Friday First - He Prepares Us for Greater Things

Jesus calms our fears. He has given us eternal life. He has pardoned our sins and given us a new identity, a new name, a new life, and a new purpose. When life grows difficult, may we all seek to elevate our thoughts to these facts. No matter how much we fall short with our weaknesses and failings, the Spirit supplies us with the strength to persevere and move forward.

Last week we took a look at John 14.1-6. Jesus, on the night before the cross, is caring for, ministering to, and teaching the remaining 11 disciples. He is suffering Himself, knowing what is coming over the next 12 hours. But at this moment, His first priority is them. There is always room in Jesus’ heart for troubled souls. “Don’t let your heart be troubled,” He says.

John 14 is the perfect chapter as we discuss the complete devotion Jesus has in calming our fears. We learn this in discovering how He dealt with the circumstances descending upon the 11 in the hours leading up to His arrest, trial, and execution. Today we’ll focus on 14.7-14. Here we learn of three more assurances Jesus provides to His disciples … and ultimately to us … as they cope with great fear, uncertainty, and inward anxiety.

In our lesson we will:

• Take heart in Jesus’ identity
• Learn to trust in Jesus’ amazing promises.

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

• What are some things you find significant about Jesus’ statements in John 14.6-7?
• If you were Jesus, how would you feel about Philip’s request in 14.8?
• How were the words and work of Jesus proof that He is God?
• What does it mean that those who believe on Jesus will do greater works than He did?
• How do you find comfort in Jesus’ words in John 14.13-14?

OPENING / WELCOME
Cain Atkinson

SONG LEADER
Dru McLaughlin

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Wes Grushon

LORD'S SUPPER
Jeremy Price

SCRIPTURE READING
Dan Dekoski
John 14.7-14

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING COMMENTS & PRAYER
George Wacks

WELCOME CENTER
Pat Reeder / Emily McDonald

USHERS (arrive @ 08.45)
Jim Grushon / Bob Hoopes

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

Closing the Building
Shane McLaughlin