Pastor's Blog

Lazarus, Suffering, & Redemption

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:52:09 GMT

Lazarus, Suffering, & Redemption

John 11:25-27

The narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead captivates our attention, holding within it peculiar details that beckon us to explore its depths. Let's journey into the heart of this story and unravel its profound lessons.

Lazarus, a familiar name to many, lay gravely ill in the town of Bethany, where his sisters, Mary and Martha, resided. Filled with hope, they sought Jesus, urgently informing Him of Lazarus' dire condition, anticipating a miraculous intervention to avert his impending death.

However, a strange turn of events unfolds. Upon hearing the news, Jesus responds with an unexpected declaration: "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." A seemingly enigmatic response, considering Jesus is aware of Lazarus's imminent demise. It's as though Jesus, with a broader perspective, acknowledges the bigger picture of what's actually happening.

As Lazarus succumbs to death, Jesus deliberately lingers for two more days before deciding to go to him. The unconventional timing prompts Jesus to declare, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him," emphasizing that Lazarus's death will serve to showcase Jesus as the "resurrection and the life."

The familiar resurrection unfolds, demonstrating Jesus's power to not only revive the physically dead but also to bring spiritual life to the spiritually dead. It becomes a vivid picture of the gospel story.

Yet, within this narrative lies a profound exploration of suffering. Jesus, with the ability to heal Lazarus, intentionally allows him to die. In a world without modern comforts, Lazarus likely endured significant suffering. Moreover, those who loved him faced the agonizing sting of loss.

What can we glean from this? We must recognize that God permits suffering in this world, even when He possesses the power to prevent it. Whether by His permissive or determinative will, suffering finds its way into our lives.

Pause for a moment and reflect on your own life. How have you navigated or are currently navigating through suffering? Remember, suffering is not devoid of purpose. Romans 3:3-5 beautifully articulates that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope.

Crucially, we discover that Jesus, the Son of God, not only identifies with but also has compassion for those who suffer. His tears over Lazarus' death unveil the depth of His humanity. Moreover, this is the same Jesus who willingly endured the cross, ensuring that the worst of all suffering fell upon Himself, making our earthly suffering momentary.

This distinction sets Christianity apart from other religions. In Christianity, we find a God who draws near, entering our suffering and ensuring our safe passage through it. Jesus identifies and sympathizes with us in all situations, offering redemption for our hurts and turning them into instruments of His glory.

As we witness Lazarus emerging from the tomb, Jesus's prayer in verse 42 reveals the overarching purpose: "I did this on account of the people standing around so that they might see this miracle and believe." The story of Lazarus was always about God receiving glory and others finding belief through witnessing the miraculous.

Today, I implore you to recognize that your suffering holds meaning. God can and will use it to bring glory to Himself, fortify your faith, and inspire belief in others through your unwavering trust in Him.

Dear fellow believer, remember this: suffering is not meaningless. It is momentary, and the worst of all suffering fell on Jesus. He walks with you through your suffering, close and compassionate. He is the good shepherd leading you through the darkness, comforting you like a parent consoles a frightened child.

In John 10, Jesus promised to "give life and give it abundantly." In John 11, He substantiated that promise: Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Trust in Him today!

Coming up at FBC...

What's so Good about the Good Shepherd?

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 20:06:02 GMT

What's so Good about

the Good Shepherd?

I am currently preaching through the book of John, currently preaching in John 10 about Jesus as the Good Shepherd. If you are at all familiar with the Bible then you know that shepherding and sheep are often referred to because that was a common theme throughout the Bible. It also made for some excellent illustrations regarding the church and discipleship.

As someone who grew up in the city, I am quite unfamiliar with farm animals, but even more so with sheep. However, I have seen enough Facebook reels and other videos to know that sheep are not the brightest animals in the animal kingdom. See here for an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-Wc8vluyp0

What’s interesting about the Bible describing Jesus as the Good Shepherd is the reality that in order for there to be a good shepherd, there must also be some understanding of bad (or false) shepherds. The Bible is clear that there are many false shepherds who seek to devour followers of Christ and turn them away from faithfulness. This is clear in John 10:10, which states, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” While many false shepherds exist that seek to lead Christians away from Christ, the Good Shepherd has come so that you might have life and have it in abundance.

But, what’s so good about the Good Shepherd?

There are at least three reasons why Jesus is truly the Good Shepherd.

First, Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he leads the sheep (that’s you and I) to himself. John 10:3 says that the Good Shepherd “calls his sheep by name.” The truth is that Jesus knows you intimately, and he calls you to himself. That’s pretty incredible. Despite our own shortcomings, Jesus is always shepherding us and calling us to himself.

Psalm 23:1 is helpful here: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” We ought to read and understand this as, “The Lord is the only shepherd, and I shall want no others.” Jesus has not only come to give life and give it abundantly, but he has come as the shepherd of your soul, to lead you to himself so that you might experience the hope that can only be found in a relationship with him.

Why is that so good? Because the very next verse in Psalm 23 says, “He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” That’s the kind of shepherd I want to follow, and that’s what makes Jesus as the Good Shepherd so good.

But, that’s not it.

Secondly, Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he also leads us through dark valleys.

Jesus references the wolves several times. In the book of Mark, we are even told that there are wolves who are dressed up in sheep’s clothing who seek to devour the sheep.

So you see the reality for us as Christians is not that we will be free of trouble, free of trials, and free of any difficulty, but we are promised that the Good Shepherd has come to give us life in the midst of our dark valleys. And, when the trials of life do come, he goes with us.

What does Psalm 23 say? “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” You are often going to walk through some very dark valleys in your life. We deal with things like cancer, death, loss of a job, life changes, and all sorts of pain that comes into this life because that’s just what life is in a fallen world.

However, this is what’s so special about the Good Shepherd. He doesn’t just point his staff and tell us to go here and go there and do this and do that. He goes with us. That same Psalm 23 wonderfully says that we don’t have to fear the dark valleys because the Lord goes with us, for his rod and his staff comfort us because the Good Shepherd leads the sheep through the valley to the other side.

What an incredible comfort it is to know that the Good Shepherd never leaves us.

Lastly, Jesus is the Good Shepherd because he seeks out other lost sheep.

Finally, the Good Shepherd leads us to other sheep that are not yet part of the family. Verse 16 says that he has other sheep that are not yet a part of this fold, and he says, “I have to bring them too.”

How is Jesus going to bring other sheep into the fold now that he’s no longer here? He’s going to do it through the church walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, doing evangelism, and seeking out those who are far from God.

The Good Shepherd leads us to himself. He leads us through trials. And, he leads us to other sheep who must come into the fold through the Good Shepherd. In a nutshell, that is the mission of God, and it is to be carried out through his church.

False shepherds seek to steal, kill, and destroy. The number of ways this happens is endless.

But, the Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, and by his own death, he enables them to be adopted into the family of God. That is the good news of the gospel. That’s what’s so good about the Good Shepherd!

Come up at FBC...

A Peace Worth Pursuing

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:21:13 GMT

A Peace Worth Pursuing

Amidst the incessant demands of contemporary life, the universal pursuit of peace emerges as a palpable yearning. Modern challenges amplify the desire for tranquility, with studies revealing that adults, more than ever, contemplate their eternal destination. Whether consciously acknowledged or subconsciously sensed, there exists a collective longing for serenity in the midst of a fractured world. The pivotal challenge lies in discerning where true peace is to be found.

A prevalent issue arises when individuals seek peace in misguided avenues—be it within oneself, through escapism, or in fervent campaigns for change. Consider the ubiquitous advice to find inner peace by being at peace with oneself—an alluring yet ultimately flawed mantra. The quest for true peace transcends self-discovery; it cannot be unearthed within the confines of one's own being.

Escapism, often perceived as a temporary reprieve, offers fleeting moments of solace, as seen in the respite of a vacation. However, such respites are short-lived, and the harsh realities of life inevitably resurface. Escapism, akin to sweeping problems under the rug, may momentarily mask turmoil but fails to pave the way for lasting peace.

Similarly, the pursuit of peace through activism, fueled by the belief that societal change will usher in tranquility, proves elusive. Campaigning for change, though well-intentioned, often yields incremental results and rarely fulfills the envisioned transformation. True and lasting peace, in contrast, finds its roots in Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace.

The birth of the Savior signifies the advent of peace, as it sets the stage for the redemptive work of the cross. In the crucible of the cross, Jesus bore the weight of our sins, offering a pathway to eternal peace that transcends the ephemeral troubles of this world. Romans 15:13 encapsulates this profound truth, asserting that in Christ, joy and peace abound through faith, bridging the gap between humanity and God.

Luke 23:44-45 unfolds two pivotal events that pave the way for peace. The first event signifies the judgment of God the Father falling upon Jesus Christ, shrouding the land in darkness and obscuring the sun's light. This symbolic darkness represents the profound judgment Jesus bore on behalf of humanity. The second event, the tearing of the temple curtain, epitomizes the accessibility of God's presence through faith in Christ.

Through faith, reconciliation with God becomes possible, ushering in genuine and enduring peace. Romans 5:10 reaffirms this, proclaiming that the death of God's Son reconciles enemies to God and secures salvation through His life. In this reconciliation, the cradle of true and lasting peace is discovered.

Reflecting on the essence of Christmas, it extends beyond the quaint imagery of a baby in a manger. It encapsulates the profound narrative of a baby who would later triumph over sin and death on a cross, offering the gift of peace to all who believe. As the cherished Christmas hymn resounds,

"Hark! The herald angels sing,

'Glory to the new-born king,

Peace on earth and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!'"

That is a resounding proclamation of the peace that Christmas brings to those reconciled with God through Christ.

Biblical Discipleship

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 22:11:23 GMT

Discipleship in John 1:35-51

There's quite a bit of talk in the church world these days about the importance of discipleship. I am thankful for this emphasis, and I certainly believe it is a much needed corrective to its lack of emphasis over the years. For too long, being a disciple of Christ was synonymous with simply attending church. However, just attending church does not make someone a disciple of Christ any more than shopping at Walmart makes me an employee. Being a disciple of Jesus Christ is a calling to die to yourself and live for Jesus. It's costly and sacrificial.

In my sermon on Sunday I referenced Rosaria Butterfield's journey of discipleship. She was a committed LGBTQ advocate and was in a committed homosexual relationship. In addition, she was a tenured college professor at an elite university where she frequently attempted to dissuade students from believing in Christ. She said she viewed Christianity as "stupid, pointless, and menacing." However, she later came to know Christ as her Savior and said she began to read the Bible like a glutton devours food. She said, "I fought against the conviction with everything I had. I did not want this. I did not ask for this. I counted the cost. And I did not like the math on the other side of the equal sign. Then one ordinary day, I came to Jesus, open handed...Jesus triumphed, and I was a broken mess. Conversion was a train wreck. I did not want to lose everything that I loved."

Rosaria Butterfield would go on to leave her tenured position and her immoral relationship so that she could follow Jesus faithfully. For her, discipleship was costly and sacrificial. The truth is that it's always costly and sacrificial. As our church has been studying the book of John, we see that immediately in John 1 as Jesus calls his first disciples. When Jesus called Andrew and Philip, they dropped all they had to follow Jesus. James and John were busy minding their own business when Jesus called them as well. This happened again and again, and it's probably the same story that happened in your life. Discipleship is a calling to follow Jesus, but it's also a calling to bring others with you.

So, what exactly is discipleship? We can sum it up biblically with three ideas.

First, discipleship is following Christ. Discipleship is the act of following Jesus, learning from him, conforming one's life to his teachings and example. Jesus says in Matthew 16:24, "if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." There is much more that could be said here, but in essence, discipleship is the act of laying down your life to follow Jesus.

Secondly, discipleship is a journey of transformation. It involves the process of being transformed into the image of Christ so that others see Jesus in you. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." This aspect of discipleship points to the reality that mere head knowledge of the gospel is not what Jesus demands from us. He wants each and every disciple to be transformed into someone more like Jesus than the world.

Lastly, discipleship also means making other disciples. Discipleship encompasses the responsibility to pass on what you have learned about Jesus to others to make new disciples. This is clearly the commission given in Matthew 28:19-20 where Jesus says to go into all the world and "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Most people are completely comfortable with the first and second aspect of discipleship and prefer to outsource the act of making disciples because it's easier and safer. The reality though is that being a follower of Jesus requires your willingness to share Jesus with others and call them to this journey of discipleship.

As a church, it must be our desire to follow Jesus in such a way that, not only are we believing the right things, but that we also move outward toward others to make disciples who will come and follow Jesus with us. This is the essence of discipleship - that we would behold the greatness of Jesus, walk with him in the power of the Holy Spirit, and that we would bring others along with us as we go.

Let's commit ourselves to this journey of discipleship. It's not always easy. It's always costly. It's always sacrificial. But, the beauty of it all is that it is in the laying down of our lives for the sake of the gospel that we truly find life.

Pastor's Blog

Lazarus, Suffering, & Redemption

Lazarus, Suffering, & Redemption

What's so Good about the Good Shepherd?

﻿ What's so Good about

the Good Shepherd?

A Peace Worth Pursuing

A Peace Worth Pursuing

Biblical Discipleship

Discipleship in John 1:35-51

What's so Good about