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“The Spirit Is Willing But The Flesh Is Weak, & Protecting Jesus? Vs. Fulfilling God’s Word” - Matthew 26:36-56 We see that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Here we are at the climax of all of human history (Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection), and there are the inner of Jesus’s inner circle, asleep. This is a picture of our normal, weakened state, without God giving us the focus, strength and energy for His great purposes. The strength for pressing-on is drawn continuously from Jesus; and so when the temptation comes to sit back/relax, avoid, negate or even neglect God’s work and calling on each of our lives, may we respond accordingly. “A little girl said that when the devil came knocking with a temptation, she would just send Jesus to the door.” Christ gives us the church (in part), so that we can be energized by reminders from others of the hope and courage we have in Him, in order to find the strength to continue. Matthew 26:47-56 When thinking that we’re to protect Jesus, we should likely be more focused on how to fulfill God’s Word. Jesus never needs our protection; He is all-powerful and completely in control, being sovereign over all things. Having said this, there have been times where the church has taken action against the corruption and plots of men, and/or the enemy. The “Five Solas” (each being foundational statements that were at the heart of The Protestant Reformation), can individually be understood as having been both a correction of the excesses of the Roman Catholic Church (from the beginning of the Reformation), as well as being thoroughly biblical statements. “Sola Scriptura”(Scripture alone), “Sola fide”(faith alone), “Sola gratia”(grace alone), “Solo Christo”(Christ alone), “Soli Deo gloria”(to the glory of God alone) Another more recent example where the church has taken action against the corruption and plots of men (and/or the enemy) from a few decades back, would be what’s been referred to as The Conservative Resurgence within the Southern Baptist denomination (U.S.A.). It's wise for us to understand that in both the Protestant Reformation and the Conservative Resurgence, the central issue had to do with the Word of God… Is it inerrant/infallible? - Is it trustworthy and sufficient? - Is it truly what it claims to be as God’s Revelation/Word given to us, or not? “Why Trust The Bible?” (Greg Gilbert) There have been times of much bloodshed, pain and schisms, among the visible and invisible Church, where, as Matthew 11:12 reminds us: “the kingdom of heaven suffers ‘violence’ (‘forcibly entered’), and violent men take it by ‘force’ (‘seize it for themselves’)”. God does what needs to be done, even through His people/the Church, throughout history. This is more for our good and protection, than it is for God's. If we think that we’re to protect Jesus (as this seems to be at least part of what Peter was experiencing here), we should likely be more focused on fulfilling God’s Word. “...do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?’... But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” God isn’t looking for our protection, but our obedience. God doesn't need us to evangelize - He calls us to evangelize; He doesn't need us to do missions - He calls us to do missions; He doesn't need us to grow and mature as disciples - but He calls us to grow and mature as disciples. God isn’t a needy God, as though He needs us to help Him out - Or to protect Him, or His truth - Or even to spread the gospel. But He invites us to come alongside Him, as HE does these things through us… Both for our good, and for His glory. May we join God in all that He’s doing. May God give us the grace, desire, courage and the endurance to do so, especially when it's difficult and challenging as in this scenario (Matthew 26:36-56) - As opposed to those who left Him and fled. Romans 11:33-36 - “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him, are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Pastor Chris Hudson |
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Capital City Baptist Church is an international, English speaking church in Mexico City that exists to know God and make Him known. Our hope is that people will come to know Jesus and in turn, develop as Christ followers who will help others to follow Christ.
As a church, we seek to love God as well as one another. We also desire to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are passionate about the life changing gospel message of Jesus Christ, and we value God’s word as we teach it, sing about it, pray it and desire to live by its truths. We hope that you will come and visit our church in order to experience the truth and love of Jesus Christ; and may God bless you as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Him. In Christ’s Love, Pastor Chris Hudson |
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We have a place for every age group.
Come visit us!
CALLE SUR 138 ESQ. BONDOJITO
LAS AMERICAS 01120 MEXICO CITY |
MAIN: (55) 5516-1862
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