A look at what Christ endured because he loves us.

This message looks carefully at the setting and it's symbolism.

It is also a reminder of who was in control of the events of Jesus'' passion.  God, the Father, and God, the Son were.

The scene also begs the question:  Who are you in this story?  Who do you identify with?

Jesus in his prayer refers to six marks of the church:

Joy (v. 13)

Sanctification (v. 17, 19)

Truth (v. 17, 19)

Mission (v. 18)

Unity (vv. 11, 20-23)

Love (vv. 23-24)

The First Petition of Christ's "High Priestly Prayer."

We see that he finished well and accomplished the work God gave him to do and in doing so he glorified God!

Will we finish well?  How can we finish well?

Jesus was a masterful teacher and his teachings are still guiding us today.

We learn in this segment about the nature and privilege and condition of prayer.

We learn about the great Christian virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love in this text - and especially about God's great love.

Jesus' promise to turn sorrow to joy was not just for the first disciples; it is for disciples of every age!

Should Christians keep a Sabbath rest?

How might we keep the intent of Sabbath?

Worship has always been integral to the Sabbath and the Lord's Day.

The Practice of service.  It's a difficult practice to serve as Jesus served, but it is our calling.

Service is not self-righteous but humble.

A servant sees people.

A servant is attuned to Jesus

We can serve in the everyday like: practicing common courtesy, listening, guarding another's reputation, and hospitality.

Simplicity and Stewardship are Connected.  They both require similar attitudes:

1. It All Belongs to God.

2. Contentment

3. Trust

With those attitudes, simplicity and stewardship can then be lived outwardly.

Jesus declared that we live by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

We believe the Bible is God's Word.

Must study if we're going to know anything or anyone.  We study those we love.

Likewise, we study the Bible to know what's important to God and what God would have us believe and do.

One practical way to study, the inductive method, is shared in this message.