Hammer Swings - Archive

Pastor Stephen has moved to another website!

2011-08-20T07:33:00.006+07:00

I am now writing at the new Hammer Swings (http://hammerswings.net/)

Head over there for the latest posts or use the labels on the right of this archive to find older sermons and other posts.

To God be the glory!

Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 4:1-5

2011-08-15T14:52:00.000+07:00

1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)

1Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

When we believe and know the truth, Jesus sets us free!

1. Since we are set free by Jesus, we must watch out for bad religion.
2. Since we are set free by Jesus, we must enjoy God's good world.

Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 4:1-5

Weekly Words- Vol. 4, Issue 23

2011-08-11T15:32:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

Three years ago, I wrote about the financial crisis we were facing in 2008. This week, I realized nothing has changed. On the one hand, we are still facing a worldwide financial crisis. On the other hand, however, God's precious promise to care for us is also unchanged! Praise His Name!

Here is what I wrote in 2008:

I have a widget on my computer desktop that regularly updates the rise and fall of the dollar. Sometimes it seems the future is rising and falling along with it. The scripture, however, reminds us not to be worried about our future. It is sad when Christian people chase after and worry over all the same things that non-Christian people do including money and possessions. Jesus says, "Do not be anxious saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the unbelievers seek after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Mt. 6:31-33).

Jesus makes at least three things crystal clear. First, he commands us not to worry. It is not necessary to lay awake wondering how to pay those bills or what might happen when we grow older. God takes care of his creation. He can take care of us. Second, he tells us to seek God's kingdom and his righteousness. By this he means to believe in the Lord and be full of zeal for his glory above all other things! Third, he promises that when we have done these things - when we put him first - he will meet all our needs. Now, that's a bold promise, but it is right here in the perfect word of God!

Friends, being responsible and planning for your future is a good idea, but let the Lord's words sink deep into your heart as well. Put him first above all things and ultimately, he will take care of you and those you love! "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).

God's promises were true when the New Testament was written 2,000 years ago, they were true in 2008, and they are still true today! He will take care of His people!

Your friend,

Stephen

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 22

2011-07-28T15:20:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

"Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" - Jer. 23:29

I once worked with a group of men breaking apart a huge concrete patio. It was an ugly patio and it was in the way of progress. The owner of this particular property wanted to make some improvements that included the construction of a new deck. Since the concrete was thick and strong, we built charcoal fires on the surface to weaken the structure. Then, we smashed it apart with hammers and hauled it away.

Recently, I remembered this when I read the verse above. God says that His word is like "fire" and "a hammer that breaks rock." I imagine the sin, ignorance, and bad habits of my life are like that old concrete patio. When I read or meditate on God's word, it is like lighting a fire on and swinging a sledgehammer at my problems. God breaks them up and makes way for the good things He wants to build in my life.

God uses the powerful message of scripture to do renovations in the life of the Christian. It is good to be in the Word! Have you opened your Bible today?

Your friend,

Stephen

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 21

2011-07-21T14:48:00.001+07:00

Dear friend,

I am so thankful that my wife and I were able to attend a Christian college together. The motto of our Alma Mater is "In all things Christ Preeminent." It comes from Colossians 1:18, "And He (Christ) is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent." Christ's preeminence means He must be first in all things! He must be the number one priority in your life, because he is Master over everything.

That being the case, the Christian ought to be influenced by Christ in every area of life and in every field of discipline. The college we attended was not merely a Bible College, but a liberal arts school that taught music, language, science, education, art, philosophy, psychology, business, and much more. I appreciate the way the school curriculum proved that Jesus Christ has something important to say about each one of these subjects. In fact King Jesus rules over them all, because He is the Creator of the Universe!

Friend, do you recognize the authority of Jesus in your job, in your school, in your home, or even in your hobby? Ask yourself today how you can make sure He has first place in everything you do!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 2:8

2011-07-18T11:11:00.001+07:00

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV)
14I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

1 Timothy 2:8 (ESV)
8I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

What does the household of God (the church) look like?

1. The church is a spiritual household.
2. The church is complementary household.
3. The church is a holy household.

Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 2:8

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 20

2011-07-14T15:27:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (Mt. 28:18-19a).

The Lord Jesus has commanded us to make disciples. In this context, a disciple is a follower of Christ. A church member is a disciple of Jesus who follows Him in a particular way as part of a particular Christian community. How does a church member follow Jesus? What does a church member do?

I came across an old document in the archives or our church office. It made four clear statements about the meaning of membership. They come after an introduction and are written as four promises that members made. I am hoping you will find them helpful so I have republished them here:

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, and on the profession of faith, having been baptized in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one Body of Christ.

We promise, by the aid of the Holy Spirit to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We promise to maintain family and private devotions; to educate our children in the Christian faith; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in this world; to be just in our dealing, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Savior.

We promise to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember one another in prayer; to aid one another in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech; and to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the teachings of our Savior, to secure it without delay.

We promise that when we move from this place, we will unite as soon as possible with some other church where we can continue to carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God’s Word.

These old promises define membership as a commitment to Jesus and others! If you are a church member, when was the last time you really thought about your commitment. Would you dare to make promises like those above? Are you wiling to bravely follow Christ as part of a body of believers? Would it not be beautiful if we all were?

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 2:1-7

2011-07-11T14:46:00.000+07:00

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV)

1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ( I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Because God desires all people to be saved, we must reach out to all people.

1. We must pray for all people.
2. We must strive to live at peace with all people.
3. We must share the truth with all people.

Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 2:1-7

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 19

2011-07-07T14:21:00.001+07:00

Dear friend,

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity" (Psalm 133:1).

Every Christian church is blessed when members are unified. Likewise, division among church members is notorious for the damage it has done to the cause of Christ. Our awareness of these truths makes us eager to stand in unity. As we work toward that goal, it is helpful to remember the wise words of an ancient pastor, Ignatius of Antioch.

As he faced execution for his faith in Jesus, Ignatius wrote seven personal and poignant letters to churches and their leaders. He was concerned about division and strife among people in the churches. In these letters, he reminded his friends that "the unity of the church is not due to the harmony and good feelings of Christians among themselves, but the presence of Jesus Christ Himself in the church."* Just as immortality is a result of faith in Christ, unity also comes when men, women, and children place their trust in Him!

Every Christian is in Christ and Christ is in every Christian (John 17:21). It is the presence of Jesus in our hearts that makes us one! If we want to experience greater unity, then we must pray for the presence of of the Lord in our midst. He will hold us together!

Your friend,

Stephen

* See The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp of Smyrna

Sermon Outline - 1 Timothy 1:18-20

2011-07-07T14:19:00.000+07:00

1 Timothy 1:18-20 (ESV)

18This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

How can you avoid making a wreck of your faith?

1. You must remember God's calling.
2. You must keep a good conscience.
3. You must be accountable to others.

Sorry, audio for this sermon is currently unavailable.

Sermon Outline - 1 Timothy 1:12-17

2011-06-27T11:59:00.002+07:00

1 Timothy 1:12-17 (ESV)

12I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Because Jesus came to save sinners, our lives overflow with the grace of the Lord.

What does that kind of life look like?

1. A life overflowing with the grace of the Lord looks authentic: We must be authentic examples of Christ's mercy.

2. A life overflowing with the grace of the Lord looks like a life of service: We must be serving through Christ's strength.

3. A life overflowing with the grace of the Lord looks like a life of worship. We must be worshipping in response to Christ's glory.

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 18

2011-06-22T14:37:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Ps. 119:11).

Are you looking for some ammunition for the fight against sin? The Lord has given us a powerful weapon, the Bible. Your Bible is not just a book of inspirational literature, it is a weapon for doing battle with evil (Eph. 6:17). The discipline of reading the scripture each day and memorizing verses is not only good for helping us grow in wisdom and understanding. It equips us for facing temptation, killing wicked desires, and getting over ungodly habits. If you want help overcoming these things, one sure place to find it is in the pages of God's Word.

Are you geared up for the fight today? Store the Word in your heart (read it, listen to it, study it, memorize it, mediate upon it), so that you might not sin against your God!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 1:8-11

2011-06-22T14:28:00.000+07:00

1 Timothy 1:8-11 (ESV)

8Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

Introductory comments on the Old Testament Law:

1. Ceremonial
2. Civil
3. Moral

We must understand the law of God, because it is good if used properly.

1. The law of God is useful for restraining people from sin.
2. The law of God is useful for moving people to Christ.
3. The law of God is useful for freeing people for joyful living.

Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 1:1-8

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 17

2011-05-26T15:16:00.001+07:00

Dear friend,

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Heb. 13:5).

Obviously money is a necessity for most of us. We need it to pay our bills, buy food for our families, and meet other obligations. But every mature person knows that money cannot bring you contentment. For that you must look somewhere else.

Contentment in this life never comes from having enough things, it comes from having God in your life. Money, property, other people, and even your own health fade away, but God is eternal. He is always there for you. "He will never leave you or forsake you." Knowing that He will always take care of you brings contentment into your life no matter what your outward circumstances are. If you belong to God in Christ Jesus, then He is your inheritance, your reward, your hope, and your contentment.

Never love money or look for happiness in the illusion of financial security. Instead find the peace, joy, and contentment that comes from resting in His promise.

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 1:3-7

2011-05-23T12:48:00.001+07:00

1 Timothy 1:3-7 (English Standard Version)

3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

We serve in this world, because we are motivated by love.

1. The love we have is given to us by God.
2. The love of God is our motivation to obey Him.
3. The love of God is our motivation to tell the truth about Him.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 1:3-7

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 16

2011-05-19T12:51:00.001+07:00

"By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith" (Hebrews 11:7).

Dear friend,

In our meeting the other day, the elders and I read the verse above and came up with three observations about Noah.

First, Noah was an ark-builder. Notice that he believed God's message and took action to save his family. In this way he is a good example to us. Christian men and women must try to live in such a way that their family might learn of Christ and find salvation in Him.

Second, Noah was a world-condemner. This is not to say that he did not love the people in the world. In fact, he tried to save them too by warning them of the coming judgement. He was a world-condemner, however, in that he considered the opinion of God more important than all that is in this world. This is the way those who love God should live.

Third, Noah was an heir of righteousness! Because he had faith in God, he could look forward to an inheritance in heaven that would never perish, spoil, or fade. This was his hope and it kept him going in live.

Friends, let's be like Noah. Be an ark-builder, a world-condemner, and an heir of righteousness through faith in Jesus!

Your friend,
Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 1:1-2

2011-05-18T16:01:00.001+07:00

1 Timothy 1:1-2 (English Standard Version)

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

If you belong to Jesus Christ, then you must live by faith.

1. You must have faith in Jesus Christ for the future.
2. You must have faith in the power of God to use you.
3. You must have faith in God to take care of you.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 1:3-7javascript:void(0)

Sermon Outline and Audio - Malachi 4

2011-05-15T12:56:00.000+07:00

Malachi 4 (English Standard Version)

1 "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. 3And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts. 4 "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. 5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. 6And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."

We are not hopeless, because of the Lord and His great day!

1. What is the great day of the Lord?
2. What happens on the great day of the Lord?
3. Are you ready for the great day of the Lord?

Click below for sermon:
Malachi 4

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 15

2011-05-05T12:52:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thess. 5:11).

The scripture commands us to "encourage one another" and it is a blessed commandment indeed! We need encouragement to live for Jesus Christ in this world. And we need to do all we can to help one another. There should be no "lone-ranger" Christians. Every Christian must seek opportunities to sit down with other believers, open up the Word of God, and learn how God wants us to love and live for Him.

I pray that each of you are finding that kind fellowship at church or in another good Bible Study forum. At JIBC we have Sunday classes for all ages at 9:15. If you are looking for an opportunity to meet with other believers during the week, then please let me know and I will send you some information about several Bible Studies that are going on right now.

If you would like a fresh start in a Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study, then check out the new classes that begin on May 22 at JIBC (see attachment). I hope you feel welcome to attend.

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Pr. 27:7). Let's get together and keep each other sharp for the glory of God and the good of all!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Click the link below for information about NEW Adult Bible Studies:
abs-e28093-adult-bible-studies-promo

Sermon Outline and Audio - Malachi 3:7-18

2011-05-03T10:12:00.000+07:00

Malachi 3:7-18 (English Standard Version)

7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, 'How shall we return?' 8Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. 12Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.

13 "Your words have been hard against me, says the LORD. But you say, 'How have we spoken against you?' 14You have said, 'It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? 15And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.'"

16Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. 17"They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. 18Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

If we want to experience God's blessing in our lives, then we must put Him first.

In this passage, how are we taught to put God first?

1. We must give God a portion of our income (a tithe) (7-9a).
2. We must trust God to take care of us (9b-12).
3. We must honor God with holy lives (13-18).

Click below for sermon audio:
Malachi 3:7-18

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 14

2011-04-28T10:29:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"For because He Himself had suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).

There are a few things we can learn from this verse:

First, it does not mean that Jesus needed to endure temptation to understand what our life is like. We must remember that He is God and therefore all-knowing. There is nothing in your life that he does not understand. When the verse says that He is able to help those who are tempted because He was tempted, it means He can help us because He lived and died for our sins. Because of His earthly ministry, He can help deliver us from the consequences of sin, He can send His Spirit into our lives, and He can help us in the battle with temptation.

Second, the verse shows us that our excuses for giving into temptation are no good. Jesus was tempted in every way, but never sinned. In another place the Lord tells us "we will not be tempted beyond what we can endure" (1 Cor. 10:13).

Third, the verse proves it is possible to be tempted and not sin. Sin and temptation are closely related, but they are not the same thing.

Fourth, we are assured of our Lord's understanding in this verse. He would have known all about temptation if He had not become a man (as mentioned above), but somehow knowing that He lived in the world and faced all the things we commonly do is powerfully comforting to us. Yes, He knows and understands! Praise be to His great Name!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Jesus Conquered Death So We Can Have the Gift of Life!

2011-04-28T07:56:00.001+07:00

Romans 6:23 (English Standard Version)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus conquered death so that believers can live forever!

1. The result of sin is death.
a. What is sin?
b. What does sin look like?
c. Where does sin take you?

2. The gift of life is in Christ.
a. God does not treat us a our sin deserves.
b. Heaven cannot be earned. It is only given as a gift.
c. This gift is given through Jesus Christ.

Will you accept this gift? It's as easy as ABC!

A - Admit you are a sinner.
B - Believe Jesus is the Savior.
C - Call on Jesus for salvation.

D - Determine to grow in Christ

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Romans 6:23

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 13

2011-04-21T09:26:00.002+07:00

Dear friend,

"For God gave us not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7).

We can discover four important characteristics of the Christian life in this short verse.

First, the Christian life is characterized by fearlessness. No matter what challenge we face, God is with us. "If God is for us, who can be against us" (Rom. 8:31).

Second, the Christian life is characterized by power. The almighty power of God's Spirit is at work in us, changing, molding, and making us into the people He wants us to be. When we trusted Christ as Savior, a good work was begun in us that will be completed and cannot be stopped (Phil 1:6).

Third, the Christian life is characterized by love. God loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for us (John 3:16). Because of this love, we love Him and we love each other too!

Fourth, the Christian life is characterized by self-control. With the help of God's Spirit we are disciplined and changed so that we do not find satisfaction in the passions of the unconverted life. Instead we "train ourselves for godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7-8) so that we can live in a way pleasing to our Master.

Christian, look for these characteristics in your life today: fearlessness, power, love, and self-control. God gave these things to you and you do have them in your life. Use these gifts for His glory!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John
Jakarta International Baptist Church

Sermon Outline and Audio - John 14:1-3

2011-04-18T11:11:00.000+07:00

John 14:1-3 (English Standard Version)

1 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

We must place our trust in King Jesus, because He gives us what we need most.

1. Jesus gives us comfort in this life.
2. Jesus gives us hope in the life to come.
3. Jesus gives us a relationship we can trust.

Click below for Sermon Audio:
john-14-1-3

Sermon Outline and Audio - Malachi 2:17-3:7

2011-04-11T08:43:00.000+07:00

Malachi 2:17-3:7 (English Standard Version)

17 You have wearied the LORD with your words. But you say, "How have we wearied him?" By saying, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them." Or by asking, "Where is the God of justice?"

1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. 2But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.

5"Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.

6"For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. 7 From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, 'How shall we return?'

ince Jesus has come and is coming again, sinners (like us) must be ready.

1. We must understand the fate of sinners.
2. We must repent of the behavior of sinners.
3. We must trust in the Savior of sinners.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mal. 2:17-3:7

Sermon Outline and Audio - Malachi 2:10-16

2011-04-04T14:06:00.000+07:00

Malachi 2:10-16 (English Standard Version)

10Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the LORD, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12May the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendant of the man who does this, who brings an offering to the LORD of hosts!

13And this second thing you do. You cover the LORD’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. 14 But you say, "Why does he not?" Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. 15 Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. 16"For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless."

- Observations from the passage.

How can we apply it?

We must be faithful!

1. We must be faithful in marriage.
2. We must be faithful to our children.
3. We must be faithful to our God.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Malachi 2:10-16

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 12

2011-03-31T10:05:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:20).

The congregation of JIBC is made up of many different nations and races. By the grace of God, our Sunday worship service is proof that the Christian church transcends national and cultural boundaries. However, the Christian people of JIBC are also citizens of the same country, a heavenly country where Jesus is King! We are bound together as fellow countrymen in God's Kingdom. This is a bond that is stronger than the unity we have with our homelands and in some cases stronger than the unity we have with blood relatives.

The worldwide church (which is represented in places like JIBC) is a sample of what awaits us when our Lord Jesus Christ returns and brings us to heaven. There we will worship, honor, and enjoy Him with "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9). For now, let us remember our citizenship is in heaven and walk through this world in a way that is pleasing to our country's ruler, King Jesus.

Your friend,
Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - Malachi 1:6-14

2011-03-28T16:02:00.001+07:00

Malachi 1:6-14 (English Standard Version)

6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the LORD’s table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts. 9And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the LORD of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. 12But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the LORD of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the LORD. 14Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.

- What was God saying to Israel?
- What is God saying to us?

Because God is the Great King, we must honor Him!

1. We must give Him our best worship.
2. We must give Him our best obedience.
3. We must give Him our best offerings.

Click below for Sermon audio:
Mal. 1:6-14

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 11

2011-03-24T07:28:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Eph. 1:8-9).

This is why it is so ugly for a Christian to despise an unbeliever. If you have faith, if you are saved, if you have believed in Jesus as Lord, then it is only because you have received a gift from God. In fact, any good work you do is a result of the Lord's kindness. A Christian is only an instrument of His grace. Therefore, a proud Christian is a contradiction.

Remember this when you rub shoulders with other people. Apart from the grace of God, you are no different and certainly no better than those who are obviously living a life of sin. This knowledge should compel us to patiently reach out to them with the message of Jesus in love. As the old saying goes, "There but for the grace of God, go I."

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Sermon Outline and Audio - Malachi 1:1-5

2011-03-16T10:21:00.000+07:00

Malachi 1:1-5 (English Standard Version)

1The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi. 2 "I have loved you," says the LORD. But you say, "How have you loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?" declares the LORD. "Yet I have loved Jacob 3but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert." 4If Edom says, "We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins," the LORD of hosts says, "They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called 'the wicked country,' and 'the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.'" 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, "Great is the LORD beyond the border of Israel!"

1. Malachi is calling believers to love the love of God!
2. Malachi is calling unbelievers to turn to the love of God!

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Malachi 1:1-5

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 10

2011-03-10T10:18:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor. 1:3-4).

What are you looking to for comfort?

One American restaurant chain has placed large billboards across the country that include their name along with just two words: Comfort Food! I suppose the idea is you can pull into their place after a long day and find comfort in a chicken n' dumplins or a piece of cobbler. Of course people look for comfort in all kinds of other things too. For example, luxury cars, comfortable houses, savings accounts, and holidays. In addition to these benign seeming things, certain sins are sometimes used in attempts to bring comfort in the midst of stressful lives.

But the Christian has a source of comfort that is infinitely better than any of these earthly things. In the verse above God is described as the "Father of mercies and the God of all comfort." We need not look to the things of the earth when we have the Almighty as our Father. He has given us love, grace, salvation, and hope for heaven! He has given us Himself! If we have "any affliction" we can turn to Him! Let's not settle for less!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Let All That You Do Be Done In Love

2011-03-09T07:45:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

“Let all that you do, be done in love” (1 Cor. 6:14).

Love is the act of putting someone else’s needs ahead or your own. This is what God does for us in sending His Son. The Lord Jesus came from heaven, where He was in perfect glory and comfort, and laid down His life for us. He set aside His rights so He could look after our needs. That is a perfect demonstration of love. “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

The Lord commands us to do all things in love! This means that in your interaction with other people you must be concerned for what is best for them. Can you help them in some way? If so, then help. Do you need to patiently endure or ignore their faults? Then do so. Must you confront another person with a challenge to change? Do not be afraid! Go ahead and do that, if it is best for them. Are you unsure how to love a person? Ask God for the wisdom that he promises to give.

“Let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).

Your friend,

Stephen

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 9

2011-03-03T08:28:00.001+07:00

Dear friend,

"So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33).

This is one of those statements that is too often "swept under the rug" as if it had never been spoken. When it is discussed it is usually in the context of explaining how Jesus does not really mean what He says. This is a shame, because all scripture is given for our good and we ought to consider the implication of these words in our lives.

We are a called upon by King Jesus to give up everything for Him! He ought to have first place in our lives. The other things we enjoy in this world (family, friends, job, position, possessions) are for His service, honor, and glory.

Jesus makes it plain that He wants our all. Of course He is a gracious and patient Master, who does not treat us as our sins deserve, but do not make the mistake of assuming He is okay with half-hearted devotion. He is calling His followers to put him ahead of all things.

It is ironic that we ignore and resist this teaching because we think it will make up less happy. The truth is that our greatest happiness comes when we let Jesus reign supreme in us! We were made for Him!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Praise God, He Does Not Treat Us As We Deserve!

2011-03-02T06:58:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:10).

Sin is rebellion against the Lord and he has every right to destroy us for our rebellion. When you do, say, or even think something that is contrary to what He wants, you are rebelling against the Creator and King of the Universe. If we were to get what we deserved from God, we would be without hope.

Thankfully, the holy, sin-hating God is also full of love, mercy, and compassion. Rather than destroying us, He has made a way for us to be rescued from our guilt. He has sent Jesus into the world to be our Savior. This is not because we deserved help; in fact we deserved just the opposite!

God’s love comes despite our sin. This is one of the things that makes the Good News, really good. Left to ourselves we would be hopeless, but our hope is in Him! Do not despair in your sin, friends, instead look to Him for mercy. No matter what you have done this week, the scripture makes it clear that He is ready to embrace repentant sinners.

“But God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 16:1-8 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-02-28T09:47:00.001+07:00

Mark 16:1-8 (English Standard Version)

1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3And they were saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?" 4And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back— it was very large. 5And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. 6And he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you." 8And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Because Jesus lives, we must live for Him!

1. We must trust in His care for us (1-4).
2. We must rejoice in His forgiveness (5-7).
3. We must exalt Him with our witness (8).

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 16:1-8

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 8

2011-02-24T06:54:00.001+07:00

Dear friend,

Are you feeling guilty today Christian? Convinced that you have blown it too badly to be forgiven this time? I want to offer some words of encouragement, but before I do I need to be clear about something that you may have misunderstood in the past. The truth is that you have never been good enough. That's right, you have never been good enough for God. The Bible says, "There is no one righteous, no not one" (Rom. 3:10) and "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).

I share this, not to make you feel bad, but to relieve you of any notion that God loved you because you are such a lovable person. It is this false idea that really gets us down when we have failed in some way. Too many Christians have convinced themselves that God loves them because of their behavior. Then, when they sin, they lose all hope because they feel they are no longer "good."

The reality of the Christian life is that God loves us despite our sin (Rom. 5:8). Our righteousness before God comes, not from our good actions, but from the grace of Christ! It is through the gift of faith in Christ that we are able to stand before the Lord! It is because of the work of Christ on the cross that God loves us!

Of course you should hate your sin and turn away from it, but do not believe the lie that says God stopped loving you because of your sin. He never loved you because you are such a great person anyway, He loves you because of Jesus!

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8:1).

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

The Conviction and Blessing of God in You

2011-02-23T11:02:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

“And do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16).

It is incredible to think of yourself as the temple of God, to consider your body a place where God actually dwells. But the scripture says this is true of the Christian and it is a thought both convicting and wonderful.

It is convicting because we often do things that are dishonoring to the Lord. With our eyes, hands, minds, and hearts we participate in things that are against His holy will. Imagine that God is not only with you, but also in you when you are sinning. His Spirit is offended and hurt by your disobedience. This helps us begin to understand what the apostle means when he says we should not “grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph. 4:30).

Knowing that God’s Spirit dwells in you is also a wonderful blessing. To be united in this way to the one for whom you were created and to experience the fullness of Him is the greatest experience in the world. He is always with you. You are never alone. He always understands your situation even when no one else on earth does. His Spirit in you gives “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control” (Gal. 5:22-23). The presence of the Holy Spirit in your body is a glorious and wonderful blessing for which we can give thanks!

Remember, Christian, He is in you. Enjoy the helpful conviction and the wonderful blessing!

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 15:21-47 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-02-21T10:59:00.001+07:00

Mark 15:21-47 (English Standard Version)

21 And they compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross. 22 And they brought him to the place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull). 23And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take. 25And it was the third hour when they crucified him. 26And the inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." 27And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. 29And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, "Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30save yourself, and come down from the cross!" 31So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, "He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe." Those who were crucified with him also reviled him.

33And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" 35And some of the bystanders hearing it said, "Behold, he is calling Elijah." 36And someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying, "Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down." 37And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last. 38And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"

40There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41When he was in Galilee, they followed him and ministered to him, and there were also many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

In order to help us process this most terrible and most wonderful event in the history of the world, I want to put forth five snapshots from the events of Good Friday.

Snapshot 1: Simon carrying the cross (21).
Snapshot 2: The location of the crucifixion (22).
Snapshot 3: People insulting Jesus (23-32).
Snapshot 4: The dead Jesus on the cross (33-39).
Snapshot 5: The burial of Christ (40-47).

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 15:21-47

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 7

2011-02-17T11:01:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions. Do not make me the scorn of the fool" (Ps. 39:7-8).

According to one definition, hope is "a feeling of expectation and desire for something good to happen." The verse above is a refreshing reminder that we can place our hope in God. That is to say if we want good things in our lives, then we need not look to other people or things of the earth. It is the Lord Almighty who can deliver us from all trouble and care.

In fact, our God is so good and gracious that He even delivers us from all our transgressions. We do not need to be perfect and sinless to place our hope in Him. Rather we can hope in Him despite our sin. We may deserve to be mocked by fools because of what we have said and done. But we can have deliverance because of our gracious God!

What or who are you hoping in today? Place your hope in the Lord Jesus and you will experience good things!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Be His Witness, Even When It's Not Easy

2011-02-16T07:04:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples before His ascension. They are His final instructions to His disciples.

Jerusalem was the place the disciples were, Judea was the region around that famous city, Samaria was a country to the north, and the ends of the earth represented the unknown and far away places.

Jesus intended this to apply for us as well. Obviously Jakarta would be Jerusalem for most of us. Java would be Judea and so on. But the Lord is not only addressing geography. There is an even bigger challenge.

Jerusalem and Judea were familiar places for the Lord's disciples, but at the time they were afraid to be seen there because of the threats made against them by their enemies. Samaria might have been safer, but they had a natural dislike for the place and the people who lived there. Of course, the ends of the earth were terrifying because of the uncertainty about what they might experience there.

The bottom line in our Lord's final commandment is that He wants His people to do hard things! He is asking us to take risks out of love for Him and others. He is calling us to carry the good news of salvation out of our comfort zone. Are you ready to heed that call?

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 15:16-20 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-02-15T14:56:00.001+07:00

Mark 15:16-20 (English Standard Version)

16 And the soldiers led him away inside the palace (that is, the governor’s headquarters), and they called together the whole battalion. 17And they clothed him in a purple cloak, and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on him. 18And they began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 19And they were striking his head with a reed and spitting on him and kneeling down in homage to him. 20And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. And they led him out to crucify him.

Because Jesus is the King, we must give Him our attention.

1. We must listen to the claims of Jesus seriously.
2. We must worship Jesus with sincerity.
3. We must trust Jesus for salvation.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 15:16-20

Regarding Attacks Against Religious Minorities in Indonesia

2011-02-10T07:38:00.003+07:00

This is a letter I wrote to the editor of the newspaper I receive here in Jakarta. It was not published, something which I understand completely since the paper received so many other good letters on this topic. Nevertheless, I wanted to get this out anyway, so here it is:

Dear editor,

As a Christian pastor, some would say I am a "religious leader." Normally I shun that designation, but in light of the recent religious attacks on minority groups, I take it up now to address other "religious leaders" in this nation.

Friends, we are after the hearts and minds of men and women! Whether you are leaders among Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or some other faith you are trying to capture the human heart or soul. For me, this mean two things:

First, as a religious leader, I am intolerant of other religious ideas (take notice of my emphasis on the word ideas). I think any religious teachings that do not agree with the gospel of Jesus Christ as expressed in writings like John 3:16-18 are false and I do not agree with them. In fact I oppose those ideas because I think ignoring the awesome truth that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus is dangerous for the souls of men and women. It would not be loving or nice for me to hide the truth of God as I find it in the New Testament. So I challenge all contrary religious ideas, convinced that mine is right and all others are wrong.

Second, as a religious leader, I am tolerant of all other religious people (take notice of my emphasis here too). Other people who disagree with my religious view should have every right to disagree with me, to worship according to their religion, and teach their ideas. Physical intimidation, coercion, and laws that limit freedom of speech and worship are deplorable for so great a nation as this one. Religious leaders who think those things are necessary to protect the advancement of their faith have missed the mark completely. History has proven many times that you can never capture the heart that way. I begin to wonder if they feel their ideas are not good enough to carry the day in debate and discussion!

In a great and free society, if you disagree with my faith, you do not have to tolerate my idea! Speak out against it in books, sermons, journals, blogs, television, and radio. My conviction of truth makes me unafraid or your teaching. But friends, fellow religious leaders, do not limit the freedom of other ideas and or harm those you disagree with! All people are made in the image of God. Whether you agree with their expressed ideas about religion or not, they deserve love, kindness, respect, and safety for themselves, their loved ones, and their property.

Submitted for the love of God and all people,

Stephen St. John

Pastor Stephen St. John
Jakarta International Baptist Church
www.theJIBC.org
http://stephenstjohn.blogspot.com/

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 6

2011-02-10T07:33:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6:5-6).

This passage can be a rebuke for most of us. It shows a lack of mighty power working in our lives or in the life of our church is a result of unbelief. When Jesus visits the town of Nazerath, He is present, powerful, and willing to do great things there, but the people are characterized by a lack of faith and interest. How often are we similar?

On the other hand, this passage can be an encouragement. It shows us we do not need harder labor, better plans, more money, more talent and so on to experience the mighty power of God at work in us. We simply need more faith. We must believe! And if we don't, then we need to cry out to Jesus, asking him to help us believe. When this is done with sincerity, we will see the mighty works of God in and around us!

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 15:1-15 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-02-07T13:26:00.000+07:00

Mark 15:1-15 (English Standard Version)

1 And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole Council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so." 3And the chief priests accused him of many things. 4And Pilate again asked him, "Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you." 5But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed. 6 Now at the feast he used to release for them one prisoner for whom they asked. 7And among the rebels in prison, who had committed murder in the insurrection, there was a man called Barabbas. 8And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9And he answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?" 10For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead. 12And Pilate again said to them, "Then what shall I do with the man you call the King of the Jews?" 13And they cried out again, "Crucify him." 14And Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?" But they shouted all the more, "Crucify him." 15So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

If we want to live bravely, then we must be like Jesus!

1. We must not be selfish.

a. The chief priests.
b. The crowd.
c. Pilate.

2. We must be selfless.

a. Jesus' bonds in his hands.
b. Jesus' words before Pilate.
c. Jesus' words to us.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 15:1-15

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 5

2011-02-03T10:07:00.002+07:00

Dear friends,

"But God showed his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

The mercy of God in this verse is greatly encouraging!

It is encouraging first of all, because it proves that our salvation from sin does not come because God saw anything good in us. Christ laid down His life for us although we were guilty sinners! We are not saved because of our works, but rather through His work on the cross for us and the gift of faith. We can exclaim with Paul, "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift" (2 Cor. 9:15).

Secondly, the mercy of God in this verse is encourage in our continuing battle with sin. Since we were saved apart from our own ability, then this same external power of God is available to help us live for Jesus. In fact, looking to God (and outside of ourselves) for help will be a great aid in the struggle against sin in our lives. We must rely on the power of the Lord in the process of Christian living just like we rely on His power for the once and for all event of salvation.

Look for strength in His love today!

Your friend,

Stephen

Four Special Things About JIBC

2011-02-02T05:48:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

Here are four special things about JIBC:

First, our purpose: JIBC exists to glorify God, upwardly through worship, inwardly through discipleship, and outwardly through evangelism.

Second, our principles: JIBC is committed to the great truths of Christianity including these principles…

Scripture Alone: The Bible is the complete and perfect Word of God.
Christ Alone: Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man. Without Him, there is no possibility of salvation.
Grace Alone: Salvation is a gift from God. It is not earned or deserved, but is given by God through His mercy and grace.
Faith Alone: We are saved through faith in the work of Jesus Christ, not by our own work or effort.
The Glory of God Alone: All of life should be lived for God. All of creation is designed for the pleasure and praise of God in heaven.

More details on what we believe are found in the JIBC Statement of Faith.

Third, our personality: JIBC is a place where you can find happiness, because we are seeking to find fulfillment in our relationships with Christ. JIBC is a place where you can find a home, because we are the family of God. JIBC is a place where you can find help, because we are committed to serving the needs of all people.

Fourth, our people: Every Sunday, there are three groups of people at JIBC. We have visitors, regular attendees, and members (including associate members). Normally, regular attendees move toward membership as a means of Christian accountability and encouragement.

Praise God for His faithfulness to our congregation!

Your servant,

Stephen

Mark 14:53-65 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-01-31T14:24:00.001+07:00

Mark 14:53-65 (English Standard Version)

53 And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. 54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. 55Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. 56 For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. 57And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, 58 "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'" 59Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. 60And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" 61But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" 62And Jesus said, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." 63And the high priest tore his garments and said, "What further witnesses do we need? 64You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?" And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65 And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, "Prophesy!" And the guards received him with blows.

In this record of our Lord's trial, we see the ugliness of sin and the beauty of the Savior.

1. We must beware of the blindness of sin.
2. We must be encouraged by our glorious Savior.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 14:53-65

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 4

2011-01-27T11:17:00.002+07:00

Dear friends,

"Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you" (Acts 27:22a).

The statement above, made by Paul, must have seemed incredible to those who heard it. How could this man dare say such a thing as if it were an absolute fact? The hearers were on a tiny ship that had been caught in a hurricane-like Mediterranean storm for two weeks. The sailors had already thrown all the ships gear overboard to keep it from being sunk by the rain and waves. Now they had almost no means of navigating the ship and were completely at the mercy of the savage storm. The sailors and passengers were drenched, sleep deprived, worn out, and nearly broken. They had abandoned hope since there was no end to the storm in sight. And yet here is Paul saying, in effect, "You'll be fine. Let's eat!"

Where did he get this audacious confidence from? How could he be so bold? His certainty came from the source of his message. The Lord has sent an angel to tell Paul that all would be well. Having received this word from the Almighty, Paul was confident to share the truth with his weary shipmates as an absolute certainty. And indeed it did come to pass in just that way. Every passenger on board was spared and made it safely to land.

Friends, an angel told Paul what God had in mind, but we do not even need an angel! We have God's words recorded for us in the Bible. In the scripture, the will of God, His plan for you and destiny of the universe is declared. The words on the pages of the Bible are straight from the mouth of the Lord (2 Tim. 3:16). Therefore, we can take what God says and boldly declare it to the world, no matter what is going on. Our confidence is in the message of the Lord. Let's not be shy about declaring it with certainty!

"So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told" (Acts 27:25).

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Pray in Faith to Move Mountains of Temptation and Sin

2011-01-26T11:34:00.002+07:00

Dear friends,

“For truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

Jesus tells us nothing is impossible if we pray to him rightly, if we pray in faith. Even the smallest or weakest faith can move mountains! This verse is an encouragement for us to pray about all kinds of big needs.

It is especially interesting, however, to think about the immediate context of our Lord’s words. He had just cast a demon out of a boy, a vicious demon that did not come out easily. In fact, his disciples had been unable to drive the demon away. In his comment above, Jesus is saying they should have prayed for the Lord’s help with this wicked problem. This suggests the mountain Jesus has in mind is a mountain of sin or at least of wicked influence.

Are you praying about sin and wickedness around you? Are you ready to move mountains of temptation and vanquish evil? Are you doing spiritual battle against sin? Just a little prayer to Christ, made in faith, can remove these kinds of mountains. Ask Jesus to help you live in holiness today.

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 14:43-52 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-01-24T09:36:00.000+07:00

Mark 14:43-52 (English Standard Version)

43 And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, "The one I will kiss is the man. Seize him and lead him away under guard." 45And when he came, he went up to him at once and said, "Rabbi!" And he kissed him. 46And they laid hands on him and seized him. 47But one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48And Jesus said to them, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to capture me? 49 Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize me. But let the Scriptures be fulfilled." 50 And they all left him and fled. 51And a young man followed him, with nothing but a linen cloth about his body. And they seized him, 52but he left the linen cloth and ran away naked.

When we face troubles, we must run to Jesus.

1. We must be real with Him.
2. We must cling to Him.
3. We must trust Him.

Click below for Sermon Audio:
Mark 14:43-52

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 3

2011-01-20T12:48:00.004+07:00

Dear friends,

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'" (Matthew 19:26).

Jesus's comment above is a direct answer to the question, "Who then can be saved?" Our Lord had just told the disciples that it was difficult for rich people to go to heaven. They thought if that were the case, it would be even harder for poor people like them. However, Jesus declares that all men, rich and poor, can be saved from sin and the eternal punishment they deserve.

This is because the Almighty Lord is graciously applying His power to meet our spiritual needs. Salvation from sin, forgiveness, and eternal life are possible for us because God does impossible things! It is by His grace, mercy, and power that sinners are effectively called to repentance.

This same awesome power is available by grace to help us battle sin each day. We could never be the people we should on our own, but remember - with God all things are possible! Because of His power God can save even the most unlikely people and there is no sin that God cannot help you overcome!

Your friend,

Stephen

Finding Satisfaction in the Kingdom of God

2011-01-19T12:52:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

The antidote for all worry concerning earthy necessities is to turn our eyes away from those things and toward our heavenly home. Rather than pursuing a kingdom that is of this world, we should instead focus our life’s energies on the kingdom of God! Rather than hungering for earthly food, we should hunger for righteousness from God and for a right relationship with Him through faith in Christ the Lord. When we do these things, we find the greatest satisfaction and joy that humans can experience. This is because our hopes and dreams become attached to eternal things rather than the temporary pleasures of this life.

But this is not to say God is unconcerned about your worldly needs. Indeed He does care about your future, about where you will live, and what you will eat. In fact the Lord makes the promise that He will meet all our needs. The question is, do you trust Him? Are you ready to trust Him with your heart and life today? Will you stop worrying about your life, both the pleasures and pressures of it? Will you turn your eyes to the Lord and chase after Him?

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Mt. 6:33).

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 4:32-42 - Sermon or Bible Study Outline

2011-01-17T10:10:00.000+07:00

32 And they went to a place called Gethsemane. And he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be greatly distressed and troubled. 34And he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch." 35And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. 36And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." 37And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." 39And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. 40And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41And he came the third time and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

Jesus demonstrated his love for us, through His suffering for us.

1. Jesus suffered in great agony.
2. Jesus suffered in great prayer.
3. Jesus suffered in against great enemies.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 14:32-42

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 2

2011-01-13T12:44:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your weary souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

There is no doubt too much "casual" Christianity out there. Because of this, we are often challenged to live a higher and better Christian life. This is well meant of course, but perhaps living with Jesus is not so high and hard. In the verses above, Jesus is suggesting something different. He is saying that what we need, maybe more than greater and harder effort, is a little humility.

If we would lower our pride and submit to Christ, then He will give us support, strength, and yes even - ease! The difficult part for us is humility. We must come to a place where we admit that we cannot make it without Jesus and cry out to Him. The Lord is ready to answer. He offers us all the help we need when we are ready to do things His way. It is then that we find the "yoke is easy and the burden is light."

Are you willing to submit to the yoke of the Lord? If you are, then He will give you rest.

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 14:23-31, 54, 66-72 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2011-01-12T08:14:00.000+07:00

Mark 14:27-31

27And Jesus said to them, "You will all fall away, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.' 28But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee." 29 Peter said to him, "Even though they all fall away, I will not." 30And Jesus said to him, "Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." 31But he said emphatically, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." And they all said the same.

Mark 14:54

54 And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire.

Mark 14:66-72

66 And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, 67and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus." 68But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you mean." And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. 69And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, "This man is one of them." 70But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, "Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." 71But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, "I do not know this man of whom you speak." 72And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Because any of us can fail spiritually, we must learn from Peter's story.

1. We must learn from Peter's failure.
2. We must learn from Christ's forgiveness.

Click below for sermon audio (NOTE: a five min portion of this message has been removed because of a power outage that took place):
Mark 14:27-31, 54, 66-72

Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 1

2011-01-06T04:25:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out" (Acts 3:19).

We have developed a wrong idea about repentance. It is viewed too often a painful sacrifice, a turning away from something pleasurable and dear as a means of appeasing the wrath of God. But this is a distorted view.

Repentance (turning from sin) is a joy. It means freedom from bondage, renewed happiness, honesty, and salvation when turning away from sin includes turning to Jesus Christ!

Take stock of your soul for a moment friends. Identify those sins that hold you back. Repent and experience the joy of salvation!

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Bible Reading for 2011

2011-01-05T16:27:00.003+07:00

“Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105).

I cannot imagine what life would be like without the word of God. The Bible is without question the most significant piece of literature ever. And it always will be!

God is speaking to us in the pages of Holy Scripture. He tells us who he is, who we are, what are greatest need is, and how he has met our need through the Savior Jesus. The Bible also abounds with wisdom for living in this world and preparing for the world to come. In a word, I would describe it as indispensible. Job captures this thought when he says, “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food” (Job 23:12).

Just as our bodies need the daily nourishment of food and drink, our souls need daily nourishment from the word of God. I want to encourage each of you to adopt a Bible reading plan for 2011. There are several approaches available. Just one chapter a day will get you through the New Testament in about nine months. Three chapters a day can take you almost through the entire Bible in a year.

I use M’Cheyne’s Bible calendar, which you can find on the internet. You can also look at plans by going to http://www.esv.org/biblereadingplans or checking out the JIBC Facebook page.

I have never once regretted taking time to read the Bible. Join me this year with a good plan for reading. You will be glad you did!

Your friend,

Stephen

Christian Resolutions for 2011

2010-12-29T03:03:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

Are you ready to begin a new year? I thought I would share some resolutions I wrote about five years ago and have continued to prayerfully renew each year. Maybe they will help you think about how you want to live for Christ in 2011. You can use some of these or you can write your own. Remember they are not only resolutions, but they ought to be prayer requests to God. We need His help, if we are to honor Him.

I make these resolutions not with a haughty spirit as if I were some great man, but with humility and lowliness, trusting that if I make them in prayer, God’s Mighty Spirit will help me to keep them for His own glory in me.

1. Resolved to read through the Bible devotionally at least once this year.
2. Resolved to make daily prayer a routine and regular life habit.
3. Resolved to maintain accounts with great integrity and to use wealth and resources for the glory of God.
4. Resolved to lead, labor for, and love my family in such a manner that they may see a Christ in me.
5. Resolved to preach, teach, write, shepherd, and lead in the Lord’s church so that God is glorified.
6. Resolved to exercise habitually and consume moderately so that I might be most useful to my God and my family.
7. Resolved to exhibit a charitable spirit toward others, even those who oppose me and those who do not know our Savior.
8. Resolved, in reliance upon Gods grace, to wage war against all sin in my life and put it to death.
9. Resolved to do, say, and practice what is right even if it is not popular or easy.
10. Resolved to make the most of every moment using my time in ways that honor my Savior and my God.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Stephen

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 39

2010-12-23T03:04:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

Do you know where the first Christmas message was proclaimed? It was not in Bethlehem. In fact it was not in Israel at all, but in the Garden of Eden! Theologians often tell us Genesis 3 contains the story of the “fall of mankind” since that chapter relates the first sin of Adam and Eve. However, I like the label my friend, Pastor Hammond,* gives to that famous scripture. He calls it “God's Grace Revealed” and this is why I say it is where we find the first Christmas message.

The Lord was angry and disappointed with Adam and Eve because of their sin. In fact, He punished them and banished them from the garden. However, even as pronounced judgment upon our first parents, He revealed the gracious plan he had to rescue them. In His words of condemnation to the serpent He included this:

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall crush your head, and you shall strike his heel" (Gen. 3:15).

The offspring of the woman, who will crush the head of the devil, is none other than the promised Savior, Jesus Christ. It would be thousands of years before He was born as a baby in Bethlehem, but the promise of salvation was made right from the beginning. The good news was already preached near the beginning of time. The Savior was promised and God’s grace was revealed in the face of man’s first sin.

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

A Glorious Description of Christ

2010-12-22T05:52:00.000+07:00

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Is. 9:6).

Dear friends,

Think with me for a moment about the glorious description of Christ in the verse above.

• A child is born, a son is given. He is a child and a son. This reminds us of the Savior’s humility. Born a man he came to serve mankind.

• The government shall be on his shoulders. This humble servant-child is the governor of the nations! He rules the world and all that exists.

• He will be called Wonderful Counselor. He is the wisest of the all. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. His knowledge is wonderful beyond our comprehension.

• He will be called Everlasting Father. He is like a father to his people forever. He meets the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of his children in a way that no earthly father can.

• He will be called Prince of Peace. Through his work on the cross he brings peace between God and man. He brings peace to the believing sinner today and will establish peace throughout the universe on the great judgment day.

• He will be called Mighty God. He is our God incarnate, whom we gather to worship and obey!

May the name of our great King Jesus be lifted high!

Your servant,

Stephen

Sermon Outline and Audio - Luke 2:1-7

2010-12-20T09:10:00.000+07:00

Luke 2:1-7 (English Standard Version)

1In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Christianity is about a real, experiential encounter with a real Savior, Jesus Christ!

1. Jesus was born in a real time.
2. Jesus was born in a real place.
3. Jesus was born into a real family.
4. Jesus was born with a real body.
5. Jesus was born to save real people.

Click below for sermon audio:
Luke 2:1-7

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 38

2010-12-16T13:38:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were his enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life" (Rom. 5:8-10).

There is a myth in the world that says you can be neutral before God. Not so according to the Holy Scripture. You are either safe through the grace of Christ or you are an enemy of the Almighty. According to Romans 5, unbelievers are not just needy or misguided, they are enemies of God.

Thankfully, God loves his enemies and he has demonstrated his love through the sending of Christ to die for sinners. This means that men, women, and children in this world do not need to remain on the wrong side. By the grace of God they can come into His family and become His sons and daughters through faith in Christ.

However, to understand the need most clearly we must understand that unbelievers are the enemies of God. This dreadful thought (when shared kindly) ought to inspire them to flee to safety in Jesus and it ought to inspire Christians to share the Good News of salvation with the whole world!

Your friend,

Stephen

Live At Peace With All (If You Can)

2010-12-15T05:41:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

“If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18).

The verse above implies it will not always be possible to live at peace with everyone. Even children learn this quickly. Some people in the world are simply not interested in being at peace with you. I am thankful to God for the honesty of the Bible in this way.

Nevertheless, there is an important exhortation for the Christian here, which is too often overlooked. The verse above teaches that if there is a lack of peace in one of your relationships, it had better not be because of you! The Christian is to be a man or woman of peace. Jesus himself is called the “Prince of Peace.” Of course he still faced plenty of opposition, but it was never his fault.
That’s not an advantage you have, nor do I. We share plenty of faults in our broken relationships. But the Lord is calling us to be peacemakers. Jesus asks us to “be reconciled with our brothers” (Mt. 6:24) and to reach out even to those who hurt us so that we might “win them” (Mt. 18:15).

Is there someone with whom you are not at peace? Have you done all that is possible to live at peace with them? If not (or if you are unsure), then ask the Lord Jesus to help you take a step in the right direction today.

Your friend,

Stephen

The Roles of Elders and Deacons in the Church

2010-12-13T08:19:00.000+07:00

1 Timothy 3:1-13 (English Standard Version)

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil. 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Acts 6:1-7 (English Standard Version)

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Introduction:
GPS OBJECTIVE 5. Refresh our Officers (Elders and Deacons)

Goals:
a. Hold Monthly Elder Meetings
b. Hold at least Quarterly Deacon Meetings
c. Hold two Ministry Council Meetings

Sermon:
The purpose of this message is to outline the roles of elders and deacons in the church.

1. Elders and deacons are not...
a. Representatives
b. Upper and lower houses
c. Deacon is not a step toward elder

2. Elders and deacons are...
a. Servants
b. Leaders
c. Different

3. How are the elders and deacons implementing their tasks at JIBC right now?
a. Our purpose
b. Our vision
c. Our objectives

4. So what does that mean for you?
a. Do your duty and pray
b. Obey you leaders
c. Pray for your leaders
d. Do not gossip about your leaders
e. Serve along with your leaders
f. Pray the Lord will raise up future leaders

Click the link below for sermon audio:
The Roles of Elders and Deacons in the Church

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 37

2010-12-09T09:43:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come" (2 Cor. 5:17).

This verse contains the truth about our glorious freedom in Christ Jesus! When we are in Christ, that is to say, when we are believing in Him as Lord and Savior, then we are made new. This means the past is, just that - the past. Those wicked things we said, did, or experienced are behind us. We do not need to remain shackled to sin and hurt. We are free!

This is true in relation to things you experienced years ago and it is also true in relation to your struggles earlier this day or even in the moments proceeding your reading of this. Jesus Christ makes all things new. His mercies are new every morning and His people are new people.

Too often, we replay the mistakes of the past over and over, which is a shame since Jesus has recreated us through the almighty power of His shed blood and put us on the path to a glorious future. Let's be like the inspired apostle Paul who wrote:

"Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14).

Your friend,

Stephen

Pastor Stephen St. John

Mark 14:1-11 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-12-08T12:50:00.000+07:00

Mark 14:1-11 (English Standard Version)

1 It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest him by stealth and kill him, 2for they said, "Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar from the people." 3 And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head. 4There were some who said to themselves indignantly, "Why was the ointment wasted like that? 5For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor." And they scolded her. 6But Jesus said, "Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. 7For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But you will not always have me. 8 She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. 9And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her." 10 Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. 11And when they heard it, they were glad and promised to give him money. And he sought an opportunity to betray him.

Because Jesus is the Savior of the world, we must put Him first in our lives.

1. We must avoid obsession with popularity.
2. We must avoid obsession with possessions.
3. We must embrace eternal priorities.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 14:1-11

Sunday Prayer, No. 72

2010-12-05T07:01:00.001+07:00

Almighty Father in Heaven, we your people are gathered this morning to worship You! It is our pleasure to do so because you have made us for this exact purpose. We were created to reflect your glory back to You as we receive endless blessings from your loving hands, blessing such as life, health, friends, family, jobs, homes, and the greatest of all – the blessing of becoming your sons and daughters through the work of the Savior Jesus upon the cross. This final and greatest blessing is received by your grace through faith in Him. Because of this grace and faith we can enjoy the forgiveness of sins, which helps us to stand before you today and prepares us for the future life in heaven. Thank you Father and we praise, glorify, and honor your Holy Name together now!

You are so kind to us, O Lord. So kind, even to command that we must share our needs with you and ask for help. With this in mind, we pray that you would be with those who are sick in our midst. Bring them health and healing. Be also with those who are struggling emotionally, perhaps with depression or anger. Bring them peace and joy. Be with those who have pressing financial needs. Remind them that you are aware of and promise to meet all of their needs according to your riches and glory. Be with those who are struggling with temptation and sin. Set them free through the power of your Spirit.

Father we pray for the advancement of the gospel of Christ. Bless the ministries of our church. We think we have good plans and without question a lot of effort had gone into them developing them. But we do not believe for a minute that our church ministry plans could be successful without your blessing. So please Lord, go before us into the next year of ministry like you went before the children of Israel, leading them into the Promised Land. Where we are headed in wrong direction correct us and when we are doing your will, make us brave and bold to stay the course.

Today Lord, we welcome our new Worship and Youth Pastor Dave Atkins and his wife Sharon. We thank you for them and humbly pray that you will help them as they settle into this great city and that you will use them as instruments for your glory and the good of your people.

And now Father, please assist us in our worship today. May every thought and word be pleasing to You. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Pastor Dave Atkins on Worship

2010-12-04T14:00:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

This morning we welcome our new Worship and Youth Pastor, Dave Atkins. It has been my pleasure to get to know Pastor Dave and his wife Sharon over the past few months and I am looking forward to our ministry together. I found the following paragraphs from Dave about worship and serving as a worship leader to be edifying and want to share them with you:

“Life is worship, and worship is a response. The purpose of believers, both individually and corporately, is to glorify God. To glorify God is to live our lives in response to Him, first of all, who He is, and second, what He has done for us as His children.

Music is only a part of that response. The purpose of a music ministry is to glorify the triune God and to provide a place for believers to worship as a united, single-minded whole in song. For centuries, the music of the Church has been used to express truth and Spirit in song, to communicate theology and doctrine, and to unite the minds

My mission as a worship leader is to see the Body of Christ glorify God as a single community, like-minded, loving and serving the Lord and each other with passion and fervor. My desire in leading music is that the Body would be edified with musical excellence and lyrics that speak the truth of God’s Word. I seek to provide a place where believers are confronted with the beauty of God, the depths of their sin, and the heights of His grace in a setting that is both secure and liberating for them to adore their God.” – Pastor Dave Atkins

I can say amen to that! And I invite you all to please say hello to Dave and Sharon today and help them feel at home as they settle in to serve the Lord at JIBC!

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 13:31-37 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-11-23T07:30:00.000+07:00

Mark 13:31-37 (English Standard Version)

31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."

Review from last week:

What is Jesus telling us to do in the these verses?

1. Jesus wants us to place our hope in Him for salvation.
2. Jesus wants us to run from God's wrath to God's grace.

This brings us to where we left off:

Jesus wants us to be ready for His return!

1. We must be ready at all times.
2. We must be ready to obey.
3. We must stay awake.

How can we make sure we are ready?

1. Be a Christian.
2. Live like a Christian.
3. Develop your Christian mind.
4. Serve the Lord in this world.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 13:31-37

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 36

2010-11-19T05:40:00.002+07:00

Dear friend,

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength” (Is. 30:15).

This verse is a great comfort to any who are struggling. Whether your struggle is with some sin, with another person, or with the circumstances of life, the best way to tackle problems is to run to God and find rest in Him. Of course this is not our natural reaction. Naturally we fight, kick, scream, fret, and go generally berserk in our efforts to handle the trouble we face in life. But God is giving us a blessed invitation in the verse above. He says, "Come here, be quiet, rest, and in so doing you will be strong!"

Are you trying to solve everything that is wrong in your life on your own? Why don't you just stop, sit still, and quietly ask God for help? That may feel a little like inaction to the uninformed, but according to the word of God, it is the best action you can take. It will make you strong!

Your friend,

Stephen

Worship and Serve with Joy as a Forgiven Sinner

2010-11-17T08:59:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

I wonder how many of you are sitting in your chairs this morning depressed because you know you have sinned against the Lord? Of course it is a good thing if we are uncomfortable with sin. Perhaps that troubled conscience is God’s means of steering you away from danger and making you think twice about those things you are tempted to do which go against His holy law. So I am not out to sooth your guilty conscience. However, it must be admitted that the devil can also use our guilt feelings as a means of ruining our worship and our service to Christ the King.

Therefore, friends, hear the good news from heaven:

“If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous! He is the propitiation (appeasement of wrath) for our sins. If we say we have no sins, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He if faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” - 1 John 2:1-2 and 1 John 1:8-9

Take a moment, right now and confess your sins to God. Then remember that Jesus paid for your sins on the cross. Place you hope in Him and let this good news give you peace and revive in you the joy of salvation! And now worship and serve your Lord with these words of Jesus in your mind:

“Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on, sin no more” (John 8:11).

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 13:14-37 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-11-16T08:32:00.000+07:00

Mark 13:14-37 (English Standard Version)

14"But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be ( let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out, 16and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 17And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 18Pray that it may not happen in winter. 19For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be. 20And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days. 21And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. 23But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. 24"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28"From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."

What is Jesus telling us to do in these verses?

1. Jesus wants us to place our hope in Him.

2. Jesus wants us to know the character of God.

3. Jesus wants us to be ready for His return.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 13:14-37

Mark 13:1-13 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-11-16T07:25:00.000+07:00

Mark 13 (English Standard Version)

1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" 2And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." 3And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately, 4"Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished?" 5And Jesus began to say to them, "See that no one leads you astray. 6 Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray. 7And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end is not yet. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. These are but the beginning of the birth pains. 9 "But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

As we wait patiently for heaven, we must remember the words of Christ.

1. We must focus on the life to come.
2. We must beware of false helpers.
3. We must trust Christ in hardship.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 13:1-13

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 35

2010-11-11T09:03:00.001+07:00

Dear friend,

"Do not labor for food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you" (John 6:27).

This verse is another good reminder of what is most important. We labor so we can get things we need. We work not only for food, but also clothing, shelter and all the basic physical needs of life. But in the verse above, Jesus warns us not to labor for food that perishes. He certainly does not mean that we should not have jobs. In fact the scripture encourages Christian people to work and make a living (2 Thess. 3:12).

But even as we do that we must be laboring for something else. Or shall I say, Someone else. We are to be laboring for Him. We must remember that our ultimate goal in everything we do is to bring glory and honor to King Jesus (1 Cor. 10:31). Our work at home, at school, in business, and in our church is done for Him. We seek after Him in faith that he gives us salvation from sin and prepares us for the eternal Kingdom. In another place, Jesus puts it like this, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).

So whatever your labor is this week, remember your number one purpose is to strive toward that eternal life which Jesus has secured for you on the cross.

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Remember the Orphans

2010-11-10T09:15:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world” (James 1:27).

God plainly states that “pure and undefiled” religion is to visit orphans. Amazingly, Christian people invest tons of energy into all kinds of activities other than this. God does not call small groups, theological training, praying, singing, and many other activities “pure and undefiled.” But he does say that about visiting orphans. It is a wonder that Christians do not do more to obey this verse.

The need is certainly big enough. It is estimated there are over 143,000,000 orphans in the world. The organization Orphans’ Hope helps put the need in perspective: “That’s enough children to go three times around the world at the equator. If you had these orphans hold hands in a line, you would see over 1,700 per mile. If you were to follow that line of orphans holding hands, driving 60 miles per hour, you could drive 24 hours a day, seeing 1,700 orphans every mile, hour after hour, day after day without stopping for over two months and you would still see orphans holding hands. How long would it take you to stop and take one child in your arms, to make a difference for at least one?”*

This December, the JIBC Preteens will be visiting orphans right here in our area. If you would like to participate, please see Deacon John Suwardi or me.

Let’s prove that we are serious about our Christian religion by visiting and caring for the orphans of this world.

Your friend,

Stephen

* Quotation from www.Oprhanshope.org

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 34

2010-11-04T09:36:00.000+07:00

Dear friend,

This coming Sunday is being observed as "Orphan Sunday" at churches throughout the world. In light of the Lord's teaching that "religion which is pure and undefiled is to visit orphans" this seems like a good practice (James 1:27).

There are a variety of estimates for how many orphans there are in the world today. Nearly all of them, however, place the number around 150,000,000. That is an astonishing number. Of course there should not be so many, not with our Lord's instruction to care for them. As one prominent pastor has said, "So long as there is a Christian church in the world, there should be no orphans."

But what can one person or one family do in the face of so many? The question reminds me of an old story:

Once there was a boy walking on the beach with his grandfather. The oceanfront where they walked was covered with starfish who had been stranded after an unusually high tide. There were thousands of them and they were quickly drying out in the sun. Away from their ocean habitat, they would all perish. The grandfather picked up a couple and threw them across the beach back into the sea. "There you go little starfish," he said.

The boy observed how many others were still on the beach and knew they could not save them all. "Grandpa," he said, "What difference does it make to save just a few when there are so many?"

Picking up one more and sending it back to safety in the water, the man answered, "It makes a difference to this one!"

This is how the church can make a difference for the orphans of the world. One person, touching the life of one orphan at time. If you would like to know more about how you can help with orphans here in the Jakarta area, then please send me an email and inquire. For information about orphan care in general, please click on this link.

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 12:41-44 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-11-01T06:50:00.000+07:00

Mark 12:41-44 (English Standard Version)

41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on."

We must worship God through giving.

1. We must give to the poor.
2. We must give generously.
3. We must for God.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 12:41-44

Mark 12:35-40 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-10-13T07:17:00.000+07:00

Mark 12:35-40 (English Standard Version)

35 And as Jesus taught in the temple, he said, "How can the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David? 36David himself, in the Holy Spirit, declared,

"'The Lord said to my Lord,Sit at my right hand,
until I put your enemies under your feet.'
37David himself calls him Lord. So how is he his son?" And the great throng heard him gladly.

38 And in his teaching he said, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation."

When there is trouble, we must follow the example of Jesus.

1. We must remember to rely on God's word.
2. We must remember that God works all things together for good.
3. We must remember that God will punish the wicked.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 12:34-40

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 33

2010-10-07T10:11:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed" (Mark 1:35).

Although we have looked at this verse in a recent edition of the Weekly Words, I want to revisit it because it strikes at the root of a big challenge for us. The challenge is finding time to really focus on our relationship with God.

Our lives today are so full and busy that I fear we are becoming increasingly shallow in even the most important relationships. For example, now that we have phone, messaging, email, and internet capability continuously in our hands, we are running the risk of being continually distracted from the people around us. And with television, radio, personal MP3 players, and a host of other things the flow of interruption/distraction never stops even when we are alone. Those quiet moments for gathering our thoughts are disappearing. What will become of our relationship with the Lord if we never take time out to think, pray, and listen to his voice in the scripture?

Of course there is nothing new under the sun. Jesus did not have all these same distractions, but he still never had a moment without someone vying for his attention. This is why I want to return to this passage in Mark Chapter 1. Notice how Jesus took intentional steps to get away and have quiet time with his Father. He got up early and he went off alone to a secret place. He took decisive action so that he could protect his most important relationship. We would be wise to do the same.

Is there some intentional, decisive step that you need to take to spend some time with God?

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Argument Pills

2010-10-06T09:37:00.002+07:00

Dear friend,

Have you ever been in an ugly argument with another person? The scripture gives us both the diagnosis and cure for this common problem.

The diagnosis is in James 4: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Do they not come from your desires that battle within you? You want something, but don’t get it!” In a word, the reason we have strife with others is because of selfishness. This is the scriptural diagnosis of the disease behind the symptoms of arguments, gossip, division, hurtful words, and actions.

Thanks be to God that Jesus gives a prescription for this disease. His medicine is commonly called the golden rule. “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Mt. 7:12). If we would swallow this loving pill, then the tension of broken relationships would quickly ease, at least as far as we were concerned.

Let us take this simple, powerful, treatment together. Next time you are tempted to raise your voice with selfish malice, ask yourself what you would think if someone did that to you.

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 12:28-34 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-10-04T12:30:00.000+07:00

Mark 12:28-34 (English Standard Version)

28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the most important of all?" 29Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." 32And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him. 33And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." 34And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.

We must listen to Jesus, because he brought the greatest message in the world!

1. Jesus brought a message based on love.
2. Jesus brought a message full of hope.
3. Jesus brought a message of grace.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 12:28-34

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 32

2010-09-30T09:39:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

Too far gone? I don't think so, not while our God is on the Throne!

"Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord that He may have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon" (Is. 55:7).

This verse overflows with the grace and mercy of God. It is an invitation, not for good and righteous people to come, but it is an offer of pardon for the wicked and the unrighteous. There is not one person in this world who is "to bad" for the grace and mercy of God to change. So never view any unbeliever as a lost cause. Never think that the grace of God is too small for them. If they will turn to Him, then He will show them compassion.

So keep praying, keep sharing the message of Christ, and trust that there is always hope!

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Pursue Kindness!

2010-09-29T05:41:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

“Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).

These words remind me of Jesus’ teaching to “seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Mt. 6:33). Because we are unrighteous sinners, seeking righteousness and finding it in Christ is an essential part of the Christian message.

But the proverb above does something interesting by inserting the word “kindness.” Along with a pursuit of righteousness, wisdom would have us pursue kindness. So kindness is a way to life, righteousness, and honor. This is not to say you can have your sins removed and be fit for eternity simply by showing kindness to others. The righteousness you need to stand in the presence of the Almighty can only come through faith in Jesus. Nevertheless, the proverb elevates kindness to the highest level by pairing it with the word used to describe the nature of Christ and the condition of the saved soul.

With this in mind, let us obey God today by reaching out to those around us with kindness. Kindness is a mild and gentle attitude toward other people. It is being helpful and understanding of other. It is showing love. In essence it is acting like Christ.

Are you pursuing kindness today?

Your friend,

Stephen

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 31

2010-09-23T09:32:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"Serve the Lord with gladness..." (Psalm 100:2a).

Many Christians serve the Lord with a strong sense of duty because it is the right thing to do. We feel it is our responsibility and our obligation to be busy working for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. In our best moments we remember that serving is a way of acknowledging our love for Him. However, real happiness and joy in service to Jesus is rare. Too often we toil for God without the kind of gladness prescribed in Psalm 100.

This is not such a surprise, but you may be surprised by the reason. When we do not enjoy serving the Lord, it is a reflection of unbelief in our lives. If we truly grasp the graciousness of God and the incredible goodness He has shown us in Christ Jesus, then it will be impossible for us to serve Him without gladness of heart. When we are fully aware of the great eternal danger our souls were in without the Savior and the glorious home in heaven that awaits us, then we would more readily understand the exhortation of the apostle to "count it all joy... when you meet trials of various kinds" (James 1:2). If we truly believe in our salvation, then we will serve with unceasing joy!

Remember what you believe and serve the Lord with gladness!

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

World Missions Sunday at JIBC

2010-09-22T10:01:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

According to our church Statement of Faith, we believe:

God provides . . . by command and providence, that proclamation of the full counsel of God be made to all men as sinners. This reality most forcefully implies that Christ’s Gospel be proclaimed to all fallen humanity. The decree of salvation for the elect of every tongue, tribe, and nation, involves of necessity the proclamation of both the Gospel and the accompanying duties of repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus to all men everywhere (JIBC SOF, 20.2).

Amen! This morning’s service is intended to be a reminder of our duty to proclaim the message of salvation through faith in Christ “to all men everywhere.” One of the ways we fulfill that duty at JIBC is through the support of mission organizations and missionaries, many of whom are here with us this morning.

Before and after our service today, you will have an opportunity to meet these representatives of Jesus. Take the time to get to know them better, get their contact information, understand what they are doing for the kingdom, and then remember them as you pray and support their work throughout the next year.

Every Christian must serve in the cause of world missions. Some serve as senders and others as the sent. Whichever you are, be ready to obey Jesus with us and “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).

Your friend,

Stephen

All Christians Are Called to Participate in the Cause of World Evangelization

2010-09-20T10:30:00.000+07:00

John 20:21 (English Standard Version)

21Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you."

Mark 16:15 (English Standard Version)

15And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Acts 1:8 (English Standard Version)

8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Matthew 28:18-20 (English Standard Version)

18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Three reasons why the topic of missions is important:

1. Jesus commands us to share the gospel with the whole world.
2. The new birth is the only lasting hope for our broken world.
3. It is impossible to have a healthy church without missions.

Two goals for this message:

1. That any non-Christian who hears this will realize how important this gospel message it to us and then believe that message as a result.
2. That Christians who are present would understand that the task of world evangelization is the responsibility of every Christian person and that each of us would embrace that responsibility.

Three groups to address when talking about missions:

1. The Lost.
2. Missionaries (those who are sent).
3. Senders.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Missions Sunday 2010

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 30

2010-09-16T14:17:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

"And he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:46).

Too often we pray only for "stuff" or for the resolution of "problems." Do not misunderstand, it is good to ask God for help with all things. However, we do not pray enough for strength in the battle against sin and for the will of God to be done in our lives.

On the night before Jesus' crucification, even as He prayed that the cup of wrath might pass from Him, our Lord prayed for the will of His Father to be done. This was His priority as He entered the darkest day of His life. And apparently, the Lord's number one concern for the disciples who waited on Him was that they pray against sin and temptation.

So what are our priorities in prayer? Let's follow Jesus and pray for our needs without forgetting to seek the will of the Father above all things. And let's follow the Lord's instructions which He gave to His disciples and beg God to protect us from the many sinful temptations that are around us.
Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Find Rest in Jesus as You Worship Him

2010-09-15T10:20:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

Are you tired? I do not only mean physically tired. I am thinking of another weariness that is common among creatures like us. There is an emotional or spiritual exhaustion that can settle into the hearts of men, women, and even children. This can come as result of stress, broken relationships, uncertainty about the future, giving in to sin, and a variety of other things. Being tired in this way can drain us of our joy and make our days bleak.

If you can relate to any part of this, then I have good news for you today. Listen to this loving invitation from Jesus:

“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28).

I hope that you will find rest in Jesus today as we worship Him together. Find rest through the salvation that comes by believing He is the Savior of the world. Find rest in prayer before His throne. Find rest in singing praises to His name. Find rest in listening to His word. Find rest in Jesus! He has invited you and He is here with us in worship.

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 12:13-17 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-09-13T10:33:00.000+07:00

Mark 12:13-17 (English Standard Version)

13 And they sent to him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians, to trap him in his talk. 14And they came and said to him, "Teacher, we know that you are true and do not care about anyone’s opinion. For you are not swayed by appearances, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay them, or should we not?" 15But, knowing their hypocrisy, he said to them, "Why put me to the test? Bring me a denarius and let me look at it." 16And they brought one. And he said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" They said to him, "Caesar’s." 17Jesus said to them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." And they marveled at him.

Because we will always have unbelievers around us, we must learn from the way Jesus related to the people around Him.

1. Jesus knew the unbelievers around Him needed new hearts.
2. Jesus knew that unbelievers were watching so He always spoke the truth.
3. Jesus knew that unbelievers would need to see a consistently obedient life.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 12:13-17

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 29

2010-09-09T12:25:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"Do not say, 'I will repay evil'; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you" (Pr. 20:22).

If you have been hurt by another person, then listen carefully to this scriptural wisdom.

The proverb above cautions against taking a wrong course of action. It does not suggest inaction! In fact, there is no better method for facing evil of all kinds than "waiting on the Lord." We wait on Him when we open the Bible and look for words of comfort and counsel. We wait on Him when we offer up our prayer requests seeking His guidance in the face of difficulty. And we wait on Him when we hold our tongues and listen for the quiet voice of His Holy Spirit in our hearts.

If you are tempted to repay evil with evil, then wait! Not passively, but actively seek help from the Almighty. He gives it in the most amazing ways. He can bring about a great deliverance in your struggle that is beyond your imagination. You don't think so? You think two enemies cannot make peace?

But they can, with the help of the Lord!

"The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them" (Is. 11:6).

Wait on Him.

Your friend,

Stephen

Commit Your Work to the Lord

2010-09-08T10:22:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

Here is some encouragement from our God:

“Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established” (Pr. 16:3).

I think Christians are sometimes guilty of having a defeatist attitude about life and ministry. This is a shame, because with God on our side, it is not necessary to have a pessimistic view. All things are possible with Him! He is a powerful, loving, heavenly Father, who desires the best for His children and He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Of course the fulfillment of the proverb above requires doing work and making plans that can sincerely be “committed to the Lord.” Our efforts and prayers must be consistent with what we know about God’s character and will.

With that in mind, let’s commit ourselves to King Jesus and trust that He can help us accomplish great things for the glory of the Father! We can have victories against sin in our lives, people can be saved, and plans can work out. Thus says the Lord God Almighty, “Your plans will be established!”

God does great things all the time. It is easy for Him!

Your friend,

Stephen

Mark 12:1-12 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-09-07T10:48:00.001+07:00

Mark 12:1-12 (English Standard Version)

1 And he began to speak to them in parables. "A man planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a pit for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it to tenants and went into another country. 2 When the season came, he sent a servant to the tenants to get from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they took him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 Again he sent to them another servant, and they struck him on the head and treated him shamefully. 5 And he sent another, and him they killed. And so with many others: some they beat, and some they killed. 6He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' 7But those tenants said to one another, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 8And they took him and killed him and threw him out of the vineyard. 9What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this Scripture: "'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; 11 this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes'?" 12 And they were seeking to arrest him but feared the people, for they perceived that he had told the parable against them. So they left him and went away.

Because we want to bear fruit for God, we must learn from Jesus' teaching.

1. We must learn from the rebellion of God's people.
2. We must behold the reality of God's victory.
3. We must be filled with respect for God's Son.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 12:1-12

Sunday Prayer, No. 71

2010-09-05T10:48:00.000+07:00

Our Father in Heaven, thank you for being our Father. Thank you for your care of this world. You send your rain on the just and the unjust. You have given us a good world to live in and you continually uphold it and us by the power of your Almighty hand. Furthermore, you have adopted every believer into your family giving us the right, not only to call you Father, but also to cry out Abba, Daddy. You have prepared an inheritance for us, a home in heaven through the work of our great older brother, Savior, and Lord, your son Jesus Christ!

We pray today that your Name will be honored. We are here to worship you, to sing your praises, to offer up our prayers, and to listen humbly to your voice. We offer our church, our families, and ourselves to you, hoping that you will make us instruments for the advancement of your glory. We want to see your kingdom come in our midst. May the power of King Jesus be present in our lives in such a way that the devil flees and we find strength to live for you. And may the powerful, life-changing gospel go forth into this world, so the kingdom expands through the salvation of many souls.

Oh Lord, help us to do your will. Give us a deep desire to look into your Word, give us your Spirit’s illuminating power to understand it, and help us determine to obey it because we love you! Jesus says, if we are his friends we will do as he says. Dear God help us to demonstrate our friendship with the Savior through obedience to His commandments.

Father give us our daily bread. We thank you that you promise to meet our needs for food, clothing, and shelter. Help us not to worry about these things, but remind us to always ask you for what we need. So Father, be with those who are sick. Bring healing to those who are battling diseases, and be with those who need new employment, and be with those who are making big decisions about their future, and with those who are hurting emotionally too. Help us have the strength we need to walk in this world.

Father we also ask that you would forgive us for our many sins. Too often we fail to even care about your opinion. That’s a terrible thing to have to admit, but it is true. Forgive us for disbelief and disobedience. Likewise Lord, help us to be forgiving to others. We do not want to be bitter people Father. Give us humble, generous, and loving hearts towards all people, even those who mistreat us and disappoint us.

Finally Father, please protect us from temptation and evil in this world. Surround us with your powerful angels, protect us from our own sins and the sins of others, and lead us in the way everlasting.

We pray all these things in Jesus Name and may you get all the glory forever. Amen.

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 28

2010-09-02T10:10:00.001+07:00

Dear friends,

If you go in for a health check up, the doctor or nurse will be sure to check your primary vital signs, which include your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate. This is the first method they employ to see how you are doing and these simple signs are a good indicator of what kind of shape you are in.

Did you know there were spiritual vital signs too? What are some of these vitals that ought to appear in the heathy born again Christian? The great preacher, C.H. Spurgeon lists six "signs to prove the soul."* Here they are in italics, with my summary comments added:

1. The Christian must show a conviction of sin.

You must recognize you are lost and condemned by your many sins before you can fully understand the good news of salvation. You are spiritually unhealthy if you think you are good enough on your own.

2. The Christian must exhibit a simple faith in Jesus Christ.

The believer must trust that Jesus alone makes it possible to have salvation because he paid the price for sin on the cross. You are spiritually unhealthy if you are trusting in anything other than Jesus.

3. The Christian must have unfeigned repentance of sin.

If you really are saved by Jesus, then you will hate the sin for which Jesus died. You are spiritually unhealthy if you continue to cling to sins without concern.

4. The Christian must enjoy a real change of life.

Being a Christian is not just a change of mind or attitude, it means you have become a new creature completely. You are spiritually unhealthy if you live and think just like you did before claiming a relationship with Jesus.

5. The Christian must practice true prayer.

Imagine if you claimed to be in a relationship with another person and yet you never talked to him or her. You are spiritually unhealthy if you do not talk to God often about what is going on in your life.

6. The Christian must show a willingness to obey the Lord in all His commands.

If you know what God wants you to do and determine to ignore it or if you are totally uninterested in what God expects of you, then you cannot possibly call yourself a real believer. You are spiritually unhealthy if you ignore God's rules for living in this world.

How is your spiritual health friend? Praise God if you see good spiritual vital signs. But if you detect an illness (or worse) there is no time like the present for getting in shape!

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Mark 11:27-33 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-08-31T07:19:00.000+07:00

Mark 11:27-33 (English Standard Version)

27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28and they said to him, "By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?" 29Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me." 31And they discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then did you not believe him?' 32But shall we say, 'From man'?"— they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John really was a prophet. 33So they answered Jesus, "We do not know." And Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Since Jesus is the ultimate authority in the universe, then we must listen to Him.

1. We must beware of our own agendas.
2. We must embrace the agenda of Christ.

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 11:27-33

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 27

2010-08-26T13:01:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world" (1 Timothy 6:6-7).

These verses teach us how to relate to wealth in this world. However, there is a broader and more general meaning as well. Not only should we seek "godliness and contentment" outside of money, but also other things such as pleasure, rest, fame, fitness, and worldly success. "Godliness" begins when we place our trust in Christ and have our sins washed away. It continues as we strive to love and honor Him by obeying His commands. "Contentment" comes from valuing and appreciating our relationship with the Lord more than anything else in this life.

Many people chase after the toys of this world and find that peace and happiness always elude them. This is because everything in the world will eventually spoil, perish, and fade away. Only the soul lasts for ever and only a Christ possessed soul will be prepared for heaven. This is why the greatest gain comes when we find salvation and satisfaction in Him.

"Worldlings prize their gems of beauty,
Cling to gilded toys of dust,
Boast of wealth and fame and pleasure;
Only Jesus will I trust.

Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus,
I’ve lost sight of all beside;
So enchained my spirit’s vision,
Looking at the Crucified."

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John
Pastor/Elder

Mark 11:22-25 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-08-23T07:55:00.001+07:00

Mark 11:22-25 (English Standard Version)

22And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Jesus wants us to have complete trust and faith in Him.

1. We must pray in faith.
2. We must forgive in faith.
3. We must expect the impossible in faith.

Click the link below for sermon audio:
Mark 11:22-25

Why is joining a local church important?

2010-08-18T09:06:00.002+07:00

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25).

There is a membership roll in heaven (Rev. 20:12; 21:27). We are commanded to gather together with other believers as a reflection, although imperfect, of the heavenly church (Heb. 10:25). This is best done in the context of church membership. Here are just a few reasons why joining a local church is important.

1. When you join the church, you make promises. Our accountability to each other comes only from our promises to God and his people as members of the church. Without these promises we have no formal obligation to our friends at church (2 Cor. 10:4).
2. Church membership helps us encourage one another in our Christian walk (Heb. 10:24; Acts 2:42-47).
3. Church membership helps us to protect the purity and peace of Christ’s name (Mt. 18:15-17).
4. Church membership makes it easier to share and mobilize resources for kingdom work (Acts 13:1-3; 15:2-4).
5. Church membership creates a strong and joyous unity in the public worship of God (Col. 3:12-17).

Are you ready to join with your brothers and sisters at JIBC as a member or associate member? Are you ready to stand shoulder to shoulder for the honor of Christ? Please see today’s bulletin announcements for more details.

Your servant,

Stephen

Mark 11:12-21 - Sermon Outline and Audio

2010-08-17T08:56:00.000+07:00

Mark 11:12-21 (English Standard Version)

12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it. 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers." 18And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21And Peter remembered and said to him, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered."

Jesus came to remind us of God's love for the whole world.

1. Jesus came to Jerusalem to do some house cleaning!
2. Jesus came to Jerusalem to have an open house!

Click below for sermon audio:
Mark 11:12-21

Weekly Words - Vol. 3, Issue 26

2010-08-12T09:35:00.000+07:00

Dear friends,

"I tell you there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:10).

Here is some of the evidence that shows how wonderful our salvation is. When we turned away from sin and placed our trust in Christ, the angels celebrated! They did not worship us, rather they praised God who once again displayed His sovereign grace in rescuing us from sin and hell while making us members of His family through faith in Christ Jesus. Our salvation is to "the praise of His glorious grace" (Eph. 1:12).

Nevertheless, Jesus blesses us by letting us know there was a celebration in heaven as a result of our particular salvation. When a man, woman, or child believes in Jesus it is a significant moment in the universe. Although it may go unnoticed by our fellow humans, it is an important item on the agenda of heaven. The angels rise up with joy and praise God for His work of salvation through the gift of the Savior. There truly are no insignificant Christians. Just ask the angels.

Your friend,

Stephen

Rev. Stephen St. John