Jesus said some standing there would see the kingdom of God. He gave the disciples a glimpse of his glory. This encouragement motivated the disciples to truly follow him. He said “some are standing here shall see” (v. 28).
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One question is to what does Jesus refer? His resurrection? Or the Day of Pentacost?
Destruction of Jerusalem? Some say Jesus was mistaken that He prophesied of His return during life of disciples. Others say the context reveals his purpose because the next chapter records the transfiguration of Christ. (17:1-3) Three disciples saw the Messiah in His glory.
Another question is what is the kingdom? It’s where the King rules. Christ is our King.
“This (rule) of his grace is the hearts of all his believers and the rule of His power is the world protecting his believers”
Another question how do we practice his presence? Jesus said, “when the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels’ and will then recompense every man according to their deeds” (v. 27). The common word for deeds the New Testament implies energy or labor. This word “deeds” refers to conduct, or an action that is stay in progress. It implies a lifestyle change. We practice the presence of God by our lifestyle.
Our lives should be a reflection of Christ (Acts 19:18).
Conclusion
Jesus presents a challenge of Discipleship and it involves denying self. Be willing to pay price, prepare for the promises, practice his presence. Jesus challenges his followers today to embrace true discipleship. I want to challenge the followers of Christ to embrace true discipleship.
125 APPENDIX 12
“KEYS TO VICTORIOUS FAITH”
John 20:30-31 March 10, 2011
INTRODUCTION
Faith is a dominant word in the New Testament. It appears ninety-nine times in the gospel of John. In Matthew and Mark, faith appears ten times, and in the gospel of Luke, faith appears nine times. The gospel of John was written to exhort the readers to have faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Faith means to be persuaded of, to place confidence in, or to fully rely upon something. The chief significance of faith refers to a conviction in the heart of the believer that recognizes Jesus as Lord. In the Bible, we are exhorted to fully rely upon Jesus Christ for salvation.
Have you ever considered what sin actually sends people to Hell? Is it lying, cheating on spouse, rape, murder, pride? It is the sin of unbelief that sends people to hell. Do you know what you have to do to go to hell? Absolutely nothing! The Bible says, “he who believes in him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because He has not believed.” Unbelief shuts the door of heaven. Faith in Christ unlocks the door of heaven. I want to exhort your to trust Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. I want us to consider three keys to victorious faith in Jesus.
I. VICTORIOUS FAITH BEGINS WITH THE GRACE OF GOD. v.20
Many things that Jesus did while on earth are not recorded in the Bible. John said “these things have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.” John wrote in order for his readers to see who Jesus really is.
This principle teaches the grace of God. The Scriptures have been written for your benefit. It is only because of the grace of God that we can know God. The word
“miracle” is the word for a “sign” which is used interchangeably. The word implies a signal or marker. Luke 2:12 “this shall be a sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in clothes lying in a manger.” Because of the grace of God, he has given us the sign of his Son, Jesus Christ. His grace draws us to trust him. (Rom 2:1-4)
John recorded seven “signs” in this gospel so the people would believe in Christ. Jesus turned the water into wine (2:1-11) He healed the son of a nobleman (4:54-55). A lame man at the pool of Bethesda was healed (5:1-13). Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish and fed five thousand people (6:1-13). John records that Jesus healed a man born
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blind in chapter nine. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (11). John records the most important sign in the final chapters, the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. These signs are given for your benefit. The most important miracle is the resurrection of Christ.
Do you believe in the grace of God?
II. THE SECOND KEY IS FAITH MUST BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE. (v. 31) The bibles says these things are written that you might believe that Jesus the Christ. The word Christ means the one anointed by God, and the long expected one. When Jesus asked Peter “who do you say that I am?” his reply was, “you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered Peter, “flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” When Jesus was on trial, the High Priest said, “I adjure you by the living god, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.”, and Jesus said to him, you have said it yourself, nevertheless I tell you, heterafter you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven”
(Matt 26:63-64). This statement explains the content of Faith. Faith means believing in something. Jesus said, “have faith in God”(Mark 11:22). Romans 10:9-10 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Misplaced faith is dangerous. Faith is not better than its object. If all you have is positive thinking, you will get discouraged. There will be times you try to think positively, but you cannot. Victorious faith is not positive thinking. It is faith in the right place. Place your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.