The week’s memory work is John 17:1-5. It is made up of five verses. Today focus on reciting verses one, two, three and four:

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

Read John 17

Knowing and becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. God will work to change our attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors over time. We will begin to think and act more like Jesus because we partner with Him in His work. The fantastic gift of John 17 is that in verses 20-26, Jesus is praying for us to live out our faith. He is praying for us to have unity and love in His name, so we reflect Him to the world as individuals and as His church.

Take a few minutes to contemplate Jesus praying for you and all believers.

The past twelve months have required us to withdraw from one another for health reasons. During this Lenten season, we need to reengage in the process of spiritual growth together. We need to renew our commitment to walk alongside one another in our journey to know and become like Christ.

Over the last 20 years at Jacob’s Well, the church’s heart has been to create focused times to help the church’s attendees know and become like Jesus. Renewal is unique, but this season’s goals at Jacob’s Well are the goals the church has had from its inception.

These are Pastor Paul’s words from the first Jacob’s Well Membership Class 20 years ago:

Welcome! The staff and I are delighted that you chose to attend this session of Membership at the Well. We believe Jacob’s Well is all about changed lives. That is why our church exists. We have a core conviction that when people take steps to get closer to God, they are changed, and they become change agents in this world.

Our hope is that you would come to know Christ and would better come to know the people and staff at Jacob’s Well. And that you would have a clear picture of what this church is all about. Our goal is not to get you to become a member of Jacob’s Well. Our goal is that you would be able to identify and take your next step towards God. Most of you have come to Membership at the Well because you believe that was your Next Step towards God.

If your next step is to make a commitment to become a member of the Well, we would be delighted. If God leads you in another direction, we will also delight that you are moving closer to God. So, I encourage you to participate, listen, have fun, pray, ask lots of questions (we love questions) as we take our next steps toward God together. Enjoy the Journey, Paul

During Renewal, God may be leading you to become a member of the church. If so, ask for the date for the next membership class. Maybe your next step is baptism. At Jacob’s Well we call people to baptism by immersion as a testimony of salvation. If you have received Christ as your Lord and Savior, baptism is a symbol of the new life you have been given in Christ. It is a time to publicly profess your faith. Ask about the date for the next baptism class. If neither of these steps are your next ones on the journey, how might God be leading you in your walk through His work in His church Jacob’s Well?