In our summer series, we will be looking at critical events in the book of Acts, starting with Jesus' commission of his "sent ones" in Acts 1:1-11. The goal is for our church to become more like the original Christian church. We first need to reorient ourselves to the task that Jesus gave us for the time between his departure and his return: to be witnesses to the end of the earth. ...

If you have ever compared your life to someone else's (who hasn't?), you need to hear Jesus' reply in John 21:20-25 to Peter's curiosity about Jesus' plan for another disciple. Also in this gospel's final section, the author finally but partially identified himself. He was one of Jesus' closest disciples and a reliable eyewitness to everything he reported, so we can know that it is all true. ...

In a painful conversation with Peter recorded in John 21:1-19, Jesus asked him three times if he loved him.  Peter answered by declaring his love for Jesus three times.  In response, Jesus charged Peter to take care of his people and to follow him. The question and the charge are for us as well. ...

In John 20:19-31, Jesus appeared to his disciples twice, once to commission and equip them and a second time to show himself to Thomas. In response to seeing Jesus, Thomas made an astounding declaration about Jesus, calling him "my Lord and my God!" After this declaration, the author spelled out his purpose in writing this book: for you to believe. ...

There is a stubborn fact of history that no one has been able to disprove, although many have tried. Jesus' tomb was empty, and no one has ever produced his body. Hear in John 20:1-18 about the first ones to encounter the empty tomb. Come, see, and believe! ...

All through the Gospel of John we have been hearing about Jesus' coming glorification. In John 19:16-42, we finally reach it and discover that it took place on the cross. In this familiar account, the author of the gospel included fascinating details that point us to the meaning of the death of Christ and the response it requires from us. ...