In his last conversation with his closest friends before his execution, Jesus promises real sorrow overcome by lasting joy. But why should we believe this joy is possible? And how can we connect with it?

The Spirit helps us see ourselves for who we really are?our sin, our self-righteousness, our misjudgments about what is good?and the Spirit helps us see Jesus for the all-satisfying glory that he is.

Paul?s prayer for his friends shows us the model response to the gospel, the model messenger of the gospel, and the model community created by the gospel.

If you?re a follower of Jesus, you have been chosen by God to live your life on his mission with the promise of his power.

In this text Jesus implies that understanding and anticipating the hatred of the world for Jesus and his followers is crucial for faith that lasts. But what does Jesus mean by the hatred of the world? And how should we deal with the hatred of the world?

When it comes to growth as a Christian, Jesus leaves no middle ground. Those who abide in him bear fruit, and those who don?t abide in him wither and die. It?s either/or. So what does it mean to abide in him? And what sort of fruit comes from those who do?

Jesus teaches that if we love him we will obey him, and if we don?t love him we won?t obey him. The key to our behavior?what we do?is in the affections?what we love. That?s why Jesus?s promise of a Helper, the Holy Spirit, is such good news. The promised Spirit is also a promise of a new heart moved by love for Jesus.

Jesus promises his followers a place of rest and belonging that only he can provide. Connecting with that promise is the key to lasting peace now.

The primary mark of a genuine follower of Jesus is a love for others that reflects Jesus?s love for us. So what does this love look like?

Jesus serves us, so we serve each other.