Jesus brings us hope and freedom, but at the same time he calls us to a radical holiness that can only be lived and experienced in relationship with him.

The beatitudes aren't just good sounding statements that sound nice. Jesus is trying to show us that life in the Kingdom is supposed to look completely opposite and different from the way we live now. The things that matter there are totally different to what we care about. But when we embrace it, we will be transformed in to the image of Jesus, and we will be salt and light to a world that needs to see this new life.

In our "Year with Jesus" we move from Jesus' first invitation to "Follow Me", to the deeper discipleship and calling he had for his followers to "Be Equipped". Jesus called 12 apostles to prepare them to be the leaders and builders of his church, and Jesus calls us today to continue the work he started.

Jesus displays for us the paradox of humility and power. Jesus was born, lived, and died in the humblest of circumstances, but displayed for us the infinite power of God in his teaching, miracles, and resurrection.

As we enter the Advent season, this year we are going to explore the paradox that Jesus is in our need and expectation of a saviour. This week we studied the Hiddenness and Revelation that is a part of God's character, and how he seeks to draw us to himself even in times when he feels far away.

As we follow Jesus we want to remember those around the world who are doing so under very difficult circumstances. While we enjoy a great deal of freedom, many of our brothers and sisters around the world face intense persecution and hardship, and we must stand together with them in prayer and support as we seek to build God's kingdom together.

When the Samaritan woman meets Jesus she is drawn in by him, and when he calls out her sin, she responds with a desire to tell others. How do we respond when Jesus shines a light on our sin?

Are we serving God our ourselves? Do we want to him to get all the glory, or do we want a little glory for ourselves too? John wasn't worried about being overshadowed, he wanted Jesus to get all the praise.