Ephesians 6:10-20.

The Bible makes it clear that the physical world is not all there is. All around us, an unseen spiritual war is raging. The outcome for this war is not up for grabs though. The war has been won by the victorious, resurrected King Jesus. All followers of King Jesus are called to stand firm against our defeated enemy. We stand firm with the armor of God and spirit-filled prayer.

Hebrews 3:13

Luke 1:65-2:7.

When it comes to Christmas and you ask people–"What is Christmas about?"–the answers to that questions would range far and wide. But it's safe to say that few people [ if any ] would answer that Christmas is war. But if you think about it, that's exactly what Christmas is for on the night when Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, God declared war against the enemies of His people.

John 17:20-26.

Jesus is about to be crucified but before he goes to the cross He prays for those who will believe in Him. This is amazing! For those who've received the gift of eternal life and believed in Jesus' name for salvation, then Jesus is praying for you in these veses! Glorious!

John 17:1-19.

If you've ever wondered how Jesus prayed or for whom or what He prayed then wonder no more. This chapter is the longest recorded prayer of Jesus. On the eve of His crucifixion Jesus is going to pray for the Father to glorify Him and for His disciples protection.

John 16:16-33.

Jesus' departure via the cross is good news for His disciples. Jesus has talked about this good news for almost two chapters. And now, before He closes His time of instruction, Jesus reveals one last reason why His going is for His disciple's good--it's because His departure will bring irremovable joy and unconquerable peace.

John 16:5-15.

The absence of Jesus guarantees the presence of the Spirit. Jesus going is for our good because His going means the Spirit will be sent. This is the advantage Jesus was talking about: the advantage of the Spirit's conviction and His guidance.

John 15:18-16:4.

The first half of John 15 is all about a disciple's relationship to Jesus. The back half is all about a disciple's relationship to the world. With extremely strong language Jesus warns His disciples that to follow Him in a vine-abiding, fruit-bearing relationship--one thing will be true--the world will hate. In these verses Jesus explains why.

John 15:1-17.

Jesus is going, that much is clear. But the question that needs an answer is the question of, "What now?" In the time between His departure and future return, "What is a disciple supposed to do?" Answer--a disciple should live like a fruit bearing branch that abides in a vine.

John 14:15-31.

Continuing His conversation from last week, Jesus narrows in on the person of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is departing, but even though He is leaving, He guarantees to not leave His disciples as orphans by giving the promise of the Holy Spirit.