Jesus won't fit into Nicodemus' existing system as a Pharisee - instead, he tells Nicodemus that he needs a new start. Nicodemus may have had just one conversation with Jesus yet he became a disciple. What can God do with just one conversation?

Jesus demonstrates his divinity by clearing the courts, by architectural arguments and by obvious omniscience. The animals in the temple courts were being sold at inflated prices and were taking up the only space where gentiles were allowed to worship God. The real temple is Jesus' body, the place where God dwells, and this is why he has authority.

Jesus attended social events. He wants to be involved in the whole of our lives, whether good or bad. He knew that his first miracle would start the ball rolling and that it would lead inevitably to Calvary, and perhaps this is why he doesn't want to be pressurised by his mother. Running out of wine would have been a social embarrassment, but Jesus takes away the shame of the host, just as he takes away the shame of us all.

John the Baptist is like a sign-post. He has great humility and points away from himself to Jesus. Jesus is the one who takes away the sin of the world. It doesn't bother John that his disciples leave him to follow Jesus. Jesus doesn't point to anyone - he is the one to be followed, and the invitation today is to come and know him.

John's prologue is like a movie trailer. John is setting the scene, beginning with the fact that Jesus is God. He introduces characters, starting with John the Baptist, whose aim was to glorify Jesus.

Our call is to build the Church. God is calling for fresh passion for the local church. He wants things to get messy.

Proverbs is a leadership book, a probability book and a thinking book. The wise person will listen to advice. We should use our understanding but not lean on it. To acknowledge God is to submit to his ways.

God initiated and accomplished salvation all by himself. How persuaded are we that the gospel is true? Can people encounter God through City Church Sheffield?

Like the two disciples on the Emmaus Road, we need clarity on who Jesus was and what he has done. Jesus proves who he is from the Old Testament - he's not just a prophet but the Mighty God, God With Us, whose suffering was prophesied. Nothing went wrong with God's plan - the cross was part of the plan.

Rejoicing doesn't mean always feeling joyful, but tuning in to what is really there. Paul rejoices even though he's in prison, because Christ is being preached, because the Philippians are like-minded and because they're in Christ.