Bible Commentaries
John 17

Verses 1-5

1. INTRO:
   1. Great Guest line up coming up: Wed night Victor Marx join me as we tackle Angels & Demons; Next Sunday Nov1 Jim Drake/Colina; 1st Wed in Nov, Joe Dallas Homosexuality;Nov 8 Tom Blumberg, CCNorthwest; Wed Nov11 Jeff Jackson Our God is a Missionary God.
   2. Prayer: Lord, I picture Your Son Jesus walking toward deaths door “calmly, victoriously, joyously” & thinking, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me.”
   3. If Jesus was in Murrieta today & you had 3 minutes with Him what would you say/do?
      1. Some would finally get to ask Him their questions.
      2. Better idea: Have Him lay hands on you & pray for you for those 3 minutes.
      3. Why 3 minutes? That’s how long it takes to slowly read through this chapter.
   4. Other chapter names: Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer; The true Lord’s Prayer;
   5. Outline: Jesus prayed for Himself(1-5); for His disciples(6-19); for all of His church(20-26)
   6. Transition: Read 16:33 & note the world(19 x’s) & Jesus victorious.
      1. This is the longest prayer by Jesus, in 2 ways:
         1. #1 In length; #2 In scope (covers then, till now)!
         2. It is a “Holy of Holies” prayer!
   7. Church Historians credit the Reformation primarily to 3 men: Martin Luther, John Calvin, & John Knox. (Chuck Swindoll, John 17; pg.36)
      1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Luther was known as the commencement(start); Calvin as the consummation (finish);
         Knox as its preservation (kept it going).
      2. Luther was the Reformations Torch;
         Calvin was the Reformations Pen; & Knox was the Reformations Sword.
         1. Knox was the sharp instrument of Scotland’s Reformation. He wielded his carefully honed words widely & impartially, cutting a swath that touched even royal robes of Mary, Queen of Scotts.
            1. Unaffectionately dubbed “Bloody Mary” because she sent some 290 evangelical church leaders to their deaths. She opposed Knox w/a passion.
         2. She banished this fiery luminary from his pulpit, but couldn't extinguish his flaming influence. Once she admitted, she feared the prayers of John Knox as much as the combined armies of Scotland.
         3. As John Knox lay dying he whispered to his wife to read from the passage where he had cast his first anchor of faith...the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John.​​​​​​​
            1. ​​​​​​​He had this prayer read to him daily during his last illness.
   8. Melanchthon, another reformer, said of this chapter, “There is no voice which has ever been heard, either in heaven or in earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime, than the prayer offered up by the Son of God Himself.” (A.W.Pink, John; pg.90)
   9. Let’s get ready to cast our anchor into the deep but calm harbor of Jn.17.
2. 3 MINUTES WITH JESUS! (1-5)
   1. ​​​​​​​GLORIFY! (1)
   2. How dare some say “I don’t pray for myself”, as if it is selfish!
      1. It’s commanded; It’s biblical; It’s being obedient; It’s in the Lord’s prayer; It’s following in the footsteps of Jesus!
      2. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 Jn.2:6)
   3. Lifted up his eyes – Do you ever lift your eyes in your prayer time?
      1. As the needle of a compass is constantly feeling the pull North, so should our hearts & eyes be constantly feeling the pull Heavenward!
      2. Ps.121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
   4. Coming just moments before Gethsemane, it is amazing our Lord’s attitude of mind & heart as He faced the great event of the cross.
   5. Father - He starts out hallowing His Fathers name! (4 x’s 1,5,11,21,24,25)
      1. John uses father 127 x’s in his gospel.
   6. Glorify - Some men become proud and insolent because they ride a fine horse, wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes. Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor. - St. Francis de Sales
   7. Jesus asks to be glorified 2 times & in 2 ways:
      1. In His crucifixion(1-4) & in His glorification(5).
      2. Also, earthly(4) & heavenly (5).
      3. How would He glorify His Father? By obeying Him.
         1. A child brings honor to his parents when he brings obedience to his parents. A citizen brings honor to his country when he brings obedience to his country. A student brings honor to his teacher when he brings obedience to his teacher.
         2. Looking to Jesus on the cross we say, “See how He loved God!”
   8. The hour - Jesus fully conscious of what was coming.
   9. That - This signals purpose, answers why?
      1. Jesus’ prayer was full of purpose as that occurs 19 times in His prayer.
   10. ETERNAL LIFE! (2,3)
   11. This is eternal life - defined here as not just as a conscious existence forever, but as knowing God which is real quality life.
       1. It’s knowing both the Father & Jesus.
       2. “He who separates Christ from the Divinity of the Father, does not yet acknowledge Him who is the only true God, but rather invents for himself a strange god.” (Calvin)
   12. Merrill Tenney suggests that: “life is active involvement with environment; death is the cessation of involvement with the environment.”
       1. A caterpillar has an earthly life, in that its environment is the dirt in which it lives. It has no capacity to interact with an environment of water or air.
       2. A caterpillar can also have a life that is not earth bound, but it must take on a transformed life!
       3. Similarly human beings have biological life that enables them to interact with the realm of life on earth. Human beings have no native capacity to interact with the realm of the spiritual & eternal. Unless they have come to know God through Jesus Christ, & have been given eternal life by God.
   13. Knowing God - Turn to Jer. 9:23,24
       1. It is knowing Him Intellectually – (knowing the truth/understands God)
       2. It is knowing Him Intimately – (know = yada “an intimate knowledge of God”)
       3. It is knowing Him Morally – (exercising/practicing love, justice & rt)
   14. We know God as ours, because He knows us as His!
       1. Knowing God is: Knowing what God is like & to be on the moist intimate terms of knowledge of friendship w/Him. Do you know Him?
   15. Authority - He prays that His God given authority over men’s souls might move from the realm of promise to the realm of fulfillment.
       1. He is glad to have authority, only that He may use it to give life.
          1. Why do you enjoy your authority?
   16. Did you know that believers are the Father’s gift to the Son? (see 2,6,9,11,12 given)
       1. Just as Jesus is the Fathers gift to us (3:16).
   17. IT IS FINISHED! (4)
   18. I have glorified you on the earth - by His doctrine; miracles; sufferings; & death to come.
   19. I have finished the work - Jesus speaks as if He had already passed through death & were pleading before the throne.
       1. Do your prayers sound like you’re standing right in front of God’s throne, or more like the muffled sound of 2 paper cups & a long string stretching from here to the moon?
   20. He had finished the work??? But, He was only 33. He only reached 11 men in depth. Wasn’t His life a tragic waste by being cut so short?
       1. ​​​​​​​Only when seen from a limited perspective!
       2. Man focuses on immediate results; God, on ultimate results.
          1. We see only the seed that is sown or, at best, the sprout; He sees the harvest!
   21. Story - There was a famous painting from the 1st world war. It showed an engineer fixing a field telephone line which was essential. He had just completed the line so that the essential messages might come through...when he was shot!
       The picture shows him in the moment of death, & beneath it there is the one word, “Through!” He had died, he had given his life, that the message might get through. (William Barclay pg.241)
       1. That is exactly what Jesus did. He had completed His task. He got the Fathers message through loud & clear. He had brought Gods love to man.
       2. He died to save you & He’s dying to save you!
   22. GLORY! (5)
   23. Jesus asks for His old robe back...the royal garment of glory. Which of course the Father was delighted to fulfill. [Read Eph.1:20-23]
       1. Jesus was like a knight who left the Kings court to perform some perilous duty, & who having performed it, came home in triumph to enjoy the Victor’ Glory!
   24. ​​​​​​​When will we see this full glory? (see vs.24)
   25. The glory which I had w/You before - (Phil.2:6,7) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation(emptied Himself of His privileges) taking the form of a bondservant, & coming in the likeness of men
   26. J. S. Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.”
       1. He headed his compositions: J.J. “Jesus Juva” which means “Jesus help me.”
       2. He ended them S.D.G. “Soli Dei gratia” means “To God alone the praise”.

Verses 1-5

1. INTRO:
   1. Great Guest line up coming up: Wed night Victor Marx join me as we tackle Angels & Demons; Next Sunday Nov1 Jim Drake/Colina; 1st Wed in Nov, Joe Dallas Homosexuality;Nov 8 Tom Blumberg, CCNorthwest; Wed Nov11 Jeff Jackson Our God is a Missionary God.
   2. Prayer: Lord, I picture Your Son Jesus walking toward deaths door “calmly, victoriously, joyously” & thinking, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me.”
   3. If Jesus was in Murrieta today & you had 3 minutes with Him what would you say/do?
      1. Some would finally get to ask Him their questions.
      2. Better idea: Have Him lay hands on you & pray for you for those 3 minutes.
      3. Why 3 minutes? That’s how long it takes to slowly read through this chapter.
   4. Other chapter names: Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer; The true Lord’s Prayer;
   5. Outline: Jesus prayed for Himself(1-5); for His disciples(6-19); for all of His church(20-26)
   6. Transition: Read 16:33 & note the world(19 x’s) & Jesus victorious.
      1. This is the longest prayer by Jesus, in 2 ways:
         1. #1 In length; #2 In scope (covers then, till now)!
         2. It is a “Holy of Holies” prayer!
   7. Church Historians credit the Reformation primarily to 3 men: Martin Luther, John Calvin, & John Knox. (Chuck Swindoll, John 17; pg.36)
      1. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Luther was known as the commencement(start); Calvin as the consummation (finish);
         Knox as its preservation (kept it going).
      2. Luther was the Reformations Torch;
         Calvin was the Reformations Pen; & Knox was the Reformations Sword.
         1. Knox was the sharp instrument of Scotland’s Reformation. He wielded his carefully honed words widely & impartially, cutting a swath that touched even royal robes of Mary, Queen of Scotts.
            1. Unaffectionately dubbed “Bloody Mary” because she sent some 290 evangelical church leaders to their deaths. She opposed Knox w/a passion.
         2. She banished this fiery luminary from his pulpit, but couldn't extinguish his flaming influence. Once she admitted, she feared the prayers of John Knox as much as the combined armies of Scotland.
         3. As John Knox lay dying he whispered to his wife to read from the passage where he had cast his first anchor of faith...the 17th chapter of the Gospel of John.​​​​​​​
            1. ​​​​​​​He had this prayer read to him daily during his last illness.
   8. Melanchthon, another reformer, said of this chapter, “There is no voice which has ever been heard, either in heaven or in earth, more exalted, more holy, more fruitful, more sublime, than the prayer offered up by the Son of God Himself.” (A.W.Pink, John; pg.90)
   9. Let’s get ready to cast our anchor into the deep but calm harbor of Jn.17.
2. 3 MINUTES WITH JESUS! (1-5)
   1. ​​​​​​​GLORIFY! (1)
   2. How dare some say “I don’t pray for myself”, as if it is selfish!
      1. It’s commanded; It’s biblical; It’s being obedient; It’s in the Lord’s prayer; It’s following in the footsteps of Jesus!
      2. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 Jn.2:6)
   3. Lifted up his eyes – Do you ever lift your eyes in your prayer time?
      1. As the needle of a compass is constantly feeling the pull North, so should our hearts & eyes be constantly feeling the pull Heavenward!
      2. Ps.121 I will lift up my eyes to the hills - From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
   4. Coming just moments before Gethsemane, it is amazing our Lord’s attitude of mind & heart as He faced the great event of the cross.
   5. Father - He starts out hallowing His Fathers name! (4 x’s 1,5,11,21,24,25)
      1. John uses father 127 x’s in his gospel.
   6. Glorify - Some men become proud and insolent because they ride a fine horse, wear a feather in their hat or are dressed in a fine suit of clothes. Who does not see the folly of this? If there be any glory in such things, the glory belongs to the horse, the bird and the tailor. - St. Francis de Sales
   7. Jesus asks to be glorified 2 times & in 2 ways:
      1. In His crucifixion(1-4) & in His glorification(5).
      2. Also, earthly(4) & heavenly (5).
      3. How would He glorify His Father? By obeying Him.
         1. A child brings honor to his parents when he brings obedience to his parents. A citizen brings honor to his country when he brings obedience to his country. A student brings honor to his teacher when he brings obedience to his teacher.
         2. Looking to Jesus on the cross we say, “See how He loved God!”
   8. The hour - Jesus fully conscious of what was coming.
   9. That - This signals purpose, answers why?
      1. Jesus’ prayer was full of purpose as that occurs 19 times in His prayer.
   10. ETERNAL LIFE! (2,3)
   11. This is eternal life - defined here as not just as a conscious existence forever, but as knowing God which is real quality life.
       1. It’s knowing both the Father & Jesus.
       2. “He who separates Christ from the Divinity of the Father, does not yet acknowledge Him who is the only true God, but rather invents for himself a strange god.” (Calvin)
   12. Merrill Tenney suggests that: “life is active involvement with environment; death is the cessation of involvement with the environment.”
       1. A caterpillar has an earthly life, in that its environment is the dirt in which it lives. It has no capacity to interact with an environment of water or air.
       2. A caterpillar can also have a life that is not earth bound, but it must take on a transformed life!
       3. Similarly human beings have biological life that enables them to interact with the realm of life on earth. Human beings have no native capacity to interact with the realm of the spiritual & eternal. Unless they have come to know God through Jesus Christ, & have been given eternal life by God.
   13. Knowing God - Turn to Jer. 9:23,24
       1. It is knowing Him Intellectually – (knowing the truth/understands God)
       2. It is knowing Him Intimately – (know = yada “an intimate knowledge of God”)
       3. It is knowing Him Morally – (exercising/practicing love, justice & rt)
   14. We know God as ours, because He knows us as His!
       1. Knowing God is: Knowing what God is like & to be on the moist intimate terms of knowledge of friendship w/Him. Do you know Him?
   15. Authority - He prays that His God given authority over men’s souls might move from the realm of promise to the realm of fulfillment.
       1. He is glad to have authority, only that He may use it to give life.
          1. Why do you enjoy your authority?
   16. Did you know that believers are the Father’s gift to the Son? (see 2,6,9,11,12 given)
       1. Just as Jesus is the Fathers gift to us (3:16).
   17. IT IS FINISHED! (4)
   18. I have glorified you on the earth - by His doctrine; miracles; sufferings; & death to come.
   19. I have finished the work - Jesus speaks as if He had already passed through death & were pleading before the throne.
       1. Do your prayers sound like you’re standing right in front of God’s throne, or more like the muffled sound of 2 paper cups & a long string stretching from here to the moon?
   20. He had finished the work??? But, He was only 33. He only reached 11 men in depth. Wasn’t His life a tragic waste by being cut so short?
       1. ​​​​​​​Only when seen from a limited perspective!
       2. Man focuses on immediate results; God, on ultimate results.
          1. We see only the seed that is sown or, at best, the sprout; He sees the harvest!
   21. Story - There was a famous painting from the 1st world war. It showed an engineer fixing a field telephone line which was essential. He had just completed the line so that the essential messages might come through...when he was shot!
       The picture shows him in the moment of death, & beneath it there is the one word, “Through!” He had died, he had given his life, that the message might get through. (William Barclay pg.241)
       1. That is exactly what Jesus did. He had completed His task. He got the Fathers message through loud & clear. He had brought Gods love to man.
       2. He died to save you & He’s dying to save you!
   22. GLORY! (5)
   23. Jesus asks for His old robe back...the royal garment of glory. Which of course the Father was delighted to fulfill. [Read Eph.1:20-23]
       1. Jesus was like a knight who left the Kings court to perform some perilous duty, & who having performed it, came home in triumph to enjoy the Victor’ Glory!
   24. ​​​​​​​When will we see this full glory? (see vs.24)
   25. The glory which I had w/You before - (Phil.2:6,7) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation(emptied Himself of His privileges) taking the form of a bondservant, & coming in the likeness of men
   26. J. S. Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.”
       1. He headed his compositions: J.J. “Jesus Juva” which means “Jesus help me.”
       2. He ended them S.D.G. “Soli Dei gratia” means “To God alone the praise”.

Verses 6-19

1. INTRO:
   1. The Diving Bell Spider/Water Spider/Argyroneta (L. “silvery net”) The water spider is an amazing little creature. It lives in rivers and streams. How does this species survive in its watery environment? It spins a tough basket-like web of silk, a kind of diving bell, and anchors it under water to plants or other objects. Then it captures a surface air bubble, which it pulls down and ejects into it’s underwater house, filling it with air. This combination of web building and bubble trapping allows the water spider to live in an environment that normally would destroy it. (Our Daily Bread, June 8, 1992)
      1. As Christians, we too live in an environment that could destroy us. The world’s values, attitudes, and practices threaten to drown us unless we are able to protect ourselves from them. How are we to survive spiritually in this hostile worldly environment? We must build a “bubble” of protection around ourselves by trusting God, studying the Scriptures, praying, fellowshipping with believers, communing with the Holy Spirit, and obeying His Word. These activities will insulate our mind & heart and help to keep us safe and secure in Christ. As the water spider lives in the water but is not of the water, so we must live in but not be of the world.
   2. We see Jesus walking toward deaths door, “calmly, victoriously, joyously”.
   3. We’re also reminded that we were the Fathers gift to the Son (see give 2,6,11,12)
   4. Outline: Jesus prayed for Himself(1-5); for His disciples(6-19); for all of His church(20-26)
   5. What did/does Jesus do for His disciples?
2. JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES! (6-19)
   1. REVEALING TO THEM! (6-8,14)
   2. Jesus had revealed the Father to them, i.e. His character & resources (6,7).
   3. Jesus also revealed His Father’s Words (8,14).
   4. PRAYING FOR THEM! (9,10)
   5. What a great promise ALL Mine are Yours & Yours Mine.
      1. What if we really believed that, & lived as children in our Fathers house?
   6. KEEPING THEM! (11-16)
   7. (12) Judas was not a saved man, even though he was one of the 12.
      1. He was never washed from his sins 13:11; He was not chosen by Christ 13:18.
      2. He was not kept (17:12). He wore the uniform but wasn’t part of the team.
         1. He’s a frightening example of how near one can get to the kingdom, & still be lost.
   8. (14) Not of the world - John gives us the biblical definition later in his 1st epistle 1Jn 2:16
      1. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world.
         1. The 3 offsprings don’t originate or proceed from the Father.
         2. This spirit of the world permeates all society. All its plans, aims, & activities belong to the present passing show. (Eccl. calls it “under the sun”)
         3. The world has always been on a collision course with Christ, because His teachings reverses everything that the world prizes.
   9. Don’t forget the Diving Bell Spider/Water Spider. That amazing little creature that can live in an environment that normally would destroy it. So can you!
   10. (15) What’s amazing is what He didn’t ask for!
       1. He didn’t ask for the Father to take them out of the world.
       2. He never intended them to retreat back into the saltshaker.
       3. He never intended their lights to be placed under a bushel.
          1. True, we are not to be of the world, but we are to be in it!
          2. Phil.2:15 strikes a good balance that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
   11. Protected from the evil one, or Satan, who is more than active in the world, & bitterly opposed to the things of God.
   12. Which part of this verse do you need to hear this morning? (a or b)
       1. [Group A] Some are too far away from this world (i.e. Can’t relate to people, culture) & Some are too far into it [Group B] (can’t tell any difference form them & the world). {Please here both my a & b before you judge what I’m saying}
       2. Those in Group A have removed yourself so far from our world you don’t have any influence upon it. Your goal is isolating/protecting/safeguarding yourself or your family, & you’ve forgot your mandate was not to be monastic but evangelistic.
          1. Jesus says, “remember why I left you in this world”. Follow my example: I ran from religious sounding people & ran to the filthy who needed me.
          2. Jesus said to be innocent, He didn’t say to be naive! [May we warn our kids of what awaits them at University or out in the world, & not just hope they never see anything!] [shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves]
       3. 2 ways to easily engage this world: Music & film. Why?
          1. Music - is the language that articulates what people are thinking & feeling.
             1. If it’s popular, it’s because it’s connecting w/people.
          2. Films - seem to be the new pulpit in America. Its the new church where people go to get their story. [We get our story at church from His word]
             1. They have preachers called filmmakers propagating their world views, their philosophical systems, their morals & values.
             2. I’m NOT saying participate in culture just for purposes of entertainment! “You are a missionary going into a foreign world, trying to figure out a people group so you can talk to them about Jesus.”
             3. I’m saying watch professionally. What’s their sermon? What are they trying to convey? Who are they trying to convert? What is their gospel? What are they trying to get me to commit to?
             4. Then we let them know, Jesus has a better answer! - Scripture has a better answer! (Adapted from Mark Driscollʼs Podcast; Jn.17, The People of Tension; 10-15-08.)
       4. Those in Group B have gotten too far into the world & you need to be kept from the evil one. Your goal is looking & sounding & smelling just like the world, & you’ve forgot your mandate was not to be of but in the world.
          1. Liberty is the flag you wave, but you forgot the rest of the verse…
          2. Gal.5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty(you have!); only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
             1. Liberty is limited by love!
   13. UNIFYING THEM! (11)
   14. That they may be one - Unity!
       1. Unity was no small request. These were tough-minded, independent, strong-willed men.
       2. Yet He wasn’t after organizational unity, but “interpersonal, relational” unity!
       3. Jesus wasn’t after, nor is He today, after uniformity. He recognized their diversity, & He valued it.
          1. He didn’t Xerox disciples. Nor churches for that matter.
          2. He uses our individuality to achieve a variety of purposes. To fight on different battle fields, to wage different wars, to wield different weapons.
             1. But we’re all in the battle, fighting for the same King!
   15. SANCTIFYING THEM! (17,19)
   16. Sanctifying - doesn’t mean growing a halo, or glowing with spirituality.
   17. It means “to set apart for a certain purpose or for an intended use”.
       1. If you take food out of the refrigerator for dinner, in the biblical sense you have sanctified that food, set it apart for a specific use.
       2. How are you to be sanctified? By the truth. And, Why are we to be sanctified? To become useful.
   18. If His Word is not working in us in a life-changing way, the World will be.
       1. If we are not becoming conformed to the image of Christ, we will be squeezed into the mold of the world. [“Dusty bibles lead to dirty lives!”]
   19. SENDING THEM! (18)
   20. They are not of the world(14,16); they are not taken out of the world right away(15); but are sent into the world. Be insulated, not isolated!

Illustration: There are 2 ways of handling pressure:

One is illustrated by a bathysphere, the miniature submarine used to explore the ocean in places so deep that the water pressure would crush a conventional submarine like an aluminum can. Bathyspheres compensate with plate steel several inches thick, which keeps the water out but also makes them heavy and hard to maneuver. Inside they're cramped. When these craft descend to the ocean floor, however, they find they're not alone. When their lights are turned on and you look through the tiny, thick plate glass windows, what do you see? Fish!

These fish cope with extreme pressure in an entirely different way. They don't build thick skins: they remain supple and free. They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves. Christians, likewise, don't have to be hard and thick skinned - as long as they appropriate God's power within to equal the pressure without. (Jay Kesler in Campus Life. Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 2.)

Verses 6-19

1. INTRO:
   1. The Diving Bell Spider/Water Spider/Argyroneta (L. “silvery net”) The water spider is an amazing little creature. It lives in rivers and streams. How does this species survive in its watery environment? It spins a tough basket-like web of silk, a kind of diving bell, and anchors it under water to plants or other objects. Then it captures a surface air bubble, which it pulls down and ejects into it’s underwater house, filling it with air. This combination of web building and bubble trapping allows the water spider to live in an environment that normally would destroy it. (Our Daily Bread, June 8, 1992)
      1. As Christians, we too live in an environment that could destroy us. The world’s values, attitudes, and practices threaten to drown us unless we are able to protect ourselves from them. How are we to survive spiritually in this hostile worldly environment? We must build a “bubble” of protection around ourselves by trusting God, studying the Scriptures, praying, fellowshipping with believers, communing with the Holy Spirit, and obeying His Word. These activities will insulate our mind & heart and help to keep us safe and secure in Christ. As the water spider lives in the water but is not of the water, so we must live in but not be of the world.
   2. We see Jesus walking toward deaths door, “calmly, victoriously, joyously”.
   3. We’re also reminded that we were the Fathers gift to the Son (see give 2,6,11,12)
   4. Outline: Jesus prayed for Himself(1-5); for His disciples(6-19); for all of His church(20-26)
   5. What did/does Jesus do for His disciples?
2. JESUS PRAYS FOR HIS DISCIPLES! (6-19)
   1. REVEALING TO THEM! (6-8,14)
   2. Jesus had revealed the Father to them, i.e. His character & resources (6,7).
   3. Jesus also revealed His Father’s Words (8,14).
   4. PRAYING FOR THEM! (9,10)
   5. What a great promise ALL Mine are Yours & Yours Mine.
      1. What if we really believed that, & lived as children in our Fathers house?
   6. KEEPING THEM! (11-16)
   7. (12) Judas was not a saved man, even though he was one of the 12.
      1. He was never washed from his sins 13:11; He was not chosen by Christ 13:18.
      2. He was not kept (17:12). He wore the uniform but wasn’t part of the team.
         1. He’s a frightening example of how near one can get to the kingdom, & still be lost.
   8. (14) Not of the world - John gives us the biblical definition later in his 1st epistle 1Jn 2:16
      1. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life - is not of the Father but is of the world.
         1. The 3 offsprings don’t originate or proceed from the Father.
         2. This spirit of the world permeates all society. All its plans, aims, & activities belong to the present passing show. (Eccl. calls it “under the sun”)
         3. The world has always been on a collision course with Christ, because His teachings reverses everything that the world prizes.
   9. Don’t forget the Diving Bell Spider/Water Spider. That amazing little creature that can live in an environment that normally would destroy it. So can you!
   10. (15) What’s amazing is what He didn’t ask for!
       1. He didn’t ask for the Father to take them out of the world.
       2. He never intended them to retreat back into the saltshaker.
       3. He never intended their lights to be placed under a bushel.
          1. True, we are not to be of the world, but we are to be in it!
          2. Phil.2:15 strikes a good balance that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
   11. Protected from the evil one, or Satan, who is more than active in the world, & bitterly opposed to the things of God.
   12. Which part of this verse do you need to hear this morning? (a or b)
       1. [Group A] Some are too far away from this world (i.e. Can’t relate to people, culture) & Some are too far into it [Group B] (can’t tell any difference form them & the world). {Please here both my a & b before you judge what I’m saying}
       2. Those in Group A have removed yourself so far from our world you don’t have any influence upon it. Your goal is isolating/protecting/safeguarding yourself or your family, & you’ve forgot your mandate was not to be monastic but evangelistic.
          1. Jesus says, “remember why I left you in this world”. Follow my example: I ran from religious sounding people & ran to the filthy who needed me.
          2. Jesus said to be innocent, He didn’t say to be naive! [May we warn our kids of what awaits them at University or out in the world, & not just hope they never see anything!] [shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves]
       3. 2 ways to easily engage this world: Music & film. Why?
          1. Music - is the language that articulates what people are thinking & feeling.
             1. If it’s popular, it’s because it’s connecting w/people.
          2. Films - seem to be the new pulpit in America. Its the new church where people go to get their story. [We get our story at church from His word]
             1. They have preachers called filmmakers propagating their world views, their philosophical systems, their morals & values.
             2. I’m NOT saying participate in culture just for purposes of entertainment! “You are a missionary going into a foreign world, trying to figure out a people group so you can talk to them about Jesus.”
             3. I’m saying watch professionally. What’s their sermon? What are they trying to convey? Who are they trying to convert? What is their gospel? What are they trying to get me to commit to?
             4. Then we let them know, Jesus has a better answer! - Scripture has a better answer! (Adapted from Mark Driscollʼs Podcast; Jn.17, The People of Tension; 10-15-08.)
       4. Those in Group B have gotten too far into the world & you need to be kept from the evil one. Your goal is looking & sounding & smelling just like the world, & you’ve forgot your mandate was not to be of but in the world.
          1. Liberty is the flag you wave, but you forgot the rest of the verse…
          2. Gal.5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty(you have!); only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
             1. Liberty is limited by love!
   13. UNIFYING THEM! (11)
   14. That they may be one - Unity!
       1. Unity was no small request. These were tough-minded, independent, strong-willed men.
       2. Yet He wasn’t after organizational unity, but “interpersonal, relational” unity!
       3. Jesus wasn’t after, nor is He today, after uniformity. He recognized their diversity, & He valued it.
          1. He didn’t Xerox disciples. Nor churches for that matter.
          2. He uses our individuality to achieve a variety of purposes. To fight on different battle fields, to wage different wars, to wield different weapons.
             1. But we’re all in the battle, fighting for the same King!
   15. SANCTIFYING THEM! (17,19)
   16. Sanctifying - doesn’t mean growing a halo, or glowing with spirituality.
   17. It means “to set apart for a certain purpose or for an intended use”.
       1. If you take food out of the refrigerator for dinner, in the biblical sense you have sanctified that food, set it apart for a specific use.
       2. How are you to be sanctified? By the truth. And, Why are we to be sanctified? To become useful.
   18. If His Word is not working in us in a life-changing way, the World will be.
       1. If we are not becoming conformed to the image of Christ, we will be squeezed into the mold of the world. [“Dusty bibles lead to dirty lives!”]
   19. SENDING THEM! (18)
   20. They are not of the world(14,16); they are not taken out of the world right away(15); but are sent into the world. Be insulated, not isolated!

Illustration: There are 2 ways of handling pressure:

One is illustrated by a bathysphere, the miniature submarine used to explore the ocean in places so deep that the water pressure would crush a conventional submarine like an aluminum can. Bathyspheres compensate with plate steel several inches thick, which keeps the water out but also makes them heavy and hard to maneuver. Inside they're cramped. When these craft descend to the ocean floor, however, they find they're not alone. When their lights are turned on and you look through the tiny, thick plate glass windows, what do you see? Fish!

These fish cope with extreme pressure in an entirely different way. They don't build thick skins: they remain supple and free. They compensate for the outside pressure through equal and opposite pressure inside themselves. Christians, likewise, don't have to be hard and thick skinned - as long as they appropriate God's power within to equal the pressure without. (Jay Kesler in Campus Life. Leadership, Vol. 5, no. 2.)

Verses 20-26

1. INTRO:

1. 1. Intro Illustration: In his sweep of world domination, Alexander the Great was marching to Jerusalem. The citizens of that city waited in terror, grimly aware of the might of Alexander’s army & the trail of blood it splattered in its wake.
      
      The Jewish historian Josephus recounted the details of that fearful moment when the Greeks met face-to-face with the Jews. Outside the walls of Zion stood Jaddua, the high priest, surrounded by many priests & citizens, all dressed in solid white robes. Jaddua wore a liturgical headdress bearing the name of God on a golden plate.Unexpectedly, Alexander called his army to a halt & approached the high priest, intrigued not by the man’s office but by the name he so prominently displayed. Puzzled, Alexander told the priest that he had dreamed this very scene.From an old sheath, the priest drew out a well-worn scroll. He showed Alexander chapters 7 & 8 of Daniels prophecy, written over 200 years before. It was a prophecy which, in symbolic language, foretold that the Greeks would defeat the Persians & that their leader would become great.Alexander was seeing his own reflection in that prophecy. In a moment of understanding & awe, he not only spared Jerusalem from being pillaged but treated the Jews there with dignity. (Charles Swindoll; John introduction, pg.43.)
      1. Just as Alexander saw himself in Daniel’s prophecy, so we can see ourselves in Jesus’ prayer in Jn.17.
      2. He doesn’t call us by name, but it is clear that He had each of us in mind (20)
         1. Scripture talks about us! Let’s eavesdrop on an ancient prayer in our behalf.
2. JESUS’ 3-FOLD PRAYER FOR YOU!
   1. INTRO! (20)
   2. Here, Jesus’ prayer turned specifically to those who would come to believe in Him through the disciples message & testimony. You & me (if you’re a believer)
      1. Jesus prayed for Himself(1-5); prayed for the disciples(6-19); for us(20-26).
   3. Prayer is pivotal to the spiritual life, as spiritual men of the bible inform us:
      1. Jesus instructed us, men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
      2. Paul lays out prayer’s priority, first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.
      3. James practically exhorts us, Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
      4. Samuel, the godly judge of Israel, declared, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.
      5. Paul instructed the Ephesian church, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
   4. Outline: Unity In Diversity, Now! - Diversity in Community, Then! (in heaven)
   5. UNITY IN DIVERSITY, NOW! (21-23)
   6. In this prayer Jesus asks the Father for unity among His followers.
   7. Phrase 3 x’s: “that they all may be one”.
      1. We recognize diversity you & I have within us. What we need is unity.
         1. Which became the greatest search in the big 3 (Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle).
         2. Which is why Universities were created, to find “Unity in Diversity”.
         3. Why our coins say “E pluribus unam” “Out of the Many One”.
      2. But what Unity is He speaking of here? He’s speaking of a unity of belief. A unity that originates from shared convictions!
         1. In the narthex of an impressive church in Berkeley, Calif, hang huge portraits of influential human leaders: Ghandi, Lincoln, Jesus, Luther, a president, a philosopher. Engraved in bronze above them is a quotation from the bible. It reads, “Ye are all the children of God.” The quote is from Gal.3:26. But the last part of the verse is omitted - “by faith in Christ Jesus.”
         2. Show picture:
         3. I found this t-shirt design which features the symbols of 7 world faiths to express the message “Unity In Diversity”. From left: Crescent Moon(Islam), Dharma Wheel (Buddhism), Omkara (Hinduism), Star of David (Judaism), [Cup of Coffee forStarbucks] Fire (Zoroastrian), Yin-Yang (Taoism), & the Christian Cross.
         4. Belief is what binds us together. Not a vague, nebulous faith, but a very specific faith in Jesus Christ.
   8. Jesus doesn’t pray for uniformity(absolute similarity of organization, style, personality, appearance) Jesus doesn’t pray for unanimity (absolute agreement of opinion w/in a group of people) Jesus doesn’t pray for union (absolute coalition or tight affiliation w/in the ranks of Christianity) Jesus prays for unity (oneness of heart, of faith, & of purpose)
      1. Fellowship of the new birth transcends all historical & denominational boundaries.
      2. Merill C. Tenney(General editor, Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary) in his commentary on John said, “Paul of Tarsus, Luther of Germany, Wesley of England, & Moody of America would find deep unity w/each other, though they were widely separated by time, by space, by nationality, by educational background, & by ecclesiastical connections.”
      3. Jesus didn’t pray for uniformity of practice or unanimity of thinking or union between all religious organizations. He prays for unity...a oneness which only the Holy Spirit can bring about. And that can’t be achieved through committee or consensus. Only through faith in & love for Jesus!!! (Charles Swindoll; John; pg.45)
   9. DIVERSITY IN COMMUNITY, THEN (in heaven)! (24-26)
   10. In this prayer Jesus asks the Father to secure our destiny.
       1. Q: Can you think of a foundation more secure?
   11. His prayer was that we be with Him in heaven, where He would be surrounded in glory.
   12. The promise of our glory is the promise, almost incredible & only possible by the work of Christ.
       1. That Jesus would be pleased for us to be with Him. Imagine with me...the thought that any of us could possibly be a real ingredient in the divine happiness of Jesus! [He so wants us with Him!]
       2. We are loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in, as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son.
   13. Canadian writer Douglas Copeland in his book Life After God wanted to abandon God, & decided he would. But in the end he said, “I’ve come to the conclusion I still need Him. I don’t know how, but I need Him.” At one point he tells the story of him walking In a Botanical Garden. He heard some voices, he saw a group of blind women who were out for a day in the Garden. Then one said, “Am I hearing somebody here?” “Yes maam, I’m here, but don’t be alarmed, I’m just walking by.” She said would you do us a favor? Would you take a photograph of us? For a moment he put his head back & thought is this a joke or what? One woman rummaged through her purse & took out a camera & gave it to him, & they all came next to each other positioned themselves. He took their photo & walked away scratching his head, what was that all about?³
   14. Charles Swindoll; John; pg.45
   15. Podcast Ravi Zacharias; “What does it Mean to be Human”; 11/25/09 Part 4 of 4.
       1. Do you know what that’s all about? They’ll probably get that developed & show it to somebody with eyes. Somebody with eyes will tell them what they were wearing & what they look like, because they’ll remember what they felt & who they were with.
       2. One day we’ll stand face to face with God, & look at this world through His eyes. It’ll all make sense. He’ll tell us what we look like & the reflection will be glorious that He made us in His own image. And we’ll remember what we felt & who we were with & finally it will all come together.
   16. (25,26) The Father loves the Son. The Son loves us. And we in turn are to love others.
       1. This is to be a love that flows deep & wide & passes over any rocks of petty differences.
   17. Christian love is visible & tangible. God not only tells us He loves us, He shows it.
       1. Rom.5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
       2. True love demonstrates, illustrates, proves, confirms, itself!
   18. Alexander the Great had a flash of understanding when he caught a glimpse of himself in Scripture. But the glory of personal triumph outshone the glory of God in his eyes, & his moment of clear thinking never blossomed into a lifetime of Christian commitment. :(
       1. James 1:22-24 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
          1. Don’t be an Alexander who takes only a passing glance into the mirror of Scripture. Look diligently into God’s Word & allow it to change you.
       2. (25) But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
3. COMMUNION:
   1. ​​​​​​​Bread & Wine: Earth has given & human hands have made.
      1. ​​​​​​​In the R.C. Liturgy of the Eucharist it says:
      2. Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. All: Blessed be God for ever.
         Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink. All: Blessed be God for ever.
         1. J.C.(the bread & wine) the source of spiritual life!
      3. In 1646, over 100 puritan divines drew up the Confession of Faith in Westminster (thus called the Westminster Confessions). It presents one of the finest concise statements of the Christian faith.
         1. Regarding The Lord’s Supper it says, “Hence it is a badge of Christian profession - a mark of allegiance of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.”
      4. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace & truth.
   2. Unity = oneness of heart, of faith, & of purpose!

Verses 20-26

1. INTRO:

1. 1. Intro Illustration: In his sweep of world domination, Alexander the Great was marching to Jerusalem. The citizens of that city waited in terror, grimly aware of the might of Alexander’s army & the trail of blood it splattered in its wake.
      
      The Jewish historian Josephus recounted the details of that fearful moment when the Greeks met face-to-face with the Jews. Outside the walls of Zion stood Jaddua, the high priest, surrounded by many priests & citizens, all dressed in solid white robes. Jaddua wore a liturgical headdress bearing the name of God on a golden plate.Unexpectedly, Alexander called his army to a halt & approached the high priest, intrigued not by the man’s office but by the name he so prominently displayed. Puzzled, Alexander told the priest that he had dreamed this very scene.From an old sheath, the priest drew out a well-worn scroll. He showed Alexander chapters 7 & 8 of Daniels prophecy, written over 200 years before. It was a prophecy which, in symbolic language, foretold that the Greeks would defeat the Persians & that their leader would become great.Alexander was seeing his own reflection in that prophecy. In a moment of understanding & awe, he not only spared Jerusalem from being pillaged but treated the Jews there with dignity. (Charles Swindoll; John introduction, pg.43.)
      1. Just as Alexander saw himself in Daniel’s prophecy, so we can see ourselves in Jesus’ prayer in Jn.17.
      2. He doesn’t call us by name, but it is clear that He had each of us in mind (20)
         1. Scripture talks about us! Let’s eavesdrop on an ancient prayer in our behalf.
2. JESUS’ 3-FOLD PRAYER FOR YOU!
   1. INTRO! (20)
   2. Here, Jesus’ prayer turned specifically to those who would come to believe in Him through the disciples message & testimony. You & me (if you’re a believer)
      1. Jesus prayed for Himself(1-5); prayed for the disciples(6-19); for us(20-26).
   3. Prayer is pivotal to the spiritual life, as spiritual men of the bible inform us:
      1. Jesus instructed us, men always ought to pray and not lose heart.
      2. Paul lays out prayer’s priority, first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.
      3. James practically exhorts us, Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
      4. Samuel, the godly judge of Israel, declared, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.
      5. Paul instructed the Ephesian church, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
   4. Outline: Unity In Diversity, Now! - Diversity in Community, Then! (in heaven)
   5. UNITY IN DIVERSITY, NOW! (21-23)
   6. In this prayer Jesus asks the Father for unity among His followers.
   7. Phrase 3 x’s: “that they all may be one”.
      1. We recognize diversity you & I have within us. What we need is unity.
         1. Which became the greatest search in the big 3 (Socrates, Plato, & Aristotle).
         2. Which is why Universities were created, to find “Unity in Diversity”.
         3. Why our coins say “E pluribus unam” “Out of the Many One”.
      2. But what Unity is He speaking of here? He’s speaking of a unity of belief. A unity that originates from shared convictions!
         1. In the narthex of an impressive church in Berkeley, Calif, hang huge portraits of influential human leaders: Ghandi, Lincoln, Jesus, Luther, a president, a philosopher. Engraved in bronze above them is a quotation from the bible. It reads, “Ye are all the children of God.” The quote is from Gal.3:26. But the last part of the verse is omitted - “by faith in Christ Jesus.”
         2. Show picture:
         3. I found this t-shirt design which features the symbols of 7 world faiths to express the message “Unity In Diversity”. From left: Crescent Moon(Islam), Dharma Wheel (Buddhism), Omkara (Hinduism), Star of David (Judaism), [Cup of Coffee forStarbucks] Fire (Zoroastrian), Yin-Yang (Taoism), & the Christian Cross.
         4. Belief is what binds us together. Not a vague, nebulous faith, but a very specific faith in Jesus Christ.
   8. Jesus doesn’t pray for uniformity(absolute similarity of organization, style, personality, appearance) Jesus doesn’t pray for unanimity (absolute agreement of opinion w/in a group of people) Jesus doesn’t pray for union (absolute coalition or tight affiliation w/in the ranks of Christianity) Jesus prays for unity (oneness of heart, of faith, & of purpose)
      1. Fellowship of the new birth transcends all historical & denominational boundaries.
      2. Merill C. Tenney(General editor, Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary) in his commentary on John said, “Paul of Tarsus, Luther of Germany, Wesley of England, & Moody of America would find deep unity w/each other, though they were widely separated by time, by space, by nationality, by educational background, & by ecclesiastical connections.”
      3. Jesus didn’t pray for uniformity of practice or unanimity of thinking or union between all religious organizations. He prays for unity...a oneness which only the Holy Spirit can bring about. And that can’t be achieved through committee or consensus. Only through faith in & love for Jesus!!! (Charles Swindoll; John; pg.45)
   9. DIVERSITY IN COMMUNITY, THEN (in heaven)! (24-26)
   10. In this prayer Jesus asks the Father to secure our destiny.
       1. Q: Can you think of a foundation more secure?
   11. His prayer was that we be with Him in heaven, where He would be surrounded in glory.
   12. The promise of our glory is the promise, almost incredible & only possible by the work of Christ.
       1. That Jesus would be pleased for us to be with Him. Imagine with me...the thought that any of us could possibly be a real ingredient in the divine happiness of Jesus! [He so wants us with Him!]
       2. We are loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in, as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son.
   13. Canadian writer Douglas Copeland in his book Life After God wanted to abandon God, & decided he would. But in the end he said, “I’ve come to the conclusion I still need Him. I don’t know how, but I need Him.” At one point he tells the story of him walking In a Botanical Garden. He heard some voices, he saw a group of blind women who were out for a day in the Garden. Then one said, “Am I hearing somebody here?” “Yes maam, I’m here, but don’t be alarmed, I’m just walking by.” She said would you do us a favor? Would you take a photograph of us? For a moment he put his head back & thought is this a joke or what? One woman rummaged through her purse & took out a camera & gave it to him, & they all came next to each other positioned themselves. He took their photo & walked away scratching his head, what was that all about?³
   14. Charles Swindoll; John; pg.45
   15. Podcast Ravi Zacharias; “What does it Mean to be Human”; 11/25/09 Part 4 of 4.
       1. Do you know what that’s all about? They’ll probably get that developed & show it to somebody with eyes. Somebody with eyes will tell them what they were wearing & what they look like, because they’ll remember what they felt & who they were with.
       2. One day we’ll stand face to face with God, & look at this world through His eyes. It’ll all make sense. He’ll tell us what we look like & the reflection will be glorious that He made us in His own image. And we’ll remember what we felt & who we were with & finally it will all come together.
   16. (25,26) The Father loves the Son. The Son loves us. And we in turn are to love others.
       1. This is to be a love that flows deep & wide & passes over any rocks of petty differences.
   17. Christian love is visible & tangible. God not only tells us He loves us, He shows it.
       1. Rom.5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
       2. True love demonstrates, illustrates, proves, confirms, itself!
   18. Alexander the Great had a flash of understanding when he caught a glimpse of himself in Scripture. But the glory of personal triumph outshone the glory of God in his eyes, & his moment of clear thinking never blossomed into a lifetime of Christian commitment. :(
       1. James 1:22-24 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
          1. Don’t be an Alexander who takes only a passing glance into the mirror of Scripture. Look diligently into God’s Word & allow it to change you.
       2. (25) But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
3. COMMUNION:
   1. ​​​​​​​Bread & Wine: Earth has given & human hands have made.
      1. ​​​​​​​In the R.C. Liturgy of the Eucharist it says:
      2. Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life. All: Blessed be God for ever.
         Priest: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become our spiritual drink. All: Blessed be God for ever.
         1. J.C.(the bread & wine) the source of spiritual life!
      3. In 1646, over 100 puritan divines drew up the Confession of Faith in Westminster (thus called the Westminster Confessions). It presents one of the finest concise statements of the Christian faith.
         1. Regarding The Lord’s Supper it says, “Hence it is a badge of Christian profession - a mark of allegiance of a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.”
      4. John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace & truth.
   2. Unity = oneness of heart, of faith, & of purpose!