Author: Laurin

Good afternoon! A few Sundays ago, Pastor Alan continued his lessons in the Gospel of John by teaching from John 18. He took us through the first part of Jesus’ arrest and betrayal. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve included the outline, along with links to the verses referenced for you. Enjoy!

Jesus’ Arrest & Betrayal, pt. 1

Introduction: Acts 4:26-28 helps us to understand what is going on in John 18:1-32. Here we see what Jesus allowed to happen to Himself for us!

1. Jesus is in total control of the events that will unfold.
   • John 18:1-11
   • His control is evidenced by the power of His Name (v. 6).
     • I am…
   • His control is evidence by the soldiers’ response to His request (vs. 8-9).
     • John 17:12
   • His control is evidenced by the completion of His purpose (vs. 10-11).
     • The cup = the wrath of God
     • “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” by Jonathan Edwards
2. Jesus’ death would fulfill the prophetic words of Caiaphas.
   • John 18:12-14
   • Caiaphas’ words – John 11:45-52
3. Peter’s Initial Denial
   • John 18:15-18
   • Just one more proof that Jesus knew how everything would unfold, down to the exact details.
4. Jesus wasn’t secretly plotting the overthrow of Rome or destruction of the temple.
   • John 18:19-24
   • He taught openly and clearly.
5. Peter’s 2nd & 3rd Denials
   • John 18:25-27
   • Peter was warming himself by the fire during his three denials of Jesus.
     • John 21:9, 15-17 – Jesus is by a fire on the shore while He asks Peter three times if Peter loves Him.
     • Three denials by a fire; three affirmations by a fire.
6. Pilate first meets Jesus.
   • John 18:28-32
   • The emphasis in these verses is that Jesus determines the means of His death.
     • John 8:28-30
     • John 12:32-36

Conclusion: Jesus controlled every outcome of His situation. He knew every thought and intention of those involved in His arrest, bogus trial, and crucifixion. He was not a helpless victim or martyr. He orchestrated the plan of our salvation.

Application: Don’t be anxious and afraid of a threatening world. Trust in Christ.

Matthew 10:16-42

5 Reasons Why (we shouldn’t be anxious): [from John Piper’s What Jesus Demands of the World]

1. We belong to Christ.
2. Truth will win out.
3. The worst thing that can happen to us: physical death.
4. He knows everything about us intimately.
5. Our lives are valuable to God.

The first Sunday in July, we joined Ridgway Community Church for the 35th Annual Sunday in the Park in Ridgway (always a wonderful time & highly recommended, if you’re in the area). Last Sunday, Pastor Alan taught us about John 15 and how to relate to Christ, to our fellow believers, and to those who stand against us. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Relating to Christ, Believers, and Haters

John 15

1. Our Relationship to Christ (John 15:1-11)
   • Life flows from Jesus, and if there is life there will be some degree of fruit.
   • This is the last of the seven “I Am’s” in John’s gospel. All of them show the uniqueness of Jesus.
     • Jesus doesn’t say, “I am a vine.” He doesn’t say, “I am the vine.” He emphatically says, “I am the true vine.” So, in essence, Jesus is saying you don’t have to be of Israel to be right with God. You only need to find life in Him.
   • So, what is the evidence of being a living branch that is abiding in Christ?
     • There is pruning.
       • Those the Lord loves, He disciplines.
       • A constant conviction, perhaps to get rid of the dead wood in life. (v. 2)
     • There is assurance.
       • Yes, there needs to be personal examination but don’t become depressed and paralyzed by over-examination.
     • Abiding is putting His Word in you and asking of Him through prayer.
       • Connection is strengthened by communication. (v. 7)
       • What we ask for is shaped by the Word.
     • There is love.
       • Obedience doesn’t earn love, but it’s the evidential measure of love.
     • There is joy.
       • Joy is linked to connection, obedience, and assurance.
       • It’s ultimately not letting the world get you in a state of constantly being overwhelmed. (v. 11)
       • If you grew up in an environment that dished out portions of love in connection to your performance and obedience, this concept may be hard to grasp.
       • Jesus wants you to have a joy that overcomes a dark world.
2. Our Relationship to Believers (John 15:12-17)
   • In a word, we are to love one another, and that often involves giving a part of our selfishness up. It’s called making sacrifices.
   • Jesus would have His followers primarily see Him as their friend. As a friend, Jesus does three things:
     1. He reveals His Father’s will to us.
     2. He chooses us.
     3. He appoints us to bear the fruit of love and joy.
3. Our Relationship to Haters (John 15:18-27)
   • If we are connected to Christ, have even the slightest conviction about His teaching, and reflect His life, we will be hated. The hatred toward Christianity in this country is growing. How should we respond?
     1. Don’t be surprised.
     2. Remember who you belong to. (Acts 5:40-42)
     3. Don’t be an obnoxious jerk in response.
     4. Remember, no one likes being exposed. In a sense, a person living for Christ exposes those who aren’t.
     5. Don’t judge the world as if it knows the way, the truth, and the life. Pray for them and witness to them when you are ready for their responses.
     6. Rely on the Spirit’s protection and comfort as you confront the world — He (the Spirit) will bear witness.

Good evening! I’m trying to get caught up, and I apologize for the late postings. This message was from the last Sunday in June. Pastor Alan was away, so we got to learn from Terry about Matthew 5:13-16. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below.

Salt & Light

Matthew 5:13-16

• Jesus said He was the light of the world, while He was in the world. (John 9:5)
• When He ascended, He passed the torch onto us. (Matthew 5:14)
• Though “good itself does not dwell in me” (Romans 7:18), God makes us salty and puts His light in us.
• v. 16 is a command, not a suggestion.
• The Church of Laodicea is the church of the last days. (Revelation 3:14-22) But, Jesus doesn’t talk to the CHURCH who overcomes… He speaks to the ONE who overcomes… (Revelation 3:21) It’s an individual calling to rise above, be salty, and shine your light.
• v. 16 is also an INDIVIDUAL command, not a corporate one. Don’t wait for the Church to shine; it’s on you!