Introduction

Good morning, beloved in Christ. I am delighted to stand before you today, a humble servant, tasked with sharing the richness of God's word. As we gather in fellowship, I am reminded of the words of Charles Spurgeon, who once said, "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." Indeed, the strength of our faith is often reflected in the worn pages of our Bibles, marked by countless hours spent seeking wisdom, comfort, and guidance. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to a passage from John 12, verses 27 to 28. It reads: "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Then a voice came from heaven, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again." In these verses, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of Christ's passion, witnessing His courageous choice to embrace the cross. We are confronted with our own complacency, starkly contrasted against His unwavering commitment. And finally, we are challenged to live a life of cross-centered commitment, boldly proclaiming His glory in all we do.

Christ's Courageous Choice

As we examine the scripture, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of Christ's passion. This is a moment of profound significance, a moment that reveals the depth of Christ's courage. He stands on the brink of unimaginable suffering, fully aware of the pain and humiliation that awaits Him. Yet, He does not flinch. He does not run. He does not plead for an easier path. Instead, He boldly declares, "Father, glorify your name!" This is the courage of Christ. It is a courage born not of pride or bravado, but of love and obedience. It is a courage that willingly embraces suffering for the sake of others. In the face of impending suffering, Christ's first concern is not for His own welfare, but for the glory of His Father. He is willing to endure the cross, to suffer and die, if it means bringing glory to God. This is the essence of Christ's courage. It is a courage that is focused not on self, but on God. This courage is not a fleeting emotion, but a steadfast commitment. It is a courage that is grounded in faith, fueled by love, and guided by obedience. It is a courage that is willing to face the worst that the world can throw at it, and yet remain unshaken and undeterred. In the face of the cross, Christ does not waver! He does not question His Father's plan or seek a way out. Instead, He willingly accepts His fate, trusting in His Father's wisdom and love. This is the courage of Christ. This courage is not a solitary act, but a pattern of life. It is a courage that is demonstrated in every aspect of Christ's life, from His humble birth in a stable, to His selfless service to others, to His sacrificial death on the cross. In the face of adversity, Christ does not compromise. He does not bend to the pressures of the world or conform to its expectations. Instead, He stands firm in His convictions, holding fast to the truth and living out His mission with unwavering commitment. This is the courage of Christ. It is a courage that stands firm in the face of adversity, a courage that refuses to compromise or conform. In the end, the courage of Christ is not just about facing the cross, but about choosing the cross. It is about choosing to glorify God, to trust in His wisdom and love, to stand firm in our convictions, and to act in love and obedience. It is about choosing to live a life of courage, a life that reflects the courage of Christ.

Confronting Complacency

As we continue to immerse ourselves in the richness of John 12:27-28, we find ourselves standing alongside Christ in His moment of deep introspection ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO