As we finish chapter 17, Pastor Sean examines the end of Jesus' prayer, which focuses on future believers. Jesus prays for us... How awesome is that? He prays that we will have unity; we will be with Him in eternity; and the Love of God would be with us. With Jesus' desire and prayer for us in mind, let us strive together to have unity in our Gospel community and draw closer to Jesus in our personal lives!

In this passage, we see that Jesus shows that He settles us in an unsettled world! As Jesus continues His prayer, He concentrates on His 11 disciples. Pastor Sean has 3 takeaways concerning this prayer. He has manifested himself to the disciples...and us. He is petitioning for them... and us. He is praying for their sanctification, having consecrated Himself.

We begin, this week, to look at Jesus' prayer to God before His betrayal. Pastor Sean looks at the first five verses drawing out 5 takeaways. 1. Jesus' hour had come. 2. He made a request to the Father. 3. His sovereignty is displayed. 4. His work is accomplished. 5. He repeated His request. Other than learning some new Greek, we can learn to trust Gods timing in our lives, like Jesus did; we can discern the heart of our prayers and trust His sovereignty; and we can rejoice in the Lord, always and allow our relationship to be shaped by that joy regardless of circumstances.

He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!!!

As Jesus begins to bring the upper room discourse to a close, Pastor Sean explains 5 things Jesus tells the disciples that they should expect going forward. 1. Jesus promises a deeper teaching. 2. Jesus promises direct access to the Father. 3. Jesus promises a developing faith. 4. Jesus promises persecution will come. 5. Jesus promises a divine peace will be with them. Wherever we are in our faith, Jesus wants us to grow deeper through studying the direct revelation He gives us in the scriptures. This will prepare us for persecution and fill us with His divine peace in all circumstances!

As Pastor Sean unpacks the text today, he points out 5 points. 1. Jesus makes a prediction. 2. His disciples are confused. 3. Jesus points out the coming transformation. 4. The disciples' sorrow will be turned to Joy. 5. Jesus is our intercessor. As we confess Jesus and draw closer to Him, we will return to our "factory settings," which in Christ is joy!

As we continue through the upper room discourse in John's gospel, Jesus comforts the disciples with truth concerning the Holy Spirit. The Holy spirit is a person; He awakens us to sin; He leads us into truth; and He glorifies Jesus.

Jesus reminds us the even in the midst of persecution, we are called to give a testimony about Jesus. A true Christian witness is always about Jesus; bears the mark of Jesus' grace and mercy; is foundational to the spread of the gospel; and is Holy Spirit led and empowered.

As we continue through John's gospel, Jesus explains how the world will see and treat the disciples. They will be treated as He was treated. They will be hated and persecuted, but Jesus tells them to bear witness about Him to the world, knowing they will be treated this way. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to bear witness as we bear witness to Jesus Christ, so we can boldly proclaim the gospel with confidence since we are filled with the Holy Spirit!

As Sean unpacks this passage in John's Gospel, he looks at the immense love that God has for us. He challenges us to let someone in our Gospel community know that they are loved by the creator and sustainer of the universe as well as look for moments to show His love to someone who needs to know Jesus as their savior!

When we abide in Jesus we receive all we need for life. When we abide in Him we are delivered from judgment; we experience power in prayer; God is glorified; and we are filled with Joy! We all abide in something, is it in Jesus, the true vine?

The natural outcome of our love for Jesus is obedience to Him. Pastor Sean examines what that looks like and for us and challenges us to examine our own obedience, reminding us that our obedience shows Christ to others? Are we showing Jesus to those around us? What is your testimony?

As we continue through John, we see Jesus clarify that He alone is enough... He is the way, the truth, and the life. How often do we ask for just a little more from Jesus? Let's stand firm in His grace...it is sufficient.

We continue through John's Gospel, looking at Jesus and learning some greek!

As we dive back into the Gospel of John, Jesus outlines three ways things are going to change in light of who He is and what He will do. God's glory is being revealed, they will be facing a new situation as Jesus is returning to His father, and there is a new commandment; love one another as He loves.

As we close out the advent season Pastor Sean asks the question; Christmas is over... Now What? How do we respond to Jesus in light of this advent season?

Merry Christmas from Pleasant View, we light the final candle representing Jesus Christ, the light of the world!

As we continue to celebrate this Advent season, we light the candle of Love. Pastor Sean looks at 1 John 4:7-21 to examine what love actually looks like in the Gospel community.

This week we look at 3 aspects of Joy. Personal Joy through creation; Eternal Joy through faith in Jesus; and Perfected Joy when He returns. In light of this and reflecting on Luke 1:39-56, we need to answer a few questions. Where do you find your Joy? What do you do with your Joy? With whom do you share your Joy?

God made peace available to us through Jesus Christ. Have you accepted His offering of peace? Do we reflect that peace with each other in His gospel community? Are we experiencing His peace through the trials of life?