May 2023
Hey hey! Welcome back to all of you who took time to read our January Journal. And welcome to those who are hopping in for the first time. These journals are a way for me to share what I’m learning in my journey of following Jesus and for you to find some encouragement and help for your own journey.
We’re back for May and I hope this month’s journal will bless you. Below you’ll find a devotional thought that has radically changed my outlook in life and ministry, a student interview, and more. Enjoy.
Five Words That Changed My Outlook on Life and Ministry
A few weeks ago during my morning time in the word, I came across a short statement—just five words—that shook me. The words are spoken by John the Baptizer when people are asking him who he is. His response is powerful and has become a new mantra for me in life and ministry. In answering questions about his identity, John says these words to describe himself…“I am not the Christ.” When I slowed down to dwell on that statement, I began to realize how life-altering it could be for me.
You’re probably aware that the title “Christ” means “Messiah,” “Savior,” or “Chosen/Anointed One.” To the Jews, the “Christ” was the one individual who would come to save and fix all that was wrong with them and the world. It makes sense then, that the “Christ” is the title reserved for Jesus, because he alone is God’s chosen one who can save us. John’s belief in Jesus as the Christ necessitates a lack of belief in himself. Jesus is the Christ, so John cannot be. In admitting he is not the Christ, John is admitting all he can’t do. He can not save anyone, he cannot heal anyone, he cannot redeem anyone, he cannot pay for sins. He is not the solution, he is not the One people need.
As I meditated on these five words, I realized I don’t always believe them for myself. “I am not the Christ” is an easy statement to agree with theologically, but how about practically? Don’t we all, if we’re brutally honest, feel like we are the savior sometimes? Like we are the ones who can fix, restore, or heal people or situations? Especially if you’re in any kind of leadership role, you likely feel this.
Recently, before walking on stage to preach, I found myself shaking with nerves (it happens sometimes), and while praying for strength, I was reminded of these five words—“I am not the Christ”. Immediately I felt God’s peace wash over me, even changing how my body was reacting physically. Those words carried me into a place without pressure. I was reminded that the people who listen to my teaching don’t need me, they need Christ. I am just a servant, leading people to the Savior. So while I work hard, I know the ultimate state of souls is out of my hands, and no matter how good or bad my teaching is, I am not, and cannot be, the Savior.
Many of you are leading, discipling, and counseling others, and I hope you find encouragement in these words. I hope they’ll become somewhat of a mantra for you too. When you feel too weak to lead, when you feel like you have nothing more to offer, when the issues seem too hard to handle, when you’re nervous you’re not doing a good enough job, when you feel like you’re just faking it until you make it. In those moments, remember, you are not the Christ. They don’t need you. They need Jesus. Your role is to lead the sheep to him. He is the one who can heal, change, and save.
It’s likely that much of the stress and pressure you feel in leading others spiritually has been imposed on you by yourself and not by God. You cannot bear the weight of saving other people. You weren’t meant to. Someone else came to do that. So show up and point to him.
And for those who don’t see themselves as leading others, may this be a reminder to you that you are also not “the Christ” for yourself. You can’t save, fix, heal, and restore yourself through self-help or new habits. You need Jesus. He is your Christ, not you.
In my weakness, I’m reminded, “I am not the Christ,” but the spirit of the true Christ is in me, and through me he will do the work only he can do. And when I’m in that place, I’m in the place God means for me to be.
What I’m Excited about in GraceCollege
Not-Yet-Christians Coming on Tuesdays
I mentioned in the January Journal that we are looking to shift our college ministry to be more outward reaching and evangelistic, and I’m encouraged that this is already happening. I continue to meet not-yet-Christians at our Tuesday college gathering, and find them interested in Jesus. A few months back I taught on “What Is The Gospel?” and afterward I met four unbelievers who approached me and wanted to talk about the message. Later that night I had another student text me telling me they brought a non-Christian friend who finally understood, through the preaching, that he could never do enough to become right with God. I’m so thankful for the continued boldness of all of you to invite friends and reach out to those who don’t yet know Jesus. Which bring me to the next thing I’m excited about…
Evangelism
“The best sermon is the one they do.” I remember a wise, old seminary professor saying this to me, and I believe it wholeheartedly. Which is why I’m so encouraged with our evangelism series from the winter and the continued fruit we’ve seen coming from that. This has been an answer to prayer for me. Since that series I have been hearing stories of people proclaiming the gospel, explaining Christianity, and sharing about their spiritual life with fellow students, friends, and even professors. I was also so encouraged to see so many of you at Poly to do campus evangelism these first couple times we’ve gone out. As a church, we want to see even more college students find and follow Jesus and we’re remembering that Jesus said the harvest is plentiful. He calls us into that harvest and says he will go with us when we do. We are seeing this coming true here and now, and I hope that encourages your faith.
Student Interview with Ben Ernstrom
ICYMI: Ben is one of our college students, a former college intern, and has been serving this last year on staff at Grace as the Middle School Director at our SLO Campus. Periodically, I’ll include a student interview in the journal, so here’s our first, with the one and only, Ben Ernstrom…
Darren: How long have you been following Jesus? And how long have you been at Grace?
Ben: I came to Christ when I was young. But I came into a deep understanding of what it meant to be a Christian in late High School. I've been coming to Grace for all 22 years of my life.
D: What is something you love about our church?
B: The time and care that goes into preaching the Word every week. I also love how Grace is unapologetic in preaching the whole Bible, even the tough stuff.
D: What is something you have found difficult about following Jesus?
B: How high of a calling it is. It is an absolute radical way of living compared to the rest of the world. I definitely feel this pressure.
D: Favorite Book?
B: The Bible. Favorite Christian book: Case for Christ—it changed a lot of how I thought about my faith when I was younger. Favorite non-Christian book: As of late, Narnia. I’ve been reading through them again and it’s been great. I don’t remember much of them, but I do remember the ending.
D: Someone’s reading this yelling, “Narnia is a Christian book!” but that’s a great lineup.
D: Favorite TV Show?
B: Psych! All day, every day!
D: What is something that’s overrated?
B: Avocado toast, taco bell and watching soccer.
D: Hot take! You’re gonna get some hate for that.
D: Something underrated?
B: Reading, the taco from Firestone and the McDonald’s app
D: How much money do you think you’ve spent at McDonald’s?
B: In my lifetime? Let’s not talk about that. This year I’ve probably spent around $100 which isn’t too crazy. I’m telling you, the app is a money saver!
D: What are you teaching our Jr Highers right now?
B: We just finished up a big outreach month where we dove deep into Romans 6:23. Next we’re starting a series called “The Youth Group” where we’ll be looking at youths in the Bible.
D: Love it. Who’s your favorite?
B: David. A child going against an army? It’s gonna be great.
D: What has been rewarding about youth ministry so far?
B: This is a tie between getting to preach The Word every week and seeing lives changed. I am humbled to have the opportunity to preach every week and I am also blown away by how much God can do through middle schoolers and how much they can learn.
D: How can we pray for you and our junior highers?
B: You can be praying that students will grow closer in their relationships with God, peers and their leaders. Also that they would feel equipped to share their faith with others. You can also be praying for me as I have a lot of big decisions coming up as well as the life, work, and school balance.
D: What’s something you’re looking forward to about being in New Creation someday?
B: Spending all day everyday with fellow believers praising God. Also, this might be a stretch, but I would like to go to a theater and watch Bible stories. I am curious to see how things actually happened. (My top picks would be the Red Sea parting, Jericho collapsing, Jonah in general, and all of Jesus' life.)
D: Count me in for the Bible theater. Sounds fascinating. And “R” rated for sure. Thanks Ben, we’re so glad you’re part of our community. Thanks for following Jesus with us!
What I’ve Been Reading
For those of you who are interested, here’s some of what I’ve been reading lately…
Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by David Thomas
I will be a better dad because of reading this book, no question. David Thomas helps run a counseling ministry in Nashville, TN and has so much wisdom (from decades of counseling boys) on how we can help boys grow into who God wants them to be. As the dad of a boy, I’m sure I will go back to this book several times for help with understanding Knox’s emotional development as well as for practical strategies for helping him grow. Even at 34, reading it is helping me grow, and has given me ideas for discipling college guys. If you’re influencing younger guys in any significant way, I recommend it.
The Emotionally Healthy Church by Peter Scazzero
Scazzero, who has been pastoring in New York City for decades, spends this book arguing that emotional health and maturity needs to be a major aspect of discipleship in the church. Reading it has revealed to me that I have undervalued some of these things in my discipling of others, and in my own discipling under Jesus. If you’re willing to face some harder things in your heart and life as a way to grow, this could be a helpful read. Or you could pick up his related book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.
Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
J. Oswald Sanders was a Christian from New Zealand who left practicing law to teach at a Bible college, and later became the general director of the China Inland Mission—a missions organization founded by Hudson Taylor and now known as the Overseas Missionary Fellowship. The title of the book pretty much spells it out and I’ve found it to be one of those books that calls you higher and to greater devotion to God in all things. Thanks to Luke Psomas who gifted me this!
I’m so thankful for all Jesus is doing amongst us, and I love being your pastor. See you soon.
Grace + Peace,
Darren Nelson
Pastor of College & Young Adults | Grace Central Coast