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John 1h Jesus Gets His 1st 5 Disciples
Pastor Nelson
John 1:39-51
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John 1:39-51 As we read how Jesus gets his first 5 disciples, there are some interesting lessons to be learned. However, we are going to start today's lesson with week 25 and 26 Bible verses. Jude 24 & 25, and 1John 4:9-10. In looking at our 52 Bible verses for the year, sometimes these fall in line with our Scripture studies in the Gospel of John and sometimes they don't. But I do believe they have value in our growth. Anyway, there are some subtle lessons from John's Gospel that we need to pick up today. The big question for the day is: who do you think Jesus is? How closely are you following him? Is your relationship with Him a first priority in life? In this day and age it is hard to imagine these 5 men dropped everything to follow Jesus immediately. Jesus is still saying "come, follow me - you will see greater things than these". Are you willing? 39min PS I have a fantastic, thought-provoking, 7 page article on how amazing & transforming God's GRACE is. It was written by David Bryant a pastor and Christ proclaimer for over the 40 years now. I have read it at least 8 times & each time it has a greater impact on me. Please let me know if you would like a copy of this great paper about GRACE G=God's R=Revolution A=Achieved by C=Christ E=Exalted It could change your life!
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 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 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 2a 1st Miracle Water Into Wine
Pastor Nelson
John 2:1-12
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John 2:1-12 As Jesus starts his ministry his first miracle (of the 35 listed in the Gospels) is the changing of water into wine. There are some really important applications here that can be applied to every Christian's life. The "three steps" taken here by the servants apply to us today and the term FATO (faithful, available, teachable, obedient) that we have mentioned so many times before comes to play in this passage. The question is "Will you just DO IT"? Will you help reveal the deity, power, mercy, control, and peace of God? Do you understand God can start with the ordinary and make something extraordinary out of it? That is you! This first miracle is so profound if we take time to think about it. Read these few verses for yourself, and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you what it should mean in your life. 41min
John 2b Jesus Cleans The Temple (& You)
Pastor Nelson
John 2:13-24
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John 2:13-24 Several thoughts have come to me concerning these verses. I don't want to be critical of the way we sometimes do "church" in this generation. However there are some cautions here for the evangelical Christian believers of today and we need to be conscious of what the Holy Spirit is showing us. "God is not for sale." Church should not simply be a business enterprise. It is so much more than that! In my asking "why do you go to church?" how will YOU answer? We must all examine ourselves and our motives. And how does this tie in to the "world system" in which we live? A lot of what I'm saying today is based on 1Cor 3:16-17. "Do you not know that YOU are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in YOU? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy which temple YOU are. 45min
John 3a Jesus & Nicodemus
Pastor Nelson
John 3:1-21
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John 3:1-21 This is one of my favorite chapters of the entire Bible. It needs to be clearly understood by every Christian. It also serves as an example to non-Christians what they must do to come into a "relationship" with God. In John 14:6 Jesus makes it very clear that no one comes to the Father except through Him, but how does this spiritual "new birth" take place? The simplest explanation of the gospel, or how to be saved, is clearly stated by Jesus himself in Mark 1:15 which says "repent and believe". There are many more lessons in this simple 21 versus. It is my prayer that you will be blessed and that the Holy Spirit will help you to continually learn how to explain YOUR relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to others. 45min
John 3b Lesson from John the Baptist
Pastor Nelson
John 3:22-36
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John 3:22-36 So many neat lessons to learn today. John the Baptist is such a good example for Christian ministries and individual Christians. But hopefully you won't get your head cut off for doing the right thing like he did! The primary focus of any ministry (or Christian) is to exalt Christ and point people toward Him. The spirit of competition or bitterness within ministries (or individuals) must be avoided at all cost. The fulfillment of any Christian's life comes easily & best by knowing the purpose with which you are to serve Jesus Christ & then completing that task as directed by the Holy Spirit. We all want to experience Matthew 25:21. By taking a closer look at what John the Baptist did, taught, and who he was will help all of us live our lives in a better way. 52min
John 4a Worship in Spirit & Truth
Pastor Nelson
John 4:1-26
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John 4:1-26 What a wonderful truth we have to tell today. Jesus seeking out the Samaritan woman at the well, and teaching us what it means to worship God in spirit and truth. And then one of the biggest revelations in verse 26. I thank God that Jesus has no animosity or bias against those who have sinned or don't know how to reach out to God. He freely offers us forgiveness and "living waters" that we might not ever thirst again. But what does that mean? And the question comes up, where are we to worship, and how do we worship God? We all need to meet Jesus the Messiah. Today Jesus is clearly stating who He is, & that He has come so that we might learn how to worship God the Father in spirit and truth. 52min
John 4b Samaritan Harvest & The Nobleman's Son
Pastor Nelson
John 4:27-54
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John 4:27-53 (Romans 10:9-10 is our weekly Bible verse - please meditate on this verse there is a lot there) A slight review of last week's sermon is necessary to start this week's study. Despite cultural differences Jesus is reaching out because there are people willing to hear God's truth. Place yourselves in the shoes of this woman that was talking to Jesus & suddenly saw a life in a new light. Would you have done the same thing? Life is not always just physical, sometimes the spiritual aspects need to supreme. So what is faith anyway? How is it obtained and developed? There are examples here to help us. Please meditate on the history and circumstances of the two people Jesus encountered in our Scripture reading today. What lessons will the Holy Spirit impress on you? 42min
John 5a Do You Want to Be Made Well
Pastor Nelson
John 5:1-15
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John 5:1-15 Today's lesson may seem a little confusing because it's going to be in multiple parts. At the beginning we will be discussing two verses from our weekly scripture verses: Matthew 5:16 and Galatians 2:20. These seem to tie in nicely to God's theme for today, "do you really want to made well?" and live for Christ? Joy and I got a few days off to go to the mountains in our little camper this week. (And we are going again next week for our anniversary - so no sermon next Sunday) It was a time of "total disconnect from the world" and a time of refreshment and quiet before the Lord. Sometimes when we get quiet, God really does speak to us (I pray you are experiencing that too)! It was good for me and hopefully today's teaching will be meaningful for you! As we talk about the lame man at the pool of Bethesda in John 5, God has shown me that the world and mankind is in the exact same position as that man. Some definitely want to be healed, others don't. That is a reality of life. I pray my message (through the power of the Holy Spirit) will be meaningful to you. As we study the Old Testament Scriptures first from 2 Chronicles 32:31 (and God withdrew from him) and then information from 2 Kings chapters 18,19, and 20 we see that sometimes God pulls away from His people as a test, so that WE can better understand our own hearts before Him. Hezekiah was definitely a godly man and a great King, yet he needed a "timeout" to reflect .... just like we do sometimes. This is not a milk or pablum sermon, so put on your big girl pants, and your big boy pants, and ask God what YOU need to learn form His Word today. 49min
John 5b 7 Claims of Deity & Judgement
Pastor Nelson
John 5:16-30
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John 5:16-30 Jesus is about to really make the Pharisees mad now! And they already wanted to kill him! Jesus claimed deity in our prior lesson, on healing the cripple on the Sabbath, now He is going to make seven more claims of deity - including His right to judge ALL men. As we carefully study these verses we are going to other correlating Scriptures about Jesus judging and rewarding all men. When some people claim that only "God" has the right to judge men, these verses leave no doubt as to Jesus really is (big hint - God in the flesh). By correlating what Jesus is saying in John chapter 5 with four other books of the Bible it should really make us seriously ponder what Judgment Day is going to be like for all men. 38min
John 5c Proofs that Jesus Is God
Pastor Nelson
John 5:31-47
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John 5:31-47 In today's message, along with the two handouts, you will be presented with refutable proofs that Jesus is God come in the flesh. People can argue with it, refused to believe it, or walk away upset. But the fact remains Jesus proved He was God in the flesh. With 353 prophecies written long before Jesus was born the mathematical evidence to prove His claims remain undeniable. It is simply a matter of whether the you choose to believe or not. Today we will look at only 8 of the 10 prophecies in Isaiah 53 & then talk about the five witnesses to His divine being. Remember (or go back & listen again) what we studied in chapter 5 of the Gospel of John last week. Jesus claimed to be (1) equal with God in that He (2) gives eternal life, (3) is the source of life, and (4) will judge sin. I pray that you can use this information in further cementing your relationship & trust in Jesus, & in helping you to persuade others of the truth of just who Jesus IS. 42min
John 6a Prophecies, Miracles & Feeding 5000
Pastor Nelson
John 6:1-11
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John 6:1-11 This was a combined service between Calvary Chapel Sheridan and Grace Chapel in Story, Wyoming. It was fun to have the two congregations come together in the name of our Lord. Pastor Bill Dill was attending a missionary conference & asked Pastor Nelson to speak at his Church. Quite a number of CCS folks traveled to Grace Chapel to fellowship & be blessed by Christians of another congregation. As God sometimes does, Pastor Nelson's sermon was "totally off script"!! But hopefully you will be blessed by your challenge of ... who Jesus is, and what your role as a "Christ Follower" is all about. 37min (next week Pastor Nelson will address the sermon "intended" on the "Feeding of the 5000" in more detail way & it's significance of being the only miracle of Jesus in all four Gospels).
John 6b Part 2 Feeding the 5000
Pastor Nelson
John 6:1-15
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John 6:1-15 This is part two of "feeding the 5000". But first we must start with some individual Scriptures that we have passed over in our 52 Scriptures in understanding Christianity. Then we look at chapter 9 of Luke verses 10-17 in addition to our verses in John 6. We must remember that Jesus, the creator of all things, needs very little to perform this huge miracle. Do you need a miracle in your life? What have you got that you can give Him to work with? Remember to always give out of your need. The spiritual connection here is so important, but somehow the people were mainly thinking about the physical aspects. The disciples knew that there wasn't enough money or enough bakeries to provide the bread needed to feed that huge crowd. It was kinda like Moses in the wilderness asking God for manna to feed the people. But even though many saw the miracle actually happened, I wonder how many followed Jesus as the coming Messiah, the Lord over all. Yes they wanted to make him king but for all the wrong reasons. 31min
John 6c Lessons on Water Walking
Pastor Nelson
John 6:16-21
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John 6:16-21 This week we will look at how YOU can walk on the water in the middle of the storms with Jesus like Peter did. To get the full context of this miracle we need to also look at the supporting passages from Mark 6:45-52 and Matthew 14:22-33. But first our weekly individual Scripture from John 16:33. (Nice fit for today huh) In order to "water walk" with Jesus, we will be looking at 4 different things; Courage, trust, obedience, and perseverance. We all face the storms of life - sometimes almost daily! So what can we learn from this miracle? Hopefully this message will give you some things to think about in your daily struggles & help you become a victor instead of a victim when the storms strike. We all need to remember 4 things: (a) it is all about the glory of Jesus Christ in you (b) only through courage & experience will you find yourself trusting Jesus Christ completely (c) you must obey HIS voice and direction & ignore your stormy circumstances (d) your "water walk" will continue only as long as your eyes remain on Jesus. 45min
John 6d Spiritual Bread & Motives
Pastor Nelson
John 6:22-31
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John 6:22-31 In today's lesson we are going to discuss how thousands of people missed the "central point" of Jesus feeding the 5000. It wasn't about the physical bread, it was about the spiritual bread of everlasting life & how God provides for us. A hard heart prevents your understanding of spiritual things. God's call on your life is sometimes soft and not really heard until you're willing to repent and believe the good news of why Jesus came. It's not about religion, it's all about a personal relationship with a loving, caring, and merciful God who has good thoughts toward you. And it's all spelled out so clearly in God's Living Word - the Bible. So are you asking what "work" should you do to understand what Jesus is talking about? Simply receive the free gift that is provided through Christ death burial and resurrection & let Him speak to your heart. We will have to have more time on this subject next week. 48min
John 6e The Bread of Life from God
Pastor Nelson
John 6:32-40
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John 6:32-40 We dig deeper this Sunday on what Jesus meant in His saying He is the "bread of life". This sermon somewhat overlaps last week's sermon, and next week will tie into this week's sermon. We will also look at what it means when Jesus said that no one comes to Him without being chosen by God. As we examined the Scriptures saying that Jesus will not lose a single person, we can be reassured that our salvation is secure if it is genuine and lasting. You may have heard some of these things before, but hopefully today's message will strengthen your confidence in what God has done for you! There will be a lot of supporting Scriptures that you need to turn to and or write down for future reference. Many people don't understand how Jesus was speaking about spiritual things and not just the physical. The next lesson or two may require some homestudy, prayer, and contemplation to fully grasp "what God has given to us who are called and responded" to believe in Jesus. 47min
John 6f Eat my body & blood?
Pastor Nelson
John 6:41-58
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John 6:41-58 Today's lesson may be very difficult for the non-Christian or the new Christian. What scripture has to say today ties directly into last week's sermon but goes into even more depth about Christ being the "bread of everlasting life". We must remember that Jesus spoke in a way that sometimes offended those who did not comprehend the spiritual implications of what He was saying. I am very aware this is a touchy section of Scripture, and just like we will talk about next week .... some people may be totally turned off and turn away by what Jesus had to say. But please remember these spiritual truths must sometimes be contemplated at a deeper depth. We each need to meditate on these Words of Jesus and figure out how it applies to us individually. The central question is: what does it mean to "feed on (or eat) Jesus (and His words of truth)"? In short, how do we assimilate Jesus Christ into our lives? 42min
John 6g Bringing It All Together
Pastor Nelson
John 6:59-71
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John 6:59-71 Today we will attempt to bring the last three sermons together. Because Jesus is teaching a "hard lesson" about physical versus spiritual bread, and truly eating the bread of everlasting life. Many walked away because of this lesson. Jesus even questioned his own disciples "do you also want to go away?" Christ followers need to have a clear understanding of the physical, versus the spiritual life in the Christ. I pray that some of the Scriptures today will impact your lives and thoughts in a positive way. The question remains; where are you in your spiritual walk? Today we recognized all veterans on this Veterans Day during body life. In reading what our forefathers wrote concerning one nation under God reminds us of what is happening to our nation today, and of those who have paid the price to serve our country and our God with honor. 39min
John 7a God's Time Schedule
Pastor Nelson
John 7:1-13
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John 7:1-13 God's timing is everything. Jesus always obeyed the Father in all that He said and did. The Gospel of John is changing its theme now; as we are now beginning to see Jesus as the suffering Messiah. Ever have problems with temptation? Your family ever want you to do something that you knew you shouldn't? Well today's lesson is for you. Today you will see how God's timing in things is absolutely critical to the outcomes that are down the road. I pray that today's lesson will make you think more seriously about your own timing and planning and the will of God for your life. As we see Jesus's brothers trying to get Him out of the will of God the Father there are some good lessons to be learned. 42min
John 7b Jesus has Authority & Speaks Plainly
Pastor Nelson
John 7:14-31
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OH my! I was so busy last Sunday I didn't even get the sermon posted. But what happened, none of you called. So almost a week late here is the sermon for 11/25/2018. I wonder, is there anyone out there listening? John 7:14-31 this is a good lesson on the authority of Jesus who speaks not for Himself but for the Father. Confronting those in the temple as to what is the will of God, Jesus once again raises the ire of the religious leaders. He tells them to their face that they do not know God or follow his directives. In the midst of all this confrontation some believe, others are confused or simply turn away. Several rabbit trails are taken in this sermon which I think you will find interesting and challenging. 41min
John 7c Evangelical Christians Do You Know What the Bible Says
Pastor Nelson
John 7:32-39
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John 7:32-39 Today is going to be a very intense day. In addition to covering the usual Scriptures passages, I'm going to relay some statistical data that has recently been collected about Christians today. I pray God will give you ears to hear and understand God's Truth. Some things may be said that are upsetting, but my Christian brothers and sisters you need to know what is happening with "Evangelical Christians" in America today. Things have not really changed since Bible times to our present day. Man has always wanted to "conform God" to his own thoughts & will, and to man's own image. But that is not the way it works! Jesus came to give us the TRUTH of what God demands. Can you hear it? It really isn't all that hard. He wants a relationship with you on HIS TERMS. But few are they that hear and obey what God wants. Bible truths are simple and straightforward, but many times we want to change what God has said. I pray that this message will cause you to think seriously about your own walk, and those around you. 45min
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
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
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
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