Christ is the door to freedom. He is the good shepherd, finding His own and guiding them through the door. Those who came before Him were thieves and liars. They peddled false gospels and murderous ideologies. Christ arrived with protection and care. He offered a clear way, a steadfast truth, and an abundant life.
Man, it’s good to see you here now. I kind of geek out about New Year stuff. As a pastor, there’s a resonance in my heart when you start talking about new beginnings, starting over, and the idea that we have another shot at this; there’s something deeply spiritual and profoundly Christian about that idea. In one sense, I think I geek out because of that, but I’m also a recovering achiever. What that means is that every New Year, I fight my compulsion to create a scorecard to measure my worth. Maybe that doesn’t resonate with you at all, but I have loved this time of year, where I can say, «This is the better version of Matt Chandler that I will work toward this year.» Between the time I became a Christian and the time I reach glory, my impulse will always be to try to earn what God has persistently tried to give me. So, yes, I geek out. Unfortunately, I’ve also created disciples in my own house. Lauren—no, not Lauren—one sure way to engage with Lauren is to discuss goals and organizing; she’s the artist side of the family that keeps us sane. But me, Lauren, and sweet little 14-year-old Nora were at our favorite restaurant down in Lewisville when she said, «Hey, I’d love to share my 2024 goals with you guys.» Does anyone else have a 14-year-old like that? Then she pulls up a note and reveals she has 24 goals—24 for 2024! I immediately felt that familiar pang, you know, when your kid does something you do while you’re trying not to? Oh crud, that was me! Here’s where it gets worse: other than two, her list mirrored mine. It was like, «Oh no, I’ve got a little baby Matt in the house; God help us, right?» An overachieving, high-pressure kind of kid.
Now, here’s something to consider: if you have eyes to see—and I pray that you do—what I’ve hoped for and prayed about all week is that, by the grace of God, we might be able to see together that everyone, whether religious or not, around this time of year, seems willing to admit their lives could be better than they are. That acknowledgment doesn’t happen all year, but around this time, we all notice things: my body’s not quite how I want it to be, my diet isn’t ideal, my finances aren’t what I want, and my relationships aren’t perfect; I talk more than I live, and we think, «I know I can be better than I am.» I want to argue that this feeling is deeply spiritual, rooted in ultimate reality in a way that might differ from your current thinking. Jesus has a lot to say about this new, better version of you, and again, I don’t think it’s what you might initially imagine.
Every year, we do this series called «The Creator’s Heart.» Here’s all I’m trying to do: If you are wondering what God’s heart is towards you, or what He is up to concerning you—I’m talking about you as an individual—it’s clear that the 66 books of the Bible tell a single story, which is God offering life to you and me. That’s the move of God—life and life to the full. That’s the offer on the table: real, deep, legitimate life—ever-expanding life, filled with more joy even amid difficulties. What pulls us away from that life are lies, so the choice you and I get to make—not just today, but every day—is between life and lies. If you want to know God’s heart for you, the Creator’s heart for you, He has come that you might have life and have it to the full.
Now, if you have your Bibles, let’s look at this passage: John chapter 10. If you don’t own a Bible, there’s a hardcover black one beneath your seat or around you; feel free to take that. Since it’s a new year, we also have some really nice leather ones in the lost and found. You might go out there and even find one with your name on it! Just grab a Bible; I think there’s enough in here that you might want to highlight, circle, or write in. It’s a profound text we’re going to read today, which has a context. Jesus is speaking in the middle of an events occurring in John 9. Let me catch you up on the story: John chapter 9 tells us about a man who was a beggar and was born blind. There was no accident at age 12; he didn’t get sick as a child; he was born blind. There was a belief that either his parents or his grandparents had sinned, and that’s what caused this man’s blindness. Well, he has this encounter…
