The Lord is My Banner

In this exploration of John 11:1-27, Pastor Jim looks at the famous the narrative of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, unveiling the dual nature of Jesus as both human and divine. Motivated by love, Jesus seeks to instill belief in his disciples, Mary, Martha, and the Jewish people, using the delay in his response to allow temporary pain for ultimate glory. The overarching message centers on the transformative power of belief in and truly knowingJesus, leading to the manifestation of God's glory in the world.

Pastor Jim highlights how the claims Jesus makes in John 10 were messianic in nature, dating all the way back to the prophet Ezekiel.  Emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate shepherd for souls, he contrasts him with bad shepherds such as corrupt priests, false messiahs, and the ultimate thief, Satan. Jesus emerges as the compassionate defender of his flock, illustrating true servant leadership by laying down his life to establish a new covenant and defeat sin. The passage underscores the importance of following the Good Shepherd in a world where bad shepherds abound. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace the love, security, and purpose found in following Jesus, emphasizing the significance of listening to his voice for comfort, peace, and intimacy in prayer. This message resonates with the call to reject false voices, acknowledge the need for guidance, and seek a deeper connection with God.

Pastor Jim looks at the story of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9, considering the profound philosophical issue of the problem of pain and the providential will of God. Jesus clarifies that the man's blindness serves to display God's works, challenging the perception that suffering is always a consequence of sin. Jim encourages forming a foundational understanding that everything comes through the hands of God.  The discussion extends to the spiritual healing and transformation highlighted in John 9, where the blind man's journey from physical to spiritual sight symbolizes a deeper transformation towards recognizing Jesus as the Messiah. Reflecting on the beauty of the incarnation and Jesus' redemptive work on the cross, Jim underscores the call for believers to walk in faithful obedience, persevere in pain, and live as sent ones sharing the gospel.

Pastor Jim explores Jesus challenging the Pharisees at the feast of tabernacles by offering living water and claiming to be the light of the world. Despite initial resistance, some individuals believe in Jesus, who emphasizes the significance of adhering to his teachings for truth and freedom. Jim delves into how Jesus, as the light, unveils the truth and leads to freedom, stressing that belief entails living out Jesus' teachings and internalizing them to shape identities. The light of Jesus reveals flaws and shortcomings in the context of God's unconditional love, allowing for honesty about oneself. The transcript underscores the importance of walking with Jesus, believing in His sacrifice, and finding genuine freedom in the light of God's love. Jim further discusses the concepts of walking in obedience, embracing grace, and breaking free from enslaving idols, delving into the sacrificial aspect of someone giving up freedom and power to become a slave for the liberation of those enslaved by sin.

Jesus' brother encourage him to go to Jerusalem during the feast and gather a crowd and further his ministry. John tells us they say this because they don't believe in him. They want Jesus to prove himself.  On the other hand, Jesus is seeking the glory of the Father, not his own. He speaks the words and follows the timing of the Father. For this reason, he is eminently trustworthy. As sent disciples, we are sent by Jesus just like he was sent by the Father. So we seek only his glory, not our own.

Pastor Jim looks into the stories of the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water from John 6, framed within the context of the Passover. These miracles showcase Jesus' abundant provision and divine nature, laying the foundation for his teachings on eternal bread. Jim cautions against expecting Jesus to be a political ruler or only performing miracles to satisfy us. Shifting to a pivotal passage where Jesus declares himself as the bread of life, Jim highlights the distinction between having bread eternally or having eternal bread. He challenges misplaced hopes for material provision and power, encouraging listeners to find true soul satisfaction and fortitude in the ongoing immersion in the gospel and community of believers.

In this discussion of John 4, Pastor Jim explores the idea that fulfillment is found in the presence of God and sustenance is found in the purposes of God.  Using the Samaritan woman at the well as an example, the passage shows Jesus breaking societal barriers and addressing universal human desires for fulfillment. Jesus offers "living water" as a profound source of contentment, countering temporary worldly satisfaction. The encounter with the Samaritan woman exemplifies how even the rejected can find a place in God's kingdom through Jesus. Jim encourages listeners to live with a deeper purpose and mission alongside Jesus, finding sustenance in His presence and glorifying God through spreading the gospel.

Pastor Jim asks  why John gives us the most famous verse in the Bible in John 3:16. Contextualizing this verse within the broader narrative, Jim provides a concise recap of preceding stories in John two, including the wedding miracle at Cana and the temple cleansing. Focusing on the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee and Jewish ruling council member, Jim explores themes of being born again and the Spirit's role in entering the kingdom of God. Emphasizing the need for genuine inward transformation over religious rituals, Jim uses Nicodemus as an example.  Jesus offers new life to all people, including the respectable religious.

Pastor Jim challenges the congregation to contemplate the deeper meaning of Christmas and their genuine desires in life, including our individual aspirations for significance, security, and approval. He underscores Jesus's universal invitation to come and see, offering meaning and fulfillment without regard to background or beliefs. Drawing from the Book of John, Jim illustrates four individuals who choose to follow Jesus, transcending preconceptions and stereotypes. This inclusive invitation extends to all curious and open minds, as Jim explores Jesus's welcoming stance toward skeptics and doubters. Jesus, understanding each person intimately, invites all to discover where true life is found. Promising perpetual presence with followers, Jesus offers meaning, security, and a familial connection. The message encourages listeners to discover significance, security, and love in Jesus.

Pastor Jim explores the account of Jesus's early ministry in the Gospel of John, emphasizing John the Baptist's role in pointing to Jesus as the true Messiah. John's call for repentance and baptism symbolizes entry into the promised land with the Messiah, contrasting his repentance-focused baptism with Jesus's transformative baptism through the Holy Spirit. Warning against misplaced reliance on external factors for salvation, John directs people to prepare their hearts for Jesus, stressing salvation found solely in Him. The sermon challenges listeners to shed distractions, embrace a new way of living, and recognize Jesus as the source of true fulfillment. Repentance and belief in Jesus are encouraged, emphasizing the need to remove distractions and make way for Him in our lives, with the role of Christians highlighted in pointing others to Jesus, especially during Christmas.