“The Table in the Highlands”

 

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…” — Psalm 23:

Fellow Christians 

Today, I want to take you to the mist-covered hills of 17th-century Scotland. Not because we seek to escape our world, but because I believe Christ was just as present there as He is here now. And if we listen closely, we’ll find the gospel echoing through the heather and stone.

There, among the shadows of persecution, the Covenanters—men and women who would not renounce their allegiance to Christ as Head of the Church—gathered quietly in glens and forests. And what did they gather around?

Not a fortress. Not a pulpit.
But a table.

Often, it was no more than a blanket laid over a rock. Sometimes a few crusts of bread and a flask of wine. But there, surrounded by danger, they celebrated the same communion we celebrate today. Why? Because they believed, fiercely and tenderly, that Christ had not abandoned them—and never would.

You see, they understood something we must never forget: the Lord’s Table is not just about remembrance. It is about presence. It is a declaration, whispered or shouted, that Jesus Christ is here, in the hills and in the heart, in sorrow and in song.

They knew that grace is not a doctrine to be dissected. Grace is someone. And He meets us here.

So what about us?

What if communion isn’t just something we do at church, but a rhythm we live in the middle of our days—in the ordinary, and yes, even in the terrifying? What if the Table is set not just on Sunday mornings, but in hospital rooms, broken homes, and quiet commutes?

The real miracle isn’t that Jesus once ate with His disciples. The miracle is that He still does—with you and with me.

So let’s come. Not with fear. Not with shame.
Let’s come as the Covenanters of Scotland came—trusting that even when the world trembles, the Table stands firm.

Because Christ is not watching us from a distance. He is eating with us in the glen today, tomorrow and forevermore . Amen.

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor 

Topinabee Community Church

Topinabee, Michigan 

If You Would Like to Know More About or to Support the Ministry of Topinabee Community Church You Can go to Our Web Site.

https://topinabeechurch.org/index.html

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                    "If It Is Not About Jesus, It Is Not About Anything"

a Reflection: “The Table in the Trailer”

 I remember once my friend Elder Rev. George Relic and I sharing communion in a weather-beaten trailer tucked into a windy ridge in West Virginia. The walls rattled, the wind howled like a memory trying to come home, and there we were—six of us in folding chairs, gathered around what had once been a 1970s TV dinner tray.

You know the kind—thin metal legs, aluminum  or vinyl surface, maybe a faded woodgrain or a rusty  print. It was made for meatloaf and sitcoms, not sacraments. But that night? It became an altar.

That little tray, battered and bowed, once served TV dinners in front of laugh tracks and commercial jingles. Now it held bread and a cup, passed gently from hand to hand. We didn’t have vestments or stained glass—just hearts aware of grace, and the unshakable sense that Jesus was in the room.

I realized then what I still hold dear: The holiness of communion doesn’t depend on the grandeur of the table. It depends on the presence of the Host.

And He was there—in plastic chairs and whispered prayers, in grape juice and chipped bread. Heaven did not flinch. In fact, I think it leaned in.

 Prayer: “For Tables That Lean and Lives That Tremble”

Lord Jesus,
You who chose the stable over the palace,
the foot-washing bowl over the sword,
Choose again the simple places to meet us.

Bless the tables that wobble.
Bless the grape juice in paper cups,
the bread passed with calloused hands.

Let this communion remind us
that You come not for performance,
but for presence. And just as You once took a fisherman’s boat for a pulpit,
take our old TV trays, our trembling hearts,
and turn them into holy ground, today, tomorrow and forevermore. Amen.

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor 

Topinabee Community Church

Topinabee, Michigan 

If You Would Like to Know More About or to Support the Ministry of Topinabee Community Church You Can go to Our Web Site.

https://topinabeechurch.org/index.html

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                    "If It Is Not About Jesus, It Is Not About Anything"

Dear Friend

“I no longer call you servants … Instead, I have called you friends.” – John 15:15

In King David’s court, one unique figure stood out—not a warrior, not a scribe, but Hushai the King’s Friend (1 Chronicles 27:33). Hushai wasn’t tasked with policy or battle. His calling was personal—offering loyalty, counsel, and companionship to the King.

When rebellion rose and Absalom seized the throne, Hushai risked everything to remain faithful to David. Though he walked among false rulers, his heart belonged to the true King.

We, too, live in a world of rival thrones. Yet as believers, we follow the rightful King—Jesus Christ. He does not call us mere followers, but friends. Not only does He give us access to the throne, He invites us into His heart.

Like Hushai, we are called to stay close, to listen, and to remain loyal—through Scripture, through prayer, in worship, and in walking with His people.

Jesus chose us before we ever chose Him. Today, may we delight in that sacred friendship and walk faithfully in His service.

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us Your friends. Strengthen our hearts to stay close to You, even when the world offers counterfeit thrones. Amen.

Reflection:

In what ways have we experienced friendship with Jesus in my own lives?
What competing “thrones” in the world tempt us to compromise our loyalty to Him?
How can we invest more deeply in my relationship with Jesus—through prayer, Scripture, or serving others?

Like Hushai, are we willing to stand faithfully even when it's risky or unpopular?

Benediction:

May we walk closely with your King,
Faithful amidst the noise of this world,
Unshaken by false crowns or fleeting kingdoms.
May His friendship be your joy, your strength, and your guiding light—
Today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Amen.

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor 

Topinabee Community Church

Topinabee, Michigan 

If You Would Like to Know More About or to Support the Ministry of Topinabee Community Church You Can go to Our Web Site.

https://topinabeechurch.org/index.html

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                    "If It Is Not About Jesus, It Is Not About Anything"

God in the Darkness

 

 

Scripture: “Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.” – Exodus 20:21

We often equate darkness with absence—of clarity, of peace, of God. But Scripture tells a different story. When the mountain trembled and the people stood at a distance, Moses stepped into the thick darkness. Why? Because that’s where God was.

This moment invites us to reframe our understanding: darkness is not always a sign of God’s absence. Sometimes, it’s the very place He chooses to meet us.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:2) reminds us that our focus must remain on Christ, especially when the path ahead is unclear. Jesus endured the cross—the darkest moment in history—because of the joy set before Him. He didn’t avoid the pain; He walked through it, and now sits at the right hand of God. When we fix our eyes on Him, we find the courage to walk forward, even when we can’t see the way.

And as St. Paul writes, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7) Faith doesn’t require full visibility. It requires trust. Like Moses, we’re called to step into the unknown—not because we understand it, but because we trust the One who is already there.

Reflection:

Are you in a season where the light feels distant? Where answers are few and the way forward is hidden? Don’t retreat. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Walk by faith. God is not only present in the light—He is profoundly present in the dark.

Prayer:

Lord, when we can’t see the way ahead, help me to trust You more deeply. Teach us  to fix our eyes on Jesus and walk by faith, not by sight. Thank You for meeting us in the shadows and leading us with Your love, today ,tomorrow and forevermore Amen.

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor 

Topinabee Community Church

Topinabee, Michigan 

If You Would Like to Know More About or to Support the Ministry of Topinabee Community Church You Can go to Our Web Site.

https://topinabeechurch.org/index.html

You Can Follow Topinabee Community Church on Face Book 

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                    "If It Is Not About Jesus, It Is Not About Anything"

Be With Me

 

Be With Me

A Devotional Reflection inspired by Rev. Todd Crouch’s words

“If it’s not about Jesus, then it’s not about anything.”
—Rev. Todd Crouch

There are words that instruct. There are words that inspire. And then there are words that awaken something deeper—words that quietly realign the soul. This  simple, fierce declaration does exactly that. If it’s not about Jesus, then it’s not about anything. The more you sit with it, the more it whispers—everything else fades.

But what does that mean, really?

It means that Jesus is not the garnish to a meaningful life. He is the meaning. He is the center of the story, not the footnote. Through Him, all things were made. In Him, all things hold together (Colossians 1). And without Him, no matter how noble, our pursuits drift untethered from eternity.

But there is something even deeper pulsing beneath this truth—a quiet, divine invitation:
Be with Me.

From Eden’s garden to a carpenter’s cross, from Pentecost’s fire to the stirrings in your own soul, that has always been the heart of God. Not a demand for perfection. Not a call to religious performance. Just… “Be with Me.”

It’s Jesus saying to the weary, “Come to Me.”
To the outcast, “Follow Me.”
To the fearful, “Abide in Me.”

The Trinity itself—Father, Son, and Spirit—is a relationship so radiant that it couldn’t help but overflow. And that overflow created a world, wrote a story, built a bridge, and whispered your name. God’s longing has always been union. Fellowship. Joy shared.

That’s why it’s all about Jesus. Because Jesus is the embodiment of that I want of God, made visible, audible, embraceable. Through Him, we see that God doesn’t just want something from us—He wants us. He desires to share His joy, His life, His very self.

And so today, we pause not just to believe—but to belong. To answer that whisper.

Not with striving. Not with fear.
Just presence. Just honesty.
Just… yes.

Reflection:

Where in your life might Jesus be quietly saying, “Be with Me”?
What would it look like to live—really live—as though He were not just part of your life, but the center of it?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
You are the center, the source, the song beneath all songs.
If life is not about You, then let me lay it down—
so I can take up what is real, what is lasting, what is filled with You.

Draw me into Your presence—not just for a moment,
but for a life that walks with You, speaks with You,
laughs and weeps and hopes with You.

Thank You for the holy ache that reminds me You desire me.
You call me not to strive, but to come. Not to impress, but to abide.
And so I say, as simply as I know how—
I am here. Be with me. Let me be with You.  Amen.

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor 

Topinabee Community Church

Topinabee, Michigan 

If You Would Like to Know More About or to Support the Ministry of Topinabee Community Church You Can go to Our Web Site.

https://topinabeechurch.org/index.html

You Can Follow Topinabee Community Church on Face Book 

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                    "If It Is Not About Jesus, It Is Not About Anything"

Elementary Notes About the Gospels: St. John

 

Introduction to St. John’s Gospel

The Gospel of St. John—often called "the Most Beloved Gospel"—is known in Greek as:
τὸ κατὰ Ἰωάννην εὐαγγέλιον

St. John’s Gospel differs significantly in style and intent from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).

John writes with deep insight into both the Deity and Humanity of Jesus Christ.

Among all the Gospel writers, St. John speaks most directly to Christian believers, offering an ongoing revelation of who God is and how He reveals Himself in the person of Jesus.

Why St. John Wrote His Gospel

St. John himself explains the purpose of his Gospel in its closing verses:

"But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name."
—John 20:31

"Boanerges" – The Sons of Thunder

St. John was a fisherman from Capernaum, Galilee, a town situated on the shores of Lake Galilee.

He was the son of Zebedee and Salome and the younger brother of James.

Jesus gave St. John and St. James the nickname "Boanerges", meaning "sons of thunder" (Mark 3:17).

At times, John and his brother displayed fierce and impulsive anger, even wishing to call down fire on a Samaritan town—an act for which Jesus rebuked them (Luke 9:51-56).

Despite this fiery nature, St. John was transformed into the Apostle of Love, demonstrating deep spiritual insight and devotion to Christ.

St. John’s Longevity & Legend

Early Christian tradition holds that St. John died of old age, reaching his late 90s—making him the longest-living Apostle.

He is thought to have been one of the youngest disciples at the time of his calling.

Some legends suggest that St. John’s enemies attempted to boil him alive, but he miraculously survived. This legend inspired Christian iconography portraying St. John as an eagle in a cauldron.

More commonly, John is represented as an eagle, symbolizing his ability to see and understand from a heavenly perspective.

This imagery draws from Israel’s history, as the tribe of Dan—under which some Israelites camped during their wilderness journey—had the eagle as its tribal emblem.

St. John’s Close Relationship with Jesus

St. John was one of Jesus’ twelve Apostles, and his closeness to Christ is evident throughout Scripture.

He is repeatedly referred to as:
"The disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to Him."
—John 13:23

St. John was one of the three Apostles (along with St. Peter and St. James) chosen to witness:

• The raising of Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:21–43, Matthew 9:18–26, Luke 8:40–56)
• The Transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17, Mark 9, Luke 4:9)

Date & Location of Writing

St. John’s Gospel is believed to have been written between 70–100 AD, most likely from Ephesus in Asia Minor, where St. John led the Christian Church as the last surviving Apostle of Jesus.

 St. John is also credited with writing:

• 1 John
• 2 John
• 3 John
• The Book of Revelation

Countering Gnosticism

Some scholars believe John wrote his Gospel to counter the growing influence of Gnostic teachings, which were spreading within the Church under Marcion, a Gnostic teacher.

At the time, Gnostic movements claimed to be the "true Church," presenting an alternative history in opposition to orthodox Christianity, as taught by Jesus' disciples and their successors.

Gnosticism contained various theological distortions, particularly denying the full divinity of Jesus.

Some Gnostic teachings included:

• Jesus was a mere apparition, only appearing to be real but never actually coming in the flesh.
• Jesus was an ordinary man who had become “good enough” to be called or adopted as God’s Son.
• Jesus was possessed by the "divine spirit," which abandoned Him at the cross.
• Jesus was merely an angel or a created being, rather than eternally divine.

St. John directly refuted these claims, emphasizing that Jesus was fully God and fully man—the eternal Word made flesh.

St. John’s Gospel presents Jesus in a unique and deeply theological way, offering insight into:

• His divinity and humanity
• His intimate relationship with His followers
• The true identity of God revealed through Christ

It remains one of the most profound and beloved accounts of Jesus’ life, ministry, and purpose.

Themes of St. John’s Gospel

St. John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the One who was to come from the very beginning.

St. John opens with a unique introduction, tying together the creation of the universe and the coming of Christ, echoing the opening words of Genesis 1:

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."
—Genesis 1:1

St. John parallels this concept by portraying Jesus as the agent of both physical and spiritual creation:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
—John 1:1

The Logos: The Word of God

St. John establishes Jesus as the “Logos” (the Word)—the perfect revelation of who God is and the One through whom all things were created.

In the Hellenistic world, there was a belief in a supreme power beyond the pantheon of Greek gods. This higher force, if sought, could intervene and prevent the Olympian gods from harming humanity.

St. John reveals to his readers that what their myths only hinted at, Jesus is the reality of.

Jesus is not just a cosmic force—He is God, the true God, the only God.

Jesus as the Messiah: Signs and Testimonies

St. John provides several examples to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, including:

• Scriptural prophecy
• The testimony of John the Baptist
• Jesus’ own words
• God the Father’s affirmation
• Miraculous healings and works
• The witness of the Holy Spirit
• St. John’s own firsthand account

These elements serve as reliable evidence of Jesus’ divine nature and mission.

The Trinity in St. John’s Gospel

A common question from those who deny the Trinity is:

"If God is one in three persons, why isn't the Holy Spirit mentioned in John 1:1?"

The answer lies in the role of the Holy Spirit—His purpose is to glorify Jesus, not Himself.

Jesus explains:

"He will not speak on His own; He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you."
—John 16:13-14

Thus, the Holy Spirit is active but does not emphasize Himself—His mission is to reveal Jesus to the world.

St. John’s Gospel strongly affirms the true nature of God—not as three separate gods (Tri-Theism), nor a binary deity, but as One God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The doctrine of the Trinity arose as a defense of monotheism, refuting the false charge that Christians were preaching three gods.

Outline of St. John’s Gospel

1.      Prologue – The Word Incarnate

2.      Evidence of Jesus' Messianic Credentials

3.      Passion Narrative – Death & Resurrection

4.      Epilogue – Parting Words to St. Peter & St. John

The Seven Great "I AM" Statements

John carefully demonstrates Jesus’ divine nature and identity through the Seven "I AM" declarations:

1.      “I AM the bread of life.” (John 6:35, 48)

2.      “I AM the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

3.      “I AM the door.” (John 10:7, 9)

1.      “I AM the good shepherd.” (John 10:11, 14)

2.      “I AM the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)

3.      “I AM the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)

4.      “I AM the true vine.” (John 15:1, 5)

Jesus as YHWH

By using the sacred name "I AM," Jesus directly identifies Himself with the God of Israel.

This echoes God’s declaration to Moses:

"God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.' "
—Exodus 3:14

Through these statements, St. John leaves no doubt—Jesus is YHWH, the eternal God.

The Cleansing of the Temple

St. John places the cleansing of the Temple—Jesus driving out money changers—early in his Gospel (John 2), whereas the Synoptic Gospels place it later in Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19).

Scholars speculate two possibilities:

1.      There were two separate events—one early in Jesus’ ministry, one near the end.

2.      John intentionally placed the event early to emphasize Jesus’ mission of restoring the right relationship between God and humanity.

St. John’s placement may serve as a powerful metaphor:

• Jesus clears the temple—removing what corrupts worship.
• Jesus clears our hearts—removing selfish inclinations and spiritual clutter.

Rather than focusing on chronological accuracy, St. John prioritizes meaning and intent—helping us understand why Jesus came.

St. John’s Gospel offers a uniquely theological and spiritual perspective, presenting Jesus as:

• The Eternal Word, the Logos
• The Messiah and Savior of humanity
• YHWH, the Great "I AM"
• The One who restores the broken relationship between God and mankind

It is a masterpiece of revelation, guiding believers into deeper understanding of Christ’s divine nature and mission.

Behold the Lamb

St. John dedicates time to the ministry and witness of John the Baptist, placing him at the inauguration of Jesus’ public ministry.

John the Baptist prepares the way, echoing Isaiah’s prophecy:

"John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, 'I am the voice of one calling in the desert, "Make straight the way for the Lord."' "
—John 1:19-23

St. John also proclaims Jesus as "the Lamb of God", a theme that resonates throughout John’s Gospel and the Book of Revelation:

"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!' "
—John 1:29

In Revelation, St. John again presents Jesus as the Lamb, still bearing the wounds of crucifixion:

"Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne."
—Revelation 5:6

This verse beautifully connects Jesus’ death and resurrection:

• "Looking as if slain" symbolizes His sacrifice.
• "Standing before the throne" affirms His victory over death.

Nicodemus & The Beloved Verse

Only John includes Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus (John 3:1-14), in which Jesus reveals the necessity of being born again.

This passage contains one of the most beloved verses in all of Scripture, found only in John:

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
—John 3:16

The Woman at the Well

St. John uniquely records Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4).

Here, Jesus asks for water but offers her the true "Water of Life"—a promise later echoed in Revelation:

"He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.' "
—Revelation 21:6

Lazarus & The Shortest Verse

St. John also takes us to the tomb of Lazarus, recording Jesus’ famous words:

"Jesus wept."
—John 11:35

This moment is significant because it reveals:

1.      Jesus' deep compassion for His friends.

2.      His divine power over death—as He soon calls Lazarus forth from the grave.

Before raising Lazarus, Jesus declares His identity:

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"
—John 11:25-26

This statement affirms that Jesus is Life itself, and His resurrection only confirms what has always been true—He has power over death and can restore any situation, even when all hope seems lost.

Foot Washing at the Last Supper

Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, John includes a unique account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:2-5):

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God; so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him."
—John 13:3-5

St. John uses this act of cleansing in the same way that the Synoptic Gospels describe the Bread and Wine—highlighting Jesus’ role in cleansing us of sin.

Jesus' Final Discourse & The Lord’s Prayer

St. John uniquely provides Jesus' farewell discourse before His arrest (John 14-17), including:

• John 14 – Jesus comforts the Apostles, declaring He is the way, the truth, and the life.
• John 15 – The Vine and Branches, calling believers to abide in Him.
• John 16 – The Holy Spirit’s work, and Jesus’ overcoming the world.
• John 17 – Jesus’ prayer as our High Priest, asking for unity among believers throughout all generations.

Post-Resurrection Encounters

St. John 21 records the seven disciples meeting the resurrected Jesus on the shores of Galilee.

The Apostles returned to fishing, yet Jesus reminds them—and us—that after encountering Christ, we can never return to life as before.

Jesus directs them to cast their nets again, leading to a miraculous great haul—symbolizing that their true calling is spreading the Gospel, not fishing for food.

 John 21 also contains:

• Jesus’ reaffirmation of His love for Peter (John 21:15-19).
• Jesus’ final words about John’s future role in the Church (John 21:20-24).

No Book Big Enough

St. John closes his Gospel with a striking statement:

"Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written."
—John 21:25

St. John reiterates his purpose for writing:

"Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name."
—John 20:30-31

Everything recorded in St. John’s Gospel was written so that we might believe—and through belief, receive life in His name.

Benediction

May we each and all praise our God, who has preserved and given us this divine account of His Holy Son’s life upon the Earth—revealing to us the greatness of God—today, tomorrow, and forevermore. Amen.

 Rev. Todd Crouch, Pastor 

Topinabee Community Church

Topinabee, Michigan 

If You Would Like to Know More About or to Support the Ministry of Topinabee Community Church You Can go to Our Web Site.

https://topinabeechurch.org/index.html

You Can Follow Topinabee Community Church on Face Book 

https://www.facebook.com/Topinabeecommunitychurch

                    "If It Is Not About Jesus, It Is Not About Anything"