Bible Text: John 14:17-31 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: John, The Promise of Peace

Recap of 12/9/12 (John 14:17):

“During Jesus’ life on earth, He was His disciples’ ally, advocate, counselor, strengthener, and supporter.  When Jesus returned to the Father, He sent the Spirit to fill those roles (John 14:16).  The Spirit:

-reveals to us who Jesus is and what He wants us to know;

-convicts believers and unbelievers of guilt;

-unites us to Jesus in rebirth so that we are lims of His Body and sharers in His Kingdom;

-assures believers that we are God’s children and heirs;

-mediates our intimate sharing with the Father and the son, our first installment and guarantee of Heaven’s life;

-transforms us progressively through prayer and conflict with sin into Christ’s moral and spiritual likeness’—He gives us the power to love, to have joy and peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23);

-gives gifts (abilities to witness and serve) to build up Christ’s Body;

-prays in and for us when we feel unable;

-enables us to know what to say when others ask about Christ;

-enables missionary action, pastoral decisions, and leadership.”

(see John 14:15-27; 15:26-16:16; 20:19-23; Romans 8:1-27; 1 Corinthians 12:1-14:40)

(from A Compact Guide to the Christian Life by K.C. Hinckley)