Student Sermon Reflections::1 Peter 5:1-5

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Speaking from the perspective of an average collegiate, the roles of church positions such as eldership, are shrouded in misinformation and cultural biases. Kevin taught on the doctrine of eldership, focusing primarily on 1 Peter 5:1-11 and accompanying scriptures. He began by defining first what eldership is not. Eldership in the Bible is not a rogue dictatorship, does not consist of a lone ranger activity and is not the elite special forces of the church. In contrast to these things, eldership absolutely consists of shared leadership, gentleness, humility and an overall attitude that is to be an exact comparison to that of a shepherd. Eldership is not to be taken lightly, as the qualification can be seen in scriptures such as 1 Timothy 3:17 and the weight of the position can be seen in scriptures such as Hebrews 13:17.

All in all, Kevin defines the genetics and purpose of the eldership in what is equally to be defined as the role of any and all followers of Jesus, and that is to simply BE LIKE JESUS. John 13:14 is evidence of this as Christ provides an example to be followed. Although imperfect, elders should be aspiring toward and likewise posses the characteristics that are found in Christ and shepherd the congregation with these attributes until the Chief Shepherd, who is Jesus, returns.

So how does this apply? Just as an elder's responsibility is wrapped up in shepherding the flock, I, as a member of the body, should responsively strive to be "shepherd-able". This involves being open, accountable and obedient to the elders, not with a motivation founded upon impressing them, but rather respecting them as leaders guiding me toward the ultimate desire of my heart and their's which is growth in a relationship with Jesus Christ - the source and perfecter of our faith.

--Austin Lambert - C3 Student

Student Sermon Reflections::Romans 8

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Romans 8 begins Paul's explanation of the lifted condemnation in Paul's argument to the Romans. Previously Paul has been laying the foundation for the condemnation we all face as sinful humans, but here is the hinge in Romans where Paul spells out how Christ takes that condemnation away from us. Pastor David offered a summary of the process of our salvation in that God has saved us (justification), is saving us (sanctification), and will save us (glorification), then pointed us to Romans 5:18, explaining that our salvation comes "in Christ." Christ is the link that binds us all together in equal justification (everybody including Moses, Paul, and you and me). How? When God sees us, He sees His adopted children because of Christ. Christ's blood is the marker of our salvation, just as the lamb's blood marked the Jews for salvation in the Passover. There is no other way to salvation; not through works, not through a good attitude, not even through love (though those are the marks of salvation), but only through the mark of Christ's saving blood.

This proves to be an easy concept for me to grasp intellectually, but much more difficult to practically apply in my daily life. My problem is the culture in which I live and in the preconceived mindsets I have about individuality and work ethic. I have only to wait inside and in faith for the Spirit to pass over me, yet I am often uncomfortable in sitting still. I want to move, out of the safety of a blood-stained door frame, and take my chances against God in the world. I too often ask the foolish question, "How mad will Pharaoh be if our God does what He says He's going to do?" I worry about my success in this world, and how I might be able to overcome it. And when I might turn my thoughts to Heaven, I wonder how I can insure my entrance there by proving myself to God. What I must realize is that "trying to be a Christian" is not just futile; it's fatal. I am a Christian only because of Christ, and I did nothing, nor can I do anything, to insure it. God is the merciful giver; all I can do is set my thoughts on Him and glorify Him in all that I do. I fail often, but God has looked over my shortcomings on account of Christ, and He is sanctifying me into the Image He intends me to be. And then I simply love because Christ first loved me.


--Chris Ramos - C3 Student

Student Sermon Reflections::Matt 17:1-8

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Easter weekend at C3, Pastor David preached through Matthew’s account of the transfiguration found in the first 8 verses of chapter 17. This is the special time in the life of Christ when he took some of his closest disciples to get a sneak peak of his full glory and splendor. The same kind of thing happened with Moses, when he received the commandments on Mt. Sinai and his face literally radiated from being in the presence of God. We learn that it is no coincidence that these two events are so similar, because what Jesus came to do was the fulfillment of what Moses was sent to do so many years before. Moses came to free the people of God from bondage and slavery to Egypt, which was to foreshadow what Jesus came to do. That is, Jesus came to free the people of God not from bondage to a national or political power, but from spiritual slavery to sin and death.

So what does that mean for me? Well, it means that the radiance of Jesus is something so powerful that it breaks the power of cancelled sin, and sets the sinner free, as one of my favorite hymns says. It means that our exodus from sin is found when we turn our eyes upon Jesus and watch the things of this world grow dim.
[1 Corinthians 3:18 - And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another]

--Ryan Shelton - C3 Student