25: Journeying Toward Jerusalem

Guest: Brian Delamont

• “Sometimes, even when we’re told something plainly, we don’t understand it until it’s the right time.”
• Matthew 16:21
• “Transformation is not information.”
• “As leaders and educators, this can really encourage us to keep communicating what we know is true, even if it doesn’t appear to be received or applied the right away.”
• “God may ask me to go with HIm to some places that are uncomfortable and even threatening.”
• John 11
• “God may ask me to retreat for a period of time in order to prepare for what’s to come.”
• “Ordinary things like dinners can turn into acts of worship because Jesus is present.”
• “Being in close connection with Jesus doesn’t stop problems from happening, doesn’t prevent major misunderstanding, and doesn’t keep me from being in jeopardy.”
• John 12:9-11
• “When we face those moments of conflict and tension: What’s true here, and what is God revealing?  How is God showing His glory in the midst of a really difficult situation?”
• “The disciples didn’t understand all of this, so it’s reasonable for me to think that I won’t understand everything God does or everything He wants to lead me to in order to transform me, in order to help me be and become all that He intends.”
• John 12:2-18
• “God’s Word actually shows us that there are things we don’t understand.”
• “There is Biblical precedent for not understanding the situation you’re in.”
• “He created us because He loves us, and He pulls us back into relationship with Him through Jesus’ redemption - and then restoration, to set us at the table with Him again.”
• “If I need to understand everything in order to follow Jesus, then I’m placing myself above God’s position and authority because God has to give me an explanation that’s satisfactory.”

• Keane: Bluetooth headphones
• Heather: “The Chosen” and “The Friends of Jesus”
• Brian: Haribo Goldbaren and the Gospel