Bishop Charles Dickerson from Pearlie Grove Baptist Church in Fresno, California was our guest speaker today. At the 7:30 am service he preached, "The Promises of Jesus". He used John 16:33 as his reference scripture.
It's sad that in this day and age "Integrity" is hard to find. It used to be that a man's word was his bond. Meaning that if a person said they would do something you could trust that they would in fact do it. Psalms 15:4 says, a good person "keeps all promises no matter the cost". (Voice) We sometimes even find a lack of integrity in the church!
Aren't you glad there is someone we can trust! That someone is Jesus. He keeps all his promises. The Apostle Peter encourages us by saying, "The Lord isn’t slow to keep his promise, as some think of slowness, but he is patient toward you, not wanting anyone to perish but all to change their hearts and lives". 2 Peter 3:9 (Common English Bible)
In John 16:33, Jesus made three promises;
PEACE - Jesus promised us peace. Not happiness because happiness is based on what is happening. Pure peace and joy can be experienced even in the absence of well-being, success, and good fortune. But don't worry, Jesus has promised us an abundance of those good things too. Mark 11:24 says, "So I tell you to ask for what you want in prayer. And if you believe that you have received those things, then they will be yours." (Easy-to-Read Version)
PRESSURE - In John 16:33, the literal translation of the word "tribulation" is pressure. In this life Jesus assured us we would experience pressure. Bishop Dickerson commented about his enjoyment of the video game "Temple Run". He explained that in the game his avatar can run, leap, jump, and fight. If he dies he has extra lives that allow him to continue the game. Sadly, real life is not so simple. The Apostle Paul addressed this dilemma in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. (King James Version)
PRAISE - Jesus promised us an opportunity to praise! John 16:33 says, "But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.” (Common English Bible) Jesus paid for our peace, prosperity, and healing on the cross. He sacrificed his life in order for us to enjoy the benefits. The work is already done! We can praise God now for the blessings we enjoy and the blessings that are still to come.
Love and prayers, Cynthia
No comments:
Post a Comment