Jonah 3

Jonah 2

Jonah 1

THE LIFE OF CHRIST (Ephesians 4:17 – 5:2)

Father's Day 2016

The Church (Part 5)

The Church Pt 4 - Fellowship

The Church Pt 3 Discipleship

Spiritual Warfare Part 4

THE CHURCH Part 2

THE CHURCH Part 1

Spiritual Warfare Part 3

Spiritual Warfare Part 2

Spiritual Warfare Part 1

John 21 Run to Restoration

John 18 Part 3 - Denial

John 17 (Prayer part 2)

Prayer and John 17 (Part 1)

THANKSGIVING

TESTIMONY

TREASURE

TALENTS

TIME

12.6.15 A CHRISTMAS SERMON

10 were cleansed 11.29.15

A LESSON IN THANKFULNESS

The Book of Job

From the Pasture to the King's Palace - Psalm 23

The Apokalypsis - The Book of the Revelation

John 16 pt 1

John 15 pt 1 (10.4.15)

Jesus is the vine... you are a branch.

The Cost of Love (John 13:21-35)

John 12 Part 2... Oh The Excuses

Father's Day 2015

The King, Mary, and Judas... a Trialog (John 12a)

Maybe trouble is part of the plan? (John 11 pt 3)

John 11b

Shaken... as the Spirit Stirs (Sermon Video)

Speak to me.

Kingsland, GA is where I find myself this morning and it is a calm one at that. I have some rather dear friends in this little community and fond memories.

I remember speaking to an older gentleman in this very city about his testimony for Christ. He said, "I let my actions speak for me." Actions speak louder than words, right?

Not really.

No news is good news, not always.

Seth Godin captured this perfectly in a recent blog post:

Sometimes, words speak louder than actions. Imagine how surprising and effective it would be if an infant said, "I'm so hungry, I feel like I might start to cry." Instead of guessing what the problem is, instead of finding ourselves emotionally fraught at all the screaming, we could get to the underlying truth of the problem.

Right on Seth!

Now, we was not referring to the gospel in this post but certainly it applies. What I am arguing for is that we witness with our actions AND our words. As some of you have heard me say before, "When the testimony of our hands matches the testimony of our mouths, this message is clear."

Cheers.

Sent from a mobile device....

Trust and John 11 pt1

We can't always see God's hand, but we can always trust His heart.

John 10 (pt 2) - Sermon Video from 4.26.15

John 10:1-19

John 9 THE BLIND AND THE BOUND

The Four Crowds at Easter (Resurrection Sunday 2015)

The Four Crowds at Easter

Good Friday 2015

An interactive treatment of Jesus' words: 

IT IS FINISHED!

Palm Sunday 2015

John 8 JESUS IS THE I AM (Audio)

Jesus is the Light (3.15.15)

John 7:53-8:11 The Leaders Caught in Hypocrisy

John 7:32-52 Could this be the Christ?

Is this the Christ? John 7:1-31

Who is Jesus? John 6:41-71

Habakkuk 3 and Trial

Habakkuk 2: Be Humble or be ye Humbled

Habakkuk 1:12-2:1

You can trust the Person of God... even though you don't understand the plan of God.

Habakkuk 1:1-11 and the question of WHY?

I wore a suit... thought I'd dress up a bit. :-)

John 5 and The Testimonies of Christ

John 5:1-16

IT IS ALWAYS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO THE RIGHT THING

Sermon Audio from 10/26 -- Trusting Christ at a Distance

John 4 - The Woman at the Well (Sermon Video)

A study of grace, evangelism and Jesus in John 4.

Sermon Audio from 10/12/14 (John 3)

Disquieted Waters and The Grace of God (John 16:33)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  

John 16:33

It was late August in 1992 and I had just turned 12. I can still remember the news that Hurricane Andrew was headed our way. I will spare you the details of how we prepared the house and tried to secure the family belongings... it was a frantic time.

At 4 in the morning the gentle rains became far more menacing. The rain that usually put a city to sleep was now bringing her to her knees. The air pressure changed as the beast loomed overhead, ripping roofs off homes and stripping so many dreams. Miami lay in ruins.

I was there. I saw what looked like life-sized doll houses peppered through the rubble. There was no air conditioning... and August in Miami is not known as a cooler month.

But something strange happened as the storm shook the city: Peace. As the eye passed over our home there was a break in the chaos, a time-out was called and we could breathe. At the heart of Andrew was a vacuous tunnel, a peaceful place that reminded me of life the day before.

Jesus had just told His disciples that He was going give them peace for their journey and, in the same breath, they will face hardships. You see my friends, the peace Christ offers does not mean there are no storms. No, it means that there is peace and security IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORM.

Be blessed and be a blessing.

Cheers

John 3:1 - 21 Sermon Video (G.N.f.B.P. & B.N.f.G.P.)

The Free Grace of God...

John 2:12-25 Sermon Video (A Whip for Worship)

Jesus purges the temple of corruption... and He wants to do the same thing in our lives.

John 2:1-12 Sermon Video (Wine for a Wedding )

John 1:35-51 Sermon Video

Here is the big idea...

When the Lord says follow me, you should go!

John 1:19 -34 Sermon

Greetings!

So.... today I tried recording VIDEO of this morning's message and, well... it failed.  So, here is a copy of my sermon notes.  FYI, there are likely spelling and grammatical errors.  These are my preaching notes.

Be blessed,


Chris


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[14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. [15] (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.’”)         John 1:14-15

That was the life and legacy of John the Baptizer.

Let's talk about John the Baptizer... John is THE LAST OLD TESTAMENT PROPHET

John's Baptism is not the Baptism we practice today.

·         John's Baptism was looking forward to Messiah's coming

·         today we look back at His finished work

·         This was an act of righteous obedience to God, which is why Jesus was Baptized by John. Jesus, of course, had no sin to repent of.

·         We’ll talk about that in a bit

[19] And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” [20] He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”

There was something about his message... something about his passion... who are you?

[4] Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. [5] Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, [6] and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.                         Matthew 3:4-6

There was something about his message.

You see, there were many people preaching and teaching all sorts of things.

Jesus Christ was not the only One proclaiming to be the Messiah.

Satan was working in and around that area seeking to devour whomever he could.

But there was something about John the Baptizer's message… something so powerful that :       

                        [5] Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the                            Jordan were going out to him, [6] and they were baptized by him                     in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.   Matthew 3:5-6

It certainly was not his appearance. IT WAS HIS MESSAGE!  IT WAS THE TRUTH!!!

Friends… we don't need expensive programs or state of the art anything to:

a) serve the Lord or

b) win the lost.

 This is what we need:

                        a) the truth of the Gospel message.

                        b) this attitude

                                    JESUS IS GREATER       &         I AM NOTHING                        apart from Him.

[21] And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”

Who is "the Prophet" they asked about?       Deuteronomy 18:15  

                        [15] “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from                          among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen

We will look at this later in the Gospel… as it comes up again

Why would they ask these questions?

I think we can safely say that this is more that curiosity.

[1] In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, [2] during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. [3] And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.                                                                                                                                                    Luke 3:1-3

Luke just told us: HERE ARE 7 of the Who's Who of Society and the W.o.G. came to

• a funny man

• wearing funny clothes

• eating funny food

• preaching the usually UNPOPULAR message of repentance

• down by the river

John is upsetting the religious framework of the leaders.

[22] So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

This is a question of authority.

I have a friend who is a police officer in Florida and you would not know he is an officer unless he was in his uniform or his squad car.

            The religious world was waiting... ANTICIPATING this very moment... the   coming of Messiah... but Jesus and His last prophet where not wearing the uniform they were expecting.

            Please don't take this the wrong way, but when you tell others about Jesus,           make sure you are wearing the right uniform:

                        NOT IN SELF-RIGHTEOUS JUDGEMENT… BUT OF HUMILITY.

You see… the Gospel of John tells every Christian's story….

            I was broken and Jesus fixed me. 

                                    or maybe a little more accurately:

                                                            I AM BROKEN…. AND HE IS STILL FIXING ME.

[23] He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” [24] (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

God called and sent John the Baptizer in accordance with Prophecy from Isa 40:3.

BUT  WHO SENT THESE QUESTIONERS … ???  =  the Pharisees

These guys will show up again and again… so let's discuss them for a minute:

The Pharisees were an important sect of Judaism and numbered about 6,000 mostly influential.

They held a strict interpretation of the Law and embraced many oral traditions.

Their teachings formed the basis for Talmudic Judaism.

They want to know… basically:

                                                “Since you have no official title, why are you baptizing?”

[25] They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

This was a question of AUTHORITY…

                                                            WHO give you permission ………!?!?!?!?!?!?!

This is a re-occurring theme in the life of Christ too….

People are generally against things they don't understand…

                                                ESPECIALLY when it threatens their livelihood.

[26] John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, [27] even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.”

I love how John does not even answer their question…

                                                                                                            but is FOCUSED IN HIS MISSION

If you grab a hold of this truth… it will be life changing folks:

                                    You are never too _____  for God to use you.

Now… some of us may not be qualified for some things…

                                                                                                            BUT WE CAN ALL SERVE CHRIST!

Do you know what determines your usability?

                                                                        YOU                                                                               

You determine your usability?

            Not your circumstance… just ask Moses… or David… or Elijah… or Rahab

            Not your upbringing… just ask Moses… or David… or Elijah… or Rahab

            Not your past… just ask Moses… or David… or Elijah… or Rahab

You do.

Your SUBMISSION to His will and leading determines your usability in the Kingdom.

[28] These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. [29] The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [30] This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ [31] I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.”

There is so much we can say here… but please take note of this:

John's whole ministry was about pointing people to Christ.

And, so we don't loose sight of John's message… your ministry is to point people to Jesus.

            But I am just a ______.

            WRONG!  You are more than JUST A _____...! 

You are a child of the King and a mighty tool in His hand… if you are willing.

[32] And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. [33] I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’

We could say so much hear…

1. This is a public declaration of Jesus as the Christ (Messiah).

2. While it is true that every believer should be Baptized in water (a proclamation identifying them with Christ)… JESUS IS THE ONE THAT SAVES Baptizing with the Holy Spirit.

3. We should note that this act got probably got John into some trouble.

            Part of a prophet's job was to be the mouthpiece for God.

            Who was it that anointed David?     Samuel      in 1 Samuel 16

[34] And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

Christianity is more about serving than being served.

                        It is about living for Christ and sharing your story.

One more passage and then we will close for this morning: Luke 7:24-28

[24] When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? [25] What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. [26] What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. [27] This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ [28] I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”         Luke 7:24-28

Did you catch that last bit?  " one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he”… friends… if you are in Christ, you are great in God's program.

You have the same mission John the Baptizer did (to declare God's goodness and mercy). 

So here are a few things to challenge us:

1. Think, ask God for clarity, what area(s) of my life are hard for people to see Christ because my ego or pride or _____ are in the way?

2. Because it is true that You are never too ____  for God to use you… ask Him for ways you can be used of Him EVEN TODAY.

3. Read the rest of CH 1 and see that we will be looking at the disciples' witness.

4. As I said for the last 2 weeks… and will continue…

                                                     

                                                      SHARE YOUR STORY OF GOD'S LOVE

John 1:1-18 The Prologue to the Logos

An Introduction to The Gospel of John (Sermon Audio)

Hope for the Fallen (Genesis 3b Sermon Audio)

Genesis 3a - Paradise Lost

Genesis 1... The Creator's Voice (Sermon Audio)

Lukewarm in Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22)

To the Church in Philadelphia Rev. 3:7-13

A Declaration of Dependence... Malachi 3:6-12

They have it all backwards (John 16:19-20)

Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and He said to them, "Are you inquiring among yourselves about what I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'? Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into Joy.  John 16:19-20

Talking to one of my daughters can be difficult at times.  She thinks she is speaking in full, likely well designed, sentences... but she is not.  They are sometimes void of context and/or missing key words.  Jesus is not mincing words here.  He is speaking clearly.

The world rejoiced at His death and His followers did mourn.  But praise be to God that our hope is built on the cross-work of Christ.  The very instrument of pain and death used to bring about the satanic mission of the enemy, brought us life and peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  

AMEN!!!

So go ahead and praise Him... even if you don't use full sentences, He knows what you mean.  :)

Cheers.

Busy

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

(Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)

Our secretary just left to go home after almost a decade of service... it was her last day

I am about to join a web-meeting.

Later, 6:30pm, we're doing some post-VBS clean up (you are invited too).

Tomorrow I am cleaning out the garage, working on a project for my Master’s and then officiating a funeral at 4.

Saturday, we start a summer project with the kiddos (a 3 wheeled go-cart… sort of). 

Sunday’s message will be a challenging one for sure! (Revelation 3:7-13)

Oftentimes life demands hard work… or at least it does if you want it to be meaningful. With every worthy goal there is a path that needs to be taken. Or as Gordon Hinckley once said: Without hard work, nothing grows but weeds.

Be blessed y'all... be a blessing.

Cheers.

Revelation 3:1 - 6... to the church at Sardis (Sermon Audio)

Father's Day 2014 Sermon Audio

Revelation 2:18 - 29... to the church at Thyatira (Sermon Audio)

The Purpose of Fruit is not for your enjoyment... But His. (John 15:7-8)

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
(John 15:7-8)

It makes sense though... doesn't it.  Jesus is the One working in and through the believer.  It's His fruit and is for His enjoyment. 

Take heart however, as you get to be the one that bears it FOR HIM!

Cheers.

Memorial Day 2014

Revelation 2:12-17 ... to the church in Pergamum

Mother's Day 2014

Because He lives... Positional Truth (John 14:19-20)

A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. 

Because I live, you will live also. At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.

John 14:19-20

The statement below may shock the system, shake the nerves:

I prefer no jelly in my PB&J.

Yes, I realize that that is, technically, a PB... but the trust remains.  I would rather not have the J if at all possible.  I do not think they go better together.

You know what though?  Would you like to know what DOES go better together?  YOU AND CHRIST!!!  And He has sacrificed intimate fellowship with the Father so you can enjoy some.

What a comforting word.  Because I live, you will live also. 

Sometimes, if I am honest, I want to do my own thing.  I want to be sufficient in and of myself.  Remember friends, you are Christ's prized possession.  He went to great lengths to ensure that Because I live, you will live also. 

Cheers.

Revelation 2:8-11 A letter to the Church in Smyrna... and us.

The Missionary Ministry of the Trinity (John 14:15-18)

If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
John 14:15-18

Romans 8 tells us many things.  One of those things is that the Father wants to glorify Himself through our sanctification. He is so pleased with His Son that He decided to make millions just like Him.  And if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, that is you. (AMEN!!!)

The Father sent the Son.

The Son sends the Spirit.

The Spirit sends the Church.

What a glorious thought, that the all powerful, Triune Godhead is personally engaged in the rescue effort.  There's some encouragement for you.

Cheers.

Revelation 2:1-7... the Church can be Restored

Good Friday 2014

Easter Sunrise 2014 (April 20, 2014)

Easter Service # 2 (April 20, 2014)

Palm Sunday 2014 - Sermon Audio

This week we look at Matthew 21:1 - 12 and Triumphal Entry of the King of kings.  Be blessed... be a blessing!

Judges 3:31 - Shamgar... the Warrior Farmer

In this week's message, we open the word and unpack several vital truths from this short passage of the Word. Here is a link to the sermon audio:

And I used to eat at Dunkin Doughnuts

  

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New York City of the Day: Rats Scurry Through Food at New York Dunkin' Donuts
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Luke 4, Romans 8. Jesus and You! (Audio Only)

Luke 4, Romans 8. Jesus and You! Sermon Audio 

Does Jesus want me to be a Millionaire? -- John 14:13-14

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
John 14:13-14

"I want to be a millionaire, in Jesus' name."

I wonder how many people have or will utter those words (or something like them)?  I doubt I am the first to see this verse and wonder if people think, "Jesus, I sure would like a million dollars."  Though, I guess I would have to ask for more because of inflation, but I digress.

To ask for something in Jesus' name is like asking for His approval... His authority... His blessing.  Notice the goal of answered prayer, "That the Father may be glorified in the Son".  James tells us that we have not because we ask not and we do not receive what we ask for because we want to use it for selfish pleasures and pursuits (James 4:2-3).  I want a million dollars so I can have a cushy life and not have to work again, THE FATHER IS NOT GLORIFIED IN THAT.

Maybe we can spend more time praying for our sanctification (the daily refinement of our Christlikeness) than for our pleasures.  Maybe we can pray for the things that bring the Father glory. That is a prayer the Lord will answer.

Cheers

From the Upper Room to the Hights of Heaven -- John 14:1-4, 6

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Jesus said to him,  “I am fthe way, the truth, and hthe life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.    

John 14:1-4, 6

Recently, my wife and I took a trip to the North East.  It was gorgious.  It was cold.  It was memorable.  It was also at someone else's request.  They offered to make all our travel araingments (Plane, Car and Hotel) and for that, I was very appreciative.  It just so happens that there was a mix-up and I had to put the car rental on my credit card. I was re-imbersed and everything worked out just fine. I am actually writing this entry on the flight back.

What happened above was a minor thing, not even an issue... but it got me thinking.  Jesus has paid the fee, the fair... WE ARE FOGIVEN IN CHRIST!!!  When I die there will be no balance due.  There will be no computer glitch.  My reservation is ready and the room is being prepped.

You know, you can have a room waiting for you too.  If you don't know Christ and His forgiveness, shoot me an email at itscbj@gmail.com, I'd love to chat with you.

Be blessed my friends... be a blessing.

Cheers.

John 9 - The BLIND and the BOUND

Sorry about the abrupt ending... the device I used ran out of space on the hard drive.

John 9 - The BLIND and the BOUND from Chris Johnson on Vimeo.

Knowing and being Known -- John 13:35

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 13:35

What are you known for?

My wife is a fantastic cook. And if you ever ate anything she cooked, you certainly do not need my endorsement for seconds. But her food was not always, how can I say this nicely... as wonderfully flavorful as it is today. She was know for a few things, but 14 years ago, being a wonderful cook was not one of them.

I am afraid that so many churches (or at least the pastors of so many churches) have a great deal to say about what they are against.  There seems to be a proliferation of something that is not hate... but definately NOT love for our brethren.  I have friends in different denominations, and hopefully after what I just wrote, I still have friends in Independent Fundamentalist circles. I simply refuse to fight my fellow Gospel believing, Jesus worshiping brothers in Christ. Heresy is one thing. That should be nipped in the bud and the ground saturated with "nothing will ever grow here again" juice.

This is a plea, not for conformity to the world, or culture... or even the trendy idea the tolerance somehow is synonymous with ENDORSEMENT. No. Instead, this is a call to arms as we fight the enemy and hopefully, not our brethren. 

Let us love, as Jesus loved.

Cheers.

Right Under Your Nose - John 13:25-29

Then, leaning back on Jesus’ breast, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?”
Jesus answered,  “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him,  “What you do, do quickly.” But no one at the table knew for what reason He said this to him. For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus had said to him, “Buy those things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor.
John 13:25-29

I have often looked at this passage and wondered what in the world the Disciples were thinking.  Jesus JUST TOLD them that someone would betray them and HE WOULD GIVE IT TO THE TRAITOR.  "Come one guys!" I almost say out loud every time I read this.

But the fact of the matter is... I am not that much different.  I read in the Word the glorious promises of the Lord.  Within those that same Book, there are very stern rebukes and warnings.  There are, I am ashamed to report, several lessons I should have learned the hard way.  But maybe you are not like the Disciples who clearly missed what Jesus was saying.|Maybe you are more like me... missing it several times over!

Praise the Lord for His grace.

Cheers.