Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and ended up saying “that is not what I was expecting?”  That’s kind of the sentiment I experienced when studying the book of Hosea in the Bible.  If you’re looking for a lot of encouragement Hosea is not necessarily the book to tackle.  The book is mostly about sin and the call to repentance from sin.  We’re going to go for a tour of Hosea as it examines the problem of sin and provides the solution.

Let’s look briefly at the background of the book of Hosea.  It was written by a prophet named Hosea during the 700s BC over a period of about 40 years. The book opens during a prosperous time in Israel, but by the close of the book, Israel is on the verge of collapse (defeated and exiled by Assyria in 722BC).  The first part of the book contains Hosea’s personal story which becomes an illustration of the story of God and Israel. The remainder of the book presents a series of prophetic warnings to the people of Israel.

Hosea is not the easiest book to read and study.  It is often dark and even harsh.  After presenting Hosea’s personal story the prophetic messages continue in chapter 4.

“Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites,
    because the Lord has a charge to bring
    against you who live in the land:
“There is no faithfulness, no love,
    no acknowledgment of God in the land.
2 There is only cursing,[a] lying and murder,
    stealing and adultery;
they break all bounds,
    and bloodshed follows bloodshed.
3 Because of this the land dries up,
    and all who live in it waste away;
the beasts of the field, the birds in the sky
    and the fish in the sea are swept away.” (Hosea 4:1-3)

“My people consult a wooden idol,
    and a diviner’s rod speaks to them.
A spirit of prostitution leads them astray;
    they are unfaithful to their God.
13 They sacrifice on the mountaintops
    and burn offerings on the hills,” (Hosea 4:12-13a)

God opens by lambasting the people.  We continue to read the book and it seems like God is hammering away at the people of Israel.  Can’t they catch a break? 

What does wrestling with passages like this tell us?  We see the human struggle.  People are constantly tempted and faced with the reality of sin.  As Hosea shares God’s message we learn that God takes sin very seriously and that there are consequences for sin.  God cannot tolerate sin.  Not because he is a divine megalomaniac but because sin separates people from him.  It is the opposite of holiness and freedom.

  Hosea 4:16 tells us “The Israelites are stubborn,
    like a stubborn heifer.
How then can the Lord pasture them
    like lambs in a meadow?”

Essentially God is telling the people that they are acting how they will be treated.  They can’t be stubborn and go their own way and expect God to lead them to peaceful meadows.  They appear to not want to be led. Essentially this is the problem of sin.  Sin is a rebellion against God.  Sin is when people say to God, I am in control of my own life.  I will do it on my own.  I choose not to follow you.  One of my daughter Eve’s favourite phrases right now is “my do it”  or “I want to do it myself.”  Now a two year old and an adult are a little different.  But we’re not so different in our attitude.  When we sin or ignore God essentially we’re saying to God “my do it.”

We see this illustrated in Hosea.  The book opens at a very successful and prosperous time in the history of Israel.  The Israelites had come to rely on their armies and alliances with other nations for military protection.  They turned to idols for spiritual worship in hopes that the fertility cults would enhance their harvests. They has stopped caring what God thought.  They had stopped relying on him.

The message that Hosea gives over and over in the book is that Israel needs to repent of their sins and return to God.[1] Maybe Israel would get the message and things would turn around. However the problems described in Hosea led to a decline first in economic and material conditions and eventually to the downfall of Israel. Success without God was short lived. Israel was conquered by Assyria and deported out of the land. There were consequences for their actions.  Their success had led them to turn away from God.  We might ask: How could a good God let something like this happen?

God is good, but there is thing called sin. When we talk about sin, we often talk about it as a problem.  This is because sin is a problem.  The biggest problem humanity has ever faced.  Yet God does not leave us alone in our sin. Despite Israel’s failures, God did not stop calling to them.  He did not walk away. He sent prophet after prophet to warn them and call them back. We may very well have to face the consequences of sin like Israel did after Hosea, but there is hope for the future. After pages and pages of warnings Hosea ends in chapter 14 on a note of hope.

“Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.
    Your sins have been your downfall!
2 Take words with you
    and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
    “Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
    that we may offer the fruit of our lips.[b]
3 Assyria cannot save us;
    we will not mount warhorses.
We will never again say ‘Our gods’
    to what our own hands have made,
    for in you the fatherless find compassion.”
4 “I will heal their waywardness
    and love them freely,
    for my anger has turned away from them.
5 I will be like the dew to Israel;
    he will blossom like a lily.
Like a cedar of Lebanon
    he will send down his roots;
6     his young shoots will grow.
His splendor will be like an olive tree,
    his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.
7 People will dwell again in his shade;
    they will flourish like the grain,
they will blossom like the vine--
    Israel’s fame will be like the wine of Lebanon.
8 Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols?
    I will answer him and care for him.
I am like a flourishing juniper;
    your fruitfulness comes from me.”
9 Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
    Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the Lord are right;
    the righteous walk in them,
    but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14)
​
Though Hosea is often dark, it ends with hope and a prescription for the problem of sin.  To get to this point you have to persevere and finish the book.  The answer to sin is clear, people must repent. With repentance comes the restoration of full relationship with God. At the time Hosea’s messages were given, the arrival of Jesus was some 700 years away but this passage points to the future redemption he would bring. These final verses of Hosea are about the future restoration of Israel. Despite all of their problems and sins, historically God restored the nation and the people returned from exile. However, the fullness of the restoration described in Hosea will not be realized until the second coming of Christ. The future restoration of Israel despite their past shows people that no matter what you have or haven’t done or how much guilt or shame you feel God is not done with you. There is always hope for restoration. If the book of Hosea teaches us anything, it’s that God takes sin seriously, but that repentance is always possible. Don’t sit on the fence today, take this opportunity to make things right with God if you need to.  He’s waiting for a response.


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds,  Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: Old Testament, 1994, 1407

This morning we’re going to look at a story in the Bible about Jesus revealing himself to some of his followers. Here’s the setting: Jesus has been crucified and has died.  He has also risen from the dead, however many people do not yet know or believe this.  Put yourself in the midst of the unknown and let’s read the story in Luke 24:13-35: 

“That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem, 14 and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, 23 and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” 25 And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, 29 but they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together,34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!”35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.”

I must say I love this story.  Two disciples are walking and having an intense discussion about the recent events surrounding Jesus.  Jesus disguises himself and walks up to the two disciples and asks them what they are talking about.  They are incredulous that this stranger would not have heard about what had happened in Jerusalem. They are so shocked they halt their journey and stop still on the road. I wonder at this point why Jesus did not reveal himself? We can presume that Jesus wants the two disciples to open up and express their thoughts and feelings.[1]

The disciples finally crack and give their summary of the events.[2]  They believe Jesus is a prophet.  They blame the death of Jesus on the Jewish leadership.  They are in doubt. They were hoping that Jesus was the messiah, but it seems that his death has ended that hope.  They discuss the reports of the empty tomb but remain doubtful because Jesus himself has not been seen. How ironic that the very proof they are looking for is standing in front of them!

These two disciples were devastated. Their body language confirms their emotional condition.  They are standing still, looking sad. They have pinned their hopes on Jesus, only to seemingly be let down. The ‘third day’ in verse 21 was supposed to be the day of hope, as this was the day Jesus was supposed to have risen from the dead.  To these disciples it is too late; the day has come and is almost gone, seemingly without any concrete evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.

As they walk with nothing but time on their hands Jesus responds by giving them a rundown of the Bible (Old Testament) pointing out everything about himself. This must have been an amazing teaching! Could it be that this discussion was a key moment in God’s plan for these two disciples and for the early church? We know Jesus spent 40 days on earth following his resurrection appearing and speaking to his disciples (Acts 1). Indeed “For several reasons vv.25-27 are vitally important.  With great clarity they show that the sufferings of Christ, as well as his glory, were predicted in the OT and that all the OT Scriptures are important.  They also show that the way the writers of the NT used the OT had its origin, not in their own creativity, but in the postresurrection teachings of Jesus…”[3] With all this in mind, what might Jesus be speaking to you right now that doesn’t seem obvious in the moment but might be vitally important?

At this point the narrative reaches a break. The two disciples reach their destination.  Jesus, not wanting to be rude and invite himself over, implies that he is going on a bit farther. Again why would Jesus not make himself obvious?  Could it be that Jesus wants to be found?  If you’ve ever played hide and seek with a toddler you know it’s not a difficult game for an adult. Eve says to me “Where’d Eve go” as she covers her face with a blanket while standing in front of me. Of course I play along and take a little while to ‘find’ her to her delight.  Could Jesus be asking us to find him, to engage with him, while he stands there right in front of us?
The disciples urge Jesus to stay with them and he complies with their hospitality. They sit down for an evening meal and in a reversal of roles Jesus takes over as host and takes bread, blesses it and breaks it in an allusion to the last supper. It is at this moment that Jesus reveals himself. As they recognize him, he vanishes. Looking back the disciples realize that they had been receiving revelation from Jesus on the road “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (v 32).

Despite the late hour and their recent arrival at their destination they turn around and head back to Jerusalem. Keep in mind the text tells us that the village of Emmaus is about 11 kilometers from Jerusalem. It is evening and given the equatorial location, presumably fully dark.  It’s possible it’s somewhere nearing midnight when the 2 disciples arrive back in Jerusalem. When they arrive they find the 11 disciples gathered together.  The 11 are already proclaiming that Jesus has risen. It seems that Jesus has had a busy night. These two disciples add even more weight to the resurrection evidence as they share their story – their role is that of witnesses as they assure the 11 that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead.[4]  The days of doubt are over.  Jesus has revealed himself. He is alive. Hope is restored.

Have confidence that Jesus has risen from the dead!  Live in hope.  Secondly, believe that Jesus wants to reveal himself to you, but that sometimes you have to wait for him and look for him.  Finally, revelation from Jesus is what we need.  In this situation the disciples didn’t need a pep talk or a self-help book, they needed revelation from Jesus.


[1] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 528
[2] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 529
[3] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds,  Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 286
[4] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds,  Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994, pg 286​

Something that I love about scripture and reading the Bible is that it is ALWAYS relevant, we are able to learn from it, apply it to our lives and grow in our relationship with Jesus! (If we are willing to let it that is) 

In the passage we read (Luke 10:38-42) we see Mary taking the opportunity to spend time with Jesus and listen to His teachings while Martha chose to stress and worry about being a “good host” (Social obligation), which caused her to miss out on the time that she could have had with Jesus. Martha's priorities were out of order.

So let’s look at our lives and pose this question… What are our priorities? Something might jump up right away as an answer. Let's re-word the question. What is a distraction for us? Or What is keeping us from spending time with God? After thinking about this I'm sure most of us will need to do a bit of shuffling of our priorities, I know I do!. 

No matter what our personal relationship with God should be our first priority. Im not saying that we should not stop volunteering, helping others, being a good Samaritan or loving your neighbour. Instead Isaiah 40:31 suggests that we FIRST wait on the Lord which THEN gives us strength to act! Actions are important! But they never take precedence over our relationship with Jesus.

It’s crazy how easy it is to be overcome by our busy day to day stuff. Let’s take the time this week to pray and  re-focus our priorities and place them were they need to be. First Jesus, then everything else.

Hope you all have a great week, and God Bless
​- Pastor Nathan Ball

This time we’re looking at a fairly well known passage that is full of riches that we can keep coming back to.  It’s a parable called the parable of the sower.  It’s found in Luke 8:4-15. 

“While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”  When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”  9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,
·         “‘though seeing, they may not see;
    though hearing, they may not understand.’[a]
·         11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
 
Like other rabbis (religious teachers) of his day Jesus would often tell parables.  Parables are short stories using illustrations from everyday life to make a teaching point.  The imagery is straightforward – the farmer sows seeds and it falls on a variety of soils.  However,  there is a spiritual meaning to the parable.  The seed represents the word of God and the various types of soil that the seed falls on represents the various responses that people have to the word of God.  The purpose of the parable is first to encourage the disciples that there will be various responses to the word of God and that despite some unfavourable responses, ultimately the gospel will produce a rich harvest.[1]  Secondly, the parable is given to warn people against a superficial or careless response to the word of God.  To ‘hear’ the parable may require reflection, prayer and hard work.  Those who are willing to ‘hear’ the parable will be able to understand it.  Others will hear the words but remain ignorant of the spiritual truths Jesus is teaching.

The seeds that fall on the path represent those people who hear the word of God but the devil quickly snatches the word away. This is probably the most difficult type of response to understand because it’s not even really a response; the seed is simply blocked from growing. Before the seed has a chance to get going in a person’s heart, “Satan persuades them to continue in unbelief.” [2] These people have hardened their hearts against the word of God and it is unlikely to be able to break through in the present climate. The warning is that it is possible, and ultimately harmful, to ignore Jesus.

The rocky ground represents those who hear the word of God and receive it with joy; however they do not develop any root system. There is a level of initial response to the gospel but it proves to be superficial. The seeds germinate and begin to spring up – things look good on the surface. These people may follow Jesus as long as it is comfortable. However, the Bible teaches that testing and trials come to every believer (James 1:12, Rom 5:3-5).  When testing comes and things become difficult, those who are in the rocky soil are overwhelmed by the storm. The warning here is against a superficial response to the gospel.  If the gospel does not grow roots in one’s heart the seeds will most likely not survive any serious challenges. What roots has the gospel grown in your life? The need is for those who hear and respond to the gospel to begin immediately developing a root system to prepare for the inevitable hard times. If one develops a root system and perseveres through trials faith emerges stronger and roots grow deeper.

The seed that falls on the thorny soil represents those who hear the word of God and begin to grow, but the stuff of life comes along and they are not able to grow into mature plants. Like the rocky soil, there is an initial response to the word of God. Unlike the rocky soil these people begin to go deeper and farther than the seeds in the rocky soil. Seeds germinate, roots begin to go down and plants begin to grow. There is probably a level of sincere commitment to Jesus, but after the initial passion and joy of salvation along come the bills and the worries and the house and the job and the vacation plans and the hobbies and so on. These things choke out the gospel and prevent these people from growing into mature fruitful Christians at least for a time. Salvation is not the issue for these people, but rather priorities and passion for Jesus. When you examine your own life what thorns and weeds might be choking out the gospel?  The kingdom of heaven is worth giving everything for: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mark 8:36). The warning here is to carefully consider one’s priorities.

Finally, the good soil represents those who hear the gospel, who grow and persevere to maturity yielding an abundant crop. These people retain the gospel message by developing a deep and robust root system; they fight through the trials and tribulations by trusting in Jesus; the gospel message is able to fight through the weeds and emerge stronger. These people do not give up in adversity and they do not allow the concerns of the world to choke out the seeds – they persevere. The second key word is fruitful. If you look at any garden, or any plant, a plant that grows to maturity produces an abundance of seeds, far more than the one it took to grow the plant. The result of the seed planted in good soil is fruit – an abundant harvest. Despite the challenges and setbacks, followers of Jesus are called to make disciples.

The encouragement from this passage is that while there are various responses to the gospel, there will most certainly be a harvest from the seeds planted. I think the people who grow to maturity at some level pass through each of these types of soil. People make it through the initial challenge of the devil, then face the trials and tribulations of the rocky soil.  Persevering through troubles, the next challenges may be the thorny soil, the daily distractions of life that threaten to shift our priorities away from Jesus. Finally, facing and overcoming challenges and distractions, some people grow to maturity and produce much good fruit. Whatever happens in your own life and in the lives of those you share the gospel with, don’t give up on the gospel and don’t give up on bearing fruit.


[1] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 432
[2] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 433

​​In a world where foolish pride and stubborn independence seem to prevail, it is good to remind ourselves that true joy and freedom can only be found when we lay aside our willful wandering and choose to follow the only One who can actually lead us through this life safely and on into the next…
 
David opens the 23rd Psalm by declaring, “The Lord is MY Shepherd, I lack nothing”!  David identifies (as we should) with sheep who belongs to the Lord.  That said, sheep are apt to wander in search of whatever will satisfy their seemingly insatiable appetite.  They are often foolishly unaware of trouble as they wander and completely helpless to rescue themselves when their wandering brings them to valleys of fear, pain or imminent danger.  Were it not for a shepherd faithfully guiding, providing and protecting them, the sheep would surely perish.  
 
Praise God that Christ is our Good Shepherd who lovingly and sacrificially cares for our EVERY need physically, emotionally, and event spiritually.   Knowing this truth personally “makes it possible” for the Lord’s Sheep to lie down in green pastures and still waters, finding the needed refreshing for our wandering and weary souls.  Even when the sheep cannot see the provision they need, the Good Shepherd faithfully guides the sheep (who willingly follow), because He cares deeply cares for all the sheep, leading them to exactly what they need, when they need it.  Not always what the sheep want, but always what they need!
 
If we accept the challenge to see ourselves as David did, as Sheep belonging to The Lord, we will not only know His loving care, but we will know the saving grace of the Good Shepherd as well.  We will know the relief and comfort of knowing that our Good Shepherd fights for us.  He will use his rod and staff to beat off our enemy (the devil) and will reach out to us using his wooden staff (like He did on the wooden cross) and draw near to Him all who have wandered astray.
 
Even when the ‘shadow’ of evil and death makes a presence, the sheep can find confidence in the PRESENCE of the Good Shepherd; who is not shaken by a defeated foe.  When the Good Shepherd brings a feast before the sheep and invites them to sit and eat.  We can be still and know that the Good Shepherd is our God.  As the Good Shepherd draws near to bring us the feast, the closer He gets, the less of the enemy we can even see.  Instead of being overwhelmed, the sheep are blessed, anointed by the Good Shepherd.
 
All this to say that, like David, we can know the pursuing love and mercy of God all our days.  As we grow in intimate relationship with the Good Shepherd, we will eventually find ourselves following Him right into eternity; where we can dwell in the house of Lord ~ forever!
 
The big question we all face is “HAVE WE ENCOUNTERED THE GOOD SHEPHERD”?  Or are we still foolishly wandering, unaware that we face both physical and eternal danger.   Maybe today is a good day to lay down our stubborn pride and independence and choose to follow the GOOD SHEPHERD….


Bless You,
   Pastor Sherry
   (aka "One of His SHEEP) 

This time we are looking at another passage from the gospel of John.  This blog is drawn from the Sunday morning sermon at CCC for March 17, 2019.  We’re looking at some big questions: what is truth?  What is the opposite of truth?  The passage is John 8:31-36

31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?”  34 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 
 
Truth is a difficult concept to talk about.  Some people believe that what is true for me might not be true for you.  Jesus however, says that we CAN know the truth. How do we find truth and freedom in a crazy world?
Let’s start by looking at the context of this passage.  Jesus is speaking to a group of Jews who believed in him and is explaining the meaning of truth.  Based on their responses to Jesus in this passage and his responses to them, it appears that this group of Jews have a rather shallow faith based on Jesus’ miracles, rather than a deep desire to obey and follow him.  They are interested in the show but their faith is ultimately superficial.  With the context of the group Jesus is speaking to let’s look into the passage.

In this passage Jesus makes a seemingly straightforward statement: if people will abide in his word, they are his disciples, they will know the truth and the truth will set them free.  Jesus is talking about spiritual freedom, but the Jews misunderstand him and take his comment in the sense of political freedom. The Jews took a political tack on this question because as descendants of Abraham and children of the covenant between God and Israel, they did not consider themselves to be in any spiritual danger.[1] They probably believed they were more or less guaranteed a place in heaven simply through their heritage. 

As I was working through this passage I wonder, how often do people rely on external factors for their relationship with Jesus? For example as a child it is normal and natural to rely on the faith of one’s parents, but as one gets older one must make their own decisions about faith. 

To move away from the misunderstanding about heritage, Jesus makes his teaching more obvious.  He is explaining the difference between true freedom and slavery to sin.  Slavery to sin is often not immediately obvious; however anyone who consistently and willfully practices sin is a slave to sin.  Sin and truth are set as opposites. Sin takes one captive and makes one a slave, but truth sets a person free. 

Jesus goes to the concept of slavery to illustrate his point.  A slave has no standing in a household, they are at the whim of others and have no inheritance from the family.  On the other hand a son of the family has a permanent standing in that family.  In spiritual terms, slavery and freedom are not determined by heritage or family lineage; they are determined by our choices.  The devil and the world dangle the pleasures and rewards of sin in order to entice, but once a person is caught in a lifestyle of sin they find it to be a trap.  “Sin takes you further than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you want to pay.”[2] 

Slavery to sin ultimately leads to death.  There is only one way to be freed from slavery to sin; Jesus sets a person free.  Jesus has conquered death and the freedom that he offers is hope, joy and eternal life.  Jesus paid the ultimate price when he died on the cross, and through his sacrifice, death and resurrection he offers freedom and eternal life to any who would choose to follow him![3]  (See read Romans 8:31-39)
​
Jesus offers a new perspective on the world.  No longer are people slaves to sin, bound by the power structures and dominant people of the world or the spiritual forces of evil.  We are free in the gift of grace that Jesus offers!  To wrap up, what kind of saviour are you looking for?   Many of the Jews at Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour, but when they encountered the saviour they found him to be a savior they did not want.  They wanted a superhero, a military general, a king, a political leader, not a servant who offered his life in exchange for freedom from sin.  If you encounter Jesus offering you freedom what is your response to him? True freedom in Jesus is the most beautiful and freeing thing you could ever know.  Embrace freedom today!


[1] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds,  Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994 pg 325
[2] Alpha Youth Film Series
[3] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999,  pg 56

This blog is drawn from the Sunday morning sermon at CCC for March 3,  2019.  Unfortunately as we were still out of our building due to the church fire there is no audio recording.

This time we are going to look at a great passage about abiding in Jesus.  One dictionary definition of abiding reads: “continuing without change; enduring; steadfast” [1] 

The passage is John 15:1-11: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

This passage uses a common farming analogy.  The imagery Jesus uses is drawn from the Old Testament and so would be a familiar one to Jesus’ listeners, both historically and physically.

Jesus emphasizes first that he is the true vine.  Of course there are many types of vines and seeds in the world, but only the true vine in this case produces the desired fruit.  The fruit produced by the vine cannot be any greater than the vine itself, thus only in Jesus, the true vine, can his followers be fruitful and producing the right kind of fruit.  The only way people make any impact in the kingdom of heaven is by remaining vitally connected to Jesus.  Without being connected to Jesus people may be busy and even seemingly productive without actually accomplishing anything important.  Without being vitally connected to Jesus people can build good organizations, but it is impossible to build the church without being connected to Jesus.  It’s like an amateur builder trying to build a house without blueprints or knowledge of what the design plan is.  Maybe he will produce something, but it cannot be what was intended.  Without looking to Jesus people cannot build the plans he has for them.

The second feature of the story is that God is the gardener or farmer.  The responsible farmer cares for the vines in his vineyard to ensure they produce the most and best fruit possible: “He tends it, waters it, and endeavors to protect it and cultivate it so that it will produce its maximum yield.”[2] Have you ever imagined God as a caring farmer, looking out for his people as he helps them to grow? The farmer always has the best interests of his plants in mind. Does this change your perspective on God?

The third feature of the parable is that the farmer must prune the vines in order to maximize the fruit.  Without pruning vines would run and ramble in every direction and would produce little fruit.  Some of the shoots must be cut back and dead pieces must be trimmed away.  Pruning is not always pleasant while in process, but it is absolutely necessary for the final result to be produced.

Notice in this parable that the outcome of the branches that remain in the vine is never in doubt.  Jesus teaches his disciples that if they keep his commandments they remain in his love, just as he obeys his Father and remains in his love.  Abiding is about a relationship.  We can see from the passage that Jesus calls for his disciples to obey him.  If people trust Jesus, they will trust in his authority and commands.  Secondly, people must remain in contact with Jesus through prayer.  In short it is not a one sided relationship.  In this relationship the promise that those who remain in Jesus will bear fruit.  The ‘fruit’ is the outcome of their entire life and ministry as they remain in fellowship with Jesus by keeping his commands and experiencing his presence with them through the Spirit.[3] In this passage fruitfulness is the mark of a disciple.   As they bear this ‘fruit’, Jesus said to them, you are showing yourselves to be my disciples.”[4] 
​
The result of this fruitful circle is joy.  Jesus’ joy is in his disciples and his disciples are full of joy.  Abide in Jesus and your life will grow through Jesus. 


[1] Dictionary.com
[2] Expositors New Testament Commentary Abridged edition pg 350
[3] Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 314). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[4] Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 315). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

This time we are looking at another hopeful passage.  This passage tells the story of a man who comes back to life and even more importantly, tells us about the eternal life Jesus offers.  It is the story of a man named Lazarus. This blog is drawn from the Sunday morning sermon at Crossroads from February 24, 2019.

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.”” (John 11:38-44)

The background to this miraculous moment is the death of Lazarus.  Lazarus is the brother of Mary and Martha who were both close to Jesus.  Lazarus had become ill and is on the point of death; Mary and Martha send a message to Jesus asking him to come quickly.  They correctly assume that Jesus has the power to heal Lazarus.  However, after receiving the message from the sisters Jesus stayed where he was for 2 more days. Lazarus’ sickness and impending death were not a surprise to Jesus and they did not cause him to panic.  He knew what was going to happen.  What events in our lives may not be part of our plans, but might actually be part of God’s plan?   

An interesting point to note is that Jesus did “long distance” healings in the gospels so Jesus’ physical location is not the issue here.  By the time Jesus arrived where Lazarus was he had already been dead for 4 days.  This is significant because Jewish belief was that the soul of a dead person remained with the body for 3 days after death with the possibility or resuscitation.[1]   By delaying for 2 days Jesus ensures that he arrives more than 3 days after Lazarus’ death and highlights the miracle that he is about to do, removing other potential explanations.

When Jesus arrives Mary expresses what all of them were thinking ““Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” (John 11:32)  Do you find it harder to believe in Jesus when circumstances are difficult or when everything seems to be going your way?  Once Jesus arrives where Lazarus has been buried, he asks to see the tomb.  He goes so far as to ask for the stone sealing the tomb to be removed.  This would have been a rather unpleasant experience as the body would have already begun to decompose in the warm Middle Eastern climate.  Yet where death and decay have already set in, Jesus is working.  Jesus responds to Martha’s comments about removing the stone by saying: “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40).  The key to this passage is faith in Jesus and the belief that what he says is possible.  Those who are willing to believe will see the glory of God.  

At Jesus’ request the stone coving Lazarus’ tomb is removed, Jesus prays to God, and calls for Lazarus to come out of the tomb.  Amazingly, astonishingly, Lazarus rises and walks out of the tomb.  Can you imagine watching a man who had been dead for 4 days come walking out of a tomb?  This miracle proved that Jesus has power over death and foreshadows his own resurrection.  Earlier, when Martha is wondering why Jesus had not come to them sooner Jesus had responded: “Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.[d] Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” (John 11:23-26). This is an amazing promise of the power and hope of eternal life.  As Lazarus rises from the dead a tragic situation is quickly turned into a story of hope, life and glory.  Though Lazarus’ physical body would die again, spiritually he will never die.  This is the promise for all who follow Jesus: though they will die physically, they will never face spiritual death.

The responses of the people who witnessed Lazarus raised from the dead fell into two camps (John 11:45-47).  Many people believed in Jesus as a result, but others reported to the Pharisees what had happened who from this point on began plotting to kill Jesus. 

​Those who believed in Jesus saw the glory of God displayed and the foreshadowing of the resurrection from the dead that awaits all followers of Jesus.  Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  Believe and you will see.


[1] Kruse, C. G. (2003). John: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 4, p. 252). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

In our last blog we looked at the theme of hope and we talked about the hope of eternity with Jesus.  This time we want to look into this a little further through the words of Jesus in two short parables. This post is drawn from the Sunday morning sermon at Crossroads from February 17, 2019

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matt 13:44-46)

In the famous Klondike gold rush of the late 1800s many people sold everything they had to travel to the Klondike in the hope of striking it rich.  Just the potential of finding treasure, however remote the odds, was enough for thousands of people to go all in.  Just like today, buried treasure was a popular theme in Jesus’ time.  People at that time often buried their treasures to prevent theft or loss.[1]  Jesus here is speaking to a popular theme and referencing something we can all wrap our minds around.

In the first parable a man finds a treasure in a field.  In Jewish rabbinic law, if a worker found a treasure in a field that did not belong to him and took it out, the treasure would belong to the field’s owner.  However this worker does not remove the treasure, but buys the field.  He joyfully gives up what he has because he has found something far greater.[2] The meaning is that the Kingdom of heaven is so valuable that it is worth putting everything we have into the investment of Kingdom treasure.  Anyone who fully grasps the value of the kingdom of heaven will gladly abandon everything else to secure it.[3] 

The second parable is similar in that the pearl merchant discovers a singularly amazing pearl and he goes all in to buy that one pearl.  As a merchant putting all his eggs into one basket might not be the safest course of action, but the amazing qualities of this one pearl inspire the merchant to throw away all caution for this chance of a lifetime.[4] The meaning of this parable is much the same as the first; once a person learns the value of the Kingdom of heaven they will be willing to give up everything else in order to go all in with Jesus.  The question is: What would it look like for you today to go all in with Jesus?

Despite the value of the Kingdom of Heaven, not everyone is willing to count the cost of following Jesus.  There is a story in Matthew 19: “And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” (Matt 19:16-22)

We could say this man found treasure buried in a field, but was not willing to take the risk of giving up what he had in order to find greater treasure.  His treasure was earthly treasure rather than treasure in the Kingdom of heaven.  This illustrates the choice every person faces.  “The one thing that we preserve above all costs reveals our true affections and values.”[5]

Jesus himself puts it pretty plainly in Matthew 16: “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matt 16:24-26)  Success in this world is possible, but what cost are you willing to pay?  The greatest treasure on earth pales in comparison to heavenly treasure.  The soul cannot be priced.  Everything in the world is not able to buy one single soul. 

How do we apply all this?  I used to think that following Jesus was a simple matter of self-discipline.  While there is certainly discipline involved, I think of following Jesus in more positive terms now.  The key to following Jesus is not giving things up; it is finding the treasure of heaven and desiring that more than anything else.  Giving up earthly things is done in the context of the joy of following Jesus. 

Jesus has promised that all who follow him as saviour will have eternal life with him.  This promise of treasure is unseen, but not unknown.  It is possible to be keenly aware of the presence of the kingdom of heaven even though it is not physically tangible. Dallas Willard says “Your thought of or wish for a candy bar or for success in your profession is a trivial example of something you are sharply aware of and can describe in some detail.  But you do not touch or smell it…”[6]  What would it look like for you to search out the treasure of the kingdom of heaven?  Are you ready to go all in with Jesus and discover the true meaning of treasure?


[1] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999,  pg 197
[2] France, R. T. (1985). Matthew: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 1, p. 233). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[3] Barker and Kohlenberger III eds,  Expositors Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: New Testament, 1994 pg 70
[4] France, R. T. (1985). Matthew: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 1, p. 233). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
[5] Arrington and Stronstad eds, Life in the Spirit New Testament Commentary 1999, pg 215
[6] Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy pg 79