What does it mean to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit? The Spirit is invisible and how do you have a relationship with an invisible being? Are you supposed to hear something? Feel something? In John chapter 15, verses 26-27, Jesus describes a relationship with the Spirit like this: “When the Advocate comes, whomContinue reading “Growing a relationship with the Holy Spirit – John 14-16, Part 4”
Tag Archives: Gospel of John
When Jesus leaves us, we are not alone – John 14-16, Part 3
Judas has a question. (Not the bad Judas…this is the other Judas.) He’s been listening to Jesus talk about leaving them, about sending the Holy Spirit to be with them. Jesus has just said that he will show himself to his disciples, but not to the world. Judas is confused. He asks Jesus in JohnContinue reading “When Jesus leaves us, we are not alone – John 14-16, Part 3”
The surprising way God can live in us – John 14-16, Part 2
We evangelical Christians are known for teaching children to “ask Jesus into their heart.” From an adult perspective, it’s an odd phrase. Yet there is something to it, as we will see in today’s post. After teaching his disciples that if they love him, they will obey him, which might feel like a tall task,Continue reading “The surprising way God can live in us – John 14-16, Part 2”
Why Jesus’ teaching “If you love me, obey me” is not gaslighting – John 14-16, Part 1
When I was in Bible College, I was in the college library one day reading Christianity Today magazine. It was the September 1994 issue, and in that issue an article really caught my attention. The title of the article is “Who’s Afraid of the Holy Spirit?” by Daniel Wallace, at the time a professor atContinue reading “Why Jesus’ teaching “If you love me, obey me” is not gaslighting – John 14-16, Part 1″
Are you afraid of the Holy Spirit? – John 14-16, Preview
Who’s afraid of the Holy Spirit? My guess is that most of us would say we are not afraid of the Holy Spirit. But I wonder if any of us might say that the Holy Spirit seems mysterious at best, distant or mute at worst. Some of us might say that we are uncomfortable withContinue reading “Are you afraid of the Holy Spirit? – John 14-16, Preview”
Do we have to pray “In Jesus’ name, Amen.”? – John 14:1-14, Part 5
In my 20+ years of professional ministry, I’ve had the occasion to pray publicly quite a bit. I tack this phrase onto the end of nearly all my prayers, “In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Maybe you pray that way too. Maybe you’ve heard other’s do so. Why do we pray that way? Do we need to?Continue reading “Do we have to pray “In Jesus’ name, Amen.”? – John 14:1-14, Part 5″
How you can do greater things than Jesus – John 14:1-14, Part 4
As Jesus describes how we he and his Father want to be at home with us, it seems the disciples are not fully getting it. In John 14, verse 8, we read, “Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’” At that comment, I wonder if any of theContinue reading “How you can do greater things than Jesus – John 14:1-14, Part 4”
What it means that Jesus is the embodiment of the way, the truth and the life – John 14:1-14, Part 3
Jesus has just told his disciples, in so many words, “If you don’t feel like you are at home with God, or that God is at home with you, and you don’t feel that closeness with God, you know the way to get there.” Immediately Thomas responds in verse 5. “Thomas said to him, ‘Lord,Continue reading “What it means that Jesus is the embodiment of the way, the truth and the life – John 14:1-14, Part 3”
God wants to make his home with you – John 14:1-14, Part 2
Jesus’ image of home is one of refuge, of safety. For some of you the thought of home is like that, warm and comforting. Perhaps you had a loving, stable family where your needs were met. Perhaps you felt safe, secure, and you could flourish. I’m not talking about perfection, as that doesn’t exist. ButContinue reading “God wants to make his home with you – John 14:1-14, Part 2”
What is “home”? – John 14:1-14, Part 1
What comes to mind when you think of the word “home”? I think of the house where my parents have lived for 40 years, the home I most remember. I loved growing up there, and I still love visiting. After Michelle and I were married, we lived in 5 different homes in our first fourContinue reading “What is “home”? – John 14:1-14, Part 1″
Engaging Scripture 