John 16, records Jesus’ farewell conversation with His disciples, on the last night before His crucifixion. “I have told you these things, so that in me YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. In this world you will HAVE TROUBLE (thlipsis: internal pressure of a tribulation). But TAKE HEART! I HAVE (not I will, but I HAVE) OVERCOME (nikaō: overpowered, conquered) THE WORLD.” (John 16:33)
How did He overcome? “Christ has been raised from the dead, by Him has come the resurrection of the dead (of all who belong to Christ)…God has put ALL THINGS under CHRIST’S AUTHORITY.” (Of course, when it says “all things are under His authority,” that does not include God Himself, who gave Christ His authority.) Then, when ALL THINGS are under HIS AUTHORITY, the Son will put Himself UNDER GOD’S AUTHORITY, so that God, who gave His Son authority over all things, will be UTTERLY SUPREME OVER EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE.” (1 Corin. 15:20-23, 27-28)
“He also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will GIVE FREELY from the springs of the water of life. ALL who are victorious will inherit ALL THESE BLESSINGS, and I will be THEIR GOD, and they will be MY CHILDREN.” (Rev. 21:6-7)
Your personal pastor -Bill Stockham