On Sunday we began a new sermon series "Gospel Out." Previously we were looking at "The Contenders" series where we learned about the core doctrines of the faith (+ some church history), which was the "gospel in"-phase so to say.
Reread: Sunday's passage was on James 1:1
Recall: The author is Jacob (i.e. James), the younger brother of Jesus. Also known as "James the Just" or "James the Righteous." The book was written fairly soon after Jesus' resurrection (40AD). Although James was the brother of Jesus, while Jesus was on earth, James and his brothers did not believe He was the true Messiah (John 7:5). It was only after Jesus was raised from the dead did they believe (Acts 1:14). This makes me think a bit... it would have been easy for Jesus to have shown his brothers so many miraculous things (although the way he lived out his life perfectly is a testimony in itself) when growing up that they couldn't possibly NOT believe, yet Jesus must have refrained from doing so, because He never did anything to please man, only to please His Father in heaven. Just looking at John 7:3-9, it simply blows me away. Its as if his brothers are taunting him, 'if you're really who you say you are, why don't you show yourself to the world'... when really they had unbelieving hearts, trusting with their eyes and not with faith. Still Jesus stood His ground; He's never swayed by what people say, but always looks to the Father and His will!
Restate: This is taking it word for word from Pastor Steve's sermon. We are to learn from James' example by recognizing who Jesus is, by living in response to this recognition (i.e. as His servant), by following Jesus wholeheartedly as Lord, by having our character transformed into the likeness of Christ, and by being a people living under the authority of God.
Relay: The concept of "Gospel In --> Gospel Out" is so good. In BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), we've just finished the passage where Jesus said "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." And in "Gospel In" fashion, we are to eat of Him.. i.e. to believe and appropriate in our hearts the life of Jesus, done by 'eating' His words, not that they would just be internalized and sit there, but that His living words would be deep-seated and grow fruit, so that whoever looks on us may be pointed towards Christ, just as how we see God the Father through Christ.
Respond: The question Pastor Steve posed was "Am I living as a servant?" Do I trust Jesus as Saviour & follow Jesus as Lord? At times it feels life as a student is such a hindrance, always kept behind books... what am I doing for the Kingdom, when I'm stuck in a cubicle?? but its really such a privilege to be a student and to be learning. and we ought to be good stewards of the task at hand. Time is gonna be on short supply in the next few weeks to come as we hit exam time.. but its good to keep priorities straight, still making time for the things that matter eternally!
