John 14 is usually thought of as a “funeral text,” a word of hope for those grieving the loss of a loved one. But Jesus is really speaking to a group of “troubled souls.” Jesus went to prepare a place for us, both to the cross and to the right hand of the Father. How do the words of Jesus encourage us today who are living through troubling times and have troubled souls?

Romans 8 ends with the resounding gospel hope that we can be “more than conquerors” in a world where we are suffering and groaning, but how is this possible? The apostle Paul leads us to this conclusion through a series of questions, the answer to each is like a faith staircase leading to victory. This morning, we look at the first two steps: God is for us, and God’s love for us has been settled once and for all through the cross.