Grace’s Latest Messages
Why Justification by Faith Matters (Romans 4:13-25)
One of the rallying cries of the Reformation was, "Justification by Faith Alone!"
And for the past 500 years, those of us who trace our theological heritage to the Reformers have internalized the importance of those words.
But why does justification by faith alone matter so much? What problems does it solve?
This week at Grace, we're going to look at Romans 4:13-25, a passage that helps us think about what it means to be justified by grace through faith. That is, what sort of faith does God want from us? How is it demonstrated? And what should we do if we feel like our faith is lacking?
Let's talk about it Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
- Romans 4:13-25
Counted Righteous Apart From Works (Romans 4:1-12)
When I was in Bible College, a long time ago, a friend of mine recited a little ditty about the difference between works and faith. I’ve never forgotten it.
Here it is:
Work, work, the Law demands
But gives us neither feet nor hands
A sweeter sound the gospel brings
It bids us fly, and gives us wings
Read through Romans 4:1-12 before Sunday and come ready to hear the difference between what we can do and what God has done.
Blessings,
Tim
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
- Romans 4:1-12
"But Now..." (Romans 3:21-31)
This week's passage from Romans 3 changed the world.
No, I'm not kidding.
Martin Luther called it the center of the book of Romans and the center of the whole of the Bible.
Leon Morris said it was quite possibly the most important paragraph ever written.
So, why is it such a big deal? Because it defines the benefits of the gospel for us, and shows how Christ's death on the cross frees us from needing to earn our way to God.
In the process, it turns many of our assumptions and insecurities on their heads, and leads us to a path of freedom and joy.
I can't wait to talk about it with you this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
What Good is Religion? (Romans 3:1-20)
"What good is religion?"
That question sounds like it should come from some combative atheist, eager to prove faith worthless.
But it's actually the question on the lips of the apostle Paul. What good is the law? What good is being moral? What is the point of all of this?
This week at Grace, we're talking about Romans 3:1-20, where Paul makes the case that religion is not inherently valuable or worthless, but is meant to point us to something beyond itself. It's a culmination of the case that Paul has been making so far, that religious activity is not the thing that we need to solve our deepest problems. For that, we need the gospel of Jesus.
Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written,
“That you may be justified in your words,
and prevail when you are judged.”
But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? (I speak in a human way.) By no means! For then how could God judge the world? But if through my lie God's truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.
What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written:
“None is righteous, no, not one;
no one understands;
no one seeks for God.
All have turned aside; together they have become worthless;
no one does good,
not even one.”
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.”
“Their feet are swift to shed blood;
in their paths are ruin and misery,
and the way of peace they have not known.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.
- Romans 3:1-20
Proud of the Wrong Things (Romans 2:12-29)
What are some of the things that you're proud of?
Maybe it's an outfit you look good in, your nationality, a collection you have, your kids or grandkids, or a sports team you root for.
Have you ever met someone who took pride in the wrong things? Sometimes it can be embarrassing or silly (like a grown man with a My Little Pony collection), but other times it's more sinister or destructive (like the "White Pride" of the KKK).
This week at Grace, we're going to talk about the hazards that come from taking pride in the wrong things spiritually. In Romans 2:12-29, Paul warns the Jewish Christians about the temptations of taking pride in the law, at the expense of the other nations of the world and their own need for the gospel.
This temptation is still there for us, especially for those of us who are more committed to our faith. Religious superiority and judgmentalism is a relentless source of pride, and can destroy our relationship with God and other people.
Let's talk about how to recognize it and choose a better path together this Sunday at Grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.
But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.
- Romans 2:12-29
God's Judgement and Ours (Romans 2:1-11)
Have you ever sat through a sermon and heard a really good point that made you think about a certain friend who could use that advice?
I remember growing up in the church and every once and a while the pastor would preach on a message that my parents REALLY wanted me to hear. Any time the messages spoke about: honoring your father and mother OR doing everything without complaining or arguing…
I could count on my mom or my dad nudging me in the pews… or my favorite reaction was my mom leaning in my periphery to lock eye contact with me to make sure I was listening!
It seems silly to think about it these days, but how awkward would it be if the message transitioned to a topic like the sinfulness of humanity and I nudged my parents back?
Well, I know my parents would not appreciate that… but this is what we’re going to be getting into this weekend. Romans 1 focuses on the Gentiles and their blatant ungodly and unrighteousness. It was easy for the Jews in the community, those who had been familiar with moral and religious traditions to look down on those whose sins were perhaps more glaring or obvious than their own.
And get this… whether blatantly flagrant or not… God’s wrath still falls on our sinfulness. This is heavy and difficult topic to process and I hope that you’re present this Sunday as we dive more into the text of Romans chapter 2:1-11!
Hope to see you there!
Jason Ricafranca
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.
He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality.
- Romans 2:1-11
The Results of Suppressing God (Romans 1:25-32)
In the past few months, as I've mentioned to people in our church that we were teaching through Romans, one of the comments I've heard repeatedly is, "Wow, so what are you going to say about the end of chapter 1?"
Well, it's here.
Romans 1:26-27 is the longest and clearest statement about same-sex sexual behavior in the New Testament. It's hotly debated online, each word parsed and phrase disputed in light of the current cultural obsession with issues of sexual morality.
While I'm not eager to jump into the fray in the online debates, I do have a burden to help you navigate this as a Christian today. For many in our church, this is a deeply personal and emotional topic, tied to their own sexuality or that of someone they love. And for all of us in this culture, it is something that we are forced to reckon with and determine our own convictions.
Let's approach this Sunday with a high regard for God's Word, a deep humility about our own flawed motivations, and a commitment to Christian charity toward one another.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.
- Romans 1:24-32
The Faith of Atheism (Romans 1:18-23)
There was a survey that came out this week from Pew Research that found that 28% of Americans describe themselves as "Nones" when it comes to religion. (This includes both Atheists/Agnostics and the larger sub-group, "Nothing in Particular").
This isn't news to you, I'm sure.
But is it true? Are there really people who have no faith at all? The Bible pushes back on this idea. While people might not identify with a certain group of people of faith, we are all worshiping creatures who make something ultimate in our lives. Romans 1:18-23 goes even further, saying that all people in all places have an innate sense of God's reality.
These are strong claims. And I'm sure that some of my agnostic friends would push back on the idea that they are suppressing anything. So I'm eager for you to examine this passage of Scripture closely for yourself, and carefully consider what it tells us about God, human nature, and our world today.
Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
- Romans 1:18-23
Unashamed of the Gospel (Romans 1:8-17)
It is a popular thing in our culture today to claim that we are "boldly unashamed." Whether about moral actions, political allegiances, body image, or many other categories, we have made being "unashamed" a virtue.
Behind this declaration of culture is a self-created independence - no one has the right to tell me what to do, who to support, what to look like, or any other category.
But the Biblical reason for being unashamed is so much deeper, broader, and more lasting. As we'll see this week in Romans 1:16, Paul was unashamed of the gospel, and we can join him in this confidence.
Looking forward to seeing you at Grace on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
- Romans 1:8-17
Blessed are the Neighborly (Romans 1:1-7)
This week at Grace, we're starting our (almost) year-long study of the book of Romans.
It's hard to overstate the importance of this letter in Christian history - it's the book that Augustine credited with for his conversion, it's what sparked Luther toward the Reformation, and for many of us it's how we think about the gospel (think of the "Romans Road" with such salvation-descriptive verses as 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, and 10:9).
But don't mistake this importance and familiarity for simplicity. There's much in Romans that we all still need to learn and grow from.
I'm eager to start working through this epistle with you all this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 1:1-7
Blessed are the Neighborly (Luke 10:25-37)
Through the Parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus is, in essence, asking an expert in the Jewish law what the Bee Gees have been asking since 1977 – “How deep is your love?”
To find out how he answers, as well as considering your own response, join us on Sunday.
25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37)
See you soon,
Pastor Tim
Why Worry? (Luke 22:22-34)
Rollover minutes. Aren’t they great? Whatever minutes on your cell phone plan you didn’t use last month, you get to carry into the next.
You know what’s not great to carry over from one month to the next? Or, considering when we are, one year to the next? Worry.
Who wants to rollover their worry? To keep accruing it, to bank it, to have it stick around so that you always have enough?
Answer: no one!
Then why do we do that? Why do we worry, and worry, and worry some more?
The truth is, there are good reasons to worry. But, more importantly, there are better reasons to not worry.
Come Sunday and hear Jesus (in Luke 12:22-34) tell us why this is so.
See you soon,
Pastor Tim
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
- Luke 12:22-34
The End of Mark's Gospel and Biblical Integrity (Mark 16:9-20)
This week at Grace, we're finishing the Gospel of Mark after 57 weeks.
But Mark ends on an odd note - with a passage that is disputed about whether it was originally there or not. What we know as "Mark 16:9-20" seems to have been added sometime after the original book of Mark was written, with an unknown editor borrowing some verses from the other gospels to "improve" Mark's ending.
So, why listen to a sermon on something that isn't truly biblical? Because it gives us a chance to address some commonly misunderstood issues of the Bible: where it came from, how we got the Bible that is in our hands, and why we can have confidence in the Scriptures.
Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
[Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9–20.]
9 [[Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10 She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11 But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
12 After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. 13 And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]]
- Mark 16:9-20
Why Jesus Came (Mark 10:42-45)
This week at Grace, we're celebrating Christmas!
All year we've been in the gospel of Mark, the only one of the four gospels that does not begin with a passage about Jesus' pre-incarnate existence, conception, or birth. But that doesn't mean that there's nothing in Mark about Christmas.
Listen to what Jesus says about why he came:
Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
So, why did Jesus come? Why does Christmas matter? What's the point of this festive holiday season? It's right there in Mark: to give his life as a ransom for many.
I hope you'll join us this Christmas Eve as we talk about why Christmas matters so much.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:42-45
He Has Risen...Just As He Told You (Mark 16:1-8)
As Andy Williams sang, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And it is, isn’t it? For many, myself included, the Christmas season is the best of all seasons. The lights. The sounds. The smells. It’s cold enough in California to have a fire, but not so cold that you need Long Johns (a.k.a. thermals). For these reasons, and more, it’s the most wonderful time of the year.
But Easter is pretty darn hard to beat, right? I mean, the birth of Jesus is miraculous and awe-inspiring, but the death and resurrection of Jesus is the high point on the Christian calendar. In John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany, we read: “Anyone can be sentimental about the Nativity; any fool can feel like a Christian at Christmas. But Easter is the main event; if you don’t believe in the resurrection, you’re not a believer.”
Easter…Christmas…Easter…Christmas. So difficult to choose between the two. They both are needed. And both have so much to commend themselves as the “most wonderful time of the year.” What are we to do?
How about an Easter message during the Christmas season? Done. Come this Sunday (the 3 rd Sunday of Advent) to hear about Jesus’ resurrection from the dead.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” 4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large. 5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” 8 And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
- Mark 16:1-8
A Centurion's View of the Death and Burial of the Jesus (Mark 15:33-47)
There is something about being in the room with someone when they die that sticks with you.
What would it have been like to see Jesus die in person? How would that experience have changed you?
Mark's gospel began with the affirmation that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God (Mark 1:1), and comes full circle with the confession of the centurion, "Truly this man was the son of God."
This week at Grace, we're going to hear the story of Jesus' death and burial from the perspective of the centurion who was there, who saw Jesus' death and three days later would be a witness (directly or not, we don't know) of Jesus' resurrection.
In John's account of the death of Jesus, right after describing the soldier piercing Jesus' side, John includes an aside, "He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe." (John 19:35) It seems that this anonymous centurion came to faith in Christ as a result of seeing his death for us.
May we come to a similar faith ourselves.
Pastor Bob
33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 35 And some of the bystanders hearing it said, “Behold, he is calling Elijah.” 36 And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.” 37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”
40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41 When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.
42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
- Mark 15:33-47
How Deep the Father's Love (Mark 15:16-32)
Do you enjoy watching reality tv shows?
Perhaps one of the reasons why I find myself fixated on clips from reality tv is that every once and a while you see an instance where someone’s having a meltdown, or things just go horribly wrong… and I can’t help but feel tremendous encouragement thinking to myself… “at least I don’t have it as bad as this person!”
There’s a temptation to read through the final days of Jesus’ life in the book of Mark and think to ourselves… “Judas… what a horrible guy!” or “Look at these Pharisees and Jewish leaders who are so objectively unfair to Jesus… what a bunch of bozos!”
Maybe the temptation is to read through passages like Mark 14 and 15 and think to ourselves, “I would never do that to Jesus.”
This weekend we are going to take a deeper look into the suffering of Christ and my prayer is that we can humbly approach such a weighty passage and consider: In what ways are our sins connected to Christ and this historical event of the crucifixion?
Furthermore, my hope is that we can look to Jesus as the silent and sacrificial lamb who goes willingly to death so that you and I can experience a gift of love that is emphatically unmatched by any experience we’ve ever had!
Looking forward to starting off this final month of 2023 with you all!
Blessings!
Jason
16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17 And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18 And they began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.
21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23 And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24 And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25 And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26 And the inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” 27 And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 31 So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.
- Mark 15:16-32
A Death Sentence (Mark 15:1-15)
On the morning of September 11th, 2001, Security Officer Rick Rescorla was on the 44th floor of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. When the North Tower was struck, Rick sprang into action, calmly guiding over 2,500 people to safety.
Rick's building was suddenly hit, but his determination held firm. Unwavering, he continued assisting others in the evacuation. When a colleague urged him to leave like everyone else, Rick responded with heroic resolve: "As soon as I make sure everyone else is out." Rick gave his life that dark day, sacrificing himself for the well-being of many others.
This week at Grace, we'll reflect on Mark 15:1-15, a passage that recounts the break of an even darker day in human history. It's a day when another hero substituted his life for a man named Barabbas, along with many others.
I'm eager to be reminded of the Gospel together.
- Pastor Chris
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” 3 And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4 And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” 5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.
6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7 And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12 And Pilate again said to them, “Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify him.” 14 And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.
- Mark 15:1-15
Abusing Power (Mark 14:53-65)
"But that's not FAIR!"
From our childhoods, there's something in each of us that demands and expects justice. When we suspect that we might be the victims of injustice, something wells up in us to object. Sometimes that's confined to childish complaints about siblings receiving dessert when we didn't. More importantly, it's also a common and understandable reaction to being denied human rights by others.
This week at Grace, we're going to talk about how Jesus responded when he was a victim of injustice. If you'd like to read the passage before you come, it's in Mark 14:53-65. Jesus' response is only amazing, it sets the terms for Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and shows us what it means for us to follow him today.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday at Grace!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55 Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57 And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” 61 But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” 63 And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? 64 You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows.
- Mark 14:53-65
How Jesus Approached Suffering (Mark 14:32-52)
As we head into the cold/flu/COVID season, let me ask you something: what are you like when you get sick?
More than I'd like to admit when I get sick physically, it also involves me getting grumpy relationally. My wife can tell I'm sick not just from my physical symptoms (runny nose, hoarse voice, etc), but also from my social symptoms (complaining, whining, and general fussiness).
If this sort of minor physical discomfort impacts me so much relationally, what would I be like with God and people if I endured monumental suffering?
This week at Grace, we're continuing our march toward the cross in Mark 14 with Jesus' betrayal and arrest. Waiting for Judas' betrayal brings Jesus tremendous anguish, but instead of lashing out or turning inward, he moves toward God in prayer and his friends in community.
Let's talk this Sunday about what we can learn from Jesus' example and why we benefit from his suffering at all.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34 And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” 37 And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 39 And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41 And he came the third time and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard.” 45 And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, “Rabbi!” And he kissed him. 46 And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47 But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus said to them, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled.” 50 And they all left him and fled.
51 And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52 but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.
- Mark 14:32-52