What does God require in worship?  Chris Brannon continues in our series, talking about true worship and what that looks like.

What rises in your heart at the thought of Jesus giving another person a more prominent role in His wedding?  Chris Brannon continues in our series talking about roles and rewards.  John’s disciples understood his mission.  He had come to prepare the way for the Hope of Israel.  It was an exciting time and they were right in the middle of it all, until they weren’t.  John’s ministry was being eclipsed by the ministry of Jesus.  Loyal disciples of John were jealous for John and felt threatened themselves as well.  It would have been easy for John to assert himself, but he didn’t.  He humbly passed the torch to Jesus.

It doesn’t matter who we are, no matter what arena of life we are engaged with, sooner or later our lives will be eclipsed.  The most famous, successful or competent will one day be asked to take a lesser role, and we all need to know how to react in such a time.

We must remember that our role is not our reward.  Jesus is our reward.  Roles will begin and they will end and the only way for us to end well is if, in our hearts, Jesus has increased and we have decreased.

Jordan Brannon continues in our series with showing us how Nicodemus is like you and I.  He gives us 10 ways that he is like us and then shows us Jesus’ message to Nicodemus, and us.

What was Jesus’ big problem with what was happening in the temple court?  Chris Brannon continues in our series looking at Jesus as he enters the temple and cleanses the temple.  Jesus challenged the spiritual consumerism and compromise.  Spiritual consumers put themselves at the center of worship, not God.  It’s often unintentional.  You see these men and women traveling hundred of miles to offer their sacrifice to the God who saved them from Egypt.  As they’re coming a long distance, what are they looking for?  Convenience, ease.  Spiritual consumers are also marked by personal preferences and consumer sovereignty rather than the sovereignty of God.  Churches and ministries have  to begin shaping their ministries around therapy and entertainment and self-actualization.  When we do that, what is worship is no longer shaped by God.  Unintentionally, we put our felt needs above the worship of God.

What are you seeking?  Joe Crocker continues in our series in the Book of John.  He shows us what we see and know about why Andrew and John left John the Baptist.  How would you answer Jesus’ question of what are you seeking?  It’s a question in this context so profound that it should shake us to the core.  Some are seeking money, more wealth, assets and more “stuff”.  Others are seeking success and a good reputation.  Some of us look to anything that will provide us security and comfort.  Others seek for happiness, often in the wrong places.  Maybe it’s your career, maybe it’s a relationship or your family.  Potentially, it’s your social media status.  Jesus asked the question because He wanted to know what they desired.

Jesus is inviting us to “come and see”.  On the other level of “come and see”, Jesus is inviting us to be changed.  The very core of who we are is changed when we get His invitation!

All of us come to faith in Jesus through various methods, but it should never be forced.  People have to come to faith in their own time and way.  People are invited to “come and see” and this is what one must base their verdict on about who Jesus is.  Jesus takes seekers, He takes the unlikely, He reaches others in sovereign ways and He even overcomes objections.  Those who come will have a chance to see God because this is the central message that is the overarching idea of John’s Gospel.  This is your God!!  Jesus is your God!!