Trusting in the Way, Truth and Life (John 14)

Come hear how trusting in Jesus brings peace and assurance in a world full of uncertainties. In John 14:1-6, Jesus assures his disciples that he is the only way to the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the source of eternal life. This is one of Jesus’ most important teachings that lead Christians to find comfort and courage in trusting in Jesus as their guide, their source of truth in a world full of lies, and their ultimate hope for eternal life. It challenges individuals to surrender their doubts and fears, and to fully rely on Jesus in all aspects of their lives. Be encouraged to trust that Jesus is not just one option among many, but the exclusive and perfect way to God. He is the embodiment of truth in a world of deceits, and the only source of true and eternal life. We are also having communion.

Rockwell Church     Aug 4, 2024     Pastor Chris Teien
Trusting in the Way, Truth and Life 
John 14:1-6

1. As Foundational Faith Trust is Redefined (John 14:1, 10:30; Col 1:15-17, Heb 1:3)

2. With Eternal Expectations of Hope's Home (John 14:2-3, Phil 3:20-21, 1 Cor 2:9)

3. For Truth's Triumph Beyond Doubt (John 14:4-5)

4. Believing Christ's Claim the Exclusive Path (John 14:6, 1 John 5:20)

A. Jesus is the Only Way (Acts 4:12, 1 Tim 2:5-6)

B. Jesus is the Absolute Truth that Sets You Free (John 1:14, 8:32)

C. Jesus gives Eternal and Abundant Life (John 3:16, 10:10)

Communion

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to wellfaith24@gmail.com

Transcript

Chris T 0:16

Trusting in the way, the truth, and the life. So last week we looked at John chapter 13 about being a servant leader. Jesus washed the disciples' feet. And then if you look at a synoptic gospel, which is a book that puts all the gospels like in chronological order, you'll see that John kind of drops out the story here, and the other gospels pick up the communion time, which we're actually going to look at in 1 Corinthians 13. And then after they have the Lord's Supper, then John has his own special stuff that don't show up in Matthew, Mark, and Luke for John 14 through 17. And so it's unique to the book of John. And in these passages, John 14 to 17, or actually much of John, we find much of the hope and the inspiration and the guidance that we need for living. And so it's transformational. On the other hand, we're mostly those of us who have been Christians for a long time are very familiar with it, and it's easy to just read over it and not think about it and not think about how it affects our life. So I made you an outline. There's no fill-in-the-blanks today. That's my gift to you. So, but nonetheless, the foundational truth is redefined when Jesus tells his disciples what exactly they need to be doing to do God's will now. Because in the past it was following a religious system through Judaism, through following the law and doing all these things and sacrifices and stuff. Jesus is saying, Hey, um, it's about time for me to leave, but I want you to know that this is the way, this is the truth, this is the life, this is what I want you to do. Now it's it's placed in a in a place where the disciples are like, we are so messed up. Uh, you know, Jesus just told us, John chapter 13, Jesus just told us that somebody here is going to betray him. I bet it's that Judas guy. I never trusted him. But Peter, you know, Peter's always been like the spokesman. If anybody gets stuff done or has the courage to say stuff, it's Peter. And if anybody's like a committed fan of Jesus, it's Peter. And Jesus just told us, or told Peter, that he was going to deny him three times. There is no hope for us. What a mess we are in. We've been following this guy for like three years, and now he says he's gonna leave. He's he's he's going. What are we gonna do? And so Jesus comes with this assurance and with this positive message that influenced and encouraged them. I probably encouraged them even more after Jesus died and was resurrected and came back because they're like, oh yeah, we get it now. We get it now. Um, but hopefully we too get it now. A foundational faith. That's foundational faith, trust is redefined. So Jesus tells them, do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. So this is the next part of the verse, or John 10 30. Uh, I and the Father are one. So Jesus right here is saying, Hey, um, you know, you you want you want to follow God, but I'm telling you, follow God and me, because we are the same. We are the same. We're not in the Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are individuals, but they are in sync. They are the same. And so Jesus is saying that you need to trust in God the Father, and you also need to trust in me to the same degree. You need to believe in me. And so they could either say, you know, Jesus, you're crazy. What's in your communion wine? Or they could say, you know what, based on your character, based on our experience, based on your miracles, based on your teaching. I can see that. I believe that. I will follow you. And that is a huge thing. In Colossians 1, 15, Paul is trying to help the church at Colossae to see that Jesus is supreme. There was a teaching at that time that said, you know, um, angels are supreme. We should worship angels. And Paul is like, No, you should worship Jesus. The angels are Jesus' servants. All right, the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. So Jesus wasn't created, Jesus was there all along. Jesus was part of creation. So uh Jesus the Son is the representation of God the Father, God the Spirit. He reveals the true nature and character of God and his will for humanity. Paul continues on. For in him, in Jesus, all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through him and for him. So Jesus is in control. Jesus is holding things together. Now we look at the world and we're like, there are so many things falling apart. And part of that is due to our sin and rejection of God's word and of Jesus' teaching. And really, society is when you have a demo society based on democracy, it works really good when most of the people are following after the way, the truth, and the life. When the majority decide to reject the way, the truth, and the life, then society falls apart and it gets to be real difficult. So unfortunately, it may lead to Christian persecution. On the other hand, sometimes the church grows the most during times of persecution because the only people in the church are the ones that are like super committed to follow Jesus and to live for Jesus. But we trust that Jesus is got it under control, that the earth is not going to spin off axis out of control, that the earth, that the moon's not gonna disappear and you know cause all these things that aren't his control. We trust that and we watch and we ponder. And we know Isaiah 55 says that his mind isn't like our mind. Um his ways aren't like our ways, so he may allow us in our society that we live in to go through difficult times, but he promises, the Lord promises for those who are truly believers, he will never leave us or forsake us, that he will keep us, and that is a good thing. So Colossians 1:17, he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. So we trust that promise, we trust that Jesus is what we need. We trust in a new um, well, for it's not a new way for us, it's been the way for like 2,000 years, but it was transformational back then. That's when the change happened. Um is a good thing. So the exact radiance of God's glory, the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word, after he provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty of God. So that is who Jesus is, according to Hebrews. So if you want to know what God the Father is like, you look to Jesus, what he taught, the way he lived, his attitude towards things. And in Christ, when we're truly said, we have a personal relationship with Jesus. So with Jesus and the Holy Spirit, as we commune, as we pray, as we spend time in the Word, as we serve, as we fellowship with other believers, the Christ's life is real. It's not an empty religion, it's not a live in the list. If that's your Christianity, you're doing it wrong. And someone needs to disciple you. Let us know if you would like to be discipled and we would like to help you with that. Number two, with eternal expectation of hope's home. Jesus tells continues to tell them, My father's house has many rooms. Now, in the King James Version, it said mansions, and I've mentioned this before, but I know so many people that you know they're like watching HGTV and they're like, oh my goodness, my mansion in heaven's gonna look like that. I'm gonna ask for that pool in my mansion in heaven. It's not about that. Seriously, you want to spend eternity um in a big house on a hill? You can't do better than that. This is saying that eternity is spending present, it's spending time in the presence of God, in the presence of Jesus, in Jesus' house, in my father's house, many rooms, many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you that I'm going there. Would I? Would I have told you that I'm going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, so that you may also be where I am. And some people are like, wow, it's been like 2,000 years. That must be some pretty heavy-duty construction project. I'm pretty sure that he could just speak everything into existence. He's just waiting for time to uh, you know, continue on. So some of us are like, I just want Jesus to come back now. I just want Jesus to come back, and so get me out of here, you know, be me up. And actually, the longer we have, the longer until Jesus returns, the more opportunities for more people to get saved, for more people to come to Christ. Maybe for you, maybe for grandchildren or great-grandchildren to be born and saved. And there might be people that you don't even know are going to exist and they're going to become part of your extended family, and you're going to love them here and for all eternity. And that is so don't rush it. Don't rush it. Even though things may be uncomfortable, even though things might not be convenient. Um, just know that Christ is working out his plan. Some people think heaven is a cloud. Um, many people say, I don't want to go die and go to heaven because I don't want to sit on a cloud strumming a harp. Yeah, I think that would be boring too. Or, you know, some people think that, you know, it's a perfect place, but it's sterile, it's not very fun, there's not a whole lot going on there. Um, I don't think it's gonna be like that. Randy Elkhorn writes a lot of books, um, a book about heaven that's a lot of speculation, but it's very interesting that talks about you know all the creative things we can do and stuff like that. It's fun to fun to read. Um, you know, some people think that, you know, it's gonna be heaven's gonna be like an amusement park with all the things that we ever wanted to do, and there's a few people that think it's the perfect fishing lake or the perfect golf course or the perfect racetrack or the perfect kitchen to cook things in or whatever. But whatever it is, heaven is where Jesus is, and it's a good place to be. I'm sure that you will enjoy it. I'm sure that it is something to look forward to. Philippians 3, 20. For believers in Christ, those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly wait, await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Aches and pains no more. So you will be fit as Jesus wants you to be. So maybe you won't be ripped because maybe that's not exactly how God wants you to be. Maybe he doesn't want you, maybe he did not create Adam and Eve to be that lean. So maybe he didn't create them to be that fat either. I don't know. But nonetheless, transformed, glorious body, free of sickness, free of pain, free of difficulty, free of death, free of sadness. What an awesome thing. Second Corinthians, Paul writes, or 1 Corinthians, Paul writes, it is written, what no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived, the things God has prepared for those who love them. So Paul could not describe what eternity looks like. So I don't think Paul could have described what our society looks like today. I don't think anybody 2,000 years ago pictured we'd be running around with little glowing things, giving us directions and information and conversing with us. Um who knows exactly what heaven is like, but Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and he provides everything, including an eternal home, that will be a good thing. So, number three, for truth's triumph beyond doubt. Truth's triumph beyond doubt. I like this, and I mentioned this in a sermon in the past, but um, Jesus says, You know the way to the place where I am going, and Thomas. The rest of the disciples are doing this looking down thing, you know, like you probably did when you were in class, and the teacher is like asking, and you know the answer, and you're like looking down at your book because you don't want to get called on. Um, but Thomas is like, hey, uh Lord, we have no, we don't know what you're talking about. We don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way? So Thomas just, you know, just says, I don't get it. I don't I don't know what you're talking about. So, and the disciples did not know all the details about uh where Jesus was going or what Jesus was doing or how that was all going to work out, but they were confident in Jesus. So I read the story. A missionary hired a guide to take him across a vast desert. When they arrived at the edge of the desert, the missionary saw before him trackless sands without a single footprint or road of any kind. He asked his guide with a tone of surprise, Where's the road? With a reproving glance, the guide replied, I am the road. And Jesus is the way to heaven, and we must trust him to take us there. So we look to Jesus. Triumph beyond doubt. You know, I've mentioned in the past that sometimes it's good to have doubts and to deal with them. So if you are doubting something about the Christian faith or the Christian life, uh don't stay in your doubt. Look for answers, seek answers. Maybe I can help point you to the answers that you're looking for. There are certain things that don't have answers, and we just have to wait until we spend eternity in Jesus' presence to ask him. Certain things that happen in our life or certain things that maybe we experience or things like that, that really there's no answer to at this time. But there is truth and there is answers as we move forward. Number four, believing Christ's claim as the exclusive path, as an exclusive path. So in the uh American Bible commentary, it asks, have you ever been asked to describe yourself in three words or even in just one? A question like this is often used in job interviews and icebreakers for small groups or at orientations for academic or church programs. We want to learn about each other in a quick way, and so we ask everyone to boil down their most important qualities and characteristics into a few words. If you were to describe yourself as joyful, honest, and hardworking, you would not be saying that you never faltered in any of these characteristics. There are days you feel lazy, mornings that bring frustration and stress instead of joy, and sticky situations where you find yourself telling a lie. But when we read Christ's own about me statements in John 14, 6, where he states that he is the truth, the life and the way, we see a self-description that is more definitive. He is not just a way, a truth, a life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. When we affirm faith in Christ, as he is revealed in the Word, we are saying that He is pretty truthful. We aren't saying that He is pretty truthful or even perfectly truthful. We affirm that truth is embodied in Christ, who He is and what He has done. And Jesus tells His disciples, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 1 John 5 20. We also know that God the Son, or that the Son of God, has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true, and we are in him who is true by being in his son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. So Jesus is the only way. Jesus is the only way. He tells them that he is the way, and that's what makes Christians intolerable to the rest of society, because we are saying that your other ways, according to what we believe, aren't valid. So you could be convinced there is no way. You just say, There is no way. Why do I need to be concerned? I will die and go back into the ground and decay, be eaten by worms, and you know, maybe help grass grow or daisies get pushed up or whatever. So you could say there is no way. Um in Jesus' time, these disciples and the Jews at Jesus' time adhered to Judaism, uh, adhering to the Torah and religious law. So we could follow the five pillars of Islam and follow the Quran. Um, we could follow Hinduism and do lots of meditation and yoga. We could be like Native American friends and find our way in tribal rituals. We could connect with new age spirituality, we could try to find harmony and zen through Taoism. So we could pursue humanism and just try to be moral and ethical, yet godless. Or we could follow Jesus. I think following Jesus is the easier way, the more faithful way, because it's not about what we do, it's about what Jesus has done. And when we receive, we receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we become a new creation, we receive the Holy Spirit, and then we are enabled, we are given the ability to start to live the Christian life, which isn't always easy, but um it is a great journey. So Acts 4.12 says, foundation is found, and no one else. There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. So according to God's word, God's preserved word, God's word that hasn't been destroyed, that has made it over thousands of years into our hands, uh, even though people have tried to destroy it, we can trust that what we read is true. So I think the Holy Spirit also helps us to believe faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, um, that we can just know that our salvation is secure when our salvation is based in Christ. Um, there's a typo in your handout. It says 2 Timothy 2.5, but that is wrong. That's my fault. It should be 1 Timothy 2.5. And since I made the mistake, I'm gonna give you a bonus verse in there that wasn't there, just for free, on me. So there is one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. So Jesus is the way. Jesus is the way for us to follow. Jesus is access to God. Jesus isn't just the quick way to get what you want, your eternal life insurance, and be on your way. Jesus is the journey. Jesus is the beginning and the lifetime journey that hopefully you come to the end of your days. And on your deathbed, when I come to visit you, before you end up in hospice or whatever, I come to visit you and you say something like, It's been a good ride. God has been faithful. I haven't been perfect, but I'm so glad that I spent my life worshiping him, serving him, living for him, investing in his kingdom. Or like one person that was incredibly encouraging, that told me about the things that he did to help people in ministry. He looked at me and he said, I wish I would have done more. That was one of the things he said at the end of his days. He knew his time was up and he looked right at me. He said, I wish I would have done more. Jesus is the journey. Jesus is the only way. B. Jesus is the absolute truth that sets you free. In a world that rejects truth, in a world that rejects common sense. Don't even get me started on the chaos and the Olympics. I'm like, what is happening? Is that a window into what the world really is? Or did some people in Paris say, oh, you know, let's push the envelope and be, let's get recognized for doing things that shouldn't be done. So Proverbs 3, verse 5 and 6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on Your own understanding in all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your path straight. And that is following truth. In the old days, when GPS first came out, I didn't always trust it. I do appreciate it. I don't really know how I'd find my way around anymore. I don't even have a paper map in my glove compartment, though I am one of the few people on the face of the earth now, as probably you are, that actually know how to fold those things and get them back together. So, paper maps. I have a friend who actually went to Bemidji State and he got a degree so he could make maps. And then Google came out and he's like, I have no idea what to do with my life now. I've just been replaced by technology. I guess I'll become a pastor. And he did. Now he shows people the way with a reliable map. But nonetheless, the word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Jesus was full of truth. Jesus is truth. So John 8 32, Jesus says, Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Set you free from the bondage of sin and its power over your life. To give you freedom from the rules of the Old Testament law so that you can, by grace, uh through faith, live for and follow Jesus to set you free from eternal death. Jesus communicated truth, Jesus revealed truth, Jesus exemplified and embodied truth and see. Jesus gives eternal and abundant life. Yeah. The way, the truth, and the life. So John 3.16, God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. Eternal life starts now. It doesn't start when you die. So that life in you carries on. And it is a great thing to know that if for some reason I were to die this very second, it'd be like walking through that door from this reality to being in the presence of Jesus because I have trusted in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Abundant life is the opportunity to experience a life of joy, peace, and purpose, even in the midst of challenges. Jesus invites us to live abundantly rooted in his love and grace. So some people see this and they think that, oh, abundant life here, the thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. So a rich and satisfying life is about relationship and accomplishing the Lord's goals and accomplishing the things that He wants. It's not all about being rich. You may have a big bank account or a small bank account. You may have everything you ever wanted, or you may be praying for every need, but all of those things can equal a rich and satisfying life. Because it's not what you have, it's what you do with it. It's not the experience that you're put into, but how you work in the midst of that experience. Sometimes God keeps us where we're at because he knows that if we don't, we'll stray away or we'll get distracted or whatever. So for years where I used to live, I always felt like I was kind of upside down on my house, and I didn't really think it would sell for a lot. I didn't really know how I could get out of that house and get to the next one and have enough money to make it happen. And so I stayed where I was for 20 years, and I'm glad that I did. I'm sure there was a period of time where we could have moved somewhere else, but we just stayed because we felt it was God's will. And then when it was time for us to move, then all of a sudden our house was very desirable, and it sold basically, it went on the market on Saturday morning at nine, and we had an offer that said, We need you to we need you to say yes within three hours, and we'll pay you more than you're asking. And so anyway, and then we ended up moving here, and it was just perfect timing, and it all worked out good. God worked it out. But rich is not a guarantee of a big bank account. Um, but an abundant life is often marked by generosity. Um, it's giving to the needy, it's building God's kingdom, it's seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness, and God provides everything for you. Um, it's giving to support the church and missions and helping people in need. But the rich and satisfying life isn't a destination, and it's not uh it's not a big cash infusion. It is a journey and it is an experience, and it is, it's supposed to be in an exciting life. And so on my own personal website, christyon.com, there is a poem that was written that I found in the book that I share about um riding with Jesus on a bicycle ride, and you can look it up if you want, but nonetheless, it is a journey that we are on. And you and I have an opportunity to be on that journey when we realize that we're sinners and receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Uh one way to do that is by asking, saying, praying something like, Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner in need of salvation. Please forgive me of my sin and come into my life and save me. I acknowledge that you died on the cross and that you rose again and that you are there ready to come into my life so we can have a personal relationship. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. And if you've done that, let me know. So now it's time for communion. So, Jerry, you want to grab the lights? We're going to watch a little clip as we prepare our hearts for communion.

SPEAKER_00 28:25

Jesus receives all the honor, the honor of one who is mighty and great. He looked death in the face and didn't flinch. He embraced the company of the lowest. He took on his shoulders the sins of many. He died without a thought for his own welfare. He was buried like a criminal, even though he'd never hurt a soul or said one word that wasn't true. It was our pains he carried, our imperfections, all the things wrong with us. We did our own thing, went our own way, we thought he wanted one so that God was punishing him for his own failures. Everything we've done. There he was, held on the cross with nails and wrists and feet, before he breathed his last, committed his spirit into the hands of his father, commented up my God, father. Why have you forsaken me? Why are you so fine for saving me? Beaten, bruised, insulted, abused, mocked, ripped, torn, rejected, betrayed by his closest friends in exchange for our peace, in place of our sin, in exchange for our healing, accused of living alive when he was the truth. He offered no words in his own defense. Did anyone really know what was happening? In prison and trauma, they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins? Who would have thought God's gave him poor look like this? But this is what God had in mind all alone. It was God's thought to crush him and caused him to stuff. The plan was that Jesus. God's plan that he would prosper. And when Jesus came all that would be accomplished by his English. The righteous for the unrighteous. And God so loved every face, every name, every heart. God still loved every life that he gave Jesus, his one and only Son, to die a death we deserve to die, our mortal life in exchange for his eternal one.

Chris T 30:33

Alright, so if you grab your communion cup, grab your communion stuff, I'm gonna read a passage from Hebrews, and then I'm going to give you a couple minutes to pray. So I always say I'm gonna give you some time to pray, and then I don't have any idea of what time it is. And so I don't know if I've given you 30 seconds or five minutes. But now I have music. That's exactly the first one's like two minutes and some seconds, another one's two minutes. So I know exactly how much time I'm giving you to pray while the music plays. But it says in Hebrews, Hebrews 10 and 16, this is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them in their minds. And then he adds their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. And when these have been forgiven, the sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. They were sacrificing animals for sins, uh, which is this constant sacrificing of these animals at the temple for sins. And um you would sin and you'd be like, Oh, I know that's gonna cost me. Sorry, little lammy, but you gotta go because I messed up again. But Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice, so we don't have to do that anymore. The communion passages I received from the Lord, what I also passed on to you, the Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. So why don't you take this two minutes while the music plays to pray and um confess any sin the Holy Spirit brings to mind that you may have committed recently, maybe recommit your life to Christ, but just take two minutes in your seat or at your house to pray. So we'll do that. Let's grab our communion, get our bread out. Jesus, I thank you so much that you came to show us how to live, had great patience with your disciples, showed great love and compassion, humbly went to the cross, was pierced for our transgressions. You are you took on our sin so that we could be saved. And while it was 2,000 years ago, it's still an effective payment for our sin debt. And we have applied it to our life and we celebrate the thing that you have done by dying on the cross. And we know that you rose again, but it was still the ultimate sacrifice for the God of the universe to come down from heaven and to do that from us. And we take this, we thank you, and we eat. Continuing in Hebrews 10, Hebrews 10, verse 19. Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the most holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body. You remember that when Jesus died on that cross, that the curtain and the temple that separated the priest from the Holy of Holies was ripped from the top down. It was like 40 feet high. There was no way they could have done it. God ripped the curtain open to show we could now have direct access to God by a new and living way open for us through the curtain, that is his body. And since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts, fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ's blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. In the same way, after supper, he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this whenever you drink it in remembrance of me. Now, will you take two minutes and come boldly into his presence and praise him and thank him and maybe recommit your life to him? Let's do that now. All right, let's take the cup. Jesus, I thank you so much that you shed your blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. Lord, we thank you for this opportunity that we have to be here, to hear this message. Help us to know it so well we can share it with others. Lord, help us to tell other people around us about the way, the truth, and the life that has transformed our lives. Jesus, we thank you for dying on the cross. We take this and we drink.