The Holy Spirit continues to be poured out upon all who will yield to his movement, assuring us more and more that we are God’s possession, loved beyond measure, given God’s power working through our weakness.

On the night he was betrayed, Jesus prayed for his disciples and those who would come to believe him later. That’s us! He prayed for protection and sanctification as they go out into the world. Jesus assures this prayer when he goes to the cross.

Jesus both speaks of loving the world and seems against the world. Which is it? How are we supposed to live in the world faithfully?

This Sunday's Gospel passage follows that of last week where Jesus describes himself as the Vine and his disciples are his branches. Today's passage stays on that theme of 'abiding' in terms of love. What are the practical implications of 'abiding in the love of Jesus Christ'?

We can always be connected to Jesus as our phones connect us to one another and the world. Yet the connection to Jesus will always be stronger because he chose you for his eternal, abiding, unconditional love!

This low and dangerous moment for the culture is actually a glorious opportunity for the church – at least for churches filled with people who are learning more and more how to abide in Jesus, to love the Father as he loves the Father, to love the people he loves, to love the works he does. This is the life that truly is abundant life, the source of flourishing that matters most.

Jesus calls us to look to him as the true vine, the one from whom we receive the nutrients and subsistence that sustains us and allows for our growth. By dwelling in him and his word, we can live out God's purpose for our lives. We must look first to Jesus, focusing on our relationship with him before we can live out his will and produce the fruit of the Kingdom of God.

Through the Holy Spirit, we hear the voice of the good shepherd and experience God's loving-kindness.

Jesus, like a shepherd, is willing to lay down his life for us. He calls us to love him as our top priority, use him as a living example for our lives, and be committed to giving him to others.

Missional joy arises in Christian community. How do people become Christian? They see other people living in such beautiful, joyful fellowship that they want that kind of life for themselves too – one that only makes sense if Jesus is raised from the dead and alive with his people.