Take Heart!

Independent Bible Church

Take Heart!

March 19, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 16

John 16:33 gives the theme of this part of Jesus’ final message to his disciples: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus was preparing His own for the “pressure” they would face: Persecution (16:1-4) and Life without His physical presence (16:5-6). Why would He tell them and us that “it is to your advantage that I go away”? He left them (and us) RESOURCES for the pressure of life in this fallen world…

Easter's Story of Glory

April 9, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 17:20–26

HAPPY EASTER! The darkness of Gethsemane and Good Friday gave way to the glory of Easter morning! In John 17, the night before the cross, we listen to the mysterious wonder of God talking to God. In the process, the story line of the whole Bible comes into view, God’s Story—a Story of Glory!

Listen, Jesus is Praying

April 2, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 17:1–19

This Palm Sunday, as we enter “Passion Week,” consider what was on Jesus’ mind as He prayed less than 12 hours from when He would hang on the cross. This is the only recorded prayer of Jesus that we have of any length. It is the true Lord’s Prayer. What can we learn is life-changing. Listen as God talked to God!

Be Willing to Love and Prepare to Be Hated

March 12, 2023 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • John 15:12–27

The life of Jesus is surprising. The most loving man was the most hated and rejected by the world. In John 15:12-27, Jesus prepares his disciples that if they live like he did they will also be treated like he was. True believers who follow in Jesus’ footsteps are called to love one another but must be prepared to be hated by the world.