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John 13:34, 35 (ESV) “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Recently, at a district leadership meeting, we were discussing church growth and health strategy. We agreed that the purpose of the church was to glorify God and to complete the great commission – to make disciples. Scripture is pretty clear regarding these objectives. Our church’s purpose statement reflects that well: “Perrysburg Alliance Church exists to glorify God; building, equipping and sending believers to win people to Christ.”

Often when we think about growth strategies for the church, we discuss programs and activities. Even changes to our church’s décor. We also talk about the role of music styles. That is reasonable. Over the past 40+ years, it seems to have been the way to church growth. After all, these elements appear to be an avenue for the church to connect with those outside the church. But are they really the most important considerations? Are they what we should lean on for “success?”

The role of prayer enters the discussion of church growth as well. After all, Jesus tells His disciples, “Without me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV). The church is a spiritual organism. It is not a business where pragmatism is necessary for success. Jesus taught that true spiritual fruit (success) comes when His children “abide in” His love and depend upon the Spirit. Prayer is one of those key disciplines that puts us in the necessary posture of dependence upon our gracious Father. After all, only He can bring real life and produce spiritual fruit in a person.

Acts 2:42 lists prayer as one of the practices that the believers had when they came together. Luke also mentions that gospel teaching, fellowship, and “breaking of bread” (communion or meals) were characteristic of their gatherings. In later verses, Luke mentions how they also gave their possessions to meet the needs of other believers.  These, among other things were discipleship practices of the early church. After all, this was a life reflecting who they followed – Jesus.

As district leaders sat and discussed church growth and health, one pastor shared something he had been recently studying and reflecting on. It is why I titled this The Often-Overlooked Key to Church Growth. He mentioned the role of loving one another in the church. He wasn’t referring to doing projects to show love to people outside the church. He was talking about Christians loving Christians IN the church. Do we love like the one who saved us? Do we love like the one we claim to follow? Do we love like Jesus?

What was interesting was, this was actually the point our district superintendent wanted to make. Too many churches have made their growth strategy primarily about music styles, programs, or décor. Is that what the scriptures teach us?

I would propose that the New Testament model for church growth has more to do with how the body of Christ loves one another. Why do I say that? It is because that is the true indicator of the authenticity of the gospel we claim. We know that God is love (1 John 4:19). Our love for God is only a response to His love for us. Why else would we love like Jesus? You see the world’s kind of love is conditional. It ends when the giver doesn’t personally benefit. God’s love is different. It is unconditional.

When people visit our church, what do they experience? Yes, the Word of God needs to be unapologetically preached and music God-focused. More than the style of music, programs, or attractive church décor, we want them to experience Jesus. Jesus seen in and through His people. I mean, isn’t that who we really want them to know?

Perhaps you, like me, struggle or have struggled to love others. Let’s be honest, it’s easier to pay more attention to ourselves, right? But what if we took this to heart? What if we asked the Lord to give us more love for others? What if we stepped out in faith and initiated a conversation with someone else (beyond our ‘normal’ people) and asked them how they were doing? What if we gave them time to respond and just listened? What if we followed up later that week with a call or text to see how they are doing? What if we began to pray for them? What if we met them for coffee, lunch, or invited them to our home? What if we reminded them that God sees & loves them? What if we let God use us this way?

Sure, we have a loving community here at PAC. Most of us have experienced it. But what if our love for each other grew even more because we each intentionally submitted to God’s plan to love one another? The change would be so evident to the visitor that they would wonder, “What is it about these people?” What they would really experience is the evidence of Jesus in His people.

Let’s push that a step further. Outside the walls of the church. What if we loved our neighbor like that? In her book, “Fix Your Eyes,” author Amy Gannett asks this question, “Has it ever struck you that your role as a member of the church, the body of Christ is to bear the presence of God in the world?” Is ‘bearing the presence of God in the world’ simply not doing bad things? No. It is being who God has called us to be. People who abide in Him, pray dependent on Him, and love each other like we are one of His children!

That, my friend, would be the key to our success.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Brian

For the last few weeks, I have been re-reading some classic books by Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Lloyd-Jones was considered by many to be one of the most gifted preachers of the 20th century.

Recently, I started a second book of his, Saved in Eternity. This book is one of four that was published in a series he preached on John 17 – “Studies in Jesus’ Prayer for His Own”. The second chapter is titled “Why Pray?” Let me share with you an excerpt:

“The saints always prayed to God, and our Lord supremely did so, because they believed in God’s power, because they believed in God’s ability to help, and above all, because they believed in God’s willingness and readiness to help.  That is tremendously important.  They, of everybody, knew the power of God, yes, but the world and its trials tend to shake our confidence in him and there is no better way of reminding ourselves of the power and the greatness of God, his ability and readiness to help, than to go and talk to him; that is why saints always fly to prayer.  ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower:  the righteous runneth into it, and is safe’ (Prov 18:10).  In other words, the saint rushes to God in prayer and reminds himself of these things.

Prayer, in many ways, is the supreme expression of our faith in God and our faith and confidence in the promises of God.”

A couple of months ago, I read the A.W. Tozer quote, “What comes to our minds when we think about God is the most important  thing about us.” It comes from his book, The Knowledge of the Holy. I am not 100% sure what God is trying to teach me at this stage of life. But these reflections on our relationship with God have given me much to consider.

Yes, I believe I am a man of prayer. Yes, I believe that God is all-powerful, infinite, and nothing is impossible with Him. But at a recent leadership retreat, God impressed on me two words, ‘faith and courage’. As a result, I asked the Lord to produce better ‘fruit’ in these areas in my life. I desire that my life more clearly reflects a God who is great. A God who is trustworthy. A God who is always present and near.

I believe that what is really going on in me is expressed by Paul in Philippians 3:8-11. To gain Christ, to be found in Him, to know Christ. These verses express the believer being justified, sanctified, and glorified. Guess what? This is what God desires for each of His children, not just your pastor.

May you continue to submit to the Lord. May you continue to call upon Him for help.
May you continue to trust Him in all things.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Brian

David and his mighty men were on the run. A jealous Saul was after them and wanted David’s life. I’d say that it was a pretty stressful time for David and his men. 1 Samuel 24 records this account of them hiding from Saul in a cave. What seemed like a safe place, for a moment, became a place of potential danger.

This morning I read Psalm 57. This Psalm corresponds with 1 Samuel 24. What I find interesting is that in this moment of potential danger and uncertainty, David writes these words in verse 7, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody! Awake my glory!” (ESV)

Having read through the Psalms over the years, I recall reading about the “steadfast love of the Lord.” Steadfast means ‘loyal, faithful, unchanging.’ The Lord’s steadfastness is always reassuring and comforting to me. No matter the situation I am facing, the Lord will be steadfast and faithful. Always there. Never changing.

But this morning when I was reading Psalm 57, verse 7 jumped off the page, “My heart is steadfast, O God…” Lest you think the scene was not that threatening, David includes these words, “My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords” (v. 4).  

Pastor and author, Dane Ortlund makes this observation. David’s prayer in this Psalm “testifies that God is his cave: ‘In you my soul takes refuge'” (v. 1). Isn’t that a great picture? David and his men were not simply in the cave. God was their refuge. God was their cave.

If you continue reading in the Psalm, you will see that David chose to be steadfast in the Lord. He began calling on the Lord but as the Psalm goes on, he looked to and praised the Lord. He gives God the praise that He is due. Even in the moment of danger. He chooses to remain steadfast in God who he knows is greater than the enemy that may threaten him.

Reflect on these scriptures. Take comfort and praise our Father who is always faithful. As a child of God, you are in Christ! Let your heart be steadfast in Him.

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

I wanted to share with you some informative articles that give insight to “the state of things” in our country and world. Many of you have spoken with me over the past couple of years concerning the many changes we are seeing and experiencing all around us. We realize that nothing in this world seems to stay the same. Food choices change, prices change, methods change, and values change. One thing that I am thankful that doesn’t change is this… “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 ESV). Who He is, what He taught, His gospel, and His plans will never change.

Proverbs 19:21 (ESV) tells us, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” As a child of God, I am grateful for the steadfastness of our Lord!

I recently listened to a couple of podcasts by James Dobson interviewing Charlie Kirk that are very insightful. They were recorded back in October 2022. I encourage you to take the time to listen to both.

America Is at a Turning Point – part 1

America Is at a Turning Point – part 2

Going beyond our borders, did you know that the Abrahamic Family House has been completed? You may ask, “Pastor, what is the Abrahamic Family House?” Take a few minutes to read this news article.  It will explain more clearly. I believe this is a very significant occurrence in these “last days”.

I share these pieces of information with you to stir your hearts to prayer. To stir your hearts to preparedness. To challenge each of you to persevere and to remain faithful to our Lord. God has called us to be faithful to Him and His Word even when times are interesting, challenging, and changing. Yes, we know that God and the truth of His Word are unchangeable. But we also know that we are living in “the last days”. The number of days since Christ’s death/resurrection/ascension has been over 727,450 days (almost 2000 years) and yet scripture calls this time in history, “the last days” (Jude 1:18; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 Corinthians 10:11). And each passing day brings us closer to Christ’s promised return!

Clearly, much of the change and unrest in this world that we are seeing and hearing about is leading to something significant. Yes, we rejoice in the work of God around the world, bringing many to Himself. Praise His name! But we also know that the days before “the last day” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) will be full of turmoil and change. Let me leave you with Paul’s words to the church in Corinth, “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV).

Soli Deo Gloria,

Pastor Brian

Sunday in our worship service, I shared some of the highlights from the ministry in 2022. I am sure there were many other ways that God worked in and through our church as well.

Following the report, I transitioned to the idea of “All for Jesus”.  If you are a born-again Christian, you were bought with a price and have become a child of God! You have a new identity. You are ‘in Christ’! You are, as they say, now “in union” with Christ. Because of that new identity, you also can commune with God, your Father! And life can be lived as God intended, for His glory alone!

But let’s be honest, even though we know our new identity, we can be tempted by the things of the world. Some of those things are not sinful in and of themselves. They can be beneficial and enjoyable. But those ‘good things’ can tempt and lure us away from living how God has called us to live.

Let’s use your pastor’s favorite ‘sport to play’ as an example. Many of you know I enjoy golfing. I am probably average at best. For some reason, I enjoy trying to hit a little white ball around large, carefully mowed fields for three or four hours at a time. Some of you see no enjoyment in that. I get it. At the same time, I may not see the point of some of your leisurely activities either! We all enjoy different activities. While these ‘good things’ aren’t ‘bad things’, they can become sinful things. Let me explain. If I am not careful to remember that my identity is in Christ and that He matters more than anything, I could find myself compromising and slowly drifting from that truth. What God desires and asks of me gradually takes a ‘back seat’ to golf. My growing love for golf soon becomes what repositions the priorities God would desire of me. I could justify the change by thinking to myself, “I still love the Lord. After all, He made those green pastures and blue skies that I enjoy while I’m playing!”

Now some of you are chuckling right now. It is easy to see others rationalize their choices. The greater challenge though is recognizing it in ourselves. We often get caught in the sin of self-righteousness that makes us think we are better than we really are. But if we are honest, we all have ‘good things’ that we do that are not ‘bad things’. But when those ‘good things’ become the ‘determining things’ of our decisions, priorities, and life path, they become sinful things.

Maybe this gives you some insight to the statement I put in front of you on Sunday – ‘All for Jesus’.  I exhorted you to ask yourself the question, “What needs to change in your life for that to be true – Jesus at the center or the top priority of your life?” The obstacles for each of us are different. It could be an inherently sinful attitude or behavior that you really need to admit, let go of, and repent of. It could be a ‘good thing’ that has become a ‘determining thing’ that you really need to admit and put in its proper place.

“Ok, Pastor Brian, now it really feels like you are simply ‘preaching the law’.” Yep, God is a jealous God. He will share His glory with no other. And we know the law was given to show us our sin. But God doesn’t just park and stay there – nope. Titus 2:11-14 (NLT), For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

Ah-ha! The good news. The gospel! He has a plan to help reposition our lives so that our priorities and purpose are rightly aligned. In Christ, that provision is made! All for Jesus!

As I conclude this exhortation, I want to give clarity to some of my closing words from Sunday. Specifically, my words about my future at Perrysburg Alliance. I would not be a good leader if I did not embrace the truth I preach. In the context of “All for Jesus”, I believe in order for that to once again be the case in my life, I have to “lay myself on the altar” for whatever the Lord wills. Whether He adds another pastor to join me, or if He has other plans for me, I believe that is the right posture I, as your pastor, should take. I can’t challenge you to “go there” if I am not willing myself.

Soli Deo gloria,

Pastor Brian

February 19 message, “All for Jesus“

Another year has gone by and 2023 has begun. This year will bring all kinds of experiences our way. Some experiences will be wonderful. Some will be challenging. But not knowing specifically what we will face, let me remind you what the Lord wants from each of us.

Micah 6:8 (ESV) He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

What is good? As His children in relationship with the Lord, He wants us to “do justice”, “love kindness”, and to “walk humbly” with Him. What does it mean to “do justice”? To treat others fairly as people made in the image of God, regardless of who they are. What does it mean to “love kindness”? Are you willing to meet the needs of others from the heart? It is a fruit of the Spirit that should be obvious in our lives in how we respond to others. What does “walk humbly” look like? When we are doing “good”, are we wanting others to notice our goodness? Don’t be boastful and arrogant about your efforts. Or as Jesus would say, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30, 31 ESV)

Regardless of what comes your way this year, would you ask the Lord to make these “good” characteristics evident in your life? I am more and more convinced that what others need to see in our lives is evidence of whose we are. Afterall, the gospel has changed our lives and we are children of the King!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

As of August 1st, about 150 people from the area have signed up in support of establishing a LifeWise Academy ministry in Perrysburg Schools. While this is enough to get things moving, we still need many more to sign up in support.

You may ask, “Why are more names needed?” A simple answer is this: having more names shows there is greater interest in this program being established in our schools. Currently, a Steering Committee is being put together here in Perrysburg to begin the process of establishing this ministry. Part of what is needed is to show the school administration that there is wide support for LifeWise Academy. Wouldn’t it be great to have 500, or maybe 1000 names of people to show evidence of community support?

Let me encourage you, if have not already done so, to sign up on the “interest list” to have LifeWise Academy begin in 2023 in our schools. Let’s do our part to help make this a reality by signing the list and encouraging others to do so as well!

Take a moment to check out these LifeWise Academy ministry videos:

LifeWise Academy, This Is Our Future

New Albany LifeWise Academy 

Christian’s Story 

Let’s be a part of changing the children, families, schools, and the future of Perrysburg for the sake of the gospel!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

It is the last day of May 2022. I have had a lot to reflect on recently. As most of you know, my father passed away on May 20th. It was the day after my mother’s birthday. One of my father’s goals in the past couple of years was “to reach the age of 80 and 60 years of marriage”. Well, the Lord granted him those goals for both he and my mother.

A couple of days ago my mother called and shared some of her thoughts concerning the memorial service for my father. She thought of some folks that she wanted to include in the service and also expressed the desire for simplicity. She then asked me if I would “give the talk”.  You know, the message. I was honored that mom would ask me. I was hoping to be asked. But with many in the family involved in Christian ministry, she had more than one choice.

In the past couple of years while reminiscing with my parents, my mother shared with me the details of my birth. I was probably told the story in the past, but the details had faded from my memory. When my mother was ready to deliver me, there were unexpected complications. My life was in jeopardy. In a decisive moment, the doctor had to change the plan and I was delivered cesarean. The unexpected in life called for a decision that saved my life.

Back in February when I was in Florida with my parents, my father shared with me the title of his funeral message. He didn’t have it written out or even outlined, but I knew what he wanted. Afterall, we had MANY conversations over the years.

Looking back, it seemed every conversation included sharing the ‘unanticipated or unexpected’ events of our lives. It included the joy of the often unexpected success of the Red Sox, the unplanned crisis in ministry or the country, and unexpected difficult happenings in the lives of others. Each of these conversations included a fair amount of emotion. With the Red Sox, four World Series titles in the past 18 years brought great joy! In the other 14 years, our conversations centered around the unexpected that contributed to their lack of success.

When it came to talking about the country or ministry, there were times of encouragement. We talked about what God was doing. At the same time, we talked about the challenges facing the world and the church. Family members and friends often faced unexpected difficulties as well. The end of our conversations often left me wondering, “What would we do without Jesus?”

I am reminded of God’s Word.
Job 12:10 (ESV) In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind. 
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV) The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.  
Colossians 1:15-20 (ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

These truths about the greatness of our God are comforting to me. God is not inferior, untrustworthy, or incapable. He is great, all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere always. He is also holy. He is ultimate purity and righteousness. He is loving, kind, merciful, gracious, and good. God is also just. He is Savior. I can trust Him in all things, no matter what comes my way.

As children and as a singing family, we heard dad and mom sing one song often. That song was, My Father Planned It All.

1 – What tho’ the way be lonely
And dark the shadows fall;
I know wheree’er it leadeth,
My Father planned it all.

Chorus
I sing thru the shade and the sunshine,
I’ll trust Him whatever befall;
I sing for I cannot be silent–
My Father planned it all.

2 – There may be sunshine tomorrow,
Shadows may break and flee;
‘Twill be the way He chooses,
The Father’s plan for me.

3 – He guides my faltering footsteps
Along the weary way,
For well He knows the pathway
Will lead to endless day.

4 – A day of light and gladness
On which no shade will fall;
‘Tis this at last awaits me–
My Father planned it all.

The title of the sermon my father wanted for his funeral was Life Is a Journey. Over the past few years, he frequently used a couple of phrases. One was, “Your choices now will impact your future.”

Our lives are comprised of thousands of small decisions. On occasion, a major decision comes our way. Sometimes we are prepared. Sometimes life surprises us and we have to react to the unexpected challenges. What I can say is that on this ‘journey of life’, in the “sunshine” or “along the weary way” we will trust someone. Either ourselves or God.

Our lives are filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches, joys, and celebrations. There are moments we would rather erase from our memories and moments that we wished would last a lifetime. We know this for sure, the road of our lives will not always be smooth. Along that journey we will encounter many challenges. Those challenges will test our courage, strength, weakness, and our faith.

My father was a sinner. He knew that, because he confessed it and placed His trust in Jesus to be his Savior in his early teens. He became a child of God! Prior to that, the early days of his life were characterized by uncertainty in his family. You see, Jesus was not a part of his home life. Then one day, a knock on the door of their home brought hope. The unexpected in life called for a decision that saved his life.

My father wasn’t a perfect man, and he would be the first to admit that. But when he trusted Christ as his Savior, his life changed. He then began to trust the One who ‘who planned it all’. Not only the One who planned it all, but the One who sustains it all, and who can be trusted in it all. No matter what planned or unplanned events came into his life, Dad had someone above it all he could call on, trust in, and hold on to. A heavenly Father.

For those who are children of God, we are given new life with Christ and the promise of heaven. Not because of anything we have done, but because “God being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which he loved us.” (Ephesians 2:4 ESV)

Paul goes on to tell us why in verse 7, “…so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

Dane Ortlund writes in the closing chapter of his book Gentle and Lowly these remarks on Ephesians 2:7:

Ephesians 2:7 is telling you that your death is not an end but a beginning. Not a wall, but a door. Not an exit, but an entrance. The point of all human history and eternity itself is to show what cannot be fully shown. To demonstrate what cannot be adequately demonstrated. In the coming age we will descend ever deeper into God’s grace in kindness, into his very heart, and the more we understand of it, the more we will see it to be beyond understanding. It is immeasurable.

For those not in Christ, this life is the best it will ever get. For those in Christ, for whom Ephesians 2:7 is the eternal vista just around the next bend in the road, this life is the worst it will ever get. In that resurrection morning, when the Sun of Righteousness shall appear in the heavens, shining in all his brightness and glory, he will come forth as a bridegroom; he shall come in the glory of his Father, with all his holy angels.

On the journey, in the time of life’s biggest decision, Dad chose well, and it changed his future. Along the journey, in the expected and unexpected times of life he had someone he could depend on and hold on to. My Dad chose rightly, and he will enjoy the immeasurable riches of God’s grace and kindness forever!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

As you look back on this past year, are you saying to yourself “That was the roughest year of my life.” or “I am glad to end that year.”?  Whether you faced unexpected personal trials and challenges or struggled with what happened to the country that our forefathers had worked so hard to establish, we all hope that this new year brings hope of better days.

Hope is powerful. We all need it in sight, in our hearts and minds. Hope of rescue can give us the fuel and fortitude to remain faithful and not give up! Let me give you a challenge for 2022. A challenge to never give up! A Challenge to Remain Faithful!

This past Sunday was the first Sunday of 2022. Some of you began the year with the unexpected challenge of Covid-19. Some of you transitioned to a ‘warmer land’ down south. Some of you rested up from the busy holidays to get ready for a new year. Today, I want to highlight the message I preached this past Sunday.

My message was from Hebrews. In this book (actually, more of a sermon), the writer of Hebrews presents Jesus as supreme. Jesus as greater. The audience is made up of new Jewish converts to Christianity. Making the transition was a bit of a challenge for some, and the writer of Hebrews was assuring them that Jesus was greater than any of the leaders, prophets, and priests who had gone before them. The writer states that Jesus was God’s Son, even greater than the angels!

With that said, chapter 3 looks specifically at Moses, the great leader of the Israelites. God did many mighty acts through Moses to deliver the people from Egypt and to make them a nation – a people set apart for God’s purposes. Regardless of Moses’ greatness, Jesus was greater! Jesus had been counted worthy of more glory than Moses and was worth their allegiance.

From Hebrews 3, I presented three considerations for you as well, to remain faithful to Jesus. Three things to keep in mind when the trials and challenges of life come your way this year.

1. Consider Jesus (vs. 1-6) – As he is writing to the Jewish believers, the author tells them not to lose focus on Jesus as He is central to life – especially when times are difficult. Pay attention to the gospel message you were given. Yes, it saved you, but as they say, “Preach the gospel to yourself every day.” Also, focus on the truths and realities of who Jesus is. It is essential to helping you remain faithful!

Why does it matter? Hebrews 2:1 (ESV) Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

2. Consider your heart (vs.7-11) – “Today when you hear His voice, don’t harden your hearts.” When you are hearing God’s Word and His Spirit speaking, do not ignore Him. Don’t grow indifferent, cold, or distracted. Embrace His Word.

Remember what was done because of your selfishness and rebellion. Remember what was done for your salvation. Just like the people of Israel, God had done so much to deliver them from their captivity to the Egyptians. Yet, in the process, when things were hard, they complained and questioned God.

If we are not careful, the same can happen to us. Do not become consumed with the troubles you are facing and even seeing around you. Stay intentionally focused on the truth of His Word. Spend less time listening to news that is ‘spun’ and social media that is simply opinion. What is healthier food for your soul? Remember who God is and what God has done so your heart does not harden.

3. Consider one another (vs. 12-19) – The last verses of the chapter take on a different tone. Not just considering how our heart can be unbelieving, evil, and grow hard toward the Lord. But when we lose sight of Jesus and let our circumstances ‘harden our heart’, our response from a hardened heart can negatively impact others in the church. Our heart can also become desensitized toward the needs and cares of others. Compassion, love, and grace will not be evident.

Instead, what we should be doing is encouraging and exhorting one another. “We have Christ! Let’s keep going and trusting!” We must care for one another, love one another, and keep pointing our brothers and sisters to Christ!  

As you face the coming days and year, be reminded of these three considerations from Hebrews 3. Remain faithful to Christ. Why? The consequences are serious, and Jesus is Greater!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian

In reading through the Bible, I am currently in the Gospel of John. I was recently reading through chapter nine, which contains the story of Jesus’ encounter with the man born blind. Take a moment to read about the encounter.

John 9:1-7 (ESV) As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.

There are several truths from this passage we could consider here, like Jesus being the light of the world or Jesus’ method of restoring the man’s eyesight. But I want us to focus on Jesus’ response to the disciples’ question of “who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Now at first we may find this an odd question. You and I know that some people are born blind. It is unfortunate. But I find it interesting that the disciples conclude that it had to be because he sinned, or his parents did.

Now let’s not be too hard on the disciples. I mean after all, they seemed sincere about their question. The truth is, we can be like the disciples from time to time as well. Let me explain. When an unexpected hardship interrupts our life, how often have we said, “Why did this happen to me? What did I do to deserve this?” What we are saying is that our good behavior should keep us from experiencing personal hardship.

We all believe that if we ‘obey the rules’ God has for us that we will not have to suffer the consequences of disobedience. I would agree with that. Not living a life obeying God will have its consequences. But does that mean we will never ever suffer? Does that mean our good behavior will always keep our lives free from hardship? No.

We must remember, we live in a fallen world. We know that living in a world of sin (rebellion against God) will bring many challenges and difficulties for everyone. If we fail to remember that then we will end up seeing hardship like the disciples did – from a legalist perspective. The Exalting Jesus Commentary explains it like this,

Legalism is the attempt to earn God’s favor through our own righteous works. A legalist operates under the (usually unspoken) assumption that people earn or keep God’s favor through righteous deeds, so legalists begin to view themselves as deserving of certain blessings. In other words, if I can earn God’s favor by my good works, then the more good works I do, the more God becomes indebted to me. He must reward my good deeds with blessings. If something “bad” happens to me, it must be because I did something bad.Even though we may not consciously think that we are trying to earn God’s favor, our reaction to the unexpected hardships of life indicates otherwise. For some reason we believe that our good behavior has made us exempt from hardship. We believe our good behavior has earned us a ‘free pass’ from suffering.

What I want you to see is Jesus’ response to the disciples in verse 3. Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.” That is a different perspective, isn’t it? Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” or trying to find out who is to blame, Jesus is telling us we should have a different perspective. We should be asking, “What is God trying to do in this situation? How will God’s glory be displayed in this hardship?”

Personally, I am often reminded that God is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. He desires to transform our hearts and minds to look more like His Son’s. Sure, we will have our time of happiness in life, but your personal happiness is not God’s number one objective. He is doing something much greater that has more eternal value than we know. Not just for us, but far beyond what we could ever imagine!

So the next time an unexpected hardship interrupts your life, receive it and know that God is wanting to be glorified in all things in your life. He IS up to something greater!

Walking with you,

Pastor Brian