I’ve been pondering the first message in our latest sermon series ever since Michael introduced us to A La Carte this past Sunday morning. The Scripture passage from John 6, in particular, has struck a chord in my heart and mind.

Jesus has a question

For all of the disciples who chose to remain with Him and even for us today. He asks frankly

“Do you want to go away as well?” - John 6:67 ESV

As I read these words from Jesus I’m preparing for the worst. So many have already left Jesus on account of His bold claims and, to be honest, I’m not surprised. I understand the struggle to accept who Jesus says He is. The next thing we read is Peter’s response. It makes me catch my breath.

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” - John 6:68-69 ESV

“To whom shall we go?”

What a provocative answer!

Peter’s response is an acknowledgment of the fully satisfying, wholly complete, and truly divine nature of Jesus Christ. Peter’s declaration is that there is no one else who could provide for his ultimate need. The implication is Peter’s full dependence on and allegiance to Jesus Christ.

I am challenged and convicted by Peter’s display of faith especially following such hard teaching from Jesus. I’m compelled to assess my response to this same question that we must all answer at some point, and maybe many points, in our walk with Christ. What is my response when faced with the hard teaching of Jesus? Do I pick and choose what I want to believe is true? Do I walk away like so many disciples did? Do I submit and follow the example of Peter?

The task for us all over the next 8 weeks of A La Carte is to be honest with ourselves when posed with this question.

My prayer for our community is that the Spirit would lead us and strengthen us to choose Christ again and again and again.

A BRAND NEW SONG

Accompanying that prayer is a tangible expression of our adoration of Christ, remembrance of His saving work, and declaration of our full surrender to Him in song form!

This Sunday we will learn and sing together a new song called ‘The Passion.’

You can find the full band version and acoustic version on the newest Hillsong Worship album titled THERE IS MORE.

You can also watch this song below.

We chose this song for the new series because it’s a reminder of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the sufficiency of His sacrifice, and the freedom found in complete surrender to His Kingship. Let’s allow the words to sink deeply into our hearts and minds as we sing this song together over the next 2 months. Why?

The music we sing is simultaneously our heart’s cry and our theology! We sing because God is worthy of our worship and because we so often forget just how worthy He is.

Let this song be your reminder as you learn it, sing it on your own, and sing it with the whole body on Sunday at GENESIS.

My charge for you is this 

Sit with this song this weekend and allow it to remind you of the boundless love of Christ that means victory and life for you! Let’s prepare well to declare it together on Sunday.

“For Jesus’ blood that sets us free means death to death and life for me.”

“Lord, to whom shall we go?”

Verse 1

The passion of our Savior

The mercy of our God

The cross that leaves no question

Of the measure of His love

Chorus

Our chains are gone

Our debt is paid

The cross has overthrown the grave

For Jesus’ blood that sets us free

Means death to death and life for me

Verse 2

The Innocent judged guilty

While the guilty one walks free

Death would be His portion

And our portion liberty

Bridge

I give my whole life to honor this love

By the Lamb who was slain I’m forgiven

The sinner’s Savior, crown Him forever

For the Lamb who was slain, He is risen