The Well Church OKC

The work of John was to tell the story of Jesus in order to hasten the confrontation that everyone must have with the person of Jesus. This is what happened as Jesus began to reveal his identity to the Jews as his ministry rolled out. His miracles, conduct and teachings became increasingly impossible to ignore. His progressive revelation of his deity became more than the religious leaders could bear.

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What happens when we know that something is going to be especially difficult in our lives? We know it is coming and we prepare for what is ahead. Not only do we prepare, but we have to maintain vigilance so that when the pressure is applied, we stand our ground.

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We often find ourselves in situations where we need a voice to carry beyond what ours will. We need authority beyond ours. We need power that will overcome what we cannot overcome. We need love that transcends our own. We need more. This is where our God comes in, time and time and time again. While he operates fully within his will, the Bible teaches us that asking for him to act is a part of what it means to be a follower of God.

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Our very own missionary, Joe Brewster, continues our study of John as Jesus is preparing His disciples for His impending death; and resurrection.

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We want to be liked. It is one of the earliest things we become aware of as a small child. Parents can all recall times when a little one has come home and been in tears because of some rejection by peers. A time of being excluded or not invited to an event. Not being chosen during a game or to be a “friend”.

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Jesus is spending his last few hours with his followers. He is about to leave them physically, but will not be leaving them spiritually. As we spoke of last week, he will be sending the Holy Spirit to them to comfort, guide and counsel them.

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The disciples are going through a lot right now and it’s going to get worse. Jesus is going through a lot and it’s going to get much, much worse before it gets much, much better.

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How did they, the disciples, decide to follow Jesus? They made the choice to do so. How do we decide to follow Jesus? Through deliberate choices.

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Why would God allow us to continue to exist? Why would he choose to allow us to go on as a species, as a nation, as a community, as an individual? Because love. It’s the only explanation. God loves us. Even though we are utterly undeserving of love.

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One of the most fundamental frustrations I have is not being able to understand that, once hearing about Jesus, many people choose not to follow him. That, once understanding about sin, and feeling conviction, repentance is not sought.

Equally frustrating, and I am often my own source of this frustration, is that saved people do not remain steadfast in their convictions, following hard after Jesus all their days.

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