February 15, 2015 | Pastor John Bayles | Before I Leave You: Help For A Hard Task | John 16:1-11

There are many things in life that are important to guard. I remember as a young man hearing Larry Byrd give a motivational speech in which he said that intense practice guards our skills as athletes. Notice the language, “guards.” What is implied is that we are given gifts: be it athletics, public speaking, playing a musical instrument, or singing. We don’t grow it or develop it. It is a gift that must be guarded, watched, protected.

February 8, 2015 | Pastor John Bayles | Before I Leave You: The Privilege and Purpose of Election | John 15:17-28

Jesus has just made an astounding assertion to His disciples and to us who are a part of that number: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name” (John 15:16). We are God’s choice. An astounding statement, yet one that if properly understood demonstrates that without it, we would be eternally lost in the mire of our own self-will.

February 1, 2015 | Pastor John Bayles | Before I Leave You: Pruned for Fruitfulness | John 15:1-16

Jesus’ public ministry is over. The setting for these verses is the upper room where Jesus has gathered with His disciples for the Passover meal and His final meal with them. He has washed their feet. Though there is no mention of the Lords supper in the Gospel of John, it is clear from the Synoptic Gospels that He has instituted the celebration of the new covenant meal. Judas has been identified as the betrayer and has left the group to do his evil deed. Jesus begins to teach His disciples. His subject is discipleship.