It was over in an instant. The battle between David and Goliath lasted as long as the flight of a stone. David faced Goliath with the tools of a shepherd and had the experience of defending his flock from a bear and lion. Dr. John reminds us that we answer the calling of God with the shaping and resources of God. God had prepared David for this moment. God is preparing you for His purpose as well.
The fact that we all have a calling from God doesn't suggest that everyone responds well to it. Rising to the call of God requires courage - but a specific kind of courage. Listen as Dr. John speaks of David and Goliath. You will note that while David had personal courage, it did not rest upon his ability, experience or equipment. David’s confidence was in God.
We are not self-made, but shaped. We are not self-directed, but guided. Believers do not craft their own calling, but respond to the Voice and Hand of God. We see in David's life, not only that God had a calling for him, but the way David discerned and answered that call. David's pattern becomes a template for us all.
The place and purpose of David within the Scriptures cannot be overstated. He is the epitome of Monarchs in the Old Testament and the foreshadow of Messianic reign in the New Testament. Mores so, David's life is evidence that God has purpose for us all. Listen as Dr. John begins to trace the intent of God through David's life. It gives hope and meaning for us as well. We may not rise to the heights of David, but our lives in God's Hands have purpose.
Micah is a prophecy of stark clarity. It demonstrates the fallen condition of humanity and the judgement of God which rests upon us justly. But it is a Messianic prophecy as well. The Messiah will come to judge, rule and to pardon. Dr. John demonstrates how the coming of the Messiah in Bethlehem proves to be the hope for all for pardon and cleansing.
In an age of "actualizing our potential" or "managing our personal flaws," sin has become absent. Yet there is no escape from the biblical truth. We are fallen beings unable to rise to God's requirement. Today Dr. John teaches from Micah 6 with its courtroom drama. God's demands are clear. We must "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God." Yet we fail repeatedly to obey. That's why we need a Saviour.
For children and adults alike, the wait for Christmas seems long. Its coming is not measured simply in days or weeks, but in anticipation and goosebumps. It may feel delayed simply because we long for it so much. The same is true for Jesus' second Advent and, in fact, for all the promises of God. Dr. John reminds us through Micah that despite what feels prolonged, hope sees and waits for the promises of God.
Our first thought when we hear the word "Advent" is about Christmas, and justly so. God has come to earth. Micah writes of Advent and acknowledges Bethlehem, but he looks further. The prophet speaks of Jesus' second advent and the righteousness of His earthly rule. Listen as Dr. John unpacks the plans of the Lord begun in Bethlehem, but much more is still to come.
Good news comes when we are in need. From doctors, accountants or our GPS, the information is welcomed because we are sick, broke or lost. It's our plight that makes the news good. The good news from Micah about a Bethlehem birth is celebrated because we are under judgement. Listen as Dr. John echoes the prophet, clearly, we need a Saviour.
And the end of John 6, we see many followers deserting Jesus. They could not accept His words nor surrender to His teaching. In their disagreement, they abandoned Jesus. Jesus did not change His words nor compromise to keep them. He does not yield to their expectations. We yield to Him. In our surrender we find the truth, as Peter confessed, "Jesus has the Words of life!"
The "Jesus" of our making is comforting and soothing. He nurtures our preferences and accepts our faults. But the Jesus of the Scriptures has always found opposition. Our culture (and every culture before us) has scorned Jesus because He doesn't fit our wishes or intentions. Listen as Dr. John itemizes the reasons for public offense. Nothing proves more offensive than the cross - the very means of deliverance and life.
In John chapter 6, we find phrases from Jesus that have caused confusion and controversy. Jesus speaks of "eating His flesh and drinking His blood." When the crowds heard it, some were offended. What did Jesus mean? Today Dr. John explains the teaching of Jesus and points us to our unshakeable hope - the atoning work of Jesus for our sins.
It is common for people to consider Jesus with certain expectations in mind. But when what they have in mind doesn't match what Jesus says or does - they think the problem is with Him! They walk from faith feeling disappointed. Today we are reminded by Jesus that who He is exceeds any expectation we could have. Jesus is never less, always more.
Life is filled with disappointments. Things do not always work out as planned, and we often don't get what we want. So, we might be excused for feeling insecure in this life. The problem is that we carry this insecurity into our spiritual life. Will God remember me? Will He reject me for my failures? Dr. John points us to the words of Jesus. We are held securely by the promise of God. We are assured of heaven not just because we want God; but because God wants us.
How much money is enough? The cliched answer is "More!" More is the same expectation we have for love, hope, joy and peace. We are driven by seeking satisfaction in all our wants. That's not wrong, but often misplaced. Our sin is trying to find meaning and fulfillment in things, activities and relationships that don't last. Listen as Jesus points our cravings to the only full and permanent satisfaction.
The central question for each one of us is simple, "What does God require from me?" Should I pray more? Do I need to give more? How can I be a better person? Now there is no doubt that more prayer, generosity, and holiness is fitting, but is this what God expects? Today Dr. John turns us to the words of Jesus. There is one work that pleases God - our faith.
Faith is the means of our spiritual life. We begin by faith. We continue by faith. It is not the product of our own efforts, but of grace. And it is by grace that God nurtures our faith. Today we hear of the way that Jesus enhanced the faith of His disciples. During a night storm, Jesus walked on the waves to His disciples. The event began in fear and ended in faith. To grow in faith, it helps to have a crisis!
We are self-oriented people. Self-interest is our natural default. So we can understand why a crowd followed Jesus after being fed with a boy's small lunch. They thought that anyone who could solve their hunger should be king! Today we hear Jesus correct us. He is not just a means for our satisfaction, personal or political. Listen as Dr. John cautions about using Jesus for our own gain.
Why did you say "Yes" to your current job opportunity? Why did you marry your spouse? Why did you come to Jesus? Reflecting on our past motivation gives insight to our choices. Today Dr. John invites us to examine our motive for faith. We will find that our reasons for turning to God have probably matured. It has become less about us and more about Him.
The book of Colossians closes with a listing of those who supported and partnered with Paul in his ministry. Some of the names are familiar, while we shrug our shoulders at others. But every name is significant as a narrative of God's handiwork. Like names in a graveyard or those engraved on a cenotaph, these names have a story - even as our name has a story. Every story is a message about God's grace and glory.
Speakers and writers tend to pack in more content as they near the end of their communication. You get that sense from Paul at the end of his Colossian letter. He writes in a compact manner of prayer, ministry and evangelism. The brevity of his words does not suggest that these are small matters. In fact, he invites the Colossians to participate with him in these God-given opportunities. Whenever God is at work, there are no small matters.
Today, we justly look with abhorrence at slavery. It has not been that way throughout all of history. Slavery has been practiced in various manners, even in biblical times. Listen as Dr. John teaches on Paul's commands in Colossians to both slaves and masters. We are reminded that any condition can be a vehicle of grace for God's glory.
Considering the number of complaints and criticism we hear of the family structure, you may begin to wonder if it is truly something "good" as declared by God in Genesis. The New Testament affirms the goodness and importance of the family. Paul speaks to the Colossian congregation and gives specific commands to wives, husbands, fathers and children. These commands remain relevant, central and beneficial for our homes today.
Families may gather for meals. Fans gather to cheer their team. Managers gather to set visions and direction. Why does a Church gather every Sunday? The people of God meet to worship. While worship may shift from culture to culture and over the generations, Paul commands the church at Colossae to pay attention to their form of worship. Dr. John teaches on the fundamentals of worship for every congregation.
Not all clothing fits the occasion. Shorts and t-shirts are inappropriate for a formal banquet. Likewise, not all clothing fits our identity. Teens and seniors dress differently. Paul tells the believers in Colossae to take off what was true of their past and put on what is new in Christ. Today Dr. John teaches on the 5 virtues that Christians are to put on. We will find that these virtues suit every occasion and fit every believer.
It is our experience to be living and growing. A toddler is alive but not yet what they will be. So too in Christ - we are made alive and are growing into the stature of Jesus within us. Today we learn that our growing necessitates a renouncement of sin, both sexual and relational. Our growth may not be a straight line towards perfection, but it is in a new direction, pursuing that which glorifies our Lord.
Those in cemeteries give no thought to the stock market, the latest fashions or current amusements. They are dead and have no relationship to matters of this earth. Paul reminds us that we were dead, but are now raised with Jesus. In this new life we are to set our hearts and minds on the matters of heaven - the Kingdom of God. Listen as Dr. John teaches about seeking the things above and resisting the things below.
You may have received a phone call or an email proclaiming that you won a spectacular prize. The prize is yours and all you need to do is subscribe to a magazine, pay the upfront taxes or some other obligation. Paul warned the Colossians about adding anything to God's gift of grace in Jesus. We are not saved, nor do we live by "Jesus plus..." To trust or exalt anything added to the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus is wandering off the path of grace.
If the bank manager called you into their office and declared your mortgage free and clear, your car loan forgiven and all your bank accounts filled beyond measure, you would have good reason to celebrate! Today we celebrate the good news of our personal ledger of crimes and punishment being wiped clean in Jesus. By His sacrifice, we are forgiven and made alive. Reason enough to celebrate for ever.
It is a marvelous mystery that the fullness of Deity resides within the physical being of Jesus. Added to that mystery is this - all that Jesus is, dwells in your physical being as a believer. Whatever lack or shortfall we sense within ourselves is enveloped by this truth. We may not be what we should be nor what we will be, but in this moment, we are complete in Jesus Christ. Take hope in that.
There have been instances where someone wins a very large sum of money through a lottery ticket, and then continues to buy more tickets! What could they possibly need, having been so enriched in the first place? Dr. John asks the same question about Christians. Having received an immeasurable, eternal treasure in Jesus through grace, some still seek more beyond Him. They are in danger of losing something precious - their gratitude and praise for what Jesus has given.
Anyone can be tricked; but that can be easily reversed with better information. Not so with delusions. Delusions are rooted deep within us and create personal blind spots resistant to instruction. Dr. John points to the only remedy for delusions - a heart that is sensitive and growing upon the riches of Jesus Christ. Delusions are not cured just through better information - we need heart change.
The work of Jesus is fulfilled. His atonement for our sin is complete. So, what does Paul mean when he says that he fills up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions? Listen as Dr. John sorts through our confusion. The finished work of Jesus is an on-going message that we carry to our world. For that, we suffer.
A small word can carry a big difference. When we hear the word "If," we recognize that the family trip or house purchase may happen, or it may not. "If" suggests a conditional context. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the "if" Paul uses in relation to our salvation. The word is not meant to introduce doubt, but confidence and hope.
Have you ever wondered what the early church sang? What were their songs of faith about? We find in the first chapter of Colossians an early hymn. The song is about Jesus, who He is and what He has done. It's a song about creation and redemption. Listen as Dr. John walks us through the second verse of that hymn. It is a song of joy and peace we can echo today!
The best way to understand Christianity is not a study of world religions, churches, or individual believers. To learn about Christianity, we must learn about Christ. We ought to begin with Jesus, because in Jesus, everything begins. Here Dr. John teaches on the supremacy of Jesus over all created things. Only when we understand Jesus does the rest of the world make sense.
When we think about knowing God's will for our lives, we tend to consider the major decisions of marriage, career, moving or staying. Today Dr. John teaches that the will of God is broader than specific decisions. The will of God is something we live out daily. Listen to Paul's prayer for the Colossians and the four requests he prays to help them understand the will of God for their life, and ours.
Nothing on earth is perfect. We must wait for heaven to be all that we should be. But until then, we often focus only on what is wrong. Our attention to what needs change can blind us to all that is good. Dr. John reminds us of Paul's first word to a church wavering on heresy - a prayer of gratitude. It's a good example for church leaders, parents, employees, and citizens - be grateful and pray.
It is harder today to know what is real. Artificial intelligence allows for false voices, photos, or videos to masquerade as true. It's getting difficult to discern the manufactured reality. Of course, this is not new. The Devil deals with lies and parades as an angel of light. Colossians is a book that compels us to examine the truth about Jesus and ourselves. Listen as Dr. John teaches us to not only recognize the truth, but to share it.
Truth must be spoken and lived, understood and practiced. Knowing the science of balance is one thing, riding a bicycle is another. Paul outlines the facts of the gospel in Romans 1-4, but he then speaks of the power of the gospel in us, chapters 5-8. Today, Dr. John reviews the effect of this good news in the lives and actions of believers.
A toddler in the arms of their parent may hold tightly, afraid of falling on steep declines or across busy roads. They think that security is in their grip on mom or dad. The truth is, their security is not in their little arms, but the loving arms of the parent. In today's message we find that the security and perseverance of our souls into glory is in the work and grip of God.
It's not hard to look around and count the challenges, obstacles or opposition that presses against our faith. We may feel outnumbered and overwhelmed. But as Dr. John reminds us in this message, it is not who is against us, but who is for us! A stirring message of hope that nothing can stand against us because of Jesus Christ.
A chain is a series of connected links whose strength is as strong as each individual link. Dr. John teaches from Romans 8 on the theological chain forged by God which holds us to Him, His purposes, and our destiny. This Golden Chain of 5 links has the strength of God. No believer needs ever fear that it will break.
Believers are not immune to the pains of life. People of faith get sick, die in accidents, and can lose their jobs. Today Dr. John teaches on the promise of hope from Romans 8:28. Our confidence rests not in luck or our ability to avoid life's struggles. We trust in God who is at work in everything for good. Take heart, God is in control.
No believer prays alone. We enjoy the fellowship of prayer with others. But even when by ourselves, we never pray alone. Dr. John reminds us of the ministry of God the Spirit. He intercedes for us and prays when our mind or heart are limited. The Spirit stands with us and guides us into the will of God.
Ice cream parlours often allow you to sample a flavour before you buy. That does two things. It assures you that you'll enjoy the flavour, but it also heightens your desire to buy. Few are satisfied by simply tasting. Dr. John echoes Paul's teaching that by the Spirit, believers receive a foretaste of what we will be in glory. We groan for more.
The redemption found in Jesus Christ covers all of creation. Even as the whole of creation was stained by sin, so the whole of creation looks to the renewal of God in Jesus. Dr. John reminds us that the efforts of man to prevent and renew the ecology fall short. God Himself will make the earth and all creation exactly as He intended - all for His glory.
There are unavoidable truths in life. No matter who you are, where you are or how you live; they are inescapable. Suffering is one of those facts. Today, Dr. John speaks of our present suffering in light of our coming glory. When the certainty of current suffering and promise of future glory are compared, glory shines brighter. Since that is true, if our present sufferings are real, how great the coming glory must be!
We can become family by birth. We can become family by adoption. God has done both for us. He grants us new life in Jesus, but then He does more. He makes us His family by the Spirit - sons and daughters of God. Dr. John teaches on the abundant graces that have been granted to us. He has offered more to us than could be imagined.
When hitting a baseball or riding a bicycle, this principle applies; "You go where you look." Our bodies will follow our gaze, when swinging at a pitch or navigating a sharp turn. Today Dr. John reminds us that a similar principle is at work in our spiritual growth. When our minds and vision are set on the things of God, we will follow the leading of the Spirt.
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