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.
Every one of us is granted by God the opportunities and resources of life. We may not receive these in equal measure, but we have all been graced by God. What we do with these matters. In today's message, Dr. John teaches on our stewardship from God. We are not owners of life's abundance, but managers of the grace God gives. Listen and consider the expectation of our Lord placed upon each of us.
There are situations that come in life for which we do not want to be unprepared. School exams. Invited supper guests. Tax deadlines. These things are not unforseen. We should be ready. Today Dr. John. teaches the parables of Jesus which warn us to be prepared. Jesus is coming again. The time of His return is unknown. The fact that He will return is assured. Now is the time to get ready.
What is expected of believers as we wait for Jesus' return? Jesus offers a singular answer. We are to be found faithful. The answer is simple, but the doing of it is harder. In today's message, Dr. John unpacks what faithfulness looks like. Listen and consider what faithfulness looks like in your own life. Notice especially the pleasure and reward of our Lord extended to all who are found faithful.
We all live with a curiosity of the future. If we know what will happen and when, then we can be prepared! The disciples were no different. They asked Jesus questions about the future - but they didn't get the answer they hoped for. In this message, Dr. John reminds us that no one can know when Jesus will return. Instead of giving a date for the second coming, Jesus plants hope. We anticipate His return even though we can't say when. Hope is essential. Knowing the date is not.
This is a message of hope. Dr. John turns us to the words of Jesus about His second coming. While no one knows the day or hour, Jesus promises that it will be a rescue for the sake of the elect. God will intervene in history and prevent humanity's self destruction. He will return in power and glory - seen by the whole Earth. His coming is our blessedness.
If we want to understand what Jesus says will happen, we need to know what has happened. History is a foundation to the future. In today's sermon, Dr. John will take us back to Israel's past and explain the "abomination of desolation." We will see the dark days of Jerusalem's destruction. The glimmer of light in this darkness is the certain victorious return of our Lord.
Sometimes, straight talk is what we need, even though we may not want to hear it. In today's message, Dr. John teaches on the straight talk Jesus had with the disciples about the temple and the end of this age. Dr. John will highlight five signs which follow the destruction of the temple. Jesus also gives a caution. Even when you can discern the signs, you will not know the hour or the day. So be ready now.
This may sound harsh - but it is better to have cancer and know it, than to have it and pretend that you don't. Both situations are life threatening, but the first has the hope of treatment. In today's message, Dr. John echoes Jesus' words against hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is worse than ignorance or heresay. Those can be treated with truth. But hypocrites knowingly put on a pretense of health to mask their disease. Condemnation is the consequence.
Jesus consistently extended a free and full invitation to the Kingdom of God. In a word He said, "Come!" It may surprise some that His harshest words were directed to those who put barriers in front of the door to the Kingdom. In today's message, Dr. John walks through the "woes" Jesus proclaimed against those who were hindrances to the Father's offer of grace. The warning is clear. When God extends an invitation of grace, we do well not to tie strings to it.
There may be sins that we are less prone to commit. Not many of you reading this will rob a bank. There are other sins so common that we fail to recognize them in ourselves. Pride is one. In this message, Dr. John echoes the words of Jesus about pride - especially religious pride. It is the way of God to strip us of our self orientation, and in that empty space, grow faith. God blesses humble lives with grace upon grace.
There are 613 commands in the Law of Moses. Trying to obey each one daily could become overwhelming. So we understand why a lawyer would ask Jesus, "What is the greatest command?" Listen as Dr. John teaches on the Greatest Commandment. We will find that reducing the commands down to a primary expectation doesn't eliminate all the others. In fact, knowing the primacy of love informs and guides our obedience in all that God has said.
What happens when we die? You have wondered about it and talked about it. Our imaginations try to satisfy our curiousity. While God doesn't answer every one of our questions, there is enough to give hope and goosebumps. Today, Dr. John teaches on Jesus correcting misconceptions about the afterlife. We will find that there is a continuation of this life and the next. There are changes between this life and the next. God's power and wonder continue from this life into the next.
What is the relationship of Christians to the state? That is not a theoretical question. We face the implications of it in our day. It was the same in Jesus' time. In today's message, Dr. John uses Christ, Ceaser and a coin to demonstrate the response of faith in culture. We will find that the allegiance of faith is to Jesus and the expression of that faith honours the state.
Have you ever received a wedding invitation and thought, "Do I have to go?" But if the invitation came from royalty for a party of the year, you might think differently. Dr. John teaches on Jesus' parable of the final wedding banquet. Many reject the invitation, but that doesn't extinguish the generosity of the King. The invite is extended to everyone found in the streets. Listen to this message and consider God's great grace and your own response to the King.
A corner stone is the marker which sets the rest of the building aright. Everything is alinged to the cornerstone. In this message of Dr. John, we hear Jesus speak a parable which describes the rejection of Jesus as God's Son. But Jesus is the One against whom all things are measured. While he is the Rock which is rejected, he is also the Stone by which we are judged.
Jesus has caused a stir in Jeruslem. He entered the city as messiah and the crowds praised Him. He threw over tables I the temple and cast our buyers and sellers. Now He is afronted with a signifcant question, "What gives you the authority to do these things?" In this message Dtr. John addresses the authroity of Jesus. He has the rights to rule and to command us to repent.
There are places thought to be too holy to demolish. For the Jews, the Jerusalem temple was such a place. But Jesus demonstrated otherwise. Listen as Dr. John shows Jesus claiming the temple as His House of prayer and chasing the corruption out. But this was not merely a cleansing. Matthew writes of Jesus cursing the fig tree, a prophetic voice speaking of God's judgement upon the temple.
When you imagine the entrance of a great warrior, you might picture him in a chariot or riding a stallion. What we wouldn't do is imagine him on a pony. A pony doesn't communicate the power and majesty we expect. But that is what Jesus did. He purposely rides into Jerusalem on a foal. Listen as Dr. john shows Jesus purposely fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. Jesus was declaring Himself publically to be the Messiah. At the time of Passover, to the crowds of the city, Jesus shows who he is.
The passion of Jesus refers to the intense emotional experience of suffering He endured for us. Matthew traces that experience as he recounts the final week of Jesus earthly life in chapters 21-25 of his Gospel. Listen as Dr. John introduces that week to us, For our King, the Kingdom was foremost in His mind.
Satan is a defeated villian. Whatever power or influence he holds has an expiry date. In this final message on spiritual warfare, Dr. John lays out the four stages of the Devil's defeat. From the Incarnation though Jesus' resurrection to the great tribulation and Satan's ultimate demise, we see the Rule of God unshaken. God is seen as the power and glory of all creation. He proves to the protection and preserevtion of His people for all times - all the way into eternity.
It was C.S. lewis who said that some see demons everywhere or some see them no where. The Devil is pleased with either conclusion. Dr. John reminds us that what is needed is a spirit of discernment. In this message he offers key insights into understanding the work and presence of light or darkness.
We know that victory is assured by Jesus in the conflict between light and darkness - but the battle rages. We know that beleivers are not immune to the pains of this warfare. But what of our soul? Can a Christian be lost in spiritual battle? In this message Dr. John assures believers of their security in Christ. The grip of Christ upoon us is unbreakable. We may plunder the Devil's realm, but he is powerless to raid the Kingdom of Light.
We can make too much of the Devil. By doing so, we inflate Satan and can be wrapped in fear and worry. In this message Dr. John teaches that it is not possible for a believer to be possessed by Satan. We may be vulnerable to the Devil's exploitation of our sins, but there is good news. Satan will run from those who surrender to God.
Demon possession is a topic of interest and discussion in our day. Not all of that discourse is accurate or helpful. In today's message, Dr. John teaches what demon possession is and what it does. Once again we see that Jesus is Lord of creation and demons submit to His command.
In this message, Dr. John traces the history of spiritual warfare from Genesis to Revelation. He points to the cross of Jesus as the pivot of this battle. We are assured of victory by the death and resurrection of our Lord. The accuser of the saints has been cast out of Heaven and now patrols the Earth like a hungry lion. We exalt in the victory of the Lion of Judah. We live with eyes wide open for the lion of destruction.
It is possible for us to become too enamoured by angels or absorbed by demons. We should be informed, but only to the limits of the Scriptures and not speculation. In this message, Dr. John teaches about demons and guides us through the Biblical instruction about the origin and state of demonic powers.
In this third message, Dr. John continues teaching about angels. Why does God employ angelic agents to do what could be done by a word from His mouth? Clearly angels are not necessary to God, but they have a role to play in creation. Listen as Dr. john explains six things that angels do for God and for us.
Any discussion of the spirit world has to account for angels. In our culture, they are reduced to harmless chubby-cheeked cherubs which hang on Christmas trees. The Bible presents a different picture. In this second message, Dr. John focuses on the nature of angels. What are they and where do they come from? Set the childhood images aside and consider what powerful creatures God has made them to be.
There is an unseen world, just as real as anything we can discern by our five senses. The Scriptures point to this world and the battle within. Light battles darkness. Angels wrestle with demons. We too are engaged and affected by this spiritual warfare. In this message, Dr. John will address a redacted world view which is blind to the supernatural realities around us. Listen and consider the unseen.
At times we are cautioned not to burn any bridges behind us. It is thought to be wisdom to leave a back door option for returning. Dr. John points to Israel at the Red Sea and teaches that the crossing was like a burning bridge. God was closing any option for Israel to return to Egypt. The way of faith is forward. We must not use fear as a reason to return to what was. In His mercy, God may burn our bridges behind us.
Trust is not our default position. There has been much in life to teach us suspicion and cynicism. God calls us to abandon our self-protective ways and trust Him. Dr. John demonstrates the faithfulness of our God. The pattern of His power and provision for our lives becomes the platform on which faith stands. We may waiver and disappoint, but God never does.
"The just shall live by faith!" Faith is not only the gate to redemption, it is the path of redemption as well. Dr. John teaches from Exodus 13 and demonstrates how God both requires and grows trust within Israel. God led them away from battles because they were not ready. God commanded generosity to develop trust along the way. We can all be encouraged that God not only commands faith from us, but nurtures it within us.
A life of faith requires memory. What is and what will be, is shaped by what has been. The Passover meal was commanded with specific instructions. It was to be held in the same way, at the same time, every year. The meal became a means of instruction for families throughout generations. Listen as Dr. John points to our need to remember. Our faith is not novel but rooted in the Word and Ways of God.
There are scenes in life too terrible to imagine. We hear of a tragedy and struggle to conceive of the pain and loss. As Dr. John walks us through Exodus, we come to such a scene. The 10th plague is the death of every firstborn in Egypt. Only those households covered by the passover blood are protected. Can there be any worse death imaginable? Dr. John points us to the sacrifice of Jesus; the Firstborn of God; the Passover lamb for us all. Out of death, God brings redemption and life everlasting.
The Exodus is the central event in Jewish faith and Old Testament narrative. It is the account of judgement, deliverance and shed blood. In this message, Dr. John demonstrates that this 10th plague foreshadows the central event in Christian faith and the Biblical narrative. Jesus Christ is the Passover Lamb for all. His life and death speak of judgement, deliverance and shed blood. Both events prove that we cannot rescue ourselves. We are redeemed by faith in the merciful acts of God.
We have lost the sense of night's darkness. With the flick of a switch we can read in the dark, take a midnight stroll, or work past sunset. But, for generations, the dark of night was to be feared. In this message, Dr. John walks us through the 9th plague - the descent of darkness upon Egypt.The darkness paralyzed Egypt for three days and was a shadow of what was to come: death. Darkness whispers judgement. As "children of the light", let us praise God for glorious rescue of the gospel found in Jesus Christ.
God is God and we are not. That truth is clear, but humanity still resists. Hearts can resist, deny, argue and rebel. The kingdom of self challenges the rule of God. Dr. John points us to the heart of Pharoah, hardned against the ways and will of God. We are reminded that even Christian hearts can be proud. The path of humility finds the grace of God.
The Shorter Westminster Catechism teaches that the chief end of man is "to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." The glory of God is not only the ultimate purpose of humanity, it is the reason for all things. In this message, Dr. John reminds us that God's glory is the answer to every question of "Why?" Pharoah and all of Egypt were about to learn that through the plagues. It is our lesson as well.
Common sense suggests that when problems get worse, there's motivation to act wisely. An increasing clunk under the hood is reason to see a mechanic. But the human heart may not follow good sense. In this message, Dr. John demonstrates the rigidity of Pharoah's heart, even as the plagues get worse. As the plagues increase in intensity, so does the hardness of Pharoah's heart. Anyone who enters a contest of will against God is going to go from bad to worse.
The word "almost" conveys a vast difference. Almost rescued is not the same as being rescued! When God sends a second plague upon Egypt, Pharaoh almost changes his mind about letting Israel go free. But again, "almost" makes a big difference. In this message, Dr. John poses the question to us all, "Have we obeyed, or almost obeyed? Have we repented, or almost repented? Do we believe, or almost believe?" In matters of faith, almost is not enough.
In today's message, Dr. John points out that every culture has a foundation they trust. It may be the economy, technology, bureaucracy or human ingenuity. Egypt trusted the Nile. They believed in a god of the Nile river. In the first plague sent by Jehovah, He usurps the foundation of Egyptian faith by turning the Nile into blood. God does not share His right to rule. Every idol will be cast down.
A ventriloquist pretends to speak through a wooden doll. He can make the doll say whatever he chooses. Don't confuse that parlour trick with the role of Moses. Moses was to say whatever God wanted him to say - but Moses was no dummy! Dr. John shows that the central quality of a prophet is obedience. Moses chose to say the Words of God to Pharaoh. A Prophet is more than a mouthpiece. He is a willing servant of the Lord.
Is faith something that comes in absolute measure? Either we have it all, or we have none? Most would admit to a mixture of faith, "Lord I believe, help my unbelief!" In today's message, Dr. John looks at Moses and the moments of his waivering trust. Moses complains and questions the ways of God. We are reminded of God's patience and faithful promise. Faith is not a quantity to have or not have. It is a virtue to grow in, and nothing grows faith better than troubles!
At times, Christians can act like a football team which strolls onto the field and is shocked that the opposing team showed up! We expect victory without a fight. In this message, Dr. John speaks of Israel's bitterness and despair when Pharaoh increases their labour in light of Moses' demand. We are reminded that deep faith not only sees the promise of victory, but clings to it when the going gets hard.
In this message Dr. John assures us, "It is not how we begin the race but how we finish the race that truly counts." Moses did not have a stellar start. He doubted and even wanted God to send someone else! His shaky beginning was not a prediction of its end. For those who stumble or feel defeated before they begin, Dr. John offers hope. God who began a mission through Moses will complete it for His glory.
It is understandable that Moses questioned his own ability to fulfill the plans of God. Who could measure up to an impossible task? But as Dr. John teaches in this message, the excuses of Moses did not disqualify him from the call of God. God not only knew where Mose fell short; God made him that way. Rather than being discouraged by our weakness, we can trust God's Hand upon us for His purposes.
Even in the glow of a burning bush, Moses had doubts. He questioned the plans of God and his own ability to participate. In this message, Dr. John teaches on the signs that God gave to solidify Moses' faith. These were more than miracles; they were demonstrations of power pointing to deeper truths, truths meant to solidify our own faith.
A "commission" is the transfer of responsibility upon someone. It carries the authority of the one who grants it, along with obligation and accountability. Dr. John speaks of the commission God lays upon Moses and the fourfold description of his task. This was not a recruitment, but a commission. God does not simply look for volunteers, He calls and commissions.
An introduction is an exchange of names. When God met Moses at a burning bush, He called Moses by name. But Moses had yet to learn the Name of God. In this message, Dr. John highlights the significance and centrality of God's Name - "I am." Knowing the Name of God is more than holding information about Him. We are shaped by our understanding of God.
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