Posts tagged Grace Christian Fellowship
Why Does Jesus Lead Us Into Dark Places? | John 18:1-14 | Darien Gabriel
Why Does Jesus Lead Us Into Dark Places? | John 18:1-14 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Why does Jesus lead us into dark places?

Scripture: 📖 John 18:1-14 NIV

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Bottom Line: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. 📖 SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. 🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"With the rise of global terrorism, world leaders have spoken a great deal about vanquishing evil.

But, as one writer in the *Guardian* pointed out, ‘Their rhetoric reveals a failure to accept that cruelty and conflict are basic human traits.’

As Albert Einstein said, ‘I do not fear the explosive power of the atom bomb. What I fear is the explosive power of *evil* in the human heart.'" -Nicky Gumbel

Dark evil in the human heart is why we have murder abortion, human trafficking, genocide, rape, betrayal, abandonment, terrorismand war.

Why does Jesus lead us into dark places when he could lead us to places that are less dark because those are the very places that need his light.

Light that exposes the truth and reveals reality for what it is. Light that speaks of a Hope that comes as light, life and love. And his name is Jesus.

BOTTOM LINE: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

Our best response is to follow Jesus into our dark circumstances instead of fighting those circumstances or fleeing those circumstances. Let me show you where that comes from in this passage today.

CONTEXT

Jesus is now moving from active obedience to passive (surrendered) obedience. But this doesn't mean he isn't still in control. He's choosing to drink from "the cup" of God's wrath out of love for his Father and compassion for us. This is the beginning of his deep drink of God's wrath for our sake and God's glory.

BOTTOM LINE: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

The call of the passage is clear: Follow Jesus by surrendering to the Father’s will, even when it’s painful, confusing, or costly.

SERMON OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT and several commentaries)

Why does Jesus lead us into dark places?

  • Because we’re in a war against the kingdom of darkness.

  • Because we, as children of light, are how Jesus rescues people from darkness.

⸻

1. Jesus Displays Sovereign Power and Authority in the Dark (vv. 1–9, 12–14)

What the text shows:

• He leads the disciples into the garden (18:1).

• He knows exactly what is coming (18:4).

• He steps forward, not backward (18:4).

• He declares “I AM,” and the soldiers fall (18:5–6). Strong winds (ultimate Monday night) and bright lights.

• He protects His disciples (“Let these men go”) (18:8).

• He submits to arrest not because He is overpowered but because He is obeying the Father’s plan (18:12).

• He is taken to Annas, yet remains the real authority in the room (18:13–14).

2. How We Respond in Dark Circumstances (vv. 10–11 + implied vv. 1–9)

A. Two wrong responses (the disciples):

1. Fight – Peter’s misguided zeal (vv. 10–11)

• He acts in fear, not faith.

• He tries to take control rather than trust God’s plan.

• “Put your sword away”—Jesus rebukes him.

2. Flight – the disciples’ fearful abandonment (implied v. 8; explicit in Synoptics)

• Jesus protects them… yet they still run.

• They panic and scatter in different directions.

• They trust their instincts, not their Savior.

B. One right response (Jesus):

3. Follow - by surrendering to the Father’s will

• “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (v. 11)

• Jesus models the response His disciples fail to give.

CONCLUSION

“Imagine a father walking beside a railroad track with his three-year-old son. There is danger at hand, so the father holds the child’s hand. If the boy’s safety depends on the strength of his grasp on his father’s hand, he is in grave danger—he could lose his grip and wander into the path of a train. What keeps the child from destruction is not the boy’s grip on his father’s hand but the father’s grip on the child’s hand. That is what Jesus was asking the Father to do—to keep His grip on the disciples.” -Nicky Gumbel

What a great picture of why we can feel good about following Jesus into dark places. We trust him to hold on to us no matter what.

BOTTOM LINE: Jesus is fully in control even when everything looks out of control. Our best response is FOLLOWING King Jesus over FIGHTing or FLEEing.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

When Jesus prays that believers “may be one,” He is asking the Father to create a deep, spiritual unity among His followers—a unity patterned after the perfect oneness of the Father and the Son. This unity is not primarily institutional or organizational; it is the supernatural, Spirit-given unity that flows from our shared union with Christ. Because we belong to Him, we belong to one another.

This oneness is:

1. Spiritual

Rooted in the new birth and the indwelling Spirit. All who are in Christ share one life, one love, and one purpose.

2. Relational

Marked by love, humility, forgiveness, and mutual care—the same love the Father and Son share.

3. Missional

This unity shows the watching world that Jesus truly came from God. Visible love among believers makes the invisible gospel credible.

In short:

“Being one in Christ” means sharing in the life, love, and mission of the Father and Son—so that the world sees Jesus through His people.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Description:

What matters most to Jesus’ heart? In John 17, we overhear the Son of God praying—for His glory, for His disciples, and for every future believer. Just hours before the cross, Jesus prays that we would live for God’s glory, be sanctified by His truth, and be united in His love. This is the prayer that still shapes the world today.

Bottom Line: Jesus prayed for His glory, our sanctification, and our unity—so the world would know His love.

Chapters:

0:00 – Introduction

2:45 – Jesus Prays for His Glory (John 17:1–5)

10:20 – Jesus Prays for Our Sanctification (John 17:6–19)

19:45 – Jesus Prays for Our Unity (John 17:20–26)

28:50 – How We Live as the Answer to Jesus’ Prayer

YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

📖 Sermon Title: Why Can You Trust Jesus Even When Life Goes Dark?

🕊️ Scripture: John 18:1–14

🎙️ Pastor Darien Gabriel | Grace Christian Fellowship

When Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane, everything around Him looks out of control—an armed mob approaches, Judas betrays Him, and His closest disciples fall apart in panic. Yet John shows us something stunning: Jesus is the only one who remains calm, composed, and completely in control.

In this message, we look at how Jesus displays sovereign power in the darkness and how His followers often respond with fight, flight, or faithful surrender. When life gets confusing, frightening, or heartbreaking, this passage answers one core question:

Why can you trust Jesus even when your world feels like it’s falling apart?

Whether you’re facing uncertainty, fear, or the weight of difficult circumstances, this passage offers hope and courage for anyone learning to follow Jesus in the dark.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

  • Jesus’ arrest wasn’t an accident—He leads the moment.

  • Peter fights, the disciples flee, but Jesus faithfully follows the Father’s will.

  • When life gets dark, we can trust Jesus because He never loses control.

If this message encourages you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for weekly sermons and teaching from GCF.

If you want a shorter or more SEO-optimized version, I can craft that too.

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Bible believing church, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabriel, John
How Can You Have Joy in a Troubled World? | John 16:16-33 | Mikey Brannon
How Can You Have Joy in a Troubled World? | John 16:16-33 | Mikey Brannon

How Can You Have Joy In A Troubled World?

Grace Christian Fellowship

John 16:16-33

Introduction:

Today we will continue and hopefully finish John 16 from where Darien left off

last week. If you recall, we are nearing the end of what we call the farewell

discourse. It is a long section of Scripture taking place in the upper room with

Jesus and his disciples just prior to his arrest, mock trial, conviction, and eventual

crucifixion. It is in these last moments that Jesus pours into his disciples his final

thoughts, his final instructions for what is to come.

I loved the way Darien framed this last week as he talked about a coach who had

trained his team, but all of the sudden before the big game he was gone. In fact I

remember in 2017 when Alabama was playing Clemson for the National

Championship game and Nick Saban fired the offensive coordinator just days

before the game because of distractions around Lane’s newly acquired job at

Florida Atlantic. Here was Lane who was the play caller and the mastermind

behind the offense and in the biggest game of their lives he was gone. Alabama

would go on to lose that game. To a much greater degree this must be how the

disciple feel as Jesus tells them he is going away and that he is going to be killed.

But Jesus is so full of compassion in these verses. He has every right to be focused

on his own task. After all he is the one who is about to go through this agonizing

death, but his focus is on his disciples. He doesn’t want them to worry. He wants

them to have greater faith. He wants them to have true joy that is bigger than their

circumstances. So let’s pick up in verse 16 as we answer the question, How can

you have joy in a trouble world.

In verses 16-21 I want us to see that (I) the sorrow is temporary

2

16 "A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you

will see me."

All through the Bible we get the concept of messianic timing. It was the God

ordained time in which things were to occur. We see Jesus say things like “my

time has not yet come”. Jesus is trying to communicate to the disciples that the

time is near for his death. It is but “a little while away”.

I think it is difficult for us to really put ourselves in the place of the disciple

sometimes. These were just common men. Fishermen or tax collectors or whatever

they were. And all they have known to this point is to follow Jesus. They just

followed him. Tried to learn from him. They had no idea what is would be like

when he was gone.

In fact even that they haven’t really accepted. Their minds our clouded by

preconceptions of Judiasm. They don’t always follow what Jesus is teaching. And

they probably deep down hope that Jesus is going to establish some sort of earthly

rule that will provide them some security. We will see this in the garden when

Peter is ready to wage war to prevent Jesus from being taken.

But Jesus also says “in a little while” you will see me (again). Jesus want’s his

disciples to realize that the sorrow is only temporary. One of the things that my

wife, Brooke, always says is I can do anything as long as I know there is an end in

sight. Right, we just need some assurance that the difficult thing won’t last

forever. We need hope.

[Jhn 16:17 ESV] 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, "What is this that

he says to us, 'A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and

you will see me'; and, 'because I am going to the Father'?"

Now stop right here do you see something in verse 17 that was not in verse 16. We

now have this phrase “because I am going to the father”.

3

You see there is some debate around what the little while is. Is Jesus talking about

he is going to die, but the he is going to be resurrected in 3 days? Is that the little

while? Or is he talking about something else. I think the key to understanding is in

that phrase that we get from the disciples “because I am going to the father”. Look

back at verse 6.

[Jhn 16:7 ESV] 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go

away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will

send him to you.

So I believe the “little while and you will see me” is referring to the coming of the

Holy Spirit. That is the context of this entire chapter, the coming of what Paul

calls in Romans as “the Spirit of Christ”. So because I go away to the Father “not

his death, but his ascension”, the Holy Spirit will come like we see in Acts 2 at

Pentecost. Which really fits with the rest of the entire chapter.

Jesus wants them to know that the sorrow they will have is only temporary

18 So they were saying, "What does he mean by 'a little while'? We do not know

what he is talking about." 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to

them, "Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, 'A little

while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'?

Now I’m right on the line of being Gen X and Millennial, and sometimes when I

think back to my childhood I realize just how different we were built. I never

forget on teacher I had in shop class. Much of it was not about shop by the way.

Have you ever heard that there is no such thing as a dumb question? Well he

didn’t subscribe to that. I’ll never forget one day in class this guy in the back of

the room raised his hand and asked a question. I don’t remember what the question

was but it must have been a dumb one, because what I do remember is how that

shop teacher responded. He said real calmly, little man, did you know people

might think you’re a dummy, but they don’t really know for sure. But the moment

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you open your mouth and ask a question like that, everybody knows you’re a

dummy.

Proverbs 17:28: "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he

closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent".

Now our disciple didn’t have Mr. McCreless but maybe they did read Proverbs

because nobody wants to ask the question. But Jesus is determined to show them

the temporary nature of their sorrow so he gives them an illustration.

[Jhn 16:20 ESV] 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the

world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.

Jesus knows that these disciples are headed for sorrow. The road will not be easy.

But ultimately they will have joy. And you as a believer has this very same

promise.

[Rom 5:2-5 ESV] 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this

grace in which we stand, and we rejoice (definition find deep and abiding joy) in

hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings,

knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character,

and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's

love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given

to us.

God is not allowing us to go through difficult seasons for no reason. He is

sovereign and in control of all things. And while we may not know His exact

purpose we can be assured that He is doing something in and through our trials.

Our sorrow is temporary but our joy is everlasting. Jesus further explains it this

way.

5

[Jhn 16:21 ESV] 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her

hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the

anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

Jesus compares the suffering and the joy to a woman who is giving birth. Now, I

can tell you I have several children and I am somewhat of an expert you could say

in observing this phenomenon. I can tell you that the process appears from my

vantage point to be very, very difficult. But I will never forget the moment when

the first time in my life I heard the doctor say, I can see her head. It was as if in

that moment for the first time I really understood that I was about to be a Dad. I

was completely and totally responsible for another human being. I was filled with

an overwhelming amount of joy. And I remember when they handed my daughter

to my wife and she held her and she just smiled and cried these tears of joy. As

great as the pain and the suffering was, it was in that moment completely gone and

it was replaced with joy. And that joy of being a parent never goes away. Sure

there are difficult times, but it is lasting.

That brings me to my second point, (II)True Joy is Eternal

[Jhn 16:22 ESV] 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and

your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you.

This reunioun with Christ or the Spirit of Christ creates in us a joy that cannot be

taken from us by anyone.

Now this Jesus points to 2 characteristics of this Joy. There is joy in having direct

access to God in Prayer.

[Jhn 16:23-24 ESV] 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say

to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until

now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy

may be full.

6

I will admit that I got hung up a little bit here. What does Jesus mean ask nothing

of me? Is he saying don’t pray to Jesus? No, that’s not it at all. You have to think

about this in the context of the disciples. Up until this point in their lives all they

have known about following Jesus has been to follow him. And if they were in

need they would ask him. Jesus would talk to the Father for them, and then things

would happen. In fact all of John 17 is going to be exactly that, Jesus praying on

behalf of the disciples to the Father.

So Jesus now because I am going away, things are going to be different, you now

have direct access to the Father. And he gives a promise, ask it in my name and

you will receive it. And then we get a “so that”. Why does the Father answer these

prayers? So that your “JOY” may be made full!

Now, what does it mean to pray in Jesus name?

First of all, it is our identity. We recognize and declare that we are in Christ. But

more importantly is aligns our motives. That is to say that if I pray for something

in the name of Jesus I am saying, Father I am asking this because I believe it is the

thing that Jesus would also pray. Not out of selfishness or ambition, but I truly

believe it is a desire of Christ for this thing to happen.

So not only is access to God in prayer a characteristic of joy, but also true Spiritual

Discernment. (25)

[Jhn 16:25 ESV] 25 "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour

is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you

plainly about the Father.

I think one of the most profound parts of Scripture is in comparing the disciples

that are presented in the gospels. Often they appear confused, without direction,

they don’t understand, they have no vision of the Kingdom. They are being

repremanded for being out of line. But then Acts 2 happens.

And all of the sudden, these disciples are presented in a completely different light.

Teaching with authority. Some are writing Scripture in connection with the Holy

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Spirit. Preaching deep theological Kingdom truths. All of this after Jesus has

ascended!

Remember what Darien said last week in John 16:13

[Jhn 16:12-13 ESV] 12 "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear

them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth,

for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak,

and he will declare to you the things that are to come.

Not only is the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of Christ as we saw in Romans, but he

is called by John in this chapter as the “Spirit of Truth”. And knowing the truth is

a great source of our Joy.

So why does the Father want to answer our prayers, and why does he want us to

know the truth through discernment? Because he loves us. Verse 27.

[Jhn 16:27 ESV] 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me

and have believed that I came from God.

If you want to please the Father, or better yet if you want to be loved by the

Father, then he asks us to love His Son. How do you do you love the Son?

[Jhn 14:15 ESV] 15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

I want to be careful here, because I believe that you are saved by grace through

faith. Not of works lest any man should boast. There is no amount of good deeds

that can get you to heaven or earn one ounce of favor with God. But I do want to

make a connection between faith and obedience in light of John 14:15.

[2Co 13:5 ESV] 5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test

yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in

you?--unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

8

How do you know if you love Christ? How do you know if you are in the Faith?

What is the test. If you love Christ, you will desire to know his Word, and you will

desire to keep his commandments. You will not do it perfectly, you will fail, just

as I fail, but in you will be a desire to love God and to love people. There will be a

desire to flee from Sin. And when you fall into sin you will be broken unto

repentance. You are not saved by obedience, but obedience is an outpouring of a

life that is in Christ.

Some of you this morning may not know if you belong to Christ. Scripture calls us

to examine ourselves. It doesn’t ever say did you pray a prayer. Did you go

through confirmation, were you baptized? None of that. It always lands right here,

is your life bearing the fruit of the Spirit. And if it isn’t then you have cause for

great concern. If this is you then scripture is clear, believe on Jesus Christ today,

and repent and place your faith in him.

[Jhn 16:28-30 ESV] 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and

now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." 29 His disciples said, "Ah,

now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know

that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we

believe that you came from God."

In these verses we can see ourselves. We see the first elements of faith in that they

have an intellectual understanding of what Jesus is saying, but their faith is very

weak. Just like us.

We can read the truth of God, we can write in our journal. We can even pray about

some Scripture that we have read and think. That’s awesome God thank you for

showing my that truth. It can be a delightful experience to have with the Lord, and

I don’t want to take away from that. BUT, when do you really understand a

passage like this?

[Jhn 15:19 ESV] 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its

own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,

therefore the world hates you.

9

It’s not really when you read it. On a deeper level you understand it when you

experience it. When do you really understand a passage like “Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”.

It’s not when you read it, when you understand it, it’s really when you live it.

I think Jesus’ tone in verse 31, is dripping with irony.

[Jhn 16:31 ESV] 31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

In fact if I were paraphrasing this verse into modern language it might go

something like, “oh do you now?”. They do understand to a degree, but the trials

that lie ahead of them are about to take this small faith and grow it into something

that is unshakable.

Peter who not long after this very moment will go on to deny Jesus 3 times. I don’t

know that man, I never heard of him. Who will hear the rooster crow and realize

that he has failed in his own power. The failed Peter who Jesus would return to

and ask the question, Peter do you love me? Peter do you love me? Peter do you

love me? I can almost here Jesus say after all that? Now Peter, now do you believe

me? And Peter would have said, Oh Lord, now because I have gone through all of

this, now I really believe!

It is that Peter, not failed Peter, but tested Peter, the redeemed Peter who goes on

to write this:

[1Pe 1:6-7 ESV] 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary,

you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your

faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be

found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The test is coming vs 32.

10

[Jhn 16:32 ESV] 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you

will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not

alone, for the Father is with me.

They will fail. It doesn’t mean they aren’t believers. The test is for a purpose, to

strengthen, to grow.

Why am I telling you all this, Jesus says?

[Jhn 16:33 ESV] 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have

peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the

world."

Listen Church, Jesus doesn’t just speak these words to the disciples in the upper

room. I believe he has in mind, all of you, and me. And any disciple that would be

called to him. To believe in Jesus is to be at odds with the world. And there is a

promise here that in this world. In this evil system that you find yourself a part of.

you will have tribulation. You will have trouble. You will have sorrow.

Jesus says take heart, I have overcome the world. This is the victory. Only Jesus

can say this. Only he has the power. If I say cheer up, buck up, hang it there it is

meaningless, because I don’t have the power to do anything. Not the case with

Jesus. The creator, God himself, says, I know your trouble, but rest in me, because

I am the One that holds it all. We have nothing to worry about because of that.

 Lord’s Supper

 Invitation

o Are you going through a trial? Pray this morning that God would grow

your faith.

o Maybe this morning you know another believer who is going though

trials and God is showing you an opportunity to encourage them and

support them in the midst of it.

o Maybe this morning you have examined yourself and you have

concerns that your faith is not real.

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Guest UserGrace Christian FellowshipJohn, Mikey Brannon, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible-believing church, non-denominational church
Why It's Good that Jesus Went Away | John 16:5-15 | Darien Gabriel
Why It's Good that Jesus Went Away | John 16:5-15 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: Why it's good that Jesus went away

Scripture: 📖 John 16:5-15

Bottom Line: It's better that Jesus left his disciples when he did, because His Spirit continues and completes His work in qand through us.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. 📖 SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. 🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

The Coach Who Steps Off the Field”

When Clemson football fans think about Dabo Swinney, they picture a passionate coach who seems everywhere at once — shouting encouragement, correcting mistakes, celebrating victories. But imagine if, before a national championship game, Coach Swinney told his team, “I won’t be on the sidelines today. I’m sending someone in my place — the spirit of what I’ve taught you.”

At first, players would panic. “Coach, we need you!” But what if that coach had spent years embedding his playbook, his mindset, his values into them? When he steps off the field, they finally step up. His spirit fills the team — and they play like him, think like him, and carry his mission forward.

That’s what Jesus is preparing His disciples for in John 16. He’s about to leave — not abandon them, but empower them. His leaving isn’t a setback; it’s a setup for the Spirit to come.

Or

“Chasing Relics of the Presence”

Throughout history, Christians have gone to great lengths to hold on to something physical that connects them to Jesus.

Pilgrims have traveled thousands of miles to see what’s believed to be a fragment of the True Cross, a splinter of the manger, a nail from the crucifixion, or even the Shroud of Turin.

Whether authentic or not, these relics reveal a deep longing: “If I could just be closer to something that touched Jesus, maybe I could feel closer to Him.”

That desire is understandable — who wouldn’t want to see or touch what He touched? But in John 16, Jesus says something astonishing: “It’s for your good that I’m going away.”

Why? Because He would send the Holy Spirit.

We don’t need a relic or a sacred site to be close to Christ. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in us. What many travel the world to find, God has already placed within His people.

Bottom Line: It's better that Jesus left his disciples when he did, because His Spirit continues and completes His work in us and through us.

CONTEXT

Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for a mission way bigger than themselves. He's trying to help them shift their eyes from themselves and their personal circumstances to Jesus and his global mission that starts with him and he's passing along to them.

They haven't grasped yet all that the Holy Spirit brings to the table. But they will.

In vv. 4-5, Jesus says, "I have told you THIS, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you THIS from the beginning because I was with you, but now I am going to him who sent me." (Emphasis mine)

What is "THIS"?

THIS is him handing off his mission to them to do in the power of the Holy Spirit. THIS is his Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). THIS is us being chosen to bear fruit that will last.

In summary, Jesus says to them:

1. I'm leaving,

2. People will hate you, and

3. You still need to tell them about Me.

But they aren't ready yet. They're consumed with how this will affect them.

SERMON OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: It's better that Jesus left his disciples when he did, because His Spirit continues and completes His work in us and through us.

Why it's good that Jesus went away:

I. The Advantage of Jesus’ Departure - we get another Advicate/Helper/Counselor (vv. 5–7)

• The disciples grieve His leaving, but Jesus says His departure is for their good.

• The Spirit cannot come unless He goes.

• Application: Sometimes what feels like loss is actually God preparing us for more.

Pyramids

"They're like the traveler who visits the pyramids in Egypt, turns his camera around to get a picture of himself in front of this wonder of the world, and when he gets home, he realizes all you can see in the picture is his face. He's completely blocked the focal point. The disciples are so focused on themselves they don't even ask Jesus where he's going." -Matt Carter

II. The Holy Spirit’s Work in the World (vv. 8–11)

• The Spirit convicts the world of three things:

1. Sin – because people don’t believe in Jesus.

2. Righteousness – because Jesus is vindicated as He returns to the Father.

3. Judgment – because the ruler of this world stands condemned.

• Application: The Spirit exposes falsehood, reveals true righteousness, and declares Satan’s defeat.

III. The Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers (vv. 12–15)

• The Spirit guides believers into all truth.

• The Spirit glorifies Jesus — He never points to Himself.

• The Spirit shares what belongs to the Son and the Father with us.

• Application: The Spirit keeps Jesus’ presence and power active in His people today.

Conclusion

Applications in summary:

  • Sometimes what feels like loss is actually God preparing us for more.

  • The Spirit exposes falsehood, reveals true righteousness, and declares Satan’s defeat.

  • The Spirit keeps Jesus’ presence and power active in His people today.

“The Power That Stayed Behind”

Thomas Edison was one of the most creative minds the world has ever seen. People called him the Wizard of Menlo Park because of the way his ideas seemed almost magical. He didn’t just invent things — he changed the way people lived. The light bulb, the phonograph, motion pictures — these weren’t just clever gadgets; they transformed daily life around the world.

But what made Edison truly remarkable wasn’t just his inventions — it was his spirit of relentless creativity. He failed thousands of times, but he never stopped experimenting, learning, and creating. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

When Edison died, his lab assistants sealed a test tube containing what they believed was his final breath. They said it was “the breath of genius” — the last of his creative spirit. Of course, they couldn’t really capture what made him great. His creativity, his ideas, his influence — those couldn’t be sealed in glass. They lived on in the world he helped shape and in the people he inspired.

In the same way, when Jesus left this world, He didn’t leave us a relic or a memory. He left us His very breath — the Holy Spirit — the living presence of God Himself. Not sealed away in a museum, but alive in every believer. The same Spirit who empowered Jesus now empowers His people. That’s why it was good that He went away. His life, power, and presence didn’t end — they multiplied.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

SERMON OUTLINE (w/ help from Matt Carter)

"A good mission statement shapes the priorities of a company and provides a great framework for decision making. If an employee understands the big picture--the mission of the organization--it places his small, daily actions in the context of a grander agenda. A clear mission gives purpose to the mundane. As Christians, what is our mission? Our mission revolves around the gospel. We have been chosen by Jesus to bear the fruit of the gospel in our lives and share the message of the gospel with our lips. We are here to continue the mission of Jesus by spreading the message of Jesus." -Matt Carter

At Grace CF,

Our purpose is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. This purpose never ends. It's why we were created.

Our mission is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and people as we love ourselves. This is the mission of every church. We do this until we go home.

We believe that the key task of our mission is to make disciples who make disciples around the corner and around the world.

Everything we do runs through this filter.

This is consistent with John 15:16 where Jesus tells his disciples, "You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last."

This is another way of saying our mission as a church.

We express this mission with our lips and our lives.

I. The Disciples' Mission is Bigger Than Themselves (16:4b-6). What is "This" in 4b? In summary, 1. I'm leaving, 2. People will hate you, 3. You still need to tell them about Me.

A. He has not fully revealed his departure. (Death, burial, resurrection) He waited until Judas Iscariot left.

B. He has not fully revealed their mission. The way of the cross. How they will carry out this mission to the nations. This is WAY BIGGER than them! And it will consume their very lives!

C. He has not fully revealed the world's reaction to the Message. That the world hated him and will therefore hate and oppose them as well. They'll bear witness in the face of persecution and rejection.

II. The Disciples' Mission Requires Supernatural Help (16:7-15). It's good that Jesus is leaving. Only then will he send the Holy Spirit. And, in the context, the reason is to empower them (and us) to carry out the mission Jesus started with them.

John highlights two ways the Holy Spirit empowers them to carry out their mission:

A. The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin (16:8-11). Of sin (9), righteousness...self-righteousness (10), that is...and judgment. (11)

      • When I visited Africa, I was invited to eat at the home of one of the local men. We sat in his backyard and ate a dinner of boiled yams and peanuts. At one point one of his daughters brought out a pitcher of water and began to pour us glasses. He stopped her, took my glass, and poured it out on the ground. She was doing her best to be kind to me, but her best wasn't good enough. He knew if I drank that water, I'd get sick. Her gift of water was a polluted offering.

      • God calls our best efforts to please him "polluted" (Isa 64:6). They're unacceptable. They're tainted by sin and will be poured out as worth-less. No one can come to God based on good works.

      • "The word translated 'convict' (8) has the goal of convincing a person to turn from his or her sin." -Carter

      • How does the Holy Spirit convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment? Through his disciples--agents of the Holy Spirit.

        • In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples to join him in his mission followed by his reminder that the Holy Spirit will bear witness through them.

        • In John 16, Jesus warns them of the opposition and persecution that they will face that will be so difficult they'll need the power of the Holy Spirit to bear witness in the midst of that.

        • In summary, "The Spirit convicts the world by empowering the disciples to bear witness about Jesus. The Spirit brings conviction to the world through the message of the disciples."  -Carter

        • Our role is to "faithfully bear witness to Jesus, and the role of the HOly S;Iris is to make that witness spiritually effective." - Carter

      • Maybe we don't realize that the Spirit's power is in you because we're not busy doing things that only he can accomplish. Things like:

        • Love people who are like you

        • Go to church

        • Go to home group or bible study

        • Give some money

      • Maybe try something that requires the Spirit's power like

        • Love someone antagonistic to the gospel

        • Be on call 24/7 for a person in need

        • Meet weekly with a brother or sister to help bear their burdens

        • Plead with your unbelieving friends or family to repent and believe

        • Give your hard-earned money when there's not much left

        • Move your family around the world for the sake of the gospel

      • We need the Holy Spirit to carry out his mission!

B. The Holy Spirit will guide the disciples into truth (16:12-15). "Jesus describes a mission that will take an entire lifetime and might require them to give their lives. He unfolds a new community unique in the way it lives together." -Carter

      • They have many questions. Jesus doesn't give them answers.

      • Jesus gives them a promise. The Holy Spirit will guide them (12-15). That's where their answers will come from.

      • The Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of Truth.

        • He only speaks the truth.

        • He only speaks what God wants spoken.

        • He passes the truth on to his disciples on mission with him.

        • He will guide his disciples with the truth that sets us free.

C. It's good that Jesus is leaving to go to work at his Father's side...

“It’s like a newly elected president saying on election night, ‘This is great — let’s just stay at the party forever.’ His supporters would respond, ‘No, you have to go to Washington — that’s where the real work begins!’ In the same way, Jesus had to go—not to a capital city, but to the right hand of God—so He could send His Spirit to us. His leaving wasn’t the end of His ministry; it was the beginning of ours.”

“All of us, even the most pious Christians among us, are overwhelmingly influenced by the cultural customs and conventions of the societies in which we live. It starts in school, where popularity means “being with it,” that is, being in line with the morality of the society, even if that morality includes things of which God does not approve. That’s what our innate struggle with sin is all about. We listen every day to the voices of the culture around us that tell us what’s politically correct and what isn’t, what is socially acceptable and what isn’t. Then, for a few minutes on Sunday morning, we hear the law of God. We know they don’t match up, but unless or until the Holy Spirit takes the law and pierces our souls with it and convicts us of sin, we don’t really pay attention to it.Real conversion is an experience of repentance and forgiveness before God. It is not merely praying a prayer, joining a Christian church, or receiving a sacrament. It is being brought to our knees by the conviction of God the Holy Spirit. The Spirit then convinces us of what true righteousness is and shows us we[…]”

Excerpt From

John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul

This material may be protected by copyright.

“Just imagine if he were to say: “Hey, this is great. Let’s stay here. This celebration is so much fun, I don’t think I’ll ever go to Washington.” The candidate’s supporters would be sure to say: “Oh, yes, you will. That’s why we elected you. We want you in Washington to work for us.”Jesus was going to a much more important place than Washington. He was going to the right hand of God. It was far better for Him to go there than to stay in Jerusalem. There He would be in a position of power, and one of His first acts would be to send the Holy Spirit to minister to the disciples.”  -RC Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

ChatGPT AI

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Signs and Glory, John, Jesus
What to do When You're Canceled for Being a Christian | John 15:18-16:4 | Darien Gabriel
What to do When You're Canceled for Being a Christian | John 15:18-16:4 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What to Do When You’re Canceled for Being a Christian

Scripture: 📖 John 15:18-16:4 NIV

Cf. Matthew 10:16-25

Bottom Line: Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate & oppose his followers. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of persecution & rejection.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. 📖 SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. 🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“The Student Who Spoke Up”

A few years ago, a high school student in California stood up during a class discussion on morality. The teacher asked what determines right and wrong, and the student quietly said, “For me, I believe what Jesus teaches in the Bible.”

The class went silent. Then came laughter. Someone videoed it and posted it online. Comments poured in — “bigot,” “brainwashed,” “religious nut.”

The student didn’t argue back. He just said later, “It hurt, but I’d rather be known for following Jesus than for fitting in.”

We live in a world where you can be canceled just for believing what Jesus said.

That’s not new — Jesus told His disciples 2,000 years ago, “If the world hates you, remember it hated Me first.”

Transition: Jesus wasn’t shocked by this. He prepared His disciples for it. The night before His crucifixion, He told them what to do when the world turns against them.

So the question for us today is: What do we do when the world turns against us for following Jesus?

Bottom Line: Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate & oppose his followers. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of persecution & rejection.

CONTEXT

In the wake of teaching the disciples about the coming community of faith he was building in and through them, he warned them that the world would hate and oppose them because they hated and opposed him. This would rattle them but also prepare them from what was to come. This was why Jesus was telling them.

SERMON OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT, Matt Carter, Hughes, Johnston)

What do we do when we're being canceled for following Jesus Christ?

1. Expect Opposition, Not Acceptance 📖 John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first… If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

➡️ Jesus prepares His followers by showing that persecution is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness. The world’s hatred is rooted in its rejection of Him.

2. Remember Your Identity and Mission 📖 John 15:19

“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

➡️ Our calling and identity come from Jesus’ choice of us, not the world’s approval. This gives courage to stand firm when we’re misunderstood or opposed.

3. Rely on the Holy Spirit for Strength and Witness 📖 John 15:26–27

“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father… he will testify about me. And you also must testify.”

➡️ The Spirit empowers believers to bear witness even in hostile conditions. We are never alone in our suffering or mission.

4. Persevere in Faithfulness 📖 John 16:1–4

“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away… They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.”

➡️ Jesus’ warning is meant to build resilience. Opposition will come—even from religious people—but forewarning strengthens faith rather than fear.

“The Quiet Faith of Coach Joseph Kennedy”

High school football coach Joseph Kennedy used to kneel and pray for 15 seconds after each game. No speeches, no shouting — just quiet thanks to God. When the school district ordered him to stop, he refused. They fired him. The story made national news, and years later the Supreme Court ruled in his favor.

But when asked what he learned through it all, Coach Kennedy said:

“Faithfulness is never wasted. Even if I’d lost everything, I’d still do it again — because I wasn’t kneeling for the crowd. I was kneeling for Christ.”

That’s what Jesus was preparing His disciples for — not comfort, but courage. When the world cancels you for following Him, you don’t lose your value — you prove your loyalty. You may be canceled by culture, but you are chosen by Christ. And that’s what matters most.

Tertullian

The famous quote from Tertullian (early church father, c. 160–225 A.D.) is:

“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.”

Tertullian wrote this line in his work Apologeticus (Apology), Chapter 50. He was defending Christians against Roman persecution and pointing out that the more Rome tried to destroy the Church through violence, the more it grew.

Here’s the fuller context from his argument:

“We multiply whenever we are mown down by you;

the blood of Christians is seed.”

(Apologeticus, ch. 50)

In essence, Tertullian was saying: Persecution doesn’t stop the Church — it strengthens it. Every act of violence against believers becomes a testimony that draws more people to faith.

Have we not witnessed this in the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination?

“Canceled Before Cancel Culture”

In 1555, two men were chained to a stake in Oxford, England — Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley. Their “crime”? Preaching that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone.

As the flames were lit, Latimer cried out to Ridley, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.”

The world tried to cancel them, but God used their courage to ignite revival.

Cancel culture isn’t new. The world has been trying to silence faithful followers of Jesus since the first century. Jesus told His disciples this would happen — not to frighten them, but to prepare them.

“The Backlash and the Blessing”

In 2017, when a Christian baker in Colorado refused to design a custom cake celebrating something that violated his Biblical convictions, he faced lawsuits, death threats, and nationwide scorn. He lost income, reputation, and peace of mind — but he didn’t lose his faith.

Years later, he said, “If I had to do it all over again, I would still follow my conscience. I would still follow Jesus.”

Jesus said, “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.” When the world cancels you, don’t crumble — stand firm, speak truth, and trust the Spirit. The world may cancel you, but Christ has already chosen you. And that can never be undone.

Bottom Line: Because the world hated Jesus, it will also hate & oppose his followers. But the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of persecution & rejection.

  • Jesus didn’t call us to comfort; He called us to courage.

  • The same Spirit who empowered the disciples empowers us today.

  • When you’re “canceled” for Christ, remember — He chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will last.

Challenge:

Don’t retreat. Reveal Jesus. When the world cancels you, keep pointing people to the cross — because that’s where true freedom begins.

Closing Line:

You may be canceled by the world, but you are chosen by Christ.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

None

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

🎥 YOUTUBE DESCRIPTION

Title: What to Do When You’re Canceled for Being a Christian

Scripture: John 15:18–16:4 NIV

Preacher: Darien Roger Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

When you stand for Jesus, don’t be surprised if the world stands against you.

In this message, Pastor Darien Gabriel unpacks Jesus’ words from John 15:18–16:4, where He warned His disciples about opposition, rejection, and persecution — and gave them the key to stand strong through it all.

Bottom Line:

Because the world hated Jesus, it will also oppose His followers — but the Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm and bear witness in the face of rejection.

If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, mocked, or “canceled” for following Christ, this message will remind you that you’re not alone, and you’re not without help.

Watch now and learn what it means to stay faithful, courageous, and Spirit-empowered when the world pushes back.

👉 Subscribe for more messages and short clips from Grace Christian Fellowship.

📍 Visit: gracetoday.net

#John15 #Persecution #Faith #HolySpirit #Jesus #Discipleship #DarienGabriel #GraceChristianFellowship

🖼️

Thumbnail Text Ideas

(Choose one bold main line with a short subline)

  1. CANCELED for CHRIST

    How to Stand Strong When the World Turns Against You

  2. When Faith Costs You

    Jesus Warned Us About This

  3. Rejected — But Not Alone

    The Spirit Gives Courage When the World Hates You

  4. Following Jesus Isn’t Always Popular

    But It’s Always Worth It

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, JOhn, John, Signs & Glory, Grace Christian Fellowship
How Do I Live as a Disciple of Jesus Today? Part 2 | John 15:7-17 | Darien Gabriel
How Do I Live as a Disciple of Jesus Today? Part 2 | John 15:7-17 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How do I live as a disciple of Jesus today?

Subtitle: Part 2

Scripture: John 15:7-17 NIV, Isaiah 5, Psalm 80

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

What does a disciple of Jesus look like today? Well, these examples are a good place to start. They loved their enemies and forgave them.

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

  1. One of them will betray Jesus,

  2. Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and

  3. Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.

  4. He's taught them again to love each other as he has loved them

  5. He's told them his spirit will come and empower them to do all that he's taught them to do

  6. He's coming back (resurrected, as his spirit, second coming)

They leave the upper room where they've had their feet washed, heard all of this, and now they're heading to the garden of gethsamene to pray and be arrested.

Sub questions for today:

Q. What does spiritual fruit look like?

Q. How do I bear spiritual fruit that will last?

OUTLINE (w/ help from Matt Carter & ChatGPT)

Transition: This passage breaks down into 2 sections: 1) True disciples bear fruit, and 2) What that fruit looks like. Today we'll focus on part 2: What does true spiritual fruit look like and how do we bear it?

Let's ask some questions:

Q. What do I want you to know today?

A. What the fruit of a true disciple of Jesus Christ looks like.

Spiritual fruit

  • Is from God through his spirit

  • Lasts forever

What does this fruit look like according to this passage?

  1. Answered prayer. God tells us to ask whatever we want in Jesus' name and it will be given to us. (15:7, 16)

  2. Proof that we're true disciples of Jesus. (15:8, 14)

  3. Glorify God (15:8) which is why we were created.

  4. Overflowing with his joy (> happiness, which is based solely on circumstances). (15:11)

  5. Love of God (in obeying his commands) and people (in obeying his commands). (15:10, 12, 14, 17)

  6. Friendship with God through Jesus. (15:14-15)

  7. Security in your salvation:

    1. "Already clean" (15:3)

    2. "I chose you" (15:16)

Q. Why do I want you to know this?

A. Because you will know where you stand as a disciple of Jesus Christ: true or false; fruit-bearing or not.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Bear spiritual fruit that will last forever.

Q. Why?

A. Because Jesus says this is why he chose you and me. Therefore, we should do this.

Q. How?

A. By training to remain in Christ. Here are 4 training regiments that will help:

  1. Know, believe, and obey God's word.

  2. Pray bold, specific, and believing prayers in Jesus' name.

  3. Love each other sacrificially ("As I have loved you").

  4. Recognizing and embracing the principle of pruning requires suffering, trials and testing.

Conclusion

Bottom Line: A disciple of Jesus today is growing to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him, and leading others to do the same.

When we train to remain/abide in Christ, we will grow in the character and competencies of Jesus Christ, in his power (not ours), and we will lead others to do this as well.

Q. How do I know I'm doing this?

A. You'll multiply yourself.

  1. You'll lead people to Christ deep and wide.

  2. You'll help others lead people to Christ deep and wide.

  3. You'll see God's love spread through his word in you.

Q. What's next?

A. Commit to getting a good grip on God's word by reading it daily, praying it daily, and obeying it daily.

B. Consider H.E.A.R. Method. https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/bible-journaling-method-to-hear-god-speak

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Outline with help from Matt Carter and ChatGPT

II. Spiritual Fruit in a Disciple of Jesus today looks like this: (15:7-17)

A. Answered prayer--this happens because of the union with Jesus. The "sap" is the back and forth communication. "My words remain in you" (7)

      1. Jesus speaks through his word. God prunes and cleans through his word (3).

      2. We respond in prayer. Where there is prayer, there are answers. God listens to his people.

      3. It looks like breathing. "When the Holy Spirit is pulsing through you, you pray without thinking. You just talk to God." -Carter

      4. Prayer is as important to the soul as breathing to the body.

B. Obedient love--we obey because we love.

    • Our love flows from our obedience. Obedience is the evidence of love.

    • A persistently, willfully, disobedient person is not a Christian.

    • What's cool here is that even though Jesus is our King and has every right to demand our obedience, he doesn't treat us like slaves. He sees us as friends. Slaves are given commands without explanation. Jesus invites us into his inner circle. He shares his friendship and explains what he's doing. Not always as much as we'd like but he tells us what the Father says to him. (14-15)

C. Inexhaustible joy--Jesus, who fills our Dixie cup/cone cup with joy, immerses our Dixie cup of joy into his ocean of joy.

    • Happiness is dependent on your circumstances. Joy transcends your circumstances.

      • Examples

        • Paul in Prison (Philippians 1:12–21; 4:4)

        • Happiness: No one would be happy about being chained up, falsely accused, and awaiting trial. His circumstances were bleak.

        • Joy: Paul still wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). His joy was rooted in Christ being proclaimed and in knowing that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” His joy transcended his imprisonment.

      • The Apostles Beaten (Acts 5:40–42)

        • Happiness: After being flogged by the Sanhedrin, they weren’t happy about the pain or humiliation.

        • Joy: They “rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Joy came from sharing in Christ’s sufferings and being faithful witnesses.

      • Jesus on the Cross (Hebrews 12:2)

        • Happiness: The cross was excruciating, shameful, and horrific—nothing about it was happy.

        • Joy: Yet Hebrews says Jesus endured it “for the joy set before him”—the joy of redeeming us, glorifying the Father, and sitting down at His right hand.

      • Job Loss

        • Happiness: Losing your job doesn’t make you happy. The stress, loss of income, and uncertainty feel heavy.

        • Joy: A believer can still have joy by trusting God’s provision, remembering His past faithfulness, and resting in His promises. Joy looks like saying, “This is hard, but I know God is still with me and will provide,” even while updating your résumé.

      • It's no coincidence that Jesus follows, "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love" (10) with, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in your and that your joy may be complete." (11) "Joy comes through obedience." -Carter

    • 👉 In short: Happiness is when circumstances go your way. Joy is when your heart goes God’s way—even when circumstances don’t.

D. Sacrificial love--how is this demonstrated? Well, in a way that costs us.

    • Jesus loved his Father as demonstrated in his perfect obedience to go and die on the cross for the sins of the world.

    • Jesus calls us to love one another in this way--as he has loved us.

    • An apple tree bears apples.

    • An orange tree bears oranges.

    • A follower of Jesus Christ bears loves, prays and obeys Jesus.

E. Friendship with Jesus. No longer slaves.

F. Desire to bear fruit that will last forever.

III. How do we bear spiritual fruit that will last?

  • We train to remain (abide) in Jesus Christ by:

    • Leaning into his pruning (2)

    • Remembering he picked me!

    • Obeying his word

      • Hear it regularly

      • Read it daily

      • Study it (reading with a pencil/pen or highlighter)

      • Memorize it (Ps 119:11)

      • Meditate on it (focused thinking)

    • Loving Jesus obediently

    • Loving Jesus sacrificially

    • Praying with confidence that he hears and answers our prayers

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non-denominational church, bible-believing church, Darien Gabriel, John, Grace Christian Fellowship
What Assurances Do We Have in Jesus' Absence? | John 14:15-31 | Darien Gabriel
What Assurances Do We Have in Jesus' Absence? | John 14:15-31 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What assurances do we have in Jesus’ absence?

Scripture: John 14:15-31 NIV

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

In my college days, I couldn't wait to go home. Now I didn't go home every weekend as I was 4 hours away. But I always looked forward to seeing family, friends and familiar surroundings.

But, I'll admit, I also couldn't wait to go back to school. My newer friends and life there was also great. (Most of the time)

Some of that can be chalked up to a lack of contentment where I was at the time. An on-going challenge in my life, to be sure.

But what made is easy for me to go back to school, in part, was because I knew I was loved at home. I was loved, supported and provided for by my parents. They and my brother were there for me. This was a great comfort to me during my college years.

Jesus is about to leave his disciples behind. For a while. 3 days actually. Then, after 40 days, he'd leave them for good. And, yet, not at all at the same time.

What assurances did they have from Jesus in his absence? He gives them 3. But they are possible because of a relationship defined by love both ways.

The love Jesus had for his disciples held them in union with him. His love for them and their love for him is the defining ingredient to knowing God.

Their obedience to his words, ways and works showed their love for him.

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

  1. One of them will betray Jesus,

  2. Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and

  3. Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.

On top of all of this, Jesus is still wanted for arrest and likely crucifixion for treason and blasphemy. If they are looking for him, they are likely looking for them as well. They're terrified.

OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

I. The Disciples’ love for Jesus

• Verses 15, 21, 23–24, 28, 31

• Love for Jesus is expressed in obedience (vv. 15, 21, 23–24, 31).

• Their grief at his leaving should be transformed into joy if they truly love him (v. 28).

II. Jesus’ love for His Disciples

A. The assurance of his resurrection

• Verses 18–20

• He will not leave them as orphans but will come to them.

• They will see him again because he lives, and so will they.

• Their union with him and the Father will be made clear.

B. The assurance of his Spirit

• Verses 16–17, 25–26

• The Father will send another Helper, the Spirit of truth, to dwell in them.

• The Spirit will teach them all things and remind them of Jesus’ words.

C. The assurance of his peace

• Verses 27–29

• Jesus leaves them his peace—not as the world gives.

• This peace should quiet their troubled hearts.

• His return to the Father is part of God’s plan and a cause for joy.

III. Conclusion (Transition to Gethsemane)

• Verses 30–31

• The ruler of this world is coming, but he has no claim on Jesus.

• Jesus goes willingly out of love for the Father, modeling the love/obedience relationship he calls his disciples into.

Bottom Line: Even though Jesus is leaving, the relationship between Jesus and His Disciples will continue to be defined by love.

One of the most popular Christian anthems is also the simplest. It says,

"Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so" (Anna B. Warner, "Jesus Loves Me").

At the height of persecution in Communist China, a Christian sent a message to a friend. The message escaped the attention of the censors, because it said simply:

"The this I know people are well"—but that phrase, the "this I know people" clearly identified the Christian community in China. (Donovan, "Jesus Loves Me"; emphasis original)

"This I know people."

Our confidence is in the love of Jesus. We know he loves us because we've experienced his love. His love defines us individually and as a community. -Matt Carter

So what assurances do we have in Jesus's absence?

We're sure of his resurrection that will be together with him again. We're assured of his Holy Spirit, the advocate. And we're assured of his peace that surpasses all understanding and will guide our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:7)

This assurance reminds us of why we love Jesus and that he loves us. May we be found faithful to rest in this love.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

“I’m sure that everyone reading this book has been touched by the death of a loved one. I have; by the mercy of God, both of my parents died at home in bed. My mother slipped away at night when I was asleep, but I was next to the bed, more than fifty years ago, when my father breathed his last. I watched death in front of my eyes, and in that moment I lost the person who meant more to me than any person on the face of the earth. When it happened, something stabbed my soul, causing me to say: “This is insane. This can’t be real. He must merely be sleeping. O God, will he live again?”

R.C. Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Assurances, Signs & Glory, John 14, Grace Christian Fellowship, non-denominational church, bible-believing church
How Can I Know the Way of Jesus? | John 14:1-14 | Darien Gabriel
How Can I Know the Way of Jesus? | John 14:1-14 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How can I know the way of Jesus?

Scripture: John 14:1-14 NIV

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“I’m sure that everyone reading this book has been touched by the death of a loved one. I have; by the mercy of God, both of my parents died at home in bed. My mother slipped away at night when I was asleep, but I was next to the bed, more than fifty years ago, when my father breathed his last. I watched death in front of my eyes, and in that moment I lost the person who meant more to me than any person on the face of the earth. When it happened, something stabbed my soul, causing me to say: “This is insane. This can’t be real. He must merely be sleeping. O God, will he live again?” -R.C. Sproul

Moments like this leave us asking: Are we really prepared for what’s ahead?

His disciples faced a similar challenge 2,000 years ago, beginning with a turning point of cosmic proportions with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

I submit that we should proceed as Jesus led his disciples to on the night of his arrest and the eve of his crucifixion.

Bottom line:

CONTEXT

Jesus's disciples are deeply troubled because they have just heard 3 things:

  1. One of them will betray Jesus,

  2. Jesus is about to leave them and go where they cannot go, and

  3. Peter will deny Jesus 3 times that night.

On top of all of this, Jesus is still wanted for arrest and likely crucifixion for treason and blasphemy. If they are looking for him, they are likely looking for them as well. They're terrified.

OUTLINE (w/ help from ChatGPT)

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

1. Jesus Calms Troubled Hearts (vv. 1–3)

• Context: Jesus has announced His departure (13:33) and Peter’s denial (13:38). The disciples are shaken.

• Truth: “Let not your hearts be troubled.” The antidote to fear is faith.

• Explanation:

• Believe in God; believe also in Me → Jesus calls for the same trust we give to God.

• In My Father’s house are many rooms → heaven is real, personal, and prepared.

• I will come again → the return of Christ guarantees our eternal presence with Him.

• Application:

• When anxiety rises, put your weight down on His promises.

• We don’t just long for a place (heaven) but a Person (Jesus).

Illustration: A child afraid of the dark sleeps peacefully when she lies next to her parents bed because they are with her.

2. Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (vv. 4–7)

• Thomas: “We don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” (v. 5)

• Jesus’ Answer: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (v. 6)

• Explanation:

• The Way → He doesn’t show the way; He is the way. The cross and resurrection open the road.

• The Truth → Not one truth among many; the full reality of God revealed in Him.

• The Life → Eternal life is only in Him (cf. John 11:25; 1 John 5:11–12).

• Application:

• In a culture that says “all paths lead to God,” Jesus insists: only one does.

• Jesus is not just useful; He is essential.

Illustration: GPS apps give different routes to the destination. Some take longer while others are easier. We won't all follow exactly the same way. But we do follow him his way rooted in his truth to true and lasting life.

3. Jesus Reveals the Father (vv. 8–11)

• Philip: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (v. 8)

• Jesus’ Reply: “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” (v. 9)

• Truth: Jesus is the full disclosure of God (cf. Col. 1:15; Heb. 1:3).

• Application:

• You don’t have to wonder what God is like—look at Jesus.

• If we’re confused about God’s character, we must return to Jesus’ words and works.

Illustration: Like a high-resolution picture bringing clarity where once it was blurry, Jesus brings the Father into perfect focus.

4. Jesus Empowers His Followers (vv. 12–14)

• Promise: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.” (v. 12)

• Explanation:

• Not greater in quality but in extent—global reach through the Spirit.

• Through prayer “in My name,” Jesus continues His work through us.

• Application:

• We are not powerless—we are prayerful participants in Jesus’ mission.

• Ask boldly in His name, aligning with His will.

Illustration: A relay race—the baton of Jesus’ mission is passed on, but with Spirit-powered expansion beyond what the disciples could imagine.

Conclusion: Bringing It All Together

• When your heart is troubled → Trust His promise (vv. 1–3).

• When you wonder about the way → Follow Him as the only way (vv. 4–7).

• When you want to know what God is like → Look to Jesus (vv. 8–11).

• When you feel powerless → Pray in His name and live on His mission (vv. 12–14).

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

CONCLUSION

Bottom Line: Because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, we can trust His promises in the midst of our fears, follow His words, ways, and wisdom with confidence, see the Father clearly, and rely on Him to provide all we need for the mission.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

“I’m sure that everyone reading this book has been touched by the death of a loved one. I have; by the mercy of God, both of my parents died at home in bed. My mother slipped away at night when I was asleep, but I was next to the bed, more than fifty years ago, when my father breathed his last. I watched death in front of my eyes, and in that moment I lost the person who meant more to me than any person on the face of the earth. When it happened, something stabbed my soul, causing me to say: “This is insane. This can’t be real. He must merely be sleeping. O God, will he live again?”

R.C. Sproul

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible believing church, Jesus, John, Signs and Glory, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship
How Does Jesus Prepare Us for What's Next? | John 13:18-38 | Darien Gabriel
How Does Jesus Prepare Us for What's Next? | John 13:18-38 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How does Jesus prepare us for what's next?

Subtitle: Learning how to shine together in these dark days.

Scripture: John 13:18-38 NIV

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

Bottom line 2: Jesus prepares us to shine in the dark together by showing us his love, calling us to love one another, and showing us how to love each other even when we fail.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  7. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  8. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

On September 10th, 2025, thousands of people gathered at Utah Valley University to hear Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA and Turning Point Faith. Just 31 years old, outspoken, and unafraid to share his Christian faith — Charlie was shot and killed in front of a live audience. The news has shocked our country. Whatever you think about his politics, the suddenness of it all reminds us how fragile life really is, and how quickly everything can change.

Moments like this leave us asking: Are we really prepared for what’s ahead?

No doubt his death has shaken not only his followers but many of us who are for civil dialogue in the pursuit of truth and better ideas for our future as a nation. How should they at Turning Point proceed? How should we as Americans proceed? Most importantly, how should we as followers of Jesus Christ proceed?

His disciples faced a similar challenge 2,000 years ago, beginning with a turning point of cosmic proportions with the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.

I submit that we should proceed as Jesus led his disciples to on the night of his arrest and the eve of his crucifixion.

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

CONTEXT

We've reached a turning point in the book of John not only from public ministry (mix of believers and unbelievers) to private (his followers) but even more so as Judas removes himself from The Twelve leaving the group made up solely of those who have been cleansed by belief in Jesus. We see this happen in verse 31.

As a result, and building on his call for them to serve one another, Jesus calls them to love one another as he has loved them. This is the most appropriate response to his cross-centered, obedient love for his Father and for us.

These are dark days, no doubt. And it's weeks like this when we feel like they're darker than ever.

The question is: Are you prepared and preparing yourself and your household (oikos), your family, your friends, your people--those you do life with?

Jesus gives us another example of his love and then sends us out as his ambassadors to shine brightly together in this dark world.

How? Well, let's read this and find out.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Kent Hughes and ChatGPT)

I. Love's Demonstration (18-30)

Jesus loved Judas and gave him every opportunity to embrace him then and there.

A. The Betrayal Foretold (18-30). Jesus reveals his knowledge of a betrayal by one of his 12 to the group. He loves his betrayer to the end giving him every opportunity to repent and believe.

He also expresses his pain in light of Psalm 41.

B. Psalm 41:9--Connection to John 13:

        • Jesus applies Psalm 41:9 to Judas. Just as David experienced betrayal from a trusted friend, so does the Son of David.

        • John presents it not as coincidence but as fulfillment of Scripture (13:18). Judas’ betrayal shows Jesus is the greater David, suffering the righteous one’s fate.

        • Key difference: David prayed for deliverance from his enemies; Jesus embraces betrayal as part of the Father’s plan to glorify Him through the cross.

II. Love's Demand (31-35)

Judas walks in darkness. Jesus willingly let him knowing it will lead to the cross. This willing obedience that will require infinite suffering will bring the Father glory and Jesus glory. It will also bring infinite good to those who trust and follow Jesus.

The demand of love is that we love each other as Jesus loved his disciples and loved us.

Last week we saw Jesus' love for his disciples exemplified in the washing of their feet. He called them to do this to/for one another. He continues this theme of light and love here.

A. The Glory Revealed (31-32)

B. The New Commandment Given (33-35) This "new commandment" is an expansion of his old command from Leviticus which said, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

      1. Love demands a new object: "one another" and not just your neighbor.

        1. Believers

        2. A very diverse group of people

          1. Masters and slaves

          2. Jews and Gentiles

          3. Men and women

          4. Rich and poor

          5. Gay and straight

          6. Strong and weak

          7. And yet the became a community of people held together by their love for God and each other. And this is how people knew they followed Jesus.

      2. Love demands a new means: "as I have loved you" not just as you love yourself.

      3. While it is admittedly difficult to love your neighbor as you love yourself, it's much more difficult to love others as Jesus loves us. (And maybe even harder to love each other this way)

C. The Denial Predicted (36-38)

    • Even our best intentions fail, but Jesus restores us by grace. Our weakness doesn’t cancel His mission.

III. Love's Denial (36-38) - Even our best intentions fail, but Jesus restores us by grace. Our weakness doesn’t cancel His mission.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Even (Especially) in dark times, Jesus prepares us to shine together.

King David was betrayed not only by his friend and chief advisor. I mean, you better trust your chief advisor. But he was betrayed by his son. You don't know pain until you've been betrayed by a close family member. (2 Samuel 15-17)

“David felt the sting of Ahithophel’s betrayal, but his greatest grief was for Absalom, his rebellious son. In the same way, Jesus felt the sting of Judas’ kiss, but even more, He bore the grief of a whole world of lost children — and He went to the cross so that rebels could be restored as sons and daughters of God.”

  • When darkness comes, we can hold on to his light and love as seen in:

    • His sovereignty (He knows).

    • His glory (He redeems suffering).

    • His command (love one another).

    • His grace (He restores the weak).

Think of a time when you were betrayed. Picture them. Now, think about God's light and love:

  • He knows about that and knew about that before you. He's sovereignly aware.

  • He redeems suffering. He can work grace into your life in and through the suffering you experienced.

  • He commands that you love them instead of hate; to forgive them and find healing for yourself.

  • His grace restores the weak and brokenhearted. His grace is enough for you.

    • Even in the darkest nights, Jesus prepares us not just to survive, but to shine — and to shine together.

“Friends, this is how Jesus prepares us for what’s next:

  • He knows — nothing surprises Him.

  • He redeems — suffering is never wasted.

  • He commands — love one another deeply.

  • He restores — even our failures can’t stop His grace.

So what’s next for you? Start with loving one another, serving one another, shining together in His light. That’s how we walk through dark days — not alone, but with Jesus, and with each other.”

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Kent Hughes Outline

I. Love's Demonstration (18-30)

II. Love's Demand (31-35)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, John 13, Signs and Glory, John, non denominational church, bible believing church
To Believe or Not Believe... That is the Question | John 12:44-50 | Chris Karpus
To Believe or Not Believe... That is the Question | John 12:44-50 | Chris Karpus

To Believe or Not Believe…That is the Question

John 12:44-50

These verses are a summary of Jesus’ teaching – aimed at those who are still undecided…or unbelieving.

These verses, in some ways, are Jesus’ last verbal response to unbelief – He has already said all of these

things in part or in full elsewhere in the Gospel of John

- Jesus gives us a very clear presentation of the gospel

- Possibly Jesus’ final public address

Last week, Darien discussed why so few people believed in Jesus by going back even further to Isaiah

…God made it such that they could not believe because they would not believe

44  Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent

me.  45  The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.  46  I have come into the world as a light, so

that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

47  “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to

judge the world, but to save the world.  48  There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not

accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.  49  For I did not speak

on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.  50  I know that his

command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

- These verses contain a summary of Jesus’ message in which He emphasizes the close

relationship between Himself and His Father and between Himself and His words. He’s making

the point that choosing not to believe in Him means rejecting God Himself.

- Belief in Jesus is equal to embracing God

- To choose unbelief is choosing to willingly reject God

(v.44) to believe in Jesus is to believe in God

(v.45) to see Jesus is to see God

(v49) to listen to Jesus is to listen to God

There is an urgency in the last appeal of Jesus

- We are confronted with having to make an eternal decision about who we believe Jesus is, but we

don’t have eternity to make that decision.

- The implications of turning away from the light of God are so terrible in the extreme that Jesus is

making sure that people are clearly aware of them.

- Sin unrepentant of is sin condemned, and will be when the King returns “a dreadful thing to fall into

the hands of the living God’

Hebrews 10:26-31

26  If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for

sins is left,  27  but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies

of God.  28  Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three

witnesses.  29  How much more severely do you think someone deserves to be punished who has trampled

the Son of God underfoot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified

them, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?  30  For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will

repay,” [d]  and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” [e]   31  It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the

living God.

- There are consequences of the decision you make about Jesus – eternal consequences

- 44  Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who

sent me.  45  The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 

o Believe in Jesus – if we submit our lives in allegiance and obedience to Jesus – receive

eternal life – received by grace through faith

 Brought out of darkness and receive eternal life

 Because Jesus is God and one with the Father

John 1:1-3

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  He was with

God in the beginning.  3  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been

made.

 There is still condemnation for sins, but that is what Jesus took on at the cross

v46: 46  I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.

- Not the first time Jesus refers to Himself as light

John 8:12

12  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will

never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

o Reject Jesus – If you reject Jesus, you are rejecting God – remain in darkness and be

condemned in the judgement on the last day…spiritual darkness…this is your verdict

- What does it mean to stay in darkness?

o Have you seen what’s going on in the world? (praying children murdered by an enabled

mentally ill man)

o Jesus is referring to spiritual darkness which results in wickedness, misery and suffering

o There is no wickedness or injustice in God – those come from man’s darkness – people who

do not know God

Example – walking around your house in the dark, when the light is available

- People might want the darkness because they think it hides their actions

- The problem with that is that everything will be brought into the light

Luke 8:17

17  For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or

brought out into the open.

- The light’s coming on whether you accept it now or not…so why not accept it now…why not accept

HIM now and live the life He has for you IN THE LIGHT?

To remain in darkness, means that the wrath of God remains on you – why would you choose that?

- To keep those idols we talked about a few weeks ago?

- To maintain a lifestyle you know is wrong?

Judgement has already been rendered on sin…sin has been condemned – we were already condemned.

Jesus has given us a choice to receive the pardon for our sin, which Jesus was condemned for… or do we

reject Jesus and His pardon and accept the judgement for our sin.

- Why would we accept the judgement for our sin if Jesus has already received that punishment for

us?

o Why would anyone choose to remain in darkness when the light is available?

Romans 6:23

23  For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in [a]  Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so that OUR verdict is not death

47  “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to

judge the world, but to save the world. 

Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world because it was already condemned. He came to save us…to

deliver us from death that we had already earned in our sinfulness.

Romans 5:8

8  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Out of God’s great love for us, Jesus came to save us from the wrath of God – the wrath for those

walking in darkness…choosing to walk in darkness

48  There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have

spoken will condemn them at the last day. 

The words of Jesus will serve as additional evidence for condemnation.

- Those who have heard about Jesus (all of us here) knowing what we have heard and seen, if we

choose to reject Him…and thereby reject God, it will convict us.

What about people who have never heard of Jesus and don’t have access to the Bible? They never heard

Jesus’ words…right? Why would God condemn someone for not believing in Jesus when they have never

heard of Him?

- They go to hell because they are sinners. Paul says in Romans 1 that God holds them accountable

for the general revelation of truth through creation and their conscience.

Romans 1:18-20

- 18  The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of

people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,  19  since what may be known about God is plain

to them, because God has made it plain to them.  20  For since the creation of the world God’s

invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood

from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

What Paul may be saying is that Ultimately, people are judged for their sin, not for their ignorance of

Jesus. (ignorance meaning – lack of knowledge of…)

Paul is telling us that God reveals Himself in ways that ALL humanity can and will experience.

The law of God is written on our hearts…even those tribes and communities that have never heard of

Jesus…try stealing something or killing someone…there will be punishment

The fact is…There is only one way to the Father

John 14:6

6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.

You cannot say “I believe in the Father”, but don’t believe in Jesus. If you say I believe in God, but not

Jesus, then you don’t really believe in God.

- It’s easy to equate unbelief with indecision

- In this case, our unbelief is not a lack of information – In this passage, the Jews had seen and heard

enough to make a well-informed decision…so have we.

If you fail to turn to Jesus in faith, you will not be accepted by God. – In other words, If you choose not

to believe in Jesus, then God will judge you for your unbelief on the last day. (v.48)

- UNBELIEF is the conscious rejection of God and His word

Jesus draws a close relationship between Himself and His words.

What you do with Jesus’ words now, determine what those words will do to you later.

Jesus did not come into the world to judge it, but when He comes again He will judge

Matthew 25:31-46

31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious

throne.  32  All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another

as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  33  He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on

his left.

34  “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your

inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.  35  For I was hungry and you

gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you

invited me in,  36  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison

and you came to visit me.’

37  “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and

give you something to drink?  38  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes

and clothe you?  39  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40  “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and

sisters of mine, you did for me.’

41  “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal

fire prepared for the devil and his angels.  42  For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was

thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,  43  I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed

clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

44  “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes

or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

45  “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do

for me.’

46  “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

A couple more questions…

Why Don’t People Believe in Jesus?

We’ve already talked about the answer to this – in some ways…

- People want to hold on to their idols

- People want to operate in the dark to conceal their actions

- Regarding the Jews who saw Jesus - In spite of overwhelming evidence that substantiated the

claims of Christ, why did most Israelites not believe?

- Unbelief is not due to intellectual deficiency or lack of knowledge. It is a response of a heart in

rebellion against God.

- You cannot coerce or manipulate someone into true belief from unbelief

- At times, the modern American church response to that is coercion…What!?

o We’re not going to overwhelm your senses and emotions and pretend that’s experiencing

God.

 It can happen, but manipulating people into thinking they believe when they

actually don’t is not what the Bible teaches us – it’s the worst thing we can do to

them

 Repent – Believe and Follow Jesus – commit everything you are to Him and walk in

the light…accept the redemption that He offers and change –

o Thank God He can and does use our feeble and misguided attempts

sometimes – He uses us in spite of ourselves – but he doesn’t want

us to use crutches or gimmicks – just the Word of God manifesting

itself through our lives…our words and actions

- That’s also part of why Christianity is not a religion that spreads by the sword – that’s not who Jesus

is. He pushed back on that while He was walking the earth, and pushes back against it now…

- Why Do People who DO believe in Jesus not act like it or share it?

- You’ve choses to walk in light…you’ve made that decision…

It should not be a surprise to the people around you that you follow Jesus

What you say and do reflects on who or what you follow.

Later in John, Jesus said to His Disciples “…As the Father has sent me, I also send you” (John 20:21)

The Lord himself was sent by the Father to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and He passed the baton

to His disciples…and to us

- We live in a culture that embraces pluralism and relativism and we are told every day that

proselytizing people or trying to be disciples who make disciples is taboo.

Penn Jillette – well know magician and atheist

“I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and

people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life or whatever…and you think that it’s not really

worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward…and atheists who think that people

shouldn’t proselytize…just leave me alone – keep your religion to yourself…How much do you have to

hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting

life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed beyond a shadow of a doubt that a truck was

coming at you and you didn’t believe it…that a truck was bearing down on you – there’s a certain point

where I tackle you, and this is more important than that.”

“He cared enough about me to proselytize and give me a Bible”

If you’re walking in the light, act like it…live like it…talk the talk and walk the talk too

Love God – Love people enough to share the gospel…the good news

Matthew 5:14-16

14  “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  15  Neither do people light a

lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the

house.  16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and

glorify your Father in heaven.

There’s a decision to be made about Jesus… today is the day of salvation…now is the appointed time…

Jesus is reminding us in His final public address that an eternally consequential decision must be made…

2 Corinthians 6

 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.  2  For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,

    and in the day of salvation I helped you.” [a]

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus and chosen to believe in Him and accept His sacrifice for our sin, or

publicly declared Him as Lord of your life – would you do that today?

If you have chosen to make Jesus the focus of your life…I implore you to show that to the world.

Read More
Guest UserGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Chris Karpus, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, belief, unbelief, Johbn, John, Signs and Glory
What Jesus Says About Belief & Unbelief | John 12:37-50 | Darien Gabriel
What Jesus Says About Belief & Unbelief | John 12:37-50 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: What Jesus says about belief & unbelief

Scripture: John 12:37-50

Isaiah 6:1-11; 10:16-21; 52:13-15; 53:1

Mark 4:9-12

John 1:9-12; 3:16-18

Acts 2:23; 28:26

Romans 11:7-25

Bottom line: Jesus tells us that belief requires God to sovereignly act and people to respond by grace through faith.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Imagine a chess grandmaster playing against an amateur.

  • The amateur makes his own moves—freely, willingly, even thinking he’s clever.

  • Yet every move he makes only brings about the outcome the grandmaster already foresaw and planned.

  • The grandmaster isn’t forcing the amateur’s hand; the amateur plays by his own desires. But every move still accomplishes the grandmaster’s strategy.

In the same way:

  • The people in John 12 made real choices—they saw the signs and would not believe (responsibility).

  • Yet their choices fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, because God had already declared the outcome—they could not believe apart from His sovereign purpose (sovereignty).

  • Like the master chess player, God is never surprised. Even unbelief fits into His strategy to reveal His glory in Christ.

Bottom line: Jesus tells us that belief requires God to sovereignly act and people to respond by grace through faith.

OUTLINE (w/ help from Outline Bible)

Jesus & the Passover Crowd (12:30-50)

    • The first session (12:30-36) LAST WEEK

      • Jesus tells them both the world and Satan will soon be judged (12:30-31)

      • He will save men by way of the cross (12:32-34)

      • They need to accept him before it is too late (12:35-36)

    • The second session (12:37-50) THIS WEEK

      • The prophecy (12:37-41): Jesus tells the Jewish crowd their unbelief was predicted centuries before by Isaiah (Isaiah 53:1; 6:10)

      • The praise seekers (12:42-43): Some Jewish leaders believe Jesus is the Messiah but will not confess him, for they love men's praise more than God's praise.

      • The promise (12:44-50): To accept Christ is to accept the Father, which leads to life everlasting.

        • NOTE: FF Bruce says that John is summarizing the main themes of Jesus' public ministry in 44-50 and

        • Reflects the lack of positive response he had from the Jews.

        • Jesus explains why this happened--it was prophesied to.

        • He withdraws now to prepare for his inner circle--those who do believe.

        • John prepares the reader for this lack of positive response in John 1:11.

        • It's not Jesus' purpose to judge but judgment is coming. "It's not the purpose of the sun's shining to cast shadows, but when the sun shines, shadows are inevitable."

CONCLUSION

How to break a hard heart according to Ray Comfort: Use the 10 Commandments.

Chat GPT says, "Ray Comfort’s style is very direct, urgent, and law-to-gospel focused. He often uses the Ten Commandments to expose sin, then pivots quickly to the cross of Christ. Here’s a summary of how he might say it:

Many people think they’re good enough for God. But let’s test that by the Ten Commandments. Have you ever told a lie? That makes you a liar. Have you ever stolen anything, no matter how small? That makes you a thief. Have you ever used God’s name in vain? That’s blasphemy. Jesus said if you look with lust, you’ve committed adultery in your heart. By your own admission, you’re a lying, thieving, blasphemous adulterer at heart—and that’s just four of the commandments.

When you stand before a holy God, will you be innocent or guilty? Guilty. And if God is just, He must punish sin. The punishment is eternal separation from Him in Hell.

But here’s the good news: God loved you so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take your punishment. He lived the perfect life you could not live, and then died the death you deserve. On the cross, He bore your guilt, and then He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

If you repent—turn from your sin—and put your trust in Jesus alone, God will forgive you, give you a new heart, and grant you eternal life. Not because you’re good, but because Jesus is good, and He paid it all. That’s the mercy He offers you today.”

Illustration:

In 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, there weren’t enough lifeboats. Hundreds were left in the freezing Atlantic waters. One survivor later testified that while clinging to debris, she heard a man swimming from person to person, shouting, “Are you saved? Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved!” That man was John Harper, a Scottish pastor. He gave away his life jacket to another passenger, and with his last breaths he pleaded with people to turn to Christ before they slipped under the waves.

Connection to Sermon:

Like those passengers, every one of us is sinking without Christ. The signs have been given, the call is clear—Jesus is the light of the world, sent not to condemn but to save. His words are life, but they will also be our judge. Don’t harden your heart. Step into His light today while there is still time.

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Passage Flow

  1. Persistent Unbelief (vv. 37–41)

    • Despite so many miraculous signs, people still don’t believe.

    • John interprets this through Isaiah 53:1 and Isaiah 6:10—hard hearts, blinded eyes.

    • Even some leaders believe but won’t confess, because they love human praise more than God’s glory.

  1. Jesus’ Final Appeal (vv. 44–50)

    • Jesus cries out publicly one last time.

    • To believe in Him is to believe in the Father who sent Him.

    • He came as light, not to judge, but to save.

    • Yet His word will judge those who reject Him.

    • His words are the Father’s words—life-giving and eternal.

Major Themes

  • The Tragedy of Unbelief: Signs are not enough if hearts are hardened.

  • The Cost of Secret Faith: Loving human approval more than God’s glory leads to compromise.

  • Jesus’ Mission and Authority: He came as light to save, but rejection of His word brings judgment.

  • The Father’s Voice in Jesus’ Words: To receive Jesus is to receive the Father Himself.

"These words from Isa. 6:10 constitute one of the most primitive Christian 'testimonies' from the OT, adduced at an early date to account for the problem of Jewish unresponsiveness to the gospel.

In Mark 4:12 and the two Synoptic parallels the passage is associated with our Lord's choice of the parabolic method in teaching; in Acts 28:26 f. it is quoted by Paul to the leaders of the Jewish colony in Rome, while its thought (and possibly its language) underlies Paul's exposition in Rome. II:7-2s of the partial and temporary 'hardening' which has befallen Israel. (Paul there uses the same word for 'hardening' or 'making obtuse' - G. poroo - as John uses here to render Heb. hashmen, strictly 'make fat', which is rendered more literally in the xx.

When Isaiah was commissioned to undertake his prophetic min-istry, he was warned in advance that the people to whom he was sent would pay no attention to him - that indeed all his words would be counter-productive and make them close their ears the more decisively. This would be the effect of his ministry, but it was not its purpose (its purpose was that they might turn and be healed'); it is expressed, however, as though God were actually sending him in order that his hearers would not listen to him. This Hebraic fashion of expressing result as though it were purpose has influenced John's wording - both in the introductory formula in order that the saying of Isaiah might be fulfilled' in verse 38 and again in the words "This is the reason they were unable to believe' in verse 39. Not one of them was fated to be incapable of belief; it is made plain below (verse 42) that some did in fact believe. But the OT prediction had to be fulfilled, and fulfilled it was in those who, as a matter of fact, did not believe. From the NT writers' point of view, the unreceptive hearing which Isaiah was promised was not exhausted in the circumstances of his personal ministry: it was experienced by one prophet after another and found its..." -FF Bruce

"In that sense God himself, through the prophet, hardens the heart of people - a point later recognized by the prophet when he begs the Almighty to display himself in more merciful ways (Is. 63:15-19). The assumption that God may judicially harden men and women frequently surfaces in the New Testament (e.g. Rom. 9:18; 2 Thes. 2:11).

If a superficial reading finds this harsh, manipulative, even robotic, four things must constantly be borne in mind:

(1) God's sovereignty in these matters is never pitted against human responsibility (cf. notes on v. 38);

(2) God's judicial hardening is not presented as the capricious manipulation of an arbitrary potentate cursing morally neutral or even morally pure beings, but as a holy condemnation of a guilty people who are condemned to do and be what they themselves have chosen;

(3) God's sovereignty in these matters can also be a cause tor hope, for if he is not sovereign in these areas there is little point in petitioning him for help, while if he is sovereign the anguished pleas of the prophet (Is. 63:15-19) - and of believers throughout the history of the church - make sense;

(4) God's sovereign hardening of the people in Isaiah's day, his commissioning of Isaiah to apparently fruitless ministry, is a stage in God's 'strange work' (Is. 28:21-22) that brings God's ultimate redemptive purposes to pass. Paul argues rather similarly in Romans 9:22-33." -DA Carson

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipLadson, SC, non denominational church, bible believing church, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowship, Signs and Glory, John, belief, unbelief
Is Jesus Worth That Much to You? | John 12:1-11 | Darien Gabriel
Is Jesus Worth That Much to You? | John 12:1-11 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Is Jesus Worth That Much to You?"

Subtitle: "Extravagant worship springs from seeing Jesus’ infinite worth."

Scripture: John 12:1–11 (with parallels in Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9)

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.

It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith.

For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”

“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”

“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”

John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

OUTLINE (with help from ChatGPT)

Purpose: To challenge believers to examine what Jesus is worth to them—and to act accordingly.

I. The Setting for Costly Worship (vv. 1–2)

• Context:

• Six days before Passover — Jesus’ final week before the cross.

• Dinner in Bethany, hosted in His honor.

• Lazarus, alive because of Jesus, is at the table.

• Application:

• Worship thrives in a context of gratitude (Lazarus alive) and fellowship (friends gathered).

• Do you make space in your life for intentional, focused worship of Jesus?

II. The Act of Costly Worship (v. 3)

• Mary’s Action:

• Amount: About 12 oz. of pure nard (worth a year’s wages).

• Method: She pours it on Jesus’ head and feet (harmonizing with Matt. 26 & Mark 14).

• Posture: Wiping His feet with her hair — humility, vulnerability, cultural scandal.

• Impact: The fragrance fills the whole house.

            • “This was an act of great devotion and humility. We have already seen that John the Baptist declared he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap (John 1:27). A rabbi’s disciple was essentially a servant to his teacher, but he was never required to attend to his master’s feet, for that was considered the lowest task of all. When John said he was not worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal strap, he was saying he was lower than a disciple. Mary probably felt the same way, but she gladly cleansed Jesus’ feet” John - An Expositional Commentary, R.C. Sproul

• Application:

• Worship that costs nothing is worth nothing (2 Sam. 24:24).

• What’s your “jar of nard”—the thing of greatest value you would pour out for Him?

• True worship is public, humble, and leaves a lasting influence.

III. The Objection to Costly Worship (vv. 4–6)

• Judas’ Complaint:

• Claims the perfume should have been sold to help the poor.

• Real motive: greed and self-interest (he stole from the money bag).

• Principle:

• Hypocrisy often cloaks itself in noble language.

• There will always be critics when you worship extravagantly.

• Application:

• Don’t let the criticism of others rob you of devotion to Christ.

• Examine your own heart: am I defending a lesser priority over the worth of Jesus?

IV. The Commendation of Costly Worship (vv. 7–8)

• Jesus’ Defense:

• “Leave her alone… It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.”

• Mary’s act is prophetic—she is doing what others will miss after His death.

• “The poor you will always have…” — not dismissing the poor, but highlighting the uniqueness of this moment.

• Application:

• There are moments of obedience and devotion that cannot be delayed—do them now.

• Jesus treasures and defends the worship offered to Him.

V. The Aftermath of Costly Worship (vv. 9–11)

• Crowd Reaction:

• Many come to see both Jesus and Lazarus.

• Religious Leaders’ Reaction:

• They plot to kill Lazarus too, because his life is drawing people to Jesus.

• Application:

• Your devotion may attract some and provoke others.

• A transformed life is a powerful witness—but it may also invite opposition.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: True worship that is worthy of Jesus is costly, humble and lasting because it is the overflow of seeing the worth of Jesus.

Call to Action:

1. Examine His worth to you — Do your actions match your beliefs about Jesus’ value?

2. Bring your “jar of nard” — What is the most valuable offering you can give Jesus today?

3. Act while you can — Mary seized her moment; so should you.

Closing Illustration:

The missionary widow selling her only cow to fund a church roof, or a believer giving up a career for the sake of ministry—and connect it to Mary’s act.

If Jesus is worth everything, then nothing is wasted when it’s given to Him.

INVITATION

What about you? What is your "jar of nard"?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Passion Week Travel Timeline

Friday (before sunset)

  • Jesus travels from Ephraim (John 11:54) toward Bethany.

  • Arrives before Sabbath begins at sundown.

  • Likely stays with Lazarus’ family or nearby.

Saturday (Sabbath)

  • Daytime: Rest and worship (no long travel).

  • After sunset (end of Sabbath): A dinner is held in His honor (John 12:2).

    • Mary anoints Jesus (John 12:3, Matt. 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9).

Sunday (Palm Sunday)

  • The next morning, Jesus rides into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry (John 12:12–15).

“But we have learned to avoid that sort of thing; we say that it just isn’t practical to be too bold in the proclamation of the gospel today. In other words, we have embraced expediency.It has been said that the church in the United States of America has been placed on a reservation. We’re still allowed to exist; we’re still allowed to practice our faith; we’re still allowed to pray in our churches. But we are tacitly forbidden from moving off the reservation and into the public square to make public proclamations of faith. For instance, if a Christian is asked to pray at a public event and then prays in Jesus’ name, he is almost certain to be excoriated for having the audacity to pray publicly in the name of Christ. We’re simply not allowed to do that today.”

“But I have noticed that it isn’t just secularists who howl when a Christian wanders off the reservation and proclaims the gospel in the public square. Other Christians also make a fuss. Why? Because when some Christians draw the ire of secular society, everyone who enjoys peace on the reservation becomes frightened that they will become targets of the enemy. Many who claim the name of Christ would rather live peacefully on the reservation than disturb the world with the good news.That’s exactly what happened in Jerusalem”

“ Those to whom God had entrusted the ministry of the truth of His Word compromised again and again so as not to upset the Romans and possibly endanger their positions of prestige. Thus, when Jesus attracted a following, the Jewish leaders said to themselves: “If we leave this man alone, He will stir up so much trouble that the Romans will take action. They’ll come after us because they’ll see that Jesus is a Jew, and we’ll be held responsible for not controlling one of our own. Then our place and our whole nation will be lost. So what are we going to do?” In short, the Jews wanted to prevent Jesus from causing a stir among the people lest they lose their positions of power”

Excerpt From John - An Expositional Commentary

R.C. Sproul, This material may be protected by copyright.

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, bible believing church, Darien Gabriel, Grace Christian Fellowshio, Grace Christian Fellowship, John, Mary, perfume, Jesus, Signs and Glory
Why Pray for the Peace and Prosperity of the City? | Jeremiah 29:4-7 | Darien Gabriel
Why Pray for the Peace and Prosperity of the City? | Jeremiah 29:4-7 | Darien Gabriel

Series: "For the City" (Vision), Jeremiah 29:4-7 #FTC

Title: “Why pray for the peace and prosperity of the city?"

Subtitle: "Our plan for loving God and loving people in our city and beyond."

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:4-7; Mark 4:26-29; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

  1. Go: John 17:20; Luke 10:1-11

  2. Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses/traffic light)

  3. Grow: Matthew 22:37-39; 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ

  4. Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ

    1. 3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.

  5. Guide: (MAWL)

Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

I love coffee cups.

I don't drink coffee.

I know, I know, that's weird on multiple levels. Let me tell you how hopeless I am. I don't drink coffee (and hot chocolate on a little), but I love to shop for coffee cups.

Now, I do have a pet peeve about coffee cups. When we get our theology from coffee cups.

Coffee cup theology can be misleading. I mean, there's just no room for context on that shiny cup of ceramic goodness.

It's not like the coffee cup with Jeremiah 29:11 on it (“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV‬‬) has room to say that Israel was told this by God while living in exile in the capital city of their arch enemy the Babylonians because they were spiritually unfaithful to him. Not sure that would sell well either.

Transition:

“Have you ever found yourself somewhere you didn’t want to be, facing a situation you didn’t choose?

That’s where the Israelites found themselves—exiled in Babylon. And yet, God speaks into their situation, not with an escape plan, but with a call to pray for and to seek the peace and prosperity of the place in which they’re stuck.”

Understanding Exile

Definition (Jeremiah 29 context):

In this passage, exile refers to the forced relocation of the people of Judah from Jerusalem to Babylon after its conquest by King Nebuchadnezzar in 597–586 BC. It wasn’t just geographic—it was spiritual, cultural, and emotional dislocation.

They were living among people who didn’t share their faith, customs, or values—a godless empire with strange idols and foreign tongues. Yet God didn’t say, “Escape.” He said, “Engage.”

Key insight:

Exile is not just displacement; it’s God’s discipline with a redemptive purpose.

It reminds us that home isn’t always where we are, but where God is.

OUTLINE

WHY we should pray for the peace and prosperity of our city:

Because the Lord told us to. (29:4) Our faith is that simple.

A. Either we trust and obey the Lord, or

B. We don't. To not trust and obey is sin.

Because it's part of God's way of rescuing his people from the kingdom of darkness.

He tells Israel to settle down and live their lives in the midst of their (and his) enemies. But to do it with an eye to the crowds (the harvest) and the clouds (his return) for their transformation. This requires prayer. Abiding in Christ.

The crowds, in this case, happen to be his enemies--the Babylonians.

The clouds, in this case, refer to the end of their exile in 70 years.

WHAT does this look like?

  1. We "bloom where we're planted." We settle in to our circles of influence and accountability.

    1. Influence--those circles of people we interact with where we live, work, learn and play.

    2. Accountability--we will stand before God one day and answer for how we did or didn't do this; for how we led or didn't lead our family to do this.

    3. God planted you at your address for a reason. For this season, you're to be Jesus to those around you there.

  2. We multiply.

    1. We build our career and homestead as if we're going to be here a while. For Israel, it was in the midst of their enemy, Babylon. For us, it is in America and in the midst of enemies of God. (29:5)

    2. We build our family. (29:6)

      1. This includes our biological family. (Kids, grandkids)

      2. Can include extended family.

      3. Can include adopted family. (Formally and not)

      4. Certainly includes your spiritual/church family.

    3. We do this until our "70 years" are over. Then we go home; back to Jerusalem/Zion. Cf. Revelation 21:1-8

  3. We pray for the peace and prosperity of our city where we live, work, learn and play. (7)

    1. We do this as we go about our lives.

    2. Why?

      1. Because it benefits us and our family tangibly.

      2. Because it benefits us, and family and our world spiritually/eternally.

  4. We do not believe those who live for other gods. (29:8-9)

  5. We do this until he takes us home. This is his plan for us.

HOW we pray for the peace and prosperity of our city: "A Vision For the City: Jesus & Paul's Strategy Illustrated by 4 Fields of Kingdom Growth" (Optional)o

  1. Go together:

    1. John 17:20 - that we may be one as we pray and go into the city

    2. Luke 10:1-11 - How Jesus trained his disciples to go:

      1. Pray for workers for the harvest

      2. Be a worker in the harvest

      3. Be prepared to suffer in the harvest

      4. Go empty-handed so you'll depend on the Lord

      5. Look for people of peace; they unlock many more

      6. Bless them and then receive what they offer

      7. Heal the sick; proclaim the good news that the kingdom of God is near

      8. Leave when not welcomed; tell them why you're moving on

  2. Gospel: Acts 17:32-34 (4 responses)

    1. Share the gospel wherever you go

    2. Some will mock you--move on

    3. Some will want to know more (or pretend to want to know more) - give them more

    4. Some will trust Christ--give them more & train them up

    5. Some will already know Christ--offer to train them up

  3. Grow: Matthew 28:18-20 + 411 + Commands of Christ

    1. Learn the words, ways and works of Jesus Christ

    2. Lead others in the words...

  4. Gather: Acts 2:36-47 + Commands of Christ - Shows us how to live as the church

    1. 3/3rds groups; DBS; Hi/Lo; Follow & Fish; etc.

    2. A church does not have to look like what we see most visibly in America

      1. It doesn't require a seminary degree

      2. It doesn't require bricks and mortar

      3. To say you follow Jesus but don't actively engage as a member of a church is not the NT way

  5. Guide: (MAWL) We lead others to follow us as we follow Jesus by

    1. Modeling for them

    2. Assisting them

    3. Watching them

    4. Leaving them to do it and lead others to do it

CONCLUSION

Consider sharing the story of why Neal McGlohon started the Cypress Project here (see notes).

So the Lord Jesus calls his disciples to keep their eyes on the clouds and the crowds. Keep your eyes on the people you see where you live, work, learn and play each day. For he has you there on purpose for a purpose.

Also, keep your eyes on the clouds. For this is not all there is. This is not our home. Our home awaits us. Our exile in this world is temporary. We will go and stand before our Creator one day. And as his kids we'll be welcomed home with great zeal from our Lord and Savior.

However, if we do known him as Lord and Savior, we'll simply meet him as Lord. And that means we'll be forever separated from him. And that will be eternal misery.

But if you're here today, know that God has surrounded you with people who have their eyes on the crowds and the clouds. As we await his return to take us home, we are looking for opportunities to show and tell the good news about a great kingdom and exalted king. A king who forgives and blesses beyond anything we could ever deserve.

He calls you to himself right now. Will you believe and receive his mercy and grace today?

Bottom line: We pray for and seek the peace and prosperity for our city because it's God's missionary plan for loving God and loving people.

Will you believe apart of that plan?

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

🎯The Context of the Babylonian Exile (Jeremiah 29)

📜When and Why It Happened

  • The Babylonian Exile occurred in stages (605, 597, and 586 BC) as Babylon defeated Judah and deported its people.

  • The first wave included nobles, artisans, and young elites (like Daniel and his friends, cf. Daniel 1).

  • The final blow came in 586 BC with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.

🏘️Where and How They Lived in Babylon

🟢Freedoms:

The Jewish exiles were not slaves in chains or in prison camps. They lived under imperial control, but with considerable day-to-day freedom:

Area

Reality in Babylon

Housing

They could build and live in their own houses (Jer. 29:5).

Families

They were allowed to marry and have children (Jer. 29:6).

Work & Trade

Many became landowners, traders, and craftsmen. Archaeological records (like the Murashu Tablets) show Jewish names doing business.

Travel

Travel was limited but not impossible. They were not “locked down” but couldn’t return freely to Judah.

Religion

They couldn’t offer sacrifices (no temple), but they could gather, pray, teach Torah (e.g., synagogues emerged in exile).

Civic Engagement

God even told them to pray for Babylon’s peace—suggesting participation in civic life (Jer. 29:7).

It was forced relocation, not slave labor—more like deported citizens under imperial rule with monitored freedoms.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Did They Live Mixed or Separate?

  • Many Jewish exiles lived in Jewish communities, but not in ghettos or prison camps.

  • For example, they settled in areas like Tel Abib along the Chebar Canal (cf. Ezekiel 1:1–3).

  • They had elders and leaders (Jer. 29:1) and maintained internal governance to some degree.

  • Some assimilated; others remained faithful (like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego).

They were among the people, not of the people—able to engage but called to remain distinct.

💰Economy & Taxes

  • They worked in agriculture, commerce, banking, and crafts.

  • Some became quite wealthy—suggesting they paid taxes like any other imperial subject.

  • Babylon benefited economically from the skills of exiled peoples (including Jews).

✈️Could They Travel?

  • Return to Judah was forbidden without imperial permission (hence Jeremiah’s promise of 70 years in exile).

  • Local movement within Babylon was possible—people could travel for work, trade, or community gatherings.

  • Travel to other provinces of the empire was probably limited and required authorization.

📚Supporting Sources

  1. The Bible

    • Jeremiah 29, Ezekiel 1–3, Daniel 1–6, Psalm 137 (emotional view), 2 Kings 24–25

  2. Archaeology & History

    • The Murashu Archive: Babylonian business tablets with Jewish names, showing participation in economic life.

    • Al-Yahudu Tablets: Letters and contracts involving Jewish families in Babylon during and after exile.

  3. Jewish Tradition

    • This period birthed synagogue life, oral Torah emphasis, and eventually the Talmudic tradition—spiritual roots planted in exile.

🧠 Summary: Life in Exile Was…

  • Disorienting (loss of temple, land, national identity)

  • Restrained, but not enslaved

  • Culturally pressured, but with space to remain faithful

  • Economically active, not destitute

  • A test of faithful presence in a foreign world

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible-believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Darien Gabriel, for the city, Jeremiah 29
Discipleship Guidelines | 2 Timothy 2:1-13 | Robb Hibbard
Discipleship Guidelines | 2 Timothy 2:1-13 | Robb Hibbard

Discipleship Guidelines 2 Timothy 2:1-13

  • The Great Commission Mt. 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

  • How do we make disciples?

    • It’s not evangelism and discipleship, evangelism is part of Discipleship

    • Discipleship is helping someone move one step closer in their relationship with Christ.

  • 2 Timothy 2:1-13 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 

  • Making Disciples isn’t dependent on you, it's you being dependant and obedient to the Holy Spirit! (vs. 1-2)

  • Characteristics of a disciple-maker:

    • A disciple-maker is mission-minded = Soldier (vs. 3-4) 

      • Knows the objective and is willing to accomplish it with no excuses

      • Any soldier will tell you that suffering is involved, they train for it!

      • They do not get involved in civilian pursuits

    • A disciple-maker knows the guidelines = Athlete (v. 5)

      • A disciple-maker must spend time communicating with God

      • There is a difference between teaching someone to follow God and teaching someone to follow you!

    • A disciple-maker must be hard working = Farmer (v. 6)

      • Characteristics of a good farmer

      • A good farmer knows that his future is dependent on the harvest!

    • A disciple-maker knows what is at stake (vs. 7-10)

      • “Think over what I say”

      • “The word of God is not bound” = do not live in fear!

    • A disciple-maker demonstrate their faith in action: obedience (vs. 11-13)

      • James 2:14-19 “Faith without works is dead”

      • “Where faith is abundant, actions are plentiful”

  • Making disciples boils down to how seriously we take God at His word.

  • Are you obeying the directive to intentionally make disciples?

  • Quickest way to start: Take somebody with you!

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Guest UserGrace Christian Fellowshipdiscipleship, Robb Hibbard, guidelines, Grace Christian Fellowship, non denominational church, Ladson, SC, bible believing church
How Will You Respond to Jesus' Miracles? What Will You Do With What You've Seen? | John 11:45-57 | Chris Karpus
How Will You Respond to Jesus' Miracles? What Will You Do With What You've Seen? | John 11:45-57 | Chris Karpus

How will you Respond to Jesus’ Miracles? What will you do with what you’ve seen?

John 11:45-57

- Takes place Right after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead

Everything from this point forward in the Gospel of John focuses on the cross.

The raising of Lazarus from the dead assures us of Jesus’ power over death before He even goes to the

cross to die.

John 11:45-57 NIV

The Plot to Kill Jesus

45  Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in

him.  46  But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.  47  Then the chief

priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs.  48  If we let him go

on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple

and our nation.”

49  Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at

all!  50  You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole

nation perish.”

51  He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the

Jewish nation,  52  and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them

together and make them one.  53  So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54  Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a

region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55  When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for

their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover.  56  They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the

temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?”  57  But

the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should

report it so that they might arrest him.

- There were 2 reactions from those who witnessed Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead

o 45  Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus

did, believed in him. 

 Who else but God can raise a man who had been in the tomb for 4 days?

- 46  But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 

o It’s amazing that 2 groups of people can witness the same event and come away with

completely different reactions

 The way people see miracles depends on their moral condition

 Somehow, it isn’t a guarantee that someone will come to Christ just because they

witness a miracle

 If a person is filled with unbelief, it might not make a difference if they’ve seen a

miracle

Rather than worship Jesus in reverence for what they saw, they had to report it

Jesus becomes Israel’s most wanted for the crime of raising a man from the dead. He

restored Lazarus’ life, but many Jews want to take Jesus’ life. Pretty ironic, right?

47  Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

- The Sanhedrin was the highest judicial body in Israel

o They had the political and spiritual power, but served under Roman authority

o In their point of view this was devastating

o Any time the star witness is a resurrected corpse – you have a pretty good case for the

validity of Jesus as the Messiah.

47 Continued “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many

signs.  48  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will

come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

- Jesus’ enemies admit that He is doing miraculous works (many signs)

o They didn’t protest the authenticity of the healings

o Too many miracles to deny the reality of the works

- We see this later, when some of the disciples were performing miracles in Jesus name, and were

brought before the Sanhedrin…

- Acts 4:15-17

- 15  So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together.  16  “What are

we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have

performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.  17  But to stop this thing from spreading any further

among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

o “Don’t confuse me with the facts – I’ve made up my mind”

o How do we explain their failure to see the truth?

 It wasn’t lack of information

 Jesus actually gave the answer back in Chapter 9 when He told them they were

blinded by their sin.

 All of this religion and all of this biblical knowledge represented by the Sanhedrin,

yet they were unable to see the glory of God’s Son – because of sin.

 Some of the things we can take away from the Sanhedrin…

 You can be religious, but lost.

 You can memorize scripture but still be ignorant of its truth.

 You can say all the right things, but still have a heart that hasn’t been transformed

by the power of Jesus Christ.

o They also had questioned the source of the miracles: demonic in origin

- Matthew 9:34

34  But the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of demons that he drives out demons.”

- They were just trying to justify their position

o And so we see their unbelief play out in an interesting way that even applies to us today

too: unbelief will encourage you to protect your idols (vv. 45-48).

- 1. Unbelief encourages you to protect your idols

  48  If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and

take away both our temple and our nation.”

Their primary concern was maintaining control – Jesus threatened their position and influence –

their idols

o They are afraid that the Romans will come in and take away their nation

 Their concern wasn’t for the people, but for themselves

 They believe that if people worship Jesus as the Messiah, then the Jews will come

and crown Him King of the Jews

 They were afraid - They knew the Romans would come in and destroy the temple

and Jerusalem, and scatter the people - if everyone believed in Him

 The Jews, Caiaphas, and the Sanhedrin weren’t interested in doing the right or just

thing. Instead, their top priority was retaining their power and influence.

 Ironically – that which they were so afraid of happening – did happen…

 In AD 70 the Romans did that very thing

 It wasn’t because the people believed in Jesus – it was most likely because

they didn’t

 We see in them a clear and striking picture of the self-centeredness of empty

religion.

- Empty Religion – these days, practiced by people who come to church, give money, say and do the

right thing and are moral, but have no relationship with Jesus Christ – they haven’t given their lives

to Jesus

 Empty religion is always revealed by a person’s focus

 What is your focus?

 If someone is truly following Jesus, their focus will be first on Jesus, then on others

and finally on themselves. – Empty religion always focuses first on me.

 It’s based on MY effort

 It’s about maintaining MY good works

 It’s concerned primarily with MY blessing and MY safety – so others can

look on at “all the good choices I’ve made”

 Empty religion evaluates spiritual realities by how WE will be affected. – When our

decisions are not based on clear biblical standards of holiness, but how they will

affect our own comfort and convenience.

 The Pharisees and Sadducees fear of loss of influence, power and income pushed

them to disobey God’s will.

o People want to protect their lifestyle (their idol) from Jesus

o He always has and he always will be a threat to our idols. And when Jesus threatens idols

you can expect hostility.

o For someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus, the idol always wins –

 Unfortunately, this is true for us too, isn’t it?

 What are some of the idols you have been protecting from Jesus?

 Popularity – approval of others – your lifestyle – your habits

 We need to reserve the thrown in our lives for Jesus

 For the Pharisees, power and control were their idol, and blinded them to the

miracle that so many had witnessed.

 They were more concerned about their place and their power than whether

or not this was really the Messiah

 Are we more committed to our own power, position, your possessions, your pride

than Jesus?

 Do you see Jesus as someone you can use for your own plans, or someone who is

free to use you for His?

- At the same time Jesus is aware of the plot to kill Him, He longed to shelter and protect the

people of Jerusalem.

- But even though Jesus longed to gather His people under His wings, they just weren’t interested.

-

Matthew 23:37-39

37  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have

longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were

not willing.  38  Look, your house is left to you desolate.  39  For I tell you, you will not see me again until

you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’ [a] ”

Yes, He was speaking to Jerusalem – but how often has He said to each of us “How often I have wanted

to be your number one focus, but you were not willing”

49  Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at

all!  50  You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole

nation perish.” 51  He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus

would die for the Jewish nation,  52  and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God,

to bring them together and make them one. 

John credits the prophesy to the office of High Priest, and not to the man

- Interesting notes on Caiaphas:

o He was a Sadducee, which means he didn’t believe in the resurrection under any

circumstances

o As a Sadducee, he collaborated with the Romans

o He didn’t want anyone rocking the boat

o Having been high priest for 16 years, he was highly educated and intelligent, but also cynical

and ruthless.

What we read in verses 49-50 is a great example of the irony that John builds into his gospel. Because

clearly, Caiaphas is thinking only of political expediency, but the Lord intended for us to see something

else entirely.

It’s obviously ironic because what Caiaphas says in those verses is the gospel message in a nutshell!

Jesus’ death would save his people. “The nation” is a reference to the nation of Israel, but remember,

Paul tells us that the people of faith are true people of God.

- The death of Jesus Christ was going to accomplish what God intended. It was going to save those it

was intended to save, and it was going to gather them into one people.

-

o Though Caiphas said it – It’s a great note of unmistakable certainty.

- Caiaphas’ didn’t understand his own prophecy

- He was so obsessed with his own political power, he only sees everything through that lens. He fails

to understand that the Lord revealed something of spiritual significance through him – but he was

blind to it.

o One thing to learn from that is that being obsessed with political power can force you to

see everything only through that lens – and miss the point of what God is actually doing.

 It’s a lesson for all of us in this politically charged day.

- Because it wasn’t Caiaphas’ plan that was ultimately carried out - it was God’s plan for redemption!

- For evil reasons they sought to put Jesus to death, but unbeknownst to them they were

accomplishing God’s sovereign will all along. What they meant for evil, God intended for good.

- Caiphas’ words, though said to fulfill his own purpose, held greater meaning than he could have

planned.

 Peter makes this point during his sermon on the day of Pentacost.

- Acts 2:23

23  This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you,

with the help of wicked men, [a]  put him to death by nailing him to the cross.

- This doesn’t get Caiphas off the hook – he wasn’t an unwilling puppet. God just turned his wicked

words into truth.

o His speech must have been convincing, because in verse 53:

53  So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

It’s gone beyond impulsive attempts to stone Jesus, and become premeditated murder.

It is noteworthy that some religious people, who claim to know God and to love and serve God don’t

recognize their God when He shows up.

- Amazing what darkness produces in the heart of the unbeliever – the blindness

o It’s a good example of pragmatic thinking. Pragmatism is the fundamental belief that

everything is subservient to achieving results and success.

o If your only goal is to achieve results, it won’t be long before you find yourself

compromising your own moral integrity.

o Unfortunately, this way of thinking has even crept into the church. So many churches are

willing to do whatever it takes to grow. But if that’s your only guiding principle it won’t be

long before your pragmatism puts you at odds with Biblical standards.

 What you win them with is what you win them to…

- Jesus avoided them until the appropriate time:

54  Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a

region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

- He would not die because of the whims and wished of the religious establishment.

- His death was not the tragic death of a religious zealot. He would die at the time chosen by His

Father. His life would not be taken from Him. But He would willingly sacrifice it.

55  When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for

their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover.  56  They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the

temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” 

They were wondering if Jesus was even going to come to the Passover

57  But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was

should report it so that they might arrest him.

So - How will you Respond to Jesus’ Miracles?

Will you waiver?

- There is no neutrality, when it comes to Jesus – no middle ground when it comes to Jesus

o Middle ground is illogical – if you believe Jesus is who He says He is, then you believe what

He says and you obey Him. Jesus never claimed to occupy the middle ground either…in

fact…

John 14:6

6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

me.

o There are only two options when it comes to Jesus Christ: trust in Him for the salvation of

your soul, or reject him in unbelief.

o One path – the wide path leased to destruction, and eternity away from God

o The path to Jesus is narrow…eternal life with him

Will you fight against it?

- Will your idols of wealth, independence, politics, power, control, pride, popularity or approval blind

you to what Jesus wants to do in your life? Does the lifestyle you want to have…or maybe the one

you already have conflict with God’s will for your life?

o God’s will like a stream…or water coming in at the beach

- Part 2 of the title: What will you do with what you’ve seen?

o You can try to justify unbelief by saying “I didn’t see any miracles with my own eyes”

 Sure you have!

 Do you have a mirror? You’re made in His image.

Genesis 1:27

So God created mankind in his own image,

    in the image of God he created them;

    male and female he created them.

Life itself is a miracle.

 Ever been outside?

Romans 1:20

20  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine

nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are

without excuse.

Can you see me?

- 5 year celebration of surviving a cardiac arrest.

The same God that raised Lazarus from the dead, and was murdered by the religious leaders for every

sin we commit, and was raised from the dead himself 3 days later still performs miracles today. This all

points to Jesus…every story in this room points to Jesus…or at least should.

What will you do with what you’ve seen?

You can’t unsee it now…You can’t unhear what you’ve heard…so you have to make a choice

Read More
Guest UserGrace Christian FellowshipChris Karpus, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, Signs & Glory, bible believing church, Jesus' miracles
Do You Really Believe in the Resurrection? | John 11:1-44 | Mikey Brannon
Do You Really Believe in the Resurrection? | John 11:1-44 | Mikey Brannon

Dying for Glory

Grace Christian Fellowship

John 11:1-44

Introduction

If you have your Bible I would ask you to go ahead and turn with me to John

chapter 11 as we will be looking at verses 1-44.

Let us pray

This morning we are going to be talking a lot about a dead man. And in many

ways, I think we have a lot in common with Lazarous. Ephesians 2:1 tells us, that

“you were dead in trespasses and sin”.

So while we talk about this physical death and physical resurrection here in John

chapter 11, I also want us to be thinking of our own spiritual death. The Bible

teaches that before we come to faith we are Spiritually dead. We have no means to

come to life except that Jesus intervenes. Just how dead are we? We are very very

dead.

Francis Chan puts it this way. Imagine this morning that we wheel a casket to the

front of the church. And during the service it is our job as the worship team, as the

preacher, as the congregation to bring this dead body to life.

So we sing our hearts out. We say wonderful things. We read Scripture. The

preacher preaches the most compelling service that has ever been preached. And at

the end of the service we all gather around the body and look down and find what.

The person is still dead. This is our condition before we come to know the Lord.

There is only one way that this body can be resurrected. Jesus will teach in this

text today that he is the only resurrection. And Jesus calls out to this dead man,

and instantly he lives.

2

Location and Characters

[Jhn 11:1-3 ESV] 1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of

Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment

and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters

sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."

We are introduced to Lazarus. This is not the Lazarus from the Luke who Jesus

told about in a parable. This is a close friend. Lazarus is the brother of Mary and

Martha. This is a family that Jesus knew well.

We remember the story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus visited the house, it was

Mary who poured the expensive oil on Jesus feet and washed his feet with her

hair. It is Martha who was not happy about the situation, who confronted Jesus

about her sister’s unwillingness to make a fuss around the house. And remember

Jesus told Martha he was not going to tell Mary to do that because Mary had

chosen something greater.

The personalities that we learned about Mary and Martha play out even in Johns

account of this text. We will se it. Martha, the high strung one. The one who is

busy and quick to speak her mind. Mary, the one who is reserved and quite. This is

the family.

In Chapter 10 Jesus has fled Jerusalem since chapter 10 because the Pharisees had

just tried to stone him to death. While Mary, Martha, and Lazarus situations

unfolds just East of Jerusalem in a village called Bethany.

[3] So the sisters send word to Jesus who is probably at least a day’s travel away

that Lazarus is sick.

So What?

We all have faced, and likely are facing difficult trials in our lives. And wouldn’t

it be nice sometimes if God just came out and said, “well the reason that I’m

having you go thru this is because...”. Well this is exactly what he does in verse 4.

3

[4] Word reaches Jesus and the disciples and he tells them exactly what this ordeal

is all about. We can underline in verse 4 where it says “It is for the glory of God,

so that the Son of God may be gloried through it”. These are believers, who are

suffering, but God has a greater purpose for their suffering.

It goes directly to the thesis of the entire book of John, that Jesus is the Christ, the

son of God, and that believing in him, we can have eternal life.

[6] It is very interesting what happens in verse 6. Jesus doesn’t say, quick guys

pack your bags we are heading back to Jerusalem. What does he do? “He stayed

two days longer”. And over the course of these two days what would happen. The

suffering would intensify. In fact in would go from panic to despair and even to

hopelessness.

The old country preacher said it this way, “there is no hole so deep that God is not

deeper.” Jesus was preparing a deep hole.

Jesus Returns to Jerusalem

Lazarus must have died the day that the messenger was sent to Jesus. We have 1

day for the messenger to get to Jesus. Jesus delays for 2 days. And then it takes

him 1 day to return. That comes to 4 days.

[7] In verse 7 Jesus breaks the news to his disciples that they are going to return to

the place where they were nearly killed. Verse 8.

[8] The disciples said to him, "Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you,

and are you going there again?"

Jesus answers this concern with a simple proverb that is very interesting.

9 Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the

day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone

walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him."

God is in control. How easy it is for his disciples, even having witnessed Jesus

power on so many occasions, how easy it is to forget who is in control! Are you

walking in the light? Are you walking with God? Then there is not one thing to be

afraid of. How easy is it for us to do the same thing?

4

Jesus says men, we walk in the power and the promise of God, and no man, no

sickness, no stone, has the power to stop that!

Jesus Breaks It Down for the Disciples

[11]-[13] There is this interesting exchange where Jesus uses some figurative

language that Lazarus is asleep. Alluding to the fact that his death situation is

temporary like a nap. The disciples completely miss it. Listen, I struggle in high

school literature when we were studying poetry so I’m not going to make fun of

these guys. So just like my English teacher, Jesus spells it out plainly, [14] he is

dead.

Don’t miss [15] for your sake, I am glad that I was not there!

Why?

[15] So that you may believe.

I must break this down a little.

Notice the reasons that Jesus does not give.

• He doesn’t say so that he can spend time with Lazarus again

• He doesn’t say so that the Pharasees or non-believers will see this miracle

and believe

• He doesn’t say so that other people will see this miracle and become my

follower, although that may be true too

Jesus says the reason is, so you guys who already believe in me, will believe. How

many of us in this room believe, but today we need to really believe. Mark 9:24,

Lord I believe help my unbelief. If you think you believe now, just wait to see how

much your about to believe.

Mary, Martha, family friends, other disciples are about to believe on a whole knew

level. My prayer this morning is that we all have that same reaction to this

powerful story.

5

[16] Now Thomas, he gets a bad rap. But I want to talk about him in a positive

light here. "Let us also go, that we may die with him." They know it’s a death wish

to return to Jerusalem, but it is Thomas who says, he guys let’s go. At least we die

with him.

In some ways it is a picture of what we as the church are called today. We are

called to what “pick up our cross, and follow Jesus”. That is exactly what Thomas

proposes here.

We are called to follow, and we are promised suffering. Who is willing to go?

Thomas is.

I was reminded of a book I read a long time ago on one of the first missionaries,

Adoniram Judson who served his entire life in Burma. He met his wife, in the

states, and when he wanted to ask her father for his daughters hand in marriage he

wrote this.

“I have now to ask whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next

spring, to see her no more in this world ? Whether you can consent to her

departure to a heathen land, and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of

a missionary life? Whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the

ocean; to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India; to every kind of want

and distress; to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death?

Can you consent to all this, for the sake of Him who left His heavenly home and

died for her and for you; for the sake of perishing, immortal souls; for the sake of

Zion and the glory of God? Can you consent to all this, in hope of soon meeting

your daughter in the world of glory, with a crown of righteousness brightened by

the acclamations of praise which shall resound to her Saviour from heathens

saved, through her means, from eternal woe and despair?”

Who is willing to follow Jesus into that kind of storm? Thomas was.

6

Ann had 3 pregnancies while in Burma. The first ended in miscarriage, the second

died at 8 months, and the third only lived 6 moths. In fact Adoniram would even

lose his wife Ann to small pox. His trials continue even beyond that.

Why would anyone do that? Today there are 2.5 million evangelical Christians in

Burma who can trace roots back to Judson.

Jesus Returns to Bethany (Funeral Scene)

In verses 17-20 we again see that Lazarus is dead and has been dead for 4 days.

Lazarus is very dead. And remember what I said about the personalities of Mary

and Martha showing up in the story? One of the sisters, can’t even wait for Jesus

to arrive at the house before she unloads her disappointment on him. Which one

do you think it was? That’s right Martha.

[20] So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but

Mary remained seated in the house.

It was Martha who tends toward anxiousness (from the other story). She can’t

even wait for Jesus to arrive because it says she goes to meet him. And Mary, the

more calm and reserved sister waits at the house.

The Disappointment In Jesus

Let’s look at what Martha says:

[21-22] 21 Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not

have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give

you."

Have you ever been disappointed in God like this. I think what we see here is it is

okay to approach God and be REAL. We don’t have to put on a front. I remember

when I was a kid and I would hear people at my church start to pray (talk to God)

and all of the sudden they would start speaking in King James. I thought that is

how you had to pray.

And maybe sometimes we don’t do much better because we don’t pray our heart.

We don’t express ourselves, we don’t pour out our emotions to God the way that

Martha did here. It’s okay to be real with God. He already knows how we feel

anyway. Take a look at Psalm 13. Sometime you might feel like praying this Psalm

in a situation in your life. It’s okay to do that.

7

[Psa 13:1-6 ESV] 1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD?

Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How

long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How

long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my

God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, "I have

prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted

in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the

LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

We give credit to Martha she still has a glimmer of hope in vs 22. She says even

now I know you can do anything.

Martha’s Theology

Jesus says something interesting in vs [23] as he says “Your brother will rise

again”. And Martha says I know Lord, 24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will

rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Now remember, this is obviously

before the cross. Jesus has not been resurrected yet. The NT has not been written.

But Martha knows all about the resurrection because it is in the OT. But like Jesus

does, he is about to take her resurrection understanding to a new level. Don’t’ miss

this...

[25] “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet

shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

This is one of the seven I am statements. Why is Jesus the resurrection and the life?

Because he is the source of both. By him and thru him all things were made. And

the power for our resurrection comes through Jesus’ resurrection.

To be a disciple of Jesus, ou must believe these two things, Jesus is life, Jesus is

the resurrection. Martha believed it

27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God,

who is coming into the world."

8

Mary’s Reaction

So Jesus calls for Mary to come now.

We still see Mary’s personality play out in these passages. The reserved one. The

one who was probably equally disappointed in Jesus, but maybe less eager to share

her disappointment.

32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet,

saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

Mary is a true worshiper. It is Mary who washed Jesus feet with her hair. She falls

at the feet of the Lord. But she echoes exactly what Martha said. They probably

had conversations about this together. I’m sure the regret was so great in the family

that all of this was unnecessary and if only Jesus wouldn’t have left it wouldn’t

have happened.

Jesus Reacts

[33] When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also

weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said,

"Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus

wept.

Jesus is greatly troubled. [33]. The verb here is to groan with outrage. He is

troubled I think because they are acting like there is no hope. It’s kind of like a

funeral of non-believers who believe death is the final chapter. Not like believers

who have hope in a resurrection. It points to the motivation of why this miracle

needed to be done. Not so that Lazarus could live, or so they stop grieving that is

not the issue. The issue is that their faith needs to be strengthen so that they can see

beyond this life into the next.

After arriving at the tomb we get to verse 35. Jesus Wept.

9

There is something very unique about Jesus, 100% man, 100% God. In his

humanness he is able to relate to us. He is the man of sorrows. Because he knows

what it is to experience hurt, abandonment, disappointment.

2. Hebrews 2:17–18

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might

become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make

propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when

tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

I think Jesus has more than Lazarus in mind when be begins to burst out into tears.

Listen, death is not a natural thing. It was never supposed to be that way. If we go

back to the Garden of Eden in the beginning there was no death. But then sin

entered into the world and so did death.

I think Jesus has all of creation in his mind. Not just this death, but all the death.

And the pain that sin has brought into the world and he is overcome with emotion.

The Resurrection

[Jhn 11:38-44 ESV] 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was

a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the

sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he

has been dead four days."

The KJV says that the body would “stinketh”. I am not making that up, you can

look it up! The point here in the delay, in the four day waiting period was a matter

of degree.

Listen Jesus has already raised people from the dead. But in those other cases it

was soon after the death had occurred. In this case the body is severely

decomposing. It physically and visibly beyond repair.

Jesus is in the business of resurrections, and he is up for the hard cases. Some of

us if we are honest our lives kind of stinketh. And we even think somewhere down

deep that sure Jesus can help so folks, but not me. I’m just too far gone. Jesus takes

joy in the hard cases. And I have no doubt whatever your situation if you call on

10

Jesus he will answer. And he will regenerate you into something new. And you

will live forever with him.

41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I

thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said

this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent

me." 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lazarus,

come out." 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with

linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him,

and let him go."

Can you imagine this scene? Lazarus comes out of that grave looking like a

mummy. Completely healed, but I bet still in need of a shower. Now scripture

doesn’t say, but what do you think you would have seen if you looked around at

what everyone else was doing.

I’ll bet you there was a great great and new understanding. For those who didn’t

believe, perhaps they now believe. But mainly for those who already believe, I

think they believe unlike they have ever done before.

May this story have the same effect on us. It is good to reminded of the power of

the Lord that we serve. I think in our struggles, in our grief, we often turn to worry.

And the reason is not because we stop believing in Jesus, but because we need to

believe more. Let’s pray for God to increase our beliefe in this same way.

Read More
Guest UserGrace Christian FellowshipMikey Brannon, non denominational church, bible believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Signs and Glory, John 11, resurrection
What Do You Do With Rejection of Evidence? | John 10:22-42 | Ken Dorrity
What Do You Do With Rejection of Evidence? | John 10:22-42 | Ken Dorrity

What Do You Do with Rejection of Evidence?     

John 10:22-42             


John states the purpose in John 20:30-31.  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


A.   The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)

B.    The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)

C.   The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)


 I.         Jesus Uncovers the Reasons for Their Rejection   John 10:22-26

II.         Jesus Uncovers the Ramifications of Their Rejection John 10:27-31

 III.         Jesus Uncovers the Foolishness of Their Rejection John 10:32-42         


The debate is now on with the gathered Jews, centering around 2 titles:  1.    Messiah (24-30) & 2.  Son of God (31-39)     


Blessing & Privileges of followers

1.    Summoned people – hear the voice v27

2.    Gifted people – eternal life v28

3.    Secured people – v29

Read More
Ken DorrityGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, bible believing church, John, Signs & Glory, rejection
Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos? | John 10:1-21 | Darien Gabriel
Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos? | John 10:1-21 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Whose Voice Do You Trust in the Chaos?”

Subtitle: "

Scripture: John 10:1-21

Numbers 27:15-16

Ezekiel 34:1-16

Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Our world is chaotic.

Not only are there things happening beyond our control but seemingly beyond anyone's control.

Where were you on 9/11? Talk about a day when we felt out of control.

`   

Opening Story (recognizing a voice that brings calm in the noise)

During 9/11, amid the smoke and confusion inside one of the Twin Towers, a group of people huddled together trying to figure out where to go. Some were frozen. Some were frantic. But one man—blind from birth—knew exactly what to do. His guide dog, Roselle, led him down 78 floors through darkness, crowds, and debris.

Michael Hingson couldn’t see a thing, but he listened intently to Roselle’s steady movement. Later he said, “I had to trust the one who had always guided me before.” And that trust saved his life.

In a world filled with competing voices—some loud, some deceptive—we need to know who to trust. In John 10, Jesus says there’s a voice that can cut through all the noise. A voice that calls your name. A Shepherd who knows you and will lead you to life. But not all voices are safe. Not all gates lead to life. So how do we know which voice is worth following?

Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.

OUTLINE

Therefore, as his weak, vulnerable, needy, high-maintenance and wandering people, we listen to and follow the Good Shepherd by:

I. Resting in his personal love, despite what he knows about us. (1-6)

  • This knowledge is complete including our darkest secrets.

  • This knoweldge is familiar. He calls us sheep because like sheep we are

    • Defenseless

    • Dumb

    • Needy for help

    • Prone to wander

    • High maintenance

II. Resting in his practical provision and protection. (7-10)

  • He protects us in the day, when we stay near to him.

  • He protects us in the night by guarding the door/gate.

  • He abundantly provides for us as we stay near to him.

  • All this in contrast to the shepherds in his day.

III. Resting in his sacrificial love where he lays down his life for his people. (11-21)

  • We see this in the cross as the ultimate expression of his love. cf. Romans 5:8

  • We see this validated by the Father in the resurrection.

  • We see this in contrast to the way of the world's leaders.

  • We see this in contrast to how they treated the blind man healed.

  • We do this for the world to see and respond by following us as we listen to and follow the good shepherd.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Jesus, as the good shepherd, is the voice we should listen to and follow because he loves us personally, practically, and sacrificially.

“The Shepherd Who Stayed” (trust rooted in sacrificial love)

In war zones, shepherds often flee with the threat of danger. But there’s a story from Syria of a man who was both a literal shepherd and a village pastor. When ISIS forces were approaching, his friends begged him to flee. But he refused, saying, “If I leave, who will guide the people? If I run, what will they think of Christ?” He stayed—caring for the flock, sharing food, praying with them in secret. He was eventually killed. But his witness and courage led many to follow Christ. They said, “He was the one who showed us what God must be like.”

That’s what Jesus does in John 10—only greater.

He’s not a hired hand. He doesn’t flee in danger. He runs toward it. And He lays down His life not just to protect His sheep, but to save them.

So the question isn’t just, “Do you believe He’s the Good Shepherd?”

The real question is: “Will you follow His voice for the rest of your life?”

INVITATION

As we prepare to come to the Lord’s table, we’ve just heard the story of a shepherd who refused to flee—who stayed with his people even when it cost him everything.

That’s powerful. But Jesus, our Good Shepherd, goes even further. He didn’t just risk His life—He gave it. He laid it down willingly so we could be saved, forgiven, and brought home.

When we take the bread and the cup, we remember the Shepherd who stayed. The one who didn’t abandon us in our weakness but met us in it. The one who didn’t just die for the sheep but with us in mind, by name.

So if you’ve heard His voice today—if you’re trusting in Him—come. Rest in His personal, practical, and sacrificial love. Feed on His grace. And commit again to listen to his voice and follow Him… not just for a moment, but for a lifetime.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

OUTLINE

See above

NOTES

Modern-Day Shepherding Parallel

  • Talk about how a shepherd today still knows sheep individually—calls them, corrects them, protects them.

    • Sheep were kept in pens usually made of stone walls with one opening where a gatekeeper or shepherd would sleep in as the gate or door.

    • Some pens were communal meaning that sheep from multiple shepherds would rest there in the night. This would create a problem in the morning of sorting out the sheep unless there were shepherds that the sheep recognized (their voice). He would then walk among them, calling them by name, and then leading them out into pasture the next day.

  • Compare it to a good parent or mentor who sacrifices and leads with love.

Voice Recognition

  • A baby knows her mother's voice.

  • A dog knows it's master's voice and tone.

C. The Hireling

  • Someone who’s just doing a job vs. someone who’s deeply invested. A substitute teacher vs. a lifelong educator who builds relationships.

  • A hireling shepherd will run when the wolf shows up vs. a good shepherd that will defend the sheep even if it costs him his life.

The Fence, door or the Gate?

The gatekeeper is the one who sleeps in the opening to the pen so that no one can get in unless they go through him.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity.ai

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, bible-believing church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, non denominational church, John 10, Signs & Glory, trust
Can You See What Jesus Is Doing? | John 9 | Darien Gabriel
Can You See What Jesus Is Doing? | John 9 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Can you see what Jesus is doing?"

Subtitle: "From Blindness to Belief”

Scripture: John 9

🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.

Or put another way: Jesus gives sight to the blind—but those who think they see without Him remain blind.

This chapter isn’t ultimately about physical healing—it’s about spiritual vision. The man born blind receives both physical sight and spiritual insight as he responds to Jesus in faith. In contrast, the Pharisees, though physically able to see, are exposed as spiritually blind because of their pride and refusal to believe.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Mammoth Cave

We're all born in a spiritual Mammoth Cave. Pitch dark...

How to Avoid Spiritual Infections

Joseph Lister, the nineteenth-century medic, is known as ‘the father of antiseptic surgery’. Lister was disturbed by the high proportion of patients who died from post-operative infections. He became convinced that infinitesimal microbes, invisible to the naked eye, were causing the infections. He began to develop a number of antiseptic solutions with which to treat the wounds. Sure enough, the proportion of patients dying from infections decreased.

In a similar way, there are evil spiritual forces at work in our world today. They cannot be seen, but they wreak havoc in people’s lives, causing them to fall into temptation, moving evil people into positions of national power, manipulating people’s emotions, tearing them apart and destroying them.

But just as Lister’s contemporaries dismissed his theory of destructive microbes, many people today are ignorant or dismissive of spiritual realities. Yet you have the powerful spiritual ‘antiseptic’ to use against these destructive forces. It is vital that you learn to do so.

Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel: Day 335 • Devotional

🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.

Man with the world's highest IQ: 'Jesus Christ is God'

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, June 19, 2025

The man with the world’s highest IQ has proclaimed that “Jesus Christ is God,” building on his previous contention that belief in the afterlife is consistent with science. 

YoungHoon Kim, who identifies himself on his X profile as “the World’s Highest IQ Record Holder” and lists his intelligence quotient as 276, proclaimed his Christian faith in a statement posted to X on Tuesday. “As the world’s highest IQ record holder, I believe that Jesus Christ is God, the way and the truth and the life,” he wrote. 

In replies to posts reacting favorably to his embrace of Christianity, Kim vowed to “use this opportunity to lead many souls to God and declared, “Christ is my logic.” In a March 18 post, Kim wrote, “One of the best things I have ever done in my life is earning a BA degree in Christian Theology (nondenominational) from Yonsei University, # 1 private university in Asia.”

He referred to theology as “the ultimate discipline of all fields of study.”

🧱 Outline

1. A Setup, Not a Screw-Up (John 9:1–7)

Truth: Suffering isn’t always punishment—it can be a platform for God’s glory.

Takeaway: God uses our pain as a stage for His purpose. The man’s blindness was not a result of sin, but a setup for a miracle.

Illustration: "Amy Carmichael, the quiet, but greatly used missionary to India, was impelled into service by a disturbing dream. In the dream she saw hundreds of unreached people plunging over a cliff to their deaths, while Christians sat and made daisy chains!" -Mark Johnston, p. 133

2. Opposition from the Religious (John 9:8–34)

Truth: Religious people often resist what they can’t control or explain.

Takeaway: True sight threatens false religion. The Pharisees were more concerned with rules than rejoicing in restoration.

3. Revelation and Response (John 9:35–41)

Truth: Spiritual sight begins with recognizing Jesus and responding in faith.

Takeaway: The once-blind man worships Jesus; meanwhile, the seeing remain blind. Belief opens our eyes, but pride keeps us in the dark.

✅ Primary Applications (Direct, Universal, and Central to the Text)

  1. ` purpose in your suffering.

    • Application: Don’t assume hardship means punishment. Sometimes suffering is a stage for God’s glory (v. 3).

  2. Let Jesus heal your deepest need—even if it’s uncomfortable or unconventional.

    • Application: Respond in obedience even when the method (mud and spit!) doesn’t make sense (v. 6–7).

  3. Bear witness to what Jesus has done, even when you’re pressured to back down.

    • Application: Like the healed man, speak simply and boldly: “I was blind, but now I see” (v. 25).

  4. Reject fear of people and stand firm in your testimony.

    • Application: The man’s parents feared the Pharisees, but he did not (v. 18–23 vs. v. 24–34). Be like the son, not the parents.

  5. Move from physical sight to spiritual sight—through belief in Jesus.

    • Application: Jesus invites personal faith (v. 35–38). Salvation is not just about healing but about believing and worshiping.

  6. Recognize that spiritual pride leads to blindness.

    • Application: The Pharisees’ refusal to admit their need kept them blind (v. 39–41). Humility opens the eyes of the heart.

🔁 Secondary Applications (Contextual, Indirect, and Supportive)

  1. Be cautious of religious systems that prioritize rules over restoration.

    • Application: Systems that suppress God’s work in people often mask spiritual blindness (v. 16, 28–29).

  2. Don’t expect everyone to celebrate your healing or growth.

    • Application: Spiritual transformation invites both opposition and misunderstanding (v. 8–12, 26).

  3. God works in people before they can fully articulate faith.

    • Application: The blind man obeyed before he knew who Jesus really was (v. 11, 35–38). Obedience can precede understanding.

  4. Your personal story is powerful. Use it.

    • Application: You may not have theological credentials, but your testimony is undeniable (v. 25).

  5. Faith grows as we respond to increasing light.

    • Application: The man moved from calling Jesus “the man” → “a prophet” → “from God” → “Lord” and worshiped (v. 11, 17, 33, 38).

  6. Isolation for Jesus’ sake is a refining fire.

    • Application: When he was cast out (v. 34), Jesus found him again (v. 35). Rejection for Christ often leads to deeper revelation.

CONCLUSION

Illustration:

“For a moment, imagine your inner life as having a window.

Windows accomplish two things.

First, a window allows light from the outside to enter a room. This would have been especially important in the ancient world before the age of electricity. Without any windows, a person would live in relative darkness.

But secondly, a window also allows someone in the room to look through it to see outside of the house.

Thus, a window allows us to see both inside and outside.

But if the window is never cleaned, and grime is allowed to accumulate to the point that it eventually becomes caked over with filth, it will no longer serve any useful function. One will live in darkness and will be unable to see through to the outside. What we learn from Jesus' interaction with these religious experts is that the grime that accumulates on the window of the soul is not just any particular sin. It is the joint sins of hypocrisy, judgmentalism, and religious pride that keep us in spiritual blindness.

One of these confrontations occurs after an amazing miracle of Jesus healing a man who was blind from birth.

In that culture, it was commonly assumed that one who is blind must be bearing God's judgment for some grievous sin. When some of the Pharisees learn of this man's healing, they attempt to discredit Jesus and even call him as a sinner. In response, Jesus declares, "I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind."

This entire incident illustrates Jesus' point. The man who was born blind now has new sight, both physically and spiritually.

Yet, the Pharisees who claim to have pristine spiritual perception, cannot identify the very Son of God who stands right in front of them.

Once the virus of religious hypocrisy takes root in one's heart, it has the potential to thoroughly destroy that person's ability to perceive and cooperate with the work of God on earth. What makes this virus particularly insidious is that as it grows within one's inner life, everything may look exactly right on the outside. Yet all along, the incongruence between the interior and exterior life only continues to worsen.”

Jesus People, pp. 149-151

🎯 Bottom line: True sight doesn’t come from your eyes—it comes from humbling yourself & believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he's doing all he promised to do.`

INVITATION

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

I saw a tweet last week that showed me both sides of this pride/humility dynamic.

The first picture is of a line of 900 people hiking along a ridge to summit Mt. Everest. Most paying $50k to have a Sherpa (a Himalayan with exceptional mountaineering expertise and skill often hired to help others summit Mt Everest) personally help them succeed. Many doing this for personal glory (competition/pride). The comment by the tweeter was that the huge numbers put more people at risk to death than ever before.

The second picture is of Gelje Sherpa leading his client towards the top when he comes across someone laying on the ground dying. He’s only 500 yards from the summit. This Sherpa, on a job helping his client survive the same climb, runs over, wraps the man in a sleeping mattress, gives him oxygen (of which his client might need), put him on his back, and then hiked him down the mountain, a trip that took 6 hours.

The first picture is one of pride. The second, one of humility. We don’t know how many people walked past the guy on the ground. And I’m guessing few of those people could have carried anyone down with the incredible challenge that it is just to summit and descend Mt Everest without dying yourself. But to add the weight of a full grown man to your load…

I think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Who didn’t walk past the dying man on the road but instead, at great personal cost and risk of life, helped this man recover. He saw this man and humbly saw his neighbor in need and helped him.

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

Let's Study John, Mark Johnston

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, ladson, SC, John 9, Signs & Glory, non denominational church, bible-believing church
Are You Shackled and Don't Know It? | John 8:31-47 | Ken Dorrity
Are You Shackled and Don't Know It? | John 8:31-47 | Ken Dorrity

Purpose of Gospel of John

John 8:31-47

 

John states the purpose in John 20:30-31.  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,[a] and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 

John builds his Gospel on 7 key miracles and is more thematic in arrangement.  

 

A.   The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)

B.    The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)

C.   The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)

 

§  The Incarnation of the Son of God (John 1:1-18)

§  The Presentation of the Son of God (John 1:19-4:54)

§  The Confrontation with the Son of God (John 5-12)

§  The Instruction of the Son of God (John 13-16)

§  The Intercession of the Son of God (John 17)

§  The Execution of the Son of God (John 18-19)

§  The Resurrection of the Son of God (John 20-21)        The Bible From 30,000 Feet

The Jews thought their ancestry would save them.  Jesus said man is bound by sin.

Freedom is found in Jesus. 

Read More
Ken DorrityGrace Christian FellowshipKen Dorrity, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, Signs & Glory
Would Jesus Cancel Me? | John 7:53-8:11 | Darien Gabriel
Would Jesus Cancel Me? | John 7:53-8:11 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Would Jesus Cancel Me?"

Subtitle:

Scripture: John 7:53-8:11

John 3:16-18; Matt 7:3-5

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

"Cancel culture is a modern social phenomenon where individuals, organizations, or public figures are called out, boycotted, or publicly shamed—often on social media—for actions, statements, or behaviors that are considered offensive, harmful, or morally wrong.

Here’s a clear definition:

Cancel culture refers to the practice of withdrawing support from someone—often publicly and collectively—due to something they’ve said or done that is viewed as objectionable or offensive, often without a process of forgiveness, dialogue, or restoration."

-ChatGPT

"(JK Rowling, author of Harry Potter) is a notable example of cancel culture targeting an individual recently:

  1. J.K. Rowling (Ongoing, Intensified 2020–2023)
, the author of the Harry Potter series, has faced sustained backlash for her comments on transgender issues, particularly since 2020. Her tweets and essays expressing concerns about the implications of transgender rights on women’s spaces were labeled transphobic by critics, leading to widespread calls for boycotts of her books, films, and related media. Fans and organizations publicly distanced themselves, and some Harry Potter actors, like Daniel Radcliffe, openly opposed her views..." -Grok AI

Black Dot Analogy

"The black dot analogy is a powerful metaphor often used to illustrate how people tend to focus on negative aspects or flaws—represented by a small black dot—while overlooking the broader, positive context--symbolized by a large white space surrounding it.

It’s frequently applied in discussions about judgment, perspective, and human behavior, particularly in the context of not judging others based on their worst moments or traits.

Origins and Core Concept

The black dot analogy often appears in motivational, psychological, and educational contexts. One common version...involves a classroom exercise where a professor presents students with a blank sheet of paper featuring a single black dot in the center. Students are asked to write about what they see, and invariably, they focus on the dot, ignoring the vast white space around it.

The professor then explains that this mirrors how people fixate on small negatives in life—such as health issues, financial struggles, or personal failures—while neglecting the abundance of positive aspects, like relationships, opportunities, or blessings." -Grok AI

The Security Camera Moment

"Imagine a moment you wouldn’t want anyone to see—maybe you lost your temper, told a lie, or clicked on something you knew you shouldn’t have. Now imagine that moment being played on a giant screen in the middle of your church, with everyone watching.

That’s what the woman caught in adultery was living. Her worst moment was dragged into the light, not in private, but publicly—before religious leaders, before a crowd, and before Jesus.

But instead of condemnation, she encountered something completely unexpected: mercy." -Grok AI

 

For our purposes today, cancel = condemn. When Jesus meets us in our guilt, he doesn't cancel or condemn us; he restores us to a new way to live.

OUTLINE (input from ChatGPT)

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

Transition:

If you look at John 8:1-11 in your bible, you may notice that it is in brackets, italics, or footnoted. In my bible, it's all in italics.

I have wrestled all week with whether to preach this passage today or not. The reason is that this portion of John (8:1-11) is not in the earliest manuscripts. (that we have so far) It is in many manuscripts, however, it's not in the same place in those manuscripts. It's found in different places throughout the book of John. It's sometimes found in Luke as well. From this I draw 3 conclusions:

  1. It's probably not in the original book of John, meaning that I cannot consider it scripture for certain. Many of my commentaries just skip this passage with no comment. Others address it even though they do not see it as scripture. Other commentaries see value in it and address leaving this decision up to the reader.

  2. It very well could be a true event in the life of Jesus. I think this is a true account and that some who copied this down felt it was worthy of scripture. And maybe it is. But it doesn't meet the standard of what qualifies as scripture and not just history. (Add qualification of NT scripture here)

  3. It's worth our time to preach/teach it because it includes biblical principles and applications relevant to us and aligns with the rest of scripture. In other words, it's not going to take us somewhere we wouldn't otherwise go.

  4. The Bible Knowledge Commentary states, "It is probably a part of true oral tradition which was added to later Greek manuscripts by copyists." Blum, E. A. (1985). John. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 303). Victor Books.

1. The Setup: Grace Confronts a Trap (vv. 1–6a)

  • The scribes and Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery—not out of love for the law, but to trap Jesus.

  • The law said such a sin was punishable by death (Lev. 20:10; Deut. 22:22), but this was clearly a setup:

    • Where is the man?

    • Why is this happening publicly in the temple?

  • They use the woman’s shame as a tool to undermine Jesus.

Application: People still weaponize sin and shame to feel superior or to discredit others. But Jesus won’t participate in that game.

2. The Silence: Grace Slows the Fury (vv. 6b–8)

  • Jesus bends down and writes on the ground. It’s an intentional pause.

  • It shifts attention away from the woman, lowers the emotional temperature, and gives space for reflection.

  • His challenge—“Let him who is without sin cast the first stone”—puts judgment back where it belongs: in the hands of the truly holy.

  • Matthew 7:3–5 (NIV)

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Application: Jesus slows the mob mentality. When we want to throw stones (even mental ones), Jesus reminds us to examine ourselves first.

3. The Departure: Grace Exposes Everyone (vv. 9)

  • One by one, they drop their stones and leave—starting with the oldest, perhaps because they had lived long enough to know their sin more clearly.

  • Jesus’ words don’t just defend the woman—they shine a light on everyone present.

Application: In the presence of Jesus, no one gets to act like they’re righteous on their own.

4. The Restoration: Grace Speaks a Better Word (vv. 10–11)

  • “Where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, Lord.”

  • “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”

  • He doesn’t ignore her sin—He lifts her from it. Grace first, then transformation.

Application: Jesus is not soft on sin—He’s strong on mercy. Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers change.

Pastoral Notes/transition:

  • This woman doesn’t ask for forgiveness—Jesus simply gives it.

  • The grace of Jesus doesn’t depend on the eloquence of our repentance but on the fullness of His mercy.

CONCLUSION

"(Jesus) doesn't give her a license to keep sinning. He gives her a reason to stop." -M Carter

"Is Jesus reversing the Mosaic system? No. He is placing His cross between that woman and her sin." -J. Vernon McGee

Applications:

  1. Jesus came to show us the way out from under our condemnation to mercy. Let God forgive you--and you yourself.

  2. Jesus is not soft on sin—He’s strong on mercy. Let God find us quick to forgive instead of condemn or cancel.

  3. Grace doesn’t excuse sin; it empowers change. Let God find us moving towards holy, pure living instead of compromised living.

The Torn Report Card

A student hides his report card from his parents—he’s failed multiple classes and is ashamed. When the truth finally comes out, he expects anger, punishment, maybe rejection. But instead, his father gently says, “This doesn’t change that you’re my son. We’re going to face this together. But we are going to face it.”

That’s the heart of Jesus in this story. He doesn’t pretend our sin doesn’t matter—but He makes sure we know: we don’t face it alone, and we don’t face it condemned.

The Courtroom Surprise

Imagine standing in court, guilty, and the judge reads the list of charges. The evidence is overwhelming. Then the judge steps down from the bench, walks toward you, and says, “I’ll take your sentence.”

That’s what Jesus did—not just for the woman, but for each of us. He didn’t just defend her; He bore her shame. He doesn’t say, “You’re not guilty.” He says, “I’ll take the guilt.”

Bottom line: Jesus meets us in our guilt not to condemn us, but to restore us to a new way of life.

INVITATION

The Dropped Stones

Picture the sound that must’ve filled the temple courtyard that day—not just silence, but the clink and thud of stones hitting the ground one by one. That was the sound of people walking away from condemnation.

And maybe today, that sound is what needs to happen in your own heart—not just dropping the stones you’ve been ready to throw at others, but dropping the ones you’ve been throwing at yourself.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"She's been disgraced. Then Jesus covers her disgrace with his grace. He levels the playing field by quietly, making each man admit his own sin, and then instead of condemning her, he forgives her. Not only does he forgive her, but he also transforms her future. He doesn't give her a license to keep sinning. He gives her a reason to stop."

-M Carter

"Is Jesus reversing the Mosaic system? No. He is placing His cross between that woman and her sin. This One who is the Son of the virgin, who Himself was under a cloud all of His life, is going to the cross to pay the penalty for even the sin of this woman. He did not come into the world to condemn the wold. (John 3:17) He did not come to judge this woman. He came into the world to be a Savior!"

-J. Vernon McGee

"We must not misinterpret this event to mean that Jesus was 'easy on sin' or that he contradicted the law. For Jesus to forgive this woman meant that he had to one day die for her sins. Forgiveness is free, but it is not cheap. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the law so that no one could just accuse him of opposing his teachings or weakening its power by applying the law to the woman, and not to themselves. The Jewish leaders were violating both the letter and the spirit of the law--and they thought they were defending Moses!

The law was given to reveal sin (Romans 3:20), and we must be condemned by the law before we can be cleansed by God's grace. Law and grace do not compete with each other; they complement each other. Nobody was ever saved by keeping the law, but nobody was ever saved by grace, who was not first convicted by the law. There must be conviction before they can be conversion.

Nor is Christ's gracious forgiveness an excuse to sin. "Go, and sin, no more!" was our Lord's counsel... Certainly the experience of gracious forgiveness would motivate the penitent sinner to live a holy and obedient life to the glory of God."

-W Wiersbe

Black Dot Analogy

"The black dot analogy is a powerful metaphor often used to illustrate how people tend to focus on negative aspects or flaws—represented by a small black dot—while overlooking the broader, positive context, symbolized by a large white space surrounding it. It’s frequently applied in discussions about judgment, perspective, and human behavior, particularly in the context of not judging others based on their worst moments or traits. Below, I’ll explore the analogy’s origins, its applications, and its relevance to your original query about a post on X regarding not judging people by their worst moments.

Origins and Core Concept

The black dot analogy often appears in motivational, psychological, and educational contexts. One common version, as described in sources like the Rotary e-Club of Houston and Medium, involves a classroom exercise where a professor presents students with a blank sheet of paper featuring a single black dot in the center. Students are asked to write about what they see, and invariably, they focus on the dot, ignoring the vast white space around it. The professor then explains that this mirrors how people fixate on small negatives in life—such as health issues, financial struggles, or personal failures—while neglecting the abundance of positive aspects, like relationships, opportunities, or blessings." -Grok AI

NT Canon - who decided what books?

The process of recognizing the New Testament canon unfolded gradually over several centuries. Here’s a brief timeline of how and when this happened:

1st Century (c. 45–100 AD)

  • The New Testament books were being written (e.g., Paul’s letters, the Gospels, Acts, Revelation).

  • Some letters were already being shared and read in various churches (e.g., see 2 Peter 3:15–16, where Paul’s letters are referred to as Scripture).

2nd Century (100–200 AD)

  • Many churches were using core texts like the four Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters.

  • Early church leaders (like Irenaeus, c. 180 AD) affirmed the authority of these writings.

  • Heretical movements (e.g., Marcionism, which rejected the Old Testament and some NT books) forced the church to clarify which writings were truly apostolic and orthodox.

3rd Century (200–300 AD)

  • More consensus was forming, especially around most of the current New Testament books.

  • Disputed books included Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2–3 John, Jude, and Revelation.

  • Church fathers like Origen and Cyprian used most of the New Testament books but noted which were disputed.

4th Century (300–400 AD)

  • Athanasius’ Easter Letter (367 AD): This was the first known list to include exactly the 27 books of the New Testament as we have today.

  • Councils of Hippo (393 AD) and Carthage (397 AD): These regional church councils affirmed the same list.

  • While these councils didn’t “create” the canon, they recognized and confirmed what many churches were already using.

By the 5th Century

  • The 27-book New Testament was widely accepted across the Christian world.

  • The canon was functionally closed, and later councils reaffirmed the same set of writings.

So, while the New Testament canon wasn’t decided at one single moment, by the end of the 4th century, the list of 27 books was largely settled and universally recognized in the church.  -ChatGPT

From me to ChatGPT: Would you say then that they were decided using an “open source” or “wiki” method?

That’s a great analogy—and yes, to an extent, the formation of the New Testament canon functioned somewhat like an “open source” or “wiki” process, though with important differences.

Here’s how the comparison fits:

✅ Collaborative Process (like open source/wiki)

  • The canon wasn’t determined by a single person or moment.

  • Churches across different regions contributed to the process by using, preserving, copying, and teaching from certain texts.

  • Early church leaders and communities evaluated writings based on shared criteria, and over time a consensus emerged.

✅ Organic Development

  • Books were recognized as authoritative because they were already functioning as such in Christian worship and teaching—not simply declared authoritative from above.

  • The canon grew from usage and recognition rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

  • Books were recognized as authoritative because they were already functioning as such in Christian worship and teaching—not simply declared authoritative from above.

  • The canon grew from usage and recognition rather than being imposed arbitrarily.

✅ Community Discernment

  • Just like open-source projects evolve through community review and refinement, the canon evolved through careful theological reflection, discussion, and testing against apostolic truth.

-ChatGPT

But here’s where the analogy has limits:

❌ Not Unlimited or Constantly Editable

  • Unlike a true wiki, the canon wasn’t meant to be open-ended or perpetually editable. Once consensus was reached, it was closed and considered authoritative and complete.

  • The church believed that God’s revelation in Christ—and through the apostles—was once for all (cf. Jude 1:3), not ongoing in the way an open-source codebase might be.

❌ Guided by Theology, Not Just Consensus

  • Theological and spiritual discernment—especially about apostolicity and inspiration—played a key role. It wasn’t just a democratic vote or popularity contest.

-ChatGPT

Summary:

"Yes, the canonization process had a lot in common with an “open source” or “wiki-style” model—distributed, collaborative, community-tested—but it was also guided by deep convictions about divine revelation and was ultimately closed to preserve the apostolic foundation of the faith.

The Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397) were the most decisive early church gatherings to affirm the full 27-book New Testament canon. They didn’t invent the canon but codified what had already become widespread consensus in the life of the church." -ChatGPT

OUTLINE

See above

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin (TLHC)

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner (TVW)

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee (TTB)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT AI

Grok AI

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini AI

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, non denominational church, bible believing church