ReGeneration Church

In John 15:18-16:4, Jesus prepares his disciples for the challenges they will face, emphasizing that the world may oppose them because they follow him. Despite the anticipated difficulties, he encourages them to find inner peace by remaining connected to him, the source of true peace. This connection involves abiding in his teachings and relying on the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

In John 15:9-17, Jesus underscores the link between obedience, love, and joy, assuring the disciples that abiding in his love will result in complete joy. Jesus addresses them as friends, sharing with them what God the Father has shared with him. He chose them to bear good fruit, emphasizing the commandment to love one another as he has loved them.

Also, our Christmas Choir performs "Angels Are Making Their Rounds" and "Holy Forever!"

In John 15:1-8, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine and its branches to illustrate the relationship between himself and his followers. He describes himself as the vine and emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to him, comparing those who abide in him to fruitful branches. Jesus highlights the significance of this connection, stating that apart from him, one cannot bear fruit, but by remaining in him, believers can bear much fruit and glorify God.

In John 14:15-31, Jesus reassures his disciples that love for Him is expressed through obedience to his commandments. He promises to send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will dwell with believers and teach them, bringing them peace. Jesus also emphasizes that His departure is temporary and assures them that the love between Him, the Father, and the believers will endure, providing comfort and encouragement.

Psalm 85 reflects on God's past favor and forgiveness, expressing a longing for restoration and revival. The psalmist acknowledges God's mercy and seeks reconciliation, asking for renewed blessings and guidance and to keep His people from turning back to foolishness. The psalm concludes with a hopeful anticipation of God's righteousness and the flourishing of righteousness and peace among the people.

At times, when God feels distant or uninvolved in our lives, we resort to religious deeds to try to get into God’s graces, to try to please him. The truth is that good deeds don't help us measure up to God’s standards. Instead, God’s love is given to each of us freely. The entire reason Jesus came to earth was so that everyone who trusts in him can know God personally—the relationship we were born to enjoy.

All of us have a perspective on the Bible. Some are very familiar with it. For others, it’s foreign or even frightening. If you’ve been reading the Bible for a long time, you can think back to those early days of trying to figure it out. And some of you are just now beginning. Wherever you are, know that the Bible is more than a book: it is God’s love letter to humanity. We have more reason to trust its claims than those of any other book in history. We can trust the Bible because of prophecy, history, integrity, and what it’s done in people.

Is Jesus really God? The implications of this question are enormous. Every aspect of society would be impacted by the confirmation that Jesus was literally God in the flesh. Also, if Jesus were God, then his words take on much greater meaning. They’re more than simply wise words of an influential prophet or philosopher. On the other hand, if he’s not God, then the entire Christian faith is undermined. As one author of Scripture, Paul, said, if Jesus didn’t rise from the dead (i.e., do something that only God could do), then faith in him is in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14). What do you say about Jesus? Is he merely a good teacher, a prophet, or a wise man? Is he more than that?

Why would anyone in our modern culture still cling to relics of the past? What good are the ancient superstitions and close-minded restrictions of a book written by Middle Eastern peasants two thousand years ago? To put it plainly: Isn’t Christianity too narrow for our progressive culture? We have many choices—from the products we buy and the time we spend to the various religious options of a pluralistic society. But one invitation continues to beckon us. It is not a narrow, exclusive, or restrictive command. Rather, it is the simple invitation of Jesus to all who are interested: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

If God is all good and all powerful, why is there pain and suffering in the world? There is perhaps no greater challenge to faith; it is a question that has plagued humanity since our very first thoughts about God. No matter the reason, it seems pain and suffering are unavoidable; we seemingly have no choice in the matter. What we do control is our reaction, how we deal with our pain, and what we do with our experience. How will you respond when things go bad–will you lament, or look forward? Will you ask, "Why me?" or "What now?"