Friday First - He Comforts Troubled Hearts

Jesus brings restoration, redemption, and rest. He wants to fill your life with peace, along with purpose and direction. Matthew 11.28 records His invitation: come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Life is wearisome and full of burdens to bear. For many of us, life is wearing us out. Societal difficulties along with personal difficulties and challenges have brought stress to our lives. And yet the promise of Jesus still stands.

In John 14, the prevailing theme is comfort. Jesus brings comfort to troubled hearts. It is ironic in that as we see that message communicated, Jesus is in the midst of His greatest trial. And yet, He is giving, comforting, and instructing. The message for us: There is always room in Jesus’ heart for our troubles.

John 14 is not simply a feel-good story. It is not just the relating of historical data. It is given to us with the intention to speak to and sustain our own faith in Jesus Christ. Just as He sought to bring the 11 comfort and peace, so He will for us today. By His power, we can experience comfort in the midst of dire circumstances. Will we trust in Him?

In our lesson we will:

• Learn to trust in His abiding presence.
• Learn to trust His promises.
• Learn to trust His person.
• Discover three important applications to take away.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• How are the disciples feeling emotionally as John 14 begins?
• What statement does Jesus make about Himself in John 14.1b? (Who is Jesus?)
• What is the metaphor that Jesus uses in 14.2-4? What is the message?
• What are some things we can do to increase our awareness of Jesus’ return?
• What does Jesus mean when He says He is the way?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Russ Robins

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Nathan Armstrong

LORD'S SUPPER
Jason Schofield

SCRIPTURE READING
Paul Braden
John 14.1-6

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Donna Allen

USHERS (arrive @ 08.45)
Marvin Lewis / Bob Zehring

Post-Service Sanitization
Emily McDonald / Joanne Reynolds
Tina Jacobs / Martha Mohan

Closing the Building
Drew Triplett