"Commencement" (John 21:1-14)

Welcome to the Reformed University Fellowship at UNCW Podcast! Each week, we will post the messages from our RUF Large Group meetings at UNCW. This year, we're examining the Gospel of John to learn about the words and work of Jesus.Many of us struggle with decision paralysis—-we don’t want to move forward until we know exactly where we’re supposed to go. In relationships, in work, we fear setting out on a new stage of life. Or at least we want to make moving forward as risk-free and painless as possible. But what if the way you discover your calling  is not by standing still, but by moving forward and letting God correct your course as you go? What if getting it wrong is part of the plan? What if success at the first try isn’t the plan? In this final chapter of John's gospel, Jesus sends his church out into the world with a commencement ceremony. John wants to reassure us that Jesus will continue to guide and direct his people as they live in this world, waiting for his return. In other words— Jesus has given the church a job to do as they reflect his heart to the world, and respond to his grace in the world. QUOTES: “When Jesus rose from the grave, it was a public declaration that nothing could stop God's reign from advancing on earth, not even death. Jesus is the resurrected king who brings God's mercy and majesty to a world marred by sin. Through the gospel, God not only draws people to himself, but he draws us into his kingdom mission. Jesus, after he ascended into heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to continue his work in and through the church as the community of the kingdom.”- Jeremy Treat“A relationship with Jesus begins when, in his presence, we face up to all that grieves and contradicts God's holy will in our lives, whatever this may cost us…no matter how desperate our failure, or how deep-seated our shame, he can forgive and renew us and then use us in his service. Failure is never final with God. “- Bruce Milne "You ask me what forgiveness means; it is the wonder of being trusted again by God in the place where I disgraced him”—Rita Snowden.“The best argument for Christianity is Christians: their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument against Christianity is also Christians--when they are sombre and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration, when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths. But, though it is just to condemn some Christians for these things, perhaps, after all, it is not just, though very easy, to condemn Christianity itself for them. Indeed, there are impressive indications that the positive quality of joy is in Christianity--and possibly nowhere else. If that were certain, it would be proof of a very high order” ― Sheldon Vanauken“When the world sees us doing evangelism, they just see us recruiting. When they see us doing justice, they see God’s glory.” — Timothy Keller