Frustrated and Discouraged

Do you ever get tired of dealing with people who don't "get it?" Having a high set of expectations for others can quickly lead to frustration and discouragement.

Galatians 6:1-10 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct....

Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

I'm reminded of Elijah's "I'm the only one left" conversation with God in 1 Kings 19. Or, Peter's questioning Jesus' about His plans for John and Jesus' response "what is that to you, you must follow me." We can easily get caught up in worrying about what others are doing or discouraged and frustrated because others don't "get it."

In the Galatians passage above, Paul admonishes us to focus on doing good -- or in other words, focus on doing what is right. Recognize that others may struggle and may need our encouragement rather than our judgement. Bring kindness back into your life. It's a lost art. Do what's right. Trust God to take care of everything else. After all, he said that he would build his church. Don't allow yourself to be worn down when you know you're doing what is right. Encourage others, pray for them, and stay focused on doing good regardless of whether those around you get it or not.

Purpose or People?

(Phil. 3:13-14 )
Purpose or people? It has to be both. The second great commandment is to love people. We can't achieve the goal and leave "bodies in the wake." Yet, many times, the very obstacles to living our purpose is generated by people. Philippians 3 challenges us to press on toward the goal -- be persistent.

... I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. (Philippians 3:13b-14 NLT)

In the midst of rebuilding the wall of Jersualem, Nehemiah encountered obstacles from a group of leaders who opposed him. There is a time when purpose trumps people. In a response to this group, Nehemiah "sent messengers to them with this reply: 'I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?'" (Nehemiah 6:3 NIV).

Love people. Press toward God's purpose in your life. Pray that the people involved or affected are aligned through the work of the Spirit of God. In the end, God's purpose takes precedence!

Connecting through Service

Barna released details of a recent survey on "American Lifestyles" and their "Compassion and Self-oriented Behaviors." The study states:

"Faith commitments sometimes play a role in what people do - but less often than might be assumed. In comparing the lifestyle choices of born again Christians to the national norms, there were more areas of similarity than distinction. (Note that in Barna surveys, the born again segment is not based upon whether a person uses that label, but based upon their profession of faith in Christ and confession of personal sin.) Born again Christians are more likely to volunteer for their church; however, they are no more likely than average to help the poor and homeless."

How can we apply this in our churches? This implies to me that we can invite the non-churched on our service projects. There seems to be a willingness to "do good" in the community. This can thus become a way to reach people with the life-changing reality of Jesus Christ. Those we are trying to reach may be more likely to accompany us on a trip like this than come to a "Bible study" in our home. Once we build the relationship and see the LIFE of Christ lived out in us, they may be more interested in the Jesus we serve.

Live LOUD!

True Security

(John 14:1-4)
What do you worry about most -- health, family, home, financial security, being alone? During my life, at one time or another, I've been anxious about each of these. Yeah, I know about Philippians 4:6, but it's easier said than lived. Of these anxieties, I've probably struggled most with security.

As the leader in my home, I've felt a tremendous responsibility of providing security in the form of finances, home, school, etc. Yet, we aren't promised security here. However, we are promised true security. Perhaps, the disciples were struggling with the same thing as Jesus informed him that he would not be with them much longer. He sensed their anxiety of imagining life without him -- the man, the leader, the rabbi, the Messiah who had guided them for 3 years. Jesus responded:

14:1 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. 2 There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4 NLT)

He calms them first expressing to them that he senses and knows they are anxious. Are we sensitive to the anxieties of those around us or are we too busy thinking about ourselves. After all, Jesus was about to be led to his torture and death -- yet, he was focused on calming them of their worries. Then, he addresses two sources of anxiety -- a place (home) and a person (alone-ness). He promises them a home -- a place where they will spend eternity. He promises them himself -- a togetherness.

When we're anxious, Paul calls us to present our requests to God (Phil. 4:6). In the case with the disciples, Jesus anticipated this request. Like a loving father, he wants us to know that he is working in our lives to conform us to his image. He cares for us. We don't need to worry about our circumstances, but rather seek his presence no matter what we're going through.

This anxiousness is still present in me. However, I know the promise of God and "[I'm] confident of this, that he who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6)

Live Loud!

No place to practice but at sea!

From the Naval War College Review Autumn 1987 Issue in reference to routines for a new aircraft on an aircraft carrier:

There were no books on the integration of this new "hardware" into existing routines and no other place to practice it but at sea; it was all learned on the job. Moreover, little of the process was written down, so that the ship in operation is the only reliable "manual."

This past Sunday, Pastor Don used the analogy of an aircraft carrier to describe the transition that we need to make as a church. As the Captain of the ship, Don receives his mission from the Commander in Chief (God). As people of the church, if we're on the aircraft carrier, we have a job to perform -- each of us have our spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:4-7) and as members of the family of God, we each have responsibilities to use those gifts (Romans 12:1-8).

In the use of our gifts, the best place to practice is "at sea" -- in the church, in our community. God has told us as stewards, we are required to be faithful. As crew, let's accept the challenge of our mission.

Live LOUD!

My Ebenezer

"Come thou Fount"
The song often causes me to reflect on God's goodness and the blessings of life. I am in awe of his goodness ... his kindness is everlasting.

Here I raise my Ebenezer ...

(1 Samuel 7:12): Thus far, the Lord has helped [me].

We can't always see or understand what God is doing in our lives. As I faced the trials and decision points in my life, the way was almost never crystal clear. I often didn't understand the work that God was trying to do in my life. Yet, I trusted him. In looking back, the presence of God in the guiding of my steps was clear. Even when I made mistakes, he was there to work in the circumstances to bring about what was best for me in bringing me closer to him.

And, you know what's really cool. While the past provides assurance, the future holds the promise. I stand on the promise of my favorite verse:

Being confident of this very thing, that he [who has] begun a good work in [me] will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6 KJV)

God is good ... all the time.

A Father's Influence

As a father, I think often about the impact that I have (and have had) on the lives of my children. When they were young, my children bought me a coffee cup (actually their mom bought it for them for me :-)). Written on the cup was the following Bible verse (Proverbs 20:7 NKJV):

The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.

I have tried to live with that verse in mind. Two key words in my life have been a) passion and b) integrity. I've mentioned that I want them on my headstone :-).

I was reading through Proverbs recently and came across something I had never noticed before. I've read Proverbs many times and I'm constantly amazed at how God's Word comes alive at just the right time and new truths are revealed to me as my eyes are opened.

Read the following about an incredible influence of a father -- King David.

Proverbs 4: Wisdom is Supreme (NIV) - By Solomon (David's son)

1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

The entire chapter is a continuation of this instruction from David to Solomon. I thought this was a great example of a legacy where David poured into his son, Solomon. Then when asked by God what he desired, Solomon chose what? -- he chose wisdom. He could have chosen anything, but he chose wisdom.

Pour into your children. Model the lifestyle you want them to lead. Allow them to learn from your experiences. They will hear you. Live LOUD!

For Our Benefit

(John 12:47-50)
Left to our own tendencies we're likely to destroy ourselves. One excuse for not following Christ is the attraction to our lifestyle -- we don't want to "give up" certain aspects of our life. The reality is that "our way" more often leads to frustration or destruction.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)

After Jesus' "triumphal" entry into Jerusalem, many people were following him because of the miracles he had performed. Of those, some believed, but many still did not. Jesus had this response:

As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. (John 12:47 NIV)

Jesus came for our benefit -- to "save" us or to restore us to the intended relationship with God. If we pay attention and live by what he has said, we benefit. He did not come to deprive us of life but to provide us with life -- abundantly (John 10:10).

At the close of his "sermon on the mount" in Matthew 7, he gives the analogy of two builders. The wise builder is portrayed as someone who follows the teachings of Christ. The foolish builder ignores Christ. Both encounter the storms of life, but the wise builder is able to withstand those storms. God knows what is best for us. His pattern for living and the gift of Christ through which it comes is for our benefit. In John 12, Jesus follows with these words:

I know that his [God's] command leads to eternal life. (John 12:50a NIV)

There will come a time when we will face the consequences of our lifestyle or in our rejection of Jesus Christ (John 12:48), but that was not why Jesus came as one of us. He came to save -- he came for our benefit.

As we reach out to others with the good news of Christ, our focus needs to be for their benefit as well -- not a focus on judgement. People we encounter certainly need to grasp the ultimate consequence of their decisions, but we should love them first. Allowing Christ to love them through us will put him on display in a way that provides the opportunity for them to see and hopefully believe in him. Reach out to love, not to judge.

The Full Extent

(John 13:1-17)

... Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. John 13:1 (NIV)

At the final gathering of his disciples before his crucifixion, Jesus could have done anything to communicate his purpose. He could have given a speech. He could have offered a toast. He could have distributed gifts. He could have done whatever people did in those days before there were home movies or picture slide shows. Rather, he chose to take on the form of the lowliest servant and wash his disciples feet. This is the perfect example of servant leadership.

The disciples had argued about greatness. Jesus had communicated a new view on greatness:

"... whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven." Matthew 18:4

"... For he who is least among you all—he is the greatest." Luke 9:48

"... the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules
like the one who serves." Luke 22:26

When asked about the greatest commandment, he replied loving God and loving others. He desperately wanted them to understand his purpose -- his servanthood, his act of love, his sacrifice.

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. John 13:12-16 (NIV)

During the last presidential campaign, Mike Huckabee spoke to our church. He referenced the use of the word "sacrifice" often in our churches when referencing giving or giving up something. But, in reality, this is often not more than an inconvenience. Jesus demonstrated true love and sacrifice in the act of servanthood and in the ultimate act of giving of himself - his life. We often complain when we're simply made uncomfortable. In this demonstration of service before his crucifixion, he asked that we follow his example. He closes with a promise that we'll be blessed:

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:17 (NIV)

May we step out of our convenience, our comfort zones, and be Christ to the world.

A Sad Commentary

I recently heard an old message given by Erwin McManus at Catalyst 2004 and he asserted one reason that people are not attracted to our churches or more importantly our God. The statement (not an exact quote since I'm writing it from memory, but it's close):

People see many secular organizations doing more without a God than our churches do with God.

Too often our churches become a secluded, club for our own benefit. We are called to be salt and light to the world -- our community. Our actions, our lives display God. Live Loud for Him!!!

I hope you get your due. NOT!

God had called Jonah to go to Nineveh. Why Nineveh? They were an idolatrous people – why not leave them to their fate and destruction. But it is not Jonah's place nor ours to judge. God calls Jonah and us to love and to be obedient. Yes, Jonah was being called to preach to them, to pull them to a point of conviction and repentance. But, he was to do it with the love from God which would lead them to repentance.

As Jonah ran, God brought discipline in the form of storms and later a great fish to swallow him. Imagine the utter disgusting environment – the stomach of a fish. Sometimes, the struggles we are experiencing are created by our resistance of God's will for our lives. As Jonah recognized his plight, he wrote (chapter 2):

8 "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. 9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD."

Jonah recognizes that the people of Nineveh are missing out on God’s grace. We all are recipient of God’s grace. Yet, the people of Nineveh had forfeited theirs. Unfortunately, Jonah seemed to have forgotten that he too was a recipient of God’s grace. His desire was for God to give the people of Nineveh what they deserved. Aren’t we glad we don’t receive what we deserve? In the stomach of the fish, Jonah realizes that God’s grace is not his to distribute. He is called to obedience. In this state, he decides to obey.

Yet the attitude of Jonah had not been fully adjusted. He brought the message of God to the people of Nineveh. They responded to the message and God responded to their repentance (chapter 3):

10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened.

Jonah was livid! God showed mercy on these people and they didn’t deserve it! He ran away to pout. How could God forgive them? They were evil and idolatrous people. Do we do this? Do we wish that certain people would get their due?

As Jonah pouted, he sat around watching to see if the people would fail so that God would bring judgment. He seemed to be waiting for the chance to say, I told you so. As he pouted, God provided him with a vine for shade and comfort. Just as Jonah was feeling refreshed from the vine, God removed it and Jonah felt the full brunt of the heat of the day. Jonah complained about the loss of the vine. The book of Jonah ends with a telling response from God (chapter 4):

10 But the LORD said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. 11 But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left, and many cattle as well. Should I not be concerned about that great city?"

Just as God had created the vine, he had created these people as well. He loved these people. His desire was to see his relationship with them restored. Jonah cared more about the vine than he did these people -- God's creation. People are lost without Christ. Without his Spirit to help them, they are doomed. Even people with Christ struggle, and are in need of forgiveness, grace, and mercy. We all have been recipients of God’s grace and forgiveness. We should be willing to administer that grace to others because we love God and we love people.

A similar story occurs in Matthew 18:21-35. A servant who owed a great debt received mercy and forgiveness of the debt from his master. Yet, when the man had the opportunity to forgive the debt of his servant, he chose rather to throw his servant in jail. Upon hearing this, the master rebuked the man:

'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you
begged me to. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had
on you?'

This man and Jonah missed the point of grace. Yes, there are times when we need to confront evil and expect repentance. However, as we confront, the desire should be for restoration. We should pray and hope for restoration, not hope that others “get their due.”

May we be grateful for God’s grace to us, and be overjoyed in administering his grace to others.

Really?

(John 13:33, 36-38)
Many of us would like to think that we are bold for Christ ... that if we were to encounter difficulty or conflict, we would stand for him. On the night that Jesus was to be betrayed, he informed his disciples that he would be going away and that they could not follow him ... at that time. They would be able to follow him again ... later.

33 "My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.
36 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later." (John 13:33, 36 NIV)

Peter wanted to follow then. His response implied total commitment:

Peter asked, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."
(John 13:37 NIV)

Peter had been with the Christ for 3 years. He did love Jesus and I truly believe he wanted to follow him and in his mind, he was ready to lay down his life. In the garden, when confronted by the soldiers who had come to take Jesus, he was the one to draw his blade to protect Christ. This did demonstrate a willingness, to some extent, to die. However, this statement and his "fight" in the garden, was a rash response. Peter was not prepared. He was responding out of his own power. Ultimately, he failed and denied Christ as a result.

Jesus did not tell the disciples that they could not follow him ever. He said that they could not follow him "now" ... then, at that moment. What Jesus was about to experience required divine power! The disciples did not yet possess that power. To Peter's rash response, Jesus replied:

Then Jesus answered, "Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!" (John 13:38 NIV)

We sing "all to thee my blessed savior." Really? Have we really laid it all out there for Jesus? The truth is that we struggle following Christ. We're a lot like Peter. We want to. We rationalize in our minds that we will or can. Nevertheless, we fall so short ... constantly.

Peter ultimately did give up his life for Christ. What was the difference? In Acts 1:8, Jesus promised us the power that he had to help us to follow him.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

For anything that we do, we need to ensure that we have and are relying on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives for clarity, for courage, and for commitment. Even then, because of our humanity, we will fall short of accomplishing all that God has for us. In Romans 7, Paul describes this struggle -- the battle over doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong.

Thank God for his grace and mercy. Have the passion to follow Christ through the power of his Spirit. But, don't beat yourself up when you fail. Be "prayed up" before you take on your day. We need his power to live for him. He will help us to do just that.

It's all about us?!?

(John 12:12-19)
I never really noticed that Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem came so closely on the heals of his miracle of raising Lazarus' from the dead. Verses 17-18 explain a lot:

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet him. (John 12:17-18 NIV)

Just as previously at Lazarus' home, many people were coming to see the man who had performed this miracle. The term "hosanna" was originally a cry used to appeal to God for deliverance. Because of all Jesus' had done, the people believed that he could free them from their oppression from Rome or from the struggles of their lives.They credited Jesus as coming from God, but in the context of a political or social deliverer, not a spiritual Savior.

... "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!" (John 12:13 NIV)

This response is similar to the blind man that was healed when he said, "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." (John 9:33 NIV) No one knew Christ's true purpose because it had not yet been fully revealed. Even the disciples struggled:

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. (John 12:16 NIV)

People flocked to Jesus because of what he could do for them. The disciples, caught up in the excitement, missed the meaning and the fast turn of events that was about to come upon them.
As we put Christ on display or present Him to others, some will want to know more. Most will be attracted because of what he has done or can do for them. That's okay. It's been that way since the beginning of time. We believe it's always about us! As followers of Christ, when people do come to investigate Christ, we need to come alongside to present the "why." We can't become so caught up in the excitement of our programs, or events that we lose the opportunity to share Christ not as a social deliverer, but as a Savior. As I heard in a message by Matt Chandler, "we don't follow Jesus because he makes life better; we follow Jesus because he is better than life."

We would like to see Jesus.

(John 12:20-26)
The city was active with people present for the rituals and festivities. Some were there for worship, others for conducting business. Perhaps this was the setting so that the disciples could see that Jesus had come for everyone -- not just the Jews. In this setting, Philip was approached by Greeks who were present: "We would like to see Jesus."

Whether there was a subsequent conversation with the Greeks or whether they were actually taken to Jesus is not revealed in this passage. I believe the focus at this point is on Philip. It's as if he is being prepared for a specific purpose later in his ministry. In this encounter with the Greeks, Philip leaves to find Andrew. It's as if he just leaves the Greeks alone. Philip was always running to tell a friend or to bring a friend along. When Philip first encountered Jesus, he left to find Nathanael to tell him. When Nathanael questioned him, he responded, "come and see." I used to think solely that Philip was relational -- that he wanted to "tell somebody." Is there another perspective? Did he lack confidence in sharing with strangers? Did he need the comfort of a friend around him? Did he want to make sure he was doing the right thing by checking with a friend?

After finding Andrew, Philip brought him along to tell Jesus of the encounter with the Greeks. Jesus responded:

24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. (John 12:24-26 NIV)

This response gives us a picture that our lives must be turned completely over to him. We will experience pain, struggles, and difficulties for the cause of Christ. We don't know exactly how Jesus was working in the lives of each of the disciples in preparing them for his work after his death and resurrection. We do know that he works in our circumstances to prepare us for his will for us (Romans 8:28). Fast forward to the early church. As the church was scattered because of persecution, we find Philip coming upon an Ethiopian. Alone, he eagerly shares the good news of Jesus Christ.

What is God preparing you for?

From Troubled Heart to God's Glory

(John 12:27-30)
When we're facing difficult times and have a troubled heart, what do we generally think about or where do we place our focus. One, we may focus on ourselves wondering why this had to happen to us or thinking about whether the circumstance was fair. Two, we may focus on the circumstance itself thinking about how big or bad the problem is. Or, we may simply fall into despair because we don't understand or see any possible successful solution to the issue.

Jesus was faced with this scenario:

27 "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. 30 Jesus said, "This voice was for your benefit, not mine. (John 12:27-30 NIV)

Notice how he responded. Should he cry to be saved? Isn't this our first thought? Often, yes. But, no, he faced his circumstance and asked for God to be glorified in it. He accepted God's purpose for him regardless of the pain and suffering he would endure. Jesus' was on earth to bring God glory by being redemption for man. As he called for his Father to be glorified, he was accepting his purpose to be our Redeemer, our Savior. God responded so that all could hear. God responded not by saving Jesus from the circumstance he faced, but by proclaiming that Jesus' had and would glorify God by being obedient. Jesus says this was for our benefit. From this, we know that Christ put the glory of God first. We are expected to do the same.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV)

God has determined our steps. Our purpose is to seek him and to find him. As we accept his Son and live for him, we bring him glory.

26 ... [God] determined the times set for [man] and the exact places where they should live. 27 God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' ... (Acts 17:26-28 NIV)

"In HIM, we live and move and have our being." When you encounter pain or difficulty in your life, learn to trust God and ask Him to glorify His name. It doesn't mean that it won't hurt, or that we won't be sad. It does mean that in so doing, we'll be seeking to fulfill our purpose of glorifying God. And, those who witness our response will see God on display in our lives. Maybe we'll have the opportunity to share with them. And, maybe they will reach out for him and find him.

God bless.

Christ on Display

(John 12:32-36)
During the Christmas season, we will be given fresh opportunities to put Christ on display. The busy-ness of the season can strain nerves, patience, and attitudes. How we respond in traffic, standing in line at checkout, or sitting at the restaurant table will leave an impression.Though he was referring to his death on the cross in John 12:32, there is application to us today. Jesus said:

12:32 (NIV) But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.

Christ was crucified, put on display, for all to see. The symbol of the cross is found around our necks, in photos, and as grave markers. In this gracious act of sacrifice, he paid the price for our sins. His life displayed how we should relate to God, and to others. His death displayed his love and his desire for the restoration of the relationship between God and mankind. This love, this sacrifice will draw people to him.

We have the opportunity to put Christ on display every day. Particularly, in this time of year, our responses to our circumstances and our relating to others will put Christ on display and make an impression on those we come in contact with. In verses 35 and 36, Christ tells the people to choose the light while he is available, because we will not always have the light with us. Displaying Christ to others is an urgent matter. May our lives show it and may our voices share it so that others will be drawn to him.

Merry Christmas.

What will it take?

(John 12:37-46)
As we brave the malls or search online for that perfect gift, we're often apprehensive. Will the recipient like the gift? Will the product accomplish what the advertisement claims? Often we want to touch it or experience it to make sure.

We often are the same way about our faith. Yet, many times in scripture we're shown that by it's very definition, faith is the result of a condition of the heart, not a result of our experiences. As Jesus neared the end of his ministry, he had accomplished many miracles. Throngs of people followed him to see and experience the miracles. Sadly, for many, the experience wasn't fulfilling and didn't lead to a change in the heart. Even after many had witnessed a dead man's resurrection (Lazarus), they did not believe.

(37) Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

Why? While experiences sometimes help to confirm our faith, faith has to originate out of an outcropping of a changed heart. And, only God can change our heart:

(38) This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: "Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?" (39) For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: (40) "He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them."

Previously, in this chapter, Christ communicates that he will draw us to him. His miracles didn't do it. Our experiences won't do it. Even after we're drawn to him, our perspective sometimes confuses us and we miss him. We may be concerned about what others think of us:

(42) ... they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue;(43) for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

How tragic that we'd miss the most important relationship out of fear of where we stand among others. Or, maybe we're addicted to our experiences and we don't want to give up those. Or, maybe we value our possessions too much. Our perspective is clouded by our limited view. God's desire is for us to be able to "see." Let it be our prayer that God will reveal himself to us, that he will change our heart so that we will be able to see him, to desire to know him, and to have him permeate all that we are, all that we say, and all that we do.

Casting stones

(John 8:1-11)
As I've gotten older, I've learned to be more understanding of people. As a cadet at the Air Force Academy, one of the statistics that was communicated to us was that cadets lacked empathy -- in general terms, that's the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and understand their situation. This condition comes from a personal ability to overcome obstacles leading to no sympathy for others who cannot or who struggle.

We all have our breaking point. I've learned this the hard way. I've also learned that all that I have is because God has been gracious not because of my own merit but because he has chosen to be gracious.

In John 8, the Pharisees apparently suffered from the same condition as the cadets. They had brought an adulterous woman before Jesus. You could hear it in their tone. They focused on the sin and the punishment -- not on mercy or restoration.

Jesus' response in this situation points to what we all know deep down. We are not worthy. We place a relativity on sin. We don't think about our breaking point or may have never experienced it. Nevertheless, we all have sin. We have all fallen short. Why not focus on the individual rather than the sin. Why not extend a little mercy ... and grace as it as been extended to us.

Seemlingly ignoring the crowd of accusers, Jesus kneeled to write on the ground. We don't know what Jesus wrote, but I agree with what I've heard others speculate -- that he was writing various sins in the dirt; the sins that were a part of the Pharisees lives that they had thought they had tucked away and hidden.

After the crowd was convicted and left the scene, Jesus' message to the woman shows where he was focused:

"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin." (John 8:11b NIV)

He was not focused on her sin, but on her lifestyle. She needed Christ. We all need him. Without him, we all fall short. Jesus didn't need to condemn her. John 3 says that we're already condemned. It's those who recognize that, and their need of Jesus who are prepared to believe in him. For those who then believe and commit their lives to him, we are no longer condemned, but redeemed.

Everyone struggles. God's grace may have placed you in a life of success with little in the way of troubled circumstances. Nonetheless, under the microscope, we all fall short. Learn to focus on relationships and a desire to redeem people unto Christ.

Gate-Way

(John 10)
What's in a name? I don't know that our church (Gateway Baptist Church) has a church verse or verses, but if we did John 10: 7, 9-10 (NIV) would certainly be a candidate.

10:7 Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. 10:9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10:10 ... I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Our goal is to point people to Jesus Christ - the Gate, the Way. First of all, there is only one way to restore our relationship with God -- through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the authority; he has authority. He bought us with his life and he rose again so that we would have life.

Secondly, as his sheep, Jesus wants his sheep to be focused on him. We are to be focused on where he leads and on his voice, not distracted by "strangers" that try to lead us astray. In this passage he cautions us against those who pose as sheep but are not. These people are focused on themselves interested in what they can obtain -- "stealing" from the church and causing disruption and disunity. Ironically, Satan most often uses those "within the camp" to cause disruption and disunity. Thus, Paul's urging throughout his epistles regarding unity in the church.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3 NIV)

Jesus himself declared that our unity would be a witness to the world. In one of his final prayers, he prayed for us to live in unity (John 17:23).

Know that Jesus loves us so much and he cares about the abundance of our life. He came so that we can experience life to the full. As his sheep, we will have a full and abundant life if we follow his voice and follow where he leads.

The Resurrection and The Life

(John 11)
Romans 8 tells those of us who believe that in all of our circumstances, God is at work to bring about what is best for us. It is so easy to become focused on our losses, our frustrations, and disappointments. Yet, God works in these circumstances to grow us and to have his glory revealed in and through us to others.

When Lazarus fell ill, Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus. It took a day or so for the message to get to Jesus. Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death." The irony of the statement is that death did occur -- it just didn't end there. We see God's sovereignty at work again in our circumstances -- "it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." At the end of the story, we see that "many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him."

Jesus knew what the outcome would be. He knows the outcome in our circumstances as well -- yet, our faith (or lack of it) leads to anxiety, worry, and frustration. Jesus purposefully arrived late to reveal the glory and grace of God in action. We see his compassion as he wept along with his friends over the loss of their loved one. I also believe he wept because in their sadness he saw that they had not fully grasped who he was. Strange that Martha's comment to Jesus seems so full of faith, yet even she did not grasp the fullness of her words, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."Jesus' response was taken somewhat superficially. He said, "Your brother will rise again." Martha took this as a promise of the resurrection at the last day. Then we see one of my favorite verses in scripture, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

When we believe in Jesus, we are raised to new life. Yet, it doesn't end there. We have the opportunity to live life to the full (John 10:10). Jesus wants us to be free from anxiety and worry. We will face trials, trouble, and other difficulties. Yet, in all circumstances, he is working to bring about what is best for us. "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." Remove the grave clothes of worry, doubt, fear, and anxiety and live life to the full.

The Truth Comes Out

(John 11:45-57)
When "Christians" hide behind godliness in order to further their own agenda, it is truly tragic. Jesus referred to the Pharisees who were guilty of this as hypocrites and vipers. They often brought up the law of God as if they were trying to protect it. Their true colors are revealed in John 11:47b-48(NIV):

"What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him,
and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

They weren't so concerned for the truth of God as they were their "place and nation." It was all about them and what they would lose. Unfortunately, many of us live today as if the church is for us. How tragic! Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. As New Testament churches, that should be our mission as well.

God's Glory First

(John 12:1-10 NIV)
God's desire is that he receive glory. His created all things to worship him. When we focus on working for him, serving him, or serving others without the priority of glorifying him, we often become discouraged, frustrated or even bitter.

A group had gathered in Bethany at Lazarus' home. Many had come to see Lazarus (a dead man made alive). All had come to see Jesus, the one who had raised him from the dead. Only one truly grasped the person of Jesus.

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the
fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)

This was the same Mary who had worshiped Jesus in Luke 10. There Jesus had said, "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her." Again, Mary, when in Jesus' presence was focused on him. Martha, bless her heart, certainly loved Jesus, but just as in Luke 10, in this story, she was again busy serving. We are called to serve. But, we are called to love God first. Perhaps, our priority is what leads to our weariness or discouragement.

Then, there's Judas, supposedly worried about the poor. When Judas' berated Mary's actions, Jesus quickly responded, "Leave her alone. She did this in preparation for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” We discover in this that Judas' was focused on material things and personal position. He was not at all focused on the person of Christ. Ironically, we have the poor with us always because as a church we haven't responded to their need. Jesus knew that Judas, if he had the money from the perfume, would squander it. Perhaps, we're not blessed because he knows the same of us.

In Jesus' final prayer before his crucifixion (John 17), we discover his "work."

1 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2 For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. 3 Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. 4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. 6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are ours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.

Some form of glory to God is mentioned six times in this portion of his prayer. Amazingly, as Jesus prayed for his disciples -- and for us -- he prays that HE is glorified in us. That is our calling -- to bring glory to God; to point the world to Him. Serving, meeting the needs of the poor, and all manner of good works should be results of our love for God. But, let's make sure we have the priorities in order. Love God first. Glorify him first. Seek him first. And from this, display Him to the world through how we live for Him and for others.

Predicando de Christo al mundo!

"Preach Christ to the world" was written on the signage outside of a church (Iglesia de Evangelica) in Costa Rica. From July 15 through July 31 (2007) a team of students, youth staff, and volunteer adults traveled to Costa Rica for an experience in sharing Christ. The trip was divided into two groups: a high school team and a middle school team. Three members of the youth staff and several (~7) high school students were in Costa Rica for the entire 17 days. The high school team was in Costa Rica from the 17th through the 25th and the middle school team was there from the 23rd to the 31st.God was glorified and manifested his power and authority throughout this trip. There were 754 professions of faith -- praise God! The mission team truly lived out our LIFE purposes:

Living for others:

• We picked up trash around the parks and communities.
• We painted a park bench.
• We held youth events.
• We held 4 afternoon Bible schools averaging about 200 in attendance.

Inviting others to LIFE in Christ:

• Our youth played soccer with the local youth and shared their faith after the games resulting in a number of those praying to receive Christ.
• We went from house to house in local communities sharing about our trip and the good news of God and his son, Jesus Christ. We partnered with the local churches by providing names of those who prayed to receive Christ so that they could be discipled by the local church.
• At each of the events, we took the opportunity to share our faith.
• We had 4 students on the trip become convicted of their own need for Christ as they shared with others. These 4 prayed to receive Christ during the trip.

Following the teachings of God's Word:

• "Go, and make disciples ..." Our youth and volunteers overcame anxiety and fear sharing their faith with excitement and boldness. The harvest was incredible as God demonstrated his power.
• We spent our mornings in quiet time reflected on our experiences and in prayer for the day.
• We became servants enduring rain, heat, sweat, illness, and hard work focused on ministering and sharing with the people of Costa Rica.

Exalting God above All:

• Worship was awesome. We spent time together in song and in the study of God's word.
• We worshipped with the local churches. What an awesome time of connecting with family members of a different culture.

We partnered with Open Eyes Ministries for this mission experience. Open Eyes director, Terry Dupont, has a heart for Central America. His focus is on equipping the local churches to accomplish their mission locally. He is well staffed with young missionaries from Costa Rica who managed our time, activities, provided interpreters, etc. Their personal stories blessed us. God is at work in their lives as they reach their countrymen and neighbors with the love of Christ.

What an awesome time!

Serving

One of the books I read this past year was The Volunteer Revolution by Bill Hybels. In the book, Steve Sjogren was quoted:

"We love, serve, and care for others because that is normal behavior for people who are filled with God's Spirit. We are Christians. Christ was the ultimate servant. We can't help but serve because the Spirit of the Servant has filled our hearts. When we serve, we are just being who we naturally are."

That should be true of us. But more often than not, we're like the disciples in Matthew 18 asking, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" We're conditioned to be concerned about greatness -- to be competitive.

The irony is that the very thing that will make us great is counterintuitive. Jesus communicates this to them later in Matthew 20, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant."

In Ephesians 6:7, we find out how to serve. "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men ..." Our lives are about bringing glory to God. He asks us to do this by serving him. And, when we serve others, we do so as if we're serving Him ... or at least, that's the way it should be. Jesus confirms this in Matthew 25, "whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

God understands us. For our competitive nature, he constantly gives us motivational objectives. Scripture contains numerous references to rewards for those who overcome, e.g., crowns, blessings, and even sitting on His throne! Furthermore, apart from these, what's in it for us?

"'I tell you the truth,' Jesus replied, 'no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.'"

One hundred times! That's a very good return on our investment in His kingdom. Are you still struggling with the concept of greatness? Have the same attitude as Jesus Christ, considering others more important than yourself, worthy of your sacrifice so that you may show the love of Christ -- through acts of love ... acts of service.

Blindness - a paradox

(John 9)
Knowlege is often synonymous with enlightenment, light, or sight. The miracle of Jesus giving the blind man his sight in John 9 provides an example of when knowledge produces blindness.

Jesus indicated that the blind man was in his state so that the glory of God might be revealed. Okay, I have to go down two rabbit trails for a moment. First, the disciples felt that the man was blind because of some sin in his life. We need to understand that "the rain falls on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:45) We spend way to much time assuming the negative rather than recognizing God's blessing, or mercy in our own lives. A lot of "bad things" exist because of original sin (fall of creation) -- not personal sin. We are blessed if we aren't recipients of those things.

Secondly, and following from this, God is sovereign. He will "have mercy on whom [he has] mercy, and [he] will have compassion on whom [he has] compassion." (Romans 9:15) Jesus chose this man in order to put God on display.

Unlike the cripple man by the pool in John 5, this man had a completely different spirit. The cripple deflected the approach of the Pharisees away from himself and toward Jesus. The blind man, on the other hand, was bold in defending Jesus. He replied to their confrontation with facts -- "I was blind but now I see" -- and, faith -- "If this man were not from God, he could do nothing." His faith had made him whole.

Note the reaction of the learned Pharisees -- "You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!" They were condescending and unwilling to recognize how this miracle had occurred.

Jesus' lesson on true blindness follows in the passage. Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into the world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind."

"the blind will see" -- Note the blind man's conversation with Jesus. In response to Jesus' question of belief in "the Son of Man," the man responds "Lord, I believe." The scripture follows that the man worshiped him - a true response of faith. He was in a state of blindness without Christ and he recognized that. Acknowledging that he needed Christ opened his eyes to true sight.

"those who see will become blind" -- Contrast the response of the Pharisees. They arrogantly replied, "What? Are we blind too?" Jesus' answer to their question is very telling and convicting -- "now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." The Pharisees, in contrast to the blind man, didn't see their need. They were knowledgeable -- reference "how dare you lecture us" attitude previously. In an earlier chapter of John, Jesus confronted them with their diligently searching the scriptures because in them they believed that they would have eternal life, yet they missed the very presence of God in front of them. They were blind.

God certainly commands us to study scripture. Yet, we should be very careful in thinking we know it all. We have to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayer. Pray with the psalmist in Psalm 119:18 that our eyes are opened so that we can see the wonderful things in his law. Don't be blind to God's Spirit moving in your life.

Blinded by Knowledge

Karl Marx referred to religion as the "opium of the people." In the case of the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day, he may have been right. As a mass of people began to follow Jesus and to respond to his teachings, the Pharisees sent out temple guards to arrest Jesus. When the guards returned empty-handed, the following dialogue ensues (John 7:45-47 NIV):

... the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, "Why didn't you bring him in?"

"No one ever spoke the way this man does," the guards declared.

"You mean he has deceived you also?" the Pharisees retorted.

Apparently as the guards awaited the opportune time to arrest Jesus, they listened to him. As they did, they were captured by his words and his teachings. When we encounter Jesus, we can't help but be captured by his words. As he taught in chapters 6 and 7, they are the very bread of life.

Note the Pharisees response as the dialogue continues (John 7:48-49 NIV):

"Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? No! But this mob that knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them."

Paraphrasing, only the ignorant are accepting him.

In 1 Corinthians 8:1, we find that knowledge puffs up. The Pharisees had become blinded by their own knowledge. The study of the law became their "opium" and resulted in them deceiving themselves. Knowledge itself is not wrong. (It's kind of like the cautions against wealth.) It's what we do with it. The Pharisees knew the law and knew of God ... yet they missed the very promise and manifestation of God's Word. How tragic? Be cautious of being caught up in knowledge or tradition or your own way. God, through Jesus Christ, wants to give us a new mind, and a new heart. Be still and know that He is God.

When does the study of scripture cause issues?

(John 5:16-47 )
The study of scripture is not the goal, but rather God's living communication to result in a heart renewed and a life transformed. After the healing of the invalid by the pool, the Jews persisted in tracking Jesus and confronting him about his "work" on the Sabbath. The scripture in fact states that they "persecuted him." (John 5:16) Jesus responded with a response similar to his response to his parents when they confronted him for leaving their traveling company for the temple at age 12 being about his Father's business -- "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working." Jesus was singular in focus -- to finish the work God had sent him to do. During his prayer in Gethsemane, he stated:

I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. (John 17:4)

To these who would persecute him and desire to kill him, he boldly communicated this purpose:

... I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will. (John 5:30)

The Jews were God's chosen people who loved to study the scriptures, but sadly had lost the reason for their study. What Jesus says to them in John 5:39-40 (NLT) is a sad commentary on their life:

You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.

The study of scripture is important, but only as it reveals Jesus to us -- the scriptures testify about him -- and, then transforms us into a life for him. In Corinthians, Paul says that "knowledge puffs up." (1 Corinthians 8:1 NIV) The pharisees had been puffed up by their knowledge. They had developed pride in what they knew. Pride leads to destruction. (Proverbs 16:18)

Jesus came to renew us, to transform us. Our mind should be the same as that of Christ; we should be becoming more like Christ; our lives should evidence his presence because we live according to his purpose which is to do the will of the Father. Scripture reveals to us Jesus and the will of the Father.If you're studying it, but not living it, you're missing the point.

I need someone to take care of me!

(John 6:14-29)
Our government is spending almost 3 trillion - trillion!!! - per year for its operating budget. It seems to be universal that people have an expectation that someone or some entity will take care of them. The people of Israel clamored for a king so they could be like everyone else. God told Samuel (1 Samuel 8) to "warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do." He warned them about servitude, taxes, and other forms of oppression. Yet the people persisted. We may be a different generation but, as a people, we exhibit the same desire.

[Disclaimer: The point of this is not to be anti-government. Government serves a purpose and has been placed in authority by God. The purpose is to talk about our unhealthy dependency as warned about in scripture.]

In John 6, immediately after Jesus' feeding of the 5000, Jesus withdrew to a mountain hiding place to avoid the people who were wanting to make him king. They saw Jesus as an earthly "savior" -- someone who would meet their needs in the present.While Jesus' walked on water [a little miracle occurred in the middle of all of this :-)] to reach Capernaum, the people continued to search for him and followed him there. When they found him, Jesus reveals their heart to them:

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. (John 6:26 NLT)

Jesus had "taken care" of them. They wanted to make him king in order to take care of them and to free them from Roman rule. Yes, Jesus met their physical needs, but that was not his purpose. Just as Jesus had encouraged the Samaritan woman to partake of living water, he challenged the people to "work for" food that provides eternal life -- that He will give. The people inquired of the work -- "What must we do to do the works God requires?" I don't know if they were truly eager to "work" or if they were apprehensive counting the cost of how much effort this was going to take. But Jesus' response was simple -- "believe the one he has sent."

Jesus didn't come to meet our physical needs. He promised that he'd care for us (as he does for the birds and flowers), but his concern is our spiritual needs. We need to move from a desire to be cared for, to a position of trusting and following God.

What kind of work are you doing?

(John 6:28-59 NIV)
[Note: There is so much in these passages, that I could probably write forever on one or two verses. Not being a theologian, that might prove difficult :-). I'll simply continue to capture what God lays on my heart during my quiet time. God bless.]

Following Jesus’ feeding of 5000, the crowds were following Jesus because they believed he could meet their physical needs. Jesus began to teach them with a goal of transitioning the people from a focus on the temporal to a focus on the eternal. In John 6:27, he told the people not to work for food that would spoil, but rather for food that lasted forever. The people asked the question, “How do we do that?” (John 6:28 NIV – “What must we do to do the work God requires?”)

Many of us work hard for what we have. We believe we have what we do because we work hard for it. (Note, I’m a huge proponent of a strong work ethic, but we still need to realize that God is the source of our blessings and what we have.) Notice the simple response, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” The good news of Jesus Christ is still one of grace, and faith.

Yet, we all have trouble transitioning from the physical to the eternal. We want our physical needs met, and then we’ll focus on the spiritual. Let me pay my bills first, buy what I need, accumulate my savings, and then I’ll give to God. The people began to ask for signs so that they could believe. Even then, their request was centered on a physical request – albeit a lasting one. God had met the needs of the children of Israel with a perpetual blessing of physical food when they were wandering in the desert. They gravitated to this understanding – that their physical needs would be met for eternity.

Jesus let them know that a) first of all, the physical bread from Moses came from God so it was God who had met their physical need; and b) though the people had the manna for food, they still died (v.49). This was a not so subtle way to communicate to them that even if he kept feeding them as he had miraculously done in the feeding of the 5000, the people would still die.

Jesus calls for us to seek him. In verse 45, he references Isaiah 54:13 stating that “they will … be taught by God.” He, God-The Son, was teaching them to come to him for eternal life. “[He] shall lose none of all that [God] has given [him].” He wants us to listen to him (through prayer, scripture, Godly advice) and to learn from him. “Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.” (John 6:57 NIV)

Do you hunger to know Christ?

If a=b & b=c, then a=c.

(John 6:48-71 NIV)
I love puzzles or problems involving math – I’m weird that way. In John 6, I found what I believe to be the perfect place to apply the equation of if a=b and b=c, then a=c. Following the feeding of the 5000, Jesus began to teach of himself as the Bread of life. As he progressed in his teaching, he became more graphic in the choice of his words.

If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

The people following had a natural reaction arguing among themselves and questioning, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” Jesus persisted with this metaphor. In fact, he becomes even more graphic:

For, my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him.

As I continued to read, this became very clear. But, as I read this initially, my reaction was much the same as the disciples. “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Then, probably by the prompting of insight from God’s spirit, I thought of math. It’s the way I typically analyze things and during my quiet time, God reveals to me in a language I understand – math :-).

There are two metaphors that Christ uses in this teaching – his flesh and his blood. Dealing with flesh, recall John 1. The word “Word” is used in reference to Jesus. And, in John 1:14, we find, “The Word became flesh …” So, here’s the equation:

If “The Word” refers to Jesus, and Jesus, in our passage, refers to his flesh, then his flesh refers to “The Word.”

The Word of God, His truth are the keys to eternal life (John 8:32, John 14:6). John had the benefit of writing his book after the death of Jesus. He recalled these experiences and wrote the clues to understanding much of the book of John and the life of Jesus in the very first chapter.

In dealing with his reference to blood, we have to fast forward to his last supper. In 1 Corinthians 11:25, “In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’” Jesus stated that he was the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17). He represented a new covenant from God to be a gift of redemption for all people who would accept (“drink”) that new covenant. Accepting (believing and following) Jesus as the new covenant of God leads to eternal life.

We obviously have the benefit of New Testament scripture to interpret these seemingly strange words of Jesus. But, the Jews and even some of the disciples struggled. Once we get past the metaphors, the truths in his teachings require faith as well. When the disciples join in the grumbling, Jesus explains himself, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” Jesus was trying to show them spiritual truths. Sadly, the passage shows that many did not believe. When many left, Jesus turned to the inner twelve for a response. “You do not want to leave me too, do you?” Peter responded with the solution to the puzzle, “You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” Jesus knew that one of them didn’t get it. This may have been the beginning of the disillusionment of Judas.

What is your response? Life in Christ may not be easy to understand nor easy to live. Yet, in him, are the words of life. Desire to know him more by drinking of his new covenant and eating his word.

Losing Sight of Reason

(John 7:14-24)
Did you know that the US Standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches? There's an interesting perspective on how this came about. The Roman empire is credited in part for the first major road system. The United States standard railroad gauge of 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches derives from the original specification for an Imperial Roman army war chariot. The width of the chariot was driven primarily by the width of a horse's behind.

Well, there's an interesting extension of the story about railroad gauge and horses' behinds. When we see a Space Shuttle sitting on the launch pad, there are two big booster rockets attached to the sides of the main fuel tank. These are the solid rocket boosters, or SRBs. The SRBs are made by Thiokol at a factory in Utah. The engineers who designed the SRBs might have preferred to make them a bit fatter, but the SRBs had to be shipped by train from the factory to the launch site. The railroad from the factory runs through a tunnel in the mountains. The SRBs had to fit through that tunnel. The tunnel is slightly wider than a railroad track, and the railroad track is about as wide as two horses' behinds. So a major design feature of what is arguably the world's most advanced transportation system was originally determined by the width of a horse's ass. (For this article see http://www.astrodigital.org/space/stshorse.html).

So how does this relate to John 7. The Jewish people, particularly the leaders, had lost sight of why the law was put in place. The law was intended in part to set them apart, but to also show them their sin (i.e., their inability to fulfill the law). The scripture pointed toward the Christ who would fulfill the law and provide the way of redemption from their sin and restoration of the intended relationship with God. But, they had become so blinded by the rules of the law that they missed the point. Jesus confronts them in John 7 (NLT).

22 But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) 23 For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses. So why should you be angry with me for healing a man on the Sabbath?

God's desire for the Jewish people was that they be set apart to ultimately point nations to him. Circumcision was a sign of that "setting apart" -- a covenant. Yet the symbol became the goal. Keeping the law became the goal. Tradition became the goal. By their traditions, it was okay to perform circumcision on the Sabbath. Yet, when Jesus healed someone they became angry.

Has tradition gotten in our way of doing what is right? Jesus criticized them and issued this rebuke (v24):

Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly.

Jesus is calling us to do what's right.The church today is constantly battling tradition versus change. I agree there may be a delicate slope of becoming so much like the world that we're not set apart. But our methods must take into account that there are trends in what interest people Jesus lived in the world and among the people -- yet he was not of the world and he was set apart. If we stay in old methods because they have inadvertently become the goal, we will lose sight of our mission and fail to reach the world around us. New song styles, new technology, and other trends can help us to direct people toward Jesus. When you're weighing the decision, do what's right.

Not where or what manner, but who and how!

(John 4:1-26; 39-43)
A frequent topic in many churches is the style of music. Worship is an important part of our life. It's a shame that it is often one of the most controversial. No one style of worship is necessarily right or wrong, and we should all have the freedom to worship in our own way. However, there is a practical issue when there are a limited number of services. And, trying to be everything to everyone often leads to being nothing to no one.

I find it interesting that Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman led to a discussion of worship. When confronted with her sin, she changed the subject, "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place we must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus responded that there will come a time when she will "worship ... neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem." What did he mean?

The Samaritan woman did not have a relationship with the object of her worship. Her worship was a ritual and did not have an impact on her life. But, in verses 25 and 26, that all changes, because Jesus reveals himself to her.

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!” (John 4:25-26 NLT)

Jesus had just proclaimed to her that what he had to provide would be like "a spring of water welling up ..." When we have a relationship with Jesus, our worship is ever present. It wells up inside of us and overflows into an outward expression. We may sing, we may share ... we experience God in our walk. Regarding worship, Jesus said that "a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth for they are the kind of worshipers that the Father seeks." His relationship with us ... our response to him ... opens the door to true worship.

The fruit? The encounter led to a true experience and relationship for the Samaritan woman. She introduced her "town" to Jesus. Worship became more than a place or a ritual. Worship was a wellspring of life - living water provided by our living Savior and Lord.

Focused

(John 4:27-35)

“Vision plays a key role in producing useful change by helping to direct, align, and inspire actions on the part of large numbers of people.”
(Leading Change, John P. Kotter, Harvard Business School Press).

Jesus sets a perfect example for focus. After sharing with the Samaritan woman, Jesus communicates his purpose to his disciples: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” The disciples had approached him about something to eat. But, Jesus was so focused on his mission that he used even this most ordinary request to explain his purpose. This was not an isolated moment. Near the end of his life on earth, Jesus restates this purpose while talking to his Father in the garden of Gethsemane: (John 17:4) “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Jesus was on a mission, focused on what his Father had sent him to do. He was relaying this mission to the disciples as he was preparing them to carry on after he returned to heaven.

Purpose (or vision) is one element of focus. Another element is timing – urgency.

“With urgency low, it’s difficult to put together a group with enough power and credibility to guide the effort or to convince key individuals to spend the time necessary to create and communicate a change vision.”
(Leading Change, John P. Kotter, Harvard Business School Press).

I’ve often said that the Bible is the best management book – period. Jesus knew the importance of urgency long before Harvard was even established. “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes, and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” The disciples were out taking care of their physical needs – looking for food. Jesus captured the moment to share with a Samaritan woman. Of course, we need to take care of our physical needs. Yet, we so often miss the urgency of our own spiritual needs and the needs of the world around us. Jesus took time out for one – one — person. As we become like Christ, we need his attitude, his heart – his focus on mission.

Going back home - not easy?!?

(John 4:43-54 NIV)
Returning home for a visit after decades away is awkward. You’ve changed. Your friends seem to have changed. Why is it so hard to pick up where you left off? Why is it sometimes discouraging when you share what Christ has done in your life, but they don’t seem to “get it!

Jesus returned to his home region of Galilee. In verse 43, John recalls that Jesus had talked about the awkward nature of returning home – a prophet has no honor in his own country. Why is that? On the surface, things appear fine. When he arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him. They had seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, for they had also been there. Jesus’ reputation was preceding him. Yet, he had stated that a prophet had no honor in his own country.

Three explanations of what Jesus may have meant:

First, people in our hometown or region may be familiar with us or our family. It has been said (Mark Twain, Shakespeare, Aesop, Apuleius) that “familiarity breeds contempt.” Having seen us grow up or in knowing our family, they may ask, what’s so special that I should hear from you.

Second, significant occurrences may be rare in our hometown or region. We seem to go to both extremes on this one. I’m amazed at how many people vote for a presidential candidate simply because he is from their state – one extreme. Nathaniel replied to Philip when he heard of Jesus of Nazareth, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” – the other extreme.

In Jesus’ case, the remainder of the passage gives us another reason that is perhaps more plausible for him. The townspeople wanted something from him – so much so, that they missed his true purpose for coming. As he returned to Cana where he had attended a wedding and turned water into wine, a royal official approached him on behalf of his sick son. Jesus’ response reveals their self-centered perspective, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders, you will never believe.” At this point, people were following Jesus because of what he could “do” for them, not because of "who” he was. Fortunately, for this official, he ultimately saw the pieces fit together and understood, “So he and all his house-hold believed.”

As believers and seekers, we should be careful not to allow our familiarity with Jesus to cause us to become complacent. Our Savior is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords; worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Because of who he is, we should seek to know him more intimately, and to pursue to know his desires for us, so that we might live a life devoted to him.

Favorite Bible Verse

Determining a favorite verse is a real challenge because I have so many. Among the top are Ephesians 3:20, Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 1:6. But, if I had to choose one, I'll go with Philippians 1:6 (NIV):

... being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus ...

Why?

• Because I am confident in my Savior ...
• Because I am a work in progress ...
• Because I know he is "working out" his will in my life ...
• Because I know that he is committed to completing a purpose in my life beyond the salvation experience ...
• Because he promises that he is returning ...

Do you want to get well?

(John 5:1-15)
Do you want to get well? What an odd question?!? Surely, the answer is yes for those who are sick, and the desire is to stay well for those who are healthy. Yet, this is the question asked by Jesus of the man who had been an invalid for 38 years. Strange as it may seem, there are people who appear to be content in their illnesses.

The "woe is me" attitude prevents them from getting well or from being a blessing through their illness. Many like the excuse that the illness provides. The invalid by the healing pool responded, "I have no one to help me ..." Constrast this with the blind man in Mark 10 who threw his cloak aside ran to Jesus (probably bumping into people and things) and cried out, "Rabbi, I want to see." The invalid didn't even answer the question. The attitude continues to manifest itself in his behavior after his healing. As he was walking away with his mat, he was confronted by "the Jews" for working on the Sabbath. This man tried to deflect blame by referring to "the man who made me well." Apparently, he was even looking around to point out Jesus, but Jesus had slipped away. Again, contrast this reaction to that of the blind man in Mark 10 who immediately followed Jesus.

Upon finding the former invalid in the temple, Jesus, having previously healed him of his physical condition, addressed his spiritual condition:

John 5:14 (NLT) But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, “Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.”

People respond differently to physical illnesses and their circumstances. Some use it as an excuse. Some use it as an opportunity for a demonstration of their faith. Which will it be for you?

The Heart of Man

(John 2:23-25)
The prophet Jeremiah described man’s heart as “deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” After Jesus had cleaned the temple of the market business, he remained in Jerusalem for the Passover. During this time, Jesus performed miracles resulting in many people following him and believing that he was the Messiah. Yet the passage states:

“… Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man.”

Jesus knew that these people thought more of him as a “messiah” to release them from Roman rule and to establish a kingdom on earth. He also knew of their corruption – he certainly foreknew, but he also witnessed it with the profiteering going on in the temple courts. He did not need man’s explanation, because he knew, he knows, man’s heart. The sad part is in verse 24, “Jesus would not entrust himself to them.” The state of our hearts keeps Christ from entrusting himself to us. He has a purpose for us; he has challenges for us; he has opportunities for us; he has blessings for us. Yet, if our heart is not changed by him, if we do not allow our hearts to be changed by him, he will not entrust himself to us.

Jeremiah was partially right. There is no natural cure for man’s condition … only a supernatural one. In Ezekiel 36:22-27, we find that God can give us a new heart:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘… I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you …’”

For those who believe in Christ and trust him as Lord, Paul calls them a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). We need this new heart for Jesus to entrust himself to us. Philippians 1:6 says that we can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Once we trust him and have a new heart from him, he will entrust himself to us and complete his work in our life.

Knowledge v. Understanding

(John 3:1-11 (NIV))
Our educational system often focuses so much on the pursuit of knowledge that it misses the development of understanding among students. Understanding the system and the truth behind the knowledge we acquire is important to proper interpretation … and hopefully, translation into our beliefs, our values, and how we live.

Nicodemus, a well educated religious leader of Israel, was curious about Jesus. Following his passionate removal of the marketers from the temple, Jesus performed many miracles and was beginning to gather followers and crowds. Nicodemus wanted to find out more about this man Jesus. Nonetheless, he was also “cautious.” He approached him at night probably to avoid the scrutiny or peer pressue of his fellow pharisees.

“Rabbi,” showing Jesus respect, “we know you are a teacher who has come from God.” He had reached this conclusion because of the miracles. Yet, his view of Jesus is that of a prophet, not as the Messiah. As Nicodemus struggles with Jesus’ message, Jesus recognizes Nicodemus’ perception, because he links his message with the message of the prophets, “we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony.” Jesus is referencing the teachings of the prophets and people of God throughout history. He draws a reference from Moses in the wilderness. Jesus is presenting to Nicodemus what is required to have a right relationship with God. A new spirit, a new birth is required for us to become a child of God. This message is indeed consistent with the prophets:

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you …” (Ezekiel 36:26-27a)

Jesus’ response to Nicodemus’ lack of understanding is poignant: “You are Israel's teacher, and do you not understand these things?” Nicodemus had the knowledge, but he did not have the understanding. Too many times we truly can’t see the simple things because our minds are so clouded with the grander pursuit of knowledge. Don’t misunderstand, knowledge is important. God’s word teaches us to study. But, it also teaches us to be approved – moving from knowledge to understanding to action. This understanding is important for more truth to be given to us.

Jesus expresses this concern to Nicodemus, “I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?” If you’re seeking and have not yet encountered God, or if you are a child of God but have not fully discovered God’s purpose for you, focus your time with God on seeking more of understanding as you gather knowledge. “… if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut. 4:29)

It's all about you, Jesus.

(John 3:14-16)
The popular song, The Heart of Worship, by Michael W. Smith presents a passionate view of the true heart of worship:

I’m coming back to the heart of worship; and, it’s all about You. It’s all about You, Jesus.

John the Baptist made this clear in his testimony when he proclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! … A man who comes after me has surpassed me …” (John 1:29-30 NIV) Our energy should be spent in presenting Jesus Christ to the world – to our family, our friends, our neighbors, and all those we meet. Too often, in our busy-ness, we miss the focal point of our mission.

In John 3:14-15, Jesus himself proclaimed that “the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” We must present Jesus. Too often in the church, other personalities become the focus. We may attach ourselves to a great speaking pastor or a counseling pastor because of the entertainment or because of a need they seem to meet in our life. It’s not about them. It’s not about us. The church is the bride of Christ and he, as the groom, deserves our focus. The world needs a Savior, and we must present to them, Jesus. Jesus said this of himself in John 3:16 (NLT):

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

We're not accepted at church.

(John 3:17-21)
The young woman cutting my hair started the conversation with a familiar question to me, "are you off work today?" As a pastor, I "work" Sunday through Thursday. We have Friday and Saturday as our weekend. It never fails when I'm out and about that I am asked that question. It's given me a great opportunity to strike up a conversation about being a pastor. On this particular day, my heart was grieved, however. After explaining my involvement in the church, she responded, "We're not accepted at church." The young woman had three earrings in each ear. Her boyfriend was a nice man but according to her "looked like a thug." They didn't fit in.

3:17 (NLT) God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

How tragic! As believers we are the church. As believers our responsibility to God is summed up in two commandments: Love God and Love Others! Even Jesus Christ did not come "into the world to judge the world." The verdict has already been announced:

3:18 (NLT) There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

The world has been judged and found to be without God, and without excuse. Our role is not to judge because the verdict has already been rendered. Why pile on? Our role is to reach the world for Him so that their sentence can be overturned.

Our conversation continued as we discussed my earring. That's right, I'm a pastor and I have an earring. I'm not an ordained minister. I'm a retired computer executive that was called into a minstry vocation to come alongside a church that is committed to connecting with people and to experiencing LIFE together in Christ. But, even last night at church, someone asked, "So, what's up with the earring?" Is it really such a big deal? We worry or get hung up on things that don't matter while people are lost, without Christ and headed to an eternity separated from God. I continued to share with the young woman that it was sad that many churches miss the example of Jesus who connected with all people. He was seen as someone who connected with society's less desirable. I continued that our Sr. Pastor's wife had several earrings in each ear as well and was a drummer in our contemporary worship band. We're a relational church and we care about people.

Her reply, "That's sounds like a church we should visit."

How tragic if we judge and reject people. Jesus came to serve and to save ... not to judge. The judgement has already been cast. Now is the time for connecting, rescuing, and experiencing LIFE in Christ.

Less is More!

(John 3:22-36)
More is defined as "in greater measure" or "of greater importance." We know that Jesus turned this view upside down. John the Baptist who was the "voice" introducing Jesus onto the scene set an incredible example for us to follow. John had spent time with his followers and others giving the testimony of Christ. We read of this clearly in John 1 when John proclaimed, "Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ... 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me ..." Yet, his followers still didn't quite get it.

After his conversation with Nicodemus, we see Jesus beginning to baptize in the countryside. Many were starting to follow him. In verse 25, we see that "an argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter ..." Apparently, John's followers were a bit miffed that people were leaving John to follow Jesus and they approached John about it, "Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

First of all, referring to John as a Rabbi, shows great respect. John the Baptist had accomplished himself as a great teacher. Many were following him. Yet, he chose this moment to point people again to Jesus.

"That man" -- :-), what an interesting characterization of Jesus Christ. Reminds me of the scene in Disney's Lady and the Tramp, when the couple refers to Lady as "that dog." It hurt her feelings and she ran away. To the followers of John, Jesus was becoming a problem. They were losing momentum because "everyone is going to him." To make matters worse, he is "the one you testified about." In other words, John, you created this problem. What do we do?

I love John's response:

"... A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less."

John gives Jesus the glory refering to him as "the Christ." He refers to him as his friend. He is not envious, but rather he says, "that joy is mine, and it is now complete." I didn't invent the phrase, but I repeat it often ... it is not about us. John knows that and demonstrates that. What an example of a life of sacrifice, a servant-leader who pointed his followers and others to Jesus Christ. "He must become greater; I must become less." Less is more!

"This is the Son of God."

(John 1:29-34; 1:15-18)
Jesus came to reveal God to us and to restore us into a relationship with him. We celebrate Easter once a year, but we should be reminded that we celebrate his life, resurrection, and promise of eternal life every day. We have so much to be thankful for, so many blessings that we do not deserve.

John 1:14 says that Christ came from the Father full of grace and truth. In these passages of John, we see the benefits that we receive: “From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” The greatest gift is the “taking away” of our sin. John the Baptist exclaims this as an introduction pointing the people and his disciples to Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

The phrase "takes away" is a proclamation of Jesus’ role as the “scapegoat” in Jewish law (The Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16). The sin of the people was placed on the “scapegoat” and taken away into the desert to take away their sin. Our sin, the sin of the world, was to be placed on him. The rituals in The Day of Atonement also required the sacrifice of a goat. The law required atonement for sin. Jesus fulfilled both roles, by taking on our sin to take them away, as well as by sacrificing himself on the cross to atone for our sin.

Christ with his offer of grace took on and paid for the sin of the world. In doing so, he revealed the Father.

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

John the Baptist who played a role in the introduction of Jesus Christ onto the scene through baptism proclaimed in John 1:34, “this is the Son of God.” It’s not without significance that the Roman soldier who played a role in escorting Jesus out of his earthly life proclaimed, “Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54) He is the Son of God!

The Power of Personal Invitations

(John 1:35-51)
In America over the past several decades, the church has generally failed to ‘go and make disciples’of unchurched people in fulfillment of the Great Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:19-20). When the church has attracted newcomers, they rarely stay… How can Christian congregations improve at [reaching] the unchurched?” (from http://www.missionportland.org/reports-assimilation.htm)

The early disciples began to follow Jesus through personal invitations. Jesus set the example for how to reach people. The Mission Portland study reports: ... the significance of personal relationships is illustrated by the fact that when asked, “What attracted you to this church?” over 70 percent of the new Christians interviewed responded by saying it was a personal invitation.

In John 1:35-46, we see three models of personal interaction resulting in a commitment to follow Jesus:

1. Influence from a leader or mentor
2. Relationship with a family member or friend
3. Personal encounter

When John the Baptist saw Jesus, he introduced his followers to Christ. John was viewed as a Rabbi, a person of respect with his own disciples and followers. He was a person of influence, a leader. In a recent leadership meeting with the South Carolina Association of Realtors, Don Brock, Sr. Pastor of Gateway Baptist Church (Irmo, SC) made the statement, “The single most important trait of a leader is influence.” John used his position of leadership to influence his disciples to follow Christ. In verse 36, we see that when John saw Jesus passing by, he exclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God!” Notice that there was an exclamation. This excitement influenced his followers. Verse 37 describes the response of two of his followers: “When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus.” Most of us are in some position to lead or influence people. We should us this position as an opportunity to point people to Christ.

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to share Christ with a friend or family member. Our love for them becomes confused with the need to be loved or accepted by them. Yet, the greatest gift we can give to them is an introduction to Jesus Christ. There are two examples of this in John 1. First we see Andrew. Andrew was one of John the Baptist’s followers. After spending the day with Jesus, his first recorded action was to go and find his brother to bring him to Christ. “The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him… And, he brought him to Jesus.” (Verse 41-42) After his personal invitation from Jesus, Philip’s response was similar. “[He] found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one… Come and see’.” Don’t let your love become an obstacle in reaching your loved ones.

Finally, and most importantly, people need a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Even after the two disciples were introduced to Jesus by John, we see Jesus’ interaction with them, “Come and you will see.” (Verse 39) When Peter was brought to Jesus, Jesus said to him, “You are Simon … You will be called Cephas.” Cephas is translated Peter which comes from petros meaning stone. In a way, this was the foretelling of how Christ would use Peter in expanding his kingdom – Christ made a connection with him from the beginning. The final example in this passage involves Philip and Nathanael. Of these early disciples, Philip is the only one which is referenced as being found by Jesus. Verse 43 records, “The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’” Nathanael needed reassurance. After Philip’s introduction, Nathanael was a bit skeptical. But, when he encountered Jesus, that all changed and we see Nathanael’s response, “… you are the son of God.” While there is a place for mass communication, nothing can replace the importance of personal invitations. At Gateway, our mission is to be a family connecting with people and experiencing LIFE together in Christ. The LIFE acrostic covers our purposes:

Living for others (fellowship and service)
Inviting others to LIFE in Christ (evangelism)
Following the teachings of God’s Word (discipleship)
Exalting God above all (worship)

The I requires personal involvement – an invitation. Be prepared and be willing to invite others to meet Jesus.