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April 24, 2024: Hope Encouraged
Read John 14:1-6.
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again,
and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (v. 3).
The disciples of Jesus were having a bad day! Jesus was still with them; they could see and touch him. He had just washed their feet. But all that good news had been negated by the bad news of 13:32: Jesus was soon going to leave them. And worse yet, Jesus had predicted that one of them would betray Him. It all made no sense to their worldview, and their confidence about the future disappeared like the morning dew. Like the psalmist in our verse yesterday, their spirits were “cast down within them.”
Jesus immediately begins the process of building their confidence on a firmer foundation. It is as though Jesus is saying in these opening verses of John 14, “Can you only trust me when you can see me?” It is a question he is asking to each of us!
Jesus wanted His disciples, including us, to understand that His Word should be a greater source of confidence than His presence. For Jesus, absence does not make the heart to wander. He is working just as much for us in His absence as in His presence! It is far better to be present with Him “there” than for Him to be present with us here. It was not until after Pentecost that the disciples were able to grasp what Jesus was saying. May the Holy Spirit also help us place more confidence in His Word than in His presence. (Gordon Snider)
“Time is filled with swift transition.
Naught of earth unmoved can stand.
Build your hopes on things eternal.
Hold to God’s unchanging hand.”
--- Jennie Wilson
April 28, 2024: Foundation for Christian Hope
FOCUS TEXT: John 14:1-19
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Psalm 34:1-18; John 14:1-31; I Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:1-27
DEVOTIONAL READING: Psalm 146:1-10
KEY VERSE: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13).
CENTRAL TRUTH: Christ gives us good reason to live with hope.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to state the foundation of the hope of the Christian in at least three areas.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Hope Instilled (John 14:1-4)
II. Hope's Foundation (John 14:5-14)
III. Hope in the Comforter (John 14:15-26)
IV. Legacy of Hope (John 14:27-29)
April 7, 2024: The Water of Life
FOCUS TEXT: John 4:7-14; 7:37-39; Revelation 7:15-17
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Leviticus 23:33-44; John 7:1-53
DEVOTIONAL READING: Isaiah 55:1-13
KEY VERSE: If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink (John 7:37).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The "living water" supplied by Christ abundantly satisfies the thirsty soul.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to state how one can obtain the living water.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. The Living Water (John 4:7-14)
II. The Invitation to Drink (John 7:37-39)
III. No More Thirst (Revelation 7:15-17)
March 27, 2024: Appearance tp the Disciples
Read John 20:19-23.
“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you” (v. 19).
“Look, see who’s coming!” You and I know people whose entrance into a room changes the atmosphere. Some bring negativity with them – they look like they are about to fire the first shot into an otherwise tranquil crowd. Others bring in optimism – their first words upon entering bring hope. We hope that through the power of the resurrected Lord, we will be ambassadors of peace.
Exhausted by the emotions associated with Christ’s death and the haunting question, “What now?” the disciples huddled together in fear and uncertainty. Into that setting came the One who was the focus of their emotions. The transformative entrance of Christ can hardly be imagined.
Several things of significance happened in that room. They received proof of who Jesus was – He showed them His hands and side, v. 20. They received His purpose for them – “So send I you,” v. 21. They received power – “He breathed on them,” v. 22. They received principles for preaching reconciliation (Only God can forgive sins.), v.23. They received what was likely their greatest and immediate need – peace, vs. 19 and 21. Without peace, the things mentioned above are devalued. We must have His peace. The peace of Christ is the foundation upon which we can fabricate Christian character and ministry. (Lonnie Witt)
What a treasure I have In this wonderful peace,
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
so secure that no power Can mine it away,
While the years of eternity roll!
--- Warren Cornell
Don’t huddle privately. Proclaim publically!
April 2024 Church Herald and Holiness Banner
The April Church Herald and Holiness Banner is now available. The lead editorial is entitled, "Looking for Hope." If you are looking, take a look at this article based on Jeremiah 29:11. The issue also includes information about the new COGH website, a General Camp fundraiser, and registration information concerning the 2024 COGH General Convention.. You can also read the obituary for Ken Willard, who served for many years as a board member of Kansas Christian College. The Banner is available in both electronic and print format. If you want a copy of the April issue, please call the office, or go to heraldandbanner.com. Thanks!
March 31, 2024: Infallible Proof of the Resurrection
FOCUS TEXT: John 20:19-31
BACKGROUND SCRIPTURES: Job 19:25-27; Luke 24:36-43; I Corinthians 15:1-58
DEVOTIONAL READING: I Corinthians 15:12-20
KEY VERSE: These are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:31).
CENTRAL TRUTH: The resurrection is the heart of the Christian faith.
OBJECTIVE: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to give at least three proofs of the resurrection of Christ.
LESSON OUTLINE:
I. Assurance for Disciples (John 20:19-23)
II. Assurance for a Doubter (John 20:24-29)
III. Assurance for All Believers (John 20:30, 31)