15:18 thru 16:4 (Mar 22)

Jesus teaches his disciples the proper perspective on evangelism. I think this is an important perspective for Christians today as well. The Christian church has had a very prominent place in American society since the beginning of our country, but this seems to be changing. Based on this passage, it is a change from the exception to the rule. The world is guilty of sin (v15:22). The world will hate Christians (v15:19). The world will hate Jesus and the Father (v15:23). In fact, it will get so bad that "a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God" (v16:2). But notice that the response of Christians is not to avoid the world and wait for Jesus to return. Jesus commands us to testify about him (v15:27). We are to receive the Counselor, sent by Jesus from the Father, and go testify to the world that hates us. "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. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning". Jesus does not leave the world to be condemned, even though the world is guilty and hates him. Jesus sends *us* to bring his good news to the world. Father God, you have equipped me with Your Holy Spirit. Lead me today to testify for you in a world that needs to hear about Jesus.