Body Works - 1 Corinthians 12:27

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)

Quite recently, I’ve started to watch a cable channel which is totally dedicated to auto mechanics. I know practically nothing about cars, but I find these programs fascinating. Each program usually begins with an experienced mechanic finding an old wreck of a classic car who then decides to renovate the whole vehicle and upgrade it into a modern muscle car. The whole process is amazing and I’m absolutely riveted to the screen watching these super mechanics recreate a wonderful new vehicle from scratch.

Sometimes the auto-engineers discover something seriously faulty in the car’s system. An important part may be missing or a wire has been plugged into the wrong place. Occasionally, the original engine has to be stripped clean and taken apart laboriously. As I watch them do this, I often wonder how they will ever get it together again. But at some point, they do what would be impossible for me – they rebuild the engine and the car entirely, so that old wreck becomes a brand-new automobile which anyone would be proud to own or drive.

I think the Lord is in the same business, especially when He rebuilds and revives His Church. No matter how wrecked, out-of-date, or neglected a congregation may be, when the Spirit of the Lord moves through it, all of the parts – the people – become reconnected to God and one another. It’s a beautiful process and one that I am presently seeing in the church I serve. Folks are allowing themselves to be touched by Christ and the whole spiritual engine of the congregation is being renovated through prayer, service, and vision. It’s as if the Lord has suddenly decided to bring all the loose parts together in order to work on the body and revive the kirk.

The apostle Paul was probably expressing this when he wrote to the Christians in Corinth about the church being made up of many parts and how each one of them had both an important and essential part to play in the well-being, ministry, and mission of the local congregation. The great thing about his message is that it still applies today and when we are open to the Lord’s vision for our spiritual community, He is still willing to work on the body, renovate our spirits, and rebuild His church.

Point to ponder

Am I willing to pray for the revival of my local congregation? Do I know where my essential part is in this call to be rebuilt?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You love Your Church so much that You call it Your Bride. We are grateful for being an essential part of Your ministry here on Earth. Renew and revive us for the sake of Your continuing mission. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s old truck drawings called ‘Happy Days.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: HappyDays.

July 31 devotion - What is Church?

Revelation 21:22         I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

            Today’s verse reminds me that the beautiful church building where I minister is not the actual church, nor is it the real center and focus of worship. The people who gather for worship, study, prayer, and mission are the church, and the focus of our praise is Christ Jesus, the Lamb of God. The building serves as a meeting place, a learning center, and a sacred sanctuary. It is holy ground where God's people can gather, but it is not the centerpiece of our worship of God. That esteemed place belongs solely to Jesus, which is why we are called Christians and not Churchians.

            Please don't get me wrong; I love the church building and I am delighted about all of the renovation and expansion that has been accomplished over the last couple of years. It is a safe place for souls and a haven for many people. It serves as a focal point, a gathering place, and a house of meditation for lots of people, including me. Whether I am working quietly in my office, or participating in a room full of elders, or sitting quietly in the sanctuary, this church building is very meaningful to me. But again, it is not the object of my beliefs, worship, or relationship with God. Only Jesus has that place in my life; only He is at the center of my being.

            When we all get to Heaven, perhaps initially we’re going to miss seeing churches, hearing church bells, or meeting in church sanctuaries. However, I believe it will quickly dawn on us that Christ is our meeting place, our encountering point, and our real destination. We won’t need temples to contain Him, or churches to welcome Him. His abiding presence will be all that we will ever need and we will serve Him eternally, which why we go to church in the first place - to worship Christ and enjoy Him forever.

Question for personal reflection

Why do I go to church? How do I become church?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, You are our everything. You are at the center of our faith and in the fullness of our hearts. We worship You alone and seek to serve You faithfully. You are the reason why we believe in God, and You are the One to whom we owe our lives. Thank You for being our Savior and for allowing us to serve, worship, and follow You in many different ways. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome :)

Today’s image is one of John’s drawings of Christ. It’s called ‘Jesus Weeps’ and reflects the sad state of our world today. If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: Jesus Weeps.

July 30 devotion - Come to The Table

Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. (NIV)

            Our church recently decided to set its overall theme for the coming year as “Come to The Table.” It’s a great idea and one which all of our people, teams, ministries, and missions can embrace, experience, and express in wonderful, effective ways. We are all looking forward to seeing how each team and ministry work this into their regular tasks and projects. By the end of the year, we hope to have grown in worship, discipleship, fellowship, and faith.

            As I was reading and reflecting on today’s New Testament passage, it struck that the very first invitation of asking someone to come to the table should be given to Christ Himself. In fact, in today’s highlighted verse, Jesus encourages us to do that. He says that if we open the door (of our hearts and spirits), He will come in and eat with us. In other words, Christ will come to the table where we are dining and join us for a meal. It’s a beautiful picture of our Savior which shows us that He is ready, willing, and wanting to be a participant in our lives, a faithful friend in all that we seek to do.

            So, to initiate our theme, we can all invite Jesus to come to the table of our lives, our faith, our church, and our homes. He will be delighted to do this – all we have to do is open the door and enjoy the meal together.

Point to ponder

Where is Jesus in my life? Am I willing to invite Him to come to the table?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, come to the table of our lives and join our celebration. Enable us to enjoy Your company, to listen to Your conversation, and to share spiritual food with You. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on any Sunday morning at 11:00 AM. Like Jesus, you’ll be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s Communion drawings called “Glasgow Cup.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cup.

July 23 devotion - The Rock

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NIV)

One of the privileges of being with a congregation for a long time is watching people grow in faith, especially during times of adversity, hardship, and loss. I am often touched by the spiritual strength that church members have which has been built up by their regular commitment to worship, study, fellowship, and prayer. Over the years, they have deposited a great deal of faith, hope, and trust in God, so that when the inevitable happens, they pull on those resources that they have banked within their souls, enabling them to both endure and overcome. It’s a remarkable process which I cherish; it’s something that I often wish others in the community would recognize in the lives of church folks today.

King David, the writer of today’s psalm, had his share of problems, too. Psalm 18 was written at a time when David as a young man was a fugitive, fleeing from the rants, wrath, and instability of King Saul. David sought refuge in another land, but he still looked to God to deliver him from the threats of violence and his enemies. Throughout his entire life, David depended on God to enable him to overcome his troubles and effectively solve his problems. His faith never faltered, even though his personal life included times of weakness, pride, and sin. Overall, he fully relied on God’s grace to both forgive and sustain him which is why in both the Old and New Testaments David is referred to as ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ (1 Samuel 13:14 & Acts 13:22).

Perhaps you are going through a hard time, a heartfelt loss, or a severe issue. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, lost, or confused. Whatever the case, please know this: The God who actively helped David in the past lives and watches over our lives today. In the midst of your pain or problems, lean on God’s love. At a time of turmoil or trouble, let God be the solid rock of faith, trust, and comfort that you need. God will not leave you or forsake you; instead, God will cherish and embrace, enabling you to endure and overcome.

Point to ponder

What is currently troubling me? Am I willing to place my burden prayerfully in God’s hands?

Prayer: Lord God, You know us completely and are fully aware of our present circumstances and difficulties. Allow to lean on You; enable us to rest on You; permit us to rely on You. In Christ’s Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. If you have any questions or feedback about this message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. If you are looking for a church or are in Knoxville at the weekend, come and join us for worship at Erin on Sunday at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome among us.

Today’s image is one of John’s original Psalm drawings based on another verse from Psalm 18. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm 18.

July 5 devotion - Eyewitnesses

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (NIV)

            Almost every day, I receive emails from Christian ministries and organizations with invitations to subscribe to a special conference or video series about church growth. They usually try to entice me with special gifts or claim to have a wonderful seven-step plan that will double congregational membership within a year. All I have to do is sign up, pay hundreds of dollars with my credit card, and everything will be well.

            Years ago, I did participate or sign up for a few of these conferences and plans, but after more than 30 years in ministry, I have found that the most productive way of making a church grow depends on individual congregational members asking and inviting others to come to a worship service or special event. It seems that the personal invitation is more effective than anything else; no other program, plan, or project accomplishes this.

            I think this is what the Apostle Peter was referring to when he mentioned the eyewitness accounts that he and other people shared. His personal relationship with Christ was what he wanted to tell others about. Even in old age, with death by execution imminent, Peter expressed his total confidence in Jesus. His ministry was based on his personal testimony and because there were others who expressed the same, the Christian Church grew all over the world. In the end, it was the personal invitation and individual witness that was most effective.

            We all want our churches to grow because our Christian faith is important and we believe that the world will be a much better place with a living and loving relationship between us and God. What Christ and His disciples repeatedly tell us through the New Testament is to share the Gospel and invite other folks to church. If we want our congregations to increase, we have to be willing to ask others to come and worship with us. We need to become eyewitnesses of the Spirit of God moving among us by letting folks know about our faith, about our church, and about our personal commitment to Christ.

Points to ponder

Am I concerned about the numbers of members at my church? Who have I invited this year to come to a worship service? Have I followed up with that invitation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You inspired Your disciples to go out into the world to share the Gospel and invite others to follow You. Help us in this generation to take up this challenge and give us the desire to ask others to come to our worship services and other church events. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Communion drawings called “Come to The Table.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Table.

Beyond Belief - Acts 15:8-9

Acts 15:8-9 God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith. (NIV)

It must have come as a great shock to some religious traditionalists that Paul and Barnabas were preaching Christ’s Gospel to the Gentiles. For generations, the people of God had assumed that their way of doing things was perfect and could only be properly accomplished by keeping their religion pure. They faithfully accepted Christ as their Savior but were not too happy to give Him away to outsiders. They believed that Jesus was their exclusive Messiah and that they were being rewarded for their faithfulness, so why should renegades like Paul and Barnabas carelessly share the Good News of salvation with anyone who was willing to listen and accept Christ for themselves?

They had good intentions about keeping Christianity under the umbrella of tradition, but they had forgotten how radical Christ had been when He ministered on Earth. He never turned away outsiders, but instead, He took opportunities to meet, heal, and tell them about God’s Kingdom. He even asked God to forgive them when the Gentile Romans nailed Him to the Cross. This was a sign of how boundless God’s grace was, but those who sought to control Christian faith after His death had either forgotten His expansive ministry or chose to ignore it.

As Christians in the world, we are meant to be the same type of gracious and boundless people. If we discard or discount others because they are outsiders – religiously, culturally, or racially – then we have forgotten who Christ was and what His ministry still is today. If we are fearful, we will want to keep Jesus for ourselves in a belief box of our own making; however, if we are faithful, we will want to share His mercy, grace, and love with everyone, no matter who they are, where they come from, or whatever they do. Remember, we were all once outside of His fold and enemies of God, so why shouldn’t the same opportunity of Good News and Salvation, kindness and love be shown and given to all?

Point to ponder

Whom do I consider to be outsiders in my life? How can I show and share Christ’s love and God’s compassion with them?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we get so caught up in trying to serve and please You that we forget to spread Your Gospel by sharing Your love with others who are outside of our circle of faith. Forgive us for narrowing Your grace and help us to overcome our fears of those who are different by seeing them with Your eyes and loving them with God’s heart. In your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Please come and join us for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s original drawings called ‘Eternal Mystery of Trinity.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click this link: Mystery.

May 28 devotion - Diminishing Returns

Acts 2:41         Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

In the last twenty years, the Church of Scotland has sadly lost 40% of its membership. This is because Britain is becoming more secular as each year passes. Despite trying to accommodate worldly and cultural views into its organization, the Church is diminishing. It appears that appeasing society is a big turn off for the people of Scotland. In a desperate bid to be relevant, the Church of Scotland has become inessential and ineffective.

The Church is meant to be radical, not relevant. It’s supposed to promote the Truth, not trivia. Apologetics is not about the Church saying sorry for being Christian to the world; it’s about the Church feeling sorry for the world because people are not Christian. We have a message to proclaim and a mission to accomplish. Whenever we forget this or fail to live up to the Great Commission, the Church diminishes and congregations die.

Scotland is now a mission field. If the Church of Scotland truly wants to grow again, it has to stop pandering to the people and start proclaiming the Gospel. That will involve a lot of courage and will challenge people’s lifestyles all over Scotland, but if the next generation of Scots is going to become Christian, then ministers need to stop preaching what the masses want to hear and start prophetically proclaiming what God wants to be said.

Long ago, when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, he didn’t hold anything back. His people were guilty of crucifying Christ and they needed to repent. If Peter had sugar-coated the message then perhaps no one would have responded. Instead, he proclaimed the unpopular truth and over three thousand people were baptized that day. It’s a lesson that we should constantly keep before us. It’s an act of courage that we should be continually espousing and evoking.

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, grant us the temerity to truthfully proclaim the Gospel no matter what it costs and however much it challenges us. We want the whole world to experience Your wonderful salvation, but we have grown timid about witnessing to Your Way, Truth, and Life. Remind us that life is a test as well as a journey. Help us to grow Your Church in our communities, countries, and across the entire planet. In Your Holy Name, we sincerely pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is John’s latest drawing of the Mabry Mill which is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. If you would like to see a larger version, please click on the following link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/traqair57/4640994106/sizes/l/  John has signed and matted prints available of this beautiful scene.

Eyewitnesses - 2 Peter 1:16

2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (NIV)

            Almost every day, I receive emails from Christian ministries and organizations with invitations to subscribe to a special conference or video series about church growth. They usually try to entice me with special gifts or claim to have a wonderful seven-step plan that will double congregational membership within a year. All I have to do is sign up, pay hundreds of dollars with my credit card, and everything will be well.

            Years ago, I did participate or sign up for a few of these conferences and plans, but after more than 30 years in ministry, I have found that the most productive way of making a church grow depends on individual congregational members asking and inviting others to come to a worship service or special event. It seems that the personal invitation is more effective than anything else; no other program, plan, or project accomplishes this.

            I think this is what the Apostle Peter was referring to when he mentioned the eyewitness accounts that he and other people shared. His personal relationship with Christ was what he wanted to tell others about. Even in old age, with death by execution imminent, Peter expressed his total confidence in Jesus. His ministry was based on his personal testimony and because there were others who expressed the same, the Christian Church grew all over the world. In the end, it was the personal invitation and individual witness that was most effective.

            We all want our churches to grow because our Christian faith is important and we believe that the world will be a much better place with a living and loving relationship between us and God. What Christ and His disciples repeatedly tell us through the New Testament is to share the Gospel and invite other folks to church. If we want our congregations to increase, we have to be willing to ask others to come and worship with us. We need to become eyewitnesses of the Spirit of God moving among us by letting folks know about our faith, about our church, and about our personal commitment to Christ.

Points to ponder

Am I concerned about the numbers of members at my church? Who have I invited this year to come to a worship service? Have I followed up with that invitation?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You inspired Your disciples to go out into the world to share the Gospel and invite others to follow You. Help us in this generation to take up this challenge and give us the desire to ask others to come to our worship services and other church events. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship at 11:00 AM on Sunday mornings. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Communion drawings called “Come to The Table.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Table.

Keeping Connected - Hebrews 6:10

Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (NIV)

            One of the problems that the Early Church had to face was how to keep people connected to the local congregation. When the Gospel was first preached, its novelty attracted and excited many people, but as the years passed by, their enthusiasm diminished and the burden of maintaining their faith, especially in the face of persecution, was too much to carry, sustain, and endure. It was far easier to return to their old ways and give up on the church; it was also much more convenient because having faith complicated their lives and affected their decisions.

            The author of Hebrews dealt with this dilemma by cautioning church folks to safeguard their faith and to preserve their salvation by remaining active members. Falling away ran the risk of losing everything which the letter writer called ‘crucifying Christ again,’ as if it were an act of betrayal. Some folks worried about this and felt as though they were losing their connection to God, so the author reassured them that by maintaining their good works and loving God’s people – the church – they would not be forgotten by God. In other words, they kept both their faith and salvation alive by continually serving, worshiping, and glorifying God with their lives.

            Today, there’s a lot being discussed and written about the ‘nones’ and the ‘dones,’ – people who will have nothing to do with the church, as well as folks who say they are done with church. As always people make their own choices, but the consequences to their eternal souls can be devastating. We may want God to uphold our beliefs and give us a pass when it comes to being inconsistent as Christians, but there’s nothing in the New Testament that would indicate this is how God operates, or how salvation is sustained. If we’re not reading the Bible, how can we know the Truth? If we’re not worshiping Christ, how can we call ourselves ‘Christian?’

Point to ponder

How much attention do I give to maintaining my faith? What does God expect me to do in order to follow Christ?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are gracious and merciful, loving and forgiving, but You are not indulgent or indifferent about our lives. You died for us to offer salvation for our souls. Help us to value this gift as the most amazing blessing of our earthly lives and teach us to embrace it respectfully, gratefully, and faithfully. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM – we will be delighted to see you 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s Celtic Cross drawings called ‘Neo-Celtic Cross.’ If you would like to view a larger version, click on this link: Cross.

Choices - Hebrews 1:9

Hebrews 1:9    “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (NIV)

            We live in an age of moral ambiguity. There is so much distrust in our society right now that we’ve forgotten how to tell the difference between righteousness and wickedness. Fear and suspicion cause division; only faith and trust can restore the unity that communities and civilizations need to thrive. If we equate righteousness with self-righteousness and excuse wickedness as a means of getting what we want, then we will lose our connection to godliness and one another. And if we think that our society is immune from immoralism, then we have also forgotten the lessons from both History and the Bible.

            In today’s highlighted Bible verse, we read the words of commendation that God gave to Jesus, His Son, for being obedient and authentic. Christ kept His integrity by both loving and living righteousness; He also opposed and condemned wickedness wherever it occurred. Loving righteousness was an act of faith; confronting wickedness was an act of courage. Christ could never have been accused of mendacity or duplicity. He remained loyal to God and spoke the truth, no matter how unpopular or how unacceptable it had become. The world rewarded Christ with a Cross for His integrity; God rewarded Him with a Crown for His loyalty. Jesus loved righteousness and hated wickedness, therefore God anointed Him with the oil of joy.

            If we believe we are followers of Christ and disciples of Jesus, then we must guard righteousness and confront wickedness. It may cost us a great deal and make us unpopular, but to reward wickedness and to follow in its wake is to disregard all that Jesus taught, all that He stood for, and all that He died for. At the end of our days, when we will all stand before God, would we rather receive the oil of joy or the slime of wickedness? The choice, as always, is ours.

Point to ponder

What righteousness does Christ love in our community? What wickedness does He hate in our society?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You never said that having faith in You was going to be easy, or that following Your ways were going to keep us safe. Open our eyes to really see both the righteousness and wickedness in our community. Help us to embrace goodness and to avoid evil. In Your Holy Name, we humbly and earnestly pray. Amen.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you can read more in John's devotional e-books like "The Light of Love" which has forty-two devotions inspired by the Gospel of John. You can find the book at this link: 

"The Light of Love."

Today’s image is one of John’s simple bulletin cover designs called “The Way.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Way.

A Sound Pattern - 2 Timothy 1:13

2 Timothy 1:13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

            I’ve always liked the apostle Paul. In my opinion, he’s one of the major heroes in the Bible because he suffered and endured so many different things for the sake of the Gospel. I know that a number of people these days tend to write him off as a narrow-minded religious fanatic, but I view his whole commitment as a major influence on the actual survival of our faith in its infancy. Without Paul’s strong words and complete devotion to Christ, I don’t think Christianity would have survived into the second century. His total dedication to the churches he served, as well as his boldness in preaching the Word publicly, helped solidify the foundation that Christ had already laid. And I never forget that Jesus personally chose Paul to ensure that our faith would expand and grow.

            When Paul became a prisoner in Rome, he knew that his time would soon be up and his life would be forfeited. Because of this, he wanted to ensure that the next generation of Christians held on to Christ’s teaching. He chose to write to Timothy, his protégé, in order to encourage him to take up the torch of faith that Paul would soon lay down. This is why he personally writes: ‘What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.’

            As 21^st century Christians, I don’t think that we could do any better than to embrace and apply Paul’s words in our hearts and congregations. His teaching is still relevant and when we apply it, along with our faith and love in Jesus, we present a Christianity that is strong, supportive, and compassionate in our world today.

Point to ponder

What are my favorite words written by the Apostle Paul? How do I apply them in my life?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You personally chose Paul to represent Your ministry and mission on Earth at a time of uncertainty and anxiety for the Your Church. Thank You for the gifts of perseverance and strength, as well as his faith and commitment, which enabled him to remain loyal to You. Help us to learn from Paul’s words and life, so that we may continue this great story of faith in our congregations and communities today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You will be made most welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost drawings called “Spirit Fall.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit.

Holy or Human? - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. (NIV)

            It’s very easy for all of us – myself included – to cast aside God’s Word and treat it as a basic moral guideline which we can either accept or reject without any serious consequences. We may sometimes use it to thread our thoughts and beliefs together and then throw it away when it does not suit our intentions, choices, or decisions. Instead of being sacred, the Bible just becomes a collection of ancient stories, songs, and prayers which may or may not be relevant to our post-modern lives.

God’s Word can also be taken as a spiritual encyclopedia of what people used to believe in the past and end up becoming a quaint record of old faith communities, whose members and devotees are all dead. We think that what we really need is something that reflects our own ideas, sophistication, and culture, making us the holy heroes of our present generation. In other words, what we want is something spiritual that connects with our personal lives, instead of sacred scriptures that show us how to connect with God.

When Paul commends the Thessalonians for embracing his message as the word of God, he praises them for treating it respectfully, humbly, and faithfully. They understand that the Gospel which Paul preaches is not something made up or manufactured by religious fanatics. When they hear what Paul has to say, they feel the powerful presence of God in the Word. They know that this message is different from anything else that they have heard; they understand that this Word will change their lives forever.

As Christians, we have been called to witness to the godliness of the Gospel, the holiness of Christ, and the existence of God in our lives. We are the products of a faith-forming process that began two thousand years ago, so the fruits of our beliefs also contain the sacred seeds of God’s Word for future generations. However, this fruit will only grow if we are connected to God through His Word – or as Jesus Himself expressed it: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

May we all treat God’s Word as being sacred and may we witness to its power with our lives.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your words have been carried throughout the world for almost two thousand years. Your sacred message and godly Gospel have challenged and changed the lives of billions of people throughout history. Help us to cherish God’s Word as truly holy and enable us to apply its teachings and blessings each day. In Your Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come and join us for worship on Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM. You’ll be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John latest lectionary drawings called ‘True Vine.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Vine.

Deeply Rooted - Colossians 2:6-7

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (NIV)

            A couple of years ago, we added a rockery to our church campus through a gracious donation from some church members. It was built on the side of a slope which was forever covered in moss and weeds. The whole area was very unattractive and was right next to our main entrance. One morning, a group of landscapers appeared and transformed the whole area into a beautiful Japanese type of garden. Large boulders were built into place and special shrubs were planted. It was remarkable to see the slope change from being an eyesore into a very picturesque shrubbery.

            As the years have passed, the roots of the plants have grown stronger which means that during summer and fall, we will experience some beautiful colors all over the garden area. And now that we’ve added a special irrigation system, we can look forward to the shrubs and small trees growing and expanding all over the rockery. What was once an unattractive zone has become a place of beauty and pride for our members and visitors.

            Today’s highlighted verses from Paul to the Colossians convey the same type of planting and growth with regard to our faith in Christ. His Spirit works within us to produce thankful hearts and devoted souls to God’s Kingdom. As our faith deepens, our spiritual influence can expand so that we may positively share Christ’s blessings with our families and friends, neighbors and colleagues. In other words, we become living witnesses of the ministry and mission of Jesus in our homes, churches, circles, and communities.

Point to ponder

How thankful am I to know Jesus is my Lord and Savior? Do others see that thankfulness in me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for planting faith within each of us and for helping us to spiritually grow. Encourage us to deepen our connection to You, so we may become better witnesses of Your ways, words, and works. In Your Holy Name, we gratefully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. Come along and join us for our Sunday worship service at 11:00 AM. You will be made very welcome 😊

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Pentecost images called ‘Spirit 2018.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Spirit.

A Touch of Class - Acts 6:7

Acts 6:7 The Word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (NRSV)

            I wish more church folks would go to Sunday School. In Scotland, Sunday School was only meant for school children and I often felt that the adults lost out on the opportunity to deepen their faith each week. Over here in the United States, I was delighted to discover that Sunday School, which usually takes place before worship starts, is available for children, youths, and adults. I have come to appreciate the depth of discipleship that regular Sunday schooling creates. More than sixty percent of our regular worship attendees participate in our church’s Sunday school classes which is a wonderful community of church folks who support, encourage, and love one another, especially in times of trouble, grief, or illness.

            When I look back at the formation of the Christian Church in Jerusalem, I am glad to read that many of the priests, who were great teachers and servants of God, joined this new faith movement. Their knowledge of the scriptures and dedication to God must have laid a solid foundation for Christ’s work to continue among His people. Originally, most of the priests had opposed Jesus, but after the wonderful Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit moved many of them to accept Christ as their Savior & Lord. It must have been a remarkable moment in the early history of the Church, as well as a great source of encouragement for the first apostles.

            Lots of people have told me that they would like to deepen their faith and commitment to Christ. I believe that they really mean those words. The best way that I have seen for this to take place occurs when folks take a step in the right direction and join a weekly class or Bible study group, especially on Sunday mornings. It may involve getting up earlier and making the time to join a class, but the long-term benefits and blessings far outweigh the initial inconveniences that occur.

Point to ponder

How do I deepen my faith commitment to Christ? Am I willing to join a Sunday school class or weekly Bible study group?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are our Teacher, as well as our Savior. Many of your parables, encounters, and lessons have a great depth of spiritual faith, Biblical knowledge, and divine wisdom contained in them. Encourage us to learn more about our faith by seeking a group of church folks to study with on a regular basis. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s Bible drawings depicting Christ reading and explaining the scriptures in the local synagogue. You can view a larger version at this link: Scripture.

True Love - John 16:27

John 16:27    No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (NIV)

            We live in a world where many people believe that God loves everyone, therefore, we can do whatever we want and God won’t mind. Sadly, it’s the biggest misconception that good folk have, and may even be a questionable idea which promotes a teaching of false assurance. It’s very easy to embrace this impression because none of us are comfortable with the notion that some folks are not loved by God. Even as a pastor, I struggle with this one but when I see the consequences of a carefree, casual approach to faith – moral anarchy, self-indulgence, and narcissism -  I question the veracity of such a popular misconstrued philosophy.

            As usual, when I get perplexed about this, I look to the Gospels and try to focus on what Christ actually taught, as opposed to common misunderstandings of what He said and did. In today’s passage (John 16:16-33), I am intrigued by Christ’s remark that God solely loves the disciples simply because they love and believe in Jesus. As a parent, I can understand this – whenever I see my daughters in the company of good and reliable friends, I love those friends dearly for loving my daughters. I think God, as Christ’s Father, felt the same way about the disciples who truly loved, believed, and supported Jesus. This, in turn, causes me to ponder on the whole idea: does God truly love us when we faithfully love and believe His Son?

            If this is the case – and remember, it comes from Christ’s lips – then doesn’t the Church do a disservice to Jesus, as well as to the world, when we dilute the faith by presenting it as a vehicle for being nice to others rather than being true to God? As I see congregations dwindling in mainline Christianity, it makes me wonder if our one-god-fits-all message has lulled us into a false sense of security and sadly doomed many people, including our own loved ones, into being separated from God forever for not truly loving and believing in His Son.

Point to ponder

Who do I truly believe that Jesus is? Is this what God expects me to believe?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Your words often challenge us and Your ways confront our choices. Open up our hearts and minds to Your Gospel. Help us to read Your life story and teachings carefully, so that we may live our lives by loving You faithfully. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. If you would like to communicate with John, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s psalm drawings based on Psalm 149. If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Psalm149.

Turning Point - John 6:63-64

John 6:63-64 (Jesus said) “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” (NIV)

            It was a turning point in Christ’s ministry. For a while, many people followed Him because they expected Jesus to fulfill their own longings for their nation, people, and personal lives. Christ’s mission, however, was about fulfilling what God wanted, which ultimately meant some people would turn their backs on Jesus because He would not do what they expected. But Christ was adamant about what He was sent to do: His ministry had grown beyond their parochial expectations; Jesus had come to bring salvation to the entire world and not the restoration of an exalted Jewish State.

            Even today, some Christian people balk at Christ’s words: “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” In a society that is obsessed with our physical well-being to the exclusion of our spiritual growth, what Jesus said is still difficult to accept. We spend so much of our earthly time and resources trying to keep our bodies healthy and pure that we tend to forget two things: a) we are not physically immortal and b) our spirits are eternal.

            Now I don’t think that Jesus would condemn us for looking after our earthly bodies – healthy eating and regular exercise are good for all of us – but I do think He would expect us to focus just as much on the health and well-being of our spirits as we do on our bodies. In the end, it’s not how we physically appear that is going to be important when we come face to face with God; it’s how well our spirits are connected to Him through Jesus that is going to be eternally important.

            So, perhaps next time that we look at starting a new diet plan or an exercise regime, we should also set aside the same amount of time, energy, and effort to going to church, reading the Bible, and praying daily to God. After all, as Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.”

Point to ponder

Am I as focused on holiness as I am on healthiness?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, encourage us to look after our spirits and grow in faith. Enable us to accept each day as an opportunity to grow closer to You. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also send John an email to Traqair@aol.com with your feedback, questions, and comments.

Today’s image is one of John’s stained-glass drawings called “As a Dove.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Dove.

Sermons - John 4:42

John 4:42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.” (NIV)

As a preacher of the Gospel, I put a lot of time, research, and effort into creating and writing a sermon. I try to make it both a teaching instrument, as well as a challenging one. The whole purpose of a sermon, in my opinion, is to draw someone closer to Christ. In today’s cosmopolitan world, this is not a given, even among church folks. People have so many different sources of information that it is very easy to get distracted from our Christian Gospel roots and dabble in other faiths which, although they may have some good points, actually lead people away from Christ.

            The ending of the Gospel story of the woman at the well finishes with her people becoming completely convinced that Jesus is the Savior of the entire world. They no longer need to be persuaded by her testimony; they have reached that life-changing moment for themselves. This is exactly the point of conversion that every preacher hopes their sermons will attain. It occurs when the preacher’s words become real, when the power of the Gospel actually enters the hearts and minds of the hearers of God’s Word.

            So long as I live and am able, I will continue to preach and write about the Gospel in the hope that someone, somewhere, and at some time, will make that connection to Jesus. In my opinion, it’s absolutely crucial for every person to make that decision; and it’s eternally necessary for those who want to be with Christ beyond this world.

Point to ponder

Have I accepted Jesus as the Savior of the World? If so, how do I display my faith in Him alone?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, life is beautiful and wonderful, a time and space to enjoy and explore. However, life is not a game to play, but a gift to prepare ourselves to be with You forever. Help us to both understand and accept this reality today. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

Today’s image is one of John’s bulletin cover drawings called “I Am the Way.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Way.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also send John an email to Traqair@aol.com.

More Than Enough - Exodus 36:5

Exodus 36:5 And they said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.” (NIV)

            It was a beautiful act of community generosity and a wonderful witness of God’s people. Moses must have been very pleased with the response that his people gave to the request for money and materials to build the Holy Tabernacle. As a leader, Moses would have been gratified at how cheerfully the people gave and how effectively their resources could be used. And as a man of faith, Moses must have felt proud that his people honored God in this respectful and generous way. In fact, the people gave so much, that Moses had to send out a special request to give no more because all that was needed had been provided by the community.

            On Sunday mornings, the combined offering in many churches enables them to fulfill the ministries and missions that God calls each congregation to undertake. Individuals could not do it on their own, but when the community of God’s people pools their resources as a thankful free-will offering, they are not just being grateful for the blessings that God has given, they are also being good stewards of God’s gifts. If our society and civilization were to honestly stop and think about how Christians throughout the world make the world a better place, perhaps they would better appreciate our faith. Billions of dollars are used in millions of ways to preach the Word, spread the Gospel, and continue Christ’s ministry in every land across the globe.

            Thank you for your contributions and generosity which make Christ’s churches better faith centers. Thank you for combining your gifts to joyfully advance God’s Kingdom on Earth. May God bless all of your hopes and dreams by allowing your plans to succeed.

Point to ponder

How does my giving contribute to Christ’s ministry?

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to Your Church in Earth and for the many ways which our time, talents, and money can be used to enhance Your work in our congregations, communities, and around the world. In Your Holy Name, we thankfully give and pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. if you would like to send John an email – he reads them all – please write to him at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Celtic Cross drawings called “Celtic Hope.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Hope.

Freely Give - Luke 21:3-4

Luke 21:3-4 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (NIV)

            We don’t know her name, but she made an everlasting impression on Jesus and has become a symbol of human dignity and generosity across the centuries. The poor widow that Christ saw putting her two small coins into the Temple treasury gave cheerfully and faithfully, knowing within herself that she was grateful to God for His benevolence and support. It was a sacrificial gift because she gave everything she had. She didn’t expect any reward or recognition for what she did. She gave from her heart because she knew that God loved her, which is the best way to give anything that we have to Him.

            Sometimes folks like to designate their giving to God so that their hard-earned resources can help support a ministry or mission which reflects their beliefs. There’s nothing wrong with that and many good programs and projects are financed this way. However, people can miss out on the delightful blessing that comes with just freely giving to God an offering without any ties or restrictions. When we joyfully do this, we trust that God’s Spirit will guide congregations to use the freewill offering wisely and effectively, faithfully and benevolently. This is why the poor widow gave what she could in order to support God’s work and do it thankfully, for she knew it would also help others like herself who received aid from the Temple.

            As we reflect on Christ’s words and this beautiful event, may we also ponder on what and why we give to our churches. Perhaps God will encourage us to give with cheerful and generous hearts, too.

Point to ponder

What do I give to God from my resources? How does my offering help His work?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You see and know all things. You encourage us to give our time, talents, and treasures to aid and support Your continuing ministry throughout the world. Help us to discover the joy of giving freely, joyfully, and thankfully. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org. You can also send John an email at Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s banner designs called “Blue Trinity.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Trinity.

Praying and Pondering - Exodus 19:23

Exodus 19:23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’” (NIV)

            Sad to write, but I think we’re losing our sense of what is meant to be holy and kept sacred. This morning I saw a cartoon post from one of my pastor friends in which God was depicted as using profane language to get his point across. I know why he did it, but it irked me and caused me to question how far we have strayed from the holy Creator Father that the Bible presents to us.

            Now I’m not advocating that we should all become saints and lead puritanical lives – I’m the least person who could accomplish that – but what I’m expressing is a re-forming of our ideas, opinions, and beliefs in order to recapture the true wonder and awe that holiness and sacredness are meant to inspire.

            Praying and pondering on a daily basis is perhaps a good place to start. We all lead intensely busy lives that working God into our timetables is something we resist, push back against, or ignore. We all want to live healthy and happy lives, but at what cost to our spirits and unique relationship with God? We are meant to keep that deep part of us in a special way, and set respectful boundaries, much like the limits that were imposed on the Hebrew people when God came down to them at Mount Sinai. I personally believe if we could accomplish that personal level of holiness, our fractured lives would be healed and our souls would experience a lasting happiness. Perhaps today would be a good time to start.

Point to ponder

Have I scheduled some holy time to quietly be with God today? Am I willing to try?

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, every day You set aside time to be alone with God for prayer, guidance, and support. If You needed those sacred moments, then how much more do we require them in our lives? Give us the determination and focus to re-form our relationship with our Creator. Allow us the blessing of true holiness in His presence. In Your Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the Scottish pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com. You may read the church website at www.erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s crayons drawings of the Smoky Mountains called ‘Heaven meets Earth.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Mountain.