But wait there's More (the amazing gospel deal!) Easter 7 C

<strong><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Focus reading John 17:20-26</span></strong> Some of you may remember Tim Shaw from Demtel. If you don’t you may be familiar with the Shopping network. A presenter tells you about an amazing product you must have. Then she or he will say “but wait there’s more” and will offer another amazing product, then they might say “Not only that you also get...” and perhaps they add “and if you call right now we’ll also add”. At the finish they might ask “And how much would you expect to pay for this...” And then they will give the amazing bargain price.<br /> Well I want to argue that the Gospel (The Christian story about how we can be forgiven, healed and reconciled to God, to each other and to the whole of creation) is the first Demtel add. It’s an amazing deal and there’s always more.<br />  Much of John’s Gospel is written just like a Demtel or home shopping ad. Something about God is revealed. It is repeated, a little more is revealed, and then a little more again and so on until the full picture is revealed. <p>So viewers on behalf of the God Network I’d like to offer you the Amazing Gospel Deal.</p> <p>Firstly you get “The Gospel” - This is an extremely close relationship with God where you get to share in the inner relationship of the Trinity - the relationship between the Father Jesus & the Holy Spirit. Any friend of Jesus is part of this relationship and that’s not all you also get millions of bonus Brothers and sisters as part of that relationship too.</p> <p>Jesus prays in verse 21 of John 17 that all of us, all who trust in him “may be one”. “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us” He repeats this idea in verse 24 where he says “24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am...” Jesus requests that we are drawn into the very presence - house - of God.</p> <p>But that’s not all... Not only... do you get the Gospel an amazing healing, life giving relationship with God the Father, Son & and  and millions of bo