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A Supernatural Gift for Holy Living in the Natural World. THE VALUE OF TWO WITNESSES. Michelangelo’s Creation of Man. Capitalize on. John 15:26-27. This is the 3rd of Jesus' teachings on the Holy Spirit in John's Gospel. "Come now; let us leave. " – Jn 14:31 This is after the meeting.
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A Supernatural Gift for Holy Living in the Natural World THE VALUE OF TWO WITNESSES Michelangelo’s Creation of Man Capitalize on... John 15:26-27
This is the 3rd of Jesus' teachings on the Holy Spirit in John's Gospel • "Come now; let us leave." – Jn 14:31 • This is after the meeting. • The next stop is Gethsemane
Chapter 15 is… • full of sound psychology as well as theology.
Three persons: • Jesus -I am the true vine – v 1. • Father -my Father is the gardener --v 1. • Holy Spirit -When the Counselor comes... -- v26.
An analogy of relationship Branch to Vine. • 1st command "Remain in me" – v 4 • 2nd command "remain in my love – v 9
There are promises: • "fruit" –vs 2,5; "much fruit“ –v8;"fruit that will last“ -v16. • Answered Prayer- "ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.“ -- v15:7 • The Father will be glorified "This is to my Father's glory“ – v15:8
There is a warning about persecution– v 20. • 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
The strategy for evangelism requiring two witnesses is what interests me today. • "One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses". -- Deut 19:15 • "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses". -- 2 Cor 13:1
THE HOLY SPIRIT TESTIFIES First When the counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.– v 26
How does the Holy Spirit Testify? • Does He actually take the witness stand in the trial of life? • To what does He testify? • To whom does He testify? • What is the nature of His testimony?
The Holy Spirit's Testimony is always about Jesus • ...he will testify about me. – v 26 • The Holy Spirit never exalts Himself.
The Testimony of the Holy Spirit will be of a Spiritual nature • Spirit to spirit. • from the inside out. • with power. • In truth.
It’s primarily to the unsaved • To bring people to God.
YOU MUST ALSO TESTIFY Second And you also must testify…-- v 27
Our testimony must also be about Jesus • But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.– Acts 1:8
Our testimony must be authentic • Evidenced by the way we live. • Something we believe with our head, heart & life. A testimony to the world to bring them to Jesus
If you were arrested for being a Christian, • would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Is there evidence that… • the Holy Spirit lends His witness to Jesus along side yours?
We each need the ministry of the Holy Spirit. • His aid in living well. • His help witnessing effectively.