In John 2, Jesus began his public ministry with two incidents that started the countdown toward what he called “my hour.” Turning water into wine and driving out the marketers from the Temple courts seemed like two unrelated incidents. However, they both indicated that Jesus came to replace religious activities that could never take away sins. Also, these signs pointed forward to the way that he would take away sins: his death and resurrection. (Here are Larry’s complete sermon notes.)
From the very first preaching of the gospel after Jesus’ ascension, the new believers were “added” to local churches. Once God added them to...
As opposition grew toward Jesus, he anticipated that it would reach his followers as well and prepare them for how to live.
In the new way of walking, believers need to put off the habits of the old self and put on the attitudes and activities...