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Q5. (John 17:15-16) Is God's desire to immediately extract us from the earth, or to leave us here? How is it possible to be "in" the world, but not "of" it, or contaminated by it? How do we achieve this? If God's will was to extract us now, we would not be here doing this study. Likewise we don't know when He will call us home, but I pray that I will seek a rich Kingdom life to honor the Triune God To be "in" the world, but not "of" it, or contaminated by it, this is a tall order, yet I know many who seem to be living lives dedicated to God's church and Kingdom. I'm almost envious of their level of trust in God's grace, and mercy; and their faith that things will work for the good, no matter what. The only way to imagine that this can work is via prayer and meditation and by acting upon the "work" that God puts in front of us every day, sometimes every moment. "Remain in me...." trust me and let me lead, that is how we achieve this. Thank you God for so many blessings, things not of this world, but for the Kingdom

Q4. (John 17:6-10) In what sense do the Son and the Father "co-possess" everything? What does that say about their relationship with each other? In what sense do we "co-possess" everything with the Father and Son? How should that affect our values? The way we live? Jesus has clearly said this during this beautiful three part prayer. And God is so wise to explain about Himself via Triune God aspect. We think how amazing it was that God came in the from of a man to dwell among us. It is in itself a miracle. It is interesting how Jesus shows such humility in seeking to do only His Father's will. This is the kind of obedience He is calling us to develop. Because they are historically so close, from having created everything together, and with the Holy Spirit, this explains why Jesus was praying so much while he was here as in human form. Also, we recognize this is where his power came from, and this is the power God wants us to have, so that we can do more for His Kingdom. For us to be considered like family, it is when we remain and abide in Him, This is a motivation that brings us to better behavior as a human being towards all others. This needs to be our prayer, the result of being closer to Him and wanting to grow this contact. oh God help us and me especially to know you better, to slow down and let God lead to make life "easier" for us His children, where "easier" means being at peace with the lord, no matter what is going on.

Q4. (John 17:6-10) In what sense do the Son and the Father "co-possess" everything? What does that say about their relationship with each other? In what sense do we "co-possess" everything with the Father and Son? How should that affect our values? The way we live? We are one.... "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word." (17:6) we belong to Him and to Jesus "9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them." (17:9-10) It should give us a sense of certainty, that we belong to, are owned by the Father and the Son. It is good reason to surrender totally and take life as it comes. In reality with my wobbly leg disease, I find myself in my body too much. I need to be in His Glory. I expect this to come easier as time moves forward. Oh God make me overjoyed to be walking and alive today, for the Glory of Christ our risen Lord. The temperature in my home office is 84, but my focus is on God's will. To Him be the glory, all the time. This is the way to live, now. Have your way with us oh Lord. Let your word spring forth my deeds to follow your will. In Christ's name, amen

Q3. (John 17:4-5) What was Jesus' preexistent glory like? What was his glory like during his earthly ministry? How did his glory peek through? What is his glory like now in the presence of his Father? Why do you think Jesus wants his disciples to see him in this glory (verse 24)? The Glory of creating everything is beyond what we can imagine. Creating matter, time, elements it the havens that are required for life to exist on this tiny speck in the universe. It was awesome but we can't do it justice with our feeble minds, no matter how "smart" we think we are. He is was and will be "indescribable" in his glory, forever. A life of blessing so many by healing them, even knowing they were not believers, this is a form of love we can't fathom, this is another part of his glory, the time on earth. Being all knowing, he understood what he had to do to fulfill the mission, as difficult as it was when the moment arrived, he was holy in how he spoke to his murderers, just as he was to his disciples. This si another form of glory. Knowing it would all come to pass as the Father wanted, we can se hat the devil played in to Jesus' plan. So the devil is blinded by his own foolish pride and self image. He can be defeated, as Jesus came to Glory and because the Savior of the world. "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world." (17:24) He intends for them to have his power and he wants then to feel wonderful about their mission that would start at Pentecost. He repeats later that they are one with him. Then after He will say it about us. What a gift and what responsibility! Good thing to do God's will today, and not think about tomorrow. It is only in the NOW that He can be in us and do the work of the Father to bring more glory. All Glory to you King Jesus!

Q2. (John 17:4) What was the "work" the Father gave Jesus to do? How did it bring glory to the Father? What is the "work" the Father has given you to do? In what ways are you bringing glory to the Father in this? Jesus had taught them to pray: Our Farther, .... thy kingdom com, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." So to glorify the Father on earth, Jesus needed to be sure that the Father's plan for salvation for EVERYONE was accomplished/completed. that is why He said, "it is finished" right before he "died and gave up his spirit..." What happened after was that Jesus would become the risen Lord of all, Savior of the world, sent from heaven, King of Glory. He told us all to become evangelists, via the "great commission" hence I offer to "online Bible students" the possibility to learn evangelism online as I did in 2009, though I'm still learning what it is. www.ptl.org is just one of many but they have taught people to give out more than 1.1 million gospels to those God calls us to witness to. This was my way to get started. Many say, it not for me, and only a few are right because He gave the great commission to ALL of us. Shy or not, that means me, and ALL of us. So its no risk to give it a look www.ptl.org its free! No gimics, I have been doing this for 5 years. All Glory to God! All Glory to Jesus!

"Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (17:3) The average person would say that eternal life is after you die, and that it is unending. A non believer would say that we die and that is it, there is nothing after death. So we must be careful, what we believe is what we will get here. Knowing who is the eternal everlasting God: ISAIHA 40:31 ... will renew their strength, ...soar like wings on eagles,... run and not grow weary,... walk and not stumble." is becoming part of HIS eternity. There is nothing like it to feel God's love, even knowing Him a little, the way he come to teach us to love Him, it is amazing. It give us the desire to share, even if we are not experienced in witnessing. It is easy to learn by going to the pocket testament league at www.ptl.org take the evangelist boot camp lesson on line. It teaches us that it is indeed not about us, thought we need to witness in 1-2 sentences how Jesus has changed our lives. Then we ask questions, sincere questions about the other person God has put in our path. If you feel God calling you to become an evangelist, and since you are an "online person" please go now to www.ptl.org where you might become like me, an pocket evangelist to the Glory of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. I ask this to those who feel it, in Jesus name, amen

v Q1. (John 17:3) If the average person were to define the words "eternal life," what would they say? Does Jesus define eternal life in terms of duration of time? What is the key element of his definition? How are you doing at present in Jesus' definition of eternal life. "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (17:3) Being in a true deeper relationship with God the Father is what this all about. We can always go deeper in the time we spend with Him. Nothing is stopping us except the devil is trying to convince us not to do this. Knowledge and knowing, we are seeking the protection of knowing God's word. "No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest." (Jeremiah 31:34) we who are on this study, in the present are doing God's will. Praise God for directing us here.

Q4. (John 16:33) In what sense has Jesus "overcome" the world? In what sense can we "overcome" the world? Can we overcome Satan even though we are martyred in the process? (see Revelation 12:11) Jesus overcame voluntarily bearing the sins of the whole world, and died and was resurrected by the Father and Holy Spirit. His spirit never died, and by faith he was able to come back for the disciples to see that He had overcome the ways of the world. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. We can do nothing alone, Satan is too wise and powerful in his evil ways to destroy our lives, we need Jesus' blood. This is the victory, His sacrifice that allows us to remain in Him and overcome the world. It is a strong but fragile victory that must be renewed every day and sometimes every moment . So we must be martyred in Christ, die to Him that we may live now for His Glory only

Q3. (John 16:32) Jesus said that he is not alone, that the Father is always with him. What does this mean to us when we are lonely? What should we do to deepen our fellowship with the ever-present Father so that we aren’t as lonely? Praise God that I have followed this study and spent several hours praying and taking to other devout Christians this morning. This peace in me has overcome my fear of losing my ability to walk as a normal person, on two legs. Despite a deteriorating condition on the surface, I found that prayer has help me walk slower and that God has granted me the ability to still do it, but slower. So I am not lonely, He is with me, every precious step. SO I pray to remain in Him as Jesus told us to do, and to share the good news! We are saved by His blood! Praise Jesus name! Amen

Q3. (John 16:32) Jesus said that he is not alone, that the Father is always with him. What does this mean to us when we are lonely? What should we do to deepen our fellowship with the ever-present Father so that we aren't as lonely? We need time with the Father and HIs word to get to know and trust Him. Three years with Jesus by itself wasn't enough for the disciples' faith that was grown by feeling and following the Holy Spirit. The triune God is ever present in out lives. Jesus said he would never leave us. He said the Holy Spirit would always stay and abide in us. He told us to pray to the Father. So this is what I will do right now. Because it is a joy to me. Then I will worship Him with Hispanics tonight, and rejoice in the promises, and just the way He loves us.

Q2. (John 16:23-28) What does it mean to pray to the Father "in Jesus' name"? Is it okay to pray to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not? Is it scriptural to pray to a saint to intercede for us? Why are we allowed to pray to the Father directly? We can and should pray to the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, as it comes to our mind. It is something to be grateful for, and to seek to know each member of the Triune God as best as we can. It requires time and energy to do this. That process in where we can grow closer to Him/Them. No being Catholic, I was never trained to pray to Mary or Joseph or any Saint. In the KJV I'm told that this never is expressed, except to not worship anything by the Lord thy God. The rest is idol worship. SO I'm not wise enough to judge people who pray to the saints. After all, Jesus said that that He and the Father are one, and that we are in Him and He is in us. There is no need or mention of any other spirits we should pray to. Being direct is the best method. That is why Jesus taught us how to pray to the Father who is the holy of holies in heaven. Why would we want to water down our message or our need for help. But one can also ask, do we really know what is best for us to pray for our selves? Is not God's will the thing that matters, and seeking it through prayer? We pray "thy will be done, on earth [through us] as it is in heaven. Let's not take much credit for anything good that comes our way. It is good and therefore it is a blessing from God.

Q5. (John 16:8) Through what means does the Holy Spirit convict unbelievers? Is it our job as preachers or lay Christians to convict unbelievers or backslidden people? If not, why not? What damage do we inflict on people when we try to do the Holy Spirit's job? If we could walk on water, then we might convict those who could not. But Jesus just said, oh you of little faith... It was a growth experience for Peter, just as my wobbly walking weak legs are a test of faith for me, even this night. Can I afford to call myself an evangelist and spend all my time asking God to heal me? No, it is reasonable to ask for healing, but to include the healing of ALL our weaknesses, those that cause us to wander and leave the God we love. So it is also critical that we pray for the lost! Pray for the Holy Spirit to convict them just as He did when He came upon me in September of 2007, to convict me of my sinful ways, and turn me to Christ Jesus. When we try to do the job of the Holy Spirit, we can cause them to sin by their rejecting God. If we feel we must at all costs defend our faith, we are making evangelism about ourselves. This is not what it is about, not about us, but about them. Why are they the way they are? Have compassion on them and learn why they don't like church; and them pray for them and for the Holy Spirit to come to them, perhaps through me, or through some one else. Praise God as we learn to remain in Him, or we can do nothing in His beloved Kingdom. Praise the name of the one who saved us from our own sins, beloved Jesus Christ!

Q4. (John 16:5-7; 14:12) What benefit is there to the disciples that Jesus goes away? What promise do we have in John 14:12 concerning the Spirit's power in believers? The Triune God is a three in one God, all knowing, all seeing now, past future, in control of everything. So if Jesus says it is for their/our good, it must be true. So the Holy Spirit comes to them and stays with them to endow them with eternity powers, as long as they/we remain in Jesus. Oh dear God this is not easy, yet it is necessary to grow into this kind of believer. So I say Holy Spirit, please teach me, give me the wisdom to understand and digest your truths, that I might live. Heal my foolish mind and heart, and then my body, so I can further glorify you here on earth while I am here. Show me how to be strong and courageous, and walk in your ways no matter what. I ask it in Jesus name, amen. "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." (14:12) This is the reward for solid faith, able to take what every comes our way, remain in peace so as to help others and not think of ourselves. That is our promise and our hope.

Q3. (John 15:26-27) What does it mean to "testify"? In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus, or only the apostles who were eyewitnesses? We can see God everywhere, everyday, all the time. His creation is so beautiful. The fact that we can see anything is so wonderful. You can ask "who invented this?" I am seeing things in 3d color. This is a miracle, but we take it for granted. We can walk, but can we? Some can't... I for one have a spinal condition and my legs are very wobbly. But I can still walk and get to church tonight, to be with believers, someof whom are sicker than my legs. We have a choice, take for granted what God gives us every day, or praise Him for life today. It is a gift, a blessing. I for one am greatful for these kinds of things and that I can TESTIFY to God's greatness through these basic things we are given. No I can't walk on water or heal someone on the spot; but God hears our prayers and loves us, and teaches us. I have seen Him make a way for me in impossible situations regarding my work. No details are given, but He is doing things for all of us behind the scenes. We need to recognize it, and give him public acclaim for these blessings. It is Jesus, who saved us and who redeems us every day. Praise His Hly name!

Q3. (John 15:26-27) What does it mean to "testify"? In what way does the Spirit testify about Jesus? Can you testify from personal knowledge about Jesus, or only the apostles who were eyewitnesses? When we testify in court, we bear witness to some truth in an event. In this way the Holy Spirit provides input to the truth of Christ's purpose. I can and do love to testify about how he has such a great love for us, how he created us, how he died for our sins, and how he already came back once and will come back again.

Q2. (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:13a) Why do we believe that the Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force or power, but a Person? What kinds of functions that we attribute to persons does the Holy Spirit do? Why is it so easy to refer to the Spirit as "it" rather than "Him"? As God is to be worshiped in spirit and in truth, it is difficult for me to use the word person, like a physical real world person. The Holy Spirit lives in me and advises me, he is invisible, but he provides the attributes of the "Fruit of the Spirit" and this defines his personality and how he will witness to me and my conscience depending upon what I choose to do in a given moment. For me it is easy to refer to the Holy Spirit as a he. I don't use the term it. Just as we can't see Jesus or Father God, we know that they are there and their names suggest them being masculine.

Q1. (John 15:18-21a) Why are Christians persecuted even if they haven't hurt others? What about a faithful Christian's life threatens non-Christians? Why does Jesus warn his disciples that persecution will come? What happens to our testimony if we give in under mild persecution? What does it say to persecutors when we don't react to their persecution? Do they see us as weak or as strong? Are we looking for trouble or following God's will. Here in the Bible belt of Virginia, my life is not at risk unless it is fate, God's will. So I lost a job due to being too Christian, but maybe that was foolishness on my part and not God's will for me to listen to other wise ones. IN reality I do not know of any persecution other than my atheist brother disowning me and pulling the family away from me. But in reality this has not worked since I have always spoken lovingly about how he help our blood father who is now 91 years old. So I have never reacted negatively to his "persecution" and believe that God is really running his life and he is a tiny bit confused, like all of us really are. I am a sinner, and hope not to sin greatly this night, and hope and pray to remain in HIM. Then all will see me as strong in the face of such treatment. In truth all the strength comes from Jesus.

Q7. (John 15:12-15) What is required to be counted a "friend of Jesus"? What privileges do "friends" enjoy according to verse 15? What happens when we take for granted this privilege? As we become a more sincere member of Jesus' family, we recognize more what He has done for all of us, and especially how He has done it individually for each of us. He has done it gracefully, and with infinite wisdom, and He reminds us that the Holy Spirit is here now to be our guide to the truth, in every moment that we remain in Him. This privilege from the creator of the universe is available to anyone who learns to trust and grow closer to Christ. Like any friendship it only gets better by spending time together, and enjoying that time. To take for granted such a privilege is like admitting that we haven't spend enough time praying and meditating on His word. How can me learn Him truly, except by prayer and studying the word of God? Taking any of this for granted is a path to destruction. And since we know this more deeply, will we/I not long to be with Him in prayer and meditation? What a joy divine, leaning on the everlasting arms of our Savior! Will, we are sinners and we are prone wander off the path, and leave the God we love. We are warned by Peter that the devil is on the prowl all the time. That is why we are warned to obey and to remain in Christ, by Christ himself. He is the best friend we can every have.

Q6. (John 15:9-11) How are obedience and joy linked? Is obedience an obstacle to a joyful relationship between you and the Lord? This is a process of digesting what is God's love, and how complete it is to dealing with life every day, in every way. Accepting what happens as God's will. It helps me realize that it is time to relax, because God is in control, everything will be ok. Maybe it will take longer than we'd want, but not if we trust God. Obedience can only be viewed as a way, not an obstacle, to overcome one's former life. So it is not an obstacle, it is the way to enter into the light, and truth of living for God's kingdom, and not for ourselves. Loving to be obedient will provide this peace which passes all understanding, to keep out hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Oh most precious Holy Spirit, teach me please to let go, to trust you more than ever before. I beg you in new humility, may I wear this every day. Teach me to slow down and yield to you in every moment. Help me to hear, trust and follow the Father's will, so that my will shall be lost in yours and no longer exist. I know you are changing things slowly, to help me adapt better, as long as I stay in your peace. In Jesus name, amen

Q5. (John 15:7-8) The fruit from branches connected to a vine is the grape. What is the nature of the fruit that comes from being connected to Jesus? Is it accurate to define fruit as "souls saved"? What is the danger in this definition? Jesus said ... "love others as I have loved you.... Then they will know you are from/with me..." this is not simply the saving of souls but at the very least indirectly related to it. When we have the fruit of the spirit and are loving the way Jesus would have us do it, it can bring "all" and yourself closer to God, more able to do His will. It all works together, helping other Christians grow, helping yourself grow. In reality none of this can happen unless we let go and let God do everything. Everything else can potentially inhibit what God intends to do. Yet since he is omnipotent, even trying to do it yourself will not stop the will of God. Being that empty vessel is what we are called to do, to be used humbly in what ever way is His will. Knowing that and trusting that "this and only this" is the real fruit of our lives, only what God has intended to do through us when we have finally let go enough to be useful to God's eternity. So studying the word to know Him better, to trust Him more, it is all part of maturing so that one can "simply" remain in Him. Thank you God for this journey to learn how to let go and let God, and how to improve a remaining in you oh Jesus and to digest the truth, there is nothing better than that!

2:20) Q4. (John 15:4-6) Unbelievers can do many things. So what does Jesus mean when he says, "Apart from me you can do nothing"? What is the value of things done without Christ? What is the final end of things done without Christ? What unbelievers do is of the world. It will rust and decay and perish. Not so for work done for the Kingdom that is of God's will. We can't decide to save someone, but we can patiently show them and teach them something beautiful about Jesus' life. Still this on its own will do nothing. The Holy Spirit touches those when and where it is God's will. We must recognize that keeping up the fight requires REMAINING IN HIM. Or it will be lots of lost energy. The final end of things done without Christ, it is not abut saving anyone. This we simply can not do. We can not select someone to save, but we can pray a lot for that person or persons. Of course this is motivated by God whispering in our ears. We must hear him to do his will. It is not automatic we know this without prayer, and more prayer.

Q3. (John 15:4-5) What does it mean "to abide"? What is the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints? How do these verses support it? What does abiding have to do with "mutual indwelling," of a "personal relationship"? How well are you abiding? We are doing the right think now, studying His word, meditating on these questions of this study. But what about later, when we have an opportunity to serve, or are challenged to do something different, like be more organized? Or help someone who is UGLY in their life, or ways of communicating? Will we/I be indwelled enough to do the right thing? For me this works by trying to breath and go slow; then depending on what happens, if we're "driving at a slower speed," we might be a better servant. How do we react to the signals coming up, or signal just past? It takes focus and good habit building, but still God makes it exciting by the surprises He give us. Better to stay in the moment than to think about abiding, its not the same thing. The Holy Spirit will always give us the right choice.

Q2. (John 15:2b) How are we pruned or cleansed by exposure to and obedience to Jesus' words? According to John 8:31-32, how does obeying Jesus' teaching bring cleansing and freedom from sin? We have warnings all over the place; for me a lot has come from Jesus words after he healed the blind man. "stop sinning or you never know what might happen." I have listened to some of the Eagles songs when I was really lost; even they were warning me not to go in the way of the world. We see what happens to people in the news on TV or the internet and may not have enough detail. We are in a fallen world and we are sinners. Heaven help us for not listening to Jesus' warnings, or those of other Bible stories. Sloth is a sin. I procrastinated on getting health issues looked at and now I'm lucky I can walk at all. Still the Lord is good, I'm still here, so I look to a good thing I can do today, and help my wife when she comes home, and pray until then. He expects me to obey and pray more, otherwise listening to the devil's whispering will cause anyone to lose their peace. Slowing down, listening to God love us in words and deeds, this help to not sin in the traditional way. but being a sinner, this is a life's work... All to HIS GLORY!!

Q1. (John 15:2) How does judicious pruning benefit a grapevine? What happens to productivity and health when a vine is left unpruned? What does God use to prune our lives? What does God use to prune our congregations? Why do we resist pruning? What can we do so that the eventual pruning isn't as severe? God's pruning of us believers is found upon His unfailing love and wisdom. We can't understand trials, though we can try to intellectualize them. By seeking to know and obey God better, in theory, this will increase trust, but perhaps not decrease pain. Take the case of Job. In reality we can't resist pruning very much, it can be painful. Better to let go, but easier said than done. the serenity prayer is one way to learn to accept what God has allowed to happen, such that we can remain in His peace despite some pain, or even great pain. It is a good excuse to pray as if that needed an excuse

Q5. (John 14:30-31a) How does Satan take advantage of our previous sins to control us or make us fearful? In verse 31, how does Jesus stay free from bondage to Satan? How can we free ourselves from bondage to Satan and fear of exposure? If we listen to the accusations "in our mind" we can always feel guilty or bad about something we did to some one in the past. But where are these ideas coming from? Not from God or Jesus. He has already paid for these sins, and our future sins. [we are not perfect] We can only be free by practicing the fruit of the Spirit, and ask the Spirit to teach us how to be deeper with Him. When we remain in Jesus, we are on His "wavelength" and not that of "evil" He said "remain in me..." simple to say, deep to think about, wonderful to be