Brad Konemann, Youth Director for 13:3 (Voice of the Martyrs), informed us of some of the challenges faced by Christians around the world that can’t worship freely as we do and the persecution they face because of their faith in Jesus. In this bible passage Paul teaches us that persecution is because of Jesus, it advances the gospel and encourages other Christians. Paul’s highest priority is to share the gospel no matter what. What is our highest priority? Is it aligned with God’s?

We struggle to do things in our life when we are in dark surroundings - we need a source of light to function properly. We are reminded that Jesus is the source of light for the world and although we live in a sinful world, God will ultimately redeem us back to Himself. Jesus has called us His redeemed people and He calls us to be a light to this world but we cannot shine unless Christ is in our lives, unless we have the Light of the World in us.

Introduction to a new series on the the 'I am' statements of Jesus. Everything about God comes from God and He is not determined by anything outside of Himself. When Jesus says 'I am' He takes on all of God - it is who He is. God has come to us in a personal and real way through Jesus. When we come to Jesus, we come to God. God welcomes us to Himself.

Jesus calls us as individuals although His plan for salvation includes the whole world and He wants to impact our lives. Like Peter, we can try to live up to what we’re called to do, but often we feel like we’re failing. It’s when we stop trying to do things in our own strength that God can begin to use us. The biggest discourager iscomparison. Like Jesus told Peter, we just need to do what He calls us to do. The most important question Jesus asks is, “Do you love Me?” His simple statement to a “Yes” answer is, “Follow Me!”

We did not choose Jesus, He chose us. No matter what happens in 2013, we can hold onto this truth. In John 1:35-51, we see the response of several people to Jesus. Their stories show us that despite how we may think or feel at present Jesus knows, and has still chosen us and loves us. Jesus lives with us so He knows exactly what we’re going through and can sympathise perfectly with us.