Bible and a Brew

All welcome to join us for a pint and a lively discussion about this week's sermon. Remember, you can always find the sermon written in this week’s Ekklesia Newsletter

Summary
This sermon focuses on Jesus' prayer in John 17, emphasizing that eternal life is fundamentally aboutrelationship with God rather than good works or moral behavior. The pastor explores how Jesus modelsrelationship with the Father and reveals that life's ultimate purpose is knowing God and Jesus Christ.Drawing from the concept of life stages, the sermon suggests that as we mature, we should increasinglyfocus on relationships, wisdom-sharing, and ultimately transcendence through relationship with God. Thepastor emphasizes that Jesus prays for protection and unity for his disciples, not from physical harm but tomaintain their relationship with God and each other through life's trials. The message concludes with thepastor praying for the congregation in the same manner Jesus prayed for his disciples, asking forprotection, unity, and strength in faith.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today to study Your Word and grow in relationship with You andone another, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to bereceptive to Your Spirit's leading and to see how we can apply Your truth to our daily lives. May our timetogether strengthen our bonds as a community of faith and deepen our understanding of what it means totruly know You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one of your favorite ways to spend quality time with a close friend or family member, and whatmakes that time special to you?
Key Verses

• John 17:3
• John 17:11
• Acts 1:7-8
• John 14:1

Questions

• According to Jesus in John 17:3, what is eternal life? How does this definition challenge or confirmyour previous understanding of salvation?
• Jesus prays that his disciples 'may be one as we are one.' What do you think unity looks like inpractical terms within our church community?
• The pastor mentioned four stages of life: student, striving/building, mentoring, and transcendence.Which stage do you feel you're in now, and how might this influence your spiritual priorities?
• Jesus asks the Father to 'protect' his disciples, but not from physical harm. What kind of protectiondo you think Jesus is requesting, and why is this important?
• How does knowing that Jesus is actively praying for you (as mentioned in the sermon) impact yourdaily walk with God?
• The sermon emphasizes that 'life is about relationships.' How can we better prioritize ourrelationship with God amid life's busy demands and distractions?
• What are some practical ways we can 'abide' in relationship with Christ, especially during difficultseasons of life?
• How can we as a church community better support our young people and others who facechallenges to their faith in today's world?

Life Application
This week, commit to spending intentional time in prayer and relationship with God each day, even if it'sjust 10-15 minutes. Additionally, reach out to someone in your church community to deepen thatrelationship through a phone call, coffee meeting, or simple act of service. Remember that these relationalinvestments are participating in the ultimate goal of life - eternal relationship with God.
Key Takeaways

• Eternal life is defined as knowing God and Jesus Christ - it's fundamentally about relationship, notgood works

• Jesus models perfect relationship with the Father and invites us to participate in that divinecommunity

• Life's ultimate purpose should shape our current priorities, focusing more on relationships andspiritual practices

• Jesus actively prays for our protection - not from physical harm, but to maintain our faith and unitythrough life's challenges

• The church is called to be a community of love and support, helping each other stay connected toGod and one another

Ending Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for revealing through Jesus that eternal life is about knowing You intimately. Aswe leave this time of fellowship and study, help us to prioritize our relationship with You above all else.Strengthen our bonds with one another as a church family, and give us courage to support each otherthrough life's challenges. May we be people of prayer who seek Your protection and unity, and may ourlives reflect the love and community of the Trinity. Keep us faithful until that day when we join You ineternal relationship. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.