4 posts tagged “disciples”

I WILL SEND HIM TO YOU

Sep 19, 2008
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SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE

[57]

Read John 16:5–33

"It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NKJV

* * *

The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (16:22)

At one point, the men thought they understood; they said, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." (16:29–30)

Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone…”(16:30-32 NKJV) The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down.

* * *

Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

* * *

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV

A TURNING POINT

Aug 21, 2008
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[51]

THE BREAD OF LIFE

Read John 6:22–71

And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35 NKJV

* * *

The crowds saw the disciples get into their boat and leave; but Jesus was not with them. They followed the disciples to the other side of the lake, not knowing that Jesus had walked on water to get there. This was the dramatic moment when He would reveal to them who He really was, and that He knew who they really were: "I tell you the truth; you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill." (6:26 NIV)

* * *

Then Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (6:51 NIV) This declaration of His coming death was the turning point: From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. (6:66 NKJV)

* * *

Lord, it is hard to believe so many would be willing to benefit from Your miraculous provision, and yet not embrace You as Savior. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sin and for the daily miracle of life which comes from You.

* * *

Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." John 6:67-68 NKJV

PERSEVERANCE

Jul 16, 2008
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[42]

SALT AND LIGHT

* * *

Read Matthew 5:1–16

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned…" Matthew 5:13 NKJV

* * *

Jesus referred to His disciples as the salt of the earth. Salt is used for seasoning and also for preservation to prevent spoilage. There came a point in Jesus ministry, as He began to reveal who He was, that many of his disciples fell away. They did not have the preserving salt in them that was necessary to be a disciple of Christ.

* * *

The Christian life would not be easy – the early church would suffer persecution. Their light would truly shine before men as they stood up for what they believed. This would take genuine faith, not just an outward profession.

* * *

Lord, give me the faith I need to persevere even when things are difficult. May my attitude be one that glorifies the Lord I serve. Give our family the presence of Your Holy Spirit as You have promised for those who ask. Lead us in Your perfect will.

* * *

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16 NKJV

SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE

Apr 2, 2008
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THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

Read John 16:5-33

"It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NKJV

* * *

The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead when they would be scattered in fear. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (John 16:22 NKJV) At one point, the men said, "Now we understand - by this we believe You came from God." Jesus replied, "Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. (John 16:31-32 NKJV)

The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down. Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

* * *

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 NKJV