John 16:26-27

Author Shellie Rushing Tomlinson shares how she discovered her lack of genuine passion for Christ and the practical steps she took to develop a sincere love, deeper faith and intimate relationship with Jesus.

In John 16, the disciples are nervous, scared, and confused that Jesus is leaving, and the world will turn against them. Jesus tells them that no matter what happens next, they are not alone. The Spirit will guide them, the Father loves them, and Jesus will come back for them. No matter what comes through those doors, Jesus has won the battle; we can trust what we can’t always see.

How do you still love the church when one is betrayed, hurt or even abused by someone in the church? This plan seeks to hold this pain and tension with biblical wisdom for healing and freedom whilst knowing that the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

God cannot be known as we know a machine, an idea, or a tree, which we are able to “objectify.” He is truly known only in relationship. In the contemplative tradition, Richard Rohr describes how we can come to know God through relationship—by joining in a “dance” of holiness and love with the Father, Son, and Spirit—through which we are transformed, pray meaningfully, and serve others in love.