in-depth Sermon Breakdowns

We invite you to use this page as a resource to dive into the recent messages preached from behind our pulpit. Please let us know how these messages have blessed you.

Adam Dragoon Adam Dragoon

When God Says, "SHUT UP!"

In this message, we explore the profound story of Zechariah and Elizabeth from Luke Chapter 1, a narrative that sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. This story is a powerful reminder of how God can intervene in our lives, even when we least expect it. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous and devout, yet they faced the deep personal struggle of…

When God Says, “SHUT UP!”

Luke 1:18-22

Sermon Summary

In this message, we explore the profound story of Zechariah and Elizabeth from Luke Chapter 1, a narrative that sets the stage for the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. This story is a powerful reminder of how God can intervene in our lives, even when we least expect it. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous and devout, yet they faced the deep personal struggle of childlessness, a situation that often led to societal judgment and personal doubt. Despite their faithful service, they likely resigned themselves to a life without children until God intervened in a miraculous way.

Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel in the temple is pivotal. It highlights the reality that no amount of religious devotion or service can prepare us for a direct encounter with God's presence. When faced with the angel's message, Zechariah's initial response was one of doubt, reflecting a common human tendency to question God's promises when they seem impossible. This doubt led to a period of enforced silence, a time for Zechariah to listen and reflect, ultimately preparing him to speak with faith and prophecy once his son, John, was born.

This narrative challenges us to consider our own responses to God's promises and interventions. It encourages us to embrace moments of silence and listening, allowing God to speak into our lives and prepare us for His purposes. As we enter the Christmas season, a time of miracles and reflection, we are reminded to be open to the unexpected ways God might work in our lives, just as He did with Zechariah and Elizabeth.

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Message Study Guide

Youtube chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:57] - Opening Announcements
[46:45] - Building Fund and Support
[51:36] - Introduction to Zechariah and Elizabeth
[54:47] - When God Says, "Shut Up"
[56:40] - Zechariah's Role as a Priest
[01:00:43] - The Struggle of Childlessness
[01:03:02] - Divine Interruption by Gabriel
[01:04:24] - The Power of God's Presence
[01:06:55] - Zechariah's Doubt and God's Response
[01:09:21] - Embracing God's Promises
[01:11:41] - Silence as a Tool for Growth
[01:17:06] - Zechariah's Transformation
[01:24:34] - Zechariah's Prophecy
[01:26:57] - New Beginnings and Miracles

Key Takeaways

  • Faithful Service Amidst Struggles: Zechariah and Elizabeth's story teaches us that even the most devout can face deep personal struggles. Their faithfulness amidst childlessness challenges us to remain steadfast in our service to God, trusting His timing and purposes. [51:36]

  • The Power of God's Presence: Zechariah's encounter with the angel Gabriel underscores that no amount of religious routine can substitute for a genuine encounter with God's presence. This moment reminds us to be open to divine interruptions in our lives, which can transform our understanding and faith. [01:04:24]

  • Silence as a Tool for Growth: Zechariah's period of silence was not a punishment but a divine tool for growth. It allowed him to listen and prepare for the role God had for him. This teaches us the value of silence and listening in our spiritual journey, enabling us to hear God's voice more clearly. [01:11:41]

  • Embracing God's Promises: Despite knowing the scriptures, Zechariah initially doubted God's promise. This reflects our own struggles with faith when faced with seemingly impossible situations. We are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when they defy our understanding. [01:09:21]

  • The Potential for New Beginnings: The birth of John the Baptist was a new beginning for Zechariah and Elizabeth, illustrating that God can bring about new life and purpose in our lives, regardless of our past or present circumstances. This encourages us to remain open to the new things God wants to do in and through us. [01:26:57]

Bible Reading

Luke 1:18-22 NLT - 18 Zechariah said to the angel, "How can I be sure this will happen? I'm an old man now, and my wife is also well along in years." 19 Then the angel said, "I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news! 20 But now, since you didn't believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time." 21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah to come out of the sanctuary, wondering why he was taking so long. 22 When he finally did come out, he couldn't speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary.

Observation Questions

  1. What was Zechariah's initial reaction to the angel Gabriel's message, and how did it reflect his faith at that moment? [01:08:45]

  2. How does the Bible describe Zechariah and Elizabeth's character and their service to God? [56:40]

  3. What was the societal perception of childlessness during Zechariah and Elizabeth's time, and how might it have affected them personally? [01:00:43]

  4. What significant change occurred in Zechariah's life after his encounter with the angel, and how did it prepare him for future events? [01:17:06]

Interpretation Questions

  1. Why might Zechariah have doubted the angel's message despite his knowledge of scripture and his role as a priest? [01:09:21]

  2. How does Zechariah's period of silence serve as a tool for spiritual growth, and what might this suggest about the role of silence in our own spiritual journeys? [01:11:41]

  3. In what ways does Zechariah's story illustrate the potential for new beginnings, and how does this relate to the broader narrative of the Christmas story? [01:26:57]

  4. How does the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth challenge our understanding of faithfulness and God's timing in our lives? [01:00:43]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises in your life. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith in seemingly impossible situations? [01:09:21]

  2. Zechariah's silence was a period of growth and preparation. How can you incorporate moments of silence and listening into your daily routine to better hear God's voice? [01:11:41]

  3. Consider the societal pressures or judgments you face. How can you remain steadfast in your faith and service to God despite these challenges? [01:00:43]

  4. Zechariah and Elizabeth's story is one of new beginnings. What new beginnings might God be preparing for you, and how can you remain open to them? [01:26:57]

  5. How can you create space in your life for divine interruptions, allowing God to transform your understanding and faith? [01:04:24]

  6. In what ways can you actively embrace and trust in God's promises, even when they defy your understanding or expectations? [01:09:21]

  7. Identify an area in your life where you need to be more open to God's timing and purposes. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with this trust? [01:00:43]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

In Love, Pastor Adam Dragoon

 Did you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://give.vbph.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Adam Dragoon Adam Dragoon

Joyful Self-Forgetfulness [Philippians 4:6-8]

This message focused on the theme of joyful self-forgetfulness, a concept that encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves to God and others. As we approach Thanksgiving, it's a timely reminder to cultivate gratitude and humility. We explored the idea that true peace and joy are found not in self-awareness but in self-forgetfulness, where we think less of ourselves and more of God and His work in our lives. This shift in focus allows us to…

Joyful Self-Forgetfulness

Philippians 4:6-8

Sermon Summary

This message focused on the theme of joyful self-forgetfulness, a concept that encourages us to shift our focus from ourselves to God and others. As we approach Thanksgiving, it's a timely reminder to cultivate gratitude and humility. We explored the idea that true peace and joy are found not in self-awareness but in self-forgetfulness, where we think less of ourselves and more of God and His work in our lives. This shift in focus allows us to experience God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

We delved into Philippians 4:6-8, which instructs us not to worry but to pray about everything, thanking God for what He has done. This practice leads to experiencing God's peace. We also discussed the importance of fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. By doing so, we align our minds with God's will and purpose, allowing His peace to reign in our lives.

The sermon emphasized that salvation involves dethroning ourselves as the center of our lives and allowing Jesus to take His rightful place. This transformation requires us to focus on Jesus, His teachings, and His example. By doing so, we become more like Him, reflecting His glory and living a life of service to others.

We were reminded that worship is not just about singing songs but about living a life that honors God. It's about making choices that reflect His values and priorities, even when no one is watching. As we enter this week of Thanksgiving, let's commit to putting Jesus at the center of our thoughts and actions, allowing His peace and joy to fill our lives.

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Message Study Guide

Youtube Chapters

Key Takeaways

  • Joyful Self-Forgetfulness: True joy and peace come from thinking less of ourselves and more of God. By focusing on His work and presence, we find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. [56:59]

  • The Power of Gratitude: Philippians 4:6-8 teaches us to replace worry with prayer and gratitude. This practice leads to experiencing God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. [57:39]

  • Dethroning Self: Salvation involves removing ourselves from the center of our lives and allowing Jesus to take His rightful place. This transformation leads to a life of service and purpose. [59:17]

  • Worship as a Lifestyle: Worship is more than music; it's a way of life. By making choices that honor God, we align our lives with His will and experience His peace and joy. [01:37:48]

  • Focusing on Jesus: We cannot think about Jesus enough. By centering our thoughts on Him, we become more like Him and experience the peace and joy that come from a life lived in His presence. [01:11:24]

Bible Reading

  • Phl 4:6-8 NLT - 6 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

    Observation Questions

  • According to Philippians 4:6-8, what are the steps Paul outlines for experiencing God's peace? How does this relate to the concept of joyful self-forgetfulness discussed in the sermon? [56:59]

  • What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between gratitude and experiencing God's peace? [57:39]

  • How does the sermon describe the process of "dethroning self" and allowing Jesus to take His rightful place in our lives? [59:17]

  • What are some of the characteristics of thoughts that we are encouraged to fix our minds on according to Philippians 4:8? How does this align with the sermon’s message? [01:03:01]

    Interpretation Questions

  • How does the practice of prayer and gratitude, as described in Philippians 4:6-8, lead to a peace that surpasses understanding? What might this peace look like in a believer's life? [57:39]

  • The sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus to experience transformation. How does this focus help in dethroning self and living a life of service? [01:00:59]

  • In what ways does the sermon suggest that worship is more than just singing songs? How can worship as a lifestyle impact our daily decisions and actions? [01:37:48]

  • How does the concept of joyful self-forgetfulness challenge the common cultural emphasis on self-awareness and self-promotion? [56:03]


    Application Questions

  • Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more gratitude into your prayers this week to experience God's peace? [57:39]

  • Identify an area in your life where you might be placing yourself at the center. What steps can you take to allow Jesus to take His rightful place in that area? [59:17]

  • Consider the thoughts that occupy your mind daily. How can you intentionally fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and praiseworthy this week? [01:03:01]

  • Worship is described as a lifestyle in the sermon. What specific choices can you make this week to honor God in your daily life, even when no one is watching? [01:37:48]

  • The sermon mentions the dangers of distraction. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus that you want to change? How can you minimize that distraction this week? [01:14:15]

  • How can you practice joyful self-forgetfulness in your interactions with others this week? Identify one person you can serve or encourage without expecting anything in return. [01:19:46]

  • As we approach Thanksgiving, what are some practical ways you can express gratitude to God and others in your life? [54:08]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

In Love, Pastor Adam Dragoon

 Did you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://give.vbph.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Adam Dragoon Adam Dragoon

Willing Sacrifices: Lessons from Veteran's Day [Galatians 6:14-17]

A Connecticut National Guardsman prepares to hug a family member at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Windsor Locks, Conn., Jan. 22, 2022, after returning from a nearly yearlong deployment in the Horn of Africa.

Willing Sacrifices

Lessons from Veteran’s Day

Galatians 6:14-17

Summary

This message focuses on sacrifice, comparing the commitments of military personnel with those of followers of Christ. As we honor veterans, we acknowledge their sacrifices—personal freedom, time with family, and safety. These sacrifices parallel our spiritual journey. In Galatians 6, Paul mentions bearing the marks of Jesus, highlighting the willingness to endure hardship for the Gospel. This reminds us that following Christ requires sacrificing our desires and comforts for God's kingdom.

In Christ, we become new creations, similar to the transformation in military service, demanding a renewed mind and commitment to God's will. Just as military service requires sacrifices, our faith walk requires laying down our lives, plans, and comforts. Jesus set the ultimate example of sacrifice by giving His life, calling us to do the same in our pursuit of His kingdom.

Sacrifice comes with rewards; God honors our commitments. Like military service brings benefits, serving Christ yields eternal rewards. We are encouraged to persevere, confident that our sacrifices are meaningful and that God rewards those who seek Him.

Reflecting on these truths, let us be willing to make sacrifices, trusting in God's strength. Remember, sacrifices are inherent to following Jesus and show our commitment to Him. May we be inspired by our veterans and Christ's ultimate sacrifice to live sacrificially for God’s glory.

Watch/Listen

Message Study Guide

Key Takeaways

  • Sacrifice is a fundamental aspect of both military service and the Christian life. Just as soldiers give up personal freedoms and comforts, we are called to lay down our lives for Christ, embracing the transformation into new creations in Him. [45:53]

  • The marks of sacrifice, as seen in Paul's life, are a testament to our commitment to Christ. These marks, whether physical or spiritual, serve as evidence of our willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the Gospel. [01:02:50]

  • Following Christ requires a willingness to sacrifice personal relationships, comforts, and desires. Jesus calls us to prioritize His kingdom over earthly ties, reminding us that true discipleship involves bearing our cross daily. [57:42]

  • The sacrifices we make for Christ are not without reward. God is faithful to honor and reward those who diligently seek Him, and our sacrifices are seen and valued by Him. [01:17:11]

  • Just as military service comes with benefits and honors, serving Christ comes with eternal rewards. Our willingness to sacrifice is part of the package of following Jesus, and it is a testament to our commitment to Him. [01:18:59]

Youtube Chapters

Bible Reading

  • Galatians 6:14-17 NKJV - 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy [be] upon them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

  • Luke 14:26-27 NKJV - 26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

  • John 15:13 NKJV - 13 "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Observation Questions

  1. In Galatians 6:14-17, what does Paul mean when he says he bears the marks of Jesus on his body? How does this relate to the concept of sacrifice? [42:12]

  2. According to the sermon, what are some specific sacrifices that military personnel make, and how do these compare to the sacrifices Christians are called to make? [49:54]

  3. What does Jesus mean in Luke 14:26-27 when He talks about hating one's family and bearing one's cross? How does this relate to the idea of sacrifice in the Christian life? [57:42]

  4. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when one becomes a new creation in Christ, and how is this similar to the transformation experienced by military personnel? [45:53]

Interpretation Questions

  1. How does Paul's willingness to endure physical marks for the sake of the Gospel challenge modern Christians in their understanding of sacrifice? [01:02:50]

  2. What might be the spiritual significance of the sacrifices Jesus calls His followers to make, as described in Luke 14:26-27? How do these sacrifices reflect one's commitment to Christ? [57:42]

  3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the sacrifices made for Christ are rewarded, and how does this compare to the rewards and honors given to military personnel? [01:17:11]

  4. How does the concept of being a new creation in Christ require a renewal of the mind, and what are some practical ways this renewal can manifest in a believer's life? [45:53]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on a personal sacrifice you have made for your faith. How did it impact your spiritual journey, and what did you learn from it? [01:20:11]

  2. Consider the relationships in your life. Are there any that might be hindering your walk with Christ? How can you prioritize your commitment to His kingdom over these earthly ties? [58:52]

  3. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel God is calling you to sacrifice. What steps can you take this week to begin making that sacrifice? [01:14:12]

  4. How can the example of military personnel inspire you to embrace the sacrifices required in your spiritual journey? What practical actions can you take to demonstrate this commitment? [49:54]

  5. Reflect on the rewards and honors that come with serving Christ. How does the promise of eternal rewards motivate you to endure hardships and sacrifices in your faith journey? [01:18:59]

  6. Think about a time when you felt uncomfortable or challenged in your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to embrace these moments as opportunities for growth? [01:03:56]

  7. How can you support others in your community who are making sacrifices for their faith? What specific actions can you take to encourage and uplift them this week? [01:24:53]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

In Love,

Pastor Adam Dragoon

 Did you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://give.vbph.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The Ministry of Reconciliation [2 Corinthians 5:17-20] | VBPH Sermon Summary & Study Guide

The Ministry of Reconciliation

2 Corinthians 5:17-20

Summary

In this Sunday morning service, we explored the concept of reconciliation, both with God and others. We acknowledged the divisive times and the strain on relationships. The message emphasized the need to embrace the ministry of reconciliation, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. This passage reminds us of our transformation in Christ, making us new creations. This transformation will necessarily reflect in our interactions with others.

Reconciliation is a practical call to action. It requires letting go of past grievances and recognizing the inherent worth of every individual. This contrasts with the world’s approach, which often treats relationships as disposable. We are called to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who persecute us, as Jesus did.

The message also highlighted that reconciliation begins with God. He initiated salvation, offering grace and mercy even when undeserving. This divine reconciliation inspires us to seek reconciliation in our human relationships. We are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, modeling forgiveness and healing.

As we reflect, we are challenged to examine our lives for relationships that need reconciliation. We must release bitterness and unforgiveness to God, trusting Him for justice and healing. This fulfills our role as ministers of reconciliation, embodying Christ’s love and grace in our interactions.

Watch/Listen

Key Takeaways

  • Reconciliation is a divine mandate, calling us to let go of temporary grievances and embrace a new way of thinking that values every person as made in God's image. This requires a radical shift from the world's disposable view of relationships. [20:50]

  • In Christ, we are new creations, and this transformation should be evident in our lives. Old ways of living, including bitterness and unforgiveness, must pass away, making room for new, Christ-like behaviors. [26:35]

  • Jesus exemplified the ultimate act of reconciliation by praying for His enemies even as He was crucified. This challenges us to love and pray for those who have wronged us, trusting God to bring justice. [46:47]

  • God initiated reconciliation with humanity through Christ, offering grace and mercy even when we were undeserving. This divine act should inspire us to seek reconciliation in our human relationships. [53:05]

  • As ambassadors of reconciliation, we are called to model forgiveness and healing in a broken world. This requires us to be proactive in mending strained relationships, trusting God to guide us in this ministry. [57:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:22] - Introduction to Reconciliation
[16:22] - Temporary Problems, Permanent Solutions
[17:41] - Hope in Divisive Times
[19:23] - Real-Life Examples of Division
[20:50] - The Call for Reconciliation
[22:23] - Understanding 2 Corinthians 5
[23:58] - The Model of Reconciliation
[26:35] - New Creations in Christ
[28:39] - Old Things Passed Away
[30:09] - Personal Testimony of Change
[32:14] - The Transformative Touch of Jesus
[33:18] - Baptism into New Life
[34:09] - The Cost of Following Christ
[37:40] - The Struggle with Bitterness
[39:13] - Disposable Relationships
[41:25] - A New Way of Thinking
[42:14] - The Value of Every Person
[43:42] - Loving Our Enemies
[46:47] - Jesus' Example of Forgiveness
[49:10] - The Universality of Christ's Sacrifice
[51:00] - The Devil's Division
[51:59] - Salvation by Grace
[53:05] - God's Initiative in Reconciliation
[55:39] - The Gift of Salvation
[57:32] - Our Ministry of Reconciliation
[58:43] - The Challenge of Forgiveness
[01:00:00] - The Block of Bitterness
[01:01:06] - Vertical and Horizontal Reconciliation
[01:02:48] - The Call to Action
[01:04:10] - Invitation to Salvation
[01:05:57] - Prayer for Reconciliation
[01:07:49] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:09:19] - Communion and Closing Remarks

Message Study Guide

Bible Reading:

2 Corinthians 5:17-20


Observation Questions

  1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ? How does this transformation manifest in a believer's life?

  2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned that reconciliation is a divine mandate. What examples were given to illustrate the world's disposable view of relationships? [39:13]

  3. How did Jesus exemplify the ultimate act of reconciliation, as discussed in the sermon? What was His response to His executioners? [46:47]

  4. What role does God play in the process of reconciliation, according to the sermon and 2 Corinthians 5:18-19? [53:05]

Interpretation Questions

  1. The sermon emphasized that reconciliation requires a radical shift from the world's view of relationships. How might this shift challenge a believer's current way of thinking and interacting with others? [41:25]

  2. Reflecting on Jesus' prayer for His enemies, what does this teach about the nature of forgiveness and love in the context of reconciliation? [46:47

  3. The pastor mentioned that God initiated reconciliation with humanity. How does understanding this divine initiative impact a believer's approach to seeking reconciliation in their own relationships? [53:05]

  4. In what ways does being an "ambassador for Christ" involve the ministry of reconciliation, and how can this be practically applied in daily life? [57:32]

Application Questions

  1. Are there any relationships in your life where you need to seek reconciliation? What steps can you take this week to initiate that process? [01:02:48]

  2. The sermon challenged us to let go of bitterness and unforgiveness. Is there a specific person or situation you need to release to God? How can you begin to do that today? [01:00:00]

  3. Jesus prayed for His enemies even in His suffering. Is there someone you find difficult to pray for? What might be a simple prayer you can start with to begin this process? [46:47]

  4. The pastor spoke about the importance of viewing every person as made in God's image. How can this perspective change the way you interact with people you disagree with or find challenging? [42:14]

  5. As an ambassador of reconciliation, what is one practical way you can model forgiveness and healing in your community or workplace this week? [57:32]

  6. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace and mercy. How can this memory inspire you to extend grace to others, especially those who have wronged you? [53:05]

  7. The sermon mentioned the importance of not solving temporary problems with permanent solutions. Can you identify a situation where you might be tempted to do this? How can you approach it differently? [16:22]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

In Love,

Pastor Adam Dragoon

 Did you benefit from this message? Support our ministry with a generous donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://give.vbph.church⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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The Ministry of Refreshment [2 Timothy 1:16-18] | VBPH Sermon Summary & Study Guide

The Ministry of Refreshment

2 Timothy 1:16-18

Summary

In Sunday’s gathering, we explored the profound ministry of refreshment, drawing inspiration from the life of the Apostle Paul and his relationship with Onesiphorus. Paul, despite his immense spiritual stature and accomplishments, experienced times of deep need and hardship. He faced numerous trials, including physical beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment. Yet, in these moments of vulnerability, Onesiphorus emerged as a beacon of support, often refreshing Paul and not being ashamed of his chains. This narrative serves as a potent reminder that even the most spiritually mature among us require refreshment and encouragement from others.

The essence of the message is that we are all called to be like Onesiphorus, to be refreshers in the lives of those around us. This ministry of refreshment is not limited to grand gestures but can be as simple as offering a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand. It is about being present and supportive, especially when others are in their most challenging times. The act of refreshing others aligns us with the heart of Christ, who invites all who are weary to come to Him for rest.

Watch/Listen

“The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; ... he sought me out very zealously and found me.”
— Apostle Paul [2 Tim 1]

Furthermore, the sermon emphasized the importance of community and connection within the church. In a world where isolation is common, the church is called to be a place of refuge and support, where believers actively seek out and uplift one another. This is not just a duty but a privilege, as it allows us to participate in the divine work of bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need.

Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[06:17] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[08:57] - The Principle of Generosity
[10:20] - Overcoming Fear with Faith
[14:11] - Introduction to 2 Timothy 1
[19:19] - The Need for Refreshment
[23:22] - Paul's Trials and Hardships
[26:31] - Onesiphorus: A Model of Refreshment
[30:39] - The Importance of Community
[35:28] - The Power of Encouragement
[39:56] - Using Our Tongue for Good
[45:34] - Seeking Out Those in Need
[47:15] - Aligning with Christ's Mission
[52:12] - The Good News of Salvation
[59:52] - Prayer for Refreshment and Blessing

Key Takeaways

  1. The Ministry of Refreshment: Just as Onesiphorus refreshed Paul, we are called to be sources of encouragement and support to those around us. This ministry is vital, especially in times of spiritual dryness and hardship, and it reflects the heart of Christ, who offers rest to the weary. [19:19]

  2. The Power of Community: Isolation can lead to spiritual dryness, but being part of a supportive community can provide the refreshment we need. The church should be a place where believers actively seek to uplift and encourage one another, fulfilling the law of Christ by bearing each other's burdens. [20:14]

  3. Overcoming Fear with Generosity: Fear often holds us back from being generous, but the Bible teaches that true richness comes from a generous spirit. By trusting God and giving freely, we align ourselves with His principles and open the door to His blessings. [10:20]

  4. The Role of Encouragement: Encouragement is a powerful tool that can transform lives. By speaking life and blessing into others, we can become a source of refreshment and strength, helping others to overcome their challenges and grow in their faith. [39:56]

  5. Aligning with Christ's Mission: When we engage in the ministry of refreshment, we align ourselves with the mission of Christ, who came to seek and save the lost. This calling invites us to be proactive in seeking out those in need and offering them the love and support of Christ. [47:15]

Message Study Guide

Bible Reading:

  • [2 Tim 1:16-18 NLT] 16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ's return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.

  • [Mat 11:28 NLT] 28 Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

  • [Gal 6:2 NLT] 2 Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

Observation Questions:

  1. What specific actions did Onesiphorus take to refresh Paul, according to 2 Timothy 1:16-18? How did these actions impact Paul during his time of need? [20:14]

  2. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the concept of "spiritual dryness" and the need for refreshment? [18:26]

  3. How does the sermon describe the role of community in providing refreshment and support to believers? [20:14]

  4. What does the pastor say about the challenges of living a life of faith, even for someone as spiritually mature as the Apostle Paul? [24:33]

Interpretation Questions:

  1. How does the example of Onesiphorus challenge the common perception of what it means to serve others in the church? What does this suggest about the nature of true Christian service? [27:20]

  2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that fear can hinder generosity, and how does this relate to the broader theme of refreshment? [10:20]

  3. How does the pastor connect the ministry of refreshment to the mission of Christ, and what implications does this have for believers today? [47:15]

  4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of seeking out those in need, and how does this align with the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 11:28? [44:58]

Application Questions:

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually dry or in need of refreshment. How did you find support, and what role did others play in that process? [18:26]

  2. Consider the people in your life who might be in need of refreshment. What practical steps can you take this week to be a source of encouragement and support for them? [28:01]

  3. The sermon highlights the power of community in overcoming isolation. How can you actively contribute to building a supportive community within your church or small group? [20:14]

  4. Fear often holds us back from being generous. Identify a specific area in your life where fear has hindered your generosity. What steps can you take to overcome this fear and trust God more fully? [10:20]

  5. Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. Are there people in your life who are going through difficult times that you might be hesitant to support? How can you overcome this hesitation and offer them the refreshment they need? [42:08]

  6. The pastor mentioned the importance of using our words to speak life and blessing. Think of someone who could benefit from your encouragement. What specific words or actions can you offer them this week? [39:56]

  7. How can you align your actions with Christ's mission of seeking and saving the lost, particularly in the context of being a refresher to those around you? [47:15]

 

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

In Love,

Pastor Adam Dragoon

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Discipleship in the Digital Age | Sermon Summary & Study Guide

Summary

Livestream Replay

This Sunday, we explored the profound impact of technology on our spiritual lives and how we can navigate this digital age as disciples of Jesus. We began by acknowledging the rapid technological advancements that have transformed our world, drawing parallels to historical innovations like the printing press, which revolutionized access to the Word of God. While technology itself is not inherently evil, it requires wisdom and discernment to ensure it does not replace our connection with God or become an idol in our lives.

We delved into the concept of discipleship in a digital age, emphasizing the importance of abiding in God's Word. Jesus calls us to make His teachings our home, our place of comfort and truth. In a world saturated with digital content, we must be intentional about where we direct our attention and how we spend our time. The truth of God's Word is absolute, and it is through knowing this truth that we find freedom.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ‘”
— John 8:31-32,36

Message Inspiration came from Chandler Bible Conference

Podcast Version

We also discussed the dangers of allowing technology to create a false sense of connection and community. While digital platforms offer numerous ways to connect, they can never replace the depth and authenticity of face-to-face relationships. True discipleship involves impartation, a life-to-life transfer of spiritual gifts and wisdom, which cannot be fully realized through digital means alone.

As we navigate this digital age, we must develop habits of wisdom, such as setting boundaries on our screen time, being mindful of the content we consume, and prioritizing real-life interactions. We are called to reject the dehumanization that technology can bring and to remember that we are not just products of algorithms but human beings created in the image of God.

Ultimately, our goal is to be disciples who are free in Christ, not bound by the distractions and deceptions of the digital world. By abiding in His Word and living out our faith in tangible ways, we can be effective witnesses for His kingdom in this generation.

Youtube Chapters

Key Takeaways

  1. Abiding in God's Word: To be true disciples, we must make our home in the teachings of Jesus, finding comfort and truth in His Word. This requires intentionality in a world filled with digital distractions. [47:46]

  2. The Reality of Truth: Jesus teaches that there is absolute truth found in His Word, and it is this truth that sets us free. In a culture of moral relativism, we must hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. [01:01:51]

  3. The Dangers of Digital Connection: While technology offers many ways to connect, it can never replace the depth of real-life relationships. True discipleship involves life-to-life impartation, which cannot be fully realized through digital means. [01:23:00]

  4. Developing Habits of Wisdom: We must be intentional about how we use technology, setting boundaries and prioritizing real-life interactions. Our time is valuable, and we should use it to glorify God and build His kingdom. [01:09:31]

  5. Rejecting Dehumanization: We are not just products of algorithms; we are human beings created in God's image. We must resist the temptation to let technology define us and instead live out our faith authentically. [01:13:41]

Message Study Guide

Observation Questions

  1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed"? How does this relate to the concept of discipleship in a digital age? [47:46]

  2. In the sermon, what historical technological advancement is compared to the impact of modern technology on our spiritual lives? [49:04]

  3. How does the sermon describe the potential dangers of digital connections compared to face-to-face relationships? [01:15:52]

  4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how technology can become an idol in our lives? [01:30:39]

Interpretation Questions

  1. How might the concept of "abiding in God's Word" challenge the way individuals consume digital content today? [47:46]

  2. The sermon mentions the importance of setting boundaries on screen time. What might be the spiritual implications of failing to do so? [01:09:31]

  3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that technology can create a false sense of community, and how does this impact true discipleship? [01:15:52]

  4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being "free indeed" in the context of the digital age? [01:26:36]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on your current habits with technology. Are there specific areas where you feel technology is distracting you from your relationship with God? What steps can you take to address this? [01:07:12]

  2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of real-life interactions. How can you prioritize face-to-face relationships in your daily life, especially in a world dominated by digital communication? [01:15:52]

  3. Consider the content you consume online. How can you be more intentional about ensuring it aligns with the truth of God's Word? [01:01:51]

  4. The sermon discusses the idea of technology becoming an idol. Are there specific technologies or platforms that you find yourself overly reliant on? How can you begin to shift your focus back to God? [01:30:39]

  5. How can you develop habits of wisdom in your use of technology, such as setting boundaries or being mindful of your screen time? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:09:31]

  6. Think about a time when you felt disconnected from others despite being "connected" digitally. How can you foster deeper, more authentic relationships in your community? [01:15:52]

  7. The sermon calls us to reject dehumanization by technology. What are some ways you can remind yourself and others that we are created in God's image, not just products of algorithms? [01:13:41]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

 

In Love,

Pastor Adam Dragoon

 

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Church is a Team Sport

The church is not merely a collection of individuals but a cohesive body that thrives on cooperation and mutual support. Just as a sports team or a choir requires each member to play their part harmoniously, the church needs every believer to contribute their unique gifts and talents for the common good. Division, whether caused by foolish disputes, racism, politics, or pride, is demonic and counterproductive to the mission of the church. Paul’s instruction to reject a divisive person after the first and second admonition underscores the seriousness of maintaining unity.

We explored the metaphor of the church as a team, an army, and a temple. Each metaphor highlights the necessity of working together under a common purpose and authority. Just as a team cannot win if its members are divided, and an army cannot succeed if its soldiers do not follow orders, the church cannot fulfill its mission if it is fractured by internal strife. The unity within the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—serves as the ultimate model for the church, providing a strong theological basis for our call to unity. This divine unity should be reflected in our relationships with one another, fostering an environment where the Spirit of God can dwell and work powerfully.

The Apostle Paul’s transformation from Saul, a persecutor of Christians, to a beloved church member exemplifies the power of reconciliation and unity. His story reminds us that our vertical relationship with God must translate into horizontal relationships with others. The church is called to be a living example of heaven on earth, where diversity is celebrated and unity is paramount.

In closing, we were challenged to embrace a spirit of humility and unity, to avoid foolish disputes, and most importantly, to actively seek ways to contribute to the body of Christ. By doing so, we can become a powerful, harmonious force that reflects the glory of God and advances His kingdom on earth.

Key Takeaways

1. **Unity in Diversity**: The church, like a choir, thrives on the harmonious blending of diverse gifts and talents. Each member's unique abilities contribute to a powerful collective impact that surpasses individual efforts. This unity in diversity reflects the nature of God's creation and His design for the church. [01:08:01]

2. **Rejecting Division**: Paul’s instruction to reject a divisive person after the first and second admonition highlights the seriousness of maintaining unity. Division is demonic and counterproductive to the church's mission. It is better to have fewer people united in purpose than a large, divided congregation. [01:03:19]

3. **The Church as a Team and Army**: The metaphors of the church as a team and an army emphasize the importance of working together under a common purpose and authority. Just as a team cannot win if its members are divided, and an army cannot succeed if its soldiers do not follow orders, the church cannot fulfill its mission if it is fractured by internal strife. [01:31:43]

4. **The Power of Reconciliation**: The transformation of Saul to Paul exemplifies the power of reconciliation and unity. Our vertical relationship with God must translate into horizontal relationships with others. The church is called to be a living example of heaven on earth, where diversity is celebrated, and unity is paramount. [01:27:20]

5. **Living Stones in God’s Temple**: The church is described as a temple built with living stones, each uniquely shaped and placed by God. This imagery underscores the importance of each member's role and the masterful way God fits us together to create a dwelling place for His Spirit. Our unity allows God's presence to manifest powerfully among us. [01:34:12]

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Conquering Chaos: Finding Peace in the Storms of Life

Watch it Here:

YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [09:02] - Announcements
3. [12:16] - Outreach Report
4. [13:50] - Offering and Generosity
5. [16:44] - Bible Reading Plan
6. [17:43] - Structure and Boundaries
7. [21:33] - Conquering Chaos
8. [24:38] - Jesus Calls Us into Chaos
9. [30:49] - Feeling Out of Control
10. [32:30] - Stepping Out in Faith
11. [36:59] - Jesus as Our Advocate
12. [40:13] - Challenges in Chaos
13. [48:25] - Limitations of Human Ingenuity
14. [56:47] - Faith Overcomes Fear
15. [01:00:29] - Invitation to Salvation
16. [01:06:16] - Altar Call and Prayer
17. [01:11:25] - Communion
18. [01:15:06] - Final Charge and Dismissal

Summary

The importance of structure and boundaries in parenting was acknowledged, drawing parallels to how God provides order in our lives. Without structure, chaos ensues, and this is true not only for children but for all of us. The story of Jesus walking on water from Matthew 14 was explored, illustrating how Jesus calls us into chaotic situations to test and grow our faith.

Jesus sent His disciples into a stormy sea, a place of chaos and fear, to teach them reliance on Him. This act mirrors God's call to us to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown, trusting Him to guide us. The sea, often a biblical symbol of chaos, represents the unpredictable and uncontrollable aspects of life. Yet, Jesus walks on this chaos, demonstrating His power over it.

Human ingenuity and our own "boats" of understanding are insufficient to navigate life's storms. True peace and safety come from stepping out in faith, as Peter did when he walked on water. However, Peter's momentary doubt and subsequent sinking remind us that our focus must remain on Jesus, not on the surrounding chaos.

Jesus' actions show that He is always interceding for us, even when He seems distant. His call to step out in faith is a call to experience His supernatural power. The story concludes with Jesus calming the storm, reinforcing that He is the ultimate source of peace and order.

As we face our own chaotic situations, we are encouraged to trust in Jesus, step out of our boats, and keep our eyes fixed on Him. This faith journey is not without its challenges, but it is through these trials that we experience God's miraculous power and grow closer to Him.


Key Takeaways

  1. Structure and Boundaries in Life: Just as children need structure and boundaries to thrive, we too need God's order in our lives. Without it, chaos reigns. God provides us with guidelines and limits not to restrict us but to help us grow and flourish.

  2. Jesus Calls Us into Chaos: Jesus intentionally sends us into chaotic situations to test and strengthen our faith. Like the disciples on the stormy sea, we are often called to step out of our comfort zones and trust in God's guidance, even when it seems risky.

  3. Human Ingenuity is Limited: Our own understanding and abilities can only take us so far. In the face of life's storms, our "boats" of human ingenuity are insufficient. True safety and peace come from stepping out in faith and relying on Jesus.

  4. Faith Overcomes Fear: Peter's experience of walking on water teaches us that faith can enable us to conquer chaos. However, when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our problems, we begin to sink. Keeping our focus on Him is crucial.

  5. Jesus is Our Advocate: Even when Jesus seems distant, He is interceding for us. He is our advocate before the Father, praying for our strength and guidance. This assurance should encourage us to step out in faith, knowing that He is always with us.

Conclusion

Facing chaos is an inevitable part of life, but with faith and trust in Jesus, we can navigate through it. By stepping out of our comfort zones and keeping our eyes fixed on Him, we can experience His peace and order amidst the storms.

  • And I'm grateful that in our Bible reading plan, if you don't know, we do have a churchwide Bible reading plan. And in the last couple of weeks, we have finally made the switch into the New Testament. If you want to know how long it takes to read the Old Testament, it's about two-thirds of the year. So we made it through the Old Testament, and in our Bible reading plan, we finally arrived into the book of Matthew, and it's always a refreshing experience to get into the story of the Gospels after being in the Old Testament and reading the prophets and the law.



    And so we find ourselves in the book of Matthew. God, it's really inspired me about this message this morning. I pray it's a blessing to you.



    How many here are parents? Let me see your hands. You're parents, you have children. How many understand this morning that raising and training children requires structure and boundaries? If you've ever tried to remove structure or boundaries or failed to set proper structure and boundaries, what happens as a result? Chaos. You said it. The word is chaos. Chaos.



    When children are not given structure and boundaries, they have chaos. And can I tell you, this is necessary for parenting. Actually, children will appreciate when they know what the limits are. They operate best when they know what time is bedtime, what time is time to get ready for bedtime, what time is time to brush your teeth, what time... when they know when properly set expectations.



    When they understand expectations and boundaries, it actually helps them. Do you know why? Because children were not made to make decisions. They don't have the experience. They don't have the knowledge. They don't have the wisdom yet. Especially small children, what we're trying to do is in the time that they are incapable of making decisions, we, as parents, have to make decisions for them.



    Everybody know what I'm talking about? And so when you go to your four-year-old, and you say to him, I have a great problem. To them, what do you want for dinner tonight? You have made a grave mistake. It's going to be 30 minutes of trying to figure out what to eat. Instead, if you want to give them a choice, you should say, okay, we have pizza or we have chicken nuggets. Which one would you like? Now, that's a decision they can make. I would choose pizza if that was me.



    But you say this or that, and they think for a second, and we'll go with this. That's a decision that a child can handle. Don't give your child some open-ended, what do you want to do with your life, right? Children of four, five, six years old, they cannot handle decisions like that.



    This is why it's such a crime to, you know, to how people allow their children to make a decision on what kind of gender they want to be when they're four or five. They don't even know what to eat for dinner tonight. And so as parents, we are called to create limits and borders and boundaries for them. Otherwise, chaos will reign.



    Everybody say the word chaos. I believe that chaos is part of life. We're going to look at that in just a moment here, why it's an important part of life. Risk-taking sometimes. But chaos left uncontrolled is not good. The job of a good parent is to bring order.



    Parents are not prison wardens. They're not supposed to lock down every decision in the same way that God gives us the ability to make some decisions with our life while He retains the ability to be in control of all things. Is that true? Chaos is the natural state of the world. Sometimes that can be exciting or adventurous. But we realize that we cannot build important things that last while we are in chaos.



    In other words, you can't build a business if you can't even keep a budget, right? You can't go on to greater things until you establish a foundation of order. And so while chaos, while risk-taking, while those risky behaviors can sometimes feel exhilarating, we can't remain there forever. There has to be a balance of chaos and order.



    And it is God, who as our heavenly Father, brings order into our chaos. And I want to preach a message out of the book of Matthew, chapter 14. If you join me there, this is the famous story of Jesus walking on the water, calling His disciples out on the Sea of Galilee. And we're going to find a very powerful illustration of conquering chaos. That's the name of my message this morning, conquering chaos.



    Let's read together. Matthew, chapter 14, beginning with verse 22.



    Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake. While He sent the people home, after sending them home, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. Night fell while He was there alone.



    Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble, far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o'clock in the morning, well, that's not a good time to be on the sea. About three o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.



    When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified, and in their fear, they cried out, it's a ghost. Jesus spoke to them, don't be afraid. Take courage, I am here. Then Peter called to Him, Lord, if it's really You, tell me to come to You, walking on the water.



    On the water, yes, come, Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. When he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. Save me, Lord, he shouted. And Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him.



    You have so little faith, Jesus said. Why did you doubt? And when they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. The disciples worshipped Him. You really are the Son of God, they exclaimed.



    Let's pray. Father, we come once again, thanking You, God, by the blood of Jesus, for Your grace, for Your mercy, for Your forgiveness. Thanking You, Lord, for the opportunity to gather in this house. May this message inspire, convict, draw people closer to You. Help us, Lord, to recognize the chaos of our lives. Lord, to understand You've called us to conquer, to overcome. I'm praying, God, give us faith to believe You for great things.



    In this place, we give You glory in Jesus' mighty name. God's people would say, this message is titled, Conquering Chaos.



    And I want to begin by looking at Jesus, how He called His followers into chaos. This is very interesting. It was Jesus' idea. It was He who told them to get into the boat and put them out into a dangerous place.



    I want to give you a test. I want to give you a test to start this message out. Are you ready? Pop quiz. See if you can finish this sentence without Googling. Are you ready? In the beginning, God... Whoa, pretty good, pretty good. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. That's the very first line of the Bible, one of the most well-known sentences in the English language.



    And just following it is verse 2, which is fascinating. The Bible says this, the earth was without form and void. Void. Without form and void. The darkness was on the face of the deep. If you do a deep study into the Hebrew language here, you'll discover that the words that are used to speak, that were translated in English, without form and void, is a very interesting pair of words in Hebrew.



    And I'll quote them to you. It sounds like this. Tohu wabohu. They rhyme. Without form and void. Tohu wabohu. Tohu wabohu. And the idea here is much deeper than what we get in the English. It's not just that the earth was formless and empty. That's the wrong picture. When you study the Hebrew, you find that these words are used, especially the word tohu, is used in 20 other places in the Old Testament.



    And the idea is a wildness, a wilderness. It's a place that is... It's not just vast emptiness of space. It's describing a place of chaos. Imagine a jungle with no structures, with no path that maybe a helicopter drops you in the middle of a wild jungle. That's the idea of tohu wabohu. It was without form and it was void. It was without structure.



    And the idea added to that is that there is water involved. It said, the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And so these ideas of chaos, of wilderness, are joined together with the idea of water in the Bible, and especially seas or oceans.



    Now, here in modern-day America, in the West, when we think of water, we think of a vacation, right? We think of, oh, I'm going to go on the cruise or, uh, I'm going to go join the Navy so I can see the seven seas of the world, right? And it's a place of vacation and it's a desirable place where we want to be. We are seeking, right? The most valuable properties are what? Waterfront properties, right? We think of a vacation. We think of some tropical paradise where the sea and the horizon meet and you're sitting in a little chair on the beach.



    And that sounds relaxing to us. But from the biblical narrative, when we think as though we were one of the people writing the Bible or we were one of the original audience of God's Word, the idea of the sea was scary. It was frightening. It was a place of uncontrolled chaos.



    The ancient world thought about water and especially seas and the wild places of the world much differently than we did in the Bible. And so we think of the sea as a place of uncontrolled chaos. And so we think of the sea as a place of uncontrolled chaos.



    When they would think about the sea, they would think about people that they one day waved goodbye to as they went out onto the sea and never saw them again. That the sea was a place where people were consumed. The sea was a place of danger. The sea was a place not just to relax, but a place of great fear. It's a place the Bible describes of chaos. A place of wilderness, void, of structure, a place of chaos.



    And what's interesting about our scripture is that Jesus calls His disciples out onto the water. Now we have a beach here. We live in Virginia Beach. And if you've ever been, have you ever been out at the beach in the water? This has happened to me a couple of times. And you feel something brush your leg. And then you're like running back to the beach. I got to get out of here.



    I've had that happen. I don't know if it was a dolphin. I don't know if it was a fish. I don't know if it was a shark. I don't even want to know what it was because that's scary. It represents a place of the unknown. It's a place where we don't have control. It's a place where human beings are not supposed to be.



    In fact, they say the final frontier of our earth, the only place that is left unexplored are the depths of our ocean. It's just as foreign to us as the depths of the cosmos. There are so many creatures there that we don't even know about still. And it's a place of the unknown. It's a place of uncontrolled chaos.



    And what's interesting in our scripture is that Jesus tells them to get in their little rickety fishing boat and go out onto the sea at nighttime. Now that is crazy. We wouldn't even do that today with all of our modern technologies. But here they are. And Jesus says in verse 22, Jesus insisted that His disciples get into the boat and cross over to the other side of the lake.



    Now that would be one thing if He says, hey boys, let's go together. I'm coming with you. But in this case, He made the point to send them and He did not get in the boat. He says, you guys go out there. I'm going up to the mountain to pray. I'm going up to the mountain to pray. I'm going up to the mountain to pray. I'm going up to the mountain to pray.



    We'll see y'all later. Have you ever felt, have you ever found yourself in a place of chaos? Have you ever felt out of control? Have you ever gotten yourself into a situation that you didn't know how to get out of? That's where the disciples have found themselves, in a place of chaos.



    And there are many times that the Lord will lead us into these places. He will ask you to take a risk, to do something. He will ask you to do something uncomfortable. To go out, to step foot into a new arena for His kingdom. This is how the life of faith began.



    Think of the father of our faith. His name was Abram. And at the ripe age of 70 plus years old, a man who has everything that the world says you need. He had wealth. He had family. He had culture. He had a job. He had possessions. He had a whole bunch of stuff. He's 70 years old. He's comfortable. He's in a culture where he knows, he understands.



    And the Bible says in Genesis chapter 12, verse 1, that the Lord spoke to Abram. And the Lord did not say, hey, Abram, everything's cool. Just chill. What did the Lord say? He said, get out of your country, from your family, from your father's house. Okay, God, no problem. Where are we going? He says, I'll show you when you get there. No plan. No map. No five-year progress map. No goal.



    He said, just step out by faith, Abram. Now that is similar to Jesus calling His disciples out to a dangerous sea. And that is so similar to many times in our lives. Jesus will speak to us and lead us to step out into chaotic or uncontrolled places.



    Acts chapter 1, verse 8, Jesus is leaving back to heaven. He's going to ascend to His Father and His last words to the church as He rises from the Mount of Olives. In Acts 1, verse 8, He says, you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem.



    Jerusalem is where they were, right? Mount of Olives is right next to Jerusalem. So you'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, that place where you are. Then you'll be my witnesses in Judea. That's the larger area, the countryside. It is not just the city, but the whole surrounding region. Then He says in Samaria, you'll be my witnesses in Samaria.



    What's that? Samaria is the place where the Jews did not want to travel. In fact, they had a road connecting northern Judea with the northern part of Judea and they were to the southern part of Israel. Samaria was right in the middle, and it was the shortest distance to go through Samaria. But the Jews had a different road that went around instead of through because they didn't like Samaria. They didn't like those people.



    That's why the Samaritan woman, it was such a surprise that Jesus even spoke to her. That's why it was such a surprise when Jesus used the illustration of a good Samaritan who healed the man who fell among thieves. And Jesus said, you'll be my witnesses here where you are, Jerusalem, in Judea, the surrounding region and nation, and also Samaria, that place filled with people you don't like, places you don't want to go.



    And finally, Jesus said, you'll be my witnesses to the end of the earth, to places you never heard of, to cities and nations and countries and islands with people that you've never encountered, the ends of the earth. That, you know what that sounds like to me? A call into chaos.



    We've had the privilege, my wife and I, to be called as missionaries. We were in Bulgaria for four and a half years. Can I tell you that when Pastor Campbell came to me, and the opportunity had been explained to him, he approached us, and he said, have you ever heard of Bulgaria?



    And to be completely honest with you, I don't think I had ever heard that word uttered in the English language. I said, what's a Bulgaria? Where is that? And so, he says, well, there's an opportunity. It's a country, Eastern Europe, a former communist nation. There's a church there, and if you're willing to go, we'll be willing to support you.



    I had not one single fact in my brain about Bulgaria. And so, we were called upon to make a decision. That was a call out of our comfort zone, out of what was familiar. It was very similar. In my life, it was similar to God calling Abram, get out of your country, the place that's familiar to you. The place where you know how to pay bills.



    And going to a place you don't even know anything about. This is the missionary calling, isn't it? And while you may not have the same missionary calling, I do want to tell you, somewhere in your life, God is going to call you to an uncontrolled, chaotic, risky place. Maybe it's into a new job. Maybe it's into parenthood. Maybe it's into marriage. God will call you into a ministry that you never expected.



    There are many areas, there are many seas, many chaotic places, risky places that God will send us into. And many times, when we find ourselves there, we seem to be separated from Him. Verse 23 says, after sending them home, the other people, He said, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray.



    So, Jesus is not bodily with us. He's not physically with us. He's not physically with them. He's not with them in a physical sense. But as Jesus goes to the hills, He begins to pray. I want to tell you, Jesus is still praying for you. If you find yourself in a chaotic situation this morning, don't suppose that you are completely left alone.



    Because we have an advocate with the Father. 1 John 2, verse 1 says, my little children, these things I write to you, so you may not sin. And if anyone sins, listen, we have an advocate. Say the word advocate. With the Father. Who is that? Jesus Christ, the righteous.



    You know, it's important in life to have a good Jewish lawyer. That's who Jesus is. He is our advocate before the Father. He stands on your behalf. If you are in His will, He will be praying for you. Listen, 1 Timothy 2, verse 5, there's one God and one mediator between God and men, the man, Christ Jesus.



    Jesus exists today. His present ministry between the time of the cross until the time He returns, His primary role, His primary mission, His primary ministry is to advocate on behalf of His church to the Father. He's praying for us. Hebrews 7, verse 24. But He, Jesus, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.



    Therefore, He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercessions for them. Jesus was praying for them, even though He wasn't in the boat. You know, that's just a picture of what it's been like for the church for the last 2,000 years. We don't see Him. We can't speak to Him, to His face. We can't, you know, give Him a handshake or a hug.



    But I want to tell you, just like these disciples in the boat on the waters of chaos, Jesus is up on the hill. He can't see them, but He's praying for them. Just remember that. In the moments of chaos, in the moments of difficulty, in the moments where you can't predict how your situation is going to end, there is a Savior. There's an advocate who's pleading on your behalf to the Father.



    And it's here in chaos, in the tohu wabohu places of our lives, where we find complications. Jesus will call us to adventure. He will call us into exciting things. And they hold great promise. It is true that there's no reward without a risk, right?



    This is why people don't start businesses. Because businesses are risky. It requires a large amount of investment and time and effort. And you're not guaranteed to be a success. So it's a lot easier to, you know, go find a corporate cubicle to do your work in, right? And you get benefits and 40 hours a week and a set schedule.



    And not many people want to go into business because it's risky. But if you are successful in it, there's a larger reward that is available. And it's the same with God. We could spend the rest of our lives being comfortable. Just receiving the blessing of God. Just going to church, have a good time, shake a few hands, say a few prayers.



    And we could get through our lives and make it to heaven like that. But I believe God calls us into riskier situations. That living for Jesus will, He will purposefully put you out on the lake sometimes. And in that place, there will be complications.



    Let's look at these complications. Number one, the disciples felt a period of darkness. It says that as, verse 23, after sending them home, He went up to the hills to pray and night fell while He was there alone. That also means that night fell on those poor disciples out there on the sea. They're rowing. They're trying to get across the lake.



    They're hours into this thing. And by the time, it was Jesus who sent them out there. Remember that? They didn't get sent out there at 6 a.m. It was in the evening. The day had already passed and He said, you guys need to go out there right now. He compelled them to do that. He ordered them to do that, even though it was the wrong time.



    And darkness fell in that chaotic place. You know, when we find ourselves in these risky steps for God, it is easy for us to lose our sight. When there's a lack of light, there's a lack of clarity. David described what this was like. Psalm 82, verse 5. They do not know, they do not understand. They walk about in darkness. The foundations of the earth are unstable.



    When you can't see in the darkness, you can't see in the darkness. When you can't see in the darkness, everything automatically gets more difficult. Is that true? So darkness falls on them. The second thing they find is that they're separated from safety. Matthew 14, verse 24. The disciples were in trouble, say in trouble, and they were far away from land.



    They were so far into this journey that even if they said, boys, we're in trouble, we got to go back. The journey back was even farther than the journey forward. They were in trouble. They were in trouble. They were in trouble. They were in trouble.



    Have you ever found yourself neck deep in a situation and you don't know how it's going to work out? Maybe financially. The bills with the red ink start showing up. You know what I'm saying? The phone calls from the bill collectors start blowing up your phone. We become separated from safety. What used to be comfortable now becomes difficult.



    And if that wasn't enough, then there was a storm. It says a strong wind had risen. And they were fighting heavy waves. This is what happens in chaotic places. When you take a risk, it's risky. And there's a chance that a storm could rise and that it might get harder before it gets better.



    And I want to tell you, people come to church on Sunday morning and we can put on a certain view to other people, but often we're in over our heads in many situations. Maybe in your marriage this morning, your family. There's a relationship that's strained. You don't know how to get out of it. You don't know how to handle it. You don't know how to make it better.



    Finances. We can get over our heads. Our children. Training children is hard, man. Teenagers can be difficult. Not my teenager, but other teenagers. Ministry. Hey, in the church, working with people can be hard. In your job, in your workplace, you know what? Customers, bosses, fellow workers.



    And you find yourself in conflicts and situations where like, is this ever going to get better? And the winds and the waves are beating against this boat. Remember, it was Jesus who told them to go out there. It was Jesus who said, you guys, at this time, when the sun is going down, when the storm is coming, I'm going to send you out there at this moment.



    And they are in the boat facing a storm. And it shows us that there are going to be inevitable challenges as we face a life with Jesus. We just got back from our missions trip a couple of weeks ago. Our missions team, we had eight of us. We went to St. Lucia. It's an island in the Caribbean. So that sounds pretty nice.



    And yeah, there are some nice things there. But you know, being a missionary, and if you were on the trip, you saw it. If being a missionary and actually living your life, you saw it. There's a lot of challenges related to that. There's a lot of things they've had to adjust their lifestyle. There's challenges.



    Yeah, it's exciting, right, to go to conference and to hear the announcement, going into St. Lucia. Heath and Renee Flitcroft, everybody, yeah, everybody cheers. It's exciting. A call out to the water. But then they get out there. And they've lived there for two and a half years. And there's a lot of complications.



    And now he's having to deal with the government officials to try to get a visa. And it's taken him six months. When we were there, he told me, yeah, they lost all of our paperwork. Have to do it all over again. Have to start from scratch. And in the meantime, they're threatening him. If you don't get this right, we have to send you out of the country.



    While he's trying to build a church, while he's trying to do something for God, right, while he's trying to keep his family, and there's real challenges that come by following Jesus. Now there's a temptation in the challenge, in the midst of the storm. And that is that we rely on the boat alone.



    This is a great mistake. Now remember, it's 12 disciples, no Jesus. He's up on the hill praying for them. The only thing that's keeping them alive in this moment is their rickety little fishing boat. Now let me ask you something. Who built that boat? Some guy, right? They probably, somewhere a fisherman.



    It could have been Peter, Andrew. I don't know. They had some fishermen in the crew. Might have been their boat. We don't know for sure. But at the end of the day, this boat did not come down from a cloud from heaven. This boat was built by the hands of men.



    We know how to make boats. These guys know how to make a boat, how to maintain a boat. They know that, you know, you have to build it in a certain way. You have to have this kind of wood. You have to seal it up tight. You have to have some little holes where the oars will rest. You have to have a keel that goes down the center. You have to have some seats.



    We have been, as a species, as human beings, we have been making boats for thousands and thousands of years. They know how to make a boat. The problem is that in this situation, their boat is not good enough.



    Have you discovered the limitations of human ingenuity? See, when we get out on the, and when we find ourselves in the midst of chaos, the mistake is, it's gonna be okay. I know how to handle this. I've got my little fishing boat. You'll discover very quickly that your boat is not enough to save you.



    Your intelligence is not enough to get you through. Your education is not enough. Your human experience is not enough. Your human relationships are not enough. Your intelligence is not enough. Your human relationships are not enough. Your human ingenuity, your ideas, we will bump up against challenges that all of our preparation is not enough to get us to the other side of that lake.



    Because this storm was stronger than their boat. And if their trust was in that piece of wood, if their trust was in the maker of that piece of wood, then they would have drowned. I want to tell you, Jesus not only calls us out into the sea in a time of chaos, but there's going to be a time when He asks us to step out of that comfort.



    To step out of our own experience. To step out of our own wisdom. Our ingenuity is not enough. See, God made man in His image, but He made us with limitations. Even from the beginning, we had limitations. Adam and Eve, they were made in God's image. They were without sin. They lived in a perfect existence.



    And yet, God limited them. He said, of all the trees, Genesis 2, verse 16, you may freely eat from every tree in the garden, except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He said, this is my tree. Don't touch my tree. Don't touch its fruit. And God said, this is the one limitation that you have as my created beings.



    And man could not even handle that limitation, right? They came up with the idea. It was inspired by the enemy. Eve was beguiled because what did he tell her? He said, oh, God's just trying to hurt us. He said, oh, God's just trying to hurt us. He said, oh, God's just trying to ruin your fun. He's holding back from you.



    And that one limitation. See, what we try to do is we try to get through our chaotic situations by leaning on our own understanding, by doing a few Google searches, by watching a few YouTube videos. Oh, I can make it. We buy a book from the self-help section. We even ask chat GPT these days, right? What does AI have to say?



    And you know, we can come up with some interesting answers. But at the end of the day, there are going to be some seas that are too powerful for your boat. Despite being skilled fishermen, they're overwhelmed by the storm. And this shows us that human ability is limited.



    If you are relying on your skill, on your wisdom, on your saving account, on your resources, if you're depending on these things, things that you can understand, then you're going to be able to do a lot of things. And if you're going to understand things that you have control over to navigate life's challenges, I want to tell you, you're going to reach a limit of how far they can carry you.



    That boat was able to get them into the problem, but not out of the problem. And this is the problem. Have you ever known somebody who thinks too much for their own good? People are pointing at themselves. Some people consider themselves too smart to believe in God.



    I often say those are the people who watch the show. I'm not saying they're not smart. I'm saying they're not smart. I'm saying they don't watch too much YouTube. They think too much because they think themselves into the problem, but they can't get out of the problem.



    Consider with me as we close the woman with the issue of blood in Luke chapter 8. Now, this woman has a desperate problem. It says, a woman having a flow of blood for 12 years. Think about what that would be like. She's got some kind of hemorrhage, female problems, and she's been bleeding for 12 years.



    Now, this is difficult in a Jewish culture where a woman who has that kind of a situation, she is considered by the culture to be unclean. That means she cannot have regular human interactions. She can't go worship at the temple. She can't be with her family. She is ostracized from society. She has to live outside the city for 12 years.



    Not only that, but the Bible says she spent all her livelihood on physicians and could not be healed. She's went to every doctor, she's went to every healer, she's went to every place that took her money and failed to bring a satisfactory resolution to her problem.



    And this is where we find ourselves often. We've tried everything we knew to try. We did everything we were supposed to do. We did everything right. We did everything I thought I knew. But this woman, having spent all, being desperate, heard about Jesus.



    The Bible says she came from behind, touched the border of His garment, and immediately her flow of blood stopped. I want to tell you, where human ingenuity ends is where supernatural power begins. If we want to see the hand of God, we have to get out of the boat.



    Peter did not walk on water until he got out of the thing that he understood. And that's where we're going to look, finally, as we close, supernatural solutions. The answer doesn't always come the way that we expect. I love this scripture, verse 25.



    Three o'clock in the morning, they're all freaking out. Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. Now, aren't you glad Jesus came walking on the water? In another gospel account, it says that He would have passed them by. He was just out for a stroll. Hey, guys, good luck.



    But they cried out to Him, and He turned aside to them. Now, this was very frightening. It would be frightening to you, too, if you were out on the water, thinking you're about to die, and you see somebody walking on the waves. They were terrified. They thought He was a ghost.



    But He was the answer to their problem, wasn't He? Often, the answer that we want from God is terrifying at first. Wait, what do you want me to do? What offering do you want me to give? Wait, what place do you want me to go? Often, the answer to our prayers is so far away. Isn't that true?



    The kingdom of God is so opposite from our own understanding. Jesus says, if you want to live, you have to die. If you want to be first, you have to be last. This is the paradox of the kingdom. It's not an earthly kingdom. It's a heavenly kingdom, and it's opposite from our own thinking.



    It was terrifying. The second thing we see is that it required great faith. Verse 28, Peter called to Him, Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you walking on the water. This was not Jesus' idea. It was Peter's idea. He was so afraid and so desperate that he didn't want to die.



    He didn't want to die. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to die. He didn't want to die. He was so desperate, and so on the edge of himself, he thought, Lord, the only safe place is wherever you are, so help me to get to you. Man, Peter had a lot of flaws, but one thing he had right. He wanted to be with Jesus, even if it required getting out of his own understanding.



    Walking on the water represents to us stepping into the realm of the impossible through faith. It shows us that when we do step out in faith, trusting in the power of God, you can conquer chaos. You can walk on the thing which you think is about to destroy you.



    Let me ask you this evening, this morning, what boats have you been struggling to survive in? What water and what wind, what waves have been crashing against your life? Is Jesus calling you to a new level of conquering chaos?



    This morning, it requires faith. It's not easy, but I want to encourage you to step out of your boat and trust Him. See, Peter did this. He's the only human being, besides Jesus, to walk on water. He took a few steps, miraculous steps, but he started looking around. He saw the wind.



    The problem was he took his eyes off of Jesus. He was distracted by his problems again, he was distracted by the waves that were crashing, the wind that was blowing, and when he put his focus on the problems instead of on the Savior, he began to sink again.



    Now, he did cry out. He said, Lord, save me. And Jesus did save him, pulled him back out, but there was a rebuke. Man, it's like, Jesus, pretty hard on the guy, right? I mean, he has just stepped on the water. Nobody's ever done this except for you, Jesus. And Jesus still rebukes him.



    Why did you doubt? You were doing it, Peter. You were succeeding. You were conquering your chaos. But even as he began to fail, Jesus had a rebuke for him. Why did you doubt? Wow. Some expectations the Savior has for us. He expects us to conquer our chaos.



    It requires faith this morning. And I want to challenge each and every one of you. There's a chaotic place of your life. You're in a boat trying to figure it out yourself. But the boat's not good enough. I challenge you this morning to step out of the boat and trust Him.



    Because, here's why, walking on the waves with Jesus is safer than staying in the boat. Did you hear what I said? Walking on the waves with Jesus is safer than staying in the boat. The end of the story is that Jesus gets back into the boat with them. Immediately, the storm is calm.



    He exercised His power over nature. And the end of the story is they're all, okay, this guy really is the Son of God. And that's the point. At the end of the day, when Jesus helps us to conquer our chaos, the proper response is one of fear, admiration, and worship.



    Okay, Jesus, you are worthy of my whole life. Let's bow our heads and close our eyes as we bring this service to a close. And I'm grateful for your attention.



    This morning, as we look at this powerful scripture, this story, before we close this service, before we pray together here at this altar, we're going to come together to pray, and then we're going to be receiving the Lord's Supper together.



    But before we do that, I want to ask if someone has made their way into the service today, and the honest truth of your life at this moment is that you're not right with God. The Bible says we have all sinned. We've all fallen short of God's glory. There is nobody here who deserves heaven.



    In fact, what we do deserve is condemnation. We deserve the wrath of God. We have all sinned against Him, broken His laws. The bad news is that we are all sinners in His eyes. But there's also good news. The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.



    And if you're here this morning, I want to give you some good news. If you're in sin, if you are consciously and knowingly disobeying the will of God, the Word of God, the laws of God, I want to give you some good news. There's a God in heaven who knows exactly who you are, knows exactly what you've done, knows exactly what you're going through, and He loves you.



    Say, how could God love somebody like me? Well, He made you, and He doesn't make junk. He made you, and He wants to save you from your sins, and He proved it by sending His Son, Jesus. If you want to know how much you are worth to God, you need to think about what Jesus did for you.



    Jesus was willing to give His life, shed His blood, His body to be broken on the cross. He was willing to do that because it was the only way to atone for your sins and mine, to ease and to put at peace, to put at rest the wrath and the anger of the Father. Jesus paid the price so that you and I don't have to.



    And the Bible says, if you are willing to turn from sin and trust in Jesus, that that sacrifice can be applied to your life. It's a decision that I made at about 16 years old. It's a young man finally understanding that my sin was leading me to death. If I didn't get right with God, all of my church experience would not save me.



    All of my Christian morality, all of my church attendance, all the scriptures I read, all of the religious activities of my life, you put them all together and add them up. It is not enough to save us. And I realized that at 16 that my sin was going to destroy me. And I said, God, I don't want to go to hell. I don't want to be separated from you forever. I said, save me. I'm lost. I'm broken.



    It requires humility. But if you're willing to do that, if you're willing to step out on the sea, humble yourself and trust in the Lord Jesus, the Bible says, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all our iniquities.



    And before we close this service today, I wonder if someone's here. I'm describing you. You're separated from God. Oh, but there's hope for you. He is not finished. You are here at this moment for a purpose. He's calling out to you. Will you respond?



    If that's someone here today, would you do something that takes a little courage for me? Would you just lift up your hand so I can see it? Say, Pastor, pray for me. I'm not right with God. I've been running from God. My sins are before me, and I feel the guilt and the weight of my sins. And I believe God wants to save me.



    Don't miss this opportunity. Someone here, unsaved or backslidden, prodigal, you're here today. You need Jesus. Can I see your hand? Would you lift it up right now? I want to pray with you. I don't want to embarrass you. We're not going to put you on the microphone, but you want to experience the salvation of the Lord Jesus. You want to not just know about it, but you want to know God.



    You don't want to have a relationship with Him personally. Is that you? Quickly, lift up your hand. Put it right back down so I can see it. Someone here, you need Jesus to save you. Don't miss this. Don't leave this place without knowing the Savior. Can I pray with you? Is there anyone at all? Quickly, right now, as God's speaking to hearts.



    Amen. Then we want to pray together, church. I preach a simple message about stepping out on the waves, about conquering chaos. Yes, it's Jesus who calls us into chaotic and difficult places. Places that are filled with complications and wind and waves and storms.



    We find ourselves up to our neck and not knowing what to do. Often, we are grasping on as tight as we can to the little rickety boat of human understanding. You know what the Bible says in Proverbs? It says, trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.



    That little boat of understanding, it can get you so far. It can get you into the lake, but it can't get you out. And there are some people here this morning, God's speaking to you to take a step of faith, take a step out of the boat into the presence of the Lord Jesus.



    See, miracles begin when human understanding ends. And we're going to open up this altar for prayer. If God's dealing with you about a situation in your life, would you come? Let's stand to our feet. We're going to pray together here at this altar. Would you come and present your chaotic situation?



    Lord, you brought me this far, but I can't continue unless you speak to me. Amen. This altar is open. Let's begin to pray. Let's find a place here. We can cry out to God together. Amen. Church, let's begin to lift up our needs to the Lord. He's the only one who can rescue. He's the only one who can redeem. He's the only one who can bring us all the way through.



    Would you come and present your need? Listen, Jesus, you are not alone. He is praying for you. He is advocating for you even at this very moment. So let's come. And let's cry out to the living God. If you're still in your seats, please be praying for these that have come. Let's lift up our needs. Let's believe God for a few moments.
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Adam Dragoon Adam Dragoon

If You're Not a Disciple, You're Not a Christian | VBPH SUNDAY MORNING

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Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the true meaning of discipleship as taught by Jesus in Luke 14. This is a transformational and powerful message about what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ.

Discipleship is not merely about being a follower in name but involves a deep, all-encompassing commitment to Jesus. Jesus' words in Luke 14 challenge us to reconsider our priorities and the cost of following Him. He uses strong language to emphasize that our commitment to Him must surpass all other relationships and possessions. This means being willing to forsake everything, even our own lives, to follow Him.

Jesus illustrated this with examples of a man building a tower and a king going to war, both of whom must count the cost before proceeding. Similarly, we must understand that following Jesus involves self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to bear our own crosses. This is not a path of convenience or comfort but one that demands total commitment.

Moreover, Jesus likened discipleship to being the salt of the earth. Salt, in ancient times, was valuable for its preserving and healing properties. As disciples, we are called to be a preserving force in a broken world, maintaining righteousness and spreading the gospel. However, if we lose our "flavor" or fail to live out our calling, we become ineffective and worthless.

The message concluded with a call to action, urging us to examine our lives and make a genuine commitment to discipleship. This involves prioritizing Jesus above all else and being willing to make uncomfortable and inconvenient decisions for His sake. True discipleship is about surrendering all to follow Christ, knowing that He has already given everything for us.


Key Takeaways

  • True Discipleship Requires Total Commitment

    • Jesus emphasized that to be His disciple, one must be willing to forsake all other relationships and possessions. This means prioritizing our commitment to Christ above everything else, even our own lives. This level of commitment is not optional but essential for true discipleship. [58:25]

  • Counting the Cost

    • Jesus used the examples of a man building a tower and a king going to war to illustrate the importance of counting the cost before committing to discipleship. Following Jesus involves self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to bear our own crosses. It is not a path of convenience but one that demands total dedication. [59:21]

  • Being the Salt of the Earth

    • As disciples, we are called to be the salt of the earth, preserving righteousness and spreading the gospel in a broken world. If we lose our "flavor" or fail to live out our calling, we become ineffective and worthless. Our lives should reflect the preserving and healing properties of salt. [01:24:25]

  • The Challenge of Discipleship

    • Discipleship is not about comfort or convenience. It involves making difficult and sometimes painful decisions to follow Jesus. This means being willing to give up self-interest, possessions, careers, hobbies, and even dreams to prioritize our commitment to Christ. [01:10:14]

  • The Reward of Discipleship

    • While the path of discipleship is challenging, it is also the most rewarding. Jesus promised that those who lay down their lives for Him will produce much fruit. True discipleship leads to a deeper relationship with Christ, greater spiritual growth, and the fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives. [01:27:41]

YouTube Chapters

  1. [0:00] - Welcome

  2. [15:05] - Opening Worship: "I Will Praise Your Name"

  3. [18:07] - Lead Us Up the Mountain

  4. [19:59] - Hearts Abandoned

  5. [21:25] - Send Me Out

  6. [25:12] - Jesus, Savior: The Victory is Yours

  7. [29:17] - I Will Look Up

  8. [41:55] - Announcements

  9. [48:20] - Offering and Tithes

  10. [51:31] - Outreach Report

  11. [53:07] - Introduction to the Sermon

  12. [56:50] - True Discipleship: Luke 14

  13. [58:25] - The Cost of Discipleship

  14. [59:21] - Counting the Cost

  15. [01:24:25] - Being the Salt of the Earth

  16. [01:27:41] - The Reward of Discipleship

  17. [01:29:21] - Call to Commitment

  18. [01:33:17] - Altar Call and Prayer

  19. [01:42:28] - Closing Remarks and Prayer

  • What a blessing it is to serve the living God.



    It is an opportunity that we have each and every day.



    Just a few quick announcements we want to share with you.



    Today is our, as already mentioned during the worship, is our World Evangelism Sunday.



    We do this every month.



    On the last Sunday of the month, we put a highlight and a focus on the needs of world evangelism.



    We are reminded about how great need there still is to reach the nations for the kingdom of the Lord.



    Can you say amen?



    And so tonight in our evening service, we're going to be doing something special.



    As most of you know, we just got back from our annual missions trip.



    We were in the nation of St. Lucia for one week.



    And so tonight we'll be seeing a video report from that trip.



    Also, those that were with us on the trip, a few of us are going to be testifying tonight in a kind of a testimony service this evening.



    So you want to hear about St. Lucia, tonight would be a good opportunity to come and hear about that.



    So our service begins this evening at 7 p.m.



    We open the door for prayer at 6 p.m.



    We also want to remind you this week, we have a Wednesday night, our week, we call it our midweek recharge service on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.



    That is another opportunity to gather together to worship and hear the word of God.



    It's a full service that we do.



    It's a full service that we do on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.



    Then this coming Thursday, we were planning to start our new believers class last week.



    We were not able to make that happen.



    So part one of our, what we call the fresh fire new believers class that is beginning this week, Thursday night at 7 p.m.



    We have a sign-up sheet.



    If you are a new believer or if you want a good reminder of foundational principles of the kingdom of God, what it means to be a follower of Jesus and a disciple, this is a great class to be part of.



    It's going to be five or six weeks, Thursday nights beginning this Thursday at 7 p.m.



    There is a sign-up sheet on that table if you would like to put your name so that we can prepare for how many people we're going to have.



    This coming Saturday, we're going to be having a movie night.



    We'll be showing a film here in our building and that's going to be this Saturday at 7 p.m.



    I believe, hopefully, we have a trailer available.



    We'll give them a minute to get that ready.



    The name of the film is called Sight and it is a true life story.



    It's a true life story of someone who came from China, a doctor, who developed a...



    Yeah, there we go.



    Go ahead, hit play there.



    Amen.



    So, we want to invite you to that.



    This is not publicly available without paying for it online.



    So, we want to encourage you to come, invite your friends and co-workers.



    We have some invitations available on the tables out there.



    You can grab one of those before you leave.



    That's going to be this Saturday at 7 p.m.



    Powerful presentation.



    And so, we'll be having a movie night.



    You'll be inspired.



    A couple other things quickly.



    We want to remind the teenagers.



    There's a rally happening in Jacksonville, North Carolina for all teenagers, 13 through 19.



    That's happening next week, Friday and Saturday.



    It's the 6th and the 7th of September.



    It's a Friday night and a Saturday morning event.



    It's an overnight stay.



    And so, we do have a few teens that are going to be joining in that.



    If you have a teen that is interested to go get inspired as we begin a new school year, this would be a great opportunity.



    So, again, next week, Friday and Saturday, an overnight stay, Jacksonville, North Carolina, just about a three-hour drive away.



    And then, finally, we want to announce our upcoming Bible conference in Chandler, Arizona.



    We are very excited, as always, to join together with our leadership church.



    Pastor Campbell hosts this every year to inspire us, to help us, to retool us, and get us back in working condition.



    Amen?



    And it's like taking your car to the mechanic.



    Sometimes you just need a tune-up, right?



    This is our annual spiritual tune-up.



    And I want to encourage you, if you can, to come along with us in Chandler, Arizona.



    There is more information.



    We have the brochures out on the table.



    The dates on that are September the 30th through October the 4th.



    I've heard some families already planning to go.



    That's very encouraging.



    And I wish that you get that time available.



    You will be inspired.



    You will see the heartbeat of our fellowship.



    You will see churches launched.



    You will see missionaries go.



    And we're excited to always be a part of that.



    October the 30th through...



    Sorry, September the 30th through October the 4th.



    And we are preparing for all that God is going to do.



    Our ushers are going to come forward this morning as we receive the Lord's tithe and offering.



    And as we do that, we always want to remind you how important it is that all of us do our part.



    We are not independently financed by some large benefactor.



    We are completely supported by the giving of God's people.



    We don't have a side project, a side business.



    We don't have angel investors.



    What we have is we have faithful people.



    Ha ha.



    We have faithful people who are with average, normal, everyday jobs.



    And as we set aside a tithe and an offering, God is able to use that together to further His kingdom.



    That this church can continue to thrive, can continue to meet our obligations, and can continue to fulfill our mission of winning souls, making disciples, planting churches.



    And I want to encourage you in that this morning.



    If you see something that God is doing here, you believe in that, then this is your way.



    This is an obvious way that you can support and you can continue to help us as we give tithes and offerings.



    Cash, if you are giving cash this morning, the ushers will have envelopes.



    If you would like a record of cash giving, put that in an envelope.



    You can also give with a check.



    You make that out to the Potter's House.



    Most people are giving through our online giving system these days.



    And you can do that by scanning the code up on the screen.



    We also have Cash App available if you prefer.



    That Cash App tag that you can give to is the letters VBPH, standing for Virginia Beach Potter's House.



    Let's pray for this offering this morning, asking God's blessing over it and the rest of the service.



    Amen.



    Brother Mason is going to pray.



    Oh, Lord, I will sing about your mercy.



    And I will sing about your mercy.



    Lord, you deserve the highest praise.



    You deserve the highest praise.



    Be exalted here as we begin to praise.



    We lift him higher.



    Let our praises sing.



    Wonders of his love.



    Lift him higher.



    For he deserves the glory.



    Oh, we're gonna lift you.



    Lift him higher.



    Let our praises sing.



    Wonders of his love.



    Lift him higher.



    Wonders of his love.



    Lift him higher.



    For he deserves the glory.



    Oh, yes, he deserves the glory today.



    He deserves the glory.



    For he deserves the glory.



    For he deserves the glory.



    For he deserves the glory.



    Amen.



    If you love Jesus, give me a shout.



    Hallelujah.



    God is good.



    All the time.



    Amen.



    We're grateful.



    Thank you for your presence here this morning.



    What a blessing it is to be gathered in his house.



    And we're grateful for those who fulfill the needs of ministry both here on the stage for our song service.



    For those who helped us yesterday with our outreach.



    I want to bring a good report from our outreach yesterday.



    We had a van full of people that went and outreached in a local apartment complex.



    Many of you saw what I posted that there were people who were saved as a result of our outreach yesterday.



    Who prayed for salvation.



    We also prayed for healing.



    Several people made some good contacts.



    We're believing God to help us.



    I just want to say thank you for people who go on outreach.



    We appreciate that.



    We do that every Saturday.



    And that outreach is not just an outreach team but is also a cleanup team.



    The reason that you can look down at the carpet and not see too many crumbs is because we came back from outreach and did a cleanup crew.



    And so I want to say thank you.



    That's a big job for our church building.



    And we appreciate all of you who labor, set aside that time to help us.



    And you can be a part of that.



    We always are looking for people to help us on Saturdays as we prepare for our services on Sunday.



    So I'll just put in a plug.



    If you are interested in that or service in any area, maybe in the AV team back there in the booth or in music ministry.



    We're always looking for people that are willing and able to help us with those things.



    And so I would appreciate anyone who would like to find out what is necessary to do that.



    Amen.



    So we're going to open up our Bibles this morning.



    We're going to look together in Luke chapter 14.



    If you would join us there.



    Luke chapter 14.



    We are grateful for all that God has done.



    Amen.



    We had a powerful week in St. Lucia.



    And you're going to hear a lot about that this evening.



    But I do want to just say.



    If you gave to world evangelism in the last few weeks.



    Last year.



    We thank you.



    We thank you for your support.



    We do this on a yearly basis.



    A missions trip.



    And that comes as a result of your generosity.



    Giving specifically to the need of world evangelism.



    So we thank you for that.



    This morning I want to turn our attention to the word of God in Luke chapter 14.



    Words of Jesus.



    As we consider the topic of discipleship.



    This was the ultimate goal.



    Also the topic of the message that was preached on Friday night.



    There was a men's discipleship class that happened in Jacksonville.



    Myself and a few others from local churches went to go be a part of that.



    On Friday night it was a great time.



    But I was just really, really inspired.



    And I wanted to share with you some of the themes that came from that message.



    Luke chapter 14.



    If you'll join us there.



    So there's a wilderness area in Bridger, Wyoming.



    And this particular wilderness area.



    Remember it's called a wilderness area.



    And they have a comment card box.



    Have you ever seen the comment card boxes?



    And so this was a few comment cards that were collected at the wilderness area in Bridger, Wyoming.



    One person said, too many bugs, leeches, spiders, and spider webs.



    Please spray the wilderness to get rid of these pests.



    Okay.



    Another comment.



    Please pave the nature trails.



    We need chair lifts.



    So that we can get wonderful views without having to hike.



    Another comment.



    From the wilderness area.



    Coyotes made too much noise last night.



    Kept me awake.



    Please eradicate these annoying animals.



    One person said there was a small deer that came into camp and stole my job.



    A jar of pickles.



    Can I get reimbursed for this expense?



    Please call.



    One person said escalators could help on steep uphill sections.



    A McDonald's would be nice at the trail head.



    One person said too many rocks in the mountains.



    Maybe they missed what was on the sign.



    This is a wilderness.



    Maybe they should go to the shopping mall if they have all these expectations.



    These comments and complaints indicate that people who made them do not understand what a wilderness area actually is.



    They were looking for something more convenient, more comfortable.



    This is why some people don't go camping.



    That's okay.



    I'll stay in my bed, Pastor.



    I have a house with air conditioning.



    Why would I go fight with bugs?



    But in the same way that here's people who went to a wilderness area looking for something that was not there.



    In the same way, there are many people today who do not know what it really means to be a believer and a follower in Jesus.



    They don't know what it means.



    They have different expectations.



    They assume that living for Jesus means one thing when it in reality means something very, very different.



    And so I want to take this opportunity this morning to reset some expectations.



    Going back to the source, to the original blueprint, Jesus himself.



    So that we can learn exactly what it means to be his follower.



    We want to follow him, yes?



    If you want to get to heaven, this is how.



    Jesus, the one who came from heaven and went back to heaven.



    If we want to live eternally, we got to follow the one who knows about it.



    The tour guide who's been there, who knows about it.



    He is there now.



    But we have to follow correctly.



    There are many people who consider themselves and even name the name of Christ.



    But in many ways, they're not really followers.



    It's possible to be religious, to go to church, to profess faith, to read the Bible, even give in the offering.



    But like people who expect an escalator to the top of the mountain, we often have expectations buried.



    And we are secretly disappointed because Jesus isn't doing everything we thought he would do.



    I want to preach this morning a message that I've simply titled True Discipleship.



    And let's look at Luke chapter 14, beginning with verse 25.



    Now great multitudes.



    Say great multitudes.



    That means that's a whole lot of people.



    Great multitudes went with him, Jesus.



    It's almost like Jesus gets a sense.



    Okay, there's a large crowd here.



    I got to do something about that.



    And he turned and said to them.



    Here it comes.



    He's about to drop the bomb.



    If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.



    Say cannot.



    That means it's impossible.



    And verse 27.



    Whoever does not bear his cross and come after me.



    He who intending to build a tower does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.



    Lest after he has laid the foundation is not able to finish.



    And all who see it begin to mock, saying this man began to build and was not able to finish.



    Second example.



    Verse 31.



    What king going to make war against another king does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with 10,000 to meet him who comes against or 20,000.



    Or else while the other is away off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.



    Verse 33.



    So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all.



    Say the word all.



    Does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.



    Final example.



    Jesus uses his salt as good.



    But if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?



    It is not fit for the land nor for the dunghill.



    But men throw it out.



    And he who has ears to hear, let him hear.



    True discipleship.



    Father, we come today once again in the name and by the blood of Jesus Christ.



    We thank you for your spirit.



    We thank you for your grace.



    We thank you for your power this morning.



    Lord, that you would remove the guilt as a result of misunderstandings today.



    We are praying, God, that you would reveal once again what true discipleship looks like.



    Lord, that we would set our hearts to that.



    If we want to live for you, this is what is required.



    And we give you glory in Jesus' mighty name.



    What is a disciple?



    What is a true disciple?



    We often, when we think about what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus, we call ourselves Christians.



    And the word disciple, I think, has fallen out of favor with many Christians.



    Because right there in the word disciple is the word discipline.



    And that is not an easy word, is it?



    We don't like discipline.



    Discipline is what professional athletes have to do or super jacked movie stars.



    That takes discipline.



    But living for Jesus, I don't know.



    I just want to go to church on Sunday.



    You know what I'm saying?



    The more common term that we use for a Christ follower is Christian.



    And the problem is that when you look at the Bible, the word Christian and the word disciple are not used interchangeably.



    In fact, far more often in the scriptures, the word Christian is only used three times.



    And it is only after Jesus has gone back to heaven in the book of Acts.



    And it was in Antioch.



    Acts 11 verse 26.



    It says the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.



    And do you know why?



    The reason they called them Christians is that they were making fun of them.



    It was a derogatory term.



    The word that they used for themselves was not Christians.



    They would run from that term.



    The people who were living for God in that time, they said, we are Christ followers.



    And so when we understand, we think sometimes that there is this two-tiered salvation system.



    We think that in many churches, okay, I can be a Christian without being a disciple.



    Like if you profess faith in Jesus and you answer an altar call and you do some religious things, okay, I can be a Christian.



    But discipleship, that's like serious believers.



    That's like the ones who are pursuing ministry or want to be a pastor or a missionary or, you know, they are in leadership.



    And those are the guys that need discipleship.



    I want to tell you that's a false view.



    That's not how the Bible represents.



    In reality, every disciple is a Christian and every Christian ought to be a disciple.



    There is no difference biblically speaking.



    In fact, if you are not a disciple, you are not a Christian.



    And that might be hard for some people to hear.



    Pastor, but isn't there a way that I can be a believer without being a disciple?



    And I say to you scripturally speaking, no, you cannot.



    To be a disciple means to be a Christian.



    And that is what we all must strive for.



    So we have to understand what then does it mean to be a disciple.



    If just being a Christian without discipleship is not enough, then what is required of me to follow this guy Jesus and make eternal life with him?



    Alright, good question.



    I'm glad you asked.



    I'm about to answer it.



    To be a disciple, number one means to be all in.



    How many ever heard the term all in?



    It's a poker term, right?



    It's when you take all of your chips, all of your winnings, and you got the hand that you know is going to beat everybody else at the table.



    And you're going to put it all in at the table.



    And you might be bluffing, you might not.



    But when somebody goes all in, you know what that demands? A response.



    I'm going all in.



    I'm putting it all on the line.



    I want you to understand from our scripture, first of all, that to be a disciple means to be all in.



    In our scripture, it said that large crowds, multitudes were following Jesus.



    And when he understood this, there was probably something happening in Jesus' mind.



    He's saying there's a lot of people following me here, but not many who are actually disciples.



    And so this is why he began to challenge them.



    This is why he began to use some harsh language.



    He began to understand that there were some people just traveling around the countryside hoping he would multiply a few more loaves and fishes.



    That's a good day when Jesus is multiplying fish sandwiches.



    You know what I'm saying?



    Like the McFishes.



    Come on, bring some more of those, Jesus.



    Maybe if I follow this guy for another day or another week, he'll multiply some more food and I'll get to fill my belly.



    But Jesus began to understand some of the people here are not following for the right reasons.



    It means to be my disciple.



    It's more than just physically present.



    It means more than just having a positive attitude toward Jesus.



    The Bible says even the demons believe in Jesus and they tremble.



    And so even just mental acknowledgement that yes, Jesus is a cool guy, that Jesus is the Lord, Jesus is in charge.



    We can say all of those things and still not be a disciple.



    They considered themselves followers of Jesus, but in reality, they had not gone all in for him.



    I wonder if there's any churches today in the same place.



    I wonder if there's any Christians in the same place in their lives today where we like to do many Christian things.



    We leave Caleb on the radio, positive and encouraging.



    And we listen to the nice Christian artists who record nice Christian pop songs.



    And I'm amazed at how many people have Jesus fish on their bumper sticker but still drive like maniacs.



    Like if you're going to drive like a maniac, maybe take the Jesus fish off.



    You know what I'm saying?



    Bad advertisement.



    In a sense, people are along for the ride, but they haven't gone all in.



    Is it possible that there are large crowds in the world today in America?



    Listen, we have a legacy.



    We have a culture of Christianity.



    This nation founded in Christian principles.



    I would say we were a Christian nation at one time.



    But I don't think we can describe ourselves that way anymore.



    Unfortunately, I'm not happy about that.



    I'm sad.



    I'm grieved in my spirit.



    We are no longer a Christian nation.



    We have turned from the God that founded this nation.



    And America is mostly a backslidden nation.



    But what that means, what that has produced is that people can name the name of Jesus, can have a church membership, can have a Jesus fish on their bumper sticker, but not know anything about Jesus, about following him, about going all in.



    Let's be clear from our scripture, from what Jesus said here.



    To be a disciple means to have a 100% commitment to Jesus.



    Let's make that totally clear.



    He said, unless you are willing to forsake all that you have, you cannot be my disciple.



    Does that describe you?



    Are you willing to forsake all that you have to follow him?



    Now Jesus is not going to force all of us to forsake everything that we have.



    But if that opportunity came, if the choice was follow Jesus or keep all your stuff, if the choice was if you are going to serve Jesus, you have to be destitute, would you make that choice?



    Would we be willing to give up self-interest, possessions, careers, hobbies, goals, dreams even to follow Jesus?



    Verse 26, anyone who comes to me but is not fully committed.



    In verse 26 it said, anyone who comes to me and does not hate father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, and his own life also cannot be my disciple.



    Jesus, Pastor, is Jesus telling me to hate my family?



    No, he is saying that your commitment to your family must be the number one.



    To Jesus must be your number one commitment.



    Your commitment to Christ must come before any other commitment.



    He is saying that this principle applies to everyone who is following Jesus.



    Jesus uses hyperbole to show us exaggeration to show us that our commitment level to him is number one.



    Not number two, not number three, not number four, not number ten.



    That following Jesus is our number one commitment.



    And let me just give you a hint.



    When you seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then God is good.



    He is a blesser.



    He will add all these other things to you.



    People get this out of order in their lives.



    We seek the things and hope that Jesus can come along with it.



    But that is not how it works.



    He is saying we must seek first his kingdom.



    Our commitment to obey and follow the Lord must be greater than any other commitment in our lives.



    Is Jesus bigger than your house?



    Is Jesus bigger than your bank account?



    Is Jesus bigger than your social media?



    Is Jesus bigger than your gaming system?



    Is Jesus bigger than your lake house?



    Is Jesus bigger than your family?



    Now I don't think God makes a practice of making us choose between our family and serving him.



    That is not a common thing, right?



    But when we serve Jesus first, when we have this priority correct, God helps us to work out other things.



    To be a disciple, we must be committed to him above even our own lives.



    Verse 26, it is not just father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, but also his own life also.



    That means our commitment to Christ is not only about our possessions, our relationships.



    It is about what do we count most dear to us.



    And in an environment where Jesus knows who he is talking to, he is talking to disciples that in a few short years they are going to have to make a very real choice.



    Either to confess Christ as Lord and Messiah or to lose their very lives.



    He is making it clear for them.



    Listen guys, you have to love your commitment to Christ greater than even your life.



    There is not many in America today who are called to become martyrs for the faith.



    You know, it is not a calling that is very common in our Christian experience today.



    More often it is harder for us to live for Jesus, much less die for him.



    But if it came down to it, if you like that girl with the Columbine shooting so many years ago, you remember that story?



    I think her name was Chrissy, is that right?



    Somebody will correct me.



    But those armed gunmen came into the Columbine High School, pointed a gun in her face and said, do you believe in Jesus?



    And she said yes.



    And she went straight to heaven.



    I wonder, I wonder if it really came down to it.



    Somebody threatened you with your life and said, do you really believe in Jesus?



    What would you say?



    Would you seek to preserve your life instead of confessing Christ?



    Jesus uses a metaphor here in our scripture.



    Verse 27, whoever does not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.



    Everyone present would be familiar with what Jesus was talking about about carrying their cross.



    Ultimately Jesus was going to carry a cross, right?



    They would put the cross on him, on his back, and they would make him carry it up to Golgotha the hill.



    The very thing that he carried would be the thing that they would crucify him on.



    It was a common form of execution during those times.



    And so when Jesus says this to his followers, he is reminding them that following me is going to lead to self-denial and self-sacrifice.



    Following me does not mean comfort and ease.



    Following me, Jesus is saying, does not mean everything is going to be convenient.



    Oh, we love our convenience.



    You know how much we love convenience here in America?



    We don't even want to get out of our car to get food.



    America is the land of the drive-through.



    We want it handed to us through the driver side window.



    And you could drive down Lynn Haven and count 20 drive-through restaurants because we want it so convenient that I can pay and I can eat in my car before I get home.



    Can I tell you serving Jesus is not convenient?



    It is not comfortable.



    Following Jesus means that we are going to have to choose some difficult roads.



    Hello.



    Jesus said you cannot be my disciple unless you bear your cross.



    For him, what about you?



    Here is a good illustration.



    Let's say that I had a desire to climb Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world.



    And suppose that with that desire comes a cost.



    There is a price that is involved.



    So first of all, I have to give up my time to be able to prepare for that.



    I have to buy equipment.



    I have to set aside money and time for people to help me.



    Let's say that the cost to get up Mount Everest is $70,000.



    I don't have that kind of money, right?



    So suppose there was a wealthy businessman who heard about this desire and he felt inclined to offer and pay for that expedition.



    He would pay for the clothing and the gear and the transportation and the guides and the training.



    It is free for me.



    So I don't have to pay that money out of my bank account.



    But if I accept his free offer, then that means now I am committed to doing this thing.



    Now I am committed to going to training and preparing my body and preparing that time and to give that effort.



    If you are going to be the one who sponsors me, then I have to put in the work.



    Hello.



    Anybody getting the picture yet?



    Is it possible that Jesus has paid the price for us?



    And the price that he paid was so great that we can never repay him.



    The blood that he shed, the body that was broken on our behalf, the salvation that he provided.



    He has purchased us with a high price.



    And that price that he paid, he offers freely a ticket to eternal life.



    I want to tell you there comes an expectation if you receive this offer of salvation.



    Be aware, count the cost that there is a life attached to this salvation that Jesus comes with expectations.



    That we are going to choose to do a few things that are not comfortable, not easy.



    We are going to choose to be a disciple.



    And to illustrate this, Jesus gives us two examples in our scripture.



    The first example is a man intending to build a tower, a building.



    And he says he has enough to finish it after he has laid the foundation and is not able to finish.



    All who see it begin to mock him, saying this man began to build and was not able to finish.



    This is a picture of many, unfortunately, in the Christian world who get into this thing.



    They have been invited by a friend.



    They come.



    They hear a nice story.



    They hear a good scripture.



    They confess a sin.



    They find themselves what it means to serve Jesus, find themselves building a building but not having enough to finish.



    We call it false conversions.



    Jesus described the seed that falls on the rocky soil and it is able to take some root.



    But when it sprouts, the sun beats down or the weeds begin to choke it out and it does not have enough to sustain through the difficulties.



    The church today in the West has created so many false converts.



    They say just follow Jesus, everything will be good.



    Just follow Jesus, just come to church and your life will get better.



    Just follow Jesus and name him, put the bumper sticker on, everything will work out.



    That is not reality, is it?



    I tell in our little sneak preview of our fresh fire new believers class, what I tell new believers is actually it gets harder before it gets easier.



    The first year of salvation, just like the first year of marriage, is the hardest year.



    And you are going to be willing to go through a few things and pay a price.



    That is why we have to count the cost.



    To be a disciple means we have to be committed through the high value.



    If you have ever done a building project, you know it is always going to cost more and take longer.



    We figured that out here in our building when we build this place.



    We knock down some walls.



    Yeah, I am talking to Pastor Campbell.



    Yeah, Pastor, I think we can get it done for $5,000.



    We can finish this thing in a couple of weeks.



    Yeah, right.



    It always costs more.



    It always takes longer.



    And the same way this building, this tower that we are building in our faith, yeah, it is going to cost you more than you thought.



    It is going to mean giving up more than you thought.



    The second example is he speaks about a battle.



    He speaks about a king.



    What king, verse 31, going to war against another king does not sit down and consider whether he is able with 10,000 to meet him against 20?



    Or else while the other is a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks a condition of peace.



    Isn't this life, this Christian life, isn't it a battle?



    We are waging a war.



    Not a war of guns.



    There will be casualties.



    You know who is most often a casualty of war?



    Those who are unprepared.



    When the bullets start flying, you really know who is the warrior.



    There are so many believers that find themselves in the middle of a battle.



    All of a sudden they begin following Jesus and then there is a war in their home.



    There is division.



    How many know Jesus came?



    He said I will bring a sword.



    I will turn you against family.



    That there will be people that you start serving Jesus and there is a war.



    They say we don't like this.



    We like the old version of you better.



    You are going to make decisions.



    Friends that you used to care about, used to hang with, and all of a sudden you are serving Jesus.



    Man, there is a division there.



    It is polarizing to serve Jesus.



    Some people will love it, other people will hate it.



    There is a battle.



    You are going to have to fight some battles.



    Be willing.



    You are going to have to fight flesh.



    Hello.



    There is a recent poll.



    It showed little difference between the way the world lives and the way professed Christians live.



    For example, polls show that Christians are just as likely as non-Christians to be divorced, just as likely to buy lottery tickets, just as likely to watch rated R movies, just as likely to watch even pornography.



    There is a problem with that.



    Yes, that means that there is a large number of Christians who are not fighting the battle for holiness.



    There was several years ago in Washington, D.C.



    It happened to be on a Palm Sunday.



    You know that is the Sunday before Easter.



    And the city had scheduled a marathon, a running marathon on that same day, Palm Sunday, which greatly interfered with all the traffic in Washington, D.C.



    All the leaders of the various churches were upset and made their feelings known in the local newspapers.



    They reported that their attendance was down 70% on that Sunday.



    Why?



    Was it impossible for people to get to church that day?



    It was not impossible.



    It was just inconvenient.



    Because the race delayed traffic to those churches, many by their own admission were unwilling to spend an extra 30 minutes in traffic to get to church.



    See, those are Christ followers, but those are not disciples.



    He makes it clear to us, doesn't He?



    Jesus says following Him means to give up everything.



    It means to be committed to Him above everything else.



    The final picture that Jesus uses, he uses a building and then a battle and then finally he talks about salt.



    Verses 34 and 35.



    He says salt is good, but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?



    It is not fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.



    Salt is a very interesting picture in the Bible.



    Salt was very valuable in the ancient world.



    In fact, that is where we get the word salary.



    You get a salary comes from the word salt because in the ancient times it was possible to be paid in salt because it was so valuable.



    It was used as a replacement for currency in many places.



    Why?



    Because in a world without refrigeration, the way that you would keep meat fresh is you would salt it so it would preserve things.



    It was also a way to cleanse and bring healing to wounds.



    They could use salt as a fertilizer to keep plants growing well.



    Salt had many, many good uses in the ancient world.



    Today we just keep it on our tables and it doesn't do a whole lot.



    But to them, they would understand how valuable salt is to the world.



    Salt is a preserving and Jesus says you are the salt of the earth.



    My followers, disciples, we bring a preservative power to a desperate and dying world around us.



    This is what Abraham prayed for in those wicked ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.



    And God says to Abram, I'm going to destroy that place, but because Abram prayed, he said, Lord, if there's five righteous there, would you preserve the city?



    And God said yes, I will.



    I'll answer that prayer.



    In the same way, we live in a wicked world today, but because for the sake of believers doing the work of the kingdom in wicked cities, we are preserved.



    That we are supposed to be the force that preserves righteousness in a broken world.



    But Jesus is making a point here.



    He says salt is good, but what happens if it loses its flavor?



    What happens if the salt is just mush?



    What happens if the salt doesn't do what it's supposed to?



    Then it's worthless.



    It's lost its value.



    In the same way, what happens if a church is no longer doing what it's supposed to do?



    No longer winning souls, no longer making impact, no longer all we do is gather and pat ourselves on the back on Sundays.



    That's not discipleship.



    True discipleship leaving all to follow Christ.



    Leadership magazine ran a cartoon with a billboard that spoke about the light church.



    24% fewer commitments, 7.5% tithe, only 15 minute sermons, 45 minute worship service, we only have eight commandments, everything you've wanted in a church and less.



    Some people are hearing that saying, man, that sounds pretty good.



    What's the address?



    What time?



    What time do they meet on Sunday?



    To be a disciple means committing our lives above everything else.



    But I want to leave you with a promise.



    There are great possibilities.



    It is not just doom and gloom.



    It's not just sad news this morning.



    Following Jesus is not a bummer.



    It's the best thing that you could ever do because Jesus gave us this promise.



    Listen, John 12 verse 24.



    Most assuredly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone.



    But if it dies, oh, it produces much grain.



    If you take a look at the map that's on that back wall, what you see is the product of people laying their lives down for Jesus.



    What you see is 38.



    What's printed there is 3595, 3595 churches.



    But that was as of January 2024.



    Since that time, there have been nearly 500 more churches planted in our fellowship.



    We're getting close to 4000 in just what month is it?



    August.



    In just 8 months, our fellowship planted close to 500 churches.



    How do you do that?



    By laying down your life.



    How do we reach the nations?



    How do we reach our city?



    How do we reach our neighborhood?



    We have to be willing to be disciples, to be followers, to be learners, give up our lives.



    So I ask you, are you willing to forsake all to follow Jesus?



    That's what it means to be a Christian.



    You cannot be a Christian without being a disciple.



    And my call for us today is that, Lord, I want to take seriously your call to discipleship.



    This is not about me.



    It's not about Pastor Adam.



    It's not about the Potter's House.



    This is about your decision, what it means in your life to be a disciple of Jesus.



    And some of us is going to require some uncomfortable decisions, some inconvenient ideas.



    And I want to ask you to allow the Holy Spirit to challenge you into the realm of discipleship.



    Let's bow our heads and close our eyes for just a moment.



    We're bringing this service to a close.



    And as we consider these things, this powerful scripture from the words of Jesus, I wonder maybe you've come here this morning and if you'd be honest for a moment, you'd say, Pastor, I'm not sure.



    I'm not sure if I'm right with God.



    I'm not sure I'm really living for Him.



    I'm not sure that I'm truly a disciple.



    I've made comfort my idol.



    Things and the opinions of others and fear of the world and my job and possessions have become more important to me than what God thinks.



    And as you're here today, maybe God would convict you of sins.



    Sin is what separates us from God.



    Sin is when we do what we know is wrong and it brings death.



    The Bible says the wages of sin is death.



    First, sin separates us from the Lord spiritually, but then it ultimately, sin will separate us from Him forever.



    When our physical bodies die, the Bible says we will stand in judgment before the Lord and our sins will be convicting us.



    You know what the Lord will use as evidence in the court?



    He will use your own words against you.



    He has every word you've ever spoken recorded in His book and your words will bring judgment against you and separate you from God unless there is a change in your life.



    The Bible says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.



    And that is the good news we are here to proclaim.



    The church of Jesus Christ exists to send this good news into the heart of every person.



    Our sin will destroy us, but there is a God in heaven who loves you, proved it by sending His son Jesus to die for us.



    And if you're here today, you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ who died for you, paid the price.



    And I'm asking you to do one thing.



    Somebody here, you're not right with God, but you want to be.



    I want to ask you to just lift up your hands.



    Say, Pastor, pray for me.



    I want to get my heart right.



    I want my sins forgiven.



    I want to live for Jesus.



    I want to leave it all behind this life of sin and brokenness.



    I'm not going to stay there.



    I'm going to trust Jesus to save me.



    I'm going to follow Him.



    Is that you?



    Someone here unsaved or backslidden in your heart?



    Thank you, honest hearts.



    Is there someone else?



    Quickly, God is speaking to you.



    Would you lift up your hand?



    Unsaved or backslidden?



    We want to believe God to help us.



    See, religion and church membership is great, but it's not enough.



    Religious activities and good deeds are great, but it doesn't save us.



    I declare right now that there are people who have been convincing yourself that everything is good when everything is not good.



    Jesus said many there will be on that day that call Him Lord, Lord.



    Did we not do so many things in your name, casting out demons, praying for the sick?



    Jesus said I did not even know you.



    And I wonder if there's anyone else quickly.



    You'd say, Pastor, I don't want to deceive myself.



    I want to know Jesus.



    I want to know His forgiveness.



    I want to know His mercy.



    Would you lift up your hand?



    Anyone else quickly, quickly this morning as God deals with hearts.



    Holy Spirit moving right now upon the hearts of somebody.



    You lift up your hand.



    Don't forget about me.



    We're going to pray together.



    Amen.



    Thank God.



    Thank God.



    If you lifted up your hand, I want to ask you to come.



    We're going to pray together.



    Would you come?



    We're going to pray with you.



    I need a sister to come and pray.



    With our heads bowed for just one moment more, we're going to open up this altar for prayer right here at this altar.



    We're saved in this place, but the challenge always remains to surrender our hearts, to surrender our lives.



    God's speaking to you today.



    Would you come?



    We're going to pray together right here at this altar.



    Would you come and join us?



    Say, Lord, I don't want to just be a follower.



    I don't want to just be a Christ.



    I don't want to just have a bumper sticker.



    Lord, I want to be your disciple.



    I want to give up all and surrender my life to serve.



    And so we're going to pray together for a few moments here.



    If the Lord is speaking to you, don't miss this opportunity.



    Would you come and pray with us for a few moments right here at this altar?



    Hallelujah, Lord, we thank you.



    If you do me a favor as you're here at this altar, please remain here.



    We're going to pray together before we go back to our seats.



    But God, let's cry out to the Lord right now.



    I want to pray with you, church.



    If we could stand right to our feet right where you are, or if you need more time to pray at the altar, please take as much time as you need.



    But I want to pray with you for a moment.



    I want to believe God with you.



    I want to lead you in a prayer.



    But before we do that, I just want to remind you, you know, if you have heard this message today and it has touched your heart and you realize that there's some things that it's been difficult for me to let go of, well, welcome to the Christian experience.



    Welcome.



    We're glad you're here.



    Even if it was a little late, but we're glad you're here.



    It's difficult to give things up.



    The word for giving things up in the Greek, it's also the same word for the word goodbye.



    Being willing to say goodbye to things that we care about.



    It's like missionaries in times past.



    You know, there was a time before airline travel that when somebody said goodbye, they're packing their casket with them.



    We're going and we're not coming back.



    They would say goodbye forever.



    And they'd be willing to plant their lives in a foreign nation.



    You know, that's a picture of what it means to actually follow Jesus.



    But we're not saying goodbye to our friends and family.



    We're saying goodbye to our old lives, to our old way of thinking.



    That's what water baptism is.



    It's a picture.



    I'm saying goodbye to that old person and I'm saying yes to the Lord and all that he has for me.



    I want you to think about this.



    What did it cost Jesus to get you here?



    What did it cost him?



    Was there anything he was unwilling to give to save you?



    Was there anything that Jesus withheld from the Father so that you could have a place in heaven?



    What I'm saying is we don't get the liberty, we don't have the right to receive that salvation from Jesus and then to say, nah, I'm not willing.



    We don't get that right.



    So he's asking for all of you.



    He's asking for your mind, for your heart, for your joy, for your future.



    He's asking for your family, for your possessions.



    He's asking for it all.



    And he has the right to do that because he gave it all himself.



    Serving Jesus means he's the Lord.



    He's not just Savior, he's Lord.



    So we're going to lift up our hands together and we're going to make a commitment to the Lord.



    And I am right along with you and I understand this is not easy, but we're going to pray together.



    Let's say, God in heaven, thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins, to pay the price for all humanity.



    I thank you, Lord, that you are faithful, that you are just, that when we confess our sins and trust in you, that God, you are able to cleanse us and heal us and adopt us into your family.



    Lord, today we realize that true Christianity means discipleship, means leaving all to follow you, means placing the first priority on Jesus and his will for my life.



    I'm asking you now, remove every excuse, remove every earthly lover, remove every earthly idol, remove everything, even you.



    And I thank you to have given you that you are faithful.



    Therefore, when we now worship your kingdom and great things, kingdom and pray in this world, life by the Holy Spirit.



    In Jesus' mighty name.



    Amen.



    Now, come on, let's give God praise right now.



    How many feel His presence right now?



    You know, it pleases the Father.



    It pleases the Father.



    You know, if you have kids at home, you know, sometimes we want to explain to our children why we're making all the decisions, right?



    And we want them to understand things so that in the future they can make good decisions also.



    But there are also times when as a parent, you're making decisions that the child cannot understand.



    And you're going to ask them to trust you.



    I can't explain everything about this, but you're going to have to trust me.



    And we are imperfect as parents, right?



    If that's true for us, isn't it also true for the Father in heaven?



    That when He asks us to give up of ourselves and we say, why?



    God, it's painful.



    And He doesn't owe us anything.
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