The Gospel, The World, & You

The Gospel of John #43: An exposition of John 15:17- 16:4. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, October 30, 2011.

Intro:
In some circles he is the face of Evangelicalism.  He does pastor the largest church in the United States.  His message is one of hope and optimism.  You’ve seen his smiling face.  You may have even read one of his best selling books, Your Best Life Now or his new book Everyday a Friday.  Joel Olsteen’s gospel is one of joy, happiness and prosperity.  His message draws thousands to his Houston area church every weekend, while millions are drawn to his televised messages.  Olsteen says, “Our message is about the goodness of God…It seems just that people come alive when they realize God is for me, he’s got a plan for my life and I can do something great. I can be who he wants me to be.”  In Olsteen’s gospel there is no room for heartache, pain and struggle.  If you believe, if you have faith you will be happy!  You will succeed!  Who doesn’t want to believe that?  That is a wonderful message.  Of course it doesn’t play well if you are a Christian in the Sudan and your home has been confiscated and your life threatened because you dared to publicly profess faith in Christ.  In Iran pastor Youcef Nadarkhani is set to be executed because he refuses to recant his faith in Christ.  More that 200 million of our brothers and sisters in Christ, in over 60 countries, face persecution daily.  This year nearly 165,000 of them will die for their faith.  I’m not sure the gospel of Everyday Is A Friday is going to be of much help.  We live in a very different world than a few decades ago.  The Church, once a player in our culture, has been removed from the table.  While there remains a few faint reminders of the church’s influence, for the most part, society has moved on.  Culture is becoming increasingly antagonistic toward the Church and its message.  What are we to do?  How are we to respond to our hostile world?

It was the night of His betrayal.  Jesus and his followers were gathered in the upper room for the Passover meal.  It was quite and evening!  He startled them by telling them there was a traitor in their midst, “One of you will betray me.”  They were devastated by the news that he must be handed over, tried, convicted and executed.  He knew their world was about to be rocked so in love and kindness he sought to prepare them.  “I’m not going to leave you orphaned.  I’ve asked the Father and he is sending a Helper.  He will guide you into truth and remind you of all that I have said.”  As part of the preparation he told them of what to expect from the world.  That’s where we pick up the story.  John chapter 15 and verse 18.

Text: John 15:18-16:4

The question before us is this: In light of the world’s intense hatred of Christ, His Gospel and all that is associated with Him, what are we, the people of God, to do?

Three things are clear.

  1. We are to expect opposition.  (15:18-25)
  2. We are to speak the truth with courage and boldness.  (15:26-27)
  3. We are to stand our ground.  (16:1-4)

Conclusion:
What is the point of such a passage?  It is to remind us that we are part of something greater.  It’s not about our comfort and happiness in this life.  The Gospel is not about a better life now.  You cheapen the Gospel when you make it about such trivial matters.  It is about the kingdom of God.  It is about God’s glory and eternity.  And we are to give our lives, if necessary, in service to the cause of Christ.

The message of Christ then and now is this: In this life you will face persecution.  In this world you will have trial and tribulation – yet take heart, I have overcome the world.  One day you will reign with me in glory.  Until that day, stand your ground.  Proclaim my Gospel.  Live for my glory.

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