Do You Believe?

 N.T.#791 "Do You Believe?"

May 6, 2026 

John 16-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Christ told His disciples He was going away in a little while, but then they would see Him. I'm sure that was confusing to them. They would wee while the world would rejoice. However, their sorrow would turn into joy because of the resurrection of Jesus.  (verse 20) 

Jesus reassured the guys He would see them again. The Holy Spirit would produce a permanent joy. (verse 22)

Jesus used the example of the pain in childbirth and joy the child brings to the mother. The pain in insignificant to her by that time. 

LET IT GROW 

When that day came, it would be impossible for the disciples to personally ask Christ for things. 

Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. (verse 23)

Jesus intercedes for Christians in prayer to the Father through the name of the Son, Jesus Christ. When the Spirit came, Christ would reveal the Father plainly. 

The Father answers our prayers because He loves us, because we love Jesus and believe in Him as Savior. (verse 27)

Don't know who said this, but what a profound statement in made in verse 30:

... this we believe that Thou camest forth from God. (verse 30)

Friend, do you believe in Jesus as God's Son?

LET IT GO

Whatever my lot, You are still my God.

It is well with my soul.

I trust in God my Savior.

You will never fail.

Holy Spirit

N.T.#790 "Holy Spirit"

May 5, 2026 

John 16-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Who is the Holy Spirit?

What does Jesus till us about the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit

• He guides in all truth. (verse 13)
• He does not speak of Himself.*He speaks of what He hears.
• He reveals things to come. future revelation. 
• He glorifies Jesus. 
• His revelation is from Jesus. (verse 14)

Jesus' personal sacrifice shows us His priority was to love us. Opposition is hard to deal with. 

The Holy Spirit guided the guys as they wrote the Scriptures. We are able to understand it through the Holy Spirit's working. 

LET IT GROW 

The disciples didn't get what Jesus was speaking about-His leaving and returning. We should not get upset if we don't understand what Jesus is doing in our life. After all, His first disciples were confused and Jesus was right there with them. Keep pursuing Him.

We know Jesus was speaking about His death to His disciples. Then He would rise from the dead and appear to them in His resurrection body. Joy would return to them.

LET IT GO

Are we listening to the Holy Spirit?

Get Ready

N.T.#789 "Get Ready"

May 4, 2026 

John 16

LET IT GLOW 

Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure. The trial of their faith was coming, so Jesus wanted them to be prepared. Yet, the did not understand at the time. 

Being a disciple of Jesus means:

• hatred so strong that they put you out of the synagogue;
• when they kill you, they think they're serving God;
• they reject God and Jesus.

How hard it is when family or friends reject your faith, love, and witness. 

Sorrow filled the disciples' hearts because Jesus was soon leaving them. Yet, Sunday was coming-the resurrection of Christ.

LET IT GROW 

It was necessary for Jesus to leave. Had Jesus not gone away, the Comforter would not have come. (verse 7) The Holy Spirit is our intercessor and consoler. 

The work of the Holy Spirit is to convict sin. We are not righteous, no not one, so we get convicted of it. 

Been under conviction lately? Does it bring repentance?

LET IT GO

We let go of pride and humble ourself before You, HOly God.

Need Comfort?

N.T.#788  "Need Comfort?"

May 1, 2026 

John 15-Part 8

LET IT GLOW 

Needs some hope today? some comfort? The Holy Spirit gives strength to endure the unreasonable hatred and evil in our world and the hostility many have toward Christ. This is especially comforting for those facing persecution. 

Jesus gives two names for the Holy Spirit-Comforter and Spirit of Truth. 

Comforter refers to intercessor; advocate; consoler. 

He helps, encourages, strengthens, intercedes for us to the Father. 

The Spirit of Truth points to the teaching, illuminating, and reminding work of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit ministers to both the head and the heart. 

[Resource: Life Application Study Bible]

Be careful that suffering does not bring doubt. Are we relying upon the Holy Spirit today?

LET IT GROW 

We need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to supply wisdom, abilities, and courage. He provides for believers to faithfully bear witness of Jesus Christ. We need to stand firm and proclaim the divine truth. The only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus as Savior.

Are we standing firm on our faith in Jesus?

Don't run away; don't back off. 

LET IT GO 

Let the Comforter intercede for you and console you.

Love and Hate

N.T. #787 "Love and Hate"

April 30, 2026 

John 15-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

Who are we to love? Jesus said it twice in this chapter. We are to love one another. (verses 12, 17) This is a command, not an option. The world hates us because Jesus chose us out of the world.

Then Jesus turns to the subject of hate. It is so hared when someone shows hate toward us, isn't it? We want everyone to love us, but they won't because we represent Jesus and His love.

Hate means to detest; love less. 

Hate occurs 8 times in the rest of this book. 

What does Jesus teach about hate?

• The world hates us because Jesus choses us to be in the family of God. (verse 19)
• He that hates Jesus hates God, too. (verse 23)
• Jesus performed works that should have caused those in the world to believe in Him, but they did not. (verse 24)
• The world hates Jesus and God. 
• They hated Jesus without a cause. 

When we stand up for God's commands and Word, we should expect a reaction of hate, not love shown to us by those in the world. That doesn't make it any easier, though, does it. Love your enemy and do good to them, pray for them.

LET IT GROW

Jesus didn't hurt people, He helped them. He told them the truth. When it gets tough, remember the Comforter is only a prayer away. We are not alone. Jesus will send the Spirit of Truth to bear witness of Jesus. (verse 26)

The Holy Spirit helps us witness and proclaim the gospel. He gives us direction, convicts us of sin, gives us strength. 

LET IT GO

Holy Spirit breathe on me until my heart is new.

Are You Chosen?

 N.T.#786 "Are You Chosen?"

April 29, 2026

John 15-Part 6

LET IT GLOW 

To be a friend of Christ means to obey Him. (verse 14) He calls us His friends. (verse 15) Because of the disciples' obedience.

What is Jesus telling His disciples and us here?

*Christ chooses who will be saved and serves Him. We did not choose Him. (verse 16a)

*Chosen means to select; make choice.

*Jesus chose us and His disciples so we produce spiritual fruit in kingdom work. We reflect God's character. 

*We are appointed to a mission on earth that is soul winning and helping them row in faith. 

*When we remain in fruit production, whatever we ask in Jesus' name God will give. 

Christ could now call the disciples His friends. As His friends, they were told all the things that Christ had heard from the Father. Although they were Christ's friends, this was by His choice, not their choice. (verse 16) (Liberty Bible Commentary)

LET IT GROW 

What is our mission?

We keep the command of Jesus, love Him, and love one another. (verse 9-15)

Jesus wants believers to bear fruit, live out the gospel, share the gospel, and win many to Him. He wants that fruit to remain in us. (David Jeremiah)

Are we a friend of God? Seek Him with all your heart and you will be.

LET IT GO

                               ... of whatever keeps us from remaining in Jesus and producing fruit.

                                ... so love, joy, peace, faith, goodness, kindness, patience dwell in us.

To God be the glory!

Who Are We To Love?

N.T.# 785 "Who Are We to Love?" 

April 28, 2026 

John 15-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

It's easy to love those who love us, treat us well, and give to us. What about those who say hurtful things to and about us, degrade us, withhold from us the good we deserve, even physically and emotionally abuse us? Are we still showing them love in spite of their actions toward us?

What is Jesus telling us about love? 

*Love one another as I have loved you. (verses 12)

*Love your enemies., bless and pray for them. (Matthew 5:44)

*Lay down your life for your friends. (verse 13)

*Love God with all our heart, soul, mind, strength. 

Love is the decision to compassionately, righteously, responsibly, and sacrificially seek the well-being of another. Love is not depending on our feelings, so we can love people whom we may not necessarily like. Love isn't driven by our feelings. Love is driven by sacrifice for the welfare of others. Laying down our life for our friends is the greatest expression of love. (verse 13)  (The Tony Evans Bible Commentary)

LET IT GROW 

Do we want to be a friend of Jesus'? Then we must do whatsoever He commands us to do. (verse 14)

Only two people in the Old Testament were described as "friends of God." It was Abraham and Moses. David loved God. 

Jesus' disciples were His friends. He shared what was on His heart. He disclosed to them what the Father shared with Him. 

Are we seeking after God with all our heart?

LET IT GO

Help us let go of our self and love You, God, and love others.