When Christ Is Lifted
By Assistant Pastor Dr. Jaden Fitzpatrick | March 30, 2025
Turn to John 12:28-36. Last Friday, we had a game night—expecting 10 teens, God gave us 30, many visitors. Parents, mark April 13th after service for a teen retreat meeting in the youth room—Pigeon Forge details to come. Now, let’s stand for God’s infallible Word. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. Some heard thunder, others an angel. Jesus said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This meant His crucifixion. The crowd questioned, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? Jesus replied, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light…believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. Let’s pray: Father, bind Satan, remove distractions, give us a fresh anointing to obey You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
John 12 follows Lazarus’ resurrection, the Bethany supper where Mary anointed Jesus’ feet—Judas griped, but Jesus tied it to His death. The triumphal entry came next—palm branches paved His path with victory. Greeks sought Him, and Jesus spoke of dying to bear fruit, urging followers to move, not sit. In verse 32, And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me, references the cross—His blood paved salvation’s road. Yet, I’ll twist this: churches falter because we’ve stopped lifting Him. When Christ is lifted, He draws all men—let’s explore three areas to do so.
Lift Christ in the Church
The church has become a gossip house, not a gospel house. We prioritize fellowship with man over God—new suits, cars, nails—when it’s about Him. If someone asks why join Mission Baptist, say, “God’s here.” Programs and singing mean nothing without Him. I’ll move if Jesus does—why labor in vain? If I be lifted up…I will draw all men unto me. Want more kids, families? Lift Him in praise and worship, not empty songs like “I Surrender All” while dodging offerings or work days. Pastor Bill’s led 46 years—when he retires, we continue only by lifting Christ, not coasting on complacency. Entertainment won’t draw if Jesus isn’t enough.
Lift Christ in the Home
As youth pastor, I see kids once or twice weekly—it’s not my job to make them spiritual; it’s yours, parents. When did you last ask what they learned in Sunday school, their prayer requests, or anything godly? We’re here to aid the journey you start at home. Revival—making Jesus important again—must hit our homes. Forget Bibles in schools; teach them right at home, and school won’t matter. Pray for your spouse, kids—no one else will. Follow Jesus to the altar for them. Say “no” to wrong TV, music, places—lift Him up. Role models? Not celebrities, but faithful servants like our 45-year Sunday school teacher. Kids mimic what they see—will your love for Jesus inspire theirs, or seem a weekly chore?
Lift Christ in the World
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Romans 1:16). At the gym, a lady reads her King James Bible between sets—unashamed. I wore a “Whosoever, John 3:16” shirt; a guy said, “We don’t see that anymore.” You can’t love Jesus in church but hide Him outside—like loving my wife only at home. Cults outshine us in promoting their causes while we’re timid. Knock doors, share grace, hell’s reality—not from shame, but love. I talk Reds and fishing endlessly because I love them—if we love Jesus, we’ll talk Him up too. The righteous are bold as a lion (Proverbs 28:1)—lack of boldness reflects a heart issue. Pray about people before preaching to them.