Denying the Crucified Christ (John 18:15-27; 19:16-30)

/ Belgrade United Reformed Church/

Peter courageously wields his sword for Christ, then denies Him. He discovers Christ sacrifices for His followers, not vice versa. Our lives are to be centered on our savior, not ourselves. That's why Christ must go to the cross to secure his disciples, and to empower his disciples to live for him.

Grace and Truth In the Flesh (John 18:28-19:16)

/ Belgrade United Reformed Church/

We look at Christ and Pilate going back and forth. The issue that we consider is how can Christ say that he is the essence of truth? It seems rather strange that the truth teller is handed over to a foreign official to be put to death. He is not even tried, but rather his own nation hands Christ over to face death. We seek to see and show that Christ is in fact truth despite Christ's kangaroo court.

Truth Confirmed (John 20:1-18)

/ Belgrade URC/

The resurrection is something that is radical and rather unbelievable to be honest.  However, the resurreciton is necessary for Christ to conform the grace and truth of the Lord's promise.  How does this truth come to bear on the immediate audience?  What does that teach us about ourselves today?

Fatal Friday or Victorious V-Day? (John 19:17-42)

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When we think about Christ on the cross it is not something that is celebratory.  That means we do not look at this event and celebrate the reality of the promises of God.  The reason why I say this is because Christ has died.  He died on the cross for what?  He died on the cross for our sins.  The disciples are rattled, his followers are rattled, but what has Christ done that is so good?  Why would we call this Good Friday and not Fatal Friday if this is about the death of Christ?  Death means failure right?  Or are we missing something about that?

Tasting the Bread of Life (John 6:35-40; LD 28)

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It is easy for us to beat up on the immediate audience that meets with Christ and asks Christ for things that might seem silly to us.  In other words as Christians we might think that it is silly to ask Christ to provide bread.  In our minds this might be something that is so short sighted.  If we are honest, there are many things in our lives that miss the promises of Christ, the provision of the Gospel, and the ultimate peace of the kingdom.  How does the sacrament of communion help to refresh in us the life of the kingdom?  How does it call us to look beyond this world?

Glory of the Son of God (John 17:1-5; Jer. 31:31-34)

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In this first part of Jesus' high priestly prayer, he prays that God would glorify him through the dark hour of the cross, and exalt him to his right hand. It is through his cross and resurrection that believers receive eternal life, and come to know the only true God in the face of Jesus Christ

(Preached by our summer intern Mr. Daniel Ventura)