Locations & Times

What if eternal life isn’t about heaven later, but knowing God right now?

This message walks through Jesus’ final prayer in John 17, where He pulls back the curtain and lets us hear His heart. On the night before His death, Jesus isn’t focused on Himself. He’s praying for His friends and for you. He shows that real life isn’t religion or information, but a relationship. To know God personally, to trust Him fully, and to see Jesus as the clearest picture of who God really is.

Everything shifts here. Jesus reveals that He has been fighting for you long before you ever thought about Him. Even in pain, confusion, and failure, God has been keeping you. Not removing you from hardship, but protecting your soul through it. The invitation is simple but costly. Stop holding back. Receive what Jesus says is true. Trust Him. Step into a life where you are known, kept, and deeply loved.

Jim Burgen
March 22nd, 2026

// Bible References: Numbers 6:24-26; John 17:1- 18, 20; 1 Tim 6:16; Heb 4:14-16; 1 John 4:19

// Community Question:  Alright, quick check-in... how’s your March going so far? Anything stand out (March Madness, crazy weather swings, spring break plans, or just life in general)?

// Discussion Questions

1. Jim shared that God has been at work in your life long before you ever noticed Him, protecting, guiding, and drawing you in. What does that say about the kind of love God has for you? As you look back on your story, where can you see moments (big or small) where God may have been present, protecting, or leading you even when you didn’t realize it at the time?

2. The sermon addresses the challenging question of why God allows painful moments in our lives. How do you wrestle with this reality in your faith journey? What has helped you maintain faith during times when you questioned God's protection?

3. Jim talked about the difference between knowing about God and trusting His words... believing they are true and living like Jesus is who He says He is. How would you describe the difference between head knowledge and real trust in God? Where in your life do you feel that gap the most right now, and what makes it hard to fully believe or rely on His promises in that area?

Going Deeper: Read Hebrews 4:14–16. This passage reminds us that Jesus understands our struggles because He experienced suffering, temptation, and pain firsthand. How does that change the way you see Him… not as distant, but as someone who truly gets what you’re going through? When you face challenges or temptation, how might this shape the way you approach God with honesty and confidence? How does knowing, that Jesus understands your story, impact your trust in Him?

// Challenge:

Knowing how deeply God loves you and that one day you’ll stand face-to-face with Him; how might that shape the way you live, decide, and prioritize this week? Is there anything holding you back from fully trusting or surrendering to Him right now, and what would it look like to take one step toward Him in that area? As you share, what’s one specific way this group can be praying for you as you take that step this week?