John 16:32-33 (NIV) 32“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 17:14-19 14I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 15I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. 16They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20“I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
“The Overcomers”
Sixth in a Series, “The Book of Glory”
The fallen world (kosmos): A hard rain
Jesus’ prays for us to
· stay engaged
· stay faithful
· stay hopeful
· stay together
Key Verse for the Week
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Questions for Conversation and Reflection
What trouble makes you want to give up or give in? What is one way you will choose to return love for the hate you get?
Possible next best step for you
Join the Easter Hospitality team. We expect many guests to join us in worship on Easter Sunday--some for the first time! Help us extend a very warm welcome as a greeter or an usher. You can assist during the worship service you attend, or you can plan to come early or stay late to help with a different service. Contact Jennifer Gould at jgould@stlukesmethodist.org for more information or to volunteer.