TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES: THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

We continue our sermon series Truth or Consequences with the sermon The Spirit of Truth.  As we look at our society and world, we need a revival of truth.  We need truth that is not slanted to a political ideology or seeking to manipulate us.  We need truth that is filled with honesty and integrity.  In American society there has been an erosion of truth and a failure of trust.  When people do not have truth, they believe the worst and begin to lose hope.  The road to despair and depression is always paved with hopelessness!  In John 14:15-27, Jesus is sharing with his disciples a source of hope that will empower their lives.  He will give to the Spirit of Truth which is also their helper, their advocate, and their comforter.  It will also empower a deeper relationship with the Son and the Father.   This Spirit of Truth will continue to inspire us rather than disappoint us.  God’s Spirit is available and present, but how do we find a greater sense of its strength and hope?  Jesus gives us directions to enable this helper to lift us into the presence of a living God and transform our darkness into light.  As you read John 14:15-27, we pray that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and you will trust that God is with you and will give you strength.  John 14:15-27: 15 “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever– 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” 22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. 25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.  (NIV)