Recently, I had a procedure in the hospital that required general anesthesia. That morning, and then throughout the preparation process, I was keenly aware that I was putting my life in the hands of the anesthesiologist. Today, Pastor John shows how Jesus’s final words from the cross showed a far greater trust: “Into Your Hands I commend my Spirit.” He was saying: I trust You, Father; I put my life in Your Hands. Whose hands are you trusting in? Will you put your trust in the hands of God the Father today?

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Luke, chapter 23, as he begins his message, The Word of Committal.

Of all the utterances spoken by Jesus on the cross, none is more enigmatic than these words: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Today, Pastor John takes you into the great, great mystery of this cry of the Savior. Did God the Father actually separate from and forsake God the Son? Is this the cup about which Jesus prayed in Gethsemane that God would remove? What was in that cup? One thing is certain: Jesus bore your sins on that cross. And He actually became your sin.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Matthew, chapter 27, as he begins his message, The Word of Agony.

Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve been unjustly accused, and almost everyone abandoned you? Today, Pastor John shows that’s exactly the situation Jesus faced at His crucifixion. He had been unjustly accused. And only five of His faithful followers stood beneath His cross. Yet, despite His own agony, Jesus was thinking of them. In fact, He took the time to give Mary to John as his mother, and John to Mary as her son. In any situation you face, you can count on this: Jesus is thinking of you.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of John, chapter 19, as he begins his message, The Word of Affection.

It’s easy to say, “God is in control.” That is, until something happens and it seems like He isn’t. Today, Pastor John takes a unique look at a circumstance that seems like it’s out of God’s control. But it isn’t. As Jesus is crucified, there are two others crucified with him. Coincidence? Or Providence? These two men are – in a microcosm – the whole world. Each of them makes a request of Jesus.  One is not of faith: “If you are the Christ.” The other is of faith: “Lord, remember me.” Which are you?

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Luke, chapter 23, as he begins his message, The Word of Salvation.

If you knew you were close to death and wanted to speak some final words, what would they be? Who would you be concerned about? What would be important to say? Today, Pastor John begins his exploration of one of the most profound topics in Scripture, the seven last sayings of Jesus. And it starts with this one: “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” To whom was Jesus praying? To His Father. For whom was He praying? For the Romans, the Jewish leaders? Yes. But also for me. And for you.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Luke, chapter 23, as he begins his message, The Word of Forgiveness.

It’s tough when someone tells you what to do, and you don’t really understand why you should do it. It’s always a lot easier if the reasons make sense. And that’s what Pastor John is going to explain today. The Bible tells us to put Jesus first, others second, and ourselves last. But why? The answer: because that’s what Jesus did. He didn’t hold on to His deity as a member of the Godhead. He voluntarily emptied Himself and became a man. And He did that to become a servant… to you.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Philippians, chapter 2, as he begins his message, The Mind of Christ.

Just as people have a lot of different ideas about God, they also have varying theories about Jesus. Oh, He was a good man, a great teacher. Or, He was an ancient philosopher whose ideas don’t really have much relevance in our modern world. But today, Pastor John shows that of all the expressions of the holiness of God, the greatest is Jesus, the Son of God. And it started at His conception. When you’re following Jesus, you’re following the perfect representation of God in all His fullness.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Isaiah, chapter 6, as he continues his message, God Is Holy.

When people think about God, what kind of being or person are they imagining? Some think of Him as a kindly old man who just wants people to be happy, while others consider Him to be the Cosmic Killjoy. But what does the Bible say about God? Today, Pastor John states that of all of the characteristics of God, the very central one is His holiness. He’s never called loving, loving, loving, but He is called holy, holy, holy. What does it mean to you, in a practical way, to know that God is Holy?

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of Isaiah, chapter 6, as he begins his message, God Is Holy.

Aren’t you glad that God’s love isn’t like our love? No matter how much you love someone, as a fallible human, you’ll fall short. But today, Pastor John describes the love of God – a love so great that He cares for every person. You may have been a Christian for as long as you can remember. That’s because God sought you and found you. You may have been hostile and belligerent to the idea of God. But still, He sought you and found you. And God’s love will continue to seek you and to find you.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 1 John, chapter 4, as he continues his message, God Is Love.

Think of a great “love story.” There are plenty of these in works of fiction. Or maybe you’re fortunate enough to know two people personally who personify “love” for you. What is the defining characteristic of their love? Today, Pastor John explores the love of God. And he shows that it’s not just something God DOES, it’s what He IS. God’s love is His essential nature, and He never operates against or outside of it. So you can have confidence in the GREATEST love story of all – God’s love for you.

Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 1 John, chapter 4, as he begins his message, God Is Love.