sanctification, and eternal election. Driven by a desire to defend the Spirit's deity against rationalist attacks while rescuing His internal ministry from both formal neglect and fanatical claims, Owen demonstrates that redemption applied by the Spirit is as essential as redemption accomplished by Christ. Through key insights—such as total depravity's darkening of the unregenerate mind (prefiguring presuppositional apologetics over Common Sense realism), the Spirit-wrought use of the means of grace in an awakened sinner without falling into preparationism, the absolute necessity of ongoing actual grace alongside habitual grace for every holy act, and a matured view of mortification—Owen roots all Christian growth in sovereign grace. By grounding these doctrines in both the election of believers unto holiness and the real-world conversion of Augustine, Owen establishes that true Christian living is an unceasing, Spirit-empowered work from initiation to final perseverance.
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit | John 14:12–14 | Jon Benzinger Watch on YouTube
I believe in the Holy Spirit Preacher: Andrew Southerton Date: 13/09/2026 Series: Apostles' Creed Reading: John 14:15-27 Our culture says we have to author our own identity, but what if that's actually a crushing burden? In John 14:15-27, Jesus promises that by his Spirit, God moves in and makes his home with us. This message explores how the Holy Spirit brings us into God's family, reshapes us into the family likeness, and gives us a peace that circumstances can't touch. Episode Duration: 31:59
Peace the World Can't Give: The Promise of the Holy Spirit – John 14:15–31 In Episode 150 of Divine Table Talk, Jamie and Jane finish John 14 with one of Jesus' greatest promises: we will never have to walk alone. As Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, He promises the coming of the Holy Spirit—the Advocate, Helper, and Teacher who will remain with them and remind them of everything Jesus has taught. Then, in the middle of uncertainty about what comes next, Jesus gives them something the world cannot manufacture: His peace. Together, Jamie and Jane explore what it means to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives, how love for Jesus shapes our obedience, and the difference between temporary peace based on circumstances and the lasting peace that comes from Christ. Jesus never promised His followers a life without trouble, questions, or uncertainty. He promised something better: His presence in the middle of it. If your heart has been anxious, overwhelmed, or searching for peace, pull up a chair. John 14 reminds us that we have a Helper, we have His presence, and we have a peace the world cannot give. Reflection Question: Am I looking to my circumstances to give me peace—or am I learning to receive the peace Jesus has already given me? ____________________________________ Connect with Jamie: Website: www.jamieklusacek.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieklusacek Connect with Jane: Website: www.janewwilliams.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janewwilliams
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit | John 14:8-11 | Jon Benzinger Watch on YouTube
Father, Son, & Holy Spirit | John 14:4–7 | Jon Benzinger Watch on YouTube
We all know what it feels like to be alone. It can be unsettling, no matter the situation. In John 16, Jesus is just hours from the cross. Some of His final words to the disciples are a promise that they will never be alone. Let's take a closer look at Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit and what it means for us as His followers today!
Are many Christians only one crisis away from losing their faith? In this message, our guest speaker Pastor Keith illustrates the importance of truly walking in the power of the Holy Spirit instead of relying on our own human willpower and intellectual theology, especially when facing life's trials.
Bishop Jim's insightful messages help others find THEIR METRON through M~otivation E~nlightenment T~ranscendence R~enewal O~utreach and N~etworking Learn more: www.bishinthenow.com Follow Jim Swilley on Youtube to see the videos live Sundays at 11:11 am – https://www.youtube.com/bishinthenow Bishop Jim Swilley begins a new Metron series exploring prayer, healing, intention, energy, and the power of human connection. Rather than presenting prayer simply as something directed vertically toward a distant God, Jim considers the deeply horizontal nature of prayer—the energy, compassion, words, touch, encouragement, and intention that human beings transmit to one another. Through Scripture and personal stories ranging from hospital rooms and Ken's recovery to a remarkable encounter with a Muslim man in Nigeria, Jim argues that healing transcends religious terminology. Whether someone says, “I'm praying for you,” “I'm sending healing energy,” or simply, “I'm thinking about you,” the important thing is the loving intention behind the words. Sometimes the healing word is not a dramatic prayer at all. Sometimes it is simply letting another person know: I see you. I'm thinking about you. You are not alone. Main Takeaways Prayer is relational and horizontal. Jim challenges the image of prayer as merely attempting to persuade God somewhere “up there.” Jesus repeatedly placed spiritual authority into human hands: “If two of you agree on earth…” (Matthew 18:19), and “Whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18:18). We participate in one another's healing. Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22-23), while James instructed believers to “pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Jim sees these passages as emphasizing connection rather than spiritual isolation. Sometimes healing begins with simply sending a word. “He sent His word and healed them” (Psalm 107:20). The Roman centurion understood this principle when he told Jesus, “Speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed” (Matthew 8:8-10). Distance did not eliminate connection. Don't become trapped by religious vocabulary. “Prayer,” “positive intention,” “healing energy,” and “good thoughts” may sound different, but Jim argues that they can express the same fundamental human impulse: compassion directed toward someone who needs it. When people become obsessed with terminology, they can miss the spirit behind it: “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). Spiritual confidence should leave room for mystery. Jim openly acknowledges that he has seen prayer seemingly produce extraordinary results, while other deeply loved people did not recover. Rather than pretending to possess definitive answers, he believes mature spirituality can hold faith and mystery simultaneously. Human connection can transcend doctrine. Jim recounts praying on a rooftop in Nigeria in 1981 when a Muslim man approached him and unexpectedly said, “May God hear your prayers.” Instead of trying to convert him, Jim felt that the moment itself was sacred. The two men walked and prayed together, teaching Jim something about spirituality that transcended their theological differences. Healing does not always require a dramatic prayer. A hand on someone's arm, a text saying “I've got you on my mind today,” or a sincere word of encouragement can become prayer because it communicates presence, compassion, and connection. We are the Body of Christ. Jim ultimately returns to the idea that Christianity cannot be exclusively vertical. If we are Christ’s body (1 Corinthians 12:27), then spiritual life must manifest through how we connect with one another. The horizontal dimension of the cross matters. Quote from Bishop Jim Swilley “Prayer and healing isn’t about doctrine. It’s about human connection.” — Bishop Jim Swilley Another line captures the practical heart of the entire message: “If somebody’s on your heart and on your mind, let them know. Send a word to them.” — Bishop Jim Swilley
Sermon by David Rountree on 8/9/26 at New Covenant Church in Anderson, SC. Scripture: John 14:16, 17 Outline: The Holy Spirit's Assistance for our Strengthening: Consider the word “another” (John 14:16), not “different” helper. Consider the word “helper” (parakletos, John 14:16). Examples of parakaleo. The distinction between paracletes: Christ and the Holy Spirit. Christ our advocate (1 John 2:1-2). Christ our judge (cf. Acts 7:54-56). The Holy Spirit our “right now” helper (John 14:16). The Strengthening of our Helper the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). “Helper” or “Comforter”? The original understanding of “comforter” (con-forte'). 1 John 4:4. Concluding Application: A HAPPY PEOPLE: Let us rejoice that our God is always in us (Ps. 28:7,8; 18:39; 37:39; 46:1). A FEARLESS PEOPLE: Let us live fearless (1 John 4:4; Ps. 61:3; 2 Sam. 22:40; Isa. 41:10). A PATIENT PEOPLE: Let us wait for the Lord for new strength (Isa. 40:31). A GRATEFUL PEOPLE: Let us ascribe to the Lord, glory and strength (1 Chron. 16:27-29). A STRONG PEOPLE: Let us be “strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Eph. 6:10; Phil. 4:13). www.ncchurch.net
00:32 - Sam Shamoun never escaped false religion 12:54 - Sam's convenient view of hell 24:16 - Apologists associated with Christian Answers (CAnswersTV) 30:56 - Debate clips of Rob Zins vs. Monsignor Ed Jordan & Dr Robert Fastiggi vs Larry Wessels 34:58 - Larry Wessels in studio with Dr Steve Morrison & Ex Romanist Stuart Quint 39:16 - / @canswerstv , list of many of our early church history videos 46:16 - Refuting Sam's thumbnail images of his videos 47:09 - VaticanCatholic.com/ Most Holy Family Monastery rejects Sam for his universalism & acceptance of antipopes 59:28 - Pope Leo XIV (before he was pope) participates in Pachamama Mother Earth pagan ritual in 1995 1:03:02 - All religions will be saved, even sincere atheists 1:33:53 - The Virgin Mary, Douay- Rheims, Seven Roman Steps to Godhood 1:45:56 - Apparitions of Mary, including Fatima giving secret messages to popes 1:57:56 - Sam's video of his "miracle" testimony how he became Catholic but Larry responds with his own "miracle" 1981 testimony of how he became a Bible Christian with no need of Romanism at all just the Holy Spirit (John 6:63,65) 2:13:07 - Sam says the Early Church was not Protestant but Wes Huff puts forth sound historical arguments concerning the early church 2:20:10 -Roman Priests Make Bread Into God & Take Confessions but 98% of Catholics Don't Go To Confession Anyway, Eastern Orthodox curses Protestants & use Demon Toll houses for salvation, Rosary Beads - Ignoring Isaiah 42:8, 48:11 2:28:02 - Original Bible Answer Man Walter Martin of the Christian Research Institute said Romanism is a corrupt church, a backslidden church, an apostate church," on page 39 of Walter Martin's book.
Series: Elements Of Faith Passage: Ephesians 2:1 July 19, 2026 www.clearcreekcoc.org
The Connector | The Holy Spirit | John 15: 1-11 by CityLight Church
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit? In this message from Pastor John Lindell, we see that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the promised gift of God that empowers believers to witness, walk in boldness, experience miracles, receive wisdom, and follow divine appointments. Our prayer is that you would receive all that Jesus has promised and be filled with fresh power from the Holy Spirit.
The Baptism in the Holy Spirit What is the baptism in the Holy Spirit? In this message from Pastor John Lindell, we see that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is the promised gift of God that empowers believers to witness, walk in boldness, experience miracles, receive wisdom, and follow divine appointments. Our prayer is that you would receive all that Jesus has promised and be filled with fresh power from the Holy Spirit.
Take away our peace: Pain of the past Difficulty of the day Fear of the future
What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? In this message from Pastor John Lindell, unpack what the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is, why it matters, and how to receive this promised gift. Our prayer is that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live boldly for Jesus.
What is the Baptism in the Holy Spirit? In this message from Pastor John Lindell, unpack what the Baptism in the Holy Spirit is, why it matters, and how to receive this promised gift. Our prayer is that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live boldly for Jesus.
2026-06-14 | The Indweller | Holy Spirit | John 14:18-24 Join us this week as Pastor Nate helps us learn how to be better connected to the Holy Spirit. John 14:18-24 Vital and Verifiable God's presence and care is vital, not optional for our life. Jesus' resurrection appearance guarantees His daily presence. Practical and Spiritual Obedience is the greatest form of understanding. 1 John 4:19 “we love because he first loved us” Our love is not the cause of God's love, but God's love is the cause of our love and our obedience is the evidence of our love. What you need is not “out there somewhere” but ‘in here by the Spirit” Experiencing God's presence isn't a matter of vibes but verifiable steps. It is a practical and spiritual experience. Our everyday life can be infused with an active awareness of God's presence through normal acts of obedience. Temporal and Eternal His home in my heart now and my heart in his home forever. Revelation 21:1-4
(Key Question: Who decides that something is good or less than good in our lives? God!)Psalm 84 especially verse 11, Romans 8:28.My short imperfect answer before expounding Psalm 84 is a complex combination of primarily God, His Word and us in conversation, but God ultimately decides.(e.g. Jesus' dialogue with the Father on the Mount of OlivesLuke 22:39–44 “…yet not my will, but yours be done.”) At other situations Scripture seems to imply that we participate in how He answers, to what would be “good” (or beneficial for us); for example, Matthew 7:7–12, especially verse 11, but always in the context of the larger request to remain within God's will (Matthew 6:11); but God honors our part in the prayer dialogue.Also, what is deemed “good” (beneficial) to the Psalmist and us sometimes does not feel “so good,” there exists a journey factor in Psalm 84:5–7 “a Valley of Baka” (a waterless area) to be a traversed. But God by His presence with them all through their journey to the Holy Place (probably the autumn feast of Tabernacles) promising to give them extraordinary strengths (three times, in verses 5–7). And even though the travel is rough, doesn't feel very good, His water continuously refreshes the traveler's person. (84:6 pools, springs, autumn rains). Mysteriously and miraculously restores their strength. In the New Testament, according to Romans 8:28, Paul states a similar truth about the “good” that God wants to administer to Christ's disciple on his/her journey: “And we know (experientially) that in everything (or situation) God works only for the good of those who loves Him, who are called and (stay) within His purpose.”Like Psalm 84:11, God is both “Our Sun and shield” and is able to transform even what seems not so good into good (in all situations He works for our good); but we must stay in our calling to do His purpose. And He invites us to ask, seek, knock and communicate our need and discuss them with Him (Matthew 7:7-12, along with Matthew 6:32, 33)Back to Psalm 84, what are some truths we can learn from it?God's ultimate purpose in our journey with and to Him is that we succeed in reaching Him. In New Testament, His dwelling place is within us (1 Corinthians 6:19) or our persons (both now and forever in our glorified bodies. (1 Corinthians 15). And He is concerned and committed to help us to fulfill His purpose and provide all He knows we need (Matthew 6:32-33). Only keep our desire for Him our utmost goal (Psalm 84:2-4).We cannot avoid this sometimes-painful journey: it's part of our course. “The valley of Baka” (Psalm 84:6) was a waterless area where all God's pilgrims will traverse (this fallen world) but God promises strength, strength, strength (84:5-7) and in New Testament language the refreshing waters of the Spirit will refresh and restore us in our journey out of our belly will flow rivers of living water = the activity of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38). We need a continual refilling (Ephesians 5:18). And again, according to Romans 8:28, He is able to transform all things for “our good,” because we love and belong to Him.God wants our values to change to match His kingdom values: note 84:10 “So much better to be aligned with God and His purposes for our lives than earthly, worldly, prestige. Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of God.” (needy for God and receiving from God); Luke 6:20-26 states, blessed are the poor for they have to depend on the God of Romans 8:28 and Psalm 84:5-7; see also again Matthew 6:32-33.Our ultimate dependence must continue to be in the Lord as we develop the values of the Kingdom or the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:1-11). Thereby we grow and fit in to God's kingdom as to our values and receive from God His transforming power, until we fully dwell with Him (Revelation 22:1-5).Finally, God wants to be our “sun and shield” throughout our lives (84:11) as He provides all good things both now and forever.
The Helper | The Holy Spirit | John 14:15-17 by CityLight Church
Things to discern Do not quench the Spirit.- To quench the Spirit is to despise His gifts or be skeptical of His work Do not neglect the gift of the Spirit- We grieve the Spirit when we live in sin without repentance Don't neglect the gift of the Holy Spirit - We neglect the gift when we are lazy and do not fan into flame what God has put inside of us Do not resist the Spirit - We resist the Spirit when we reject the message of the Gospel
On this day, Pentecost, we read in John chapter 15 three distinctive functions of the Holy Spirit in the world, and in our lives. If you prefer to listen, stream, and/or watch, join us and subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingwoodmethodist
When we think about the Christian life, what actually empowers us to live it out? In today's passage, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure by promising the Holy Spirit—the Helper who will dwell within them, teach them, and strengthen them to walk in obedience. What does it mean to live by the power of the Spirit, and how does He shape the way we follow Jesus today?
In this forty-first sermon in the series "The Word Become Flesh: Jesus Alive in Us", Pastor Matt Sanders shares a sermon entitled, “The Gift of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31).”Link to Sermon notes and Wednesday Bible Study page: https://waialaebaptist.org/worshipservices/Join us on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for a Bible study led by the preaching pastor on the upcoming sermon passage. Attend either in person or via Zoom. Please contact us if you would like to receive the Zoom link.Website: https://waialaebaptist.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WaialaeBaptistChurchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/waialaebaptistchurch/YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/WaialaeBaptistChurch
Proverbs 11:29-12:7, Judges 14:1-15:20, John 7:14-44. It is a God-shaped hole It is a spiritual hunger and thirst for God which Jesus told us could only be filled by his wonderful Holy Spirit (John 7:37)
Proverbs 11:30, Judges 15:14, John 7:14-41. It is a God-shaped hole It is a spiritual hunger and thirst for God which Jesus told us could only be filled by his wonderful Holy Spirit (John 7:37)
What do you believe and know about the Holy Spirit from Scripture? In John 1:29-34 we learn about it means than the Holy Spirit was on and remained with Jesus. If you prefer to listen, stream, and/or watch, join us and subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingwoodmethodist
Proverbs 11:30, Judges 15:14, John 7:14-41. It is a God-shaped hole It is a spiritual hunger and thirst for God which Jesus told us could only be filled by his wonderful Holy Spirit (John 7:37)
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
Friday, May 8, 2026
Color: White Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1–14 Psalm: Psalm 33; antiphon: v. 6 Epistle: 1 John 5:4–10 Gospel: John 20:19–31 Introit: Psalm 81:1, 7a, 10, 16b; antiphon: 1 Peter 2:2a Verse: Matthew 28:7b; John 20:26a, c The Wounds of Christ Give Us Life “For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood” (1 John 5:7). These three point to Christ and flow from Christ. Jesus shows His disciples His hands side, from which blood and water flowed, saying “Peace be with you.” He presents the wounds which turn our fear to gladness and which restore us to the Father. Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:23). His breath, His words are Spirit and life. They raise up our dry, dead bones and give us new and everlasting life (Ezek. 37:1–14). Christ now gives His ministers to speak His forgiving, Spirit-filled words to the penitent in His stead. Our Lord continues to come to His people, presenting His wounds to us in the Sacraments of water and blood. He bids us to touch His side at His table, to receive His risen body and blood in true faith, that believing we may have life in His name. Lectionary summary © 2021 The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Used by permission. http://lcms.org/worship
John 14: 16-17
James White's starts out his argument against baptismal regeneration by bringing up Romans 3:11, "There is none who understands, There is none who seeks for God;" or Ephesians 2:1, "And you were dead in your transgressions and sins," meaning the spiritually dead cannot make themselves spiritually alive by the physical act of the flesh by water baptism. Time marker 03:54 - Romans 8:5-9, "5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, 7 because the mind set on the flesh is at enmity toward God, for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, 8 and those who are in the flesh are not able to please God. 9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him." Therefore a person who has never been supernaturally "born again" by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-8, 1 Corinthians 6:11,19, Titus 3:5-8, Romans 8:16) cannot "please God" even if they are trying to get water baptized because they are still in the flesh & not the Spirit. Thus their water baptism is completely worthless in this case & means nothing. God must do the work of spiritual regeneration first in a person before they can do anything authentic in the service of the True God of the Bible. The Spirit regenerates. How often have the clear words of Jesus been misunderstood! People universally re-write 'You must be born again.'
In “Presents of Presence,” Dr. Reverend Brandon Winstead explores how the risen Christ meets us in our fear, offering peace and empowering us through the Holy Spirit (John 20:19–29). This encouraging message challenges us to move beyond doubt and live out the reality of resurrection in everyday life. Don't forget to access the Sermon Reflection Guide in the show notes to reflect and apply this week's teaching. Presents of the Presence Sermon Reflection Guide
Following Jesus is sometimes presented as the easy road, a path of safety and happiness. Read the New Testament, and you'll see a much different story: following Jesus is a narrow road that is often marked by pain and persecution. On the night before Jesus was crucified, Jesus gathered with his disciples for the Passover meal so he could prepare them for what was to come. In the face of suffering and death, Jesus said, Do not let your hearts be troubled (John 14:1), and in the following four chapters he taught his disciples how to trust and abide in Him when life hurts the most. Every Sunday in March we will be encouraged by Jesus' words as he teaches us how to remain in him.
Youth Pastor Jon-Michael Shelley preaches from John 4 on Jesus' discourse with the woman at the well and the Holy Spirit's work in healing shame.
How do we actually grow into the likeness of Jesus? In this sermon from John 14, Pastor Alex reflects on the slow, sometimes frustrating process of spiritual transformation and Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit as our Helper. As we move through this season of renewal, we're invited to reconsider what change really looks like and how God's work and our participation fit together. Rather than striving harder or waiting passively, this message explores a life shaped by partnership with the Spirit and a steady openness to the kind of transformation only God can bring.