Sometimes, in this world, it can be hard to find joy.  Quite often, sorrow and fear swallow any joy to be found.  Yet, as Pastor John teaches today, faith in Jesus brings a joy that is unknown to the world.  Facing their saviors’ death, the disciples were experiencing profound sorrow.  Yet, Jesus promised them that this sorrow was soon to be replaced by joy.  He would rise from the dead to defeat death and reign in Heaven.  And because of His resurrection, there’s nothing, no sorrow or suffering, that will not be overcome with joy.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John chapter 16 as he begins his message Sorrow Turned to Joy.

As He’s preparing His disciples for His upcoming death, resurrection and ascension, Jesus promised them the incredible gift of His Spirit that would dwell with and in believers on earth.  Today, Pastor John describes all that the Holy Spirit will do in the world and do for believers specifically.  He will help men see their sins and need for God and draw them to believe in God.   He will guide believers into truth and along their walk of faith.  He will comfort, teach and strengthen believers.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 16 as he continues his message The Coming Comforter.

There will be seasons in your life; maybe you’ve experienced some already when your grief seems to swallow you up.  It’s as if you can feel nothing else but sorrow and hopelessness.  This was what Jesus’ disciples were experiencing hours before His crucifixion.  And, though He was facing His own suffering, Jesus comforted them.  He promised them the greatest comfort possible in the person of the Holy Spirit.  Today Pastor John will describe the blessing the Holy Spirit will be in a believer’s life.  It’s a beautiful gift!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John chapter 16 as he begins his message The Coming Comforter.

Those living in sin and darkness in this world will naturally withdraw from the light and truth you will exhibit as a believer in Christ.  Jesus warned His disciples of the hostility and hatred that believing in Him would bring them in this world.  Today, Pastor John will explain that the world will hate you because it hated Christ and the truth He brought.  Truth and light expose sin, and people hate that.  But don’t give up and keep holding onto Jesus!  You will see your true home – Heaven and be rewarded.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 15, as he continues his message, Walk in Love in a World of Hate.

Jesus declared that the world would know you are His disciples by your love.  And to many believers, this is a hard saying.  They think love is an emotion, and that’s hard to conjure up.  But, as Pastor John teaches today, the command to love others is not just an emotion but a commitment you make to put others’ needs ahead of your own.  Love in this way is sacrificial, intimate, and personal.  You may need to take the initiative and demonstrate acts of love.  But, since Jesus commanded it, remember that He will help you to do it!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 15, as he begins his message, Walk in Love in a World of Hate.

As you abide in Christ, and the closer your connection is to Him, your life will be dramatically different than if you drift away.  Like an attached branch on the vine, as you rely on your source of life, you will produce fruit.  Today, Pastor John will explain what a fruitful life looks like and how you grow in fruitfulness.  Fruit in a believer’s life is evidenced by more love, joy, and peace, among other faithful characteristics.  Jesus desires you to live such a full and abundant life that He’ll prune away anything in your life that hinders your spiritual fruit.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John chapter 15 as he continues his message I Am the True Vine.

When Jesus declared, “I am the vine”, He was stating that He is the source of life, the sustenance and nourishment needed for life, and the strength believers need for life.  Today, Pastor John will explain how you must abide with Christ for true life.  You must stay connected and dependent on God as you live your life.  To stay connected, you must read His word diligently, pray faithfully and live obediently.  Without Jesus, you cannot survive and thrive in your Christian walk and become more like Him.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 15, as he begins his message I Am the True Vine.

The promise that when you pray “in my name,” you’ll receive what you ask for is a promise that’s often selfishly misapplied in this world.  Today, Pastor John will help you understand how to understand this promise.  Praying in Jesus’ name means you long for His will above your own.  It means that you desire His glory above all things.  It means you surrender to whatever God’s desire is.  When you pray in this manner, you will receive what you desire because it’s what God desires!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 14 as he continues his message Reasons Not to Worry.

Believing in things can be hard sometimes.  Generally, you analyze, observe, question, and verify before you let yourself trust and believe in something.  This, however, isn’t how faith works.  Today, Pastor John will explain how Jesus declares that you must believe in God, and then you’ll see God.  When you choose to believe, you then have God the Spirit in you.  He then reveals aspects and facets of God to you so you can know Him and love Him.  However, you must first trust and have faith in what you can’t see!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 14 as he begins his message Reasons Not to Worry.

The natural man is born sinful and is spiritually dead – separated from God, their creator, because of those sins.  And humanity is without hope on their own to ever reach God because of sin.  Today, Pastor John will explain how there is hope to be spiritually alive and destined for Heaven – through belief in Jesus Christ.  Your sins are forgiven because of His sacrifice on the cross, and you are renewed and regenerated into new life.  You are given the life of God, and you will live eternally with Him in Heaven!

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John chapter 14 as he continues his message Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life.