Friends in Christ Message for May 15, 2004

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Friends in Christ Weekly Message
May 15, 2004

     Jesus replied:

     If anyone loves me, they will obey me. Then my Father will love them, and we will come to them and live in them. But anyone who doesn't love me, won't obey me. What they have heard me say doesn't really come from me, but from the Father who sent me.
     I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.
John 14:23-26 (CEV*)

This is part of what Jesus is reported by John to have said to his disciples before his arrest. There is much in this short excerpt on which to prayerfully ponder.

This passage is about the relationship that disciples in all times have with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit. This starts with our loving Christ. If we love Him, we will obey Him. This is natural, since we know that He wants and knows the best for us.

The divine response to our love is to come and live in us. What a wonderful and life transforming gift! Further, we are sent the Holy Spirit to help us and to teach us. Jesus is assuring His followers during the time He walked the earth as a man that his departure as a human living among them does not at all mean that they will be abandoned. But these wonderful promises are not only for those who heard Jesus speak them two millenia ago, but for all throughout the ages who accept Jesus into their hearts.

Dear friends, I hope that you are experiencing this relationship and treasuring it. But if you are not, the door is open to you to enter into it. You will not be disappointed if you do so.

Bill Samuel