The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | When Confusion Abounds | John 7:25-53

Earlier in John 7 we saw that three different groups of people were confused on who Jesus is. As we continue in John 7 we’re going to see that confusion about Jesus remains. His teaching in the first half of the chapter didn’t clear up the confusion. In our passage today we read that Jesus interacts with three groups of people. Keep your eyes open for the crowd, the guards, and the Pharisees. We’re going to see how each of these groups interact with Jesus and how their confusion actually creates more confusion. In the midst of their confusion there is hope because we find that through Jesus teaching many come to believe in Him as the Messiah. 

1) “It’s all Greek to me!” is a common phrase when we don’t understand something. Share about at time in your life when you had a hard time comprehending something you needed to learn. How did this situation play out? 

2) Read John 7:25-31. The crowd asks three different questions concerning Jesus. The questions show us the crowd has a desire to learn about Jesus. What one of these questions do you most resonate with? 

3) In John 7:31 we read a great result of Jesus’ teaching. There are several times in Scripture when many believe (read Acts 2:41 and 9:31). What would it look like to see those you’ve been praying for come to Jesus this week? 

4) The Pharisees were intent on arresting Jesus (read John 7:32-36). Jesus came to tilt our chins towards heaven and keep us focused on spiritual matters. Share a time in your life where you got fixated on the physical world and missed the spiritual.    

5) Read John 7:37-39. During the Festival of Tabernacles water was an important part. For Jesus to say that He would offer rivers of living water would be massive! Where have you been drinking of the world and need to drink from the rivers of Jesus? 

6) Jesus promised an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In the Old Testament the Spirit would come on people for a time, event, or occasion. But Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to us (read John 14:16, 26, 15:26-27, and 16:7). What do these passages teach us about the Holy Spirit? 

7) Near the end of the chapter we see Nicodemus is a voice of reason (read John 7:50-51). Who is a voice of reason in your life? A person who constantly keeps you focused on the truth of God in a confusing world? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

Worshiping When God Feels Distant: Lessons from Psalm 13

Today, I want to share a powerful message from Psalm 13, exploring how we can worship even when we don't feel like it. Life can throw us into challenging situations, and it's during these times that our faith is truly tested. Join me as we delve into the wisdom of the Psalms and learn to turn our distress into worship.

When It Feels Like God Has Hidden His Face (vv. 1-2)

Psalm 13 is a Psalm of Lament, where the psalmist, David, pours out his heart to God. He doesn't hold back his feelings of confusion and abandonment. In the midst of our darkest moments, it's natural to wonder where God is. The beauty of the Psalms lies in their honesty, allowing us to express our emotions to God freely. We don't need to hide our pain from Him; He already knows our hearts.

At times, we struggle to articulate our feelings to God, resorting to various distractions or coping mechanisms. However, the Psalms teach us that God wants us to bring all our emotions before Him. David, a man after God's own heart, doesn't shy away from questioning and pleading with God. We, too, can find solace and connection with God in our darkest times through the Psalms.

Sometimes We Need to Ask God to Look on Us (vv. 3-4)

In our distress, it's okay to cry out to God and ask Him to look on us. David, with a deep personal relationship with God, implores Him to intervene in his situation. This Psalm encourages us to approach God in all areas of our lives, not just when things are going well. Our faith might waver, but God remains steadfast.

Life can be unpredictable, and we may face situations that seem beyond our comprehension. Just like David, we can ask God for help and seek comfort in His presence. Our faith may be tested, but our relationship with God endures.

No Matter the Situation, We Can Trust in God (vv. 5-6)

David's trust in God shines through as he proclaims, "But I trust in your unfailing love." Even in the darkest times, we can find hope in God's faithfulness. Though our circumstances may be uncertain, our trust in God remains unwavering.

It's crucial to remember that worship is not dependent on our feelings. David makes a promise to God that he will praise Him, no matter the outcome. We were made to worship, and this act of worship should be our response to God's love and goodness, regardless of our emotions.

Conclusion

Life can throw us into unexpected and painful situations, just as I experienced the loss of my father and stepfather within a short period. During those times, I questioned God's plan, but I also chose to worship Him. Worshiping God, even when we don't feel like it, is an essential aspect of our faith journey.

Let us be like David and pour out our hearts to God in the midst of our troubles. Though our emotions may fluctuate, we can trust in God's unwavering love and faithfulness. So, let us worship our Lord and focus on His greatness, for we were made to worship Him in all circumstances.

I hope this message has encouraged you to turn to God in times of distress and find solace in worship. If you've been through tough times, remember that God is there, and He cares for you deeply. Let's take a moment to praise Him for His goodness and love.

When I’m not feeling it | Psalm 13

This summer our church is taking nine weeks to focus our heart, soul, and mind on worship. For the summer we’re going to focus our attention on worshipping God. We’re going to submit ourselves to the creator of the universe and see what Scripture teaches us about worship. For this series we’ll look at a variety of passages that teach us about worship. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | When I’m not feeling it | Psalm 13

It’s hard to worship when we’re not feeling God in our daily life. The Bible teaches us how to deal with distressing situations in our life and turn them into worship. The struggle in our lives happen when we want to praise God but we just can’t. We can be grateful for the honesty of the Psalmists who experienced difficult times and wrote about them. We’re going to look at how to worship God when it seems like God has hidden His face from us. We’ll figure out how to ask God to look on us and how to respond in praise. There are times in our lives when it feels like God has hidden Himself from us. 

1) Neal shared a story about losing his dad, his stepdad, and his mom having a traumatic brain injury in the span of seven months. Can you think of a time in your life when it seemed like your world was falling apart?  

2) Read Psalm 13:1-2. You can see David’s struggle in the fact he writes, “How long…” four different times. Read Numbers 6:22-27, Psalm 11:7, Psalm 17:15 and Psalm 27:4. Describe what it feels like for God to hide His face from our daily life. 

3) In our dark moments we tend to wrestle with the thoughts in our mind. One struggle we have can be listening to God’s word but not applying it (read James 1:22-25). How do you manage your emotions during dark times? 

4) Read Psalm 13:3-4. David asks God to look on him and answer. There is a powerful aspect of our human life when people actually see us (read Genesis 16:13, Psalm 80:14, and Matthew 8:5-13). Talk about the power of God seeing us. 

5) David’s fear was that his enemies would gain the victory if he were to pass away. This is not a selfish request but a request for the mighty power of God to be known. Think of ways that God can be, and is, glorified when He acts on our behalf. 

6) No matter the situation, David will trust in God. David has known God’s faithfulness for generations. Read Psalm 13:5-6. Share about how you’ve seen God's faithfulness in your life and how you can trust Him moving forward. 

7) The final invitation, or application, of this Psalm is to praise God. What is your favorite worship song? How does that song invoke a lifestyle of praise for you? Where would you like to praise Jesus more in your life? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

When a Lion is on the Prowl: Staying Alert in a Fierce World

As a child, visiting the zoo was an exciting adventure. The majestic lions, lying lazily in the sun, seemed so harmless and cuddly. But as we grow older and gain knowledge about the wild, we understand the true nature of lions – powerful, muscular, and fierce hunters. Similarly, the Bible compares the devil to a roaring lion, seeking to devour God's people. In this blog post, we will explore 1 Peter's teachings on staying alert and vigilant when the enemy is on the prowl, and how embracing God's grace can empower us to stand firm in our faith.

The Lion on the Prowl:

In 1 Peter 5:8, Peter warns the early Christians of the devil's tactics, likening him to a ferocious lion seeking to destroy believers. As Christian leaders today, we must remain alert to the actions of the enemy, knowing that he is always looking for an opportunity to strike. Lions have powerful teeth and razor-sharp claws, reminding us of the strength and cunningness the devil possesses in his schemes against us.

Staying Vigilant Against the Terror of the Enemy:

The scattered church in the first century faced intense persecution and hardships. Similarly, we may find ourselves in challenging situations, where the devil seeks to capitalize on our weaknesses. To resist the devil, we must stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are not alone in this struggle. Throughout history, countless believers have faced the enemy's pressure and emerged victorious, and their stories of faith can encourage us to do the same.

Grace in the Midst of Suffering:

Facing the roaring lion is not something we can do in our own strength. The grace of God sustains us through periods of suffering, restoring us and making us stronger in the process. Our past experiences of God's grace, even in the most trying times, can equip us to confront the enemy's attacks with confidence.

Staying Alert: Practical Applications:

To remain vigilant in a world with a prowling enemy, we must actively engage in practices that strengthen our faith. Hiding God's word in our hearts enables us to combat the enemy's lies with truth. We resist the lion's temptation when we choose not to engage in sinful behaviors, such as harmful conversations or gossip. Instead, we strive to speak kindly, seek truth, and stand firm against the devil's tactics.

Worship in the Midst of Adversity:

Amidst the trials and challenges, we must remember that the ultimate response to God's grace is worship. When we worship, we draw closer to God, allowing His strength to fill us. Focusing on worship keeps our minds fixed on the Almighty, reminding us that while the lion prowls, we serve a God who is greater and more powerful.

In a world where the enemy lurks like a lion, seeking to cause havoc, the Church must stay alert and vigilant. Just like a lion on the prowl commands our attention, so should our awareness of the spiritual battle we face. But with God's grace and strength, we can stand firm, resisting the enemy's attacks, and remaining steadfast in our faith. Let us remember to worship God in the midst of adversity, acknowledging that He is the ultimate victor over any prowling lion in our lives. As we embrace God's grace, we can walk with confidence, knowing that when the lion is on the prowl, the Church stands united, strong, and unwavering.

Who We Worship | Deuteronomy 6

This summer our church is taking nine weeks to focus our heart, soul, and mind on worship. For the summer we’re going to focus our attention on worshipping God. We’re going to submit ourselves to the creator of the universe and see what Scripture teaches us about worship. For this series we’ll look at a variety of passages that teach us about worship. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Who We Worship | Deuteronomy 6

This summer we’re taking nine-weeks to focus our hearts on worship. The word, worship, describes the acts of the mind, heart and will where we joyfully acknowledge the worth of God. In the 1600’s a group of English and Scottish Theologians gathered, with layman, to bring the church of England into greater conformity with the Church of Scotland. From this gathering emerged the Westminster Shorter Catechism which states, “Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” In other words, we were made to worship! Take some time to work through these questions on your own or with a group to grow your heart to worship God with everything you have. 

1) The act of worship is an all-encompassing act in our lives. When you think about worship what do you primarily think about? Anticipating there will be several answers in your group, take some time to share on each response.   

2) Read Deuteronomy 6:4-5. This passage is an instruction from Moses for Israel to worship God. Jesus shared the same commandment at the Temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 22:37 & Mark 12:29-30). What does it look like to worship God with every fiber of our being? How would that be lived out in your life? 

3) Often we view love as coming from the heart so this might be the easiest way to love God. How can we actively demonstrate our love for God by engaging our hearts fully? (see Joshua 22:5, Proverbs 4:23, and 1 John 4:19) 

4) Sometimes we neglect our soul because we don’t know how to connect with God on a regular basis and love Him with our soul. In what areas of our lives do we truly love God with all our souls? (see Psalm 19:7, 23:3, 42:2, 62:1).  

5) Our church is passionate about people loving God with their entire mind. What does it look like in your life to think theologically and love God with your entire mind? 

6) Throughout our passage Moses taught the Israelites to pass these commands to their children (read Deuteronomy 61-3, 7-9, 20-25). No matter what stage you’re at in your parenting, what does it look like to live this out? 

7) Here at Coastline we have a core value of; Putting God First. One of the ways we do that is through a lifestyle of worship. When you think about worshipping God with every fiber of your being, where do you need to grow? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

The Unforgettable Wedding | John 2:1-12

On April 30th, 2023 I preached a first person narrative sermon on John 2:1-12. I preached it from the perspective of the Father of the Bride. If you've ever wanted to preach that type of sermon, here is my manuscript that I wrote for the morning. I did not bring any notes on stage with me. 

The Gospel of John

The Unforgettable Wedding 

 

Big Idea: Jesus filled my life with joy


Welcome! My name is Neal Benson and I’m the lead pastor here at Coastline. I want to say a special welcome to those who are gathering with us online. One of my passions in life is preaching. I love preaching God’s word. Ever since I gave my life to Jesus sharing His word has been my passion. This morning we’re going to continue in our sermon series through the Gospel of John but we’re going to approach our text in a new way. I’m going to preach from John 2:1-12 as a first-person narrative sermon. That means I will be a character from the story and share with you what I saw that day when Jesus turned water into wine. 

This year I’m taking a preaching class for my doctoral studies and I’ve been reading more about first-person narrative sermons. Some people have never seen a first-person narrative sermon. Some people have seen it done well. And others have seen it done poorly. I’ve only preached a first-person narrative sermon the life of Gideon before, so this is something newer to me also. It’s a practice that I want to learn as a way for our church to hear God’s word in a different way. I’ve spent a lot of time studying the passage, the region where our story took place, and what it must have been like at that wedding when the wine ran out. 

To prepare us for the sermon I’m going to read the passage in John 2. Then I’ll move my Bible aside, take a couple of steps back, and reappear as the father of the bride at that wedding feast in Cana. Read John 2:1-12. 

Jesus invited to the wedding (vv. 1-2)

Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Baruch ברוך. My name means Blessed. For most of my life I felt like a blessed man. I grew up in Israel and worshiped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I lived in Northern Israel in the city of Cana, it's near the Sea of Galilee. It’s a beautiful region (map). It’s the only place I ever lived and the only place I ever wanted to live. My family lived in Cana forever. My father grew up here, his father grew up here, and his father grew up here. Our city was never famous until the stories of Jesus began to spread. It was in Cana where Jesus preformed His first miracle. It was at my daughter’s wedding. Jesus’ first miracle took place at my house! 

In Jewish culture we are great story tellers. I want to tell you a story that I’ve shared thousands of times. I want to tell you the story of when Jesus came to my daughter’s wedding, saved my family from shame, and filled me with a new joy. I was a shop owner in my town. I had more money the rest of the people in our town because business was good. As my oldest daughter was preparing for marriage her mother and I had picked a husband for her. As we began talking about who we would pick she overheard us. She quietly walked into the kitchen as quiet as a mouse and told us that she was in fact in love with this man and would like to marry him. I was so happy for my little girl! She will always be my little girl. 

We began the preparations for the wedding. I will never forget all the hours our family put into that wedding… and neither will my pocket book! It was common in my culture for me, the father of the bride, to pay for the wedding. What you might not know is that our weddings would last for at least a week! Think of the joy for me; Baruch would be hosting his daughters wedding at his home. I was so excited for her wedding date. My village would come and celebrate with us. Our family would join as our daughter became a bride. The wedding was scheduled for a Wednesday. This was the typical day of the week when virgins would get married. My people would close their shops to come celebrate this joyful moment with us. 

The day of the wedding feast arrived and our friends began to arrive. People from our community showed up and began to celebrate. We even had guests travel from a far. One of those guests was my old friend Mary. I don’t have time to tell you about how we met and our years of friendship, that isn’t why I’m here. I will tell you that I asked for Mary to have a special seat near me during the wedding feast. When Mary showed up she brought her son with her but I wasn’t prepared for extra guests. I want to tell you more about Mary’s son in a minute. He also brought some of His friends but they called themselves His disciples. I thought He was following Joseph as a carpenter but I had a lot to catch up on with Mary. 

A problem occurred at the wedding (vv. 3-7)

The wedding was going great! We had been celebrating for a couple of days. The music was beautiful. My daughter was so happy. I loved seeing her dance with her husband. I loved the way he looked at her. I watched her talking with her friends and a great smile on her face. The wedding was going better than I had imagined it would. But then something bad happened; there was a big problem. Just like Mary brought her Son and His disciples, some of my other guests invited their family with them. When we planned the wedding I hadn’t planned for this many people to actually come to our home. We found homes for them to sleep in the village. Let me get to the main point; we didn’t have enough wine. 

It was a couple of days in to the feast when one of the servants came to tell me that we had run out of wine. I’m a very calm business man but inside I was troubled. It was my job to provide for all the guests during the wedding feast. It wasn’t like we could get in a car and run to Costco to get more wine. We had many people at our home and it was well into the evening. I wasn’t sure where I would find any wine at this hour. Even if I went to all my neighbors to ask for wine it would never be enough for the evening or the rest of the celebration. 

In addition to this, if my guests found out that I ran out of wine it would be an embarrassment. In my culture it was shameful to run out of wine at a wedding feast. If the guests found out we were out of wine I could bring shame on my family. I began thinking of all these horrible options in my mind. Our friends could bring shame on my family. My daughter’s husband could leave her. If he does stay with her, this could bring shame on their marriage. For the rest of their lives people would talk about how the blessed man wasn’t able to provide for the guests. This wasn’t just a case where the wine ran out, there are sociological layers at play in this wedding feast that could cause harm to my family. 

More than that, I wondered if I had embarrassed God. Throughout the holy Scriptures there was a connection with joy and wine. My people knew the Psalms. As I sat at my table I kept thinking about Psalm 4:7 and the connection between wine and joy. The wine had run out at my daughter’s wedding, would the joy run out of her marriage? Would the joy run out of my family? I had so many questions and I think Mary could tell that I was troubled. She leaned over to me and asked about my situation. She must have seen the servant come and whisper in my ear about this dire situation. Mary said she would talk with Jesus. I wasn’t sure what He could do but I will tell you this; that man was filled with Joy. I had never seen so much joy in a person. 

Most of the religious leaders in my region would have never attended a wedding. They would avoid a party like this, but not Jesus. Jesus was right there in the party. He was with the people and caring for them. I watched as Mary pulled Jesus aside and brought Him to our table. I was able to over hear every single word they said. She simply told Him: “They have no more wine.” Jesus was silent for a minute. I heard him respond to her: “Woman, why do you involve me? My hour has not yet come.” He wasn’t disrespectful to His mother. To call her: “Woman” was the most respectful name He could call her. I heard that while Jesus hung on the cross, later in His life, that He also called her: “Woman” during that time. The point of the story isn’t Mary, I’m sorry if I’ve made it seem that way. The point of the story is what happened next. 

Jesus walked to the back room where the wine was stored. We had a special place in our home where we stored our food, water, supplies, and wine. Jesus went back there and began to look at all we had. I followed Jesus because I wanted to see what He would do. I also wanted to be there in case He needed anything from me, as a business owner I’m very resourceful. I showed him the back room. He stood there and looked at the stone jars that we had back there. I had six of them that I inherited from my family. I don’t see many Jews in this room so let me explain the significance of the stone jars. Stone jars are not like pottery jars, they are considered ceremonially clean under Levitical Law. That was important for the religious part of my life. They were large stone jars that would each hold about two to three firkins of water. I knew you wouldn’t know that word. They would each hold 20-30 gallons of water for my family. 

Jesus stood in this back room and began to think. The servants stood at the doorway watching His every move. I could hear my heart racing. It was dark and I didn’t know what we would do. Jesus calmly asked the servants to fill the jars. He spoke to them with such a gentle voice. I was emotionally distraught and He was calm. Our servants were used to taking instruction but the way they listened to this man Jesus impressed me. Jesus spoke to them like He was one of them. It was like He knew what it was like to be a servant. The servants obeyed what Jesus asked. They went out and fetched water for the jars. We didn’t have what you call: running water. I’ve seen this running water from heaven and boy is it nice! 

Our servants began to fill the jars with water. It took a little time as they did it without alarming anyone. They just acted like nothing was wrong; they had such a great personal disposition. I’ve thought about how Jesus treated these people. Every time I tell my story I get distracted by this point. Jesus was so loving to them. Sometimes I would get upset or angry and yell at the servants. I didn’t want to be like that but it just came out. It normally happened when I had a bad day at the store. Maybe something would break and I would loose money. A shipment could have been delayed and I would loose money. I didn’t have an anger problem like King Saul; that guy would throw spears at David! In this moment I would have yelled at the servants to hurry but Jesus was so calm and loving. Ever since the wedding I couldn’t stop thinking about this. (Take a minute to think). I’m sorry for getting distracted, Jesus’ love for people really impacted me.

The best wine ever (vv. 8-10)

Where was I? Yes, the servants filled the jars with water all the way to the top. They put in twenty to thirty gallons of water in each jar. We had around 150 gallons of water in there. But we still had no wine. No wine. The problem that I shared with you still existed. We needed wine and we had no wine! Jesus asked everyone to leave the back room. I stayed because it was my home, my daughter’s wedding, and my reputation on the line. Once everyone left the room I stood by His side. He looked at me and gently asked me to leave also. I was hesitant but I could see this great compassion in His eyes. 

I left but I stood right outside the door and listened. My mind went back to the heroes of my childhood. I imagined Jesus crying out to God like King David in so many of his Psalms. I wondered if Jesus would pray like Elijah did on Mount Carmel when he battled the prophets of Baal. As a boy that was my favorite story. I wondered what Jesus would do. I sat outside the room for what felt like hours but it probably only four to five minutes. I listened carefully and it sounded like Jesus had a simple conversation with God… but He called Him Father. 

After a couple minutes Jesus slowly opened the door and invited the servants back in. He said these words to them: “Now draw some to and taking to the master of the banquet.” I was outside of the door when He walked out. Jesus gave me this look that said: “Everything will be fine.” But He said no words to me. He simply walked past me and went back to talking with the wedding guests. I was so surprised to hear the servants shout for joy. I knew my problem was solved. Jesus solved all the things I had been worrying about. I never went in that room to look at the jars. I just knew that Jesus had taken my shame and filled me with joy. 

Every time I tell this story the person or group thinks that I’m done here, but I’m not done. The servants brought the wine to the master of the banquet. I was sitting with my wife again by now and she could see my relief. The master of the banquet was a friend of mine that we hired. He had lead hundreds of weddings in our region. It was customary to hire my friend so that I could focus on my family and he could keep the wedding ceremonies moving. He was the one person in our region who held this role. I watched him drink the water. My eyes stayed on his every move. He began to smile. 

When he pulled his lips away from the cup he shouted for the music to stop. This was not how this was supposed to go. He shouted again and again for the music to stop. The joy of the evening was interrupted. I had never seen this happen at a wedding before. He began talking: “Normally the best wine was served first at the wedding feast. Then after a couple of days the families will switch the wine out for the poorer wine, wine of less quality. You know, the cheap stuff?” This might be like a box of wine for your culture. Then he went on to share: “Most people do this because after you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine no one really cares what it tastes like. But my friend Baruch has saved the best wine until the end of the wedding feast.” He looked at me and my wife Sarah and said: “My friend, this is the best wine I’ve ever tasted.” My wife and I were in utter amazement. 

My friend went on to bless my family, my daughter, and the day of this wedding. What should have brought shame on my family brought fame. We were the family who saved the best wine until the end. But it wasn’t me. I didn’t save the wedding. It was Jesus who saved the wedding. Jesus saved the wedding. I should have been filled with shame but I was filled with joy. I realized that day that Jesus filled my life with joy. That night I lay in my bed thinking about this whole story. I couldn’t fall asleep. My family almost fell into shame but Jesus saved my family. I went on to become a follower of Jesus. I couldn’t leave my family like Peter, James, John, and the others did but I was a believer. 

Apply the text for the people (vv. 11-12)

Jesus was so filled with joy. I wanted to invite Him to my other daughters wedding; who knows what could have happened! I’m an old man now. I lived a full life. I saw my children married. My grandchildren were placed on my lap. My life was filled with joy. From this point I can see that Jesus was the Lamb of God who came to save the world. At my daughter’s wedding I was so empty and Jesus filled me with true joy. 

Every time I tell this story I like to ask the people two questions. My first question is: Do you have joy in your life that only comes from Jesus? In my culture, joy was a defining marker of those who followed God. Joy was something that separated them from the rest of the people in the world. Sure we had people who said they followed God but you could tell if they had joy. I learned a lesson that day. I thought I had joy but when the wine ran out so did my joy. My joy was based on what I had not on what I was filled with. From that day on I made sure to be filled with the joy of God. 

If you are not filled with the joy of God, let me ask my second question: What are you filled with? Some people in my city were filled with a desire for money. Some were filled with too much wine. Some were filled with hate. Some wanted to shame others. It was tough because there are so many layers as to why that happens in the life of a person. Maybe you lost something special to you and you lost your joy. Maybe you have never trusted Jesus and today you can see that you need the joy of Jesus to transform you. Will you allow Jesus to fill you with His joy today? 

Conclusion 

I don’t have the time to tell you about all the stories of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. I know you can read them in the books written about His life. He changed my life at my daughter’s wedding and I think He wants to change your life too. This is my story of how Jesus showed up at my daughter’s wedding, took away my shame, and saved the day. Fill the jars with prayers 
Closing Prayer. 

Follow Me | John 1:35-51

Today, I want to share a shortened version of a sermon I recently preached on John 1:35-51. In this passage from the Gospel of John, we see Jesus inviting us to follow Him on a life-changing journey.

Let me start by sharing a personal story. Last December, my wife and I traveled to Costa Rica to officiate a wedding for a former high school student and long-time friend. Excited but tired from our journey, we embarked on a road trip in a small rental car. Unfortunately, we ended up following incorrect directions and found ourselves stuck by a river with a flat tire. In that moment, I realized the importance of following the right path and the consequences of straying from it. Have you ever felt like you're on the wrong path in life? Today, we'll explore how Jesus invites us to follow Him and embark on a life-changing journey.

Our passage begins with the transition from John the Baptist to Jesus as the Messiah. John, a humble leader focused on building the Kingdom of God, points his disciples to Jesus, calling Him "The Lamb of God." This title connects Jesus to His purpose of atoning for our sins through His work on the cross. John exemplifies a selfless leader, passing his disciples to Jesus without bitterness or loss. In a world focused on personal following and influence, John shows us the importance of building God's Kingdom.

To understand the significance of following Jesus, let's explore the concept of discipleship in the ancient world. In those times, disciples would spend extensive time with their mentors, modeling their lives after them. Similarly, the first disciples of Jesus spent about three years with Him, learning and growing in their relationship. In our modern culture, we often limit discipleship to weekly meetings, but we can aspire to a deeper level of discipleship based on this passage. Following Jesus means incorporating His teachings and actions into our daily lives, treating others as He did and loving them with His love.

The passage reveals what disciples do. Andrew, one of the first disciples, immediately finds his brother, Simon Peter, and tells him about Jesus. When we encounter good news, we naturally want to share it with others. Andrew goes beyond sharing; he brings his brother to meet Jesus. Similarly, we are called to bring people to Jesus, spending more time following Jesus than we do our favorite bands or TV shows. By following in Jesus' footsteps, we develop a new perspective and serve others, sharing the incredible love of Jesus.

In the latter part of the passage, Jesus approaches Philip near the Sea of Galilee and simply commands him, "Follow me." There is no elaborate speech or promise of an easier life, just a direct command. Philip, who may have longed for a greater purpose, immediately follows Jesus. This invitation resonates with those who have felt rejected or overlooked. It reminds us of the importance of choosing whom we follow in life. Just as following incorrect directions can lead us astray, following the wrong advice or influence can have negative consequences. Jesus invites us to follow Him and experience a life-changing journey.

In the conversation between Philip and Nathaniel, we see Nathaniel's initial skepticism when he learns Jesus is from Nazareth. In Jewish culture, people expected the Messiah to come from Bethlehem, not Nazareth. However, Philip invites Nathaniel to "come and see" for himself. This invitation allows room for personal experience and revelation. Jesus, knowing Nathaniel intimately, surprises him with His knowledge

The Voice of Reason | John 1:19-34

A couple months ago I preached on John 1:19-34. Today I took that sermon and asked Chat GPT to turn my sermon into a blog post. Here is what was generated. 

Introduction:

Welcome to my personal blog! I'm Neal Benson, the lead pastor at Coastline, and I want to share an inspiring sermon with you today. In this sermon, we'll delve into the Gospel of John, focusing on the passage in John 1:19-34. The overarching message is that the Lamb of God came to remove our sin and end our separation from God. Let's dive in!

The Catalyst for Transformation

Sometimes, a single question can change the trajectory of our lives. I vividly remember the day I was asked a life-altering question. I was attending a court-mandated DUI class, feeling lost and broken. After a personal interview, the class leader told me, "If you don't stop doing what you're doing, you'll be dead in five years." Shortly after that encounter, a fellow classmate invited me to church, and that question sparked a profound transformation in my life.

Questions that Transform

Throughout our lives, we encounter questions that shape our destinies. From deciding to pursue higher education to accepting a marriage proposal, certain questions carry immense weight. However, the question that surpasses all others in its life-altering impact is, "Do you want to follow Jesus?" This question has the power to transform lives more than anything else in this world.

Exploring the Gospel of John

The Gospel of John is a unique account of Jesus' life, distinct from the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Believed to be written in Ephesus around 90 CE, it presents a deeper theological perspective. Today, we'll focus on how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus.

John the Baptist Faces Interrogation

Our passage takes us to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist catches the attention of religious leaders from Jerusalem. These leaders approach John with a series of questions, seeking to understand his identity and purpose. They inquire if he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet Moses foretold. John clarifies that he is not the Messiah, nor Elijah, but instead a humble servant of God with a unique mission.

Discovering Our Role in God's Kingdom

John's response to the religious leaders serves as a reminder for us to discover our own roles in God's Kingdom. Like John, who pointed people back to the Lord, we too can find purpose and fulfillment in aligning our lives with God's calling. Let the story of John inspire you to seek your role in God's Kingdom.

The Significance of Baptism

John's baptism plays a crucial role in the narrative. Although the specific mode of baptism is not the main focus, John's act of baptizing symbolizes a significant spiritual journey. Before individuals enter the waters of baptism, they first hear the Gospel, respond to it, and grow in their faith. John's baptism signifies a transformative process leading to a public declaration of faith. If you have yet to be baptized, consider taking this step in your own spiritual journey.

Drawing Parallels to the Ethiopian Man in Acts

The story of the Ethiopian man in Acts provides a parallel to the transformative power of baptism. Philip, one of the disciples, explains the Scriptures to the Ethiopian man, who then eagerly chooses to be baptized on the side of the road. This account demonstrates the immediacy and joy that can accompany baptism. If you feel prompted by God to be baptized, I encourage you to connect with me or one of our staff members after the service.

John's Profound Revelation of Jesus

Moving forward in the passage, John the Baptist unveils a profound understanding of Jesus' identity. He proclaims Jesus as the Lamb of God—a title not used by any other Gospel writer. This designation evokes the imagery

John 4:31-54 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | When Many Believe | John 4:31-54

Throughout the Gospel of John, we see Jesus engage with a wide range of people, from the wealthy and powerful to the marginalized and oppressed. He performs miraculous signs, teaches profound truths, and ultimately offers Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. In John 4 we read about Jesus spending time with different people in different places. The groups are different but the results are the same: many believed. As Jesus makes Himself available to people of all races and gender we see a powerful of movement of God happening. Study these questions and use this time of study to grow in your faith in the Son of God. 

1) Neal shared a story about revival in the introduction to his sermon. Think about a time in your life when you heard about, saw, or were involved in a time of revival. What were some key events that stand out to you?   

2) Read John 4:6, 31-38. John teaches us that Jesus ministered out of His thirst, hunger, and tiredness. Jesus chose to do the work of God. When you think about these things, what keeps you from ministering in all situations?  

3) It seems that Jesus adjusted His plans and stayed in Samaria (read John 4:39-42). Jesus had margin in His schedule to do the work of God (Luke 7:11-17, 19:1-10). Do you feel like you have margin in your schedule to minister to others?  

4) John makes a note that Jesus had previously encountered opposition in Galilee (read John 4:43-47). Jesus could have simply avoided this area and ministered anywhere. Is there a place God is calling you to minister to others? 

5) This father comes to Jesus with one BIG request. Many people came to Jesus with a  great need (Matthew 9:18-22 & Mark 10:46-52) What is the one thing you need Jesus to help with? Not a huge list but one thing. Why is this important? 

6) Read John 4:48-50. It seems like this man had a weak faith that needed Jesus to come with him. Compare this man to the man in Matthew 8:5-13. What do these passages teach us about living a life of faith? 

7) The conclusion of Samaria and Cana is that many believed in the name of Jesus. Jesus came to seek the lost and hurting (Matthew 9:12 & Luke 19:10). What would it look like to see a revival in our community, county, state, or country? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

John 4:1-42 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Talking to the Wrong People | John 4:1-42

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. The Gospel of John has been called an intimate gospel for the way that Jesus personally interacts with others. Jesus had a personal conversation with Nicodemus in chapter 3 and today we’ll see another personal conversation with a woman here in chapter 4. As we read our passage it’s important to know that there was a history of animosity between the Jews and Samaritans. Most Jews would have never traveled this path to Galilee even though it was shorter, they would have traveled by the Jordan River to avoid the Samaritans.

1) There are times in the Christian life that we should avoid people, but in many occasions we need to be the light of the world. Where do you need to have a greater engagement with those around who you are far from Jesus? 

2) Read John 4:1-6. We learned about the strained relationship between the Jews and the Samaritans. Jesus chose to walk into a territory where there was a hostile relationship. Share about Jesus walking into your life to meet you in a situation. 

3) Read John 4:7-12. Jesus’ pattern was to engage people who are far from God and this woman fell on that list. Throughout His life Jesus associated with sinners and tax collectors (Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 15:1-2). How does this make you feel? 

4) While asking this woman for a drink, Jesus is able to turn the conversation from physical to spiritual (read John 4:13-20). Thinking about Jesus’ interaction with this woman, what can we learn about engaging people in spiritual conversations? 

5) It seems like Jesus touches a sore spot in this woman’s life, she has been divorced several times. Jesus knows the areas of our life that are broken and in disarray. How can we lovingly exposes sin in someone’s life while showing grace upon grace? 

6) Read John 4:21-26. Jesus teaches this woman that our worship can take place any where and needs to done in spirit and truth. Do you have anything from your past that hinders you from grasping this truth Jesus spoke? 

7) As the story comes to a conclusion we read that Jesus teaches the disciples how to talk to all the wrong people (read John 4:31-42). Thinking about the harvest, where do you see God opening doors in your life to share the love of Jesus? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

John 3:22-36 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Complete Joy | John 3:22-36

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. So far in the Gospel of John we’ve seen Jesus defined as the Son of God. We’ve seen Jesus preform powerful signs to prove His deity. In Chapter we see Jesus focus His ministry on spiritual matters while those around Him focus on physical matters. In John 3 we see our last interaction with John the Baptist. The Apostle John makes it clear that John the Baptist had a powerful ministry in Israel but remained a humble servant. John the Baptist was able to have great influence while keeping God’s Kingdom in mind.  

1) Neal started the sermon by sharing about Joy from the Disney movie Inside Out. Joy has a bubbly personality, is convincing, and longs for everyone to feel her primary emotion. Share about a time when you only sought joy in your life.  

2) Read John 3:22-24. John doesn’t write about how popular John the Baptist was in Israel (read Matthew 3:5, Luke 3:16, and Mark 6:20). Talk about the high level of influence that John the Baptist had and how people would have heard about him. 

3) In the midst of this great movement of God, a disagreement arises in the church (read John 3:25-26). It is in our human flesh to get possessive of things we’ve created. How can churches do better at seeing the world through spiritual eyes? 

4) For the John the Baptist, it was never about his empire but about God’s Kingdom (read John 3:27-30). John understood the sovereignty of God in all situations. What has God given you, from Heaven, to invest in His Kingdom? 

5) John chose to put Christ above all things (John 3:30). John had a humble attitude. Read Colossians 3:12, Ephesians 4:2, James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:5-7. What do these passages teach us about living a life of humility? 

6) The Apostle John teaches us that Jesus was the perfect witness for God (read John 3:31-36). Jesus was this perfect witness because He had seen God and He testified on God’s behalf. How can you grow your witness for Jesus? 

7) The Bible is full of people who sought Jesus and not joy. Look at these passages: Matthew 8:5-13, Mark 5, Mark 10:46-52, and Luke 7:36-50. Where in your life are seeking Joy over Jesus? How can you change that trajectory in your life? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

The Gospel of John: In the Beginning, the Word, the Light, and the Glory

In the Gospel of John, the author introduces the readers to the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. The opening verses of John 1:1-18, known as the Prologue, serve as a beautiful drive that captivates our attention and reveals the nature of Jesus and His mission. This blog post will explore the three sections of the Prologue: Jesus as "The Word," "The Light," and "The Glory."

In the Beginning was The Word

John's primary goal in writing this gospel is for readers to believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. He starts by echoing the familiar words, "In the beginning," triggering thoughts of the opening verses of Genesis. Through profound and complex theological statements, John establishes the preeminent nature of Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus was with God and was God Himself. Jesus, referred to as "The Word," is the expression of God and the communication of His truth. John, who personally experienced the transformative power of Jesus, asserts that nothing in all creation was made without Him.

The Light Came to The World

Building upon the concept of Jesus as the Word, John now presents Jesus as "The Light." In a world engulfed in darkness, Jesus brings illumination, truth, and righteousness. Just as light sustains physical life, Jesus offers spiritual life to all who embrace Him. John highlights the role of John the Baptist, who pointed others to Jesus as the true Light. Although darkness opposes the light, it can never overcome it. The light of Christ continues to shine even in the darkest places, driving out sin and offering hope to those who embrace Him.

The Word Became Flesh

John concludes the Prologue by describing Jesus as "The Glory." Jesus left the glory of heaven to dwell among humanity and rescue us from ourselves. John draws a parallel between Jesus' dwelling among us and the glory of God descending on the tabernacle in Moses' time. The Law given through Moses brought freedom to Israel, but now Jesus brings "grace upon grace." Grace, defined as receiving what we don't deserve, is a core value of the church. Through Jesus' grace, lives are transformed, and people experience the powerful work of God.

Conclusion

The Prologue of the Gospel of John takes readers on a profound journey, revealing the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a historical figure or a wise teacher; He is the eternal Word, the Light that overcomes darkness, and the embodiment of God's glory. Understanding the greatness of Jesus and His role in the world transforms lives, expands our perception of Him, and invites us into a deeper prayer life. Jesus offers us a life that is eternal and filled with His unfailing love and grace. If you're longing for light in the darkness or seeking a transformative encounter with the Word of God, Jesus Christ, He is ready to meet you and change your life forever.

Biblical Profile | Nicodemus

The Bible is full of amazing stories with amazing people. One of the problems we have with reading the Bible is we don't understand the culture it was written in, the original language, or the subtle hints that the original audience would have understood. 

Last week I preached on John 3. It's a chapter that many people in the world will be able to think of because of John 3:16. In chapter 3 we’re introduced to a highly regarded Jewish man named Nicodemus 

Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” John 3:1-2

It will help us to learn about this man’s life so we know his intention in coming to Jesus. Nicodemus was a Pharisee, they were the spiritual heroes of the day. We don’t see them in that light, we see them in the light that Jesus spoke of them. Most people now days think of Pharisee as synonymous with hypocrite. 

Nicodemus is a Jew but he has a Greek name. He was probably from a wealthy Jewish family who gave him a Greek name. That meant he most likely had a Greek education and read the Old Testament in the Greek. We know he was a highly educated man and in good standing in Jewish circles. 

John teaches us that he was a member of the Jewish ruling council—he is a politician. He was also a member of the Sanhedrin, they are the highest legislative body in Judaism. John is telling us that he was an influential man. Nicodemus is more important that Rockefeller, Einstein, Bezos, or Musk. In fact, he is all of them! 

He is the kind of man you want to represent you in any manner and he’s going to Jesus under the cover of darkness to talk religion. 

Something is off here. The example of night is probably a literary example to reflect his spiritual condition and the not the hour of the day. But it proves to us that Nicodemus wanted to know God. All his study, all his education, and prestige left him void of God. Listen to this: “As a Pharisee, Nicodemus represented those of his day and ours who seek the meaning of life in religion but do not find it. He belonged to the church, but he knew nothing of that personal, life-transforming relationship to Jesus Christ upon whom the true church is founded.” —James Montgomery Boice. 

There are millions of people who are educated in financial matters, the housing market, education, specific industries, and more! They have a great knowledge but their life is void of God. That might you right now. You could be an expert in your field but you need to come to listen to Jesus. 

If you focus on verse 2 you will see that Nicodemus knew three things about Jesus: 

1) He’s a teacher

2) He came from God

3) And there are signs to prove it

The whole point of this story is that despite Nicodemus’ knowledge, he is wrong. He doesn’t know Jesus! He’s heard about Jesus but doesn’t know Him. 

Nicodemus wants to know God! Some of us have been attending church for years, maybe even decades. Some of us have been reading the Bible for years, maybe even decades. This short character study on Nicodemus reveals much more than we'd gather by simply reading the passage on our own. 

So let me leave you this questions: 

1) What do you know about Jesus?

2) Do you personally know Jesus?

3) What do you need to learn about Jesus? 

John 3:1-21 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | Becoming a new person | John 3:1-21

Through powerful imagery and profound theological insights, John reveals the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, the light of the world, the bread of life, and the hope of Israel. Throughout the Gospel of John, we see Jesus engage with a wide range of people, from the wealthy and powerful to the marginalized and oppressed. He performs miraculous signs, teaches profound truths, and ultimately offers Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Through it all, John presents Jesus as the embodiment of God's love and grace, and the only way to eternal life. As we move into John 3 we read about this interesting encounter with Jesus and Nicodemus. 

1) Think about a time in your life you had a question for God or about God. Who did you bring that question to? What time of day was it? Where did you meet with that person? What kind of answer did you receive about your question? 

2) Read John 3:1-2. We learned that Nicodemus was an educated man who was part of the highest level of Jewish leadership. He comes to Jesus at night with a question. Why would he come to Jesus at night and not during the day? 

3) Nicodemus asserts three truths he knows about Jesus. What are things that you know to be true about Jesus? Share your understanding and back them up with Scripture not just your personal thoughts 

4) Read John 3:3-10. Jesus and Nicodemus have a conversation about rebirth. If  you were asked what it means to be born again, how would you explain that? Make sure to use Scripture in your answers so you can point them to God’s truth. 

5) Within in our text we see that Jesus cares primarily about our spiritual condition. He could have stayed up late talking with Nicodemus about spiritual matters. Who do you want to see experience a spiritual change in their life? 

6) Read John 3:16-18. John gives us the statement of God’s love, Jesus purpose for coming to earth, and the outcome of believing in Him. How has your life been changed by placing your hope in Jesus as your Lord and Savior? 

7) Neal shared a story about a fight that happened across the street from our church. Read John 3:19-21. Talk about the desperate need for light in our dark world. Where is God asking you to reach out to your friends, neighbors, or our community? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

John 2:1-12 | Small Group Questions

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. For this series I will write some of the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.

Small Group Questions | The Unforgettable Wedding | John 2:1-12

The Gospel of John is a unique and powerful account of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Written by John, one of Jesus' closest disciples, this gospel presents a deep and thoughtful perspective on the person and work of Jesus. Unlike the other three gospels, which are known as the Synoptic Gospels and focus on Jesus' actions and teachings, John's gospel emphasizes the spiritual and theological significance of Jesus' life and ministry. This Sunday Pastor Neal taught a first-person narrative from the viewpoint of the father of the bride at the wedding of Cana. Use these questions to discuss how we can apply this passage to our lives. 

1) John teaches us that it was the third day when Jesus preformed this miracle at the wedding of Cana. We’ve talked about John’s literary skill, do you think he wrote this passage in this way to remind us of Jesus’ burial and resurrection on the third day? 

2) When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother came to share this truth with Him. The reason Mary involves Jesus is to avoid family shame. Share about a time when Jesus took away your shame and saved your name in the community. 

3) Read John 2:5-8. We see the servants readily obey all that Jesus asked them to do. Read Luke 17:10. Jesus teaches us that we should live with the attitude of serving others. Do you struggle with obeying God or does that come easily to you? 

4) The master of the banquet remarks that the best wine was saved for last. What does this say about the nature of Jesus' miracles and his ministry as a whole? What do you think Jesus still has planned for your life that is better than right now? 

5) In the Old Testament there is a connection that makes wine and joy synonymous (see Psalm 4:7, Isaiah 16:10, and Ecclesiastes 9:7). We’re not suggesting to drink wine for joy. Where have you seen Jesus fill your emptiness with joy? 

6) In John 2:11 we read that this was a sign and not a miracle. Most people think of this as a miracle and not a sign. Take some time, as a group, to discuss the difference in the two words. What makes this a sign and not a miracle? 

7) In this sermon Neal preached a first-person narrative. Do you think/feel like you were able to connect better to this style of preaching? What was helpful to you in your walk with Jesus to learn this way? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus. 

A healthy marriage focuses on comforting each other

Last month Charity and I had the privilege of sharing on marriage at Coastline. It was a super fun morning to teach with Charity. This year we hit 18 years of marriage. We're the first to share that we're not perfect but we're also not quitters. We intentionally invest in our marriage. One of those ways is to comfort each other.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

Ecclesiastes 4:11

When Solomon wrote this he was specifically thinking about the cold desert nights in Israel. He was thinking that if two people lie down together they can share their body heat and survive the cold desert nights. There is an aspect in this verse of the comfort that a marriage provides to people. 

Now, most guys read this verse and think that Solomon is talking about sex. I can assure you he is not talking about sex. Guys, almost anything can be sexual for you. Last night your wife said: “Can you help me load the dishwasher?” In your mind you thought: “You bet! I’ll help you load the dishwasher.” Your mind immediately went to sex and she just needed help in the kitchen. 

This passage is about comfort. I’ve found marriage provides an amazing comfort in a confusing world. Earlier I shared that marriage was God’s idea. God knew that we would face daily challenges and need someone to share the load of those challenges with. 

Some of you stay home with the kids all day long. When your spouse comes home you simply want to talk with someone about something else than Paw Patrol and dirty diapers. You want adult conversation. Marriage provides that comfort. Some of you work outside the home all day. You want to come home and ask your spouse for ideas on how to manage your team. You’re having an issue with your boss. He wants you to work on a project and it's all you’ve ever dreamed up but you want to discuss this with your spouse. We converse with our spouse because it provides us comfort in a confusing world. 

I appreciate what the Apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Ephesus (read Ephesians 5:33). I don’t think it’s my role to tell anyone’s wife that she must respect her husband. The Bible has clearly told you. But I do feel it’s my passion to help men to love their wife. I long to see more healthy marriages in our church and in our community. I’ve used this illustration for years in pre-marital counseling. When a husband attempts to move closer to his wife, he doesn’t get closer to God. But when he applies this passage and focuses on loving God and loving his wife, he gets closer to God. Hopefully she is focused on loving God and respecting her husband. The end result is a closer relationship to God and your spouse. I love this quote: "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." —Mignon McLaughlin

Can we have some real talk here? Some of you are feeling beat up by the world right now. You’re struggling with rising food costs, kids tearing through shoes, your gas bill, your boss, and much more. You are exhausted with all the responsibilities you have. Some of you single parents are really struggling in this season of life. You might even want to quit. 

Instead of running away from your spouse, getting your head, or being silent, will you please let your spouse comfort you? She can’t fix your problems, you need to get on your knees and beg God for that, but she can comfort you in this time. This is for everyone. Here is a simple question that Charity and I ask in our home: “Do you want me to fix that or just listen?” There are times that guys go into solve mode when we simply need to listen. We show comfort in our relationships when we listen to each other. 

A healthy marriage focuses on teamwork

Earlier this month Charity and I taught on marriage. It was super fun because we've been married for eighteen years now! We have three children and have lived in a couple different cities together. We've traveled from California to Arizona, from Las Vegas to Africa, from Washington to Italy (and more). And in all that we still love each other! 

For our talk we looked at the words of Salomon in Ecclesiastes: 

9 Two are better than one,

    because they have a good return for their labor:

10 If either of them falls down,

    one can help the other up.

But pity anyone who falls

    and has no one to help them up.

11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.

    But how can one keep warm alone?

12 Though one may be overpowered,

    two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV

When I think about married, the first thing that a healthy marriage focuses on is teamwork. The author starts out with a basic truth in life: two are better than one. If I asked you if you would rather have one dollar or two, you would take two. If I asked you if you would rather have one scoop of ice cream or two, you would most likely take two. The author is referring to people. The only thing that we don’t want two of is rattlesnakes on a hike. When two people are working together they have a better return. Two people can bring in more income, they can dream together, they can work better in their gifting and have a better return for the company they are working for. We all know that two are better than one, but we need to be reminded or this truth for a healthy marriage. 

For those who are married, you know that for your marriage to be healthy you have to work together. When a couple walks down the aisle they are madly in love. They stare into each others eyes. They see their future flash in front of them. This is the person they want to have babies with, buy a home with, travel with, and grow old with. 

When each person walks down the aisle they have an invisible team jersey on. That team jersey has their own name on the back. For twenty minutes they will stand in front of their family, friends, a pastor and God, and commit their lives to each other. When they walk away that day they have changed their team allegiance to work with the other for the rest of their lives. 

Most of us know what it’s like to work with others on a team. We played soccer when we were five years old. We worked with a group on a high school math project. Or in our office we’ve worked on a team project to develop a new initiative. Sometimes there is a person on the team that doesn’t pull their weight and does less than the rest of the team. This leaves the others on the team doing more work and carrying the other person’s slack. Most often this ends in bitterness. 

On a team, everyone needs to play their role plus some. When everyone on the team gives 100%, that is what makes the team function. 

When I think of teamwork, I’m drawn to what God spoke in creation (read Genesis 2:18). It is not good for man to be alone. Guys, can I get an: “Amen!” on that one! If you’re married but haven’t been focused on teamwork with your spouse, will you make a change today? 

I want to present the: Be something different principle to you. I find that when I’m home I can easily drift to being on my phone and neglect my kids. Charity saw this too but she didn’t shame me for it. Instead, Charity has modeled to our family that she is present. She doesn’t bring her phone to the dinner table and she isn’t constantly glued to a screen. Instead, she is engaged and focused on our family. She has modeled to me that there is a different way. What I want you to do is think about how you can be different in your marriage. Not how your spouse can be different but how you can be different. What you can do in your marriage that will focus on teamwork and involvement. 

Live No Lies | Book Review

Title- Live No Lies: Recognize and Resist the Three Enemies That Sabotage Your Peace

Author- John Mark Comer

Publisher- WaterBrook

Pages- 336

Quotable- “My point is this: lies distort our souls and drive us into ruin.”

When I initially began reading Live no lies by John Mark Comer I quickly realized that he is a scholarly leader. In the beginning of this book he provides a brief summary of where he will go in this book (page xx). He presents his working theory that we are at war with the world, the flesh, and the devil. This war begins with lies that distort the actions of humanity and ultimately lead us to living in a sinful world. Because of the sin that we encounter on a daily basis we need to be aware of the schemes of the devil so we can fight against the flesh and live for Jesus in the world. 

Throughout the book Comer works through his theory by beginning with the truth about lies. The devil is actively working in this world to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10) and therefore the believer must be aware of his lies. I appreciated how Comer addressed the way the devil twisted the truth of God, in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3), and lured Eve and Adam into sin. From that moment until now the devil has been inviting people to sinful destruction through his lies. The results is that we live in a world that is against God and therefore we must be more prepared in our spiritual formation. 

I think Comer did a great job, in the first section of the book, to present how badly lies have hurt the world and the people in the world. His statement on page 36, and work prior to that, have been extremely helpful to me: “My point is this: lies distort our souls and drive us into ruin.” My understanding was that the basis for our stunted growth in Christ is that we believe lies and therefore don’t follow the truth of God. It’s hard not to believe lies. We live in a world full of lies and therefore are surrounded by lies that the devil has been spewing for centuries. 

When we move into the second section of the book I think Comer does a great job at making progress on the Spirit’s transforming work. Comer brings in modern examples of how the flesh is sinful (page 105) and our need to submit to the Lord (page 107). I appreciate how Comer brings in Paul’s exhortation to the church in Ephesus from Ephesians 6. Comer does excels at explaining how a person who submits to the flesh lives versus someone who is living for the Spirit. When we look at pages 134 and 135 we see that Comer is giving us a side-by-side comparison of what it looks like to live for the flesh and to live in the Spirit. 

I appreciate his modern examples of ways that believers are falling into serving the flesh. On the following page Comer teaches us, from Galatians 5, on how to live for the Spirit. I appreciate how the publisher lined this out in the layout of the print. Living for the Spirit is so far from what we experience on a daily life. We are bombarded with all the acts of the flesh in our daily life and it’s hurting our spiritual growth. 

 

I found it most helpful how Comer pushed me to think outside of what I’ve currently been thinking about. So often, I think we try to avoid the ‘big sins’ and Comer started with how lying is where evil begins. His writing in chapter one got me thinking all the way to the conclusion of the book. What I found most helpful, for my personal spiritual formation, was his writing on fasting. I have always viewed fasting as a denying of the self. I have fasted from: soda, sugar, social media, candy, and occasionally food. But Comer says that to fast from anything by food is just abstinence (page 178). 

I was convicted by this. I want to fast and beat my flesh into submission. But I also have three kids, lead a church, lead a small group, coach baseball, workout and get REALLY hungry. I am not the most pleasant person to be around when I don’t eat. In fact, I have made my life so structured that I have times of the day that I eat. It was fairly convicting to read this section on what I thought was fasting isn’t really fasting. It’s causing me to rethink how I can deny my flesh to connect more deeply with the Lord. I will keep you posted on how this progresses. 

I throughly enjoyed the entirety of this book. If I had to choose something that I would like to hear more on it would be his work on keeping in step with the Spirit (page 173). I would like to hear what he is currently doing on walking daily with the Spirit. I appreciate his work on fasting and confession. Maybe I think it’s more complex than it really it, but I’d love to hear him add a couple more spiritual disciples to this list.  

Pastor Chris Lyons

On Friday morning I woke up to a text that my friend Pastor Chris has went to be with Jesus in heaven. Over the weekend I’ve had so many important memories stroll through my mind and I wanted to share them with you. 

In 2004 I applied for a Junior High Pastor role at a church in Henderson, NV (Las Vegas). When I was looking at the church website I read about one of the pastors on staff, his name was Chris Lyons. He was about 70 years old at the time and had been married for almost 50 years. I can still see the picture of Chris and Connie in my mind. I kept thinking to myself: “I would love to work with that guy.” 

A couple months later I was hired and working with Chris Lyons. My cubicle was right next to his and I was so nervous. He was a pillar of faith, a man of God, loved his wife, and knew how to care for people. I would end up working closely with Chris for eight years. Chris was like a father/grandfather to me. He was a pastor to me. Chris was a mentor and a friend all wrapped into one.

Chris taught me how to tie a tie. Every time I tie my tie I think about Chris. He would make sure my collar looked good in the back on Christmas Eve and that my tie was the correct length. He was so encouraging. 

Chris taught me how to preach, though he never gave me a “preaching class.” Chris helped me work on sermons, sermon series, and my delivery. He would always say: “If you can’t say it in 30 mins then get off stage.” I still think that in my mind. 

When we moved into the Freeway Campus at South Hills I still officed very close to Chris. Instead of having cubicles next door we were office neighbors. Every morning I would spend from 8:30-9:00am in his office. It wasn’t an appointment but an invitation. I would talk to him about: preaching, leading, marriage, parenting, writing sermons, sermon series, reaching students, seminary, conflict management, working with elders, pastor transition, and more. Those conversations with Chris are still one of the highlights in ministry. 

Chris showed up; all the time! He would come to church every time we were leaving for a camp. I remember one morning he showed up as we were getting ready to head to Hume Lake. So many of our students and parents loved seeing Chris. He would walk from group of students to group of students taking their picture and talking to them. The whole time he was spreading pastoral pixie dust (the love of Christ) on everyone. 

There was a young lady in Charity’s small group who told us the reason that she landed at our church. Since I was the high school pastor I was ready to hear about how it was because of me, but it wasn’t. It was because of Pastor Chris’ Sunday preaching. She loved hearing him preach and wanted a grandfather figure in her life. The dude was well into his 70’s and was the best, still is the best, preacher I’ve ever sat under. 

Chris would invite anyone and everyone to his home. I can’t tell you how many meals I ate with him and Connie. He was also so welcoming and loving. He would host our Young Adults ministry at his home and just be there to serve. Chris taught me about serving others. 

I could continue to write more memories, and most likely will. But for now I will remember all the great times with Chris.