Dr. Rob White - February 14, 2016
Believe - Chapter 5
February 14th, 2016
A sermon based on "Believe" by Randy Frazee by Rev. Dr. Rob White for Athens Universal Life Church
From Series: "Believe"
Believe is a unique spiritual growth journey that helps you to think, act, and be more like Jesus. In it, general editor and pastor Randy Frazee walks you through the ten key Beliefs of the Christian faith, the ten key Practices of a Jesus-follower, and the ten key Virtues that characterize someone who is becoming more like Jesus. Each chapter uses short topical passages from the New International Version to help you live the story of the Bible. As you journey through this book, whether in a group or on your own, one simple truth will become undeniably clear: what you believe drives everything. Each chapter includes both Old Testament and New Testament Scripture passages that relate to the specific belief, practice, or virtue in that chapter. Chapters being with a key question, a key idea, and a key verse to guide the reader, along with helpful introductions, summaries, and through-provoking questions. Using this edition of Believe, church families around the globe can now embrace a full ministry year through worship services, small group studies, and family activities. About the BELIEVE experience Know what you believe and why it matters. Grounded in Scripture, BELIEVE is a unique discipleship experience that helps Christians of all ages become more like Jesus in their beliefs, actions, and character. This series illuminates the core beliefs of the Christian faith to help you think, act, and be more like Christ. The BELIEVE experience includes books of carefully selected Scripture for adults, students, and kids; a companion book for discipleship and growth; a storybook and a coloring book for children; and curriculum for every age group. All editions of BELIEVE unpack 30 key ideas of the Bible: 10 key beliefs, 10 key practices, and 10 key virtues of a Christian, so your whole church can learn to be more like Jesus together.
More From "Believe"
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In the biblical narrative of Mark, amidst the successful mission of the apostles, a dark tale unfolds—the martyrdom of John the Baptist. This poignant story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, God’s work prevails, offering a message of hope that transcends the ages.
The Gospel of Mark recounts how King Herod, having heard of Jesus’ miracles, grappled with the belief that John the Baptist had risen from the dead. The narrative takes a grim turn when Herod, prompted by a vengeful Herodias, orders John’s execution. The gruesome details, including the presentation of John’s head on a platter, evoke discomfort and sorrow. However, within this tragic episode lies a deeper truth—God’s unwavering triumph over evil.
Mark strategically places John’s martyrdom within the broader context of the apostles’ successful mission, emphasizing a dual narrative. While the apostles proclaim the Good News, casting out demons and healing the sick, John faces persecution and death. This storytelling technique serves as a reassurance to Mark’s audience, a community enduring persecution, that God’s redemptive work endures even in the darkest times.
The juxtaposition of success and suffering challenges the notion that faithful discipleship guarantees an easy life. John’s prophetic voice, echoing the call to repentance and holiness, led to his beheading. Yet, Herod’s conflicted response reveals an unexpected facet—despite imprisoning John, Herod protects him, recognizing the righteousness in his words.
The story speaks directly to the contemporary struggles faced by Christians. In a world fraught with external threats and internal challenges, the narrative resonates with the complexities of modern life. The threats without—symbolized by locked doors and security systems—mirror the tangible dangers we navigate daily. Simultaneously, the threats within—be it illness or unrequited love—underscore the emotional and spiritual struggles.
Despite the grim circumstances, the narrative insists that God is at work, echoing the sentiment expressed by Charles Colson during his battle with cancer. Colson’s revelation that God pours out grace abundantly in times of fear and suffering reflects a profound truth—there is an overcoming of suffering that transcends human understanding.
Helen Keller’s inspirational journey, marked by her triumph over profound physical challenges, further illustrates the narrative’s central message. Her words, “Although the world is very full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it,” echo the underlying theme that Mark conveys through the juxtaposition of John’s martyrdom and the apostles’ mission.
In conclusion, Mark’s narrative urges us to find hope in the midst of adversity. It teaches that, like the apostles, we can be bearers of light even when facing personal challenges. The story within a story reminds us that God’s redemptive work persists, offering solace and strength in the face of life’s tribulations. As we navigate the roar of the world, we, too, can echo Joyce Kilmer’s sentiments—thanking God for the strife, the stress, and the pain, while ultimately finding gratitude in the enduring presence of God.