Why would we pay attention to a story 3,500 years old in a land far removed from us? Because it is our story too. In this 5 week series from Exodus, Dr. John teaches that the themes of deliverence and covenant are our themes as well.
The dictionary defines optimism as a perspective which sees the favourable side of life. Many rest their optimism on the shoulders of their skills, resources or even luck. Dr. John reminds us that smiling at the future is possible not because of our capacity or actions, but because of God's providence. We can embrace the favourable side of life and eternity because God is in charge. This brings hope, courage and a smile.
"What differnece does a healthy biblical view of God's providence make in every day life?" Dr. John asks and answers this pivotal question. We are reminded to live by faith in our sovereign God. The faith that makes a difference is faith that believes in God's providence, trusts His wise governance, and then orders life in response to His purposes.
Every complaint we make about the weather, our health, traffic or neighbours is an insult to the providential work of God. Our complaints suggest that either God is not doing enough, or we don’t like what He is doing! Dr. John points us to Paul's experience in a Roman jail, and the joy Paul felt despite harsh circumstance. Knowing that God rules over every detail of our lives is cause not only for gratitude, but for deep joy.
Fear is at play in our lives more often than we care to admit. We worry about our health, our family, climate changes, community violence and international tensions. We worry that no one seems to be in charge. But God is! He governs this world every minute. "Fear not," is God's assurance and command. We take courage, not because the dangers are illusionary, but because God rules over all. We can trust Him.
Every parent has heard their child ask, "Why?" Children can't understand the complexities of life, and the wise actions of parents confuse them. With God, we are the children. Often we look heavenward and ask, "Why?" The mysteries of Earth and Heaven are hidden within the providential wisdom of God. Dr. John assures us that while we may be baffled by God's ways, we can trust His goodness and care.
An old song says, "Que sera sera - whatever will be, will be." It is the song of a fatalist.Fatalism is driving on a set road heading to a pre-set destination, regardless of what happens .Is fatalism the same as God's providence? Dr. John walks us through the Scriptures to understand the difference. We will seee that God executes His determined designes through the willing obediecnce of His people. What we are and do matters to God!
What difference does a healthy biblical view of God's providence make in every day life?" Dr. John asks and answers this pivotal question. We are reminded to live by faith in our sovereign God. The faith that makes a difference is faith that believes in God's providence, trusts His wise governance, and then orders life in response to His purposes.
Inevitably, as we consider the providential rule of God over creation, we have to ask this question, "How does the rule of God intersect my own free choices? If I am free to make my own decisions, how is God in control?" Dr. John helps us understand the Biblical teaching of our free will. What are we free to do?
There are things we want but cannot do. There are things we can do, but do not want. Is it the same for God? When we consider the sovereign rule of God over creation, we have to explore the nature of His will. Listen as Dr. John unfolds the Scriptures about the will of God in our world and in our lives.
The wrongs of this life are obvious. Violence. Exploitation. Cruelty. Destruction. We see instances of evil daily. We are grieved, angered and confused. Why doesn’t God do something about this? Can God do something about this? Listen as Dr. John demonstrates that God's rule over this earth includes His reign over the sins of this world. We can take hope that nothing will defeat God's plan - not even sin.
Are the conditions of our lives happenstance? Where we are born? How tall we are? Our mental, emotional and spiritual capacities? Dr. John demonstrates Biblically that our lives - and every aspect of them - are products of God's providence. This message gives us cause for joy and gratitude over God's care for each one of us.
It's a feat of management skill to get a family of 5 out the door on time. It's another matter to control a large company or even a small country. But the Bible teaches that God rules over all people - all families, companies and countries -- and all at the same time! Listen as Dr. John reviews the Scriptures that grant us confidence in the Headship of Jesus over this Earth.
We talk about the weather daily. Many of our words are complaints. We see it as random chance whether we can enjoy sunshine or endure rain. Dr. John will show us that even the clouds and wind follow God's direction. Providence means that all of creation, animate or inanimate, has a trajectory. Everything is moved by God towards His purposes.
If God did something different each day, how would you know it was God doing it? Dr. John will demonstrate that the consistency of God's actions in creation provide a foundation for science, but more so, for hope to us all. Every day God upholds His creation in consistent ways - all for His glory and our good.
Are we to live by the principles of chance and change in this life? Do we simply trust luck - good or bad? If that is all we have to rely on - then insecurity and depair will dominate. Dr. John points us to Biblical foundation. Jesus hold this universe together by the power of His Word. We do not rely on luck, but the benevolent omnipotence of our Lord. Listen and be encouraged.
Healing is not a divine right of the children of God. It is an action of grace when the sovereign God deems it for His glory and our long term good.
There is a basic principle, prayer and praise are for all of life. It is for all of life because it is needed in all of life.
Endurance is not the same thing as patience. We may endure with angry or bitter spirits. James call us to patience which blossoms into faithfulness.
We think that being rich is the optimum life! James warns us of the dangers of wealth.
Pride tells us that we are in control of our own lives. Humility recognizes the need for grace. The good news is that God gives grace to the humble.
James makes it clear that many quarrels come about because Christian people are not learning wisdom from God. Instead they have never let go of the wisdom of this world.
If you rely on the kind of wisdom whose origins come from our world and culture, then devastation will follow.
How can you tell if something is wise or not? James points to the qualities of God's wisdom and the destrcution that results from human plans - even if they sound smart.
Listen to James' teaching on the wildness of our speech. Dog's can be trained but tongues can't! But even an untamed tongue will be righteous when the heart is pure.
Ship rudders. Horses' bit. Human tongues. Singular items that have dramatic effect and powerful impact.
Genuine faith is manifest beyond our confessions - it is seen in our deeds. Consider the marks of real faith from James' teaching.
What is the relationship between our faith and our works? Are these in polarized tension? James says, "No." Faith and works pull in the same direction.
Faith that Works:Genuine Faith Loves Genuinely James 2:8-13 When a window breaks, it breaks all the way. The whole is distorted by even a minor fracture. That is true of God's law as well. So when we love and obey we should do it wholly and sincerely.
God doesn't play favourites - but we do. James call us to a practice of faith which embraces the all people - regardless of external appearances.
Have you ever forgotten what you looked like? James point to that danger if we hear God's Word but do not obey it. We develop forgetful souls - not knowing who they are.
To listen well is a life skill. It is also a skill to develop with God. James teaches us how to hear God well. It is a lesson of the heart, not just our ears.
God only gives what is good. We may not easily recognize goodnss in each gift but we live with this confidence - the goodness of God does not change. We experience grace every day.
Those who fix their eyes on the eternal rewards are strengthed for persistent endurance. The prize is worth the patience.
When James speaks of joy, it has both a present and future perspective. That means we can smile at what God is now doing and what He has in store for us all.
Do you have people in your family who have not yet come to faith? Jesus did! At first His own siblings did not believe in Him. Today we hear from Dr. John about the story of James, the borther of Jesus, leader of Jerusalem church and author of this book of wisdom.
Since trouble comes to every Christian, we all should be prepared to face it. Peter closes this letter to Christians under pressure with three commands. The commands speak to the way we view trials, our awareness in them and the means to endure. Listen to Dr. John explain Peter's commands about humility, alertness and standing fast. Listen for God's promise to all believers under pressure.
What is a Pastor to be? The role has shifted in recent decades. The model of the "Business Executive" has influenced congregational expectations. In chapter 5, Peter describes the responsibility of all Pastors. Listen as Dr. John teaches on the task, attitude and promise of every Pastor . It's good for Shepherds and sheep alike.
Whatever difficulties we face in this life, Peter has wise council: remain thankful, reflect theologically, and trust God. Christians are not surprised when trials come nor does our joy in Christ dwindle, it grows as we identify with Him.
Almost 2000 years ago, Peter told his readers that the end of all things was at hand. What did he mean by this? And what does it mean for us now? In this message we unpack God’s instructions for our lives in light of Christ’s return.
Would you do good if it meant suffering? That was the choice of Peter’s audience, and it's ours today. Christians should expect to suffer for doing good. Dr. John shows from the Word some ways godly life stands opposed to culture.
This passage is a difficult one, but when understood offers great encouragement to believers who stand against the majority. Dr. John breaks down the death and resurrection of Christ, baptism, and the hope that awaits us.
Persecution is inevitable for the Christian, but don’t let it be because you’re acting ungraciously with unbelievers. Do good. Share about the faith that gives you hope, and do it with gentleness and respect.
How can Christians be a light in a dark world? What kind of behaviour brings true life? In this passage, Peter gives a summary of the counter-cultural godly living that Christians are called to with each other and the secular world.
Whether it is overt persecution or subtle pressures, Christians have always faced trials in this world, and our culture is no exception. The book of 1 Peter offers us encouragement by reminding us of our identity as chosen sojourners and commending us to continue to do good.
Jesus Christ suffered immsensely but He never sinned. As His followers we can expect to suffer too, and we must respond as He did. Join Dr. John today as we are reminded of Christ as our example and our shepherd.
When Christians face suffering from the government, employers, or others, we must only act honourably. In today's passage Peter is speaking to Christian servants, but his message is very relevant to us today.
How are Christians to respond to the government, even when it is opposed to us? What does our freedom in Christ really mean for how we act? Today we learn from 1 Peter what it means for us to honour, submit, and do good.
In a world of such opposition, who are we as believers? Today Dr. John looks at Christian identity according to Peter. We were all saved from sin to be God's people in the world and to act like it, fighting the flesh and doing good.
The great temples of the earth will all crumble and fade, but the Spiritual House of Christ will last forever. Like Christ, all who believe are eternally living stones that build this House together, as we sacrifice our very selves in love.
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