In Chapter 18 the scene shifts from five chapters where Jesus gives encouragement and comfort to his disciples to a time of betrayal, where he purposely goes into the garden to make himself available for arrest after being betrayed by Judas. Even then, as he was confronted by a great crowd, he protected his sheep.

Calvary Prineville

A travesty of justice - the betrayal and arrest of Jesus - Audio

Jesus turns from talking exclusively to His disciples and begins a conversation with the Father. He asks to be glorified so He can glorify the Father, and also prays for His disciples, that they would be kept, full of joy, and set apart from the world, even though He is sending them into the world. He also prays for those who will follow Him in the future – for us! – and for unity and love among believers.

The high priestly prayer of Jesus - Audio

An important part of being a Christian is to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Everyone has a spiritual void which causes us to long for God to pour Himself into that void. Being filled once, though, is not enough, as we are “leaky” vessels and have a constant need to be refilled. To accomplish this we need to 1) look to Jesus, 2) be transformed by God’s word, 3) do things that renew our minds, 4) be together with other believers, and 5) don’t do things that will quench the Spirit. Once filled we can be used by God to edify others.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit - Audio

Continuing in the upper room, Jesus knows it’s going to be a long day for the disciples but that their mourning will turn to joy – a joy that can’t be taken. Jesus brings comfort and peace in a way the world can’t. The bad news is that the world offers tribulation. The good news is that Jesus has overcome the world. His death paid our ransom.

Your sorrow will be turned to joy - Audio

As a "part 2" Rory teaches more about the Holy Spirit, who is vitally important in a believer's life for power to be a witness and to live the daily life of a Christian.

The Holy Spirit! - Audio

Previously in this chapter Jesus taught about the need to abide in Him to bear fruit and about how we need to love one another. Now he pivots from our relationship with one another to our relationship with the world. We are part of the world but must not be conformed to it. We can’t be of the world and still follow God – that is trying to serve two masters. We also need to expect persecution. Jesus was persecuted and so will we.

They hated me without cause - Audio

Still in the upper room, Jesus is giving final instructions to the disciples. A command, not a suggestion, is that they love one another as He has loved them. By this they will lay down their lives one for another and bear fruit, which is what they were chosen to do.

Love one another as I have loved you - Audio

The podcast of Calvary Prineville contains the latest sermons from Pastor Rory Rodgers, and occasionally live recordings of the latest worship service.

Paul returns to Jerusalem and is arrested - Audio

The last home group meeting in the park, as Rory continues his teaching in Proverbs. Proverbs 8, as the Bible as a whole, points to the source of wisdom, Jesus.

Wisdom's call - Audio

Against the advice of some, Paul travels to Jerusalem, knowing the dangers that await - a journey similar to Jesus'.

On to Jerusalem - Audio

Marriage Intensive session 5 - Audio

I am the true vine - Audio

God is sovereign, even through suffering.

The sovereignty of God - Audio

Continuing with biblical submission, marriage is a covenant rather than a partnership. Whereas the modern marriage is based on similar hobbies and values, the biblical marriage is based on a common faith, mutual respect, and self-giving love. giving love.

Marriage Intensive session 4 - Audio

Jesus tells His disciples that if they truly - really - knew Him that they would have known and seen the Father. He goes on to say that whoever believes in Him will do even greater works. This is more than miracles - He refers to the fact that His followers will spread the Good News far beyond the area where Jesus ministered, works that continue today.