Embraced by the Trinity
There’s a range of ways that people hug. Some tend to give “little” hugs — maybe even just a gentle squeeze on the shoulders. Others like to give “big” hugs — sort of like getting squeezed by a polar bear! But even the biggest of bear hugs is dwarfed by the embrace that God extends to his earthly creation. In fact, God’s arms have been outstretched toward creation since the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve enjoyed God’s embrace every day until they succumbed to the serpent's deceit. God later embraced Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but their descendants the Israelites never wholly grasped the responsibility they had to extend God’s embrace to other nations. Finally, God’s embrace was extended to all nations through the outstretched arms of his only begotten Son upon the cross. Jesus’ outstretched arms are an image of the outward embrace of the Holy Trinity unto everyone willing to come to God and be enfolded by divine grace and love.
In John 17:20-26, Jesus prayed for all of those who would come — all those whom the Father would give to the Son. The indwelling of each believer by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:9) is proof of God's loving embrace. The indwelling of all believers by the Holy Spirit is pictured clearly here, embracing believers with the Trinity’s love. It’s like the Father offered a divine embrace through the outstretched arms of his Son upon the cross and then consummates that embrace with each believer through the work of the Spirit who indwells each believer and enfolds them in the arms of God.
It is utterly amazing to think that the Holy Spirit, who is the essence of mutual love and unity within the Holy Trinity throughout eternity, has in this age extended the Trinity’s embrace to all of God’s people. By indwelling every believer, the Holy Spirit affirms within each believer’s heart that we truly are adopted sons and daughters of God Most High (Romans 8:15).
Now that you’ve experienced the embrace of the Holy Trinity in your own life, make sure to extend God’s embrace to the world around you. Whenever you encounter a searching soul, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can extend God’s outward embrace to them. You may become the arms of God to them.
Pastor Dave Korinek
Connecting the Dots
Children have loved to play the game of connecting the dots. As a primary teacher, I used it to help the children learn the sequencing of numbers. They loved seeing what picture was formed as they went from number to number and connected them. Sometimes it could be pretty complex but the kids felt success when they could get the whole view! As we grow older, often we can look back and see how we got to a place, conclusion, or situation by connecting the dots of life events. Our “son-in-love” is from Sweden and came to the U.S. for college and to play tennis. He was in Texas and then here locally at Point Loma Nazarene University. He met our daughter there on the tennis team and also got saved at a Promise Keepers event in San Diego. Connected and still connecting the dots!
This is particularly true of our salvation and the first dot begins with Jesus’ prayer for us in John 17:20, “... I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” It began with the disciples! All believers, directly or indirectly, have come to Christ through the disciples’ obedience to spread the message. Someday in heaven perhaps we’ll be able to look not at a genealogical bloodline but rather a spiritual genealogy. Wouldn’t it be a joy to know if the first dot for you was perhaps John, Mark, Thomas, or another disciple? Who received Christ through their messages and passed on the Good News? Who was praying for their descendants centuries ago to come to know Christ? How did it travel to where you trusted in Christ connecting the dots over the last 2000+ years? This was not a happy accident, but God’s specific plan for His people!
In the Old Testament times, the High Priest would go into the Presence of God in the Tabernacle and Temple. He would be wearing a breastplate that bore the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. In the same way, the Lord Jesus, the great High Priest, carried the names of all believers past, present, and future into the holy Presence of His Father. We, the church, are all part of a much bigger picture than we can begin to imagine. Each of us has had and will have a part in connecting the dots for others’ path to salvation; we won’t know all the ways we’re doing this until heaven. Some prepare the soil, some plant, and some harvest. “As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:15. If we “live in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus,” we’ll be connecting the dots in immeasurable lives!
Reflection: Who was part of connecting the dots for you? How can you pray for your descendants as others have prayed for you? Spend some time thanking God for those who went before you and were faithful to God’s plan for your sake.
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member
Sanctifying Truth
Several weeks ago, many of us tuned into Super Bowl LVIII and saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling overtime victory. During the week before the game, I remember tuning into a sports news broadcast just as one commentator talked about the total 24/7, absolute dedication the coaches and players from both teams need to have while preparing for the Super Bowl. He described how critical it was for both teams to use every waking moment until the game to come up with every conceivable advantage they could leverage, and any possible weakness in the other team they might be able to exploit to win.
The Greek verb to dedicate is “hagiazo” and it means to devote, dedicate, set apart, sanctify, or consecrate. It’s the word Jesus uses in John 17:17 when he prays for his apostles and asks the Heavenly Father to “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (NASB). The apostles were chosen, set aside, and consecrated by Christ for the mission of taking His word into the world. For the rest of their earthly lives, they would be dedicated to the divine calling to take the Good News (e.g., the Gospel) into the world. The apostles’ calling was first and foremost a ministry of the Word. They were empowered for this task by the Holy Spirit who, after Jesus’ ascension into heaven, brought back to their remembrance all the things that Jesus had said and done when he had been with them. The Holy Spirit also gave them the gift of prophecy so that they could proclaim additional divine revelation. Through the filling and inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the years to come they would proclaim all these things and also make sure they were written down. Those apostolic writings are referred to as the “autographs” of the New Testament books. Copies of those apostolic writings which have survived through the centuries are now the foundation of our faith and practice as Christians.
As born-again believers, we likewise need to dedicate ourselves to being students of the Word and sharers of truth. And, in this day and age, as we see more and more attacks upon the Word come from different directions, we also need to do whatever we can to ensure that God’s truth remains available for future generations of believers. May we each consecrate ourselves to this goal and pray for God’s guidance. The faith of future generations of believers depends upon our generation’s faithful dedication to this task.
Pastor Dave Korinek
Bumper Sticker Theology
“They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world” (John 17:16).
Four words are repeated here in this verse, and the same four words are also repeated in John 18:36. They are four words that inspired a clothing line known by the acronym NOTW, which stands for “Not Of This World.” There were t-shirts, hats, tattoos, jewelry, and bumper stickers — lots of bumper stickers — all with the edgy-looking logo that was made out of those four letters, NOTW. The N and W on either side are meant to be reminiscent of angel wings, the O is a small halo-looking oval, and then the T is lowercase and resembles a cross at the center. It is an eye-catching logo that walks that line of looking good, without being too religious, so it became very popular in the early 2000s.
These days, I don’t see many of those t-shirts, but it still remains a very popular Christian bumper sticker. I’m guessing that on any given Sunday, you will find at least a dozen NOTW stickers in various church parking lots. Now, if one of those is on your car, I don’t want you to feel bad about it, but I do want to point out how it might sound to unbelievers.
It might communicate some unintentional things like these…
“This world is beneath me… I’m so much better because I am ‘not of this world’ like you.” Yikes.
“There’s another world that you don’t know anything about.” People might think we’re part of one of those alien cults.
“This world really doesn’t matter. It’s all gonna burn anyway, so I’m more interested in the next world.” They might respond, “You go living in your other world, while I care about this one.”
Now, I know that no one who wore those shirts, put that bumper sticker on their car, or even got this phrase tattooed on their shoulder had these attitudes. I’m more concerned about what it can say to someone who doesn’t understand. The truth is that this logo and the concept is a great conversation starter, but it just reminds us that a t-shirt or bumper sticker is not good evangelism. We need to talk to people in a way that expresses the heart of Jesus because remember, Jesus has called us out of the world, but then he has sent us back into the world for the sake of the world.
So, let’s love the people of the world and do our best to communicate God’s love for the world in all that we do.
Josh Rose
Discipleship Pastor
Perfect Parent
I’m weird! There is just something about mowing the lawn that I enjoy. Is it because of the warmth of the sun? Or perhaps it’s the smell of the grass or the white noise of the mower? It could also be the immediate sense of accomplishment I receive as I see the nice and neat rows left behind in my wake. Regardless of the reason, I feel at peace when doing this chore. This peace is, however, not without the annoying interruption of turning off the motor to remove sticks, rocks, or a random dog toy hiding in the grass. To preserve my peace, I’ve learned to walk the lawn and remove all obstacles. This tactic works well in this scenario, but it doesn’t when applied to the process of growth and maturity.
There is a term called “lawnmower parenting” in which parents remove any obstacle that might cause discomfort to their child so that life is easy and without struggle. The product is children who lack the necessary life skills and parents who are always on guard (ready to mow away any hardship) and filled with fear and anxiety. A better and more loving strategy is to be honest about the reality of obstacles to peace and offer presence and wisdom when hard times come their way. I would argue that the better and loving way is what Jesus modeled and what God wanted us to know.
Jesus is quoted as having said, “Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:32-33). Trouble was real — even for Jesus — but in His overcoming, He was never alone. God did not remove the hardship but instead offered His presence. Soon after, the disciples heard Him pray on their behalf, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). The evil one steals peace, kills hope, and destroys joy, but as ones who believe in the One who overcame we have life to the full as walk with and in the protection of our powerful Father. God is no “lawnmower parent.” He is the perfect parent whose word is flawless and protection a place of refuge where peace can be found.
Jessica Klootwyk
Group & Women’s Discipleship Director
The Word's Words
Words matter in John’s gospel, words are emphasized, God’s words, Jesus’ words, and Jesus as the Word (John 1:1). This pattern comes up a lot: God gives words to Jesus and Jesus passes them on to people. Jesus prays about that pattern in John 17 and reports to God his Father that the disciples believe his words are from God and are true. “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me” (John 17:6-8).
Note the process. The disciples believed that Jesus was from God, therefore they accepted Jesus’ words as from God, and they obeyed as a result. Believers follow that same process today. There is a connection that happens by knowing God through Jesus’ perfect life, death on the cross, and victory over death. The connection with him is the most wonderful part of life. Obedience flows from that wonder through faith. I like how Charles Spurgeon put it.
The Lord must first be your portion before you will be able to keep his words. How can a man keep what he has not received? Without God to be our portion, where will the strength come from to accomplish so difficult a duty as the keeping of God’s words? See to it, all of you, that you do not reverse the order. Do not, as the old proverb says, put the cart before the horse. Let all things come in their due course and keep due rank, for mischief comes of the wrong placing of things. First receive from divine grace until thou canst say, “Thou art my portion, O Lord,” and then give forth by daily service what God has worked within, and say, “I will keep thy words.” – Charles Spurgeon’s sermon “God Our Portion and His Word Our Treasure” Sep 2, 1877
Jesus taught his disciples this pattern in John 15. See if you can fill in these blanks.
I am the vine, you are the ____________ - vs. 5
If you ____________ in me you will bear much ____________. - vs. 5
If my ____________ remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. - vs. 7
If you ____________, you will remain in my love. - vs. 10.
If you can fill in all those blanks then repeat those truths about connecting with Jesus and keeping his words alive through you. If not, read up on John 15, and put his words to heart until you can.
Pastor John Riley
Known By Name
“Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name …” (John 17:11c)
Duke Snider, who played for the Dodgers in Brooklyn and then Los Angeles from 1947-1962, lived in Fallbrook beginning in 1958. Of course, he was our hometown celebrity and a kind, generous, modest community member. In the late summer of 1960, Fallbrook Village leaders chartered a few buses to take people to see the Duke play in LA. Many families and youth went to sit in a special section in the stadium. It was a fun time especially for me and a few of my girlfriends as we were about to enter high school. On the way home, several older high school-age boys began to tease us as boys of that age tend to do. They asked our names, but I would not tell them my last name. I stubbornly did not tell it because my mother might have taught them English and my father would teach them American History; knowing that name definitely would have changed the dynamics! This memory came to me when I began to think about the passage of Scripture we are studying. Whose name are we known by and why is it important?
This seems a parallel to what the Jewish people had been called to do. “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD chose you out of all the peoples of the earth to be His people ...” (Deuteronomy 7:6). They were chosen so that the world could see a people blessed by Jehovah because of His covenant with them. They were to live in obedience, worship, and trust of God so the world would want to know the God who both loves and blesses. But they didn’t. God knew this would happen and that He would choose another people to be known by His name.
In John 17:6-19, the Lord Jesus is praying for the disciples to do what the Jewish people could not. According to Lawrence Richards, former professor at Wheaton College, God has work for us to do on earth:
“God wants a very simple thing, which every believer no matter how humble, can share in fully. God wants us to manifest (make known) His name. We have received Jesus’ words and believed in Him. Now we are to live out those words on earth. The quality of our lives is what will make plain to those around us the character of God.” p.748, Teacher’s Commentary
Now that we have the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit and we have the righteousness of Christ, we can do this. “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, belonging to God… Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of wrongdoing, they may see your good deeds and glorify God …” (1 Peter 2:9, 12).
Meditation: Whose name are you known by? Christian, Jesus follower, or what? How does your life demonstrate the character of God? Consider how the Holy Spirit will help you to complete the work you are called to do.
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member
Beautified By His Scars
On November 22, 1988, I stood on the roof of the UCSD Medical Center pleading to the Lord on behalf of my newborn nephew who had been delivered several hours earlier. He had already left the hospital and had been transported to a brand new operating room equipped to handle his immediate diaphragmatic hernia surgery. His little perfect body would have a full-length scar down his chest extending below his abdomen. The scar didn’t matter, his life did. The exchange of a scar to save his precious life was necessary.
Oftentimes the scars not only serve as proof, but also as a memorial of the battle, the pain, and the suffering. Here we have to wrestle with the plan when we cannot understand why we must go through things. Emotional scars are not necessarily seen physically but serve as a reminder of the tension and trauma as we wonder, "Where can there be beauty in this?"
Many women who have been blessed to bear children are left with scars as a result of the childbirth. These “battle scars” serve as a great reminder of the suffering of that moment, as the child is the beautiful joy that remains.
After Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, he appeared to the disciples. He said to Thomas, who wouldn’t believe until he had seen and touched the scars, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe” (John 20:27). The scars served as proof of his horrific crucifixion. The scars provide each of us with the evidence that Jesus lovingly took the brutal pain in the treacherous death as a sacrificial acceptance in humility as part of the Father’s plan. The scars are a symbol of the Lord’s complete love and devotion for each of us. The price he paid for the penalty of our sins.
Years after my nephew’s surgery, he would proudly lift his shirt and say, “This is my zipper.” The scar became a “special” part of his life story.
The emotional scars might leave us with lies that need to be rejected and replaced with truth. He helps us with this. They also serve as a reminder of our dependence on him. In turn, the scars become a place of strength as we can offer compassion to others who are struggling in similar areas. Could it be considered a form of redemption?
Our Savior, brutally scarred, took the wrath that should have been ours. Isaiah 53:5 declares, “By his wounds, we are healed.” This unimaginable healing is ours to believe in and receive. Now and forever. Redeemed by His scars.
By Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member
The Goal
I love theatre — live stage acting, musicals, choreography, well-planned sets — it’s mesmerizing from your seat in the audience. But if you look behind the curtains, you get an entirely different perspective.
In John 17, we get a different perspective of Jesus — not the Jesus rebuking wind and waves, or the Jesus healing the lame and blind, or the Jesus hanging out with sinners and tax collectors. This is “backstage Jesus” — in authentic and intimate conversation with his Father. It provides us with a genuine glimpse of Jesus in prayer and relationship to the Father.
In verse 1, Jesus prays, “Father… Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you.” When Jesus prayed the aim of his prayer (and his life) was always God’s glory. When I pray, it’s often… “God, protect me, help me, heal me. God give me power, give me boldness, give me comfort.” Is it for his glory? Or… is it kinda for my own?
Jesus prays, essentially saying, “Father, it’s for your glory, so let’s do this — I’m ready to die.” With Jesus, God’s glory was always the goal. In verse 4 of John 17, Jesus prays, “I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.” In every miracle and every problem, with every Pharisee and every follower. God’s glory was always the goal.
We’re on the other side of the old rugged cross, Hallelujah! But God’s glory is still the goal.
Every spiritual blessing I have in Christ… forgiveness, prayer, grace, salvation, peace, freedom, The Church, adoption, The Holy Spirit, heaven… it’s all amazing, and so, so good for me. But it’s not the goal. God’s glory is still the goal.
Glory is often visualized by light. We shine a light on a flag or monument or a musician on stage to say, “Hey, look here! This is good, important and worthy of honor.” What’s illuminated gets the glory. You can see this throughout the pages of Scripture from “Let there be light” on page one of the Bible to Moses and the burning bush, and Jesus’ Transfiguration. Light is a recurring metaphor that symbolizes importance, purity, and the absolute absence of darkness.
In John 8, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” But in Matthew 5, he tells us, “YOU are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
God’s glory was the singular goal for Jesus, the light of the world.
God’s glory is forever your goal for “you are the light of the world.”
May your light shine brightly today for the glory of the Father who has given us His glory. (John 17:22)
Donielle Winter
EFCC Member
The Hour Hath Come
Ever waited a long time for something? A baby to be born, an escrow to close, a school year to end, or the wedding day after a long engagement. Jesus waited about 33 years to do what he came to do. There are a few instances in the gospels that emphasize how long he had remaining and the hour yet to come.
John 2:4
“Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”
Matthew 17:17
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.”
John 7:30
At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
John 8:20
He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his hour had not yet come.
Even demons were aware that Jesus’ time on earth was connected to important times to come.
Matthew 8:29
“What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Jesus’ 33 years lead up to the rejection and pain he was born to experience on the cross. Just before his arrest and the beginning of his suffering, he prays,
John 17:1
“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”
The hour finally arrived.
I bet waiting feels different when it's for something difficult, rather than the happy hopes listed above. The approaching death of a loved one in pain, a judge pronouncing an uncertain sentence, a lie not yet found out, a difficult surgery rescheduled. That kind of waiting can be awful and frightening. But Jesus’ life up to that moment was not marred by fear, except the fear of the Lord. Trusting the Lord helps life be marked by faith, not dread. Jesus even prays for the glory of God to be revealed through the pain. We can pray that same way and live it too as we trust his timing and love.
Pastor John Riley