Meadows Church
Welcome to [back] Meadows - in person AND online!
We know this time in our world is both historic and unprecedented. We also know we serve a God who's outlasted wars, diseases, depressions, and every other kind of global event! God is with us in both the times of peace and the times of uncertainty. As you learn to navigate these days, we are here along side of you. Thank you for joining us virtually today!
Coast Guard rescue swimmers are among the most elite special force teams in America. They are trained to dive in to the most dangerous situations imaginable in order to save lives. The drop out rate for that special training is nearly 80%, which is even higher than that of the Navy Seals. Few of us will ever qualify for such adventurous and life-threatening service.
But I suppose all of us can relate to being in a situation that got out of control . . . being in over our heads. If you have ever felt yourself being sucked down into the swirl of uncertainty and fear because of an unmanageable circumstance, this homecoming story is for you.
John Mark was a young and committed Christian who showed great promise. He volunteered to be part of the very first missionary traveling team in history and his mentor was none other than the Apostle Paul!
But half-way into the assignment, John Mark, lost heart, lost focus, lost his nerve and his courage. He bailed, deserted, headed for home. Like so many others, John Mark could have vanished into history never to be heard from again. But he didn’t. He backslid his way home to Jerusalem; but the remarkable part of the story is that John Mark didn’t let his failure define him. He grew, he learned, he matured and he became a great servant of God. In fact, he would be inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the second book of the New Testament, known today as the Gospel according to Mark!
Have you struggled in the deep end of opportunity; found yourself in over your head. This morning I’ll show the road to redemption; the secret of the second chance; the guide to growth and the map to maturity that can help you reclaim your destiny and fulfill your purpose.
When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.
Acts 12:25
Acts 12:25 NIV
Early Church history
- Saul’s Damascus Road conversion to become a Christ follower (Acts 9)
- Barnabas’ intervention on Saul/Paul’s behalf at the Church in Jerusalem (Acts 9)
- The Church in Antioch (Acts 11)
- The dynamic duo: Paul and Barnabas (Acts 11)
- The relief effort for the Jerusalem believers (Acts 11)
- Peter’s arrest and rescue (Acts 12)
- The house church and John Mark, the promising disciple (Acts 12)
Acts 13:1-5 NIV
Paul’s first missionary journey
- The sending church
- The island revival
- The young protégé (cp. Acts 26:16)
Acts 13:13 NIV
John Mark’s desertion
- The unidentified cause
- The unspecified conversation
- Escaping by the skin of his teeth (run out of Antioch, Iconium and stoned to death in Lystra; cp. Acts 14:19-20 with 2 Corinthians 12:2)
1. Serving the Lord is quite different than coming along for the ride.
Matthew 25:23
Matthew 25:23 NIV
2. Serving the Lord is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and maturity.
1 Peter 4:10
3. Some things are only learned in the context of opposition.
Psalm 119:71
4. We can diminish or develop the impact of our lives for the glory of God.
2 Timothy 2:20-21
Acts 15:36-40 NIV
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
3. Some things are only learned in the context of opposition.
Psalm 119:71
Psalms 119:71 NIV
4. We can diminish or develop the impact of our lives for the glory of God.
2 Timothy 2:20-21
- Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. (2 Tim. 4:11 NIV)
2 Timothy 2:20-21 NIV
The miracle of maturation
- Paul’s last letter and final request
- John Mark’s growth
- The title of the second book of the New Testament
κατὰΜᾶρκον (according to Mark)
5. Grace is the key to turn your tombstones into stepping stones.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10
- Grace to stand up (take ownership of your decisions and their consequences)
- Grace to give up (release the grudge, the hurt and the right for revenge or vindication)
- Grace to grow up (develop Christlike character and loyal devotion to God)
A deal-breaker
- The MJS (missionary journey sequel)
- Barney’s benevolence
- Paul’s principles
- Two teams are better than one
1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV
Benediction Blessing
May you aspire to be mightily used by God.
May you never settle for stunted spiritual growth.
May you find God’s grace to learn from your mistakes so that they become stepping stones rather than tombstones.
May you champion others who need a fresh start and a second chance.
May you be quick to see and celebrate spiritual growth in others.
And may hardship and opposition temper your steel rather than steal your joy and courage.