It was requested that I post today’s sermon notes, so here they are. If you need any help deciphering them, just let me know!
John is the “maverick” gospel – stories are different from the other gospels, as John’s stories are usually more concerned about Jesus’ divinity. An exception is the story of Jesus overturning the tables in the Temple:
Lots of ways to go with the story of John’s story of Jesus overturning the tables in the Temple: what is the proper role of sacred space? What kinds of giving is ok? Auctions? Some churches are putting ATM’s is that ok?
Jesus’ emotion in this story is contrary to the way we often think of Jesus. This is not a safe Jesus. This is not “sunday school Jesus.” This is a passionate Jesus. If we learn anything Jesus is not apathetic.
I’d rather deal with someone who was passionate and we disagreed than deal with someone who was apathetic
Apathy is the number one killer of the gospel
1. Apathy communicates we don’t care
a. June 6th Hartford Connecticut pedestrian hit – caught on video – people kept walking
2. Apathy communicates that the gospel is not life changing
a. If I believe anything it’s that the gospel transforms people. Romans 12:1
3. Apathy communicates that the church is just about status
a. Being a Christian is not just a title. It’s a lifestyle.
4. Apathy communicates that we don’t take a stand
a. Faithful people can come to different conclusions, but what we believe should influence the way we make decisions in all areas of our life.
5. Apathy thwarts action
a. “So much attention is paid to the aggressive sins, such as violence
and cruelty and greed with all their tragic effects, that too little
attention is paid to the passive sins, such as apathy and laziness,
which in the long run can have a more devastating effect.” – Eleanor
Roosevelt
