The Ascent Church

Taking a Towel - John 13:1-17

Follow Jesus’ Rule of Life

Today, Pastor Brian Petak continues FOLLOW: “Jesus’ Rule of Life”—restful work, servant sacrifice, daily denial (Matt 11; Mark 10; Luke 9). Learn Jesus’ rhythms to serve others and live free.

The 2nd Greatest Prayer Ever Offered

Pastor Brian Petak shares how the Lord’s Prayer is a model for our daily walk with God. Prayer is more than words—it’s a lifestyle of dependence, trust, and relationship with Him. This message challenges us to reflect on who’s on the throne of our lives, how we align our priorities with God’s will, and how prayer shapes our perspective, relationships, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

I AM… Going Away - John 8:21-30

The Gospel of John: “I AM… Going Away” John 8:21-30 Pastor Brian Petak August 17, 2025   Last week (John 8:12-20): Only one thing shatters the darkness we see all around us and have inside us - and it comes not from something we own or experience, or from a substance, a set of rules, or a religious system – but the true light is a person: Jesus.   This week:   ·    People have always wanted to kill Jesus because he claimed to be God, and it’s no different today. I have to decide whether I want to kill him, follow him or ignore him. And this decision has eternal consequences. ·   There are two things that Jesus is constantly calling us to: believe and follow.     So What?! Base Camp Questions for Deeper Discussion: 1. The enemies of Jesus were wasting a lot of their time arguing with him rather than trusting him. How have you fallen into that same trap? Why is it so hard sometimes to trust who Jesus is and what he says?   2. When Jesus said “unless you believe that I am…”, you will “die in your sins”, they would have heard him use the Greek words “ἐγώ εἰμι” which means “I AM”. Why is this significant? What part of the Old Testament would they be thinking about, and what is Jesus claiming?   3. I have to decide whether I want to believe Jesus and follow him, or ignore Jesus and go about life independently. What gets in the way of believing and following?   4. What needs to change in my life for me to say that I truly follow Jesus?

Identity "Christus" - John 7:32-36

What are Christ’s primary statements in ch’s 7-8?  What’s His message? ·       I am sent by God, your judgment of me is incorrect. 7:14-24 ·       You presume to know my origins? My true origin is God. 7:25-32 ·       I am going back to God, you are not of the same origin as I. 7:32-36 ·       If you believe in me, you can have life with me. 7:37-39 ·       Following me transforms the follower from darkness to light. 8:12 ·       I am validated in who I am.  Your judgment of me is ignorant. 8:14-20 ·       Believe in me and you can follow me home.  Else, die in your sin. 8:21-27 ·       You can’t deny it forever.  You’ll see I am He and I obey God. 8:28-30 ·       Abide in my word.  As Son, I can set you free from slavery to sin. 8:31-38 ·       You know not my father, God, nor discern your father, the Devil. 8:41-47 ·       I don’t seek my own glory, but God does. 8:49-50 ·       God knows my words can save from death.  You don’t know God. 8:50-55 ·       Your ancestor, Abraham, on whom you rely, agrees with me. 8:56 ·       Before Abraham existed, I am as Almighty God is. 8:58-59 The theme is home, origin, identity, and destiny. Jesus offers us new identity, and new home, but only if we recognize and believe who He truly is! Where is He going, and are we able to follow Him home? · See John: 8:21-25; 12:35-36; 14:1-7, 25-31; 16:5-15; 17:21-26 Base Camp Discussion Questions 1. Read through the list, above, of Christ’s paraphrased statements through chapters 7 and 8. What stands out to you? 2. Read the John passages at the end of the notes, above. What is Jesus telling us about home, origins, identity, and destiny? What feelings well up inside you as you read these statements? 3. What is Jesus telling you about your identity?