Seaside Church

-Relationships (1-3)-Remain (4-7) -Rejoice (8-11)

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life:-Wait expectantly. (1 Cor. 13:12)-Live purposefully. (John 14:12)-Ask boldly. (John 14:13-14) 

-With Jesus, we have a bright future.-With Jesus, we have an entirely new present reality.What does it look like to join Jesus in resurrection and life on this earth? In our own lives? In others' lives?Application Questions:-Where in your life do you need resurrection? What needs to die in you for this resurrection to happen?-Where, in your community, do you see a need for resurrection? How might God be calling you to begin praying and acting so that you may participate in and witness this resurrection?-Where, in this nation and earth do you see a need for resurrection? How might God be calling you to begin praying and acting?

A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. -Jesus stays because he cares (vs. 10-12)-Jesus knows us and invites us to know him (v. 15)-Jesus welcomes all (v. 16)

1. We are saved by Jesus    2. Jesus, the only door in3. Jesus, the only door out4. We will find pasture (rest)

In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares who he is through:1. His conversations2. His miracles and wonders3. What he said about himself, his Father, and our human condition4. His love displayed on the cross John 8:12 Contains a summary of the Gospel - the good news of God's victory through Jesus the Christ. The Claim: I AM the light of the world. The Invitation: Whoever follows me…The Promise: …will not walk in darkness, but will have the lightof life.” 1. Escaping the darkness2. Soaking in his gift of life3. Reflecting the light of his love on others

Jesus is the bread of life who satisfies us, saves us, and sustains us.

How should we respond to the chaos in our lives/world?1. Love for all people2. Humility3. Prayer

What is deploying to culture? Inviting others to meet Jesus, in the way of Jesus & with the help of JesusWhat is our mission? Inviting others to meet Jesus.How do we carry out our mission? By walking in the way of Jesus.What do we have to accomplish this mission? The help of Jesus.

John 15 Progression:-Abide in me [15:4]-Abide in my love (by obeying my commands) [15:9-10]-Love one another [15:12]True love is seen in:1. Laying down our lives for one another, as Jesus laid down his life for us. (John 15:12)2. Befriending one another, as Jesus befriended us. (John 15:15-16)3. Serving one another, as Jesus served us. (John 13:1-17)

We must begin by drawing near to Christ.Why draw [near] to Christ?-With Jesus, our joy is complete [John 3:22-30]-As God, Jesus is the only one who can lead us to the life God intended for us [John 3:31-36]“The Christian life is not about getting God into your story, but about getting your life into God's story.” -Edward Klink

Scene 1 (John 1:19-28): Get ready, Jesus is coming… -“Make straight the way of the Lord” -John the Baptist-Water baptismScene 2 (John 1:29-34): Jesus is here…-“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the World!”-Jesus confirmed by the Spirit-Holy Spirit Baptism

-Word, Witness, World- repetition-The Word became flesh...-And dwelt among us… (past, present, future)We are invited to:1. See God's glory in Jesus2. Experience the fullness of God's grace and truth in Jesus3. Know God through Jesus.

1. The Word. (John 1:1-5)-Worship the Word2. The Witness. (John 1:6-8)-Witness to the Light3. The World. (John 1:1-5)-Welcome the True Light

How do we suffer well together? By patiently anticipating the coming of the Lord. Jesus' imminent return fuels us to:-Work diligently (like the farmer) [5:7]-Speak with integrity (consider the prophets) [5:10]-Hold fast (remember Job) [5:11-12]

James addresses our tendency to be controlled by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in two specific areas of life: our plans and our possessions.OUR PLANSJames offers a correction to pride-filled boasting:
 1. With humility, acknowledge and embrace our frailty
 2. Acknowledge and embrace a daily dependence on GodOUR POSSESSIONSTwo things happen when we perpetually fixate on what we want: 1. We arrogantly believe that we deserve what we want.
 2. We become blind to the needs of others.
In light of this: 1. Pray for eyes to see and respond to the injustice all around you. 2. Give generously and creatively to those around you.
 3. Receive God's grace - his gift of undeserved kindness and forgiveness that we don't deserve.

What is the source of conflict between Christians?-The war within (internal): Taking pleasure in what I want vs. what God wants.-Desires (lust): Strong craving for that which we don't have.-Friendship with the world: Adultery against GodWhat is the solution to conflict between Christians?1. Turn to God-Submit to God-Resist the devil (and he will flee)-Draw near to God (and he will draw near)-Cleanse hands/ purify hearts-Grieve our selfishness and jealousy-Approach God with humility (and he will lift you up) 2. Stop Criticizing Others-Trust God as Judge-Start loving others

James' burning question: Who's really got life figured out?Two Ways of Living:According to the world (3:14-16)-Source: Earthly, unspiritual, demonic, false -What it looks like: Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting, deceitfulness-The result: Disorder, every vile practiceAccording to wisdom (3:17-18)-Source: From above, from God (Father, Son, Spirit), true-What it looks like: Humbleness, purity, peacemaking, gentleness, submissiveness, mercifulness, fruitfulness, impartiality, genuineness-The result: Peace, a harvest of righteousnessLife-giving living in Christian community (the Church)Life-giving living in the world

On behalf of the elders, Pastor Jon shares an update regarding the challenging financial situation we are in.

ZOMBIE FAITH (dead, useless, foolish faith)-James: The Uselessness of Faith Without Works (James 2:14-26)-Paul: The Futility of Works Without Faith (Ephesians 2:1-10)LIFE-GIVING FAITH-Life-giving faith for anyone! [from Abraham ---> Rahab] -Life-giving faith (2:14-26) meets life-giving religion (1:27)  -Faith that gives life to the least, last, and lost. -Faith that gives life to our own lives.

Showing partiality contradicts faith in Jesus.-It contradicts the fact that God is a good judge & we are not (2:4-7)-It contradicts the royal law of love (2:8)Loving (all) our neighbors is consistent with faith in Jesus.-What is “agape" love? “seeking the well-being of others regardless of their response.”-Who are my neighbors? Anyone we come across, especially those in need. (Luke 10:30-37)-In loving our enemies: “Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (2:13) 

The proverb at the heart of life-giving religion (1:19)-Slow to anger (20)-Slow to speak (26)-Quick to listen (21-25, 27)  -Listen to what? The word of life (Jesus) -What does quick to listen look like?  -Ongoing repentance -Active listening -Doing what Jesus says to do