Do you ever feel like living the Christian life is difficult and burdensome? Trying to live for Jesus in our own strength is a sure way to burn out and grow discouraged. In this passage, Jesus teaches us that he is the source of power for a life of obedient joy. Abide in Christ and you will bear much fruit and experience full joy. We encourage you to read ahead, pray, and prepare your heart to hear the word of the Lord
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled (John 14:15-31 & 16:4-15)
Out of the three persons of our triune God, the Holy Spirit often carries the most mystery. Father and Son are relatable to our human experience, but Spirit feels other-worldly. Although we feel a lot of mystery surrounding the identity and work of the Spirit, Scripture tells us a lot about His person, power, and presence. In this passage, Jesus teaches his disciples about the necessity and work of the Holy Spirit.
Blessings of Jesus' Departure (John 14:1-14)
The disciples are confused and discouraged. They are processing the news that Jesus will soon be betrayed, denied, and will depart from them. Jesus encourages them with the promise of future blessing for those who believe in him. The reality of heaven, intimacy with the Father, and the promised power of the Spirit are guaranteed blessings for those who believe in Jesus.
Loved To The End (John 13:1-35)
Here Jesus gives the foundational command for the Christian life - love as Christ has loved you. In this passage, we see an example of such love as Jesus humbly washes the feet of his disciples. Such love is contrasted by Judas who leaves to betray Jesus. Will we be defined by the sacrificial love of Christ that serves others and holds out the gospel to a watching world? Or will we, like Judas, be consumed with self, rejecting the love of Christ?
How To Move from Unbelief to Belief (John 12:37-50)
July 5th // Home Liturgy
Today we are in John 12:20-36. In this passage, Jesus anticipates his impending death on the cross, now just days away. His teaching shows us how the cross secures eternal life, glorifies the Father, and defeats the enemy. The cross is the greatest demonstration of God's love for sinners like you and me.
June 28th // Home Liturgy
Today we are in John 11:45 - 12:19. As Jesus' public ministry begins to come to an end, we see a number of different responses to his work and teaching. Some are excited about Jesus, but only in a seemingly external way without true commitment. Others are vehemently opposed to Jesus and seek to destroy him. Some value him above all else and believe in him. As we walk thru these different responses, we're forced to ask ourselves - how do we respond to Jesus?
June 21st // Home Liturgy
Today we are in John 11:1-44. Jesus intentionally delays instead of helping or healing his sick friend, Lazarus so that he may display his glory and strengthen the faith of his friends. In the face of sorrow and death Jesus declares himself to be the resurrection and the life. Death is the last enemy and Jesus will soon deal the final blow.
June 14th // Home Liturgy
Today, we jump back into the Gospel of John. We’re in John 10:1-42. In this passage, we read two more "I am" statements of Jesus. "I am the good shepherd" and "I am the door." Jesus uses imagery that is central to the heritage of Israel to show that he is the promised Messiah; the shepherd-leader of God's people. Just as sheep return to their shepherd through the door of the sheep-fold, those who believe in Jesus enter into a loving, protective relationship with God.
June 7th // Home Liturgy
This week we're in Philippians 4:14-20. Paul brings his letter to a close by continuing to reflect on contentment with God's provision. In these verses, he shows us how contentment gives way to generosity. The Philippians were generous with their resources for the sake of the gospel because they gained the unimaginable treasure of Jesus Christ.