In His Service

          Upper room Discourse Doing the Works of God in Jesus’ Name John 14:12-14 Many are the works of God that Jesus had done. John at the end of His gospel said, “J esus 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.” John 21:25   We will be studying the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ promise from the Father for the next three or four weeks. So let’s begin with the first portion of the text, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” The disciples were still in shock about where Jesus was going and that God the Father and Jesus were one. Jesus was preparing them, and he knew that this was way above their pay grade right then. But Jesus wanted them to look back at the tangibles, the miracles, the times of prayer, the time o...

        The Upper Room Discourse - Part 1 John 14:1-11 Just hours before Jesus was to be betrayed by Judas to the Pharisees and chief priests, Jesus that day and evening encouraged and illuminated their minds to the full extent of his love and the will and purpose of God. He knew they were fearful, anxious, uncertain, and yet they were trusting in him to guide them in the way of the Father. Let’s look at the beginning of the text, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. Jesus gave the disciples hope in his teaching, in his signs and wonders, and in the truth of God’s words. Jesus spoke with kindness and gentleness the very words of the Father. “ Do not let your hearts be troubled. You be...

         Cock-a-doodle Do!!! John 13:31-38 How many times have we said something in pride and bravado, only to find ourselves on the wrong side of a rebuke from God. Hebrews said “ For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ” 4:12 and Paul’s words to Timothy, “A ll scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Tim. 3:16 God’s Word to the disciples, especially Peter, will dig deep to the heart, and it will cut deep to remove the sin that so easily besets. Let’s look at the first portion of the lesson’s text, “When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.  If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I wi...