Sometimes, we get it wrong—and even when we know it, we double down. We twist truth, hold onto control, and redefine grace to fit what we want. But what if there’s a better way? In this talk, we look at one of the most famous trials in history to see how Jesus meets us in our mess and turns everything upside down.

Have you ever felt betrayed, falsely accused, or failed when you needed to stand firm? This passage offers a powerful look at how Jesus responded when His closest friends betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. In this message, we explore the profound lessons Jesus teaches us through His unwavering love, sovereignty, and boldness. How does Jesus respond when we fail? Discover the grace and strength He offers us, even in our weakest moments.

When was the last time you pulled up a photo of yourself from years ago and thought about how much drift has happened without you noticing: relationships, age, knowledge, and that

stairs seemed so much easier to climb back then? Drift is part of life but what if the drift is dangerous? Jesus, in John 17, prays for his disciples and for believers with his main concern being their spiritual drift. In what is often called, "The High Priestly Prayer" or "Jesus' Pastoral Prayer", Jesus prays that the Father would protect believers from spiritual drift as we're sent into the world. How? By making them one.

Just prior to the events of Jesus’ arrest, John’s gospel offers us a glimpse of Jesus’ heart, through the words of his prayer in John 17. In this prayer, Jesus reveals again that nothing he has done or taught throughout his ministry has been meant for any purpose other than inviting people into a relationship with God. His prayer earnestly reminds us that relationship is at the core of the gospel message.

What if Jesus’ final words weren’t just for pastors or missionaries—but for you? His command to “go and make disciples” isn’t a solo mission, and it’s not just about personal growth. It’s a call to be part of something bigger—leading people to Jesus, shaping new communities, and trusting that He is always with us. Join us as we unpack what this looks like in our lives, our church, and even the future of our city.

Life can feel like a sudden fog rolling in, making it hard to see what’s ahead. The disciples felt that confusion, but Jesus pointed them toward something deeper—His resurrection would change everything. Because He rose, we can see God’s plans more clearly, we can have direct fellowship with Him, and we can live with peace even in the middle of life’s hardest struggles. Jesus never promised an easy road, but He did promise this: “Take heart! I have overcome the world!”

The call of John 15 is to abide in Jesus….to be connected to the true vine. However, with that connection comes exposure to the same worldly hatred and persecution that Jesus received in his time on earth. As Jesus continues to teach his disciples in this chapter, he instructs them (and us!) that while a life of following him can be hard, he will not abandon us to navigate that life on our own. In fact, he will give us the gift of the Holy Spirit so that even as we follow him through difficulty, he can use our challenges to strengthen others and encourage them to follow him as well.

Coming right out of Jesus' call for his disciples to abide by remaining in His love, he prepares the disciples for the reality that some of the fruit they will bear from abiding will be a share in His suffering through persecution. Jesus tells tells them and us that, like he was persecuted because of His Words, His walk, and His witness, we too should expect to experience the same kind of suffering as our words, walk, and witness is transformed by His life and love as we abide in Him. In the same breath, Jesus further complicates things by telling them he is leaving them. So, how will they face persecution? And how can we today?

In this passage, we will examine some Kingdom realities that are part of the package as we recognize and submit to King Jesus. Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face from the world due to their allegiance to Him. He contrasts the world's hatred with the love and joy found in Christ, reminding them of the Holy Spirit's coming support and guidance.

Do you ever feel stuck—like no matter how hard you try, you're not growing or moving forward? Jesus gives us a simple but powerful truth: real growth only happens when we stay connected to him. Without him, we wither, but with him, we thrive. What would it look like to stop striving on your own and start abiding in the life he offers?