Arise and Abide

Reading from The Gospel According to John 17:9-19 (NLT) ~The Prayer of Jesus Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Those who belong to God and the people who belong to the world. We belong to God as part of His creation. All fall under the authority of Jesus who has already established the victory. We step into victory when we surrender. The power of the name of Jesus.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 17:1-8 (NLT) ~The Prayer of Jesus~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the Lord’s Prayer. The declaration of the time coming, identity, and authority. Knowing someone requires continual engagement, so be disciplined.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 16:25-33 (NLT) ~Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Jesus re-emphasizing the direct access we have to the Father. Christians should not allow any traditions to get in the way of an individuals access to the Father. No need to hesitate in going to the Father. Pride vs Humility vs Low Self-esteem (identity issue). Being united in prayer.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 16:16-24 (NLT) ~Sadness Will Be Turned to Joy~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. A reminder to pray for God to give us understanding. The Disciples not fully understanding the access available to them. The Goodness of God the teach truth even though they were not able to fully comprehend.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 16:5-15 (NLT) ~The Work of the Holy Spirit~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Righteousness and Judgement. The Holy Spirit bringing conviction, the accuser brining condemnation. Jesus judgement for humanity is go, and sin no more. We have such a great opportunity for right relationship with God and receiving the Advocate to keep us in His truth.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 15:18-16:4 (NLT) ~The World’s Hatred~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The call of God to love sacrificially and through service, and the opposition from the world which preaches elevation of self.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 15:9-17(NLT) ~Jesus, the True Vine Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Reinforcement of the command to love God and love people. Loving people in the same way Jesus loved His disciples with service and sacrifice. Love and Joy. The Joy we have even from our negative experiences in life. Being true friends of Jesus, obeying his commands to love God, love people, abide in the word, allow God to prune you, grow, repeat.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 15:1-8(NLT) ~Jesus, the True Vine~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the process of pruning. We are free from the burden of figuring out how to remove sin from our life. We submit our hearts to the pruning process; God makes the cuts. Abiding in God is remaining in His word and teachings, in Prayer, meditation, silence, fellowship and repeating the process of replication and growth.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 14:22-31(NLT) ~Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit Cont.~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the promise of the Holy Spirit. The Presence of God being with us, and the peace that accompanies the presence of God. The confusion of the disciples who did not yet have the Holy Spirit so they were unable to understand. The Peace of God vs the Peace of the World.

Reading from The Gospel According to John 14:15-21(NLT) ~Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit~ Scripture reading followed by discussion looking at the call to obedience of displaying love. The Holy Spirit, our paraclete. The unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus gives us access to the Father, without the need of any religion or ceremony.