The multitude is gone. The teacher's words proved too hard. And now Jesus asks his closest disciples whether they will abandon him, too. The answer for them -- and for us -- depends on whether they have anywhere else to go, whether they have any other hope than Christ crucified. “Nowhere Left to Go,” the final part of For the Life of the World, a series of six sermons on John 6, reminds us that the flesh of of no help at all, and we have nowhere left to go but the cross. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

When Jesus says we can eat his flesh and drink his blood, we are quick to dismiss this as figurative language. "He doesn't really mean it," we say. Yet when given the chance to clear up our confusion, Jesus doubles down: not only can he give his flesh, but we must feed on him to live. “The Mystical Union,” the fifth part of For the Life of the World, a series of six sermons on John 6, holds up the signs, symbols, and metaphors that let us apprehend spiritual things. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

Imagine a meal that lasts forever, food that keeps you alive not for a day or even a generation but for all time. That is the table Jesus sets for us. He offers us bread, and says that it is his flesh. Everyone who eats it will live. “The Feast of Everlasting,” the fourth part of For the Life of the World, a series of six sermons on John 6, links incarnation and atonement, and explores the spiritual work behind our salvation. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

If the people are going to believe that Jesus is a greater prophet than Moses, then they're going to need a greater sign. Moses fed them for forty years with bread straight down from heaven. They wanted evidence along those lines, and in this they are no different than us. Our trust is based in tangible blessings. We believe when God gives us what we want. But Jesus did not come to end our physical hungers. He came to satisfy the spiritual longing underneath them all. “Like Manna from Heaven,” the third part of For the Life of the World, a series of six sermons on John 6, is a challenge to stop working for the food that perishes and instead find assurance in God's covenant promise of salvation. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

Give us a sign and we will believe. People said this to Jesus all the time. In fact, they're still saying it. Yet, in John 6, Jesus does give signs, only the response isn't what you would expect. He fed the 5,000 and they reacted by trying to crown Jesus a "little king." Now he shows his divine power to the disciples by walking on water, and instead of rejoicing, his inner circle reacts with fear. Why do we always seem to respond the wrong way? If miracles are not enough, what would it take for us to see Jesus clearly? “Stop Being Afraid,” the second part of For the Life of the World, a series of six sermons on John 6, explores John's account of Jesus walking on water, and the deeper reality that sign signifies. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE POOR AUDIO QUALITY. It could have been a disaster: a vast multitude gathered in the wilderness, no food to give them, and the apostles caught without a plan. But Jesus performed a miracle, feeding them all. With power like his, you don't need a plan in order to provide. Seeing this, the people acknowledged Jesus as a prophet and sought to make him their king. But after feeding his followers, Jesus departed from them. Why? “Feeding Followers,” the first part of For the Life of the World, a series of six sermons on John 6, looks at the meaning behind the miracle to understand the difference between followers and disciples. Follow us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

Few things are more profound than to ponder the reality that God himself took on flesh and came to this earth in the person of Jesus Christ. He has ushered in the promised New Covenant and ratified it through his life, death, and resurrection. “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him” (2 Cor 1.20). In this final sermon, we will explore this profound reality and also look ahead to what remains to be fulfilled in this New Covenant reality. “From Heaven to Earth,” the eighth and final part of this series on God of the Covenants, looks at the story of redemption through the coming of Jesus Christ into our world. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

Hope is defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.” The people of God have often been described as a people of hope. The voice of the Old Testament prophets often brought words of warning, but they also often offered a voice of hope, a feeling of expectation for the coming of a “New Covenant.” “From Old to New,” the seventh part of this series on God of the Covenants, looks at the story of redemption through God's promise of a New Covenant. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

It seems the people of God are always prone to turn from the Lord and seek after other gods. The story of God's people in the Old Testament demonstrates the common failures of mankind, joined together with the steadfast love of God, who is faithful to keep his promises. “From Bad to Worse,” the sixth part of this series on God of the Covenants, looks at the story of redemption through the unfaithfulness and failure of God's people. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.

The nation of Israel was once ruled by judges, but the people demanded that they be given a “king to judge us like all the nations.” Their initial choice of a king was foolish and based on outward appearances, but God would raise up another king “after his own heart.” Beginning as a lowly shepherd boy, David would eventually become King of Israel and receive the Lord's promise of a throne and kingdom that would last forever. “From Pasture to Prince,” the fifth part of this series on God of the Covenants, looks at the story of redemption through God's covenant with David. Visit us online at www.graceforsiouxfalls.org.