Various companies make it possible to trace your lineage back to your ancestors via DNA. While the technology is new, the idea is not. Israel excelled at naming and tracing ancestors. Dr. John teaches on the lineage of Jesus given to us from Luke. He explains why it is different from Mathew's recorded lineage and highlights the importance of those differences. There is a message among the names.
When lost, the first step is to stop going the wrong way. But the next step is even more vital to reaching our destination. We need to start going the right way. As John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus, he preached a message of repentance. Today Dr. John reminds us that John's message was more than, "Stop!" It was also a time to "Start!" Listen to the new way of life that accords with repentance.
Dough must rise before the bread is baked. The ground is plowed before a planting. Fruit must ripen to be enjoyed. The idea of preparation is all around us. So too for the arrival of Jesus. Israel had to be prepared for the arrival of the Messiah. That preparation was the work of John the Baptist. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the timing, nature, and content of John's message. It was time for Israel to get ready.
As a rule, the Scriptures do not satisfy our curiosity. We have more questions than God gives answers. The childhood of Jesus is one area of interest that is met with silence - except for Luke. He is the only gospel writer that speaks of Jesus in His youth. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the single incident of Jesus' boyhood which demonstrates His lifelong commitment.
The rise of social media has given rise to suspicion as well. We read something online and wonder if we can trust it as credible. If that applies to things current, can we trust something written 2000 years ago? Dr. John begins this series on Luke's gospel with reasons why we can stand on what was written. Every believer needs to know the certainty of what they believe.
Victory is a time to celebrate. A sport team raises their trophy. Balloons descend while energetic music blares at a politician's triumph. Some will even "trash talk" their failed opponent. Today we watch David in a time of victory. His enemy Saul is dead. His pathway to the throne was cleared. Yet, David forbids celebration and laments. Victory is a time to be humble.
Everyone suffers. No one is immune to physical, emotional, or mental pain. Pain is not proportional. There are people who have experienced what seems to be more than their share. Dr. John walks us through the most painful time of David's life. In place of anger or bitterness, David strengthened himself in the Lord. We can do the same.
You can't live a "double life" with only one life. But we try to. We may be one thing at work and another at home. Our Sundays may be different from our Tuesdays. Our external life may be distinct from our inner life. In today's message we see David try to live a double life and God rescues him from his fault. God will reveal duplicity and lead us to a single heart.
What is of supreme importance in your life? What issue is always underneath everything you say or do? Today Dr. John points to the misplaced priority of King Saul who thought victory over the Philistines took precedence over hearing from God. Drifting from what matters ended in his death. Nothing should replace the primacy of our relationship with God.
Have you ever laid awake at night imagining the worst that could happen to you? Most of us have dealt with the pessimistic outcomes conjured in our fearful minds. Today, Dr. John deals with David's actions and plans to fix the negative outcomes he developed in his own mind. Regardless of the measures intended, nothing ever replaces faith in the care, presence, and promise of God.
Integrity is the harmony between what we believe and what we do. Life may press us to articulate our convictions, but then to act contrary to them. Dr. John looks at David as an example of one with integrity, who not only refused to do what was wrong, but chose to do what was right. A harmony of life needed within our days.
Has God ever prevented you from doing something you would regret later? Perhaps in a surge of anger or a hasty decision, God intervenes for good in our lives. God does what is right, even if we are prone not to. Today Dr. John teaches on about David's interaction with Nabal and Abigail. David had been wronged and was ready to avenge it. God stepped in with wisdom for the greater picture.
The confidence of a warrior is not enough to enable a king. David knew how to fight; he will need to learn how to reign. Dr. John points to God's care and schooling for David as he ran from Saul. A key lesson was learned in a cave in En Gedi. We learn to wait on God.
Only the naive think that David was prepared to be king at the defeat of Goliath. David demonstrated great courage and faith, but there was much in him that needed to be addressed by the grace of God. Dr. John teaches that the path towards glory is marked by suffering. God's intent is not pain, but purification. He shaped David for His purposes, even as he shapes us too.
Faithfulness is not a single step. It is a journey of many steps, one after the other in the same direction. Before David would be king of Israel, there were countless faithful steps he had to take. His path would face opposition, treachery and temptation. Listen as Dr. John points to the faithfulness of David despite great struggle. We can take courage in our own journey and trust the power of God for each step.
David went from being an obscure shepherd boy to Israel's hero. He was elevated, applauded and sung about. How did a young boy navigate the rapids of fame? Today Dr. John points to a gift that God provided for David; a friend. Jonathan and David were bound by heart. This friendship did more than help David understand the royal court. It helped stabilize David in the crush of popularity. Everyone needs a friend.
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.
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