I am excited about beginning this letter for several reasons: First, it is my favorite letter of the Paul's writings. I have studied every word of this letter many times over the years. It resounds with joy and passion and every time I read it my heart is uplifted. It is often referred to as Paul's hymn of joy! Second, though it is a short letter, it is packed with profound meaning. As I think you will see Paul's letter to Philippi is easily applied to our lives today. Paul concludes his letter by saying he has found the secret to being content in all circumstances and with his beloved statement "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Paul in these opening verses gives us a glimpse into how a person remains joyful in the midst of difficult circumstances.

If indeed preaching through the book of John was the most ambitious series I have ever attempted what we begin today is perhaps the most daunting. The book of Romans is the Mt. Everest of letters – the grandest proclamation ever written and perhaps the deepest revelation of the heart of God for His people. This book holds a great deal of personal history with me – as it does for many who have come to Christ. From the earliest days of my connection with Christ it has informed my understanding of salvation: Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 10:9 As I came to Christ in earnest as a follower in my early 20's I began writing key verses in my Bible. This week when I looked at that page again I found that 25% of the verses came from one book – this book – Romans. It is a letter about salvation in Christ, about the fundamental knowledge of God, and about what it means to follow. Here are a few of the highlights we are going to discover along the way: But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Let's start where we always need to start – I the beginning.

We have a lot of ground to cover today. We left John's narrative as Jesus spoke the words "It is Finished". The climax of the story is past. The battle for mankind is won. The price has been paid. The lamb has been sacrificed. But the story isn't over. It's only just beginning. Thousands of men had died on crosses but only one was the Son of God. John tells us his story as only an eyewitness can tell it:

Once again this week I wrestled with this text. What could I say – how could I explain – what analysis could I share as John gives a play by play of the greatest battle in human history. I decided to do something that I havn't done in exactly this way before. I want to simply let the scriptures speak for themselves. I am going to ask you to do one of two things – you pick. • Take your Bible out and turn to this passage and read with me – anything you find really important to you personally I want you to take a moment to underline it. • Second option is to close your eyes and carefully listen to the words – listen carefully enough that you can jot down a note on your note page about the things you find really important to you personally. As we play the tape of John's recollection of that fateful day I will simply hit pause a few times to point out a particularly critical moment when Jesus speaks. It's important that you find these moments that are important to you personally because I'm going to ask you to do something when we finish. If you have ever given God your full attention – I'm asking you to do it now! Jesus has entered the ring. He has faced Annas and Caiaphas the power brokers of Israel. Now from a mock trial in the Temple He is led to the Praetorium – if you want to picture this in your head the Muslim Dome of the Rock sits approximately where the Praetorium stood in Jesus day.

As we move into Chapter 18 the darkness of John's Gospel becomes profound. The darkness of the night contextualizing the darkness of the content. We stand in the shadows of Gethsemane – a small olive grove just outside the city of Jerusalem. This is a place that scripture tells us that Jesus came often to pray. The solitude of this walled garden must have been a welcome retreat from the crowds that accompanied His every step. In bold contrast the theme of John's Gospel comes into full relief as he describes the escalating conflict between two kingdoms. From the earliest lines of his Gospel John describes the two kingdoms that are in conflict.

Jesus and His disciples have made it to the edge of the city likely standing just outside the gates of Jerusalem in the gathering shadows of the cross. He is on His way to Gethsemane where He will pray alone – in words so fervent that his sweat will fall as drops of blood upon the ground. John gives no account of those moments in the garden where he sleeps while Jesus prays. He does however give us what no other Gospel writer does – a glimpse into the heart of Jesus prayers for His followers then and now. Contained in the 17th chapter of John is what is often called Jesus High Priestly Prayer. The prayer of the Rabbi for His disciples, the prayer of the Shepherd for His sheep, the Prayer of the Father for His children, the prayer of the master for His friends.

Jesus answers the "How" question that his disciples are wrestling with. "How" do we deal with the persecution to come to Christians? Jesus outlines three POWERFUL resurrection outcomes to combat persecution (Holy Spirit, Joy, & Prayer)

Jesus lovingly explains to his disciples why they are "guilty by association" and therefore they should expect persecution to come.

Leaving the upper room, eleven disciples and Jesus walk through the darkened streets of Jerusalem. As Jesus walks slowly down the dusty streets toward the eastern gate of the city, He knows that His time is at hand. Judas has gone for his silver. Eighteen hours from now Jesus will lay Himself on a cross and give Himself for us. Gethsemane awaits Him and apparently, as He walks he shares His heart with His disciples. Perhaps stopping along the way to teach as he passes a familiar spot. "You did not choose me but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit and that your fruit would remain…"

Have you ever been lost? What did it feel like? I remember vividly when I was just a small child getting lost at the State Fair. I remember running into the arms of my father. That's what John 14 is all about. After spending a week meditating on this passage of scripture I am convinced that I could spend many weeks covering the details of each verse but in doing so I am afraid we would miss the forest for the trees. There are at least 7 or 8 possible sermons in this sequence of scriptures. I want today to look at this scripture as I believe John meant it – an answer to an honest and fearful question. Lord we do not know where you are going, how do we know the way? Thomas verbalizes what all the other disciples are feeling. For 3 years they have followed Jesus. Every day they have spent as He order them. Jesus was their leader – their Rabbi – their Lord. Now it's obvious that He is going somewhere and everything is going to change. For 3 years they have known where to go and what to do because Jesus has been with them to tell them. Now what? What are we supposed to do? How are we going to get to where you are – where you want us to be? They were lost!