The disciples are living in their nightmare. Jesus has been dead for 3 days. Verse 19 says that it is evening, it is dark, and they are huddled together, in secret, behind locked doors, afraid - afraid because the people who hold all the power in their city are hunting them down. Those evil people just brutalized Jesus, tortured him, mocked him, and crucified him. So what happens next?

**We're grateful to our sister church New Life for a copy of their recording of the message this week as they're in the same series as us.

The suffering [we] suffer is an important discussion to have because of the unique water we swim in as Americans. We are born and raised in comfortable idolatry. We have no idea how unique and obsessed we are with getting rid of pain and living in comfort. We actually believe this notion that I should be able to find a life that does not have any kind of suffering. There is nothing inherently wrong with not wanting to live a life of suffering - it is natural to desire a life with comfort. But there is a type of suffering that we are called to as Christians if we are to stay in the vine. Listen as Pastor Chris shares what it means to purposefully reject a life of comfortable idolatry and why we are called to live this way.

Separation—that’s been the context for Jesus’ last words that we’ve been looking at the last few weeks, and that is the big context for what Jesus says here about abiding. Jesus is leaving. There is going to be physical separation. He’s been saying, I’m leaving, you can’t come. And the disciples don’t get it, and they keep asking, where are you going? How will we know the way? Listen as Kathryn Cheng, a member of Epicentre's preaching team speaks on abiding, of following rules and promises, and bridging the impossibility.

Jesus doesn’t just want to be a casual acquaintance. He wants genuine, deep friendship. A friendship that comes with blood, sweat, and tears, with commitment, faithfulness, sacrifice. And that relationship is only made sweeter because we are chosen. Listen as elder and preaching team member, Quen Cheng, speaks on the intimacy in relationships, both in our lives and in our relationship w/ Christ, and the importance of being desired and the deepness found in such a shared relationship.

Shame can keep us from bringing our confusions, questions, temptations, or struggles into the light of community where we can discover that other followers have common struggles, they have support to offer, they have the understanding, and can bring us to Jesus to find answers​. Listen to elder and part of the preaching team's own Lauren Ludlow explain why Christ-centered community is vital for our spiritual growth and how we can offer it to each other.

Often we find ourselves serving others or wanting to help, but under the caveat that if that help is first asked for. But what about if the shoe is on the other foot and you are the one approached by someone wanting to help or serve you? How do you normally react? Do turn it down right away and say maybe next time or do we accept the help? Why is it important to know what our normal response would be? Listen as preaching team member Kim shares her insight into how God calls us to respond and how we should go forth and ask how we can help.

John 15:16, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."

Jesus has chosen you. Jesus has come to you. Jesus loves you. Jesus has a purpose that he is going to fulfill in you. You may slow down these plans with your resistance, your rejection, but he will not stop until you are his, you are liberated, and you are fulfilling His good purposes in your life.

Are you a spectator in your walk with Jesus, but never the participant? What do we need to do to transition from our current rut and way of life to someone who joins in and is who takes part in their spiritual life? Listen to Pastor Chris Rattay as he continues his series on "Prepar[ing] the House" and how we can 'train like Jesus'.