"What of those who have never heard?" It is a common question when discussing missions. In today's message, Dr. John addresses the question by outlining what Paul believed in Romans. We will find that the question is not a cause for debate but a motive for evangelism. We will also note that God has infinite mercy through Jesus Christ.
Christians should not be surprised about where they live. We live in a world that is broken, fallen and dark. Christians should not be confused about our mission. We are not to simply survive but to storm the gates of hell in the Name of Jesus. In this message, Dr. John traces the missionary enterprise of the early church. They were not deceived nor defeated by the world. They knew Jesus is both true and victorious.
There are certain words that are jammed with a lot of meaning. The word "gospel" is like that. It carries the content of almost everything we are and do in Christianity. But as Dr. John makes clear in this message, there is a single simplicity about the gospel. There is a fundamental truth about why Jesus died. This is the gospel. Everything else is additive. Gospel people believe this truth and live it daily.
We hear much these days that we live in a polarized world. Identities shaped by culture, race, preference or gender become defining barriers. We see it daily, but it is not new. In this message Dr. John speaks from Ephesians that God is uniting all of us together in one new identity. We are one in Christ! What ever we are by gender, race, age or status, is no wall between us. Jesus is our Peace.
Sometimes we play, "What if?" What if Winston Churchill wasn't England's Prime Minister in WW2? What if there was no COVID-19 pandemic? Obviously we recognize that God is in control, but we wonder what might have been. In today's sermon Dr. John asks, "What if the Jerusalem Council turned out differently?" What would the spread of Christianity look like, if Gentiles were made to live like Jews? God by His grace and the Council by its wisdom, chose a different path - one that would open the world to the message of Jesus Christ to the glory of God.
To say that Jesus was Jewish is more than a statement of ethnicity. He was Jewish by birth, language, culture and faith. Jesus believed and practiced the Torah. In today's message, Dr. John demonstrates that Jesus did not abolish the Old Testament, but rather, He fulfilled it. He fulfilled it by extending grace to Gentiles. God has always had a heart for people to come to faith, regardless of who they are. He will fill the earth with His glory.
A lighthouse can't illuminate an entire coastline at once, but that doesn't mean it serves no purpose. It provides both caution and direction to all who pass by. In today's message, Dr. John speaks of God's agenda for Israel as a beacon to the world. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel was a light to the Gentiles. God was reaching to the nations through His people. He still does. God's people are to shine for the glory of God. That is our mission.
Cartography is an ancient discipline which traces the place and relationship of countries. Maps show us where countries are and how they are in relationship to one another. In today's message, Dr. John quotes the Apostle Paul in Athens. We will note that God is the One who determines the boundaries of nations. The atlas is drawn by God and He does this so that all may seek Him. God has always had a global mission and heart. He will fill the earth with His glory and use Israel as His means.
We assume that human need is the centre for missionary activity. Since our need is so great and obvious, it must be the motive for missions. In today's message, Dr. John points to a different motive - a higher one. The foundation and motive for missional activity is the glory of God. That doesn't suggest that the human need is insignificant. It does mean that in whatever missionary enterprise we undertake, God is to be glorified in the message of the cross.
There are couplets that have to be understood together. Up and down. Good and bad. Life and death. We can't understand one without understanding the other. In today's message, Dr. John speaks of eternal life and eternal death. We need to recognize both truths as we come to Jesus Christ for deliverance.
In today's message, Dr. John speaks of belief and what saving belief is. There is no issue more vital for us. It is belief that determines our eternal life or death. Listen as Dr. John speaks of the nature of belief to know, to agree, to surrender and to trust.
It is the nature of love to give. We do it for each other. We teach it to our children. Dr. John teaches today on the loving nature of God to give to all of us. He gave each of us life and all things to sustain life. But ultimately, His love is seen in the gift of His Son. Jesus came for us, to be like us, to remain eternally like us that we might be with Him forever.
What does John mean when he writes that God loves the world? Does he mean God loves nature and the beauty of sunsets? Is John referring to the whole of humanity? Dr. John helps us understand the way the Apostle uses the word "world." We will discover that God loves the unlovely, the rebellious, the fallen. He loves in the places and people we find hardest to love.
The things we think we know lose our attention. If you have driven a route often, you don’t notice the scenery. There is no Scripture more readily quoted or recognized than John 3:16. In this series, Dr. John walks us through gospel truths we probably have heard before. You are invited to be refreshed and renewed in the simple message of God's love; Jesus' sacrifice and our saving faith.
The pastoral office suffers diminished respect in our society. There may even be some in the church who doubt the necessity of the pastoral role.
The last words of civil war General Sedgewick of the Union Army are reported as, "They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist...." Final words should matter. Given the opportunity, we would want our last comments to be quality words reflecting a quality life. Today Dr. John looks at the final words of Paul to the Ephesian Elders. Paul describes not only his pastoral task, but the manner and motive of his life.
Who hasn't fallen asleep in church? When the demands of the day, limits of the body and quality of the speaking intersect poorly, drowsiness is predictable. Today Dr. John speaks of Eutychus, who fell asleep during Paul's sermon. Was the problem Paul's sermon or Eutychus' attention span? Dr. John points out that the occasional sermon slumber, or even dry message is worth the benefits of God's Word spoken and Christian fellowship enjoyed.
Every Christian today ought to acknowledge and appreciate the Jewish roots of our faith. Our Saviour, Scriptures and early beginning are all Jewish. Today Dr. John speaks of Paul's intent to return to Jerusalem with financial help for Jewish Christians suffering in famine. He carried the sacrifice and good will of Gentile Christians to Jews in Jerusalem. This example of respect and support between Jews and Gentiles ought to inform us in our day.
We have all seen riots through media, or perhaps even in person. It is frightening because a riot is all passion with no room for reason. Riots give vent to anger and violence without regard for consequence. Dr. John looks at the riot in Ephesus and offers a Christian response to the enflamed actions of an unruly mob. Dr. John highlights the role of the courts and the need to pray for authorities in our land.
Faith and finances have a troubled relationship in our society. Faith can be used as a platform for personal gain. So, some conclude that money and Christianity should be kept as far apart as possible - but it is not possible. Money is a reality of life. In today's message, Dr. John points to the Biblical pattern. Faith is a platform for help and healing to the hurts of this world, through the resources He grants us. Faith leads to generous hearts and grants us opportunity to serve His purposes.
It is human to attempt a reshaping of God in our own fashion. So the God we begin to worship is false, a deity of our own making. The Bible calls this idolatry. Dr. John preaches of Paul's ministry in Ephesus and the clash of light with darkness. It was when the believers repented of their idolatry practices that the Word of the Lord increased mightily. Turning from what is not God opens the way to the God who is true.
Partial information can be as detrimental as no information at all. Reading only some of the prescription instructions doesn't lead to health. Knowing a few rules of the road creates a dangerous driver. Today Dr. John teaches from Acts 19 of the twelve who have partial information about Jesus. The truth they were missing was the truth that saves. Even today, many know something about Jesus, but do not know Jesus.
There is so much to learn in life, no one can claim to master it all! Still, ignorance is not our problem. We can always learn. But a false sense of mastery will always get us into trouble. The one who thinks they know it all cannot learn. In today's sermon, Dr. John points us to Apollos as a brilliant man who was willing to be instructed. Dr. John reminds us of the need for accurary in things that matter most and of the humility it takes to learn.
We get into our car, decide where to go and set the GPS. We trust its directional commands to get us to our destination. Dr. John teaches that throughout Paul's second missionary journey, the apostle trusted the guidance of God's Spirit. Paul didn't choose his own destinations for the gospel. He was steered by the Spirit. Personal initiative and the wisdom of his plans were surrendered to the leading of God. Listen to today's message to hear how obedience unfolds.
Port cities have a reputation. They are exposed to the varieties of trade, new ideas and surging population. Corinth was a boom town that exhibited the traits of immorality. Can the gospel stand up to the extremes of human fault and error? Dr. John teaches on Paul's gospel work in this fallen city. We will see that rather than skipping this "hopeless," place, God tells Paul to stay. God has many people to reach there. Where sin abounds, grace abounds more in Jesus Christ.
Paul began his sermon on Mars Hill by recognizing that we are all seekers of God. While Paul was grieved at the worship of idols, he spoke to the root of man's heart - looking for God. Today Dr. John points to the best part of Paul's sermon. There is good news! God is not far. He has providentially established conditions of earth, that He may be found. Paul's sermon gives hope to every seeker. God wants to be found and has reached to us in Jesus Christ.
We are made for worship. The image of God stamped upon everyone who breathes plants a hunger for God. Clearly that hunger is misshaped by sin - but it is a hunger nonetheless. Dr. John walks us through Paul's sermon on Mars Hill in Athens. Paul begins his sermon with what everyone has in common: a hunger for God. In a city that was filled with worship, Paul directs their crooked paths to the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Only Jesus can sastisfy our hunger.
In our day, Google has become the authoritative text to resolve arguments or debates. If you want to know who won the World Series in 1958 - look it up. Of course, Google is not inerrant and far too flimsy to assure us of vital matters. When Paul preached, he pointed to the Scriptures as the authoritative and reliable source of truth. Dr. John speaks today of the Bereans, who when they heard Paul, they then went to the Scriptures to verify the truth. God has not left us to guess, take a poll, or rely on the voice of another. The truth of Jesus is in the Scriptures and it can be trusted for eternity.
Our commitment to Christ is professed and practiced in an arena of competition. Others pull at our time, attention, contribution and loyalty. It may be family, work, good causes or political expectations. Disciples learn to give what is due where it is due - but no claim can precede our obedience to Jesus. In today's message, Dr. John demonstrates that truth lived out in Thessalonica. Listen and learn how the early Church practiced loyalty to Jesus in the midst of other demands.
We may think of perseverence as simply not stopping. But to coninue in fear or complaint is not the image of Christian perseverence. In this message, Dr. John shows Paul and Silas persevering with faith and a song - even through beatings and imprisonment. Steadfastness is more than stubborn continuance. It is a reflection of Christ is the midst of trouble.
Jesus charged His followers to be His witnesses thoughout the Earth. Paul follows that command all the way to Philippi. Listen as Dr. John teaches about the entrance of faith into the first European city. The resistance of darkness is strong, but Jesus promised that even the gates of Hell could not withstand the gospel.
We all make plans; from simple decisions about dinner to major moves. But what happens when our plans get changed? What if they are changed by God? In today's message, Dr. John traces Paul's missional itinerary and notes the ways that Paul surrendered to the movement and voice of the Spirit. The plans of God take precedent over the ways and wisdom of men.
Common sense suggests that a precious treasure should be carried by the most qualified means. Do not allow for weakness, failure, or incompetency in the process. But God has placed the treasure of the gospel into the hands of humans - who don’t always measure up. Dr. John teaches on the beginning of Paul's second missional journey and points to the tensions and challenges within every believer who carries the gospel message. And yet the gospel grows. listen and consider the grace and power of God through frail vessels like us.
Historians wrestle with the rise of Christianity in first century Rome. How can a movement with little finances, no political power, and meager human resources set the Roman Empire on end? Luke answers the question in the book of Acts. Dr. John begins a series from Acts 16-20 to demonstrate the rise of the Christian faith in a hostile world. He points to the similarities between our day and the days of Acts. Listen and be encouraged by the power of God available for our world.
Our pilgrim jouney is not a sprint. Finishing our race well takes endurance and a sustained effort. Listen as Dr. John describes the qualities of a race of fatih. We can be encouraged by those who have gone before us. We must set aside that which weighs us down. Most of all, we laser our focus on Jesus who stands before us.
Hebrews 11 gives a record of people of faith. While their lives might seem beyond our grasp, the faith they exercised is within our grasp. In this message, Dr. John uses the life of Moses as education for our faith. We will find that faith recognizes the plans of God for us. Faith is willing to embrace the cost for the greater advantages granted by grace.
The word "Pilgrim" may sound old fashioned to some, but it is an apt description of the Christian life. It is the image you see portrayed in Hebrews 11 - those who are seeking a heavenly home. Dr. John cautions us in this message. We are prone to be settlers who sink roots into this world. Instead, we are to be pilgrims, passing though this life into eternity. The spiritual life is a journey, not just to Heaven, but to God.
What does it mean to live by faith? It has to do with consistency, perseverence, and following God. But it is more. Dr. John reminds us in this message that faith requires that we live our lives by what is unseen. Men and women of faith believe and obey what God has said. They trust His Word over their own five senses. While our world may be confused by such a lifestyle, God sees such a life and is pleased.
So, what is faith? Is it having all of our questions answered? Is it goosebump excitement before a trip of a lifetime? Is it an attitude of confidence? Dr. John points to Hebrews 11 and teaches on the nature of faith. While faith may have elements of all these things, it is deeper and more powerful than them all. Listen to this message of hope and allow it to nurture your own life of faith.
The story of Jesus' birth is the pivot of God's larger story. The Bethlehem story is not God's full story. To understand the fuller narrative of God, we need to consider the complete Scriptural text. In this message, Dr. John reminds us that the story from God begins in Genesis, is reflected in Israel's history and heard through prophetic promises of the Messiah. All of these threads are woven together at Christmas. Most of all, we see that our smaller individual stories are repaired, restored, and resolved in the great story of God.
Christmas cards tend to be idealic portrayals of peace and joy. But Jesus did not come to a Christmas card - He came to our world of shadows and danger. He came to a world where evil kings kill innocent infants. In this message, Dr. John demonstrates that God came to the real world - one where tears are shed. We are reminded that wickedness is real, pain is a human experience, but comfort and hope are the gifts of God. Light has shone in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.
The name "George" means farmer. "Sophia" means wisdom. Now, George may not grow up to till the land and Sophia may not exude wisdom. But Isaiah promises that the child to be born will fulfill the expectations of His name. Dr. John walks us through the promises of the Son who would be given. He will be wonderful, counsellor, the mighty God, everlasting Father and the prince of peace. Listen as Dr. John opens our understanding of the Names of Jesus and what they mean for us today.
Faith is hard. Believing and trusting God consistently challenges us all. Those in faith may still have times of doubt. Those with no faith can't see a reason to believe. In today's message, Dr. John uses the example of King Ahaz and the sign promised by God as demonstration of God's grace to help our faith. "The virgin will conceive and bear a Son, and he shall be called Emmanuel." While King Ahaz refused the sign, Christmas proclaims to all today that our Saviour has come.
Many have their DNA tested to determine their heritage. They are interested to discover where they come from and connect the dots of ancestors. When Matthew begins his gospel with Jesus as the "Son of David", it is not just for curiosity's sake. It is a declaration of Kingship. In this message, Dr. John traces Jesus through the lineage of David to the promises of God. Jesus is the King whose reign is an unceasing exercise of righteousness and peace. His rule will bless the whole Earth. And it begins in Bethlehem.
Jesus said that the whole Old Testament spoke of Him. Jesus is in the pages and promises from Genesis to Malichi. So Christmas too is in the Old Testament, if even as a whisper. Today Dr. John looks at the Day of Atonement and points to the coming of our Saviour. There is an overlap of truth from Leviticus 16 and the Christmas account from John's gospel. In both, we see the presence of God among us to bring redemption.
The central celebrations of Jews and Christians are similar. Passover and Christmas have much in common. They both are national and family observances. They both require a lot of preparation. They both are about God's deliverance for His people. In this message, Dr. John traces the details of the Passover and the fulfillment of those details in the birth of Jesus. Jesus has come as the ultimate Lamb without spot, who will save His people from their sins. Christmas is more than a sentimental tale of a baby born. It is the declaration of our deliverance.
To live with hope means trudging uphill against a strong headwind and over many obstacles. There is much in life that works against hope. In today's message, Dr. John points to the hope of a Saviour found in Genesis 3:15. That promise is challenged again and again in the narrative of Genesis. The events of Genesis press against the hope of redemption. But with every twist, God repeats His promise. Nothing and no one could frustrate the promise of God. The hope of Christmas survived. The hope survives still.
We assume that life breaks simply because that is our known experience. Our machines and devices, our health and relationships, our dreams and ambitions - all of these suffer loss, failure and misuse. But it hasn't always been that way. In today's message, Dr. John takes us to the very beginning, where life was pristine and perfect. But the temptation of the serpent became the entrance of sin for humanity. Our hope is this. At the very start of brokenness, God points us to a Redeemer. The first promise of Christmas comes when sin first enters our living. But brokenness doesn't have the last word. Jesus does.
We shouldn't be satisfied with only half of a good story. And yet with Christmas, that is what most of us do. We enter the story of Jesus without much consideration of the story God has already spoken. We begin at Bethlehem, but God's story about Jesus begins much earlier. In today's message, Dr. John reminds and instructs us about the Old Testament being all about Jesus. Genesis to Malichi is God's story to us about the Saviour to come. As Christmas approaches, let's consider the whole narrative of Jesus.
Schools have report cards. Employees have evaluations. Finances have audits. There are many ways to be held accountable in this life. In today's message, Dr. John speaks of the ultimate accountability before God. Everyone who has taken breath will stand before His gaze. As Dr. John teaches on the separating of sheep and goat, we discover that God has a very particular criteria in mind - the treatment of His people on Earth.
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