The Cost of Discipleship – Part 2

June 3, 2025

Broadcast

                     Cost of Discipleship - Part 2
                             John 15:26-27
                              06/03/2025


        26   But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you
             from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds
             from the Father, he will bear witness about me.
        27   And you also will bear witness, because you have
             been with me from the beginning.  (ESV)

        [Jesus said:] But when the Helper comes, whom I will
        send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who
        proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about
        me.  And you also will bear witness, because you have
        been with me from the beginning.


        Jesus called the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, a Greek word
   which may be translated as ``comforter'' or ``advocate'' or
   ``counselor.''  He is also a helper, one who brings the comfort
   which comes from knowing the truth of God's love, grace, and
   mercy.

        The Holy Spirit first bears witness of Jesus, of His death
   and resurrection for our salvation from sin and eternal death.
   This witness declares that the Bible is the Word of God, inspired
   by the Holy Spirit for our learning and to bring us to faith in
   Jesus.

        When the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh cause us
   to ask, ``Did God really say?'' the Holy Spirit shows us how the
   Bible is true.  Unlike a book of myths or fairly tales, you can
   find good, external evidence of the people, places, and events of
   both the Old and New Testaments.  Many scholars who are not
   friendly to Christianity continue to find objects and artifacts
   that verify the accounts rendered in the Bible.

        You and I can take comfort in knowing the Word of God is
   true and accurate, for the Word of God gives us the declaration
   that our sins are forgiven, and that we have eternal life for the
   sake of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

        May our Lord continue to bring you the comfort and hope of
   knowing you have the gift of everlasting life.  Amen.