Some believe the world is a ‘neutral’ place.

But they’re wrong.

The world is filled with light and shadow; good and evil, angels and demons.

The world is not neutral. It is spiritually polarized.

And that’s just what Jesus told His disciples in John 15.

Picture a branch.

If that branch is on the ground, it’s dead.

A severed branch bears no fruit.

However, if that same branch is connected to a tree or vine, it’s alive.

In John 15, Jesus says that the same is true of us.

Specifically, He tells us to ‘abide’ in Him (as a branch on a vine).

But what does the word ‘abide’ really mean? That will be the focus of today’s study.

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does He do?

In John 14, Jesus promised that the ‘Holy Spirit’ would appear after His departure.

“I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:16

Jesus also said that this ‘Spirit’ would be of great blessing to His disciples.

So, what kind of blessing would that be?

That will be the focus of today’s study in John 14.

Fear overwhelmed the disciples.

Huddled in the Upper Room, Jesus had talked about His coming death, the presence of a betrayer, and of the dark days to follow.

The men were shaken.

But, sensing their anxiety, Jesus gathered them close, saying “let not your heart be troubled.” Dark days would soon give way to hope and victory.

If your heart is troubled today, then be encouraged by this study of John 14.

Unthinkable.

In John 13, the Creator washed the feet of people that He created.

And moments later, one went out to betray Him.

The Lord Supper was filled with several shocking moments like these.

We’ll consider two of them in today’s study of John 13:1-17.

God’s voice boomed from Heaven.

Did the people listen and obey?

No. They dismissed it as ‘thunder.’

Many say they’re waiting for proof of God and His plan, asking for a clearer revelation from on high. Yet when He answers, guess what? They ignore Him.

What about you?

This will be the focus of today’s study in John 12.

Jesus wept on Palm Sunday.

While others shouted ‘Hosanna’ and laid down palm branches, Jesus wept.

But why?

Because He knew something the others did not.

In today’s study, we’ll consider what that was.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby Holt

Text: John 12:12-19

Motives matter.

For example, some people pursued Christ with good, positive intentions.

But others (like Judas Iscariot) had selfish or wicked motives.

What are your own motives in coming to Christ?

Is it for His glory and interests, or for yours?

That will be the focus of today’s study in John 12.

He let him die.

That’s what the people were thinking.

Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, and rather than go to him, He let him die.

But that’s not what happened, was it?

Instead, Jesus permitted a difficult situation in order to bring about a miraculous outcome. We will consider that outcome in today’s study of John 11.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) Why did Jesus wait so long to go to Lazarus?

B) Where is Jesus when His people need Him?

C) How does God bring good out of evil?

website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons

What makes a ‘good’ shepherd?

He doesn’t run when the wolves come.

In John 10, Jesus faced all sorts of ‘wolves.’ From Pharisees, to Romans, to the Devil himself, Jesus was always in grave danger.But so were His sheep! And so, instead of running, Jesus faced the evils of this world on their behalf. Then, He drank down the cup of God’s wrath on Calvary. Truly, there has never been a Shepherd like Jesus of Nazareth – the One who gave His life to save His flock.

Questions That We’ll Answer:

A) What two jobs do shepherds have?

B) Why did Jesus refer to ‘sheep not of this fold?’

C) What are the implications of being a ‘sheep?’

website: www.fpcgulfport.org/sermons