Podcasts about in john

In John 15, Jesus declares, “I am the true vine.” As branches, we are called to abide in Him—our source of life, strength, and fruitfulness. True discipleship means knowing our position in Christ, trusting the vine to provide, and embracing both pruning and blessing. When we abide, our lives bear fruit, our prayers are answered, God is glorified, and we experience the fullness of His joy.

Would you wash your enemy's feet? In John 13, Jesus does something shocking He kneels down to wash the feet of His disciples, including the one who would betray Him. This moment shows us that true greatness isn't found in power or position but in humility, service, and love. In this message, we look at how Jesus used His final hours before the cross to model service over status, and what that means for us today. When we follow His example, even toward people who hurt or oppose us, we reflect the heart of Christ and point others to the Gospel.

How is your worship?  Who is the center of your worship?  Oftentimes, Christians call music, worship, and worship, music.  According to Scripture, worship is much more than just the music and instrumental part of our faith.  In John 4, Jesus breaks down worship and his view of worship, and how we can worship him in spirit and truth.  

In John 10:22–42, Jesus stands in the temple during the Feast of Dedication and is charged with blasphemy for claiming equality with God. Against the backdrop of a false “god manifest” (Antiochus), we meet the true God in the flesh and hear His promise: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” This sermon walks through four simple questions—Who is He? Who are His? What has He done? How will you respond?—and offers deep assurance for weary believers living in a dark world: the Shepherd who calls you is the Shepherd who keeps you.

In John 15, Jesus famously states, “…apart from me you can do nothing.”In the story of Mary and Martha, Jesus seems to be saying, “With me you should do nothing.”Such a familiar story. So easy to relate to Martha. So easy to misunderstand what Luke was getting at by including this passage where the did, the way he did. Looking forward to being together this Sunday to get clarity on what this story tells us about the identity and activity of a disciple of Jesus.

In John 13:2–17, we witness one of the most startling and beautiful moments in Scripture—Jesus, the King of Kings, stooping to wash the feet of His disciples. On the eve of His crucifixion, with betrayal at hand and His glory before Him, He sets the ultimate example of humility, service, and love.This message walks through: 1. The Setting 2. The Scene 3. The Symbol 4. The ApplicationWe see the backdrop of pride, betrayal, and selfish ambition contrasted with the majesty of Christ's love. We behold the act itself—the Master of the universe doing what only a servant would do. We uncover the deeper meaning, that this washing points to the greater cleansing at the cross. And finally, we hear the call to follow His example, laying down our pride to joyfully serve others.In this powerful text, we are reminded that Jesus not only washes us clean from sin, but also calls us to live as people marked by humility, love, and selfless service.

In John 15, Jesus speaks about staying connected to the vine. How do we, as branches, need to respond when we feel our battery is low?

Passage: John 11:1–27Where is God when life feels like a pressure cooker? When the world is filled with chaos, anger, confusion, and pain—it's natural to ask, “Lord, where are You?” In John 11, we find that even those closest to Jesus wrestled with His timing. Mary and Martha called for Jesus, but He delayed. Lazarus died. Yet in the waiting, God was working.This story shows us that God's delays are not denials. His love isn't always measured by immediate action, but by the deeper deliverance He is bringing for His glory and our good. Jesus reveals Himself not just as a miracle worker, but as the Resurrection and the Life—the One who offers unshakable hope in the face of death itself.In this message we'll see:-Why God's delay precedes His deliverance.-How His love can't be judged by present circumstances.-Why saving faith endures when Jesus seems “late.”-How to trust God in the mystery of unanswered prayers.-The hope of resurrection life—both now and forever.Ultimately, our role is obedience; the outcome belongs to Him. And just as Lazarus was raised, everything Jesus did for him, He will one day do for all who believe.

John 8:25 So they were saying to Him, "Who are You?" Jesus said to them, "What have I been saying to you from the beginning? In John's first epistle, he wrote what they heard from the beginning. 1 John 1:1, 5-7. What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life —This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. Jesus is the Word of Life and revealed that God is Light by walking in the light of His Father's word. We have the light of Life in us, and that light is the love of God. We are sent into this world just as Jesus was sent. As we live to love with Jesus we bring His light into the world. This is an issue of identity. They asked Jesus, “Who are You?” He had told them that He was the Light of the world. We live to love because of who Jesus is and who we are. We are His children within whom the Light of Life, the Light of the world, dwells. His light shines through us as we love with Him. Every small act of love from the life of Jesus in you is a flash of light in the darkness. Don't think that only the big things matter or that love can only be shown on a large stage in front of many people. A glass of water given in love to your child is evidence of the Light of the world. A kind word of encouragement to the grocery clerk can bring glory to God if it's through Christ. May we live your lives in such a way that others will ask the question, “Who are you?” Let's be ready to share with others who we are and the hope we have in Jesus. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Originally aired on 06/03/2025 Patrick fields pressing questions from listeners, sharing candid thoughts on funerals, Catholic liturgy, and the discomfort that comes with boundary-crossing moments at Mass. He takes questions about marriage struggles, the reality of affordable housing fears for seniors, and clears up confusion about saints interceding in our lives, using both scripture and Church tradition as his compass. Between updates on a centuries-old monastery’s closure, playful nods to Taco Tuesday, and nuanced guidance on canon law, Patrick blends gravity and warmth, meeting faith and daily life head-on. Peggy (email) - I was recently at a funeral Mass where "words of remembrance" were shared before the Liturgy of the Word (00:41) Patrick reads and responds to an email about struggling marriages and he hopes marriages can be saved and improved (03:32) Bunny (email) – I heard a homily where the bishop said that saints might not be able to hear us or help us (08:02) Michael - Affordable housing for seniors: what is our Christian perspective for this? (20:27) Matt (email) - If a couple, after years of marriage, become aware of an impediment that was present on their wedding day, but have no interest in separating, would their attempt at marriage be invalid and require being married again? (33:18) James (email) - In John 14:27, Jesus says: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you." Could you help me understand what kind of peace Jesus is offering us here? How is His peace different from the kind of peace we often seek or experience in the world? And how can we truly attain this kind of peace in our daily lives? (39:51) Last living grandson of 10th U.S. President John Tyler, dies at 96 (43:34) Egypt Closes St. Catherine’s Monastery: Confiscates Its Property and Evicts the Monks (46:56)

In John 6, we see a young boy offer his five loaves and two fish—an ordinary lunch that Jesus multiplied into a miracle for thousands. This story reminds us that God isn't asking for what we don't have; He's asking us to trust Him with what we do have. When we live with open hands and surrender our gifts, time, and resources, Jesus multiplies them beyond anything we could imagine. Discover how your “5&2” can become part of God's greater miracle.

In John 16:1-4, Jesus warns His disciples about coming persecution and prepares them so they won't fall away when opposition arises. Pastor Steve Henry continues last week's theme from 2 Corinthians 4:17. Looking at the example of Stephen's martyrdom in Acts 7, Pastor Steve contrasts empty religion with true Christianity. Religion is man's attempt to reach God through outward works, but true Christianity is God reaching out to us through Christ—saving us by grace through faith and giving us new life. Even when persecution comes from within the church, Jesus reminds us that we belong to Him, and He has already warned us so that we may stand firm in faith. —

In this week's message, we continued our Before and After series in the Gospel of John by looking at Nicodemus's conversation with Jesus. Real change doesn't happen by our own strength—it happens when we're born again in Jesus. In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus the simple but life-changing truth: look up and believe. Just like Nicodemus, we all need to face the uncomfortable truth that we can't save ourselves, but God has made a way through Jesus. We also heard Mike's powerful testimony of how God brought him from darkness and despair into light and hope. His story is proof that no matter how far you feel from God, transformation is possible when you put your trust in Christ. The good news is simple yet life–changing: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

We are always one generation away from either revival or spiritual drift. In John 4, Jesus bridges centuries of division with the Samaritan woman, showing us how to live out and pass on a real, undistorted faith.

In John 14, Jesus shows us that obedience isn't a burden but a pathway to blessing. When we love Him and keep His commands, He gives us the Helper—the Holy Spirit—to guide, remind, and strengthen us. Obedience brings the Spirit's help, God's presence and peace, and lasting joy that fear and circumstances cannot take away.

The message begins with a personal family story about baseball and habits passed down through generations, illustrating how traits and influences leave lasting marks. In the same way, God's “fingerprints” can be seen in our lives through the character of Christ passed on to His followers. The focus is on the apostle Thomas. While he's often remembered only as “Doubting Thomas,” the sermon reframes him as Courageous Thomas. In John 11, when Jesus decides to return to dangerous Jerusalem to help Lazarus, Thomas boldly declares, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” This shows loyalty, courage, and willingness to risk everything to be with Jesus. The sermon emphasizes that Thomas's courage came from Jesus himself, who modeled ultimate courage in confronting religious leaders, protecting the vulnerable, resisting temptation, and going to the cross. After the resurrection, Thomas carried this courage across nations, bringing Christianity as far as India, where he was eventually martyred. The takeaway is that no personal weakness, excuse, or past failure can stop God from working through us. With the Holy Spirit, the same courage that lived in Jesus—and in Thomas—lives in us. The invitation is to surrender excuses, claim God's courage, and follow Jesus wherever He leads. fmhouston.com

Send us a text      In John 2:24-25 it says "Jesus, however, did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people and didn't need anyone to tell Him what people were like, because He Himself knew what was in every person." May you be blessed by hearing the Word of God through this teaching! Support the show

In John 14:6, Jesus tells us that He is the Truth. This week we explore that one reason Jesus came to earth was to reveal the truth of who God really is–that He is a Father who forgives anyone and everyone who comes to Him and repents. 

In John 15, we encounter the profound metaphor of Jesus as the True Vine, inviting us to 'abide' in Him. This powerful imagery challenges us to examine our spiritual connection and fruitfulness. Are we truly rooted in Christ? The passage reminds us that our ability to bear fruit isn't automatic – it requires intentional effort and a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus. Just as a vine dresser prunes branches for greater yield, God may 'cut back' areas of our lives that aren't productive. This process, while sometimes uncomfortable, ultimately leads to greater spiritual growth and impact. As we reflect on this, let's consider: What areas of our lives might God be pruning? How can we more fully abide in Christ, allowing His life-giving power to flow through us and produce abundant fruit?   Find a C3 Church Near You: https://www.c3churchglobal.com   If you want to give to help C3 Church Global plant new churches around the world, head to https://www.c3churchglobal.com/giving   Follow Me On Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/@Philpringle?sub_confirmation=1  https://instagram.com/philpringle https://www.facebook.com/psphilpringle https://www.tiktok.com/@philpringl https://twitter.com/philpringle    Purchase a copy of my books today: https://philpringle.com/store 

When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”?  MESSAGE SUMMARY: The stories of the New Testament tell us that Jesus was no ordinary man. The Apostle John, in John 1:1-5, points out that Jesus, the Word, was the Creator of the Universe: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.". John tells us that Jesus had authority over nature, over creation, and over life itself, and he tells us that Jesus was the life-giver that came to earth for us. In John 20:26-29, Jesus asked the Apostle Thomas a fundamental question that Jesus asks you today– “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me?'”: “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.' Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'”. When Jesus has asked you: “Whom do you say that I am?”, and how did you answer? Did you tell Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”? Have you, in your life, become a Jesus Follower? If not, why not?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM A CHILD OF GOD. Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God-- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God. John 1:12f SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John 1:1-18; Isaiah 7:2-14; Matthew 1:21-24; Psalms 67:1-7. A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Power of God in Your Life” at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/    DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

In John 13, we find Jesus on the eve of His crucifixion. As He shares His final moments with His disciples, the apostle John reminds us of the love of Christ—love that goes to the very end. This is not a shallow or fleeting affection, but a divine, eternal love: a love that is everlasting, exclusive, faithful, real, and sacrificial. This message reflects on the depth of God's love shown through Christ—love that began before time, love that endures through our failures, love that is fully real by the Spirit, and love that is ultimately proven at the cross. As we open Scripture together, we are called to remember, celebrate, and rest in the unshakable love of Jesus, a love that has no end and no equal.

The Power of God in Your Life MESSAGE SUMMARY: As a follower of Jesus, God's power can be displayed in your life. In John 11, Jesus is in a distant town when He learns that Lazarus is very ill, but Jesus says that Lazarus will not die. However, subsequently, Jesus tells His Disciples that, indeed, that Lazarus has “died”. Jesus intended to use Lazarus' “death” and “resurrection” to build His Disciples' faith and to illustrate God's glory and power by awakening Lazarus from his “death”. When Jesus arrives at Lazarus's home town, He tells Lazarus' sister that Lazarus will arise from his “death”. At this point, Jesus tells Martha, in John11:23-27, one of the most profound statements of His earthly ministry that is the cornerstone of our Salvation Gospel: “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.' Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.' Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?' She said to him, Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.'”. With both the faith of Lazarus' sisters Mary and Martha, Jesus raises Lazarus from his death in Lazarus' tomb. Upon seeing Lazarus raised from the dead by Jesus, some believed in Jesus as the Christ, but some went to the Jewish religious leaders who feared Jesus' growing power with the people; and these leaders plotted Jesus' death. In Jesus' parable of the “Rich Man and Lazarus” in Luke 16:19-31, Jesus illustrates that no matter how powerful the miracle, like raising someone from the dead, many people's hearts are so hardened to God, His Grace, and the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus that they will not believe in Jesus and His Gospel of our Salvation. The implications, for us, from John 11 and Luke 16: 1) Jesus can handle our death through His assurance of Eternal Life if we believe and follow Him, and 2) God wants to exhibit His power through our lives while we are still alive—we are not called to be wimpy Christians; we are called to be men and women of the mighty God. However, too often we are blinded by our religious experiences or what we think we have seen in church. Therefore, we think God's power is of another time, or because we believe that our sin is so great that God's power will not be in us. God wants to indwell us through the Holy Spirit – consider that the Creator of the Universe, God, wants to give you power in your life! Jesus tells us, in John 14:11-14: “Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, and I will do it.”. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, God was giving an outward demonstration of the power that He wants to indwell in us. God has blessed us with the privilege and power of a personal relationship with Him and with the privilege, power, and God's expectation that we will be His blessing to other people.   TODAY'S PRAYER: Keeping the Sabbath, Lord, will require a lot of changes in the way I am living life. Teach me, Lord, how to take the next step with this in a way that fits my unique personality and situation. Help me to trust you with all that will remain unfinished and to enjoy my humble place in your very large world. In Jesus' name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 129). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: I affirm that because of what God has done for me in His Son, Jesus, I AM RIGHTEOUS IN GOD'S EYES. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): John11:1-53; Luke 16:19-31; 1 Corinthians 15:26-28; Ephesians 1:18-20; Ephesians 3:7-10; Ephesians 3:16-19; Ephesians 3:6:10-11; John 14:11-14. (Click the Bible References, in blue, below to read the full Bible text for these Scripture References.). A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. WEBSITE LINK TO DR. BEACH'S DAILY DEVOTIONAL – “When Jesus Asked You: “Whom do you say that I am?”, Did You Answer Jesus: “You are my God and the Lord of my Life!”?”: https://awordfromthelord.org/devotional/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Join us as we continue our journey through the Gospel of John! In John 7 Jesus has a fascinating conversation with His brothers in Galilee before journeying to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles. While in Jerusalem He begins to teach in the temple precinct halfway through that week long ‘camping' feast. There are many important lessons in this powerful chapter of John!

Introduction: John 3:36 - whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. Ephesians 2:3 – were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Enter By the Narrow Gate (Matthew 7:13-14) It's Hard to FIND. (Matt 7:14) John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Luke 14:33 – So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. It's Hard to WALK. (Matt 7:14) It's Hard to DISMISS. (Matt 7:14) Matthew 11:12 – From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead Matthew 7:13-14What was your big take-away from this passage / message?How would (specifically) you answer this question: How do I know which gate I entered?We are saved by grace. But are things like repentance, counting the cost, and entering the kingdom violently considered “works”? Why or why not?BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT I'd like you to just bow your heads for a moment,and I'm going to ask that you would please pray for meto be faithful to communicate God's word accurately as I should.And I will pray for you to be ready to receivewhatever it is the Lord wants to teach you today.Alright? Let's pray.Father in heaven, you are greatly glorifiedas transformed people by the power of your Holy Spirit.Our obedient to what you've revealed in your Word.That's all I'm asking for today, Father,for your glory to be on display as we respondto what you've told us in your Word.Manifest your grace and your goodness here today, Father.We ask in Jesus' name, amen.If you haven't already opened up your Bibles to Matthew chapter 7,we're just going to be looking at two verses today.For some of you, these could be the mosttwo important verses you ever hear.When I was a kid growing up in Shakura,we attended the Little Methodist Church.And when you're - I don't know if it's still the case in the Methodist Church,but at that time, when you're 12,you go through confirmation classes.You go to the Methodist Church, and then they teach youabout doctrine and John Wesley and the books of the Bible.But one part of this confirmation class,it took place over several days,but one part was the pastor would take you into the auditorium,just you and him.And I'm assuming that his conversation with the others went as it did with me.I remember the pastor took me to the auditorium and he said,"Jeff, you don't want to go to hell, do you?"And I'm like, "You mean today?Because mom's expecting me home for dinner."He's like, "You don't want to go to hell, do you?"And I was just like, "No."He goes, "Well, then you want to accept Jesus Christas your Lord and Savior, right?"And I'm like, "Okay.""Great."And he sent me back with the other kids.And then every time this pastor saw me after that,he would say, "I remember the day you gave your life to Jesus.""Oh, Jeff, I remember the day you gave your life to Jesus."And I was like, "Yeah, that was awesome."Is that what it means to follow Jesus?You see, since February we've been going through the Sermon on the Mount,the greatest sermon ever preached.And over the next four weeks, we're looking at how Jesus closesthe greatest sermon ever preached.All of the content leads to this.Over the past several months, we've looked at the heart of the discipleand the beatitudes.This is what a Jesus follower looks like.We talked about the heart of the law.Jesus didn't come to get rid of the Old Testament.He said, "I came to fulfill it."We talked about the heart of religion.Look, it's not about doing things for showto get a pat on the back from people.We talked about the heart towards the world.How should we interact in this world with money and stuff and people?And now we get to the close of Jesus' sermon, and here he's saying,"Now what are you going to do about it?"Now that you know what I call you to,is your heart ready for judgment?Look at verses 13 and 14.Jesus says, "Enter by the narrow gate, for the gate is wide,and the way is easy, that leads to destruction,and those who enter by it are many.For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard,that leads to life, and those who find it are few."Everybody's heading to eternity.I don't need to sell anyone on that, do I?Everyone's heading for eternity,and Jesus said there are two gates.There's exactly two options,and here Jesus is calling for an urgent choice.He commands, that's the first sentence in verse 13,"Enter by the narrow gate."That's a choice literally between heaven and hell.Jesus says, "Make your choice."Who would choose hell?I mean, really.Who would choose hell?I mean, yeah, I've shared the Gospel with a lot of people over the years,and I've met the guy, probably you have to.It's like, "Well, I'm going to hell,and I know I'm going to hell, and I don't really care,because all my buddies will be there."But I'm like, "You are clueless."You meet that joker.But who would really, honestly, seriously choose hell?Why wouldn't you choose heaven?I mean, really.See, my friends, that's the thing.That's why this message is so urgent,because no one thinks they are choosing hell.Everyone thinks that they are going to end up in heaven.Somehow, some way, I'm going to end up in heaven.Everyone thinks that.Everyone is, according to Jesus.In fact, it's even worse than we think it is.As we saw in the video, we have this mindset that most of us are good,and we're going to heaven, and there's a few really bad people that are going to hell.Jesus didn't say that.Notice Jesus said the exact opposite.He said many are going to hell, to destruction,and he said few are going to heaven.Few find life.So do you know what you have to do to go to hell?Do you know?Nothing.You don't have to do a thing.And that's where you'll end up.John 3.36 says,"Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life."Look at this."But the wrath of God remains on him."How do you get the wrath of God?He's already on you.Paul says the same thing in Ephesians 2-3.He says, "We were by nature children of wrath,like the rest of mankind."That was our default mode.And I want you to notice in these two verses,Jesus didn't say, "Choose which gate."He didn't say that.You already did choose a gate.There's no language here that says,"Well, tell me, how do I go through the wide gate?"You already did.Notice with the narrow gate, look at the very last phrase in verse 14.Jesus said, "Those who find it are few."The wide gate is something that has to be found.The wide gate, Jesus never said you had to find the wide gate.It's wide.It's easy.And you're already on it.Heading to destruction.So what we have here in these verses is a command.It's a command to enter the narrow gate.Look at verse 13 again.Enter by the narrow gate.It's a command. It's a call to action.Meaning it doesn't happen by accident.It's worth noting that Jesus,we're going to see this in these upcoming messages as well,there are people that are going to be shockedthat they're going to hell.But you know, the Bible never says that there are peoplethat are shocked that they end up in heaven.That guy doesn't exist.That guy doesn't exist where Jesus says,"Come on in to glory."Like, wow, I didn't know I was coming here.Wow.That guy doesn't exist.The gospel is a command.Listen, it's a command.It's not just an invitation.It's not just a suggestion.You really ought to think about maybe turning to Jesus.It is a command.Look at the words that are used to describe coming to Christ.They're all commands.Words like "repent."You're commanded to repent.Believe.Receive.Believe.Here, the command is "enter."This is the big takeaway from the Sermon on the Mountaccording to Jesus.Because of everything that He said,going back to the Beatitudes,leading to this point,Jesus commands us to choose narrow.It's not enough to listen to sermons about the narrow gate.It's not enough to study the narrow gate.It's not enough to even kind of like the narrow gate.Jesus said, "You have to make the choice to enter the narrow gate."Have you made that choice?I want you to jot some things downon your outline.This is the command, "Enter by the narrow gate."What does our Lord say about it?First of all, number one, write this down.It's hard to find.It's hard to find.Again, in verse 14, Jesus says,"For the gate is narrow, and the way is hard that leads to life.And those who find it are few."It's hard to find.It's narrow.What exactly do you mean it's narrow?Well, one thing that it means, that it's being narrow,is that it's the only way to be saved.Jesus made that claim.The Bible makes that claim over and over and over.In John 14.6, Jesus said,"I am the way and the truth and the life.No one comes to the Father except through me."The gate is narrow because it's the only way to be saved.Not every road leads to heaven.That doesn't even work in the physical world, does it?If you came to me after service and you're like,"Pastor Jeff, I really want to go to Cleveland.How do I get there?"First of all, I'm not sure you really do want to go there.But if you have to listen, you know how to get to Cleveland?Just pick a road. It doesn't matter.Get in your car and just pick a road.As long as you believe in your heart's that that road will take you to Cleveland,then you will get to Cleveland.Would that work?People are like, "I think I'll ask Pastor Taylor."Right?I mean, that's foolishness.So why do we think that any road is going to get us to heaven?Not every road will take you there.Because your problem is sin before a holy God,and the only way that that sin can be forgivenis through Jesus Christ, because He's the only onewho paid the penalty to take away your sin.It's narrow because it's the only way to be saved.It's narrow also because you're called to leave some things behind.You get a picture of this narrow gate almost like a turnstile,like walking into Kennywood.If you're going through that turnstile, you've got to leave some stuff behind.Like leave what behind?Your sin?Your self-centeredness?Your rights?Your pride?You've got to leave your old self behind,because listen, you're both not going to fit through the turnstile.You both won't fit through the narrow gate.Jesus said it costs to enter this gate.We don't have time today, but just write down Matthew 10, Luke 14.Jesus said there's a cost to entering the gate.Leave stuff behind.Like, well, what's the cost?Jesus said you have to love Him more than you love your own family.Jesus said you have to deny yourself.Jesus said you have to consider yourself a slave to Him.Oh, and you have to consider yourself a slave to everyone else.Jesus said things like you have to take up your cross.You have to be willing to lay down your life for Him.Listen, if you're unwilling to do any of that,then you're not going to get through the gate at all.To sum it up, Luke 14.33, look what Jesus says.Not the most secret, sensitive way to address a crowd.Jesus said, "So therefore any one of you who does not renounce all that He hascannot be my disciple."You willing to do that?You're like, "I don't know."Okay, then you're not going through the narrow gate.Back when I was in college, I had several jobs.Here's where two of them overlapped.I was pastoring a little country church,and I was also a magazine vendor for two Walmarts and two K-Marts.Is K-Marts still a thing?It was back then.But I would go in third shift to these stores,and I would stock the magazines.And at the one K-Mart, I got to be friends with some of the employees there.There were a couple cashiers that I invited to church.I'll never forget this.The one cashier, her name was Gina.And she came to church for probably three or four weeks,and then stopped.Well, the next time I saw her at K-Mart,I said, "Hey, I haven't seen you in church."I'll never forget what she said.She said, "I can't go to churchand live the kind of life that I want to live."It's sad.She got it.She got the fact that the gate is narrow.She got the fact that she can't come into the kingdom of heavenwhile carrying all her sin in with her.I don't want to talk about Gina though. I want to talk about you.What have you left behind to follow Jesus?Would you say that there's been a tremendous cost to youin deciding to follow Jesus?And if your answer is, "Well, you know,I haven't really given up that much to follow Jesus,really now that I think about it,I really haven't given up very much."Well, then you haven't found the narrow gate.It's hard to find.Secondly, write this down.Not only is it hard to find,it's hard to walk.It's hard to walk.The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life.The way is hard that leads to life.You see what Jesus is saying?If you find it, and even when it's truly found,it's hard to enter.And when you enter it, it's hard to walk.And right now somebody's like, "Hard? Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait,hang on, hang on, hang on."I thought coming to Jesus was just belief.Just believe in Jesus.What are you talking about? Hard.It's just believe, right?Well, I would ask you,what do you mean by believe?Do you know how Jesus described what it means to believe?The Sermon on the Mount.This is how Jesus described what it means to believe.He described it with the beatitudes.When you're broken over your sin and you're meekand you desire righteousness and purity more than anything,you're a peacemaker.And then, if you're really living it, people hate you.That's what it means to believe.Jesus said believing is being salt and light.That means you're different than the world.You stand out because of what you believe.Is that what you mean by believe?Jesus said believing is turning from anger, turning from lust.Jesus said believing is a person who always keeps their word.Jesus said believing is never retaliating.Jesus said believing is when you love your enemies.Jesus said believing is when you choose to giveand to pray and to fast privately.So only God knows.Jesus says believing is giving to Godso that you lay up treasure in heaven.Jesus said believing is never worrying.Not being anxious for anything.Jesus said believing is not being critical of othersbut doing to others what you wish they would do to you.Now, you tell me what's easy about any of that.It's hard to walk.If you've been with us in any part of this journeythrough the Sermon on the Mount,has there been any of these sections that you've pointed atand went, "Oh, that's easy. I got that nailed down."Or have you been more like me every weektaken to the woodshed?Tour up?Or have you been more like meevery week taken to the woodshed?Or have you been more like me?Difficult is the standard.We're told on the front end,when you live different than the world,you're going to have people after you.You're going to suffer.It's hard to walk.That's why a lot of people bail, by the way.They weren't expecting it to be hard.They were believing in gospel that Jesus never taught.Because believing in the gospel,despite the lame way we want to package itin American churches,believing in the gospel is more than just acknowledging facts.And it's even way more than just agreeing with the facts.Believing in the gospel is having a faith in Jesus Christthat makes your decisions for you.Your life should be marked by this.Constantly saying, "You know what?I do this because of what Jesus said.This is why I do that."Your life should be marked by things you say,"You know what? I never do thisbecause God said I should never do that.My life makes my decisions for me."That's what it means to believe.In churches, dishonor the gospeland do a disservice to peoplewhen we make it easy to follow Jesus.Shame on us.We make it so easy for the peoplethat walk in the door and say,"Look, I just want to attend.I just want to come in on Sunday,in late, out early.I just want to attend.I don't want to get involved.I don't want to help out with the kids ministry.I don't want to be on the worship team.I don't want to give to the church.I don't want to do any of that.Look, just make it easy."Where did Jesus say the easy way leads?I want to talk about you again.You find it easy to follow Jesus?Maybe at 9 a.m. on Sunday.I want to ask about your Monday through Saturday.Is it easy for you to follow Jesus?And if your answer is, you know what?I don't know what he's talking about,but I haven't really found it to be that hardbeing a Christian.Then you haven't found the narrow gate.Because Jesus said it's hard.Enter by the narrow gate.It's hard to find.It's hard to walk.Number three, it's hard to dismiss.It's hard to dismiss.The gate is narrow.And the way is hard that leads to life.Man, this sounds like being a Christian is hard.Yeah, it is.So why would I enter the narrow gate at all then?Because of where it leads.And whoever doesn't think aboutwhere the path they are on is taking them is a fool.Throughout this section, throughout these verses,we looked at today Jesus said there's only two.There's two gates.There's two ways. There's two crowds.And there's two destinations.You're going to want to...Destruction and it's life.What's destruction?We've talked about that. That's hell.Yes, destruction here and now in this life,I've yet to meet the guy that has really benefited from their sin.But instead has experienced destruction in this life,ultimately it's destruction in hell.Why is hell referred to as destruction?Because it's eternally being destroyed,but never actually being destroyed.It's burning without being consumed.That's what hell is.And that's where the easy way leads.So if following Jesus sounds too hard for you,you have the option of having it a little easierin this life for 15 minutes,and spending eternity suffering.Not my opinion, Jesus' words.The other destination is life.Life, eternal, glorious life in heaven.Yes, of course, but also life here and now.Eternal life for the Christian isn't something that you get someday.It's something you experience now,and you take with you into eternity.This hard way is the way that Jesus took.And if we choose to follow in His footsteps,we will not only get heaven,but we will experience lifeas it was meant to be lived here and now.And that's hard to dismiss,just because it's difficult.It's over and over in the Gospels.Jesus challenged potential followers to count the cost.You have to count the cost of entering the narrow gatebecause there is a cost.But you also have to count the cost of not entering the narrow gate.You could leave here today and say,"I choose to stay on the wide gateway."What have you gained?What have you gained by staying on the wide gateway?An easier life here for however long that lasts.But what have you lost?You've lost eternity.So right now you need to ask yourself,"What way am I on?"Listen, you can't answer thatbased on something that happened in the past.That's what I mean for some people.It's like, are you a follower of Jesus?Well, I got baptized 30 years ago.That's not the test.The test is, how are we living right now?Are you seeking Jesus now?Are you turning from sin now?Are you denying yourself now?Your life right now proves what way you are on.I'd like to invite the worship team to come back up.We're going to have some folks join us up here.I'd like to invite them up too.We're going to have some people up here to pray,some elders, some members from our prayer team.I'd like you folks to make your way up here as well.In just a moment, the worship team is going to sing a song over you.But before we do that, I want us to consider one more verse.It's Matthew 11 and verse 12.Another staggering statement from our Lord.Jesus said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now,the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence."Look at his last phrase.He says, "And the violence, take it by force."Listen, because the gate is narrow,and because the way is hard,salvation is something that you have to go after violently.It's not, well, just put a check mark on this card and you're saved.Just bow your head and raise your hand and you're saved.Just repeat this prayer after me and you're saved.That's not it.It's something that you have to go after violently.Like why violently?Because the gospel calls you to forsake yourself.You have to go after that violently.Jesus calls you to give up your sin.It's not for weaklings.I'm going to give you a chance.I'm going to give you a chance to prove that you're not a weakling.I'm going to give you a chance today to do something violent.I'd like you to bow your heads, please,because what we're going to dois have a good old-fashioned, much-needed altar call.Bow your heads.Today needs to enter the narrow gate.Maybe there's somebody that walked in here todaythat said, "I know I'm not following Jesus,and I've been meaning to get around to it.Today's the day that you're going to go after this violently."Or maybe there's somebody here that's like,"Well, I don't really know if I follow Jesus."Then that means you don't.Because you can't have a relationship with the God of the universeand not know it.Because it's something you have to go after violently.Or maybe there's somebody here that says,"You know, I made a decision once upon a time,but whether I'm backslidden,or whether I was deceived or confused,I'm not really sure where I stand right nowbecause I'm so stuck in sin."You need to go after this violently.As an act of faith, as the worship team sings over you,we want to invite you to come up and pray.There is still someone here, someone else here,that wants to do business with God.I strongly encourage you not to leave until you do.You shrink back now.It's going to be way easier to shrink back the next timethat you feel called to follow Jesus.Father in heaven,we're not here to put on a show for anybody but you.We want to be sincere.We don't want to settle for some watered-down,sugar-coated version of the Gospelthat so many in our culture have made it.Father, let us go after you violentlywith the urgency that your Son has called us to.We do need to count the costs.I'm asking Father that you would give us the faith that we need.All glory and honor and praise and power be unto your name.We pray in Jesus' name.Amen.

In John 6:1-15, Jesus performs one of His most famous miracles—feeding thousands with five loaves and two fish, but when the grateful crowd tries to crown Him king, He disappears into the mountains. Pastor Dale works through this passage to show how Christ's kingship operates differently than we expect, addressing real struggles like financial pressure, leading our families well, and trusting God's provision in difficult circumstances. This sermon challenges us to embrace Jesus as He reveals Himself in Scripture, rather than reshaping Him to fit our preferences.

1) What is the difference between the eschatological views of pre-millennialism, a-millennialism, and post-millennialism?2) In the parable of the sower, fruit is mentioned as a harvest. Is this fruit a reference to souls won for Christ or the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians?3) In John 19:11 is Jesus saying that God sinned in delivering Jesus into Pilate's hands?

John 8:13-14, So the Pharisees said to Him, "You are testifying about Yourself; Your testimony is not true." Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going; but you do not know where I come from or where I am going." The Pharisees didn't know, but now it is known. Jesus came from the Father in Heaven, and He went back to the Father in Heaven. He came to take away all our sins—everything that separates us from Him. He went back to the Father to intercede for us, so the Father would send us His Spirit to be with us forever and empower us with His presence to live and love with Him. His love in us is His testimony, and it is true. The Pharisees demanded more than one's own testimony about himself. They were looking for more proof of where Jesus was from before they would believe Him. Jesus' proof of where He was from was the work of the Father. Earlier in John 5:36-37, Jesus had told them, “But the testimony which I have is greater than the testimony of John; for the works which the Father has given Me to accomplish — the very works that I do — testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father who sent Me, He has testified of Me.” In the same way, Jesus testifies about us that we are His disciples by the works He does in us. In John 13:34-35, Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 15:7-8 repeats this truth. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” Did you notice Jesus said, “It will be done for you?” Jesus loving in us is His testimony that we are from Him, just as the Father loving in Jesus is His testimony about where Jesus was from. That's why I have concluded that God saved us to glorify Himself through His Son loving in, through, and with us. In short, we glorify God by living to love with Jesus. Where are we from? We are from God. Where are we going? We are going to God in heaven. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

Josiah Conder was a well known poet, author and hymnwriter in England in the 1800's. He edited a hymnal for his generation and contributed many of his own hymns to the projects. The majority of those hymns are still in use today, either in England or in America, testifying to the value of his work. We only have one of his hymns in TLH, but it has also been included in the Worship Supplement in an updated form, and with a different final verse.  In its current form, this hymn is a wonderful treatment on the doctrine of justification by grace. There are two foundational Scriptures for this hymn. In John 15:16, Jesus said: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." The Apostle Paul also wrote: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." The word "grace" is beautifully defined in this hymn, showing our natural human condition "this heart would still refuse You" (v.1) and "taught my darkened heart and mind" (v.2). It also highlight what God has done for us: "Your grace [has] chosen me" and "You removed the sin that stained me" and "grace in Christ has called me." The hymn also points us to the conclusion of our faith: "from grace to glory," "hope soon change to heavenly glory, faith to sight and prayer to praise" (v.3). The Apostle Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10).  Thanks be to God's grace in Christ, both in giving us an opportunity to serve Him now, and the assurance that we will be with Him in eternity. Rejoice in that grace, this weekend, and every day of your life!

Today’s Bible Verse: "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." — John 4:14 Every one of us has deep longings—desires for love, acceptance, security, and purpose. We often try to fill those voids with relationships, success, achievements, or possessions, but nothing fully satisfies. In John 4:14, Jesus promises something different: living water that refreshes our souls and fills us with eternal hope. “Want to listen without ads? Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

In John 11, we find the story of Jesus coming to Lazarus's tomb after he had died. When He arrived, Jesus said:“Go ahead, take away the stone.” They removed the stone. Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I'm grateful that you have listened to me. I know you always do listen, but on account of this crowd standing here I've spoken so that they might believe that you sent me.” Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, a cadaver, wrapped from head to toe, and with a kerchief over his face. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG) It's fascinating that the first thing Jesus did was to have the stone removed that was blocking the tomb. Then to raise a man from the dead, He began by expressing gratitude to God, His Father. After thanking God for listening and responding, He commanded the man's resurrection and ultimate freedom.Think about a situation in your life where you are struggling. Is there a situation that seems hopeless - that feels dead and you desire new life.Listen once again to Jesus's main commands: “Go ahead, take away the stone.”… Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and prayed, “Father, I'm grateful … Then he shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And he came out, … Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him loose.” (Luke 11:41-44 MSG) Our stone can be rolled away to free us. Can you trust God to resurrect hope that seems dead?You can come out of your struggle with a renewed and transformed life from witnessing God's miraculous power.Let's pray together: “Father, thank You for resurrection and new life. Thank You that You have power over sin and death. Thank You that You forgive and offer real freedom. I believe You today for all these in my life. As above, so below.”

In John 13, Jesus didn't just share a meal; He set the model for discipleship by picking up a towel and washing His disciples' feet. The table represents comfort, position, and consumption, but the towel represents humility, service, and transformation. Tonight's message, Take Your Towel, challenges us to stop settling for the table life of consuming and start living the towel life of serving, where pride is wiped away and Christ is truly revealed. The question is: are you gripping the table, or will you take your towel?

John 8:9-11 When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on, sin no more." Let's first get some clarity. The woman did commit adultery. That was implied in Jesus' remarks to her. Jesus didn't say she wasn't guilty. He said that He didn't condemn her. In John 3:17, it's difficult to know whether it is Jesus speaking or John commenting, but either way, the truth remains. Jesus came into the world to save sinners, not judge them. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” Jesus' judgment of the world occurs after His second coming. So the way Jesus responded to this woman is consistent with His purpose in coming. The apostle Paul understood this reality. He wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:3-5. But to me, it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore, do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men's hearts; and then each man's praise will come to him from God. Do you get it? It is not our jurisdiction to condemn people. We are to leave it to the Lord when He returns. That's what Jesus was doing with the woman. He was waiting to condemn her until the time appointed by the Father. Psalms 34:21-22 comes to mind. It says, “Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.” Perhaps Jesus could tell this woman was seeking refuge in Him, and He therefore fulfilled the Scripture when He said, “I do not condemn you, either.” In Luke's account of the sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned” (Luke 6:37). That would be enough for me to turn and walk away. How about you? Let's check our hearts, friends. Is there anyone you are judging and condemning? These verses encourage us to have the same trust in God to make all things right and to judge all sins, as Jesus had in His Father. Jesus did what was in this woman's highest good. He didn't condemn her, yet He didn't overlook her sin. He told her to go and sin no more. What is your takeaway from Jesus' example and treatment of the woman caught in adultery? Will you refrain from judging others? Will you love them and encourage them not to sin anymore? We have good news to share. Everyone who takes refuge in Jesus will not be condemned, even if they are guilty. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.

In John 4 we read about an encounter that Jesus had with a lady at a well in Samaria.  Prior to this we learn that the religious elite wouldn't even enter into Samaria due to their prejudices.  The question we must ask ourselves is, are my prejudices limited my ability to live holy and to offer hope to the world?

In John 15:18-27, Jesus shifts from speaking about love to warning His disciples about the world's hatred. As followers of Christ, we are reminded that this world is not our home, and that opposition and persecution are inevitable for those who live by a biblical worldview.   In this message, Pastor Steve Henry unpacks three key truths:   - The hatred of the world reminds us that this world is not our home.   - The hatred of the world reminds us that we belong to Jesus.   - The hatred of the world reminds us that we are not alone—the Holy Spirit empowers us to endure and to bear witness to Christ.   Even in the face of hostility, we hold fast to the eternal perspective: "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)   —

In Psalm 69, we have the prayer diary of Jesus and an expression of his anguish and his sufferings for us. This psalm, of course, is written by David, and it's about King David and his immediate problems. But it actually doesn't refer only to David—it also refers to a greater king than David and a far greater suffering. In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples that this psalm is talking about him. From this psalm, we can learn three things about what Jesus came to do: 1) he came to be a servant, 2) he came to be hated, and 3) he came to be exchanged. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 5, 1993. Series: Understanding Jesus. Scripture: Psalm 69. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.

In John 14, Jesus comforts His disciples with promises that still hold true for us today. He reminds us that we don't have to live with troubled hearts—we can trust Him. Our hope is found in His return, His access to the Father, His power working through us, and His faithfulness in every moment. When fear and uncertainty rise, Jesus is enough.

The Bible is more than an ancient book of wisdom or history: it is God's Word, and all of it points us to Jesus. In John 5:39–47, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who searched the Scriptures diligently but missed the very One the Scriptures were written about. They were looking for life in the text itself, but true life is only found in Christ. The danger for us is the same: we can read the Bible, know the verses, even admire its teaching, yet still refuse to come to Jesus. Scripture is not meant to be an end in itself but a guide leading us to the Savior. If we stop short of Him, we've missed the point entirely. Jesus also warns against seeking glory from people instead of God. The approval of others can never give us life, but Christ alone can. And just as Moses wrote about Jesus, every page of the Bible whispers His name. Here's the takeaway: If we do not see Jesus in the Scriptures, we have not truly understood them. Open the Word, but don't stop there—come to Christ.

In John 9, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth and gives him sight—not only physically, but spiritually. This miracle sparks controversy among neighbors, parents, and Pharisees, all wrestling with the same question: Who is Jesus? As the healed man's understanding of Christ grows from “a man” to “a prophet” to “one sent from God” and finally to the Son of Man worthy of worship, we are confronted with our own blindness and need for spiritual sight.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus reveals Himself as the true Messiah, the Light of the World, and the only one who opens blind eyes. Some reject Him in pride; others bow in worship. The call is clear: will we remain blind in self-righteousness, or will we see and believe in the Savior who gives life?

In this series, we've been exploring ways to build a strong connection with Jesus. In John 15, He calls it “abiding” in Him. What we've discovered is that the stronger the connection, the better the fruit and the greater the joy. We've talked about the importance of rest and nutrition in producing good fruit in our lives. Today, we are looking at the necessity of breathing, and the way we do that is through prayer.What word comes to mind when you think of prayer? For some, it's joy! Prayer is a delight. But for others, the word might be bewilderment, frustration, disappointment, or more likely… guilt. But I want to propose that prayer is not a responsibility to be pushed into, but a relationship to be pulled into. Put another way, sustainable prayer comes not from gritting our teeth, but by falling in love.Our God is amazingly relational. And He wants us to share life with you! Our souls were made to walk with God and talk with God.  And when that happens… when we abide like that…all sorts of good things can happen that lead to bearing fruit and knowing joy.God wants to make every moment of your life glorious with His presence. It's not just that God is for us, but that He wants to be with us.  He wants to fill our souls with His presence.Lately, I've been challenging myself with this:  How many moments of my life today can I fill with a conscious awareness of God's presence?  The life of abiding is not a life of more religious activities.  It's a life of inner peace and contentment as you walk with and talk with One who not only loves you but is big enough to see you through whatever you may face.I've also discovered that…the best way to start living life with God is in small moments.Talk to God while watching the sunrise, while taking a walk, or while out fishing.  Converse with Him when stuck in traffic, while waiting on hold, or while washing the dishes.  Celebrate what He has done for you. Thank Him for that which you so often take for granted.And then, before you know it, you'll find yourself sharing with Him those things that concern you.  What are you doing?  You're praying!  However, I'm doing this not out of guilt.  Not out of duty.  But simply as an overflow of my relationship with Him.   Out of your moments of devotion, you will find it natural to offer petition and make intercession.The more we abide with Jesus, the more our prayers align with His will and the more He delights in answering those prayers. Text: John 15:1-11Originally recorded on July 30, 2017, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN

In John 4:28 and 29, we see part of the story of “the woman at the well.” We can all be encouraged (and challenged) by how Jesus saw her, and how she responded to their encounter. // A message by Dr. George Wafula.

Rev Judy Beach - "Breakfast on the Beach" Part 1 Our world today may be filled with challenges of relating to others and situations. We can be bombarded with all kinds of information. How do we respond? We may find ourselves comparing our lives to athletes, movie stars and any number of life stories. How do we relate to others? In John 21, we find a story about Jesus joining the disciples post ascension to cook them breakfast and have a little chat with Peter. Join us the next two Sundays for our message of “Breakfast on the Beach” as we explore this 1st century story with teachings for our 21st century.

Rev Judy Beach - "Breakfast on the Beach" Part 2 Our world today may be filled with challenges of relating to others and situations. We can be bombarded with all kinds of information. How do we respond? We may find ourselves comparing our lives to athletes, movie stars and any number of life stories. How do we relate to others? In John 21, we find a story about Jesus joining the disciples post ascension to cook them breakfast and have a little chat with Peter. This is part 2 of our message, “Breakfast on the Beach”, and we continue to  explore this 1st century story with teachings for our 21st century.

In John's gospel, chapter 16, the very last verse, Jesus told His followers, “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” That's the KJV. In another translation, that verse reads this way: “While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world.” That sounds like something we all could use, doesn't it? For the next few minutes we will be thinking about how Jesus was able to deal with suffering, hardships, and all other kinds of situations. For more information on the Campground, insider tips and FAQ's, listen to our General Ocean Lakes Podcast, Campground Conversations. 

In John 21:15-19, Jesus prepares Peter for a life of surrender as he fully engages with a move of God in his time. God is moving in 2025, and now is the time to respond. We explore 3 invitations Jesus gave Peter, understanding that He is inviting us into these today also, as we engage with the move of God in our time:

In the last seven chapters of the Gospel According to John, we experience the arrest and trial of Jesus and witness the Jewish leaders manipulation of Pontius Pilate as they try to convince him to issue a death sentence on the Son of God. In John's abbreviated fashion, we learn about Annas and Caiaphas, relive Peter's denial of Jesus, his crucifixion, his miraculous resurrection and his granting of the Holy Spirit to his disciples.  Show Notes Twitter | Rumble | BitChute | Spotify | Apple -------------------------------- Support the podcast by shopping at the Truth Quest Shirt Factory. Check out our "Christian Collection" of shirts inspired by this episode.

In John 13, Jesus kneels to wash His disciples' feet, revealing the depth of His love and the freedom He came to bring. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks how Jesus covers our shame, cleanses us, and sets us free.

Skepticism is NOT a fruit of the Spirit. In John 19, Jesus died. In John 20, He was resurrected. And after that, He appeared to His apostles in the Upper Room. However, one was missing. And he didn't believe the other ten. The 'doubts' of Thomas will be the focus of today's study. Questions That We'll Answer: A) What are the proofs of Christ's resurrection? B) What else do we know about 'Doubting Thomas?' C) What does this text teach us about 'faith?' Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby B. Holt

In this episode of How to Study the Bible, Nicole explores what it truly means to pray for others. Whether it’s praying for someone you love or for someone who frustrates you, Scripture gives us clear direction. Nicole walks through Matthew 5:44, Matthew 6:9–13, and John 17:20–23 to show how Jesus teaches us to pray—for enemies, for loved ones, and for the unity of all believers. Along the way, she offers a framework that helps us move beyond vague or self-centered prayers into bold, confident intercession that aligns with God’s will. Want to be a part of our community Bible Study? Sign up for our Fall Study on Daniel at nicoleunice.com/daniel. We start next week!

When Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world,” He confronted darkness, exposed unbelief, and offered life to all who believe. In John 8:12–59, Pastor Thomas shows how this bold claim exposes hostility, reveals our deepest need, and points us to Christ as the only answer—calling us to belief, worship, and witness in a world of darkness.

In John 5, Jesus heals a lame man, and then he begins to teach about himself. He makes some astounding claims, and the people challenge him. “Why should we believe you?”  In the context of Jewish jurisprudence, if a claim was made, you had to have two or three corroborating witnesses. Jesus responds to the people's challenge with three: John the Baptist, Jesus' own works, and the scriptures. In the process of looking at what he says here, we learn three things Jesus himself believed about the scripture. Jesus believes in the Bible's 1) complete authority, 2) unity, and 3) vitality and power. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 24, 2013. Series: A Public Faith. Scripture: John 5:31-47. Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.