Paul explains the three dimensional Christian life: the past - justification; the present - access to God’s grace: and the future - eternity with God. Suffering is a part of life but we have the Holy Spirit to enable us

Paul encourages his readers to believe that they have moved from a life in slavery to sin to living in God’s grace. He refers to baptism which clearly shows dying to the old life and rising up to new life. We need to count ourselves dead to sin.

Paul believed that many Christians did not live their new life fully in the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are obliged to please God. a radical change has been made in that now we are God’s children and can call him, Our Father. We are adopted into God’s family and are joint heirs with Jesus.

Paul explains the five steps of God working in our lives. He knew us before we were born, he gave us the opportunity of salvation. He calls us. He has justified us and he will glorify us. Nothing can separate us from God - he is in control. God works everything for our good.

Stephen answered the charges against him by reminding the Sanhedrin of their history and that at every point the Jews had resisted God - just as they had done, when they rejected him. In an emotional response, Stephen was stoned to death becoming the first Christian martyr.

On Sunday the women discover the empty tomb and tell Peter and John. Mary stays at the tomb and Jesus appears to her and gives her the charge to tell the disciples.

Jesus prays for himself, for the disciples that are with him and then for all those who believe through those disciples.

Jesus explains that he must die just like a seed, so that others will be saved. God the Father speaks for the third time to confirm that Jesus' earthly life and his future death and resurrection has, and will, glorify him.

Water used for ritual washing is part of the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus refers to Holy Spirit as living water and speaks of spiritual thirst.

Following the discussions, Jesus takes three disciples up a mountain where he is transfigured. Moses and Elijah appear and God the Father speaks. This is an important event for Jesus and the disciples.