John Shirk

JOHN SHIRK – From John 20, verse 29.

Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Thomas had refused to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead unless he saw the evidence. That is why he is sometimes called “Doubting Thomas.” However, he did not remain in doubt. After Jesus appeared to him, he acknowledged Jesus as his Lord and God.

The challenge that Jesus made to Thomas is the challenge he offers to skeptics today. He said, “Stop doubting and believe.”

Today, there are several influences that direct us to believe in Jesus as the Risen Lord. The Bible tells us that if we confess with our mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. We also have the testimony of the early disciples who saw Jesus alive and remained true to their testimony, even in the face of martyrdom. Also, lives are being changed by the power of the Gospel today, which indicates that Jesus is alive and well. Even though we don’t physically see Jesus today, there are still compelling reasons to believe in the Gospel. Jesus calls us blessed when we believe without seeing.

Belief in the Resurrection of Jesus is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Second Chronicles 7:14.

The LORD told Solomon, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and will heal their land.”

According to this chapter in the Bible, the conditions that God might use to humble a nation are the absence of rain or the presence of locusts, or some kind of plague. These are wake up calls to God’s people to do some spiritual inventory on our lives. Are we putting our full trust in God? Are we walking in obedience to His Word? Is the Gospel the focus of our faith?

Sometimes, distractions take our focus off of Jesus and cause us to love the things of this world too much. God uses hardship to get our focus back on Him. If we can think specifically of ways in which we are not honoring God, He invites us to confess our sins to Him, and to turn from them. The path to healing for a broken land comes through the confessions of a broken heart. The obstacles are removed, and fellowship is restored to God, who is gracious and compassionate.

Humility, Confession, and Repentance are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Hebrews 2:14.

Speaking of Jesus, “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

Jesus was willing to be confined to a human body, so that we might  be set free from sin and death. He was willing to die on a cross so that we might live with Him in heaven. Because of His sacrifice, our view of death comes into a different focus.  Instead of seeing death as a permanent end, we see death as a promotion into the glorious presence of God. Death still causes tears, but it does not leave us in hopeless despair.  Death is still painful, but it does not have to paralyze us from living in freedom. With Christ as our Savior and Lord, death is not the end of our journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter that leads us to God’s throne in heaven, where His name is always honored in a place of joy and peace.

Being set free from the fear of death is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From First Corinthians 13:12.

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”

If you could ask the Lord one question, what would it be?  Maybe you have questions about His creation, or why bad things happen to God’s people, or perhaps you have a question from the Bible that no one has ever been able to answer to your satisfaction. The Apostle Paul was telling the church that we won’t have all our questions answered in this life. Our understanding is limited. But a day is coming when we will see clearly. Faith will become sight. Jesus will be right in front of us, and then, our relationship with Jesus will take on a new dimension. Our questions will be answered, including those questions about what heaven looks like.

In the meantime, there is a book that explains some important themes about life. The Bible explains where we came from, the impact of sin,  our purpose in life, why Jesus came, the meaning of His cross and empty grave, and what happens after we die. The Gospel reveals enough about God so that we can trust Him in the midst of life’s questions and challenges.

Trusting God through life’s questions is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Second Peter 1, verse 2.

“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

This is a greeting from Simon Peter to those who had received the message of faith in the Lord Jesus.  As we get to know God better, several things happen:

God’s grace and peace abundantly blesses us. We are filled with joy at the reality of His presence and forgiveness of our sins. The burden of guilt that we carried is released at the cross, and now, we don’t have to fear being condemned at the coming judgment.

God’s grace and peace also changes us, adjusting our priorities and reshaping our attitudes to reflect the image of Christ.

God’s grace and peace also equips us to be effective witnesses for Jesus, overflowing from our heart and spilling over into our relationships through our words and actions. Others will see the growing influence of Jesus in us as we know God better.

The abundance of grace and peace are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Hebrews 13:8.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

The implication of this truth is that the identity of Jesus as the Son of God never changes. He is a dependable source of grace for the person who needs forgiveness. He is a constant presence in the life of His followers. He is a constant support to strengthen our faith in times of weakness, just as He was there to lift up Peter after denying Jesus three times.

It’s been said that life’s only constant is change. However, in the midst of changing times, there is another constant that remains a source of stability, and His name is Jesus. He is the One who said, “Before Abraham was born, I am.” He is the One Reality that we can trust with our lives. His love never fails.

Security in Christ is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – from Genesis 32:10.

As Jacob was feeling tension about facing his brother Esau, he prayed, “I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’”

This prayer is offered to God with earnestness and humility. Jacob expressed gratitude to God for His kindness and faithfulness. He acknowledged his need for God’s help, and reminded God of His promises.

Matthew Henry once said, “the prayers and supplications that Christ offered up were jointed with strong cries and tears, herein setting us an example not only to pray, but to be fervent.” Whether we are in a crisis or facing what seems like an ordinary day, God invites us to seek Him in prayer with our petitions and thanksgiving.

Fervent prayer is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Revelation 22:20.

He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come Lord Jesus.

Jesus specifically said that we would not know the specific day or hour of His return.  The implication of His promise to return is to be ready. Hebrews 9:28 tells us that Jesus will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

Remembering His promise to return will challenge us to get our hearts right with God.  The way for sin to be removed as an obstacle to salvation is to call on the name of Jesus for salvation, to confess our sins, and plead for His forgiveness. He will not despise a contrite heart.

There are other ways that the promise of Christ’s return will benefit our lives once we are made right with God. Our faith will be purified. We will be greatly encouraged by the reality that God’s grace will overcome the troubles of this world. We will also be motivated to share the Gospel with others, so that they might be ready to meet the Lord with a faithful heart.

Anticipation of Christ’s return is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Proverbs 14:21.

“He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy.”

The effective grace of God on our lives teaches us to view other people as having value to God, just as we recognize that we are valuable to God. This translates into living out the second greatest command in all of Scripture according to Jesus: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” To despise our neighbor is to go against that command.

Another way in which God’s grace teaches us to live is to be generous toward the needy. Such expressions of generosity include helping to feed the poor, or looking after orphans and widows in their distress, which may include foster care, adoption, or checking in on an elderly neighbor who lives alone.  If someone is grieving the loss of a loved one, it may be fitting for us to spend time with them and mourn with them.  There are needs all around us-tangible needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs. With a sensitive heart toward God, He will teach us to be sensitive to those in a time of need.

Love for our neighbor and Kindness to the needy are vital signs of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com

JOHN SHIRK – From Colossians 3:16.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

The Apostle Paul was urging followers of Jesus to soak in God’s Word like a sponge. There are various ways that the word of Christ can take root in our lives. We can hear God’s Word at the local church in venues like Sunday School, Small group Bible Study or a sermon from the pastor. We can also wake up in the morning and make Bible reading a priority before we go to school or work. Or if we are more attentive at night, to read the Bible before we go to bed.

Christian music is another way to hear the word of Christ in a meaningful way. Songs have a way of helping us to remember certain Scriptures as they are set to rhythm. So, God also provides music as a teaching tool to help us internalize the word of God. Sometimes, hearing or sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness highlights how God’s Word is living and active in the hearts of believers.

Filling our mind and heart with the word of Christ is a vital sign of a changed life in the Year of Transformation.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com