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2 John 1a Truth Love & False Teachers
Pastor Nelson
2 John v1-13
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2 John v1-13 WOW I can't believe it! I got through a whole book of the Bible in one sermon! Seriously, in these few short versus there are lots of lessons to be learned. You will note as you listen that we refer back to the Gospel of John a lot. That is because the Apostle John is reminding his people what he had taught them in the past. We need to understand that the good news of the gospel has not changed, the truth of God will last forever. You need to understand that even back then false teachers were perverting the truths of God's Word. Things in this world have not changed much, but we need to learn from this small letter to the believers who lived back then. 45min
1John 5a Confidence Cerainty Comfort
Pastor Nelson
1 John 5:1-21
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1 John 5:1-21 Well, we are about to wrap up the letter of First John. What a wonderful study. The theme all along has been do you really understand what a Christian is and do you have confidence in your faith. The handout for this week covers the following topics: love equals obedience, the battle, calling God a liar, in Jesus alone, the narrow and only way, that you may know, prayers that get results, the death penalty, safe from harm, enemy territory, and the final warning. Please use the handout which is different than the sermon but covers many of the same areas in your personal study to understand the conclusion of First John. Three big areas: recognizing that many people are calling God a liar, this letter is written so that you can KNOW for certain where you stand, and watch out for the "idols" that sneak in to your life. Next week we will start into the Second Letter of John. 48min
! John 4b Seeing God through Love
Pastor Nelson
1 John 4:12-21
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1 John 4:12-21 Today we will finish up chapter 4 and be continuing our dialogue about love. In today's message you will see how important it is to have the "spirit of God" within you so that you can express God's love toward others. In my hand out for today, I list six Bible verse questions that you can ask yourself to see if you really have experienced the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. We will also discover that there is no fear in love even though we will one day face judgment. And we KNOW that God's love abides within us, because of how and why we love others. Yes, Jesus did truly and completely expressed God's love for us in human form. 37min.
1 John 4a Discerning the Spirits & Love
Pastor Nelson
1John 4:1-11
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1 John 4:1-11 Well, today's sermon has been interesting in that most of what I prepared has not a whole lot to do with what was actually preached today. I marvel at the grace of God, and how HE can get His message across to the people regardless of the preacher. LOL Praise God! I pray today's lesson will bless you, and cause you to think more deeply about what His Word has to say to you personally. Spiritual discernment in these days is absolutely essential! There are so many false teachers out there. Jesus and the apostle John warned and taught us about false prophets, cults, and how we should love one another. Please if you are interested in receiving the three page handout on 1. Spiritual discernment 2. signs of a cult 3. Old Testament tests for false prophets 4. And information about God's love for you, and how we should love one another PLEASE contact me for this week's handout! 40min
1 John 3d The Work of Love
Pastor Nelson
1 John 3:16-24
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1 John 3:16-24 Verse 18 is the key to what were going to be discussing today. You have all heard that love covers a multitude of sins, but hopefully the handout that I gave you on love will drive the importance of this concept even more deeply into your heart and mind. This is such a huge subject - and somehow I felt I had so much more to say .... but I believe that when the Holy Spirit totally changed my sermon and shortened it by about two hours ( LOL ) maybe this was better for you than what I thought I was going to present. As recipients of the Holy Spirit, we not only have a changed consciousness but hopefully God has also changed your heart. We cannot know how to love except by experiencing God's love. Remember, God is more compassionate and understanding toward us then we sometimes are toward ourselves. But we must remember that the outpouring of love benefits both the giver and the receiver. 33min
1 John 3c Are You Really Saved?
Pastor Nelson
1 John 3:10-15
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1 John 3:10-15 You will see in this portion of Scripture that the Apostle John clearly says there are two types of people in this world. He uses the example of Cain and Abel. So as a little side road, we are going to explore 10 definite ways that you can know that you have been saved, or that you are not saved. You have to let your conscience be your guide. So here are the 10 topics please write them down (leave some space between topics) and take a note or two as you listen to the sermon. 1. A new outlook on life 2. An aversion to sin 3. An abundance of love 4. A hunger for the Word 5. an attachment to the body of Christ 6. A removal of shame 7. A discovery of new gifts 8. A new sense of intimacy 9. A sense of fellowship & how is your prayer life 10. A yearning to proclaim Christ to others. 49min
1 John 3b Righteous Living
Pastor Nelson
1 John 3:10
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1 John 3:10 Today's lesson is going to focus on primarily just this one verse. Contained within this verse is a very key word righteousness. This is a subject rarely taught on, and barely understood by the Christian community. So today is the Lord has laid on my heart we need to discuss this area of your Christian living. The word righteousness and its counterpart righteous appears some 540 times in 520 verses of the Bible. Whereas the word faith faithfulness and faithful only occurs some 348 times in 328 versus. That means that there is 1.5 times as many scriptures about righteousness as there is about faith. I pray that today's message will tug at your heartstrings and cause you to reflect deeply and how you are living for Christ. I also know that a subject matter like this can cause guilt, you need to understand that in Christ Jesus there is never condemnation only a prompting of your conscience. May the Lord bless you as you listen to this study. 35min
1 John 3a Listen Children of God
Pastor Nelson
1 John 3:1-9
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1 John 3:1-9 As we pick up where we left off last week concerning how are we to live a righteous life; we are beginning to see why it is so important to live properly within God's will. Have you ever really considered what it means that you have been "declared a child of God". It is not only amazing who your real father is, but the heritage that you will one day exist in! As the verse says "what we shall be"! But while keeping that image in mind, what do we do with this sinful world we live in, and with our own sinful lives? Prayerfully today you will grasp some concepts that will make it just a bit easier for you to live a pure life and be a walking testimony of God's love (the Good News) for others who are desperate for joy and peace. 45min
1John 2b The Antichrists in our Lives
Pastor Nelson
1 John 2:18-29
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1 John 2:18-29 Well, today's sermon didn't go anything like I had planned. I want to give thanks to God and the power of the Holy Spirit upfront! Thank you Jesus. In my preparation for talking about the "antichrists in your life" I had a lot of Scriptures and cross references but our gracious Lord basically said "just share about my love for my people". HE is our Creator King! I'm so thankful that God can direct "your paths" just like HE did mine this morning in the message! The attendance was small, but the Holy Spirit moved mightily in our body this morning. I guess the whole point of this morning is that "if you are saved and know our Lord personally, HE loves you and can, and will, guide you throughout your life". People, please stay in the Word of God and ALLOW HIM TO DIRECT YOUR PATHS! 46min
1John 2a Obedience Love Sin Victory
Pastor Nelson
1 John 2:1-17
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1 John 2:1-17 I pray today that you will be challenged, contemplative, and confident in your faith. God's word has much to say about sin and victory. Today I asked the questions 1. Are you doing what Jesus says to do? 2. Are you living as Jesus wants you to live? Today's handout covers the questions; why obedience matters, loving one another, God versus an evil world, and worldliness. Yes it is four pages long, but it covers many scriptures and thoughts that you need to know. If you're listening to this sermon you need to contact me and get a copy of the handout (it's free, just send me your email address!). One of the biggest points at the end of the sermon, I will cover the three root causes of all the sin in your life (this knowledge is huge). And yet there is victory in Jesus for you! Are you aware of the pitfalls that Satan has put before you? Scripture gives us the answers! Listen and be challenged, think about it, and know that Christ in you is more than enough. 45min
1John 1 In the Dark You Need Forgiveness
Pastor Nelson
1John 1:5-2:2
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1John 1:5-2:2 During this session, we will continue our discussion on how God is the perfect truth and light. It is also important that we discuss "fellowship with God". Have you ever felt that you have been in a dark place? There are some answers for you in today's lesson. Maybe you haven't heard of the "Christian bar of soap", or maybe you have, but either way 1John 1:9 is an extremely important verse. Another topic that is so important: have you ever thought about guilt being a gift from God? Well it is. As a Christian we enjoy so many privileges and explanations that come directly from The Word of God and what Jesus of Nazareth has taught. 34min
1John 1a God in the Flesh
Pastor Nelson
1John 1:1-5
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1John 1:1-5 We just finished the Gospel of John so maybe it's appropriate to hit the letters (Epistles) of John. But you need to keep in mind these were written before John's Revelation on Patmos. Around 35 or 40 years after the resurrection of Christ the church was already being led astray by false teachers. Some were teaching totally contrary to what the Apostles knew to be true about the Christ. So the Apostle John in this letter is going to try and straighten out some of that bad teaching. Thus, I am introducing the subject of the Trinity and have given you a four page handout to help clarify what the Trinity is all about. My prayer is that after you hear this sermon and read the handout, you will have no questions about the nature and character of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. We also will address the fact that Jesus brought light into this world. 41min
John 21a The Last Breakfast
Pastor Nelson
John 21:1-25
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John 21:1-25 Jesus appears for the third time to his disciples. It is a final farewell and final lesson written by John the apostle as an eyewitness to the event. This last chapter was probably written well after the crucifixion of Peter (65-67 AD), but contains some key lessons for all Christ followers of today. Can a Christian go back to their old life once they have met Jesus Christ of Nazareth? Definitely not! Will Jesus restore fellowship and our call to ministry if we failing Him? Definitely! The big question is .... how do you love Jesus? Are you willing to be his follower regardless? Remember, you may be the closest that some people ever come to the love of Jesus. As His hands and feet we have a lot of work to do in this world today. 43min
John 20b Faith without Seeing
Pastor Nelson
John 20:24-29
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John 20:24-29 Today, we are going to learn about doubting Thomas and faith. Believing in what the Word says and trust those who are around you when they testify as to the reality of Jesus Christ. Thomas wasn't such a bad guy, but he needed a little more to have faith in who Jesus said He was in spite of three years of training by the Messiah himself. Many of us are the same. We hear but it doesn't go into our hearts and minds like it should. In this quick lesson, were going to mention some other heroes of faith that can be our examples. The big question is, who do you say Jesus of Nazareth is? Have you settled it in your own mind and heart without any doubts? We need to understand that once this question is answered we will have the peace of God no matter our circumstances. 33min
John 20a The Empty Tomb
Pastor Nelson
John 20:1-23
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John 20:1-23 Today, as we look at the empty tomb of Jesus on the morning of the third day there is a lot to consider. The story of this is best covered by comparing all four Gospels. We won't have time to do that in detail today, but hopefully you'll have a better understanding why the empty tomb is so significant to Christianity AND the key fact of our belief in Jesus as God in the flesh. Today's handout contains the Scriptures of the11 times Jesus appeared after his resurrection. It also contains the four stages (or steps) of how one comes to believe the gospel as outlined in John chapter 20. I love the saying "unless I believed, I should not understand." This teaching will have to continue on next week when we will hit upon why so many refuse to accept the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 50min
John 19b It Is FINISHED
Pastor Nelson
John 19:25-42
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John 19:25-42 Praise God - The victory is WON! In these few verses, the disciple John is explaining the last three hours of Jesus on the cross. Yet there is so much more to tell. I am bringing in several Scriptures that amplify the humanity and the deity of Jesus of Nazareth. How can we understand the "Gospel" if we don't go back to Old Testament prophecy and closely examine what Jesus said about his own life and death in the New Testament? It is so exciting to know that God's every recorded Word is meant to help us more fully understand the "big picture"! God IS IN CONTROL whether we want to recognize it or not. Even in our body life today, that very fact came to the forefront. We need to stand back in awe of God's love and grace. We need to believe completely in what he has promised! We need to understand that all 20+ prophecies that Jesus fulfilled in the last 24 hours, were meant for our benefit. Jesus said, repent and believe! That is all that is required. Next week we will study the resurrection of Jesus. He did exactly what he said he would do! You can't be a silent secret believer in Jesus Christ of Nazareth - you must, declare your faith! 49min
John 19a Jesus before Pilate
Pastor Nelson
John 19:1-24
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John 19:1-24 This is now the fourth trial of Jesus. The Jewish leaders brought Jesus to Pilate in order to get permission to execute Him. They 1st had accused Him of blasphemy under their law, but now realized this wouldn't work with Roman law. Therefore, they changed the charge and accused Him of treason against Rome (being a king within the Roman Empire). Herod declares Him innocent three times but the mob still wants Jesus executed. Lots of Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled within these passages. Once again, if you refer to the two handouts I have given you it will detail many of the illegal procedures under both Jewish law and Roman law. But we must remember this is all part of God's big plan, for both Jews and Gentiles, in working out the forgiveness of our sins. 46min
John 18b The Start of 6 Trials
Pastor Nelson
John 18:15-40
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John 18:15-40 We have lots to cover today. In understanding the six trials of Jesus; three Roman and three Jewish, there is much to be learned and studied. I will be hitting some of the high points but hopefully you will take the two handouts that I have now given you and study the different Scriptures concerning the culmination of Jesus' life. There are so many minute details that relate to the Old Testament as well as the things that have already happened in the New Testament that there is not time to go into them all. I pray that as you study the four Gospels and other related Scriptures that the Holy Spirit will lay on your heart that this period of Jesus life will become an inspiration and encouragement to you. Understanding Jesus love for Peter, even though he has messed up repeatedly is such a wonderful promise to how our God loves us also. But why did this innocent man (Jesus) have to die? We need to understand it was God's plan from before the beginning of time, because man needs a Savior. 48min.
John 18a The Betrayal & Arrest
Pastor Nelson
John 18:1-14
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John 18:1-14 The time has now come, Jesus is arrested but not before displaying His power and control of the situation. I'm sure His disciples marveled at the size of the crowd and their temperament. One way or another this mob is determined to do away with this man who has consistently said & proven by his actions that HE is the Great "I AM". This story goes all the way back to Genesis 3:15. But now is the time that Jesus has been speaking of throughout his whole ministry. He willingly goes on to drink of the cup which His Father gave Him. and as we will soon see, goes to His first of six trials. ( if you want a handout on the six trials of Jesus please email or call me and I will send you the information ). There is a lesson in all of this concerning doing our own self will versus doing God's will. Prayerfully this sermon will cause you to reflect on this concept. 46min
John 17a Jesus Prays for Himself & Disciples
Pastor Nelson
John 17:1-26
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John 17:1-26 During this lesson we are going to see how Jesus prayed for himself and His disciples. And that includes all those who would follow Jesus in the future times. As you will remember this is Jesus last teaching opportunity with his followers before he is taken awayby the Jewish mob to be crucified. This continues the theme of 'who we are in Christ'. And the question comes up how can we glorify Christ - (1) by getting rid of any immorality, (2) by getting rid of pride, (3) and by getting rid of ambiguity. John chapter 17 is considered by many Christian forefathers as the foundation of hope for believers. It also outlines the 9 (nine) resources we have in Christ (if you care to get the handout simply call or email me). We touched lightly on the question of predestination, but this is a topic for another time. 42min
John 16a The Helper is Coming
Pastor Nelson
John 16:5-33
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John 16:5-33 In His final night with His disciples, Jesus continues to prepare them for the persecution and the power that will come after He is gone. As a believer in Christ, you need to comprehend the fact that the same Holy Spirit that empowered the disciples is with you today. They were sent out to change the world and they did! Now the question is, how are you changing your world for Jesus Christ? Jesus spoke of the persecution that was to come but he also reassured his followers that He would give them peace and answers in their journey on this earth. We must remember verse 33 as we attempt to spread the good news: "but be of good cheer I have overcome the world". And the words that Paul spoke in Romans 837-39 "nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". 38min
John 15c The World Will Hate You
Pastor Nelson
John 15:18 - Jn 16:4
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Pastor Nelson
John 15:18 - Jn 16:4
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John 15:18 - Jn 16:4 Today we have another hard lesson from Jesus. Who you are as a Christian is at least in part going to determine what the world thinks of you. Jesus has said the world hated him therefore it will hate His followers. Are you prepared for this? And more importantly, is your life emanating enough of Jesus where the world recognizes you as different? In this lesson, it will become clear that friendship with the world is hatred toward God. I don't know if you have ever thought about this, but we are called to be something other than worldly. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our faith and trust in God's word, and our determination to love one another we can become purveyors of light. So how is your Christian walk? For some this lesson will be an encouragement; for others it may bring a challenge. 45min
John 15b Perfecting Love Joy & Discipleship
Pastor Nelson
John 15:9-17
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John 15:9-17 As we start today's lesson, Jesus time to the cross is drawing near. Therefore, Jesus is teaching big lessons to his disciples. Lessons that must become a part of their lives if they are to carry forth this gospel of hope. Some key words here are 'abiding' - 'fruit' - and 'love'. It will become clear that the word FATO ( faithful, available, teachable, & obedient) is an integral part of today's lesson. Some hard self-examination questions are going to be asked and we are going to talk quite a bit about what it means to "love one another". I pray that this message will impact your life in a very positive way. Because if we could all master what Jesus taught us in these few Scriptures the world would be a totally different place. 47min
John 15a Your Soul Abiding In Christ
Pastor Nelson
John 15:1-8
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John 15:1-8 Today's lesson is essentially going to be in two parts. The first part concerns the Scripture where Jesus is the "true vine" and His Father is the "vinedresser". We all know that in order to be healthy (just like with the grapevine) we all need to be pruned and cared for - otherwise we go wild and become nonproductive. The Bible has so much to say about "abiding in Christ" we sometimes forget what serious consequences there are when we are trying to live our own way, and not God's way. In the second part of this message I will attempt to bring forth some ideas about how important it is to be walking in harmony with God and His principles. The idea that "your soul" is expressed in how you live your daily life is frightening if you really think about it. Is your soul in harmony with God? Are you living, thinking, talking, and working as God would have you .... here on this earth. Our daily actions & reactions tell others exactly where you stand with HIM! (Are you ABIDING?) We must remember that heaven is not just some cosmic retirement plan - but it is the place where we will continue to "abide in Jesus & the Father just as we have done here on earth. 45min
John 14c Manifesting Christ in Your Life
Pastor Nelson
John 14:22-31
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John 14:22-31 What does it mean to have God the Father and God the Son "manifested" in your life. In line with what we studied last week, Jesus continues to teach about the purposes and works of the Holy Spirit. When a person believes they are a "Christian", how is it proven, .... or not? Today's hard lesson is once again going to call us to examine our walk with the Lord. Easy, shallow, head knowledge is not the same as being a true believer in Jesus Christ. But how should we examine ourselves according to the Bible? Jesus and His Word is very straightforward, although blunt & challenging. This sermon may require a second listen, but at the very least I hope you have a pencil and paper in hand. 38min
John 14b The Christ that is IN You
Pastor Nelson
John 14:12-21
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John 14:12-21 Have you ever stop to think that it is the same Holy Spirit that empowered the disciples to turn the world upside down, that lives inside of you today? This is a hard concept to grasp, but one that is extremely exciting. Jesus said that "our works" today should be even greater than what He did. How can that be? If you are a Christian, or should I say a "true follower of Jesus Christ", you have within you a very special gift. Today's lesson is going to be a hard teaching. And I will be using many scriptures to support what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit who is working in the world today. This teaching should make each of us examine our Christian walk and attitudes. The Bible very plainly tells us about this gift of the Holy Spirit in our life. Are you ready? I pray that you will be listening carefully & examining your own life and walk with our Lord. 49min
John 14a Jesus the Way Truth & Life
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John 14:6-11 We need to re-cover some of the territory of last week. Sometimes the Lord says to me "slow down, what's your hurry, there's more to cover here before you move on." So that is exactly what we'willre going to do today. Do you really understand what it means, when Jesus says if you've seen me you have seen the father? Today, hopefully you are going to come away with a better understanding of what it means by having Christ in you and you in Christ. Just like when Jesus said I am in the Father and He is in me. Have you thought about what it means to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit? And how Jesus is placing us all together in the father. Heaven is going to be a wonderful place, but there is only one way to get there. I pray that today's teaching will not only challenge you, but bless you, as we look forward to being united together in Jesus. 42min
John 13c Jesus Gives a New Commandment
Pastor Nelson
John 13:31-14:6
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John 13:31-14:6 Today, as we continue on in the idea of how we should serve and love other people, Jesus is giving us a new commandment. Not so different than the old one, but much expanded. Notice Jesus tender words toward his disciples. He loved them with perfect love, even Judas who betrayed Him! I don't know about you, but it's really hard to love those who hate and use us. As we look at Peter, who is willing to die for Christ .... but not live for Him! A big lesson is coming; one that none of us should ever forget. "Do you have the guts to live for Christ?" And then comes the promise ... A place of perfect peace and rest and fulfillment! We need to understand that what all mankind is looking for can only come through Jesus Christ. For He is "THE WAY, THE TRUTH & THE LIFE!" Do you get it? Jesus wishes to be glorified through your life. Listen and learn today. I pray this message will change your life. 33min
John 13b Last Supper Jesus Knows His Betrayer Part2
Pastor Nelson
John 13:11-30
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John 13:11-30 Jesus has humbly finished washing all the disciples feet. His love knew no bounds, and He loved even Judas. what do you think it means when Jesus said "do you know what I have done for you?". To do humble service for others without pride or expectations is our standard. Can we do that? If you are a Christ follower, you must also be a FATO, are you willing, are you able,WILL YOU DO WHAT GOD ASKS OF YOU? Jesus, knowing that his time has come, is teaching one of his biggest lessons to the disciples. What will we learn from these simple verses? You need to have listened to last week's sermon to get the whole message of today's sermon. We are given a new commandment, "to love one another", how well are you doing? These are not easy lessons for the faint of heart, these are God's truth's that challenge all of us. I pray and believe, that you will receive His directions for your life. 46min
John 13a Meaning of Jesus Washing His Disciples Feet Part1
Pastor Nelson
John 13:1-10
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John 13:1-10 In this message of the Last Supper & Jesus washing His disciples feet, the implications of His actions go much deeper than it first appears. We need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts about Jesus actions concerning humility, service, love, and pride. As we examine these few verses, Jesus meant what He said "you won't understand now, but later you will". I pray that all who hear this lesson will be challenged by what lies beneath these simple words of Scripture. If we are to be true Christ followers, we need to meditate on these few verses and ask ourselves how these holy words apply to me. What meaning is God conveying to us today about foot washing? Is it a simple physical act, or is there something much deeper going on? This message should affect your thinking about what Jesus actually did and your relationship to Him, and how it applies in your actions toward others. 46min
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