John 12:24-37

Synopsis: Jesus is drawing near to his crucifixion and his time is spoken for. He tells the crowd about how committing to an unselfish life and abandoning your own agenda is a marriage with eternal life. Till death does its part.



John 12:24-36
What really matters
"Unless money is thrown at investments, pushed as far it can go, it just sits in a rainy day jar and has no value. When its value is exhausted and buried in investment it springs up and grows. The interest far outweighs the seed money. If you hold onto your life and keep it under a mattress for a rainy day then that is a life wasted. But if you sell out to my service you will invest in eternity.

You want to know that life? Follow me. Be present in constant ministry where I am. My Father will respect you for such noble service.

I am going through some life sized hurricanes. Am I going to hit the ejection button and go to Heaven? Nope! This is my moment to show how good my father's reputation and honor is.

A voice presented from the Heavens, "I have lifted up that name and it will rise again."

At this moment the people were confused and thought it was thundering out, while some people speculated an angel was talking.

Jesus spoke again, "that voice was not for my sake, but for yours. Our world is not in good shape. Satan is the true king of this ball of dirt, but his dominion is going to end abruptly. I am going to be lifted up from the Earth and that is going to be the pivotal moment in history that brings all the people to me."
Jesus had just described the details of his death.

Some of the people answered, "wait a second. I learned in Bible school that the chosen savior was immortal and his throne will last forever. Who is this savior, this son of God, who is going to die?"

Jesus replied, "Right now you are walking with the lights on and the dark cannot touch you on account of me. If you walk toward the darkness, away from me, confusion and lostness will ensue. Take advantage of this personal light. Believe in its power and goodness. You will notice that this light is inside you, Christ has made his base in you and now you are a child of that light.

Colossians 3

Context: We often see the verses in this chapter that talk about how much God hates sexual immorality, lying and anger. If that is the only message you get from Colossians 3 then you are missing the greater truth. This new life in Christ makes us holy and beloved. This is a title that gives purpose and a plan to our existence. We might have to commit to making sure the sinful life stays dead, but look at the new life that Christ has for us.





Colossians 3
The Life Defined

Since you just crossed over from the dead life to Jesus' brand new life, let's make sure your thoughts are thinking on a Godly level, where Jesus is master. Make a conscious decision to think the thoughts of Heaven and not the thoughts of popular culture. You died, bro, your life is now firmly secure in Jesus the master, waiting like a ninja to strike when the fateful day comes. When Christ makes his glorious comeback, we will be right there enjoying it with Him.

Slay your problematic sins and leave them. I am talking about the loose sex morals, the dirty thoughts, the inappropriate relationships, the whining about not having enough toys. This is bowing to a straw god. God has a vendetta against this life and he will be bringing the axe down. Take them out with prejudice. I am talking about the outbursts, wall punching anger, the jokes you make that would make a sailor blush. That life is a lie and it deceives others when you live it.

Here's the alternative. You are a spitting image of your creator, the God who made you. Start acting like that life matters. Slip on the new life God has for you. In this life it does not matter where you live, what your gender is, your political leanings nor if you follow a religious denomination.  All that matters is we are free in Christ.

The new task is trying out the new life in Christ, the life that sets you apart to be clean and deeply loved. Try out caring for others in a way that breaks your heart, waiting for others, serving others, being nice to others intentionally, servant like attitude and soft spoken behavior. Be prepared to forgive and communicate with those who are horribly imperfect to you. Christ treats you that way. To cap it all off, everything should be covered in love, the deep chocolaty shell that makes up this blessing sundae. Love sets the world right.