Dive In Dig Deep

James was Jesus’ half brother, and he probably thought that Jesus was out of his mind.

James

What must it have been like to be the half brother of Jesus? Growing up together, playing, doing chores, hanging out, running errands, talking. James was so close to Him, yet he did not believe. At one point, even Jesus’ family was saying, “He is out of His mind” (Mark 3:21). Those nearest to Him did not yet understand who He truly was. They thought he was crazy. But they still cared for him and wanted to get his attention (Mark 3:31).

We are not told everything James thought or felt. Scripture does not say whether he was jealous or resentful, or how he responded to the attention Jesus received. Even with the cross, the Gospels do not tell us whether he was there or how he responded to Jesus’ suffering and death. Like many others, he may not have fully understood what was happening.

James likely thought Jesus was mistaken or misguided, yet he was still his brother. I think he still loved him as a brother. But everything changed after the resurrection.

Jesus

Jesus appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7). The one he had once misunderstood, he now saw clearly. James would go on to become a leader in the church and later give his life as a martyr. He no longer related to Jesus merely as a brother, but as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1).

For the Christian with unbelieving family and friends, this gives us hope. Even those who are closest to us may not believe. They may misunderstand or even reject what is true. They might think we’re crazy. But that is not the end of the story.

Faith does not come merely through family, friendship, or intellectual familiarity. It comes through the risen Christ making Himself known, opening eyes, and transforming hearts. And in the end, the One James once thought was out of His mind became the Lord he loved with all his mind — and heart. He was not only his brother according to the flesh, but his true Brother of faith in the family of God, by the blood of Christ.

Easter Sunday is a big deal! We’ve had emails going back and forth with last minute prep and you can feel the excitement. Even with the extra work that comes with serving, here are three reasons why I’m glad I get to lead music on Easter Sunday:

1. Easter Sunday is the most important day on the Christian calendar. Yes, more important than Christmas!

2. Easter Sunday is the top worship service attended during the year — at least according to some articles lol. Yes, Christmas is also debated for the win haha.

3. And the third reason is a bit more personal, but it’s when I get to sing about something I’ve been preaching about and living for the entire year. There’s something special about singing — where speaking, teaching, or even preaching won’t cut it — you have to sing about it. And this Sunday, I get to do just that.

I’m leading music this Easter Sunday! Would you please say a quick prayer for me?

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. (John 19:38-40)I can only imagine what was going through Joseph and Nicodemus’ minds as they buried Jesus. So much pain, so much sorrow, so many emotions mingled together.Many believe that by this point, these two rich and powerful men were no longer afraid to be associated with Him. It seems they were searching for a way to express and confess their love and devotion—without fear, and in the light.Like them, I want my love and faith to be visible, not hidden or afraid. And if this was their love when they thought He was gone, I can only imagine the boldness they showed when they discovered that Christ was no longer dead.

I received an excellent question about free will after my children’s sermon on Sunday. Here is my rationale for answering the way I did, and I hope that writing this out will help me answer better next time:

1. Questions about free will are ultimately questions about our sovereignty. I aim to show that we are not sovereign (we do not have the power, control, or abilities to do whatever we want) then I can get the children thinking along the correct lines.

2. Instead of examining actions, I hope to show that it is what is inside our hearts that should be of concern, and the Bible says that we are slaves to sin. Only Christ can free us from our slavery to sin so we can have hearts that are free to love God as we should.

3. I don’t want to diminish the fact that we are responsible for our actions. The Bible is clear that we must all respond to the gospel, and believers must walk in step with the Spirit. God is not to be blamed for sin. We have the privilege of partnering with God and his providence.

Taking on the children’s questions is exciting and fun for me — but it’s also something I cannot take lightly. I want my answers to be sharp and assuring for the children.

Here are some brief thoughts on my current ministry methods. These are my personal convictions and resolutions: Any ministry I do must be founded and overflowing from my own personal devotions and walk with God. I believe my primary ministry is to my family. To be a husband and father is an immediate calling and it must be prioritized. This includes how I care, guide, and provide for them. I am blessed with the opportunity to serve the church locally (at my home church in person) and globally (with my online work). I would like to steward both well. Serving my local church takes precedence, and my local church is not a platform to perform for the global church. I am happy if what I do for the local church can bless and serve the global church.My ministry and service is not my identity. My worth is not in what I do. If it were all to be taken away, and when I am at home with the Lord, Christ is all.

SOLA Network shared my sermon that we turned into a devotional article: The Jews, the Judge, and the Robber: A Series of Passion Week Devotions. I originally preached this three years ago, and I want to share my thoughts about it today.

1. After three years, I can agree that I cringe when reading my old writing. I think that as I continue to work on my writing, the cringe will come more quickly.

2. Overall, I am okay with the cringe! It keeps me humble and helps me remember that there is always room to improve.

3. I am still honored and happy that what I wrote can still be read, that a sermon can still be relevant as I stick to expositing Scripture, and that God can multiply my meager ministry.

On Sunday I had teaching, preaching, and worship leading responsibilities. I try not to do so much on a Sunday, but sometimes that’s just the way the schedule works out. When it comes to getting into a ministry flow on Sunday mornings, Jess is an excellent helper. Jess gets us out of the house with the kids (I need to play my part here too)Jess gets us to church (she usually drives) and she takes care of the kids checking them in so I can go straight to my classroomJess helps me with PowerPoint in children’s worship (our friend Sarah is also there to help along with all adults who help)Jess helps me with the children’s sermon PowerPoint, and helps me record (we also have additional adult helpers if needed)Jess helps me take care of the gear I bring to church (guitar, tripod)Jess helps me make sure we pick up the kids on time and fed for lunch!I’m so grateful to have a wife who helps me serve God! In fact, I very much see it as a joint endeavor. Any service I do, I say we do it together. And for sure it’s better because of her.

I was talking to Jess about our summer schedule for the kids. There are so many things we want them to do. High on our list are swimming lessons and music lessons.As I was thinking about what to prioritize—especially with limited time and money—I laughed at myself because the answer was so clear, at least for me: music lessons won’t save your life, but swimming lessons can!We all have to prioritize things in life. But some things, like the gospel, have life-saving significance. Even with limited time and resources, knowing Jesus is of eternal importance.We do well to keep first things first. When we see life this way, everything else falls into its proper place.

My daughter, Numbers, told me she helped Jess make a salad for dinner. I said it tasted good and asked her what was in it.

She said, “Salad, cheese, these things, cheese, sauce.”

(The “these things” were croutons, by the way haha.)

Her list wasn’t very clear, so I didn’t really know what was in it.

It reminded me that when people get a taste of Christianity through the “salt” of our lives, it helps if we can clearly explain what makes God so glorious—because if we’re unclear, people may miss who He truly is, what He’s done, and how they can know Him.

Let’s be as clear as we can about God and the gospel.

https://diveindigdeep.substack.com/

3. Ask about family and friends. Our families and friends, and how we feel or relate to them, tell us a lot about ourselves. For instance, are you married or single? Dating? Kids or no kids, how many or why not? Who do you hang out with and what types of activities do you like to do?

4. Ask about church and hobbies. For some, talking about work may be mundane. Asking about church or hobbies gives people the opportunity to discuss spiritual matters and personal passions.

In a world of Artificial Intelligence, I have found true human conversation to be a common grace. And as we connect and draw close to each other, we reflect and display the glory of God.

https://diveindigdeep.substack.com/p/how-to-ask-deeper-questions