WEEK 35.7 Discussion questions below.

Episode Summary

In this Week 35 explore episode, Nick and Jamie venture outdoors for their first al fresco recording, looking at the second half of John 14 where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit and reveals the profound mystery of divine union. They explore how love for Jesus is expressed through obedience to his teachings, unpack Jesus's promise of "another companion" (the Holy Spirit), and discuss the mind-blowing reality that the entire Trinity makes its home within believers. The episode addresses anxiety and faith, emphasizes God's presence within us rather than "out there," and concludes with Jesus's call to action: "Get up, we're leaving this place."

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

03:19 Recap of John 14:15-31 

07:15 Love and Obedience in Jesus' Teachings 

21:15 The Promise of the Holy Spirit 

28:12 The Mystery of Divine Union 

30:40 Understanding God's Presence Within Us 

34:07 Preparing Our Inner House for God 

36:55 The Role of the Holy Spirit 

42:49 The Promise of Peace 

49:06 Final Reflections and Call to Action

Key Points

• Love as Obedience: Jesus's love language is doing what he said - love for Jesus is expressed through obedience to his lifestyle and teachings, not just warm feelings or devotional practices
  
• The Divine Trifecta of Presence: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all make their home within believers - all of God dwells in every follower of Jesus right now
  
• The Paradox of Presence: Jesus's departure doesn't create absence but changes the mode of presence to something deeper and better through the Spirit
  
• God Within, Not Just "Out There": We must shift from thinking of God as distant to recognizing the Trinity's presence within us, accessible through contemplative practices
  
• The Holy Spirit as Paraclete: The Spirit serves as companion, advocate, helper, strengthener, and guide - taking over Jesus' role but available to everyone simultaneously

Discussion Questions

• Love vs. Feelings: Jamie discusses how she used to think loving Jesus required strong feelings and passion. How do you distinguish between emotional experiences with God and the obedience-based love Jesus describes?

• Anxiety and Faith: The hosts address how "don't be troubled" can feel dismissive to those with clinical anxiety. How do you balance Jesus' call to peace with the reality of mental health struggles that don't simply disappear through faith?

• God's Location: Most people think of God as "out there" when praying. How might it change your spiritual practices to truly believe and experience God as dwelling within you right now?

• Inner Hospitality: Gregory the Great spoke of preparing our "inner house" for God like we'd prepare for an honoured guest. What would it look like to make your heart more hospitable to God's presence?

• The Holy Spirit's Role: Jesus promises the Spirit will teach and remind us of everything he said. How do you distinguish between the Spirit's teaching and your own thoughts or desires?

Takeaways

• Christ Formed in Me for the Sake of Others: This could be a daily mantra - we receive from Jesus so we can give out to the world, like the Sea of Galilee vs. Dead Sea

• God Dwells Within You Now: Stop thinking of God as distant and start accessing his presence within through contemplative practices and awareness

• Get Up, Let's Go: Jesus's final words become a call to action for all believers - we've received his love, peace, and the Spirit's presence, now it's time to be his ambassadors in the world

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