#214 Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-31) - Life of Christ = Week 43 - Thursday

Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
John 14:15-31

Another Counselor Promised

¹⁵“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments; ¹⁶and I also will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. ¹⁷He is the Spirit of truth, whom the world is unable to receive because it doesn’t see Him or know Him. But you do know Him, because He remains with you and will be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.

¹⁹“In a little while the world will see Me no longer, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live too. ²⁰In that day you will know that I am in My Father, you are in Me, and I am in you. ²¹The one who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. And the one who loves Me will be loved by My Father. I also will love him and will reveal Myself to him.”

²²Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it You’re going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?”

²³Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. ²⁴The one who doesn’t love Me will not keep My words. The word that you hear is not Mine, but is from the Father who sent Me.

²⁵“I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. ²⁶But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things^† and remind you of everything I have told you.

²⁷“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. ²⁸You have heard Me tell you, ‘I am going away and I am coming to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. ²⁹I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe. ³⁰I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of the world is coming. He has no power over Me. ^31aOn the contrary, I am going away so that the world may know that I love the Father. Just as the Father commanded Me, so I do.

^31b“Get up; let’s leave this place.^[1]

---

^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 214–215). Holman Bible Publishers. 

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

• Who was the best counselor you ever had? Why was this person so special? 

DIG:

• How are the disciples to show love to each other (John 13:34)? To Jesus (John 14:15)? Why is this idea repeated four times (John 14:15, 21, 23-24)? 
• What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, 25-27? What is the relationship of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to the believer? To each other? 
• What is the difference between how Jesus gives peace and how the world does?

REFLECT:

• How at home are the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in your life? Are they more like owners, or temporary guests? 
• On a scale from 1 (smooth sailing) to 10 (furious storm), what is your peace quotient? Why? Where do you need Jesus' peace? Where can you find hope in this passage? 
• How has the Holy Spirit revealed Jesus in your life? 
• Of all the promises made here (John 14:16-18, 21, 23, 26-27), which one means the most to you? Why?

(John 14:15-31)

Jesus Speaks Privately With His Disciples.

THE CONSOLATION HE GIVES TO HIS DISCIPLES (14:1–4)

THE CONVERSATION HE HAS WITH HIS DISCIPLES (14:5–31)

•  He says he will ask the Father to send them the Holy Spirit (14:15–21).

•  Judas (not Judas Iscariot) and Jesus (14:22–31)

1.   Judas’s question (14:22): “Lord, why are you going to reveal yourself only to us and not to the world at large?”

2.   Jesus’ answer (14:23–31)

a. He says that he only reveals himself to those who love and obey him (14:23–24).

b. He promises that the Holy Spirit will explain all this to them (14:25–26).

c. He reminds them again of his departure and return (14:27–31).

PEACE ON EARTH
December 23, 2018
Dr. Joe Pettigrew

"Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” John 14:27

The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Families gather for joyous celebrations and we see individuals we haven't seen since last year. Small towns and neighborhood communities put up Christmas lights and even the air itself smells special—all raising “peace on earth, goodwill to all” expectations all around.

But contrary to the famous Hallmark Christmas movies, trials and tribulations do not take the holidays off. While we look forward to Christmas and hope it will be a great time, we live in a fallen world which can even make Christmas very painful.

For some families, there will be an empty place at the table because a loved one is no longer here. For some parents, the hope for a prodigal child returning in time for Christmas will be met with their continued absence. Some will be surrounded by people, but still feel outcast and abandoned. Others will find themselves alone during this season wishing that someone would visit them.

Whatever happened to “peace on earth, goodwill toward men?” Regardless of where you find yourself in life, be reminded that Christ loved the world so much that He came down from Heaven. And He did not come to just sit around in a manger. He came to bear the cross for sin and its consequences—provide salvation to anyone who will believe in Him.

Living in a fallen world means there is chaos—instead of peace—chaos that we contribute to daily. Yet Christ came into this chaotic world and bore upon Himself the sins of the whole world. Why? Because He loves everyone, including you. 

Thought of the Day: No matter where we find ourselves this Christmas season, we can find hope and comfort in the person of Christ, if we will seek Him! “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.”

====

WE WILL MISS HIM

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

“If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father...” John 14:28

Goodbyes can be difficult. When our children visit from far away, we are always disappointed to see them leave. “Why can’t they stay longer—or just move closer?”

Jesus’ disciples were similarly troubled by the prospect of his going away. Who would now teach them about God’s kingdom? Yet Jesus insists that his going away will be good for them.

Goodbyes come to us in various forms. We can experience the loss of a career. We can move away from friends or family. However, what seems to be the most painful is when we lose a husband, father, or child to death.

This week I lost a friend, but more importantly, a great Godly woman lost her husband. He was my mentor and teacher ways that not even he knew. I never knew him to be unethical or unkind to anyone. He was a high school principal and system superintendent, and that alone is about as hard of a job as it comes. Bobby Miller was a solid man of God, an incredible leader, and a loving father and husband. He will be missed.

Jesus teaches that even in the face of such goodbyes, we can experience peace and hope. The “prince of this world,” the devil, wants us to be defined by our losses. But the Father is greater than all things. And when we love Jesus, our lives are directed toward the Father rather than our losses.

After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the Spirit would remind the disciples of these words. And then Jesus’ words about “going back to the Father” made sense. Not death, but glory, is the future of those who obey the Father’s will.

Jesus’ words point us to his destination—and to ours: full life in the presence of God. We will still experience sorrow in the face of loss. But we can rejoice as we see even death as a doorway to our heavenly Father.

Thought of the Day: Holy Spirit, remind us of Jesus’ words. Help us in the face of loss to see our destiny with the Father, and to rejoice in the ruling power of Jesus. 

 

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

#Peace of Christ

Other Resources:

Jesus is My Advocate (Wes McAdams at the Red River Family Encampment)

https://youtu.be/nPaICmSoR5Q?t=192

Many Christians wrestle with feelings of unworthiness and insecurity when it comes to their relationship with God. In this episode, Wes McAdams addresses that struggle. He explores the profound truth of 1 John 1–2, encouraging listeners to ask: How do I know that I know Jesus? Wes challenges listeners to move beyond shame and into confidence—not because of their perfection, but because of their Advocate, Jesus Christ.

The sermon unpacks the concept of fellowship with God—a deep, intimate partnership—and how it’s not built on our performance but on walking in the light. Walking in the light doesn’t mean being sinlessly perfect; it means being honest, confessing sin, and trusting in God's mercy. Wes emphasizes that Jesus is not just a distant Savior, but an active Advocate who continually intercedes for his people. And because we are represented by Jesus in heaven, we must represent Him on earth—especially through our love for others, including our enemies.

This lesson was preached at the 2025 Red River Family Encampment in the beautiful mountains of Red River, New Mexico.

Wading - John 14:23 - Your soul was made for deep waters.

https://youtu.be/B2_vmppXECo?list=PLhYtut3yPj985SSv2lVAUQwrsPyVaMNKJ

Jun 22, 2025 = Your soul was made for deep waters. Ecclesiastes 3:11; John 14:20, 23

We shouldn't mistake shallow spiritual activity with deeper spiritual intimacy. Matthew 15:8-9

If you're just playing in the shallows, God is calling you to the deep. James 4:8

Each morning, ask: "God, how do you want to live in my heart today?" Then actually listen for an answer!

https://rrffh.blogspot.com/2025/08/deeper-waters.html

https://youtu.be/DRHduK8aTw0

https://youtu.be/OvbQ3CxCYSM

#244 (Luke 24:35-43; John 20:19-23) Jesus Appears to His Disciples - Life of Christ = Week 49 - Thursday

Jesus Appears to His Disciples
Luke 24:35-43
John 20:19-23

What favorite slogan or pep talk do you recall from your mentors (parents, a coach, music teacher, etc.)? How were you treated when you blew it?

Jesus Appears to His Disciples, but Thomas Is Absent

Luke 24:36–43; John 20:19–25

^{Jn 20:19}In the evening of that first day of the week, the disciples were gathered together with the doors locked^† because of their fear of the Jews. Then Jesus came, stood among them^†, and said to them, “Peace to you!”

^{Lk 24:37–40}But they were startled and terrified, and thought they were seeing a ghost. ³⁸“Why are you troubled?” He asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” ⁴⁰Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

⁴¹But while they still could not believe for joy, and they were amazed, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴²So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish, ⁴³and He took it and ate in their presence. ^{Jn 20:20b}So the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.

²¹Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! Just as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” ²²After saying this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ²³If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”

²⁴But one of the Twelve, Thomas (called “Twin”), was not with them^† when Jesus came. ²⁵So the other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “If I don’t see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!”^[1]

---

^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (p. 250). Holman Bible Publishers.

Text Graphic


And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them, and greeted them. But the whole group was terribly frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!
"Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why do you doubt that it is really I? Look at my hands! Look at my feet! You can see that it is I, myself! Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost! For ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do!" As he spoke, he held out his hands for them to see the marks of the nails, and showed them the wounds in his feet.
Still they stood there undecided, filled with joy and doubt.
Then he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"
They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched!

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• Why did Jesus begin this encounter with an affirmation of peace? How is "Peace be with you" a good summary of the Gospel? What does peace mean in the Christian context?
• Why are the disciples having such difficulty believing: 
• (a) Not using their eyes? 
• (b) Not enough evidence? 
• (c) Not enough faith?
• (d) Too much excitement? 
• How did Jesus prove he had a physical body? Why was it necessary for them to see that Jesus was not a ghost?
• What interpretation from Jesus helps them to believe?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• Why is it important to you that Jesus' mission was anticipated far beforehand in the Old Testament?
• How would you live differently if Jesus was not currently reigning in heaven, but was only another noble martyr?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

His Representatives
The disciples knew that the tomb was empty but didn't understand that Jesus had risen, and they were filled with fear—even when Jesus appeared to them. Despite the women's witness and the biblical prophecies of this very event, they still didn't believe. Today the Resurrection still catches people by surprise, and many refuse to believe. What more will it take? For these disciples it took the living, breathing Jesus in their midst. For many people today, it takes the presence of living, breathing Christians. As part of Christ's body on earth, you have the responsibility to be his representative to a lost world. What do people think of Christ when they think of you?


Jesus' body wasn't just a figment of the imagination or the appearance of a ghost—the disciples touched him, and he ate food. On the other hand, his body wasn't merely a restored human body like Lazarus's (John 11)—he was able to appear and disappear. Jesus' resurrected body was immortal. This is the kind of body we will be given at the resurrection of the dead (see 1 Corinthians 15:42-50).

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:

Receive the Breath of Heaven

April 23, 2023, Jesus Appears To Disciples (And Thomas) (20:19-31) by Paul Adams

https://youtu.be/h2IoG9urxWA

He’s Back

            In 1986, Rick Hazelton decided to leave his hometown of Glen Falls, New York, and try his luck in New York City. The 23-year-old thought he might make a living as a street performer. His family and friends last saw him headed south. Then he dropped off the map and wasn’t seen or heard from again. Years went by, and in 199,1 his father was killed in a motorcycle accident. Unable to find him, Rick’s sisters had to settle their father’s estate and that required that they have Rick declared legally dead. But Rick’s childhood friend, Brian Pincheon, wanted to find out what happened to him.

            With the advent of the internet and social media, Brian, a retired Fort Edward Police officer, started following the trail but quickly ran out of possibilities. Another friend and a retired detective in Nashville both kept a hand in the search. Finally, some information surfaced about a man in Salem, Oregon, with the right name, right age and right hometown. A few days later, the police knocked on his door to tell Rick Hazelton that he was being investigated as a missing person. When he contacted his friend, Hazelton said, “I didn’t think anybody cared, so I just made my own life . . . they were like, ‘Oh, you’re back from the dead!’” Of course, Hazelton wasn’t really dead, but the reunion with his family and friends was still a joyous occasion.

            “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord” (John 20:19-20 NIV).

            Consider the explosive joy of the disciples: some had watched Jesus die at the hands of experienced executioners, they knew that His body had been entombed, and they had spent an agonized Saturday wondering if they’d be next. It never occurred to any of them that death would be overruled in this case. It didn’t matter that Jesus promised that He would return on the third day. It doesn’t even seem to have crossed their minds that Jesus had already defeated death in their close friend, Lazarus. And then, like sunlight knifing through the clouds, Jesus stood in their presence, unmistakably alive and well. No wonder they were overjoyed!

            Each of us has lived a Saturday, a crushing gloom of loss to death. As the coffin is lowered and the dirt filled in, we can’t imagine that we’ll ever experience joy again. Yet Jesus has promised and proven that death isn’t as final as we’re meant to think. There is life that awaits those who have committed themselves to Him. One day, His voice will call all His people from the grave and restore unending life into indestructible bodies. Those who have lived with Him here will live with Him forever in perfect joy and peace and health and productivity. The Saturday darkness will be eliminated in a flash of Sunday light and the joy of the Lord will be ours, too. He’s back. And that’s good news.

#218 Jesus teaches about using his name in prayer (John 16:16-33) - Life of Christ = Week 44 - Tuesday

Jesus teaches about using his name in prayer

John 16:16-33

¹⁶“A little while and you will no longer see Me; again a little while and you will see Me.”

¹⁷Therefore some of His disciples said to one another, “What is this He tells us: ‘A little while and you will not see Me; again a little while and you will see Me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” ¹⁸They said, “What is this He is saying, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what He’s talking about!”

¹⁹Jesus knew they wanted to question Him, so He said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see Me; again a little while and you will see Me’?

²⁰“I assure you: You will weep and wail, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. ²¹When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. ²²So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy. ^23aIn that day you will not ask Me anything.

^23b“I assure you: Anything you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. ²⁴Until now you have asked for nothing in My name. Ask and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.

²⁵“I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. ²⁶In that day you will ask in My name. I am not telling you that I will make requests to the Father on your behalf. ²⁷For the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

²⁹“Ah!” His disciples said. “Now You’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. ³⁰Now we know that You know everything and don’t need anyone to question You. By this we believe that You came from God.”

³¹Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? ³²Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered each to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. ³³I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have suffering. But take courage! I have conquered the world.”^[1]

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^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 217–218). Holman Bible Publishers.

Intro Questions

Text Graphic

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• 
  
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

OPEN:

• Did your parents ever tell you about your birth experience? What was it like for them? 

DIG:

• What tones of voice do you hear in John 16:17-18? If you were there, would Jesus' answer encourage you, or confuse you more? 
• What event is Jesus referring to in John 16:20-22? In what ways does the world's "joy" (v. 20) contrast with the joy the disciples will experience (John 16:22)? How is this similar to what Jesus said about dying (John 12:24)? About peace (John 14:27)? 
• What characterizes the relationship we can have with the Father because of Jesus (John 16:23-27)? 
• Do you think the disciples truly grasp what Jesus says in John 16:28? Why?

REFLECT:

• Both Jesus and the world offer a form of peace (John 14:27; 16:33), joy (John 15:11; 16:22-24) and love (John 13:34-35; 15:9-19). How have you experienced each of these? What is different between them? 
• How do you deal with change? Moves? Job transfers? Transitions from one stage of your life to another? How has pain helped you to grow? 
• From your experience, how could you comfort someone going through change? 
• How do you desire joy? How do you experience it?

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

https://groups.google.com/g/magnify-jesus

JOY

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” John 16:24

The Bible doesn’t tell us how long the lame man in Acts chapter 3 had sat begging at the Temple gate, but it was a daily occurrence. When he saw Peter and John, the odds are he wasn’t expecting anything—it was just another day, trying to survive.

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (Acts 3:6) Here’s what happened next: “He, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:8)

There’s an important lesson here for us. God has set times for doing certain things. He has a calendar and your name is on it: “For the time to favor her [or him]… the set time, has come.” (Psalm 102:13) If we’re not spiritually attuned we can miss our set time and forfeit what God has for us.

This means we must learn to live in expectation, because God’s blessings are either coming towards us or passing us by. Miracles happen to those who believe in them, ask for them, expect them, and receive them. The enemy will try to keep us so preoccupied, cynical, and hopeless that when God sends the answer we prayed for, you won’t recognize it, reach for it, or receive it.

Jesus said, “Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:23–24)

Thought of the Day: Be ready to receive.

 

I CAN HARDLY IMAGINE

"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace." John 16:33

In His farewell conversation, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His imminent departure through death’s door. He speaks words of comfort to them.

But the journey is worthwhile, for it has a glorious destination. The goal toward which we are striving is not anything in this world. It is not what man’s hands can build – the kind of houses people want today and already wanted in the time of Amos 3:15: “winter house,” “summer house,” “houses adorned with ivory,” “mansions.” The destination is the Father’s house of many mansions. To come face to face with our Father in heaven – that is our goal.

But it would be purposeless for Jesus to point to the destination if He didn’t also give us the direction for getting there. What road must His disciples follow to reach their destination? Jesus is specific: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.’ John 14:6 This is one of many “I am” passages in John’s Gospel, showing that Jesus equated Himself with the Lord who revealed Himself to Moses as “I am who I am.” Exodus 3:14

Jesus is the Way, the only road leading to the Father, and all who believe in Him have found the way. He is the Life, the Giver of eternal life beginning here and now and reaching its fullness in heaven.

Thought of the Day: Have you thought recently about what Heaven will be like? A few years here. Eternity there. It’s going to be unbelievable.

 

PUTTING JOY ON TRIAL

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33

Adam and Eve lost both of their children in a single day — one was murdered, the other banished. Can you imagine the horror and pain they must have felt? How can a couple deal with that kind of deep sorrow and guilt?

Suffering has a way of putting our joy on trial. We can train our hearts to trust the character of God before we are faced with a tragedy. We can have confidence in the truth of God’s Word even when we don’t understand what He’s doing. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out!” (Romans 11:33).

Adam and Eve may have thought their sin had thwarted any chance for future joy, but God redeemed the situation in His perfect time. He blessed the couple with another son in the wake of their bereavement and brought them comfort, graciously allowing Eve to conceive again. And this experience would be different.

When she had given birth to her firstborn, Cain, Eve had said, “With the help of the Lord I have brought forth a man” (Genesis 4:1). Notice that she takes credit for herself — “I have brought forth a man” (emphasis added). However, after suffering loss — the tragedy in the garden, the death of Abel, the banishment of Cain — Eve was humble and grateful. After Seth’s birth, she was thankful: “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him” (Genesis 4:25). This time, Eve gave all the credit to the Lord. After enduring failure and the inability to control or repair life on her own, Eve acknowledged God’s kindness and mercy.

As a parent, you will face difficulties you cannot understand. You can prepare now by spending time in His presence and learning to trust His goodness, grace, and wisdom for whatever lies ahead.

Father in heaven, You are the God of creation. You form children in their mothers’ wombs. You planned every day of their lives before the foundation of the world. Today, let us, along with our children, sense the miracle of Your design. Let them know the presence of Your Spirit guiding them in the direction You have chosen. Make clear the path of preparation we need to follow. Give us wisdom and strength to trust You. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

Other Resources:

https://youtu.be/LSV0auHzjrs

https://youtu.be/iS84WFGCLGQ

#010 Shepherds Visit Jesus (Luke 2:8-20) - Life of Christ = Week 02 - Friday

Shepherds Visit Jesus

Luke 2:8-20

Good News to the Shepherds

Luke 2:8–20

⁸In the same region, shepherds were living out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. ⁹Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for you see, I announce to you good news of great joy, which will be for all the people: ¹¹because today in the city of David was born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹²This will be the sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a manger.”

¹³Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!”

¹⁵When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see^† this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

¹⁶And they hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger^†. ¹⁷After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating^† on them. ²⁰The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard, just as they had been told.^[1]

---

^[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 18–19). Holman Bible Publishers.

Luke 2:8-14 Angels Proclaim Birth

Bethlehem: The City of David

Bethlehem was known as “the city of David” (Luke 2:11) because King David had grown up in this village about one thousand years before Jesus was born. The prophet Micah predicted that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2). The Jewish people believed the Messiah would be a descendant of David, the most popular king in their history.

According to early Christian tradition, Jesus was born in a cave that served as a stable for the inn at Bethlehem. This site is marked today by the Church of the Nativity, a place visited every year by thousands of Holy Land tourists.

That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly an angel appeared among them, and the landscape shone bright with the glory of the Lord. They were badly frightened, but the angel reassured them.
"Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone! The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in Bethlehem! How will you recognize him? You will find a baby wrapped in a blanket, lying in a manger!"
Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God:
"Glory to God in the highest heaven," they sang, "and peace on earth for all those pleasing him."

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• How does the shepherds' experience with the angels compare to that of Zachariah (1:8-9) and Mary (1:26-27)?
• Of all the people the angels could have visited, why did God send them to the shepherds? How does that relate to Mary's song (1:46-55)?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
• God appeared to Zechariah, Mary and the shepherds when they were just being themselves. What does that imply about what it means to be "spiritual"? How has God spoken to you in the ordinary flow of life?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

Great News!
What a birth announcement! The shepherds were terrified, but their fear turned to joy as the angels announced the Messiah's birth. First the shepherds ran to see the baby; then they spread the word. The good news about Jesus is that he comes to all, including the plain and the ordinary. He comes to anyone with a heart humble enough to accept him. Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can have Jesus in your life. Don't think you need extraordinary qualifications—he accepts you as you are. Jesus is your Messiah, your Savior. Do you look forward to meeting him in prayer and in his Word each day? Discover a Lord so wonderful that you can't help sharing your joy with your friends!

Some of the Jews were waiting for a savior to deliver them from Roman rule; others hoped the Christ (Messiah) would deliver them from physical ailments. But Jesus, while healing their illnesses and establishing a spiritual kingdom, delivered them from sin. His work is more far-reaching than anyone could imagine. Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God.

Luke 2:15-20 Shepherds Visit Baby
When this great army of angels had returned again to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on! Let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
They ran to the village and found their way to Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. The shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story expressed astonishment, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and often thought about them.
Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them.

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• 
  
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I
• What precious events has God done that you "treasure in your heart"?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

Shepherds and the Lamb of God

God continued to reveal his Son, but not to those we might expect. Luke wrote that Jesus' birth was announced to shepherds in the fields. These may have been the shepherds who supplied many of the lambs that were sacrificed in the Temple for the forgiveness of sin. Here the angels invited these shepherds to greet the Lamb of God (John 1:36) who would take away the sins of the whole world forever. Christ paid the price for sin and opened the way to peace with God. He offers us more than temporary political or physical changes—he offers us new hearts that will last for eternity. God continues to invite men and women to discover the Savior. Have you found him?

The conception and birth of Jesus Christ are supernatural events beyond human logic or reasoning. Thus God sent angels to help certain people understand the significance of what was happening (see Luke 1:11, 26; 2:9, 13, 19). Angels are spiritual beings created by God who live in God's presence and help carry out his work on earth.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

July 20 = Life of Christ #143 Jesus Warns About Coming Division (Luke 12:49-53)

Division Predicted

Luke 12:49-53

• God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
• We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
• Of what "fire" is Jesus speaking? What "baptism"? What division? How and why does Jesus bring division? Why do you think Jesus wishes the fire was already kindled? How does this relate to "Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men"?
• I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
• What has Christ brought to your family and friends: division or peace? Why?
• How can you tell if it is your faith that strains a relationship or the way you live your faith?
• You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

Further Reading
Peace? Not Always (Luke 12:49-56)

June 2 = Life of Christ #109 Peter Says Jesus is The Messiah (Matthew 16:13-20; Mark 8:27-30; Luke 9:18-20)

#Who Is Jesus?

Who Do You Say I Am?

Matthew 16:13-20
Mark 8:27-30
Luke 9:18-20
Caesarea Philippi

If we polled two good friends from your early teen years, what adjective would they use to describe you?

If you could "gain the world," where would you place your summer and winter castles?

God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?

We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?

 Why did people think that Jesus was John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah?

What was significant about Peter's confession?

How do you interpret the insight (v. 17), power (v. 18), and authority (v. 19) given to Peter? What are the "keys" of the Kingdom? What do they "bind" and "loose"?

Why does Jesus change the direction of his teaching now?

What kind of Messiah was Peter expecting? Why was Jesus' response to Peter so strong?

What activities and attitudes are the heart of Christian discipleship? How does a Christian forfeit his life? What might tempt people to lose their life or exchange their soul?

I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How will I apply it to my life this today?

 When and how did you come to recognize Jesus as your Messiah?

In what area does Matthew 16:24 strike home to you now?

How does Mattew 16:26 influence the way you make priorities?

You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://youtu.be/DElT-ZjwjoU

https://youtu.be/5OTgwXGh6XE?list=PLFcO2Quu62KLWLVlxkB0OuOWSLiTAxz4n

That's My King Dr. S.M. Lockridge - [OFFICIAL]

https://youtu.be/yzqTFNfeDnE

https://youtu.be/kOQClgNRoPc

DBS

Series Questions Jesus Asked

Title: Who Do You Say I Am?

Bookmark: Click Here

Opening Thoughts:

v  “Ask A Librarian”

 

Text: Matthew 16:13-20

 

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

¹³ When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

¹⁵ “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

 

 

Summarize main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

·          Review and retell the story.

Reflections for applications:

v  What is identity?

o   Identity is the definition of self that one accepts.

§  Mistaken identity leads to misguided actions.

v  Who is Jesus?

o   Options: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord

o   John 20:31 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.

o   Everyone has to choose.

o   Who is the Son of Man? What do YOU say?

o   Jesus was not suggesting you get to decide who he is.

o   Knowing who Jesus is changes everything, including who we are.

Digging Questions:

·         How will you respond to this question Jesus asked?

·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

·         What is God calling us to do?

Take Away Challenges

·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

Hash tags #Identity #Jesus

Sunday sermon link               https://youtu.be/DElT-ZjwjoU

Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources:            Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

 

Comments and resources with some more details:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A13-20&version=NIV

 

----------------


Christ through the Bible

In the book of ... He is...

#Genesis The Woman's Seed
#Exodus The Passover Lamb
#Leviticus The atoning Sacrifice
#Numbers The bronze Serpent
#Deuteronomy The promised Prophet
#Joshua The unseen Captain
#Judges My Deliverer
#Ruth My heavenly Kinsman
#Samuel, Kings Chronicles The promised King
#Ezra and Nehemiah The Restorer of the nations
#Esther My Advocate
#Job My Redeemer
#Psalms My All in All
#Proverbs My Pattern
#Ecclesiastes My Goal
#Song of Solomon My Beloved
#The Prophets The coming Prince of Peace
#Matthew Christ the King
#Mark Christ the Servant
#Luke Christ the Son of Man
#John Christ the Son of God
#Acts Risen, seated, and sending
#The Epistles Indwelling and filling
#Revelation Reigning in Heaven




==================

~He Is God~ 

He is the First and Last,
The Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be ...
unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him,  and The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and "Oprah" can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.
He is my Savior,
He is my guide, and He is my peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
the power of the powerful,
the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and is to come. And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
never forsake me,
never mislead me,
never forget me,
never overlook me and
never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful. I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side,
and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!