2015.5.17 礼拝

LC Message-John 15:18-26 – “Testifying about Jesus”
Kid!s Message: What do we do if people make fun of us and pick on us for believing in Jesus?
There is much good to be had with believing in Jesus but sometimes there is persecution too.
In order to deal with that persecution Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit.
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To believe in Jesus is the most important thing you can ever do.
Jesus lets us know ahead of time the implications of believing. It is not all happy and fun. There are times of persecution and trials.
1. Reasons for Persecution and Rejection
Knowing the heart of believing and Heart of Persecution (rejection).
• Know God’s Love – Do God’s Love – Keep God’s Love
Exodus 20:6 – but showing faithful love to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commands.
• Know God’s Love – Do God’s Love – Obey God.
Matthew 16:24 – Take Up Your Cross – Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.
• Know God’s Love – Do God’s Love – Make God #1
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
But we humans have difficulties – 3 reasons why.
・Keep God’s Love Don’t wish to be directed.
・Obey God Wish to decide own life.
Make God #1 Our priority is own dream and wish.
So Jesus says,
Matthew 7:13-14 – Entering the Kingdom – “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
2. Get Ready for Persecution and Rejection
John 15:18 – Persecutions Predicted – “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you.
Luke 21:12 – But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of My name.
Luke 21:16-17 – You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. You will be hated by everyone because of My name,
3. Two solutions for Persecution and rejection
1) Change the Gospel of Christ
–change the Gospel so that it is easier for people to hear and believe.
–just talk about love and not about obeying and persecution.
2) Proclaim the Gospel as it is with no fear
John 15:26-27 – Coming Testimony and Rejection – “When the Counselor comes, the One I will send to you from the Father — the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — He will testify about Me. You also will testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
Luke 21:12-13 – But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of My name. It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness.,
Want you to have confidence in sharing the Good News of the Gospel.