As John describes the resurrection, we get a glimpse of the radical change that event represents and the aftershocks of the resurrection in people’s lives. John 19:38-20:18.

Pastor Tom Smith delivered a sermon titled "Blind Faith and Works Not Needed" at Rockin' M Cowboy Church in Perkins, Oklahoma on October 8th, 2023. The sermon focused on the continuation of John's record of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, highlighting the proclamation of Jesus' kingship, the sovereignty of Jesus, and the fact that it does not take blind faith to come to faith in Jesus. Smith discussed the importance of fulfilling prophecy in strengthening faith and convincing others of the truth of Christianity. He cited four fulfilled prophecies in the text and argued that fulfilling prophecy is unique to Christianity and provides evidence for the truth of Jesus' identity as the Messiah. Smith also discussed the mathematical improbability of Jesus fulfilling all the prophecies in the Old Testament, citing extra-biblical sources to prove the existence of Jesus as a real historical figure. He emphasized that faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross is necessary for salvation and warned against trying to earn and keep one's own salvation. Smith invited listeners to come and talk to him or other elders if they felt called to believe in Jesus. The sermon provides insight into the importance of prophecy and faith in Christianity.

As Jesus is put on trial before Pilate, one thing becomes clear, Jesus is the King. God sovereignly uses Pilate and the Roman soldiers to coronate and proclaim Jesus as King.

In John 18:1-32, Jesus is seen in control of everything happening. In his control, we see his sovereignty.

In the last section of Jesus’ prayer, He prays for unity in his church. “Unity in Christ” from John 17:20-26.

Jesus’ prayer from John 17:6-19 shows that God has saved us, is keeping us, and has sanctified us. It is up to us to respond appropriately to what God has done.

In John 16:4-15, Jesus calls on His disciples to continue His mission of spreading His message to the world. But this mission is bigger than the disciples, so Jesus promises supernatural help in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus continues to prepare his disciples for life in this world without his physical presence. In John 15:18-16:4, Jesus tells us why we should expect hatred from the world. More importantly, He teens is how we should respond.

John 15:7-17 provides the four fruits that a disciple of Jesus who is abiding in him can expect. Jesus also reveals a new relationship between himself and his disciples.

John 15:1-8 provides a religion shattering “I am” statement from Jesus that flows into an illustration of how disciples are to grow and be fruitful.