The Question in the Cul-de-Sac
As we pull into our driveways in Florissant or walk the parks in Ellisville, a fundamental question follows us home from the Resurrection Sunday service. It is the same question Jesus posed to His disciples: Who do you say He is? For many of us in the St. Louis area, we are quick to offer the correct Sunday school answer. We know the theological weight of the Resurrection. However, the Kingdom of God is not built on verbal tallies alone. It is built on the reality of our daily lives. If we claim He is Lord, the most important follow-up question we must answer is this: Does your life look like you are telling the truth?
The Pilate Problem: Passive Belief vs. Active Confession
In Matthew 27:20-26, we see a haunting display of passivity. Pilate knew the truth of Jesus’ innocence, yet he washed his hands of the responsibility. He allowed the crowd to choose a murderer, Barabbas, over the Messiah. Often, we find ourselves in a similar “hand-washing” position in our own community. We see the needs in Bridgeton or the challenges facing families in our school districts, and we remain silent.
When we fail to take a stand for righteousness in our parenting or our marriages, we are effectively choosing the world’s Barabbas over the King. Easter is a reminder that we cannot be neutral. A confession that doesn’t lead to a stand is not a confession at all. We have to serve authentically.
A Confession Revealed by the Father
We must recognize that a true understanding of Who do you say He is? does not come from our own intellect. As Pastor Ken highlighted, our confession is special because it is revealed by the Father. According to Matthew 16:13 and Romans 10:9, no one comes to a saving faith without the work of the Holy Spirit. This is incredibly freeing for St. Louis families. It means our standing with God is not based on how “perfect” our suburban life looks, but on the truth God has placed in our hearts. Because God Himself gives us this truth, no one can tell us we are not saved or blessed. This divine connection is the fuel for everything we do.
Your Activity: The Evidence of Your Truth
This brings us to the core of the message: What is your activity? According to James 2:17, faith without works is dead. If our faith does not result in a connection to others, we must re-evaluate that faith. For a believer in the St. Louis region, “activity” looks like intentional parenting where we prioritize a child’s character over their sports schedule. It looks like a marriage where we practice the same voluntary submission Jesus showed on the cross.
Our activity is the evidence that the Resurrection actually matters on a Tuesday morning. When we engage in active community service, we aren’t trying to earn God’s favor. Instead, we are working from the victory of the cross, knowing that “It is finished.”
Voluntary Submission: The Fruit of Connection
The crucifixion is the ultimate example of faith in action. It was a voluntary submission that always benefits someone else. When we are truly connected to the Holy Spirit, our natural response is to look for ways to benefit our neighbors. Whether it is helping a struggling family in Florissant or being an honest witness in our workplace, our lives should be a reflection of the sacrificial love of Christ. This is how we prove Who do you say He is? to a world that is watching closely.
A Finished Work, A Starting Point
The work of salvation is finished, but our work as ambassadors is just beginning. Let us leave the “hand-washing” to the world and embrace a life of active, visible truth. This week, let your activity in St. Louis be the loudest confession of your faith. If you’re looking for a good church to visit we would love for you to consider us. Tell us about it and we’ll meet you at the door! Plan Your Visit Today!
