Healing

Picture a branch. If that branch is on the ground, it’s dead. A severed branch bears no fruit. However, if that same branch is connected to a tree or vine, it’s alive. In John 15, Jesus says that the same is true of us. Specifically, He tells us to ‘abide’ in Him (as a branch on a vine). But what does the word ‘abide’ really mean? That will be the focus of today...

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what does He do? In John 14, Jesus promised that the ‘Holy Spirit’ would appear after His departure. “I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth.” – John 14:16 Jesus also said that this ‘Spirit’ would be of great blessing to His disciples. So, what kind o...

Fear overwhelmed the disciples. Huddled in the Upper Room, Jesus had talked about His coming death, the presence of a betrayer, and of the dark days to follow. The men were shaken. But, sensing their anxiety, Jesus gathered them close, saying “let not your heart be troubled.” Dark days would soon give way to hope and victory. If your heart is troubled today, then be encouraged by this...

Unthinkable. In John 13, the Creator washed the feet of people that He created. And moments later, one went out to betray Him. The Lord Supper was filled with several shocking moments like these. We’ll consider two of them in today’s study of John 13:1-17.

God’s voice boomed from Heaven. Did the people listen and obey? No. They dismissed it as ‘thunder.’ Many say they’re waiting for proof of God and His plan, asking for a clearer revelation from on high. Yet when He answers, guess what? They ignore Him. What about you? This will be the focus of today’s study in John 12.

Jesus wept on Palm Sunday. While others shouted ‘Hosanna’ and laid down palm branches, Jesus wept. But why? Because He knew something the others did not. In today’s study, we’ll consider what that was.   Speaker: Rev. Dr. Toby Holt Text: John 12:12-19

Motives matter. For example, some people pursued Christ with good, positive intentions. But others (like Judas Iscariot) had selfish or wicked motives. What are your own motives in coming to Christ? Is it for His glory and interests, or for yours? That will be the focus of today’s study in John 12.

He let him die. That’s what the people were thinking. Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, and rather than go to him, He let him die. But that’s not what happened, was it? Instead, Jesus permitted a difficult situation in order to bring about a miraculous outcome. We will consider that outcome in today’s study of John 11. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did Jesus wait so...

What makes a ‘good’ shepherd? He doesn’t run when the wolves come. In John 10, Jesus faced all sorts of ‘wolves.’ From Pharisees, to Romans, to the Devil himself, Jesus was always in grave danger. But so were His sheep! And so, instead of running, Jesus faced the evils of this world on their behalf. Then, He drank down the cup of God’s wrath on Calvary. Truly, t...

She was guilty. No doubt about it. As the woman stood before Jesus, no one defended her actions – not even her. She was guilty. So what would Jesus do? That’s what they all wondered. The Pharisees had set this whole encounter up to trap Jesus. How would He deal with her sin and her guilt? Would He condemn her and risk the wrath of Rome? Would He free her and reject the law’s dema...

Some things are hard to believe. Others are hard to accept. At the start of John 6, thousands pursued Jesus. By the end, few remained. What happened to the rest? The short answer: they heard Jesus talk, and they didn’t like what He said. They could not accept His difficult teachings, and so they left. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What drew people to Jesus initially? B) What caused H...

It was late. The people were hungry. Thousands had followed Jesus out of desperation. They were sick, hurting, and now starving. And as Jesus looked out at the crowds, He had compassion. In today’s study, we’ll see how He responded. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Why did the people follow Jesus? B) Why didn’t they bring food? C) What sign did Jesus perform, and why?  ...

“Do you want to be made well?” That was Christ’s question of the sick man. It is also Christ’s question of you. Do you want to be made well? And what do you want to be made well from? This will be the focus of today’s sermon from John 5. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What was Christ’s objective? B) Why did He enter the ‘Sheep Gate?’ C) Who di...

Surprising. Shocking. Scandalous. Jews and Samaritans were NOT supposed to interact. Their mutual hatred went back generations. And yet, here Jesus was, not only talking with this woman in John 4 – but asking her for water. What was this encounter all about? Questions That We’ll Answer: A) What was the history of the Samaritans? Who were they? B) What had the woman done to be ostracize...

To Nicodemus, it seemed like crazy talk. But to Jesus, this was serious business. If God’s people are to be saved, we must first be ‘born again.’ So what does that term mean? And how does it happen? In today’s study, we’ll dive into the critical topic of regeneration. Questions That We’ll Answer: A) Who was Nicodemus, and why did he go to Jesus? B) Why did Jesus...