Vintage Church Podcast

<p>In the span of two days, Jesus is worshipped by Mary at His feet and adoring crowds lining the streets. The crowds would soon demand for his crucifixion, but the one who served at his feet would be honored forever. Jesus tells his disciples that following him requires sacrifice: a loss of one’s status, position, possessions, even one’s very life. Many will believe, but love their own life too much to confess his name. Some will believe and worship, but only alongside a crowd. Few will give everything they have to serve at his feet.</p>

<p>The tension of our faith lies in the space between what we know God can do and what we experience him not do. We know Jesus raised people from the dead but also allowed John the Baptist to be beheaded. We doubt God when we see him doing for everyone else what we wish he would do for us. <br><br>As believers, we must continually address this tension so that instead of being prisoners of our momentary struggles, our hearts are open to the greater story that God is writing in our lives.</p>

<p>In His explanation of the Good Shepherd, Jesus lays out what He has succeeded in doing that which we could not accomplish on our own. Being the “under shepherds,” we have frequently failed in pointing people to a full relationship with the Father. Becoming a living example to us, Jesus shows us how to live and love, and enter into relationship with the Father. The Good Shepherd is dedicated to His sheep; we must become dependent on Him.</p>

<p>The disciples witnessed Jesus walking on water, mere hours after he multiplied meager provisions to feed bread and fish to thousands, and, not recognizing or expecting him, the disciples were full of fear. This is the work every disciple must do: learn to recognize, expect, and trust Jesus, so that in the face of hard times, we don't let the uncomfortable and uncertain overshadow what we know to be undeniable.</p>

<p>The story of the woman at the well is one we often read through the lens of our own experience, culture, and judgement. In this message, we take a step back and consider this story through the lens of what we know to be true about Jesus. A Samaritan woman, wrecked by rejection and shame, meets Jesus: the One who knows us best and loves us most. God redeems the rejected and we watch their stories spark revival.</p>

<p>What are you consuming? Whether we realize it or not, what we consume impacts the way we live our lives. When life squeezes us like a sponge, what we have been taking in will inevitably pour out. Filling ourselves up with more of Jesus will pour out more blessing and servitude into the lives of others. Pastor Matt preaches from the account of Nicodemus, told in the Gospel of John. In essence, we learn three things: Believe, Receive, Become. We believe we need something we don’t have, receive something we cannot buy, and become children of God. All freely given to us by Jesus Christ.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of uncertainty, there is a heightened sense of anxiety. Yet, Paul outlines a way to overcome these anxious thoughts: prayer. Powerful prayer is productive and serves as an act of humility, bringing our needs to God knowing He can handle things we cannot. The peace Jesus has to offer orients our minds to be set on Him, rather than our troubles. When our aim is contentment rather than control, Jesus shows up in astounding ways.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of uncertainty, there is a loss of security. Uncertainty can breed insecurity. Insecurity spreads like wildfire into every corner of your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions. Insecurity is a symptom of a misplaced identity. At every turn, the world gives us a label, but even the best labels are unreliable as a means of living and loving like Jesus. Why settle for a label when God is offering an identity?</p>

<p>The greatest threat to the movement of God is division within the people of God. The key to unity within the body is an abundance of sincere humility.</p>

<p>Paul, after his experience on the road to Damascus becomes a dedicated Christ follower and proclaimer. Obedient to the point of being thrown in prison, we see the importance of being aware of the Spirit: helping us to discern living in obedience versus living in defiance. Having an ear opened to Jesus can totally transform one’s life. Listening for guidance presents opportunities we may have missed otherwise. Regarding the needs of others more than our own desires will help us lead people toward Him.</p>

<p>In the first days of the early church, Peter and John encounter a man who was lame from birth and asking for money. They could not give the man what he was asking for, but because they were paying attention, they gave the man exactly what he needed. The movement of Jesus advances when we are willing to pay attention and respond in love to those around us. The way we respond to people and their pain should always point people to Jesus.</p>

<p>There is the potential for beautiful miracles in the aftermath, but it is hard to see that beauty when you're living with pain. Unhealed wounds and unaddressed trauma, big or small, recent or years ago, impedes our ability to experience abundant life in Christ. How does healing happen? Well, it begins with a person and his name is Jesus.</p>

<p>Shelter in place. Lockdown. Quarantine. Isolate. Distance. <br><br>The terms of the times send a continual message that we are alone, separated from people and places we need and love. Today's message reminds us that although we may feel lonely, because of God's love for us, we will never be alone.</p>