November 27, 2011

He Overcame The World....Will He Overcome Yours?

John 16: 16 - 33 

John

Jesus said, "In just a little while I will be gone, and you won't see me anymore.  Then, just a little while after that, you will see me again."

The disciples asked each other, "What does he mean when he says, 'You won't see me, and then you will see me'?   And what does he mean when he says, 'I am going to the Father'?  And what does he mean by 'a little while'?  We don't understand."

Jesus realized they wanted to ask him, so he said,  "Are you asking yourselves what I meant?  I said in just a little while I will be gone, and you won't see me anymore.  Then, just a little while after that, you will see me again.  Truly, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice.  You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy when you see me again.  It will be like a woman experiencing the pains of labor.  When her child is born, her anguish gives place to joy because she has brought a new person into the world.  You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.  At that time you won't need to ask me for anything.  The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name.  You haven't done this before.  Ask using my name and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.

"I have spoken of these matters in parables, but the time will come when this will not be necessary, and I will tell you plainly all about the Father.  Then you will ask in my name.  I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God.  Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and I will leave the world and return to the Father."

Then his disciples said, "At last you are speaking plainly and not in parables.  Now we understand that you know everything and don't need anyone to tell you anything.  From this we believe that you came from God."

Jesus asked, "Do you finally believe?  But the time is coming - in fact, it is already here - when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone.  Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me.  I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."     

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Thoughts.....

Good morning.  Todays reference could be entitled many things.  Let's go over what Jesus and his disciples had to say to see what he was trying to convey.  You may be surprised by what I will share.  First and foremost, let me remind you that he is speaking directly to his disciples here....people who believe him and believe in him....Christians.  Are you one? 

In the first paragraph, Jesus was referring to his death and then his return to earth prior to his resurrection.  (The time, when he spoke to Mary and told her to tell the others to meet him....when he said he had not ascended to the Father yet....the time after the stone was rolled away showing an empty tomb with Jesus 'missing'....when he was 'missing' in the fiery bowels of hell on his 3 day 'sojourn'.)  Many believe this refers to his death and his return at the end of the world.  His reference to 'a little while' is the key here.  Also, we see in the second paragraph that the disciples' reference more of what he said, when they tell us he said, 'I am going to the Father'.  To him, 'a little while' is a brief period of time.  It could not refer to the end of the world, as we have been given to understand, nor could it be referring to their deaths, so many of them unitedly.  Plus we know they didn't die enmass. 

Referencing the third paragraph, it's interesting the word used here is 'realized'...'Jesus realized what they wanted to ask him'.  Was he eavesdropping?  Was he even close enough to hear them?  Realized.  I am not sure I would have said realized.  I might have said something like, 'overhearing'.  Or 'in his infinite wisdom':  He was a prophet who foretells, after all, not just a guy given to making predictions.  Oh, by the way, he was also the Savior of the world.

Anyway, so here they are together and Jesus addresses their concerns.  He tells them that they will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to him, but the world will rejoice.  Clearly throughout scripture, we understand that 'the world' refers to those who do not believe in him....who are not Christians.  So is he speaking of his rather small world of people around him, or the world as a whole as we now understand from world geography?  My guess is that he is saying that the people who love and adore him, who have accepted them as their/the Savior will weep and mourn, and that his local world of non-believers will rejoice to be rid of him.  But as a prophet, he knows, the world of non-believers everywhere will rejoice over all time.  Sadly, to those of us who love and adore him, and know what he has to offer.

It's very excitng that he references that he will be seen again, that their grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy when they see him again.  Folks, that is how it is when someone who is not a believer, becomes a believer.  Hold onto this joy, this promise beyond hope, as you reach out to receive him, and, as you share who Jesus is while sharing the salvation message with others.  Just as Jesus shares the emotions about a natural birth, so it is with a spiritual birth.  When a person is 'born again'! 

He says, 'You have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.'  The prophecy will have been nearly complete.  By that time, he would have died on a cross for their sins (yours and mine, too).  He would have been to hell and back....and returned to earth to prove who he was to his disciples.....and the world, tho' the world chose to know him not.  He will only have to be resurrected to heaven for the fulfillment of prophecy.  But his death would have sealed their salvation!  That is the reason he says that 'no one can rob you of that joy'.  Praise God!  He was sharing with them that their salvation would mean joy. 

Jesus goes on to say that 'At that time you won't need to ask me for anything.  The truth is, you can go directly to the Father and ask him, and he will grant your request because you use my name.  You haven't done this before.  Ask using my name and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.'  I've spoken before that asking for things from God, should not be about 'things', it should be about spiritual matters pertaining to salvation, wisdom, your spiritual future.  He speaks of 'abundant joy', 'wonderful joy'....and it all pertains to salvation.  He knows that he is leaving them, and so, he is giving them information on how to learn more about being firm in their faith....how to live it.  Although he doesn't say, 'don't ask for the house, the new dress, a paycheck', everything Jesus is about is their/your salvation.  Does that mean you cannot ask for those things?  No.  But by his intent here, he wants them/you to ask him to come into their/your life, then for wisdom (to see if the new dress or house is really needed).  So, when praying, the disciples are taught, and you and I learn, too, that we are to pray to God, using Jesus' name.

Jesus uses the words "'wonderful joy' when you see me again."  And says, "but I will see you again, and 'then you will 'rejoice'".  "Ask using my name, and you will receive, and you will have 'abundant joy'".  Why would anyone not want to feel those emotions? 

He goes on to say that he has been speaking in parables, but the time will come when this will not be necessary, that he will tell them plainly all about the Father.  And that they will ask in his name, but that he will not be asking the Father on their behalf.  So he is not saying he will be a mediator, however, his advocacy work was done on the cross.  He goes on to say that the Father himself loves them dearly because they love him and believe that he came from God.  Are you ready to believe Jesus came from God?  Are you ready to receive the love of God? 

After he arose from the dead, he spoke very plainly.  He speaks plainly still today.  Are you listening?

Jesus said, "Yes, I came from the Father into the world, and I will leave the world and return to the Father."  He confirms his existence as from God, affirms his intent to go to the cross (death for him, life for you), sharing he would ascend to the Father.  He KNEW.  He KNEW he was going to be resurrected.  A prophet.  But not ANY prophet.  The ONLY prophet who went to the Father...God....the creator of the world....by way of resurrection, by way of atoning for others' sins on a cross.  The ONLY Savior of the world.  "For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, "The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'  There is salvation in no one else!  There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:11-12.

The disciples finally understand.  They believe he came from God.  They believe he is going back to God. 

Jesus even asked the disciples if they finally believed.  Do you?

He goes on to say, 'But the time is coming - in fact, it is already here - when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving me alone.  Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me."  He is foretelling his upcoming journey where he will be brought before the council, his lone walk to Calvary/Golgotha.  He KNEW.  He knew that he would be denied as even being known.  He knew he would be left alone.  He knew that his friends would leave him to shoulder all the pain without them.  He knew it all.  Even that the disciples would scatter.....run amuck...drift away from him.  But he trusted that God would be there through it all.  Do you trust God will be with you through life? 

What do you know about your future?  What does God have in store for you?  It won't be THE cross, but it will be A cross....to bear.  Were you Jesus' friend, and have you denied him?  He hasn't denied you.  Have you left him alone?  He hasn't left you alone.  Have you scoffed at his death on the cross....hurt him by this?  He hasn't scoffed at you....or hurt you.  Have you run amuck, drifted away from him?  He hasn't gone anywhere....he is right now waiting for you to come to him.....to turn back.  He overcame the world.  He can overcome yours.  Will you let him?  Have it easy?  Only now, my friend, only now.  In your end....it won't be easy.  You won't be forgiven.  You won't have eternal life.  Unless you turn to him now....and choose to seek that wonderful joy, that abundant joy. 

Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me.  Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows.  But take heart, because I have overcome the world."  Let him overcome your world today.  Ask Jesus into your heart.  Be assured that you will see him again....in heaven.  Turn your life over to him today.

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Let Us Pray

God, I get it....finally.  Jesus, thank you for living and dying for me.  Thank you both for all your love.  I am so grateful.  Please forgive me of my sins, and come into my heart, Jesus.  Overcome MY world....please.  Thank you.  I guess I have some reading in Scriptures to do to rebuild.  But now that I've got the foundation established, we can build together.  I cannot fathom how I've thought I could do so much without you.  Why I haven't kept focused on you.  Or placed it there to begin with.  Please forgive me.  Please send other Christians, known by thought, word and deed, into my life to help me gird up the trusses.  Protect me and my beloved ones with everything you've got....with all my heart I earnestly request this.  I wish to experience the wonderful joy, the abundant joy and be able to rejoice once again.....wait.....have I ever?  Help me, God.  Help me.  Thank you for giving me new knowledge.  Give me wisdom, please, and help me apply that wisdom....wisdom being the application of knowledge.  I know knowledge is nothing, if it is not applied appropriately.  PLEASE help me apply it appropriately.  Help me get my ducks in a row, so that I will be perceived as one who talks with you and walks with you....I note the order....and 'realize' that I must communicate...not just talk, but listen.  Not just go forward, but go forward with you.  May we always walk together.  Help me to continue to help others learn who you are, that you are and how wonderful you are.  God, thank you, in Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.        

Lord,LordJesJeJeJJjEJJJ     JJThe LORD is king!  Let the nations tremble!  T***

More love.... 

  Benediction...Blessing

Let us hear from Paul as he prays:  

When I think of the wisdom and scope of God's plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.  I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.  And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts as you trust in him.  May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is so great you will never fully understand it.  Then you will be filled with the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Now glory be to God!  By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.  May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages.  Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT         

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Scroll down to read Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving...'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'.

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Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation. 

It is not how we worship, but that we worship....the Trinity!   

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If you feel that the Church of the Holy Spirit has inspired or helped you, we'd like you to prayerfully consider tithing regularly to us or gifting us, so that we can further the work and carry out the will of the Father as proclaimed in Matthew 28:19-20 NLT

 to

 "Go and make disciples out of all the nations

baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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  Our Current Cause

It is time to reach into the community and the world around you to see wherein lies the greatest need.  As you choose to focus on these areas, do so with a servant's heart.  Whether the need is for children, adults, or animals, or any cause in between that will help those in need, ask God how you can best serve his needs, what path you must take, and how long you should persevere.  Sometimes we are to be in the lives of others merely as stepping stones.  Sometimes we are to touch those lives forever.  Whatever journey you are called to take, whatever team you will be a member, know this:  God is with you always...even til the end of time.  He loves you, is grateful for you, and will help you along life's way, especially if you are helping others along theirs, persevering with a servant's heart. 

Please accept my sincerest thanks....and God's....and may God richly bless you!   

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    One last thing....

 Jesus' Prayer of Thanksgiving

'The Unforced Rhythms of Grace'

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer:  "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.  You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people.  Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work."

Jesus resumed talking to the people, but now tenderly.  "The Father has given me all these things to do and say.  This is a unique Father - Son operation, coming out of Father and Son intimacies and knowledge.  No one knows the Son the way the Father does, nor the Father the way the Son does.  But I'm not keeping it to myself; I'm ready to go over it line by line with anyone willing to listen."

"Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you'll recover your life.  I'll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me - watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn how to live freely and lightly.

   Matthew 11:  25-30

  The Message

And the people said,

"Amen."

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I now write most prayers in the position of ' I ' (first person) because most people are sitting at their computer alone, not in groups, and it allows those reading and praying to personalize the prayer as coming from them going to God.  Variations may appear on holidays when families may wish to use the prayer provided. 

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  Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996.  Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189.  All rights reserved.

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