Peace in a Troubled World

River Cities Community Church

Peace in a Troubled World

Week 54

October 3, 2021 • Dr. Larry Greene • John 16:16–33

TAP "NOTES" TO TAKE YOUR OWN NOTES. YOU CAN SAVE THEM OR EMAIL THEM TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS.

The world is a troubled place. We face the troubles common to everyone else who inhabits this planet — pandemics, wars, famines, political unrest, and on and on. But as a follower of Jesus Christ, you face the added troubles of hatred (15:18), persecution (15:20), ostracism (16:2), and even death (16:2).

Yet as Jesus concluded His upper room discourse, He stated that you can experience peace in a troubled world (16:33). There are three assurances Jesus gave you to have peace in a troubled world.

1. The assurance that your sorrow can be transformed into joy, vv. 16-22.
2. The assurance that you can ask for anything in Jesus’ name, vv. 23-28.
3. The assurance that you can share in Jesus’ victory over the world, vv. 29-33.

When the troubles of the world surround you, take heart, Jesus has overcome!

Follow Me

December 12, 2021 • Dr. Larry Greene • John 21

After the arrest, trial, crucifixion, burial, and glorious resurrection of Jesus (John chapters 18-20), one would think that John would have said all that needed to be said. Yet, there was one matter that needed to be dealt with - Peter’s restoration. You see, Peter denied the Lord in a public setting so his restoration needed to be in a public forum also. In this chapter, there are several themes that reminded Peter of Jesus’ call to “Follow Me.” We are fishers of men — obey Him, vv. 1-14. We are shepherds — love Him, vv. 15-17. We are disciples — follow Him, vv. 18-25. Regardless of our past sins, failures, and mistakes, always remember “failure is NOT final.”

Changed Lives

December 5, 2021 • Dr. Larry Greene • John 19:38—20:31

TAP "NOTES" TO TAKE YOUR OWN NOTES. YOU CAN SAVE THEM OR EMAIL THEM TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS. Popular author Max Lucado wrote in the first chapter of his book Just Like Jesus, “God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.” The process of this ongoing transformation is called sanctification. The scriptural statement of this truth is 2 Corinthians 3:18. “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another . . .” In today’s passage, this transforming power of Jesus is seen in a steady stream of people. Ask yourself if one of these fits your situation. Joseph & Nicodemus — from cowardice to courage, 19:38-42. Peter & John — from fear to faith, 20:1-10. Mary Magdalene — from despair to hope, 20:11-18. The Disciples — from sorrow to joy, 20:19-23. Thomas — from unbelief to belief, 20:24-29. The purpose of the book — from death to life, 20:30-31. Did you see yourself in one of these groups? Look to the Savior and receive a changed life.

Jesus on the Cross

November 28, 2021 • Dr. Larry Greene • John 19:17–37

TAP "NOTES" TO FILL IN THE BLANKS & TAKE YOUR OWN NOTES. YOU CAN SAVE THEM OR EMAIL THEM TO YOURSELF OR OTHERS. Although the Romans did not invent crucifixion as a form of capital punishment, they perfected it. Our English word “excruciating” means “out of the cross.” Death by crucifixion was reserved for the worst criminals. One of the privileges of being a Roman citizen was that they were exempt from this type of execution. In today’s passage, we see Jesus on the cross. There are five powerful messages conveyed by Jesus on the cross. • On the cross His ______ was announced, vv. 17-22. • On the cross His ______ was shown, vv. 25-27. • On the cross His ______ was declared, vv. 29-30. • On the cross His ______ was demonstrated, v. 30. • On the cross the ______ was fulfilled, vv. 23-24, 28, 31-37. If you ever begin questioning God’s love for you, look at Jesus on the cross. He did that for you!