April 9, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 17:20–26
HAPPY EASTER! The darkness of Gethsemane and Good Friday gave way to the glory of Easter morning! In John 17, the night before the cross, we listen to the mysterious wonder of God talking to God. In the process, the story line of the whole Bible comes into view, God’s Story—a Story of Glory!
Listen, Jesus is Praying
April 2, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 17:1–19
This Palm Sunday, as we enter “Passion Week,” consider what was on Jesus’ mind as He prayed less than 12 hours from when He would hang on the cross. This is the only recorded prayer of Jesus that we have of any length. It is the true Lord’s Prayer. What can we learn is life-changing. Listen as God talked to God!
Take Heart!
March 19, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 16
John 16:33 gives the theme of this part of Jesus’ final message to his disciples: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus was preparing His own for the “pressure” they would face: Persecution (16:1-4) and Life without His physical presence (16:5-6). Why would He tell them and us that “it is to your advantage that I go away”? He left them (and us) RESOURCES for the pressure of life in this fallen world…
Be Willing to Love and Prepare to Be Hated
March 12, 2023 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • John 15:12–27
The life of Jesus is surprising. The most loving man was the most hated and rejected by the world. In John 15:12-27, Jesus prepares his disciples that if they live like he did they will also be treated like he was. True believers who follow in Jesus’ footsteps are called to love one another but must be prepared to be hated by the world.
Abiding in the True Vine
March 5, 2023 • Pastor Phillip Macdonald • John 15:1–11
As Jesus and his disciples make their way from the Upper Room to the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus teaches vital lessons about the meaning of true discipleship. According to Jesus, true disciples will abide in Christ and bear spiritual fruit for the glory of God. To illustrate this truth, Jesus delivers his final “I am” statement in John
15:1 by saying, “I am the true vine”. He then calls his disciples to be fruit-bearing branches that abide in Him.
He Lives Within My Heart
February 26, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 14:15–31
John 14:15 speaks of a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of Christ” (Rom. 8:9). In John 16:7, Jesus would say, “It is to your advantage that I go away…” because of the ministry of His Spirit in believers. Question: Are you fully appropriating what He wants to do for you by His Spirit?
Peace
February 19, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 14:1–15
Stress and anxiety fill our world. The One who stilled the storm provided His disciples with the prescription for inner peace, come what may. Jesus was “troubled” but did not sin (13:21). In John 14, He told His followers how they can deal with their “troubles,” and experience His peace.
Mirrors in the Upper Room
February 5, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 13:21–38
What an intense scene! Having just washed the disciples’ feet, Jesus dismissed Judas and warned Peter. In between those, he gave all His followers a new commandment to love as He loved. In the process, we are called to look honestly at the reflections of ourselves as the Holy Spirit invites us to see ourselves and be changed.
The Sovereign Servant
January 29, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 13:1–20
Welcome to John 13-17, “Precious Final Words.” Jesus’ Farewell Address prepared His disciples for their future. But it began with a message in action that they would never forget. What was the impact of our Sovereign’s service when He washed their feet?
The Hour
January 22, 2023 • Pastor Mark Johnson • John 12:12–50
Next Sunday, we will begin a study of Jesus’ intense final evening with His Apostles, Precious Last Words (John 13-17). The setting is Jesus’ final Passion Week. Repeatedly, John’s Gospel made it clear that Jesus’ “hour” had not yet come (2:4, 4:21, 4:23, 7:8, 7:30, 8:20) until now (12:23). During Passion Week, Jesus made final appeals to which we must still respond today. Everyone must consider the 3 Impacts of His Final Appeals…
