The FPO Podcast: Recent Episodes
FPO
The FPO Podcast is one of the ways that First Presbyterian Church of Opelika, AL seeks to share the Word of God and build up the Church. You can find recordings of each sermon from Sunday Morning Worship, along with weekly devotional conversations from the staff of FPO that follow our Bible reading plan.
Video recordings of our worship services, including our sermons, can be found on our website.
A sermon on 2 Samuel 11:1-5, 12:24-25; 1 Kings 1:11-21 preached by Rev. Andrew Keasling on 12.21.25.
A sermon on Ruth 1:1-5, 15-21; 2:1-3, 20-23; 4:13-22 preached by Rev. Andrew Keasling on 12.14.25.
A sermon on Exodus 11:1-10 preached by Rev. Andrew Keasling on 11.23.25. NOTE: There is an issue with the sound volume that corrects itself approx. 1 minute into the recording.
A sermon on Jeremiah 28:5-6 & 2 Corinthians 1:20 preached by Rev. Andrew Keasling on 8.3.25.
A sermon on Luke 24:50-53 & Acts 1:6-11 preached by Rev. Jonathan Prudhomme on 5.25.25.
A sermon on 2 Timothy 2:20-26. This sermon was preached on 2.18.24 by Rev. Michael Alsup.
Why are there four gospels in the Bible? Is Mark unique? How do I trust the gospel of Mark if he wasn't an apostle? As we continue in the FPO Bible reading plan, join Josh and James as they have a conversation about what to expect in the book of Mark along with some of its themes!
If you were asked to summarize 2 Corinthians, how would you do it? As we begin to read it in the FPO Bible reading plan, what should we expect? Join Josh and James as they take some time to help you know what is going on in this book of the Bible so that you can better know the Lord through this encouraging book of the Bible!
In this week's episode, Josh and James has a conversation about the book of 1 Corinthians. Why does it feel so sporadic? Why are the topics so different? Join them as they talk about the context of the book and how it is applicable today!
In this conversation between Josh and James, they unpack and explore the book of Romans. It is a deep book, and in order to help understand it as we read through it in the FPO Bible Reading Plan, Josh and James talk about some context and spend good time working through an outline of its teaching.
In this week's episode, Josh and James talk about Hebrews as we prepare to read it in the FPO Bible Reading Plan. Who wrote it? Why does it read differently than other letters? Does Hebrews teach we can lose our salvation? Join Josh and James as they discuss these questions this week.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James on Acts 20-22 and Paul's confidence in the promises of God.
This week's midweek meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James, where they look at Acts 18 and a vision from God that he gives to Paul, making promises of his goodness.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between James and Josh about Psalm 63 and what it looks like to earnestly seek after God and have intimacy with him.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between James and Josh on Acts 1-4, as they talk about the filling of the Holy Spirit and the power he provides to God's people.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James as they look at Jesus's patience on the road to Emmaus to his disciples and too us.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James as they discuss Psalm 51 and how it gives us a model of heart-felt confession of our sin.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James about Luke 9, as Jesus talks about taking up our cross in order to follow him.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James about Proverbs 6 and the benefit of living life in Scripture.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James as they look at some of the last pages of the Bible in Revelation 21, which encourage God's people to endure to the end because something better is coming.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James as they look at the imagery in Revelation 14: images of redemption of God's elect and also judgment for sin.
This week, Josh and James interview Terry Andrus, an elder of our church, about how he engages the FPO Bible Reading plan in his life and what the Lord has been doing in him through it.
This week's Midweek Meditation is less of a devotional conversation and more of a big-picture discussion of how to read one of the more difficult and complex books of the Bible. Join Josh and James as they talk about a framework for reading, understanding, and being encouraged by the book of Revelation.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James, as they talk about what Christian love looks like across the book of 1 John.
This week's midweek meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James on the end of John and the beginning of 1 John, as they discuss how Scripture is trustworthy and how that gives us joyful fellowship with God himself.
Join Josh and James as they have a devotional conversation about John 16 the ministry of the Holy Spirit and how our lives are radically changed by his presence and ministry to us!
Join Josh and James for a devotional conversation about Psalm 8 and what it means to have dignity as a person made in the image of God.
Join Josh and James as they talk about John 8 and Christ's promise that "if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James about John 3 and what it has to say about the belief and obedience to Christ.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James as they talk about how Christ's coming at Christmas is "good news of great joy" in Luke 2.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James as they reflect on "give me neither poverty nor riches" in Proverbs 30!
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James about Matthew 9:35-38.
This week's Midweek Meditation is a devotional conversation between Josh and James on the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.
Midweek Meditation with Josh and James on the connection between the book of Judges and the coming of Christ.
Midweek Meditation from James on Sanctification in the Bible, from 1 Thessalonians 5, Psalm 125, and Joshua 23
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
We apologize that part of the beginning of the sermon was inadvertently cut off during the recording.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
John Geiger, and Elder at Eastwood Pres in Montgomery, AL, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). This is his story about our hope in Jesus Christ.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
The first minute of this sermon recording was inadvertently left off. We apologize for this inconvenience.
An Enduring Joy: Living in a fallen world, which at times is full of disappointment, pain and sorrow, where do we find our joy? And, is it a joy that only last for a short time, or is it a joy that endures in the midst of our pain and sorrow. In Psalm 33, the Psalmist shows us what a joy that can endure the disappointments of life looks like, and Who it is rooted in.
The people of God are in exile, stewing in the midst of the mess that their sin has made. As they look around, their conclusion is that God has cut them off, that his promises have been withdrawn, and that they are as good as dead. But in steps the Lord. He takes Ezekiel out to a valley filled with bones on the way to showing his people that he is exceedingly, rightfully confident about the future of his people even when they are not. We consider the confidence of God, the grounds of that confidence and the fulfillment of that confidence.
As we close out our study of John's gospel, we find Jesus standing face to face with Peter - the man who has made big promises about all that he will do, only to crumble under the first hint of difficulty. With this closing encounter, everything that we have heard so far comes to its fruition as we see the vast, free and total restoration of a weak, vile sinner like Peter...like us.
This final chapter of John forms an epilogue, like all epilogues answering the question, ‘Now what?’ We see the first part of the answer in this scene that involves a fishing trip and the surprising invitation of Jesus to his friends - ‘Come and have some breakfast.'
As we continue in looking at the days after the resurrection, we see three scenes that parallel one another in their details. Each scene begins with people huddled in fear and unbelief; each scene continues with Jesus showing up, announcing peace, and then proving that peace. The first scene involves Jesus and 10 disciples. The second scene involves Jesus and Thomas. The third scene involves Jesus and us - it plays out before our eyes even as we come to the Lord’s Table.
As we come to this most pivotal scene around the empty tomb, John makes no secret about the fact that what is written is meant to move us to faith. In light of that, we consider what John wants us to believe (a literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus), on what basis he wants us to believe it (in light of the evidence), and what we are to do when we believe it (go and tell).
As we look at the burial of Jesus, we see that it is at once a low point of the redemptive story and a turning point in the redemptive story. His burial in the ground is helpful for us as we think about our own burial in the ground and about our lives in Christ in the world until then, which are by God likened to burial with Christ.
We come now to the heart of the matter - the work of God in Christ at the cross. It is this work on which men and women of every stripe are invited to rest everything they have and everything they are. So, on what kind of work are we invited to rest things of such value? We hear the answer as John tells us the story of the cross - an intentional work, a compassionate work and a finished work.
As we move from the trial of Jesus to the preparation for his crucifixion, we find a scene that is filled from start to finish with intense violence. In this study, we see this violence not as a gratuitous detail, but as an unfiltered picture of what our sin - the sin that Jesus bears - really looks like. This leads us to do what Pilate asks us to do - behold the man Jesus, the one on whom we can believe to be brought out of the darkness of sin and into the light of everlasting life.
As Jesus continues to be carried before the authorities, he arrives now at the headquarters of the Roman governor Pilate. There we see the Jews insisting that Jesus be killed, Pilate wrapped up in self-preservation, and Jesus not doing much of anything as he bears the brunt of it all. But as we delve deeper, it becomes clear that in all of these things, there is more than meets the eye to what is happening. As we see that, it prepares us for the Lord’s Table, where amidst the normalcy, we are wrapped up in more than meets the eye as the Lord feeds us by his own hand.
It has been said that if Peter’s fall causes men and women to see their own great weakness and Christ’s great compassion, then Peter’s fall has not been recorded in vain. With that as our guide, we see the way in which the contrast of Peter before a teenage girl and Jesus before the high priest reveals both our weakness and the compassion of Christ for weak sinners.
As John details for us the scene of Jesus’ arrest, we notice the way that John emphasizes the willingness of Christ - everything that happens to him in that garden and beyond happens not because he is outmatched, but because he lays his life down of his own accord. After seeing his willingness, we consider how having a willing redeemer makes all the difference in the world.
Here we come to one of the most privileged moments that we find in the Bible - the chance to listen in on Jesus as he prays. Our study of this passage seeks to show us the forest through the trees as we consider that Jesus prays, for whom he prays, what he prays, why he prays and the great confidence that is ours because he prays.
As Jesus closes his farewell speech to his disciples, he makes the surprising statement that it is to their advantage that he leaves them to go to the Father. Amidst skepticism on their part - and ours - we consider the nature of this advantage, discovering that ours is the advantage of the Spirit, the advantage of access and the advantage of assurance.
By way of two pictures - the vine and the branches and the man and his friends - Jesus makes two important points as he continues to prepare his disciples for his departure. One, through faith his disciples are united to Christ. Two, by virtue of that union, his disciples have power to bear fruit in abundance. When we remember that as the image of God bearing fruit is the work for which we were created, these words take on special significance and we are encouraged all the more to abide in Christ.
By way of two pictures - the vine and the branches and the man and his friends - Jesus makes two important points as he continues to prepare his disciples for his departure. One, through faith his disciples are united to Christ. Two, by virtue of that union, his disciples have power to bear fruit in abundance. When we remember that as the image of God bearing fruit is the work for which we were created, these words take on special significance and we are encouraged all the more to abide in Christ.
As Jesus continues to comfort his disciples on the night before his death, he turns their attention now to another helper who will come to them, even to live in them. He speaks of the Holy Spirit. In this study, we consider the promise of the Holy Spirit, the person of the Holy Spirit, the purpose of the Holy Spirit, the procedure of the Holy Spirit and the peace of the Holy Spirit. It all comes to this - as believers we have the personal presence of Christ with us, strengthening us and causing us to stand as he points us to Jesus. Truly, we are never orphans.
As Jesus continues to comfort his disciples in light of his impending death and departure from them, he gives them two amazing promises. First, he promises that because he goes to the Father they will do greater works than he has done. Second, he promises that because he goes to the Father anything that they ask in his name will be done. We consider these promises, wading through common misunderstanding that we might hold fast to the wonderful news that because Jesus has ascended, his people are never abandoned.
Sometimes being told that we can not do something stirs us up aggressive and defensive responses. Our inability is always troubling, and that drives us to overcome or, at least, to hide it. In this passage, we hear Jesus tell his most eager disciple, and us, about something that we can not do. In light of that, we consider what we are doing with our inability. We see what we can not do - go home; what Jesus can and will do - take all of his little children home, and what that calls us to do - rest in faith on the One who is able. What are you doing with your inability?
In this passage, we hear two very important voices speaking: the voice of the Father and the voice of the Son. Both voices give us a picture of the kind of death Jesus was about to die…a God glorifying, sin atoning, victory winning, people drawing death. We hear these voices with the goal of becoming a people with a big, big cross.