The Simple Truth

The Gospel of John

This Sunday I'll do an introductory message for our series, "The Gospel of John" where we'll be making our way through the entirety of this blessed book.  We haven't done a series through a book of this length in some time and I am excited to see what God is going to do in us over the next few months.  Below is the blurb for the series and the first few messages in the series...

Few books in the Bible are more beloved than the Gospel of John. This love affair is not without reason for John's gospel offers one of the most beautiful and insightful depictions of Jesus found anywhere in scripture. Why are we studying the gospel of John? Our purpose is the same as John's was for writing it - John 20:31 "...these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name."  John is the perfect balance of theological depth and practical insights and will take our faith in Jesus to new heights.  Come and join us on this epic journey through this amazing book.

4/1  The Intro

4/8  The Word

4/15  The Voice

4/22  The Lamb

4/29  The Plunge

5/6  The Disciples

Integrating God's Word into My Life

I hope you'll join us this Sunday as we conclude the 40 Days in the Word campaign by talking about how we can integrate the Bible into all areas of our life.  Jesus says in John 8:31-32 that in order to be his disciples we must "continue" in his word. That word "continue" means to abide or to remain.  Hopefully during this 40DITW we have developed some habits that will become life long. If we hope to be a true follower of Jesus we need to continue and learn to integrate God's word into every facet of our lives.

See you Sunday.

Don't forget to SPRING FORWARD this weekend. 

How Do I Study a Bible Passage

I'm a proud owner of the Lord of the Rings DVD collection. My favorite part of the collection is watching the "Making of..." extra features on the DVDs.  They go through the details of how the movie is made. It's fascinating to watch!  Thousands of hours poured into the making of a 2-3 hour movie.

This Sunday I'm going to give you a behind the scenes look at how to study the Bible (a live "Making of..." session on how to study a Bible passage). If you've ever wondered how to dig into a passage of the Bible and get something out of it you don't want to miss this Sunday's service.

See you there 10am in the Playhouse at Westminster Choir College.

Every Need Met...

This morning as I read through the fifth chapter of the gospel of Mark I was struck by the similarities and consistencies within the three miracles performed by Jesus in this chapter.  There are three different people with differing needs but in each instance Jesus is the answer.

• Demon Possessed Man (v.1-20) - He has a spiritual need.
• Woman with Issue of Blood (v.25-34) - Has a physical need.
• Jarius with sick/dead daughter (v.21-24, 35-43) - Has an emotional need.

Let me share some of the consistencies I observed between these stories...

• They involve the number 12. The woman had her issue for 12 years. Jarius' daughter is 12 years old. The possessed man's story doesn't specifically mention the number 12 but when the demon is asked his name by Jesus he responds "Legion" because their were multiple demons - might there have been 12? I say very likely given the consistency of God's word. Why twelve? The use of this number most likely points to spiritual condition of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus is illustrating Israel's need for him through these healings.
• In each story the people in need are desperate for help. They had tried other alternatives and nothing was able to resolve their issue.  The possessed man had been bound with chains many times but simply broke free. The woman with the issue had spent all her money going to doctors and had only gotten worse.  You can be pretty certain that Jarius, a ruler in the synagoge had tried every other option before turning to Jesus. The fact Jarius finally turns to Jesus for help shows how desperate he is. Sadly, sometimes desperation is what it takes to drive us to the Lord.
• In each instances the participants worship Jesus. Even the demonic man comes and falls at the feet of Jesus worshipping (v.6). This blew me away. The demons find their proper place before Jesus, why do we struggle so much with this. After her healing the woman falls at the feet of Jesus and confesses all to him. Jarius comes with an attitude of worship and falls at Jesus' feet. After the healing, Jarius and all other present are astonished at what Jesus has done.
• Fear must be replaced by faith. Each stories involves a person who is afraid (or feared) and who finds faith in Christ. Fear and faith cannot occupy the same place at the same time.  If I'm fearful I don't have faith. If I have faith, I will not fear. Another way of looking at it is my fear is shifted from my circumstances to a healthy fear of God.  Jesus tells Jarius in v.36 "Do not be afraid; only believe." That's his advice to us as well.
• Every need is met by Jesus.  Whether you have a spiritual need, physical need, or an emotional need. Jesus can provide the healing you need.  Come to him in faith and receive his healing.

Can I Trust the Bible?

Hope you can join us on Sunday for week one of 40 Days in the Word. This week we'll answer the question, "Can I Trust the Bible?" Trust is not automatic - it must be earned. The thing/person being trusted must show itself to be trustworthy.  We'll discuss seven reasons why the Bible is in fact trustworthy.

If you haven't already done so make sure you sign up to be part of one of our six-week 40DITW small groups as together we love, learn, and live God's word.

40 Days In The Word

This Sunday PBC is starting a new spiritual growth campaign called "40 Days in the Word".  I'm so excited about this I can hardly contain myself. The campaign will involve 7 weekend sermons about the word of God (see below for the series blurb and weekly topics), a 6-week small group curriculum where we'll learn how to more effectively study God's word, a daily personal online devotional, and a weekly memory verse pertaining to the word of God.

As with anything in life, you will get out of this campaign what you invest in it. So, I encourage you to attend the services every Sunday, get involved in one of our small group studies, and take the time to watch/listen to the daily devotions. Let's go "all in" during this campaign and watch God do something really special.

In Amos 8:11 the prophet describes a famine, not of bread or water, but of hearing God's word. Sadly, we live in a time when the word of God is readily available but scarcely read. Frankly, too many of God’s people don’t know God’s Word, don’t really believe God’s Word, and don’t ’do’ God’s Word. Our church is participating in "Forty Days in the Word" with hopes of being transformed into people who are ’doers’ of the word. During this seven week campaign we will explore the authenticity, reliability, power, comfort, interpretation and doing of God’s Word.  Join us as we learn God's word, grow in our love for God's word, and begin living out God's word.

1/29   How do I Build My Life Upon the Bible?

2/5     Can I Trust the Bible?

2/12   What is the Purpose of the Bible?

2/19   How Can I See What God Wants Me to See?

2/26   How Do I Know What it Means?

3/4     How Do I Integrate God's Word into my Life?

3/11   How Can I Use God's Word Effectively?

Starting the New Year Right

As we approach the dawn of yet another year I thought I'd make a quick post and encourage you to use this new begining to make a fresh start in your reading of the word of God.  In order for us to have a thriving and abundant walk with God we need to have a consistent relationship with God's word. Reading/studying the Bible needs to be part of our daily routine. I can honestly say nothing has impacted the consistency of my Christian life as much as spending quality time in God's word each morning.  So, if you're not already reading the Bible I would invite you to make 2012 the year you turn over a new leaf, or page as the case may be.  In fact, let me challenge you to read thru the entire Bible over the next 12 months. You can do it! I know you can.  Go for it!

There are many different resources you can use to aid your time in God's word. The are numerous reading plans from which you can choose.  Let me recommend one resource that I have found to be incredibly useful - especially if you are more of a techy type (smart phone, internet, ipad, etc.).

Check out Youversion.com. On this site you will find a plethera of reading plans. There is no doubt you can find something that will suit you.  Get the new year started right by starting a new reading plan in the word of God.

How I Start Each Day...

Every day some time between the hours of 5-6am you'll find me in my house doing the same three things...

• Sitting in "my" big comfy recliner.
• Sipping on a cup of Dunkin Donuts joe.
• Reading the pages of God's word.

That is how I start each day with very few exceptions.  There is little doubt that this daily habit has made all the difference in my walk with Jesus throughout the years.  My reading plans have varied over the years from thru the Bible in 30 days, to reading a few passages a day on a particular topic. However, one thing has never changed, the desire to have God speak into my life and to be changed by my time in His word.

If you desire to have a healthy, thriving walk with Jesus you must have a consistent relationship with the Bible.  Find a reading plan that works for you and spend time in God's word every day. Enter this time desiring Him to speak to you and change you. Schedule this time into your daily routine and make it non-negotiable.  I promise you it will make all the difference in the world.

Maybe you are think where do I even begin. Here is a great resource for you to check out - Youversion.com.  On this site (and Smart phone app) you'll find every reading plan imaginable. Check it out.

The Forgetful Mind

There are certain things in life that you don't want to forget - an important meeting with your bosses boss; your kids birthday; your wedding anniversary (I've done that - only saving grace was she forgot too, whew!); or where you parked at the mall or stadium.

But according to Philippians 3:13 there are some things in our past that should be forgotten so that we can focus our minds on the future.  What are these things that should be forgotten?

• Failures - we need to learn from them and move on. Don't let fear keep you from trying again.
• Successes - we need to celebrate them and move on. Don't rest on the laurels of succes.
• Bad things - don't let bad things you've done, or that have been done to you, destroy what God wants to do in the future.
• Good things - don't live in the past continually thinking about the good 'ol days.
• Past attempts to establish self-righteousness. It can't be done (Paul discovered this). Our righteousness comes from Jesus (Philippians 3:9).
• Past pursuits of worldly priorities. Make pursuing Jesus your priority in life (Philippians 3:10).

Fear of Death

Many are scared to death of death.  This fear can be driven by any number of sources - fear of the unknown, fear of pain, fearing the loss of control - to name a few.  But is this fear based upon reality or is it another case of False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR).  According to what Jesus says in John 11:25-26 there is no need to fear because he is the resurrection and life. Those who believe in him will never die.

Through the finished work of Jesus Christ we can be spiritually resurrected (Ephesians 2:4-5) if we believe in him.  At some point we will also be physically resurrected with Jesus (Romans 8:23) and we look forward to that day.  Death is not the end it is only the beginning.  Some have said that this life is preparation for eternity.  What awaits those in Christ is far superior to what we could ever experience here on earth.

Overcoming the fear of death is crucial because you aren't prepared to live until you aren't afraid to die.

Let me leave you with the same question Jesus asked Martha in John 11 - do you believe?