"All the Feels”
The word “love” chosen here is the Greek word agapē—the kind of love that is sacrificial and has the best interest of the other in mind. It’s a serving kind of love. A love too vast to be encapsulated by emotion alone and always backed-up with physical expression. It's love that defines love and is the root of all other forms. Love was in the air! Yet there were other emotions in the air that night that John records. Human ones. Ones you and I know well, that the Son of Man was experiencing while He embodied agapē by washing the feet of His disciples. Jesus certainly was “feeling all the feels” as He spent His last hours with His disciples. Jesus knew the purpose behind His begotteness. To die an innocent death carrying the guilt of all humanity. He knew that He would soon endure physical pain from thorns, nails and suffocation. He’d seen how loss impacted His friends before and He knew His departure would initially be devastating and confusing. Jesus knew He had just washed the feet of the one that would betray Him. He knew He would soon be with the Father and victory was on the horizon, but first there would be an agonizing separation. He knew.
Can you imagine knowing all of this and keeping it together, staying the course, confident and determined to carry out the redemption plan? None of us could—only Jesus! Jesus was Lord even over all of the intense emotions, and not only kept himself together enough there at the table, but continues to hold all things together by His reconciling act of peace on the cross. Because of Jesus we can have a peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Phillipians 4:7) even amongst feeling all the feels that come along with being human. We don’t have to hide or be ashamed of our emotions, Jesus certainly wasn’t. Instead, we must follow the example of Jesus who had full confidence in the Father, His identity as Son and who understood the mission for which He was sent. May we too show up at tables—real and metaphorical ones—with the same grace and humility demonstrated by King Jesus and have love be the most tangible expression in the room.
Jessica Klootwyk
Group & Women’s Discipleship Director
He Loved Them to the End
John 13:1b
Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
The cross was only a day away. After three years of doing ministry together, Jesus decided to give His disciples a meaningful farewell (Jn. 13-17). The night before He went to the cross, Jesus displayed to His disciples a memorable act of humbleness by washing their feet, extending them grace, and by teaching them significant lessons on the implications of being followers of Him. Finally, as the night progressed, Jesus prayed for them. In the apostle John’s words, “He loved His own to the end”.
Jesus loved His disciples with the love that He experienced and shared throughout eternity within the community of the Triune God (1 Jn. 4:8). When Jesus came into the world, He displayed this kind of love so that those who would believe in Him would join Him by receiving eternal life (Jn. 3:16). In other words, in Jesus, God was inviting the disciples, and the whole world, to participate in His community of love. But, unfortunately, not everyone has said yes to our Lord’s invitation. Many people, like Judas, have rejected it because they have preferred to live in the darkness of the night (Jn. 13:30b). But despite the rejection of many, Jesus has loved His own to the fullest extent assuring them that nothing and no one will ever be able to separate them from His love (Rom. 8:35).
If you are one of them; if you are part of the ones whom Jesus has loved to the end, I would like to encourage you to rejoice in the truth that nothing would separate you from His love, and to reflect His light to those around you (1 Jn. 2:9-10)! Have a blessed day!
Pastor Esteban Tapia
Completed by Love
Series: Light in the Darkness | Text: John 13:1-30
Speaker: Pastors Ryan Paulson & Esteban Tapia
November 19, 2023: On Sunday, Pastors Ryan Paulson and Esteban Tapia continued our recent sermon series from the Gospel of John, Light in the Darkness. This sermon message is entitled Completed by Love. We hope you're enjoying our study of this section of the Scriptures. This is the second to last message in this series.
The Quest for Glory
…. for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. John 12:43
We all like to hear stories of individuals achieving personal glory. For many people, these stories become a source of inspiration to pursue fame. However, building a good name requires others to be impressed. Since the quest for glory feeds off of others' praise, it gets very frustrating and disappointing when people don't appreciate or recognize one's performance. In other words, living to pursue glory could easily become a very exhausting and vain quest.
But there's a better way: the way of the upside-down Kingdom of God, the way of Jesus. And we can definitely learn from Him. To begin with, Jesus lived His earthly life with only one audience in mind: His Father. Jesus knew the Father loved Him (Jn. 3:35), and He was never worried about impressing or being rejected by simple men. Jesus was always focused and entirely devoted to the Father's glory. As a result, He lived a very uncomplicated and purposeful life without worries and concerns about what others had to say. The kind of life that, as His followers, we should embrace.
To follow Jesus, one must be willing to live in His way, which includes committing to live for God's glory and not caring about the praise of man. As mentioned before, the way of Jesus is a better way, but this doesn't mean it is easier. Jesus' invitation to follow Him requires the willingness to die to self (Gal. 2:20) and to hold to His Father's will, just as He did (Jn. 6:38). In the end, embarking on the quest for the glory that comes from God, leads to a more fulfilling and unpretentious life.
May God give us the courage to live for His glory rather than seeking the glory of men.
Pastor Esteban Tapia
"Words that Endure”
According to the scientific principle of “entropy,” the level of energy existing in any physical system dissipates more and more over time. As a result, the energy level of our sun and the whole physical universe is in a constant state of decay. A spiritual variation on this principle is provided in Mt. 24:35 where Jesus reveals, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” On the basis of this spiritual principle we understand that while the entire cosmos is destined to expire someday, the words Jesus has spoken are destined to endure for eternity.
Born-again believers love God’s Word because it is truth, it is spirit, it is life and it is eternal. We can rejoice in knowing that even if all existing Bibles and every electronic/digital copy of Holy Scripture were somehow destroyed, the words spoken by Jesus still would not pass away! Since his words are spirit and truth they will go on forever in the spiritual dimension. One way I envision Jesus’ words enduring forever is through how they are treasured and revered in the souls of God’s people. We can trust that the Holy Spirit - who inspired every word, jot, and title of the Bible - is able to bring Jesus’ words to our remembrance in this life and the next. Ironically, the Spirit of God will also bring Jesus’ words (as judgment) to the remembrance of those who reject God’s Son.
In Jn. 5:22, Jesus proclaimed “The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son.” Jesus also revealed in John 12:47-48 that such judgment is reserved for the end of time declaring: “If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” (NKJV)
On that great day of judgment, no additional revelation or evidence will be needed in order to judge those who reject God’s Son. The eternal, unchanging words Jesus Christ has already spoken - as revealed in the scriptures - will by virtue of their own authority execute judgment on all who reject him as savior. On the other hand, as a beloved child of God, may you be blessed today and always by the living Word of God which will never pass away!
Pastor Dave Korinek
From Darkness to Light
A few weeks ago, my husband and I were watching something mindless on television when suddenly all the electricity went off. It was an area-wide outage; we went outside to see that there was no light anywhere we looked. As we live on a hill in Bonsall, we can usually see all the way to the ocean to the west and Palomar Mountain to the east. There was not a smidgen of light anywhere. It was DARK, enveloping darkness and I don’t remember there being any moonlight that night either. So glad for flashlights, lanterns, candles, and the light on our phones. It stayed that way for several hours and we hovered near our light sources. Eventually, the electricity came back on! The relief we felt was tangible when we were in the light again.
Through the past weeks’ study of John’s gospel, Jesus is presented over and over as the light; Jesus refers to Himself as light. In John 12:35-36 Jesus says, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you still have it…” Jesus was referring to His imminent death and the loss of His physical presence. Then in verse 46, this was so important He actually raised his voice saying, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” Recently, I watched a video of the testimony of a former Hezbollah terrorist who came to Christ while praying. He said, “A man appears in front of me normal size but he shines like light but it is not a normal light. It carried identity, he was holy and just. Instantaneously, I knew I was not holy or just. I cried out “Forgive me”. He touched my shoulder and I knew I was forgiven. But who was this who forgives me? He said, “I am Jesus Christ.” He came from darkness into light and walks in the light of Jesus today leading a ministry of peace in the Middle East.
We who have been brought out of that darkness through trusting in the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ are commanded to walk in that light. What does that look like? If we spend some dedicated time reading through Ephesians 4:27-5:21, we discover what this command means. Consider getting some paper and your Bible, prayerfully read through this passage of scripture, and write down what God speaks to you about regarding your walk in the Light.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8
Francie Overstreet
The Ultimate Superhero
John 12:31
There is something about good stories that draw us in. Sometimes about a journey or plot that seems to resonate with something transcendent and deep within us. Think about superhero movies for a moment. They all essentially follow the same predictable narrative arch. Here’s the way they go. The story typically revolves around a protagonist, often an ordinary individual who gains extraordinary powers or abilities. They grapple with personal struggles and then eventually embrace their newfound identity as a superhero. As they come to terms with their powers, they face a formidable villain who threatens the world or their community. Inevitably, the hero goes through a journey of self-discovery, grapples with their sense of responsibility, faces moral dilemmas, and ultimately overcomes the adversary, often with personal sacrifices. The story generally ends with the hero's triumph, restoring peace and balance to the world, while also accepting the role of protector or guardian for the greater good.
Why is it that we’ll pay good money to see movies about that same story over and over? I think it’s because it touches something deep within God’s design. Both his design for us to experience his good and our need to be rescued from evil. Have you noticed the narrative arch outlined above is similar to the arch of Scripture? Jesus is our hero and he’s come to our rescue.
Listen to the way Jesus described it. He said, Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. (John 12:31)
This is Batman going after Joker or Superman taking down Lex Luthor. The ruler of this world is a moniker for “the Devil.” Jesus calls him “the ruler of the demons” (Matthew 12:24) and Paul calls him “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). And Jesus casts him out. The Devil is a defeated enemy. Sure, he still prowls around like a roaring lion, but we can “resist him” and “stand firm in the faith.” (1 Pt. 5:8-9) That’s great news!
Secondly, Jesus tells us "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” On the cross, Jesus drives out evil and draws in people. Jesus walked to the cross so that we could be drawn into his presence. Notice that Jesus doesn’t just draw “some” people, he draws “all” people. This is beautiful news for us, friends. Jesus’ sacrifice overcomes sin.
Part of the storyline of Scripture is the casting out of evil and the drawing in of people. That sounds a whole lot like the superhero movies we flock to. Maybe there’s a reason. Maybe it’s because they echo the story God is telling. Take some time today and bring something before God that you want him to “cast out.” It could be fear, pain, or depression. He's already cast out the greatest enemy. Then, take some time and prayerfully imagine Jesus drawing you to himself. Try to sense his love and embrace.
Pastor Ryan Paulson
Honesty – a Good Struggle
“If you don’t have anything nice to say”… then, you shouldn’t speak up, you shouldn’t be honest.
“Other people have it so much worse than me.” So, I should probably keep my complaint to myself.
“The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” But my dignity and care for others prevents me from being the loudmouth complainer (well, mostly:)
How can it be common for there to be an elephant in the room, even in churches, if believers value and practice honesty? There must be something, or some things, about being human that makes straightforwardness and honesty a chore at times rather than a delight. There can be a battle, and fear, in people’s minds that requires intentionality to overcome in order to share the truth. It takes practice to perfect the art of being honest.
Jesus relates. In John 12:27 Jesus is getting close to the night of his arrest when he says, “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I have come to this hour.” This thought crossed Jesus’ mind and he related it to those around him. Then, a few days later, he does in fact pray that prayer to his father. His soul becomes even more troubled, he is “overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” – Matt 26:38, when he seeks solitude in the garden of Gethsemane and prays the following:
Mark 14:36, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
A few days before he wonders something like, “What am I going to do, ask God to take away the whole reason for me being here?” Then, when the time for his arrest and crucifixion arrives, he prays his heart out; asking God to do something along those lines. Jesus doesn't remain stoic. He doesn’t keep a false front. He isn’t a fatalist that says “I shouldn't even ask.” He is honest. His honesty didn’t alter his obedience either: except for how it may have solidified it in Jesus’ heart and magnified it in ours.
Pastor John Riley
Troubled But Trusting
Series: Light in the Darkness | Text: John 12:27-50
Speaker: Pastors Ryan Paulson & Esteban Tapia
November 12, 2023: On Sunday, Pastors Ryan Paulson and Esteban Tapia continued our recent sermon series from the Gospel of John, Light in the Darkness. This sermon message is entitled Troubled But Trusting. We hope you're enjoying our study of this section of the Scriptures.
Serve Through Surrender
The Tin Man in the movie The Wizard of Oz was awarded a heart for his service to others. The Wizard said to him, “Back where I come from there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phila… er, phila… er, yes, er, Good Deed Doers.” His good deeds earned him a new heart and believe it or not there is scientific evidence that backs this up! Participating in altruistic activities has positive effects on humanities overall well being—including heart health! The psychological term ‘helper’s high’ has been tied to the feeling one gets when endorphins are released and make you naturally feel good! What a beautiful gift from our Maker, that when we serve others, we also benefit! But is a healthy heart the same thing as the heart of flesh that the new life found in Christ promises us? (Ezekiel 11:19). No, it is not.
Jesus tells His disciples that “Whoever loves his life loses it” and “if anyone serves me, he must follow me” (John 12: 25-26). There is no amount of good deeds that can earn a heart of flesh. Instead, this comes through death. Specifically, the death of Jesus. Surrendering to God’s authority is the heart-changing ‘good deed’ that brings about eternal life as the Holy Spirit indwells enabling us to know God and live a life for Him. Yet it doesn’t stop there… following Jesus means dying. Dying by denying oneself of living a life for one’s own glory rather than for the glory of God. This is not enjoyable stuff, but it is what brings fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11). It's service that looks like a battle as the fleshly desires of our hearts prod and pull and our new heart instructs us to lay our desires down—to be replaced with His— and follow Him regardless of the cost. In doing so, we find the eternal life He promised.
Jessica Klootwyk
Groups and Women’s Discipleship Director