JESUS IS FRIENDLY - John 1:35-51

In this conclusion to our Journey Through John's Gospel, the truth is declared from Chapter 21 concerning our calling to follow Jesus Christ, while dealing with anything that would distract us from doing so.

From his own life and the story Simon Peter's restoration, Elder Greg Harrell boldly declares and teaches keys to walking out genuine reconciliation, even if it is not easy.

Learn the importance of being a disciple, empowered by the Holy Spirit, willing to continue Christ's ministry by doing outreaches and living as team-players, as well doing our part in sending others out, along with important resources, in answer to the prayer request of Jesus for more laborers in His harvest fields.

May the Lord use these nuggets of truth - relating to His resurrection - to strengthen your faith in Him.

While Jesus has "finished" His redemptive work for us on His cross, now He is continuing His works by bringing others into the full benefits of that redemption, through His redeemed people, according to His statement, "...as the Father has sent Me, so send I you..."

While suffering for our salvation, Jesus was given distasteful vinegar on a nasty sponge at the end of a stick, after which He said, "It is finished" and died. Having experienced humanity's wickedness and sin's cruelty at its worst, up to the very end of His innocent life, our redemption was purchased and our ransom fully paid.

Be encouraged by the truths of the Gospel concerning how Jesus Christ was the perfect offering for our salvation from the power of and penalty for our sins.

Be inspired by the example of Jesus Christ, Who although He had divine rights and royalty, He gave them all up for the sake of the God's Kingdom.

Encouraging words for us are gleaned from the story of Christ's betrayal, as to how we were benefited by it through His resurrection and for how we should respond when we taste such pain from the hand of a friend.

From the real Lord's prayer in JOHN 17, we can see His heart for our unity and it's relevance to effective evangelism. In this sermon, the hearers are challenged to submit their selfish desire to His desires.