First Baptist Owasso

Chad Balthrop • John 15:4-9

Some people just aren’t that comfortable in their own skin. They feel like they bring the “awkward” everywhere they go. When we first meet, should we shake hands, fist bump, or high-five?

But for some people, social anxiety is about more than the occasional awkward interaction. The bigger the crowd the greater the stress. They feel so out of place that they deceive themselves into thinking that everything would be better if they could just redefine their entire identity.
In John 15, Jesus reveals an incredible truth. In Jesus, we have a new identity. Because of who He is and what He’s done, because He’s made Himself known to us, we can know who we are in Christ.

And when you know who you are, you’ll know what to do.
It's the satisfying fruit that abundantly grows when we learn to abide.

Chris Wall • John 14:15-31

As God led John to write his gospel, the Holy Spirit brought to memory the critical conversations in the Upper Room. As these conversations ended, Jesus made known key truths regarding how the Holy Spirit would work. His work around and in the disciples proved to be foundational in answering the call of God for their future. In the same way, the work of the Holy Spirit around and in each one of us is also foundational as we answer God’s call on our lives.

Chris Wall • John 14:7-14

Belief fuels the fire of faithfulness. Communication to the Master of the Universe takes place every time you pray. Go back and listen to the last few prayers you prayed. That communication with the Lord reveals what you believe about God. Philip is the third disciple to ask Jesus for more details about who He is and where He’s going. In this moment, Jesus makes known His disciples their greatest gospel adventure is yet to come. God still moves His disciples to a vision grounded in prayer. Jesus entered heaven and left the Holy Spirit to powerfully work in and through disciples in BIG WAYS. What are you asking God to do through the work of your life, your family, and your church? Do your prayers reflect the glory of God?

Chris Wall • John 13:36 - 14:6

Belief creates the confidence that Christ is coming to take us home. Peter promises to go where he goes. Thomas confesses he doesn’t know where Jesus will go. What you believe about Jesus determines the view you have of heaven. Heaven isn’t a place you go. It’s the home Jesus prepared for you. It’s the home he
takes you to. Know this: Jesus is the way (to heaven), the truth (about heaven), and the life (eternal in heaven).

Chris Wall • John 13:31-35

The glory of God is revealed in our love for one another. Christ glorified God with his sacrificial death. God glorified Christ in his miraculous resurrection. The glory of God in his disciples is best seen in our love for one another. The love of Christ is God-centered and God-defined (It’s not a temporary, human kind of love). The love of Christ is self-sacrificing. The love of Christ moves us to love one another. Who do you need to forgive? Who do you struggle to love? What will you do to forgive and love that person this week?

Chris Wall • John 13:21-30

The story of Judas is arguably the most shocking account of betrayal in history. His betrayal shows the ultimate end of misguided belief. Judas heard all the teaching. He went to all the places. He experienced all the wonders and even ate the bread and fish Jesus miraculously made. Yet his heart remained stubbornly stuck in unbelief. What is even more striking is that his unbelief was hidden from everyone but Jesus. When hearing of a betrayal in the group, the other 11 accused themselves without even considering Judas as the culprit. Though Judas’s story was prophetically predicted, surely there are lessons to learn from his historic downfall. Surely there are safeguards to establish so you can avoid the Judas path to misguided belief.

Chris Wall • John 13:1-3

Jesus moves into the Upper Room discourse with a dramatic call to servanthood. This was an unexpected and humble act of service that symbolized the washing of regeneration (forgiveness) given to all who believe. John 13:14-17 moves from what Jesus did to what we should do for one another. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” The gospel continues to radically impact our lives one person at a time. Nothing earns the credibility to share the gospel like humbling serving people expecting nothing in return. God is calling our church to a unified heart so that we can more effectively serve one another.

Chris Wall • John 12:35-36

Do you believe in Jesus? What does that even mean? Obedience to God is the way you can show that you believe. Trust in the redemptive power of the cross. Pay attention to the clear messages in God’s word. Rest in the eternal life and promises God makes and keeps. The light of Christ is shining a little while longer. God has prepared you to believe so that you will faithfully point people around you to the amazing gift of salvation that came to you. Share your faith with someone this week.

Brayden Peckham • John 12:12-26

Jesus marched into Jerusalem in the manner of a king seated on a donkey. The Pharisees scoffed at Him and tried to end His work. Later, they thought they had succeeded. But, Jesus sacrificed everything and calls us to do the same. How are you going to surrender Jesus?

Smokey Hurst • John 12:1-8

What does a passionate personal response to Jesus actually look like? What does a passionate personal response to reject Jesus look like? The gospel of John was written for us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and yet we often struggle with what we are to do with these realities in our lives. John 12 is the hinge from Jesus' public ministry to His private ministry before the cross. John 12 through the end of the gospel of John is about Passion Week and the resurrection. Within the first few verses of John 12 we get to peek inside the hearts of Mary and Judas who both make very passionate personal responses to who they believe Jesus to be. What is your response?