Listen Now

Earlier this week, I was reminded of a cultural distinction we have that makes us different than many other churches. We are a laid-back congregation. Some might accuse us of being apathetic, and perhaps we are at times in certain areas, but being laid back is not necessarily the same as apathy. A group of people can possess a passionate enthusiasm for Christ, His kingdom, and His gospel without expressing it through an outward show of exuberance. For instance, one does not have to shout “Amen” during a sermon to have felt spiritually lifted by what’s been said.

The Bible stresses the significance of love. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us, “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. If I give all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing” (1 Cor. 13:1-3).

What if we did not believe in a resurrection? What if we did not believe in life beyond the grave? According to Paul, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Cor. 15:19).

It has been said there are only two certainties in this life: death and taxes. Jesus addressed both during His ministry. In fact, He covered both subjects on the third day of His final week. He began the day with a withered fig tree meant to represent the fatal spiritual condition of Israel. He then spoke three parables to Jewish leaders to convey impending judgment against them. Once the Pharisees had an opportunity to regroup, they came at Him once more with a question about paying taxes.

In the historical context, Jesus was showing how the new covenant would not be limited to the Jews of Israel like the old covenant.

Those whose lives were built on the anticipation of the coming Messiah not only refused to accept Him, they hated Him and wanted Him dead.

Christ is the clearest manifestation of God the world has ever seen. To deny His power and authority is to deny God's power and authority.

Israel should have been producing fruit, they were expected to, from a distance they looked as if they were, but there was none to be found.

Christ was certainly on a mission, but it wasn’t the mission others may have expected or understood.

Our Lord’s coronation was not carried out with the glorious splendor one would expect. Then again, Jesus was no ordinary king.