As we enter a new year, we consider the challenges and hope that may lay ahead.

Sermon Notes

We live in a world full of uncertainty. It is difficult to plan for next week, let alone for the rest of the year.
But should the Christian be worried about the future?

In John 14 the disciples were worried because Jesus was about to leave them, and He seeks to reassure them.

What certainties do we have as Christians that can comfort us in times of troubles?

1) We have the certainty of knowing that we have a great and powerful God on our side (v1).
His power is demonstrated both in the Bible and in the lives of people today God has a plan for our lives. We can look forward to when He, the Prince of Peace, will establish His Kingdom on earth.

2) We have the security of a place in heaven.(v2) In times of
persecution and difficulty, the church has always looked forward to our future inheritance.
(Revelation 21:1-4).

3) We have the security of Christ’s return.(v3) This world of
uncertainty will come to an end. (1 Corinthians 15: 24-26)

4) We have the security of life after death. (v4) Death for the Christian is not the end of life, merely the gateway to life
everlasting. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

5) We have the security of knowing that we can take anything to God in prayer (v13&14). God will answer the prayers of His people and has the power to determine our future. (Matthew 21:22; 1 John 5:14).

6} We have the security of the Holy Spirit in our lives (v16) .
It is He who gives us peace in our hearts in times of trouble.

Questions for personal study or house groups

1. Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). What uncertainties trouble our lives today?
   Consider the troubles of some Bible characters and how they dealt with them. See for example 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; 11:24-29.
2. “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). What sort of a place do you imagine heaven to be? See Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5.
3. Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). What did He mean by “the way, the truth and the life.?” Does that ,mean that all other religions are false?
4. Jesus said “You may ask for anything in my name and I will do it.” (John 14:14). Why is it, then, that our prayers do not always seem to be answered? See verses 13.and 16 .How do we know that what we pray for is in the will of God? See also 1 John 5:14
5. Jesus promises us to send the Holy Spirit to be with us in our difficulties (John 14:16). The word used here is “advocate” What do you understand by this word? What are the various roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian? See Romans 8:26; John 14:17; 26; John 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11. Acts 1:8; Ephesians 1:13.