Fighting Against Grace (John 18:1-11)
In this passage Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested. Substitutionary Atonement Here we see Jesus insisting that the disciples go free. He does this by willingly offering Himself. He offers no resistance; He only insists that the disciples go free. Jesus is not going to lose a single one of His sheep. As the Shepherd He gives Himself to the wolves so that His sheep may live. Jesus is the perfect substitute. He dies our death so that we…
Evangelism Training (Part 3)
How did Jesus approach lost people? And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at…
God’s Love for His Church (John 17:20-26)
In this passage, Jesus shows us what true Christianity truly is. He also shows us how the Spirit draws men to faith. God’s love for the Church Before we were ever born God loved us and sent His Son. Before we could ever even rebel against Him, Jesus loved us and prayed for us. Everything we have in Christ is because of God and His love for His people. The Church’s unity Just as the Trinity is three distinct beings…
Evangelism Training (Part 2)
What did the love Jesus had for sinners compel Him to do? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 3:16 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was…
When ‘Godliness’ is Ungodly (John 17:14-19)
Over the last few decades there has been a debate within the church in America. How much do you separate yourself from the world? This has been over music, dress, alcohol, etc. From the debate has emerged two sides. One side seeks to move away from anything and anyone they perceive to be “worldly.” They emphasize physical separation from the world in order to be “holy.” The other side emphasizes reaching people by living like them. They would say that…
Evangelism Training (Part 1)
How am I to go about sharing the Gospel with my friends, neighbors, and community? And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.Matthew 4:18-19 If I am going to be effective in sharing the Gospel, I must follow Jesus Christ. This is so much more…
Preservation of the Saints (John 17:11-13)
Can believers fall away from the faith? There are three main views on salvation and eternal security today. One view is that because believers choose God they can then turn around and reject Him. If we are saved by our decision for Christ, we have to power to decide to leave Him. The second view is that when we make our decision for Christ our eternal destiny is fixed no matter what we choose to do afterwards. We can live…
God’s Glory in Saving His People (John 17:6-10)
Three evidences of true conversion Jesus speaks of how the disciples were given to Him of the Father. He gives three indications of how He knows they are saved: They have come out of the world They have received the Word of God They believe that He has been sent from the Father We can know that we are part of the people of God and have a full assurance of our salvation. Jesus here lays the foundation of that…
Evangelism – Preparation
If I am praying for the Lord to open up opportunities to share the Gospel and guide me to those He is drawing to Himself, I must be prepared. Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.Romans 2:23-24 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name…
Foundation 10: Evangelism (Mark 5:15-20)
Evangelism should be natural Whenever anyone had an encounter with Jesus they instantly told everyone about it. Many times Jesus told them not to tell anyone, yet they told everyone anyway. Throughout the New Testament sharing what Jesus had done for you was a natural thing that virtually everyone did without prompting or command. Self-righteousness kills evangelism The reason we have such a hard time sharing the Gospel is that we have forgotten what we were when Christ found us.…
Evangelism – Where do we begin? (Part 3)
Where do we begin in sharing the Gospel? No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.John 6:44-45 God and God alone saves people. He is the One Who must draw them to Himself. If we…