Sermons from October 2018
Jesus’ Arrest and Trial: John 18:1-27
Jesus remains faithful to His Father and courageously steps forward to face His enemies. He is betrayed by one of his closest companions, is repudiated by His lead disciple, and suffers alone. His courage, sacrifice, and faith reassures us of His love and power and inspires us to imitate Him. His suffering encourages us as we realize that our Savior can identify with our sufferings.
That the World May Know – John 17
In his last hours before his crucifixion—the worst horror and injustice the world has ever seen—Jesus prays. And his prayer is not ritualistic or rote but heartfelt and passionate. And he prays for us. What he prays and how he prays has tremendous significance for us as we learn of our mission and calling.
You will have Trouble, but Take Heart
As we live life following Jesus, we are going to face trouble, persecution, and perhaps even the threat of death for our faith. But we will have everything we need: God knows and is in control, he provides everything we need for the mission through The Holy Spirit and through answered prayer, take heart: we will be with Jesus again soon.
Abide in the Vine
After the resurrection, Jesus left the earth and promised to come back later. But until then, we are not alone, for he has given us the Holy Spirit as our helper. And he has also given us instructions and called us to bear fruit. Like a grapevine overflowing with luscious grapes, we are to bear the fruit of God. And we do this according to a rather odd expression: we are to abide in the Vine.
Only One Way
We like options in our lives, lots of options. Classes to take, cars to buy, cell phone plans to sign up for. And what about religion? Can we have many options to choose from there, too? Spoiler alert: Jesus says no.