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John 7d "Advent" History & Meaning
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In light of the season we are in - I thought it would be good to explain a little about the history and meaning of the four Sundays or weeks before Christmas. Commonly known as Advent. Some denominations or churches make quite a big deal out of this "Advent Season". Is that right or wrong? Why should we even consider this practice that goes back to roughly 300 A.D. ? I'm praying that this teaching will be meaningful because it all centers on Jesus Christ and God's promises to mankind. In thinking about Christ's "first coming" as the promised Messiah there is also Christ's "second coming" that we must be anticipating. These two comings are at the very core of Advent. So I hope you enjoy finding out about the five candles representing (1) "Hope" or promise candle & the prophecies foretold - past, present, and future (2) the preparation and expectant waiting or the "Faith" candle (3) the "Joy" candle or shepherds candle when the Messiah was actually born in Bethlehem (4) the "Love" candle or adoration candle when we are declared part of the family of God (5) and in the center most important of all "The Christ" candle - for HE is truly the light of the world. 32min
John 7e Advent & 7: 40-53
Pastor Nelson
Advent 3rd candle Jn 7:40-53
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Pastor Nelson
Advent 3rd candle Jn 7:40-53
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John 7:40-53 and our 51st Scripture for the year Philippians 2:15-16. And continuing our teaching on Advent, the lighting of the third candle. Today is packed full of biblical lessons for those who are willing to hear. I pray that your heart is ready to receive the gifts of His Word and the season that we are in. Remember the Advent season is all about the five candles: hope, love, joy, peace, and Christ. God has somehow drawn these themes altogether in one sermon. As we continue our study in John chapter 7 the crowds are hearing the message, the Pharisees are bent on killing the Christ. We all have a lesson to learn in that pride always interferes with your ability to reason. Yet those who have received the "gift of God, Jesus Christ of Nazareth" will be lights unto the world much as He was. I wish you a joyous Christmas celebration because of the first coming of our King. 45min
John 8a 4th Advent Sunday
Pastor Nelson
John 8 & Luke 1
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John 8, Luke 1:39-56, Luke 2:1-20 Today we have multiple scriptures we're going to. First of all we are in our 52nd week Bible verse, and it is James 1:2-4 which talks about the trials you will go through. Then because we are only two days away from Christmas we will finish up our study about the Advent wreath and it's five candles. The Scriptures & history tell us prophecies were fulfilled when God came down from heaven to earth in the form of a human baby. This seems mind-boggling, so I'm going to elaborate on a quote and read one directly. Next we will further explain the fourth (the Peace candle) and fifth Advent candle (the Christ candle). Then we turn to Luke chapter 1 and chapter 2 to see how this whole event of Jesus's birth came about. Lastly as we skip back to John chapter 8 and the woman caught in adultery we see how Jesus is truly a Savior, compassionate, the light of the world, and the coming King who will judge all unrighteousness. 43min
John 8b Jesus I AM are You in My Word
Pastor Nelson
John 8:1-32
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John 8:1-32 Here we are the last Sunday of 2018. My how the year has flown by. I know some of you have read the Bible through cover to cover this year, congratulations! Others have a hope for doing better next year. In our body-life talk we addressed the importance of reading your Bible every day, various translations of the Bible, having a Bible you like, and how we as a congregation we could read through the New Testament together during 2019. I handed out a reading plan (like last year's) and during our body-life this next year we will be discussing what the Holy Spirit taught YOU in reading your 5 New Testament Scriptures each week. This type of round robin discussion is always profitable, as the Holy Spirit is working in and with all believers who are seeking God's truth; and we can learn from each other. Now, concerning today's sermon, you will be learning about the witnesses to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah, God in the flesh come to save us. The theme about staying in the Word of God will be addressed multiple times in various places. 43min
8c Truth - In My Word
Pastor Nelson
John 8:31-59
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John 8:31-5 In today's lesson we see several major truths. (1) If you "abide in" God's Word only then are you a true disciple. If you are not, studying the Word of God, how will you ever learn what God's truths are, and grow in His grace and knowledge and be all that God wants you to be. (2) Jesus is making a very clear argument that He is the Son of God, the Christ, the Messiah. (3) Everyone is either following their father the devil, or their Father the Living One and only True God. Jesus did not beat around the bush when he told the Pharisees, who were trying to kill him, that they were of their father the devil. We must realize that even today our culture is divided; some trying to follow the truth of the Bible, and others following the lies of the devil. Realizing that only 10% of our population has a Biblical worldview, and less than 4% of millennial's have a Biblical worldview (as discussed in body life). This spiritual warfare will continue until Jesus reigns supreme upon His return. Do you know your Bible well enough to be a well-equipped faithful soldier for the truth that has been revealed through Jesus Christ of Nazareth? 48min
John 9a Man Born Blind Sees the Light (part1)
Pastor Nelson
John 9:1-25
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John 9:1-25 This event has a lot of lessons for us to take in. The blindness of all mankind needs to somehow be overcome. We all reside in spiritual darkness until Christ comes into our lives. It is interesting when fate and faith come crashing in together. Believing the promises of Jesus and acting on them is essential. Can you comprehend how Hurting and Problems can be preparation for healing? The focus should not be on my personal creature comforts, but on the exultation of our Creator God. I'm sorry I could not get through this entire chapter in one sermon; really wanted to the story is so good. But we will have to finish this up next week. 46min.
John 9b The Blind Judges
Pastor Nelson
John 9:24-41
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John 9:24-41 As we have been studying the gospel of John, Jesus is now on His sixth miracle proving that He is deity and the Messiah. We left the healed blind man before the Pharisees last week for a second time. Now it is time for this man to teach the Pharisees some biblical truths about Jesus. It is very hard to get through to prideful, arrogant, stubborn, complacent, and self-satisfied blind sophisticates. But a real truth comes through in verse 39 concerning judgment and condemnation of those with closed hearts and minds. How can the Bible say Jesus came to save the world and not condemn it, and yet at the same time Jesus said he has come into the world to judge it. You will find that answer in this lesson. This whole lesson has to do with coming into the light of Jesus with open eyes, an open mind, and an open heart. 51min
John 10a Hearing God's Voice
Pastor Nelson
John 10:1-10
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John 10:1-10 Jesus is the good Shepherd. Jesus is the door. In these few verses there are many deep truths, that as Christ followers we need to totally understand and apply. In order to do that, we need to be able to "hear His voice". It was totally amazing that today during our body life so many people testified as to their actually hearing the voice of God in their particular situation. YES you too can hear God's voice and His direction for your life! Do you want to know how to hear God's voice better? Then today's lesson is for you. 49min
John 10b The Good Shepherd
Pastor Nelson
John 10:11-30
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John 10:11-30 Have you ever actually considered what a Good Shepherd is? When Jesus said he was the Good Shepherd - He literally was saying I am God in the flesh and I am here to lead you to heaven, if you will follow me. Even with an offer like that many of us human beings have a stubborn streak just like some sheep, or rebellious dogs. In this teaching you will see how closely Jesus paralleled many Old Testament promises and scriptures. As you listen you need to think about that Jesus knows those who are His, and those who will never follow Him regardless of how much love and care He would want to show them. When the Jews asked him if he was the Christ, by this time he had done so many miracles that only God could perform, the question lingers why would they even ask. Another key point is the Good Shepherd is taking care of you, always. But do you trust Him? 37min
John 10c Jesus Faces 3rd Stoning Attempt
Pastor Nelson
John 10:31-42
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John 10:31-42 Jesus is facing his third stoning attempt because he is claiming to be God in the flesh. The Jews understood very well what he was saying, but there are people today who still say "Jesus never claimed to be God". There are so many lessons here for us in these modern times. Plus we need to go back and examine Matthew chapter 10 to see what Jesus said about the coming persecution of his followers. Another topic taught is why do people refuse Jesus offer of love and forgiveness? There are many reasons but I will hit on a few that hopefully will help you as you testify to others about your personal experience with Jesus Christ. 48min
Timing, Trials & Trust
Pastor Nelson
John 11:1-16
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John 11:1-16 Today's lesson although not an easy one, is a very important one. How many of you have thought "why me Lord?" or "this can't be happening now Lord!" Well it does! God's timing is not our timing. But we need to understand that God loves us and does hear our prayers. We also need to understand that in this life God allows trials to teach us, grow us, and learn to trust Him more. This story about raising Lazarus from the dead has so many implications. When you and I read the Bible, many times we just gloss over important things and don't really meditate on what those scriptures really mean. I hope this lesson and my hand out (available if you just give me a call) will help you cope with your challenges of life. God bless you in your trials of life! 38min
John 11b Raising Lazarus From the Dead
Pastor Nelson
John 11:17-45
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John 11:17-45 What an exciting story today! There are so many things of vital importance in this message I hope you will take some notes and maybe even underline or color in your Bible. I'm sure that when Jesus brought the rotting stinking corpse of Lazarus out of the grave everyone was in total awe. Just imagine everyone knew Lazarus was dead and now he is raised up and totally restored! the main story is pretty simple but there's a couple of underlying themes that could easily be missed if you're not careful. Like, what level of faith did Mary and Martha have? An in verse 33 what is the real meaning of Jesus groaning and being troubled? Why did Jesus cry? Picture yourself being outside Lazarus' tomb that faithful day - what would you have done? 44min
John 11c We Need to Kill Him
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John 11:45-57 Hopefully you've listened to last week's sermon before this one. It is so important to get the Scriptures in context. Remember Jesus had just raised Lazarus after being dead for four days! Some believed, some did not, some totally bewildered, some angry about losing their position and power. The Pharisees said "what shall we do?" The answer - try to kill the one who has power over life and death. Beware of pride and power it can lead to big sin problems. Evil clings to a lie even in the face of truth! Caiaphas, a ruthless, proud, evil man was used by God to prophesy about the truth of Jesus. The lesson; God is able to take an evil plan and use it for His good purposes. 35min
John 12a The Precision of Prophecy
Pastor Nelson
John 12:1-19
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John 12:1-19 Today is an exciting day, we are having corn beef and cabbage, and lots of green goodies for our potluck after the service. But did you know the traditional St. Patty's day celebration color for Protestants is supposed to be "orange", not green!? (contact me and I'll give you the handout & about Saint Patrick. He was not a Catholic or a saint, but a fantastic Christian missionary to the very folks who once imprisoned him) Well anyway, we are also celebrating a very special event in John chapter 12, Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But did you know that this special day was spoken of three centuries before it happened! Fact is, this occurrence happened exactly as foretold in Daniel chapter 9 and Zephaniah 9:9! Exactly 173,880 days into the future just as promised by God! This exciting message should encourage your Christian beliefs in God's prophecies and promises in the Bible, which we all need in these trying days. 41min
John 12b Follow Jesus & Worship Him
Pastor Nelson
John 12:20-29
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John 12:20-29 It is time for Jesus to be glorified. Like the seed that is buried to produce much fruit, Christians must keep their eyes on the prize of eternal life. That's exactly what Jesus was doing at this time, knowing that sin and death were soon to be conquered. Get ready with your pen and paper and your Bible because we are going to be looking up lots of interrelated Scriptures. The idea of "serving" Jesus is closely associated with or actually meaning "worshiping" Him. How are we to love Him who loved us so much?! You may want to contact me for my handout on "seven powerful scriptures to help you worship God". At the end of this message this handout will help bring everything together. Today, ask yourself; am I just a pew sitter, or am I a Christ follower who is willing to be totally obedient in serving and worshiping our Creator God? We are going to look at some hard Scriptures today, please open your ears to what the Holy Spirit has to say to you. 38min
John 12c Run for the Goal
Pastor Nelson
John 12:27-33
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John 12:27-33 Well today's teaching didn't go as I had planned. Funny how your preparation for a sermon may be changed by the Holy Spirit even as you stand to preach God's word. I know that God's Word will never return void and that for some reason, or some person, we ended up talking about running this race called life. Jesus ran his race toward the cross, never taking his eye off the victory that was going to be won. We must learn to do the same thing! I pray this message will give each of you some special encouragement in your race toward our ultimate goal. Folks need to be encouraged in that the prince of this world is defeated & Christ has won the victory! So come back again next week when we will talk about Jesus being the "Light of the world and the Word of truth that changes lives". 46 min
John 12d The Light of the World
Pastor Nelson
John 12:34-50
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John 12:34-50 In this message I pray that the listeners will learn some valuable lessons about God's light and truth. I am so thankful that in both the Old Testament and the New we can start to understand, at least to some limited extent, what Jesus meant when He said "I am the light of the world". But I'm sure that many of you do not fully comprehend the role you should be playing as God's light. We need to be honest in our witness to others about God's coming rewards and punishment. The world needs to understand that our existence does not end at the time of death. Have your Bibles, paper and pen handy because we are going to be going through quite a few scriptures. It is always best to let Scripture interpret Scripture. 47min
John13 EASTER - Your Ressurection
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John13 "EASTER 2019" - Your Ressurection!! Today's lesson is going to be topical. I'm sure you'll notice right away it's not from John chapter 13. In fact, I will be taking today's Scripture verses from 16 different books of the Bible. In the six main points of today's teaching the theme is centered on the thought that because Jesus arose from the grave, you will too! I don't know if you've thought about this much, but your resurrection is guaranteed. There are so many verses that give us assurance & hope that this life is only a small part of eternity and there are better things coming! Are you ready to meet God face-to-face? What will it be like? How then should we live? I know that today I'm going through a lot of verses very quickly, but if you can hang in there I think you will find a lot of encouragement of what lies ahead for the believers in Christ and His Word! 48min
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
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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