Sunday, July 26

Sunday School

Subject – Wisdom to Follow – John 14:1-4

Teacher – Ryan Bruckhart

Who do you go to for wisdom?

Obviously someone who has knowledge on a subject.

Our lesson starts with these six words: “Let not your heart be troubled.”

Jesus said this to His disciples because he had been telling them about things to come.

They were confused and concerned.

Does that sound like many people today? Confused and concerned.

Four things to learn from today’s lesson.

Do You Trust Me? Jesus

If you know me – you know My Father.

If you believe in God – believe in Me.

When confused go to the foundation of our faith.

You won’t always understand, but trust God.

Do I believe that if we lose our freedom here in the USA that God will still be in control?

This World is Not Our Home

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us.

Is that our hope – or are things on earth our hope.

Home is where your heart is.

You Know the Way

The disciples looked like – we do?

Thomas asked, “How do we know the way?”

Jesus replied, “I am the way.”

I am the only way to God.

There is no other way.

There is no other truth.

There is no other life.

The Conqueror Has Come.

The Holy Spirit

Those without Jesus cannot understand our grace and peace.

The Comforter does not always take away our pain.

He is here to take you through it.

Example: Acts 7:54-60 He comforted Stephen when people were so angry they were grinding their teeth and throwing stones at him. Before dying Stephen said, “Father forgive them. Lord, lay no sin to their charge.”

Opening Devotions before the sermon – Dave Wenger

The baptizing after church today reminds us of the symbols that we are used to in our regular and church life.

Example: the American flag. When we disgrace our flag, we disgrace our country.

When we make light of God’s ordinances and His Words we disgrace God.

Baptism is not something magical, but a symbol of letting our old life behind.

Sermon – Mervin Groff – John 20

Five blessings given to us by God in this chapter.

Proof

Jesus appeared to the disciples and said “Peace be unto you.”

He proved that He was indeed Jesus by showing them the holes in his hands and the mark of the spear in his side.

Now the disciples had a clearer understanding of the things He had told them – giving them a new peace and joy.

Do we have a calm joy in the Lord?

Purpose

As my Father has sent me, so send I you.

A reminder that there is much more to life than work.

“Don’t just keep the faith – pass it on.”

Power

He breathed power and life into the disciples. The same way God breathed life into Adam in Genesis.

A key issue in our Christian life: Forgiveness of sins is power.

Presence

Jesus is the revelation of God to us.

Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Promise

You will be blessed.

Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.