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In this teaching we explore the opening words of John's gospel. Life is found in the light of all mankind whose presence is among us. May the light of his life be a light we both receive and carry for one another. Scripture: John 1:1-14
Welcome to Christ Community Church of Wilmington NC. We are committed to teaching the Bible, transforming lives, and touching our world.
The Light Within Us All, with Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Series: Rediscovering Jesus A Spacious Christianity, First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Oregon. Scripture: John 1:5.Curious about finding light in the darkest times? Join us this Sunday, either online or in-person, for an uplifting message from Rev. Dr. Steven Koski. Reflect on the profound truth that just a little light can illuminate even the deepest shadows. We might just carry the light of love and hope into the new year together.Join us each Sunday, 10AM at bendfp.org, or 11AM KTVZ-CW Channel 612/12 in Bend. Subscribe/Follow, and click the bell for alerts.At First Presbyterian, you will meet people at many different places theologically and spiritually. And we love it that way. We want to be a place where our diversity brings us together and where conversation takes us all deeper in our understanding of God.We call this kind of faith “Spacious Christianity.” We don't ask anyone to sign creeds or statements of belief. The life of faith is about a way of being in the world and a faith that shows itself in love.Thank you for your support of the mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Bend. Visit https://bendfp.org/giving/ for more information.Keywords:light of Jesus, bearers of light, Christmas Eve, Howard Thurman, work of Christmas, let there be light, mirror metaphor, bus driver story, reflecting light, agent of illumination, force of peace, candle of comfort, peace and love, small acts, ripple effect, presbyterian, church, online worship, bend, oregonFeaturing:Rev. Dr. Steven Koski, Rev. Sharon Edwards, Becca Ellis, Brave of Heart, GuestsSupport the show
A child is born in a humble place, yet heaven and earth rejoice. He is the Light that darkness cannot overcome. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, echoing God's presence in Exodus. Light simply shines, and darkness retreats. We are called to move forward with God dwelling in our midst. Scripture: John 1v14, Isaiah 9v2, Exodus 25v8
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
January 4, 2026 Our calling as disciples is to have a rock solid faith knowing Jesus to be the Son of God, and our Savior. As disciples we need to be appreciative of the blessings we have received through the work of Jesus. Scripture: John 1:1-18
John the Baptist had one message for the crowds: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" In this sermon on John 1:19-34, Pastor Ben Smith examines John's testimony of who Jesus is. John pointed to Jesus and declared two essential truths: Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Jesus takes away your sin.From Adam and Eve to the cross, an unbroken chain of animal sacrifices reminded God's people that earthly offerings could never permanently satisfy the law's demands. Only God Himself could provide lasting redemption. The wait is over. The promise has been fulfilled. Behold the Lamb of God.SCRIPTURE: John 1:19-34SERIES: Advent 2025OUTLINE: I. Jesus is the Lamb of God (vv. 19-34) II. Jesus takes away your sin (v. 29b; 3:34-36) RESOURCES: Sermon manuscript and outline handout available at https://www.bensmithsr.org/storehttps://www.bensmithsr.org
Jesus, help me to understand what you are saying to me. Keywords: Speak; wisdom; clarity, Jesus said; understanding; questions; affirm.Scripture: John 16:19 Visit www.tsuzanneeller.com/books to find resources to help you grow your faith.
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Scripture: John 1:1–18 | Isaiah 61:10—62:5 | by Travis Dorman | Topic: The Good News of Christmas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Gospel of John Week 26 Scripture: John 20:19 - 21:25. Today's study will conclude our two year study of the Gospels with a dramatic and amazing ending. We begin with John 20:19, it is the first day of the week (Sunday) and the disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly Jesus was standing among them saying "Peace be with you." This is a phrase in English that sounds so common, like "have a good day." But in Hebrew it carries much more meaning. Shalom (peace) more than just an absence of conflict or warfare, it refers to all creation - it means everything is right between us and God. Real peace, lasting peace, God's peace, life-changing peace the way things were intended to be before sin broke into a perfect creation. Jesus shows them His hands and side and the disciples are overjoyed. Everything the Jewish people have been longing for has come to a dramatic crescendo. Then He breathed on them saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." In verse 23 Jesus says, "If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven." Pastor spends time digging into what this verse is really saying. When we accept Jesus as our Savior our sins are forgiven through faith in Christ. But to those who say they don't need a Savior, that think they are just fine on their own, we can say to them, "That won't cut it. Without Christ there is no hope." Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." This commission from Jesus is given so that they can speak truth, so that they can use it to draw people into a relationship with the Living God. We read next of "Doubting Thomas." The disciples are again gathered together and Jesus appears, "Peace be with you. Put your finger here and put your hand into my side and stop doubting and believe!" And Thomas replies, "My Lord and my God!" That's not just an expression, this is a clear biblical title for the Living God. And Thomas suddenly realized that Jesus is not only alive, but He is the very One that was promised. Jesus is more than a miracle worker, He's more than a great teacher, He is God come to earth. John concludes chapter 20 with these words, "Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." We move into chapter 21, the epilogue. Pastor starts this chapter by sharing the story of a friend, a Russian Jew, who moved to Israel and became a Messianic believer and follower of Jesus. Pastor goes on to share the growth of Jewish believers in Jesus worldwide. Our story continues with the disciples fishing all night and not catching anything. Then a voice calls out to them to put their nets on the right side of the boat. When they do they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. John knows who the man is, "It is the Lord!" And Peter swims ashore. Pastor talks about the importance of the fire Jesus had started on shore to emphasize God's intentions. Jesus invites them to breakfast with Him but Jesus has a personal conversation with Peter. Purposefully, Jesus asks Peter 3 times (remember Peter denied knowing Jesus 3 times), "Do you love Me?" Peter responds yes each time and Jesus replies with, "Feed my sheep." Peter is forgiven, restored. This gospel ends with these dramatic words, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written." Jesus is in the business of redeeming and restoring and renewing, changing lives, transforming families, rebuilding communities, changing entire nations and continents. John is saying you've only caught a glimpse! Can you imagine the stories we're going to hear after Jesus returns! This is an incredible, amazing, uplifting, joyful, thought provoking, life-changing book! Thank you for joining us on this great two year tour of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and and we see many things that we missed before.
In the middle of John 1, the religious leaders send people to interrogate John the Baptist. It doesn't look like it's got much to do with Christmas, and yet it does. Some major inner change has happened to John the Baptist. And if John the Baptist has had that change with what little knowledge he had of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas, how much more should we be exhibiting that change? Let's take a look at 1) John's view of himself, 2) John's view of Jesus, 3) the resulting character change, and 4) how we might know it as well. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 18, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:19-28. 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.
SCRIPTURE- John 1:1-5"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things were made through Him and, without Him, nothing was made. In Him was life. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it."REFLECTION- Fr. RonMUSIC- "Go Tell it on the Mountain" by Dan Musselman- "O Holy Night" by Peder B. HellandADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Adore - It all comes down to this. Tomorrow is Christmas. Wake up early today before the craziness hits, and spend 10 minutes in quiet adoration with Jesus. If helpful, a 10 minute video before the Blessed Sacrament with soft music playing is on our DISCOVER tab. NOTES-
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
The Word Became Flesh: Celebrating the Incarnation of Christ Anchored in the Word with Dave Jenkins • Christmas Day Special Show Summary On this Christmas Day episode, we rejoice in the miracle of the Incarnation that the eternal Son of God took on human flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). Dave shares how the Incarnation reveals God's presence (Immanuel), God's grace (the humble obedience of Christ for our salvation), God's truth (the Word made visible), and God's glory (revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus). Take time today to worship, give thanks, and rejoice that the Savior King has come, and will come again. Scripture: John 1:14; Philippians 2:6–9; John 14:9 Listen & Watch Key Points Presence: Jesus “pitched His tent” among us — God is near and personal. Grace: The manger points to the cross where grace is poured out in full. Truth: In a world of confusion, Jesus is the truth made visible. Glory: In Christ we behold the redeeming glory of God — now and forever. Resources & Next Steps For more from Anchored in the Word please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
When the original hearers of John's gospel—the Jews and the Greeks—heard the term, “the Word became flesh,” it was revolutionary. Many scholars have said it marked a complete revolution in the history of human thought. But I'd like us to think about the fact that Christmas doesn't change our lives like it ought to. John says the Word of God became a flesh and blood human being. This is a life-transforming truth. Let's look at three ways this truth should change our lives. If Christmas happened, and it did, 1) we have infinite comfort in the face of suffering, 2) we have infinite powerful conviction and incentive to serve, and 3) we have a hope that is both realistic and infallible. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 11, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:14-18. 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.
SCRIPTURE- John 1:14"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.”REFLECTION- LaurenMUSIC- "Taste and See" by Stolen Weekend- "Wait for the Lord" by Taize Session SingersADVENT WORD OF THE DAY- Drop - Drop a pound or two by skipping a meal of your choice today. And in its place, offer your appetite as a prayer for those who go hungry in our world.O ANTIPHON-Latin: O Rex gentium, et desideratus earum, lapisque angularis, qui facis utraque unum; veni, et salva hominem quem de limo formasti.-English: O King of the nations, and their Desire, and the Cornerstone, who makest both one: Come and save mankind whom thou formedst of clay.Today's O Antiphon was created by Neumes and Tunes. Translation and English setting based on Salisbury Antiphonary (Paris, 1519) by G. H. Palmer.Original video: https://youtu.be/6ou4CcRQjR4?si=j_Tu0mFfWiw0rzal
In this week's sermon, Pastor Mark points us to the heart of the gospel through one of the most familiar and powerful verses in all of Scripture—John 3:16. In The Greatest Gift, we are reminded that Christmas is ultimately about what God has given the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.Pastor Mark unpacks the gift of Jesus in four meaningful ways:• A personal gift — because God loved the world.• A practical gift — because God gave His only Son.• A pleasing gift — because whosoever believes can receive it.• A permanent gift — because those who believe have everlasting life.This message invites us to move beyond simply knowing the verse to truly receiving the gift it proclaims. Whether you've heard John 3:16 a hundred times or are hearing it with fresh ears, this sermon calls us to respond with faith, gratitude, and worship.Listen in and reflect on the greatest gift ever given—and what it means for your life today.
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Scripture: John 1:1-18
John 1 is about Jesus first coming into the world. It's John's way of helping us understand the meaning of Christmas. And at the very beginning, John sort of hits us between the eyes and says the reason why Jesus Christ came into the world is so that you might be born again. It's all here in two verses, where it says the new birth is 1) essential, 2) radical, 3) simple, but 4) hard. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 4, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:12-13. 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.
The Gospel of John Week 25 Scripture: John 19:25-20:19 Today's study will take us from the depths of hell to the heights of heaven! We start at verse 25 of John chapter 19 and it starts with who is at the foot of the cross: His mother, His aunt, His cousin (John the author of this gospel) and another aunt who was the wife of His step-father's brother - all family. The disciples have all run except John and this group of women. Family. Verse 28 we read, "Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." By saying this Jesus again fulfilled prophecy from Psalm 69:21 and from Psalm 22:15. But also let's remember what Jesus said in John 18:18 when He told Peter to put his sword away and said, "Will I not drink the cup my Father has given me?" And here we see Jesus drinking the cup because as verse 28 says, He knew that everything had now been finished. He took all the judgement of human sin upon Himself and then verse 30, "When He had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' And with that He bowed His head and gave up His spirit." Pastor spends time digging into how the drink was given to Jesus and the correlation between the hyssop plant used at Passover and the hyssop plant used to give Jesus a drink. And we see …. God is in control. Our discussion turns to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Passover Lamb - He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Pastor talks about the Greek word for "finished" and its secondary meaning of an accountant's terminology for a debt "Paid in Full." Jesus paid in full for every sin, every rebellion against God, everything we have done and ever will do, all paid for in full by the Lord Jesus on the cross. Pastor shares interesting information about what was going on in the Temple at 3pm - the time of Jesus' death. What he shares emphasizes what Jesus had said earlier, "No one takes my life from me. I have the power to lay it down and the power to take it up again." And He chooses the exact time when He bows His head and gives up His spirit. It is Friday. The Passover went for 8 days. On the first day of the week, Sunday, following the first Sabbath of Passover (Saturday) the Jewish people celebrated the Festival of First Fruits. And this is the day - Sunday - that Jesus rises from the grave. Paul writes, "He (Jesus) is the first fruits of those who rise from the dead." Because Jesus rose, He is the guarantee that we will be raised when He returns! As we continue with the story of what John witnessed. A soldier goes to break Jesus' legs, but He's already dead so the soldier pierced Jesus' side with a spear. Pastor shares some medical information and the way the Roman spear was used to give a death blow - aimed right at the heart. Jesus not getting his legs broken and being pierced with a spear all fulfill prophecy and show God is in the details, He is in control, always has been and always is. Next Joseph of Arimathea - a Jesus follower, asks for Jesus' body. Nicodemus is with Joseph. He brings a mixture of myrrh and aloes, and the two of them wrapped Jesus body with the spices, in strips of linen as was the Jewish burial custom. In a garden there was a new tomb, it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there. Pastor shares the possibility that we may know where Jesus was buried. The history surrounding the location and where it can be found today, sharing the information about the current church built on what may be the actual site of Jesus' tomb. We continue with John 20:1 with several women going to the tomb and finding the stone moved away from the entrance. Mary shares with several disciples and they discover the strips of linen lying there inside along with the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus' head. They leave the tomb with many questions. Mary Magdalene comes again to the empty tomb and is crying outside it and she looks in the tomb and there are two angels and then she meets a man she thinks is the gardener, and then recognizes Him as Jesus! Jesus is alive! He is risen from the grave! Jesus tells her to tell the others. She goes and tells the others the news, "I have seen the Lord!" Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!
Light in the darkness is one of the ways that throughout history, Christmas has been celebrated. Lighting candles, and lights on trees, and lights at night. What is that all about? In John 1, John talks about Jesus coming into the world. It's his way of talking about the meaning of Christmas. And in this very famous passage, the word “light” shows up seven times. Let's look at how this tells us that 1) human beings need light, 2) there is a light, and 3) how we can connect to it and receive it. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on November 27, 2016. Series: Jesus, Mission, and Glory: Advent. Scripture: John 1:1-11. 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.
God, help me to bring humility to that disagreement. Keywords: Disagreement; humility; healing conversations; knowledge; learning. Scripture: John 21:25 As a bonus, I've put a link to the conversation I mentioned above. It was a part of an episode in a different podcast I get to co-host, called More Than Small Talk, with my two beautiful friends, Holley and Jennifer. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me. Link: https://pod.link/1447539391/episode/29d1f1f216ca8a6e9fd0bd49c4ee26ad?fbclid=IwAR2ieW6hgkE4rJIBMT5H9H_fvnwEJKETDfSO4BsQAWpq6WmRNMzmGhhkZRg
This is the season when we celebrate the birth of Jesus—the Savior of the world. But the Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus was born with a purpose: to endure the cross. In John 19:1–16, we see what Jesus willingly endured—betrayal, denial, scourging, rejection, and crucifixion. Though Pilate found no guilt in Him, Jesus was beaten, mocked, and delivered to be crucified. He knew what awaited Him, and He went through it anyway. Hebrews 12:2 tells us that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. Because He loves you. In this message, we look at: How Jesus endured the cross so that we might find healing How His suffering brings life instead of death Why Jesus endured the cross so that He might be your King Isaiah 53 and 1 Peter 2 remind us that by His wounds we are healed—spiritually, physically, and relationally. The cross was not an accident; it was the plan of God to redeem humanity. The question remains for all of us: Is Jesus your King?
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
The Gospel of John Week 24 Scripture: John 18:38 - 19:24. As we begin our story today, Pilate is telling the crowd he finds no basis for a charge against Jesus. So he offered to free a prisoner asking if they wanted Barabbas or Jesus released. The crowd wants Barabbas release and then Pilate has Jesus flogged. Pastor talks in graphic detail what a flogging was like, the equipment used and what Jesus experienced: excruciating pain, horrendous suffering, brutal torture, and cruel ridicule. Again Pilate goes out to the crowds telling them he can find no basis for a charge. Pilate brings Jesus out in front of the crowd and the crowd shouts to crucify Him. The Jewish leaders insisted that Jesus had to die because he claimed to be the Son of God. Pilate says to Jesus, "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" And Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." From that time on Pilate tried to set Jesus free. But the Jewish leaders kept shouting, that if Pilate let Jesus go that he would be opposing Caesar. So then Pilate brought Jesus out and Pilate sat down on the judge's seat and on this day, The Day of Preparation of the Passover, at noon, Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified. The soldiers took Jesus. Carrying His own cross, Jesus was brought to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha) and Jesus was crucified with two others —one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pastor shares in graphic detail about the brutality and reality of crucifixion. And how this is what Jesus endured for us. Jesus goes to the cross willingly, a clear testimony that God loved this world so much that He was willing to endure this and that, in a way beyond our ability to fully comprehend, is the love of the Living God in such a way that He took on human flesh, and He endured this for us. It is a clear indication of just how much He cares for us and when we read this it drives us to our knees realizing, "Oh Lord, have mercy on me a sinner." The the Son of God came to save us, because we could not save ourselves. Pastor goes on to talk about archeological discoveries and the possible locations of Golgotha and Jesus' tomb along with sharing many personal photos including a picture of the "Jerusalem Cross." We pick back up with the story with Pilate having a sign posted on Jesus' cross that said in three languages, "Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews." The religious leaders protested because they told Pilate it was what Jesus only "claimed." Pastor then shares a personal discovery that came to him as he was preparing for this study. It's a fascinating piece about the name of the Living God, written by Pilate and placed over the head of the crucified Jesus. (No I won't share any more than that!! You will have to take a listen to Pastor sharing what he discovered!) In verse 23 of chapter 19 we read that the soldiers took Jesus clothes, dividing them into 4 pieces and then took his undergarment and cast lots for it. This is a fulfillment of the prophetic words from Psalm 22:18. Pastor takes the time to explore more of Psalm 22 that has several verses fulfilled in the death and crucifixion of Jesus. We see that this is not a miscarriage of justice by evil human beings. Rather, this is a profound fulfillment of God's prophetic word that was uttered by King David a thousand years before it took place. And this is not just simply a story. This is history. This is His - story. This is my Savior's story. Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!
Jesus, thank you for that one who longs to know more about you.Keywords: Conversation; witness; faith; connection; listening; sharing.Scripture: John 3:4 Resource: The Spirit-Led Heart: Living a Life of Love and Faith Without Borders by Suzanne Eller
SCRIPTURE- John 14:27"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”REFLECTION- SarahADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Offer - Offer a gift today — not just material, but personal: a listening ear, a few minutes of your time, or a gesture of compassion. Giving expands the soul.MUSIC- NOTES-Click here to read "Our Lady of Guadalupe: Mother of the Americas" on the TGM blog.PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
Scripture: John 1:1-5; 14-18 + The Incarnation Philippians 2:5-8 "...the supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us...lies not in the Good Friday message of atonement, nor in the Easter Sunday message of resurrection, but in the Christmas message of Incarnation. The really staggering Christian claim is that Jesus of Nazareth was God made man - that the second person of the Godhead...took humanity without loss of deity, so that Jesus of Nazareth was as truly and fully divine as he was human. Here are two mysteries for the price of one - the plurality of persons within the unity of God, and the union of Godhead and manhood in the person of Jesus." JI Packer, Knowing God. + To Reveal the Father to us Hebrews 1:1 + To Reconcile us to the Father 1 Timothy 2:3–5 + To Rescue us from our greatest enemies Hebrews 2:14–18 + To Relate to us in our weakness and suffering Hebrews 4:14–16 "All other men were lost sheep; he had come as the Good Shepherd to seek and to save them. All other men were sick with the disease of sin; he was the doctor who had come to heal them. All other men were plunged in the darkness of sin and ignorance; he was the light of the world. All other men were sinners; he was born to be their Savior and would shed his blood in death for the forgiveness of their sins. All other men were hungry; he was the bread of life. All other men were dead in trespasses and sins; he could be their life now and their resurrection hereafter." – John Stott, Basic Christianity. 1 John 1:1–4 2 John 7 Colossians 1:19 Colossians 2:9
Brett McDonald | Senior Pastor
What if the truths we treasure most—repentance, faith, and resurrection—are meant to be the starting line rather than the finish? We open Hebrews chapter 6 and discover a surprising call: move beyond the elementary teachings and press on to maturity without abandoning the foundation that saves. That shift reframes how we think about spiritual growth, assurance, and the temptations that pull us back toward performance, ritual, and spiritual shortcuts.Together we map the passage step by step: the list of “first things,” the Jewish context, and the thorny debate around verses 4–6. We walk through six major interpretations, then weigh them against the wider witness of Scripture—John 10, 1 John 5, Romans 8—to show why eternal life is secure in Jesus Christ. With Kadesh Barnea as the backdrop, we explain how “falling away” points to turning from Christ's sufficiency to systems that imply he must be sacrificed again. That move does not erase salvation; it robs believers of rest, fruit, and reward, and it puts the cross to open shame by suggesting it was not enough.If you're hungry to grow past spiritual basics without drifting from the gospel, this conversation will ground your assurance and stretch your vision. Press on with us, and if it helps you, share the episode with a friend, subscribe for more verse-by-verse studies, and leave a review to tell us what “solid food” topic you want next.Support the showThank you for listening!! Please give us a five-star rating to help your podcast provider's algorithm spread RTTB among their listeners. You can find free study and leader resources at the following link - Resource Page - Reasoning Through the Bible Please prayerfully consider supporting RTTB to help us to continue providing content and free resources. You can do that at this link - Support RTTB - Reasoning Through the Bible May God Bless you!! - Glenn and Steve
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church
In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he teaches from John 10:10 on the fact that Jesus came with a purpose. One purpose is to give His people life and life more abundantly. Scripture: John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
In this message by Pastor Dobbs, he teaches from John 10:10 on the fact that Jesus came with a purpose. One purpose is to give His people life and life more abundantly. Scripture: John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. Hit the notification bell so that you do not miss our most recent video. From your mobile device, to sow a financial seed into the ministry you may visit us at occvr.org and click the menu tab to locate the donate button. The donate button will provide two options for online giving. You may utilize “Text To Give” in which you will text “give” to the phone number 770-692-2225 to setup your monthly gift or one time financial gift. The additional method for online giving is simply click on the paypal “donate” button. Thanks to our generous partners in ministry, we are able to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our local and foreign outreach ministries. For further information on Overcomers Christian Center including address, service times, and other information please visit occvr.org. Also you may visit us at the following: Facebook: @occvr Podcast: The Overcomers
The Gospel of John Week 23 Scripture: John 18. Our story begins with Jesus in the Garden and soldiers, high priests, and Judas come to the garden carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus goes out to meet them asking, "Who is it you want?" Clearly showing who's in charge. Something we will see Jesus repeat in the next hours. Jesus is in charge and He's always been in charge and that is a take home for us in our own lives as well. He's in charge! He's the Lord. Jesus knows all that is going to happen to Him. He's shared that with His disciples, though they will not fully understand until Jesus' resurrection. He is not blindsided by this group coming to the Garden. This is the reason He came, and this is the purpose for which He has come to carry out His work. Then Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest, cutting off his right ear. Jesus tells Peter to put his sword away - and Jesus says, Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?" Jesus knows what's coming and is willing to go through with it all because it is the Father's desire and the Son always obeys the Father. Pastor delves into the personality of Peter and how we will see him go from cutting off the ear of this man, to denying he knows Jesus, to going on to become a powerful evangelist. And yet Peter was flawed, we are all flawed individuals. The Lord still used Peter. He transformed Peter and He transforms us and this story is a reminder that Jesus uses us, too. As we return to our story we know Jesus is in control but He willingly allows His hands to be bound. Jesus is willing to go all the way to the cross for us. He is then taken to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. Pastor shares some info on the recent discovery of an ossuary, bone box, belonging to Caiaphas and also some other archeological discoveries including a palatial mansion that may possibly be one of the locations where Jesus was tried. Pastor also reads some fascinating information from Eusebius' History of the Church and puts together some interesting pieces of historical evidence to help bring light to all that John is telling us. Now our story moves into Peter's first denial of knowing Jesus. Followed by Peter's second and third denial of knowing Jesus. And then we read that at that very moment the rooster crowed. And Peter suddenly remembers what he has done and what Jesus had said. There is a contentious conversation, verses 19-24, "the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. "I have spoken openly to the world," Jesus replied. "I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said." When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped him in the face. "Is this the way you answer the high priest?" he demanded. "If I said something wrong," Jesus replied, "testify as to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why did you strike me?" Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest." From Caiaphas Jesus was taken to the palace of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. It is now early morning. Pastor shares the logistics of getting Jesus there and the possible location of the praetorium, the governor's house. Pastor shares on the map the possible locations of this home. Jesus is brought before Pilate in verse 29 and Pilate asks what charges are being brought against Jesus, thus opening a court proceeding. Pastor shares interesting historical information about Jewish executions (stoning to death) and Roman executions (crucifixion), and what they were like. He shares the history of how the Romans, in the early first century, took away from the Jewish high priests and from the Sanhedrin, the right to convict and punish in capital cases and how the Romans demanded that they be the ones to carry that out. So this is why Jesus was crucified, and not stoned. Pilate then begins his questioning of Jesus and they have an in-depth conversation during which Jesus says, "The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." Pilate replies, "What is truth?" We live in a society where people are still asking that same question. And the answer is still the same. Jesus is Truth. The truth sets us free! Our website – https://www.awakeusnow.com Watch the video from our website! https://www.awakeusnow.com/2-year-study-of-the-gospels-upper Watch the video from our YouTube Channel!! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTaaqrC3dMOzMkhPyiNWwlJRpV6Bwpu01 ⁃ The Gospel of John study is part five of five of our Two Year Study of the Gospels. ⁃ The Gospel of John may be one of the most powerful books ever written. Many people have come to faith after reading only this book of the Bible. Scholarly and archeological discoveries in recent decades give us new insight on details in the Gospel of John. We can now understand it as the most Jewish rather than the most "Gentile/Greek" of the Gospels, and when we do that we see many things that we missed before. Our 2 year study of the gospels is great for large group, small group or home group study and can be started at any time!
SCRIPTURE- John 4:13-14"Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again; but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”REFLECTION- JenADVENT WORD OF THE DAY - Trust - When anxiety stirs, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Whisper, “Jesus, I trust in You.” Hand over what you cannot control.MUSIC- "Lo! How a Rose E'er Blooming" String Quartet arr. by Roger Wallace- "The Bells of St. Mary's" by Pianissimo BrothersNOTES-PRAYER OF LETTING GOTo You do I belong, O God, into Your hands I surrender my life. Pour out Your Spirit upon me that I may love You perfectly, and serve You faithfully until my soul rests in You.
Scripture: John 1:1–3; John 1:14, 18 "Without exaggeration it can be said that every church and every Christian ought to know the Nicene Creed." – Kevin DeYoung, The Nicene Creed. + Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made. Who, for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. + Jude 3 + John 1:1-3 + John 1:14 + John 1:18 + Hebrews 1:1-3 "Though it is normal for humans to beget in time, due to the imperfection of their nature, God's offspring is eternal, because His nature is perfect." – Athanasius + Homoousia vs Homoiousia "Jesus Christ is the Creator of the universe. Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last. Jesus Christ, the Person, never had a beginning. He is absolute Reality. He has the unparalleled honor and unique glory of being there first and always. He never came into being." – John Piper, Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ. + It is necessary to believe to be saved. + 1 Corinthians 12:3 + John 17:5 + John 17:24–26 + It is how we grow to love Jesus + It is how we overcome temptation "On Christ's glory I would fix all my thoughts and desires, and the more I see of the glory of Christ, the more the painted beauties of this world will wither in my eyes, and I will be more and more crucified to this world. It will become to me like something dead and putrid, impossible for me to enjoy." – John Owen, The Glory of Christ
We're looking at what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit. My impression is there are an awful lot of churches in the world that talk about nothing but spiritual experience, and there are an awful lot of churches that are absolutely afraid of the subject and talk only about truth and knowing the right things. I think the remedy for that imbalance is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, because the deeper you get into it, the more you realize Spirit and truth go together. Let's look now at what John 14 tells us about 1) who the Holy Spirit is, 2) what the Holy Spirit does, and 3) how you can receive what he gives. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on July 4, 2010. Series: The Holy Spirit. Scripture: John 14:16-26. 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.
How do you talk about kindness? Depending on the context, the Greek word can be translated as fitting, pleasing, honest, or compassionate. How do you talk about a word with that kind of lexical range? The answer is you can't do it abstractly. You have to look at a kind of relationship that combines all those traits. The kind of relationship that combines them is friendship. And nothing is more humanizing and life-changing than friendship. John 15 is a unique passage about friendship. It tells us 1) the character or nature of friendship, 2) how you forge friendship, and 3) where you get the power for friendship. This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 9, 2010. Series: The Real Signs of the Spirit. Scripture: John 15:6-15. 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.