- - May 30, 2010 - -
Christ’s Death – More than a Memory

Text: I Peter 3:18

Introduction: In Iraq, 2006 - US Army Spc. Ross Andrew McGinnis gave his life for his fellow soldiers when he covered a frag grenade with his body inside their humvee.
I think of another who gave His life for others – Jesus.  He said, “No man takes My life from Me but rather, I willingly lay it down…”

1. His death was a violent death.
• (18) “He suffered (died) once for sins.”

• Despised and rejected of men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.

• His visage was marred more than other man, and His form more than the sons of men.

• He took: the shrapnel of my sin…the IED of my rebellion!

2. His death was a vicarious death.
• “The just for the unjust.”

• (II Cor.5:21) “For he made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

• (Gal.3:13-14) “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

• For He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, and by His stripes I am healed.

• A man may die for another, but only Jesus can die for your sin! 

3. His death was a victorious death.
• “Suffered once for sins”  Never to be repeated!

• “That He might bring us to God.”

• The veil was rent from top to bottom!

• Full access.  No, not the oval office but heaven!

- - May 23, 2010 - -
Breaking the Stronghold’s Grip in our Lives

Text: II Corinthians 10:3-5

Introduction: Last Sunday night Chopper & Coda got into a fight – at one point Coda had Chopper by the throat, then Chopper had him by the ear and would not let go!

If we’re not careful – something can become a stronghold (fortress, prison, tomb) and worse it becomes a stranglehold!

To avoid or get rid of a stranglehold we’ll need to:

1. Repent of your sin.
• Obviously if it’s a stronghold – there’s a habitual sin!

• (Hebrews 12:1) “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”

• Paul in Romans 7 – knew the struggles!: The good he knew to do – he didn’t!  The bad he knew he shouldn’t – he did!

• Jesus came preaching “repentance.”  Luke 13 tells us: We’ll perish if we don’t repent!  There is a “season” God gives us to repent!

• How?  Like Paul: Cry out to God!  “O Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from t his body of death?  I thank God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!

• The man at the doctor who had scrambled eggs on his head and a strip of bacon on each ear, who said: ‘I’m here about my wife.’

2. Relinquish control.
• We confess to God – this is bigger than me.  I’m not able.

• (3&4) “…Do not war according to the flesh…weapons of our warfare are not carnal.”

• If their NOT fleshly – then they must be spiritual!

• (Eph.6:12) “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

• Thus: (Eph.5:17-18) “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.”

• (John 15:4-5) “Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” = RELATIONSHIP!

• Remember: disciples who couldn’t set boy free because of their unbelief, and they needed prayer & fasting.  = Relinquishing control!

• Coat on the pulpit vs. wearing coat.  Now, coat, raise your arms…

3. Renew your mind.
• (4) Weapons?  The Word of God and the Holy Spirit!

• (4b –5a) “Pulling down/casting down” = Demolish, destroy!

• Strongholds?: (5) “arguments” = logical: (philosophies, ideologies) A rationalization of a sinful practice!

• A stronghold begins with a: thought…choice…act…habit…stronghold!

• (5b) “[We are to be] bringing every though into captivity…”

• Not just Christ helping us think holy thought but rather, “[One’s] mental structure, plans and schemes are taken over and transformed as they come to a new allegiance.”  (Carson)

• Instead of culture sifting the bible – we need the bible to sift culture!

• (Jn.16:13) “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth…”

• When we: repent of sin…relinquish control…renew our mind that stronghold will be demolished!

•  Chopper and Coda’s fight?  It took a 5 gallon bucket of water, a water hose and two neighbors to get Chopper to loosen his grip.

- - May 16, 2010 - -
Winning the Fight for the Family

Text: Ephesians 6:1-4
Introduction: The family; the core unit of society and under fierce attack!
If we’re going to win the battle for our families:

1. Be involved in church.
• (1) Paul’s letter would’ve been read aloud…

• (Deut.31:12-13a) “Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they  may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God.”

• (Mk.10:14b) “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”

• Why is it our kids can sit in school 6 hours Mon. – Fri., but not 1 hour on Sunday?

• We beat the bushes to keep em’ in sports or band – but church?

• Talking to the neighborhood teens - 8 of 10 never went to church! 

2. Prioritize the importance of the Word.
• (1) “Children, obey = (from 2 words: under & to listen) – to listen under.

• Obedience involves a conscious listening.  If you don’t listen you can’t obey!  Steps: LISTEN…UNDERSTAND…OBEY.

• “Your parents In the Lord.”  Instruction consistent w/God’s Word.

• Why?  #1) BECAUSE IT’S RIGHT.  “For this is right.”  (Virtually every society everywhere knows and expects this.)

•  (2) #2) It’s COMMANDED. – God said to!  “Honor…”  (To respect, love & care for.)

• (3) #3) It’s BENEFICIAL.  “That it may be well with you and that…” How?  Warned from harms way…spared the bad habits & bad friends…develop healthy character traits.

• (Prov.10:27) “The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.”  (Prov.4:10) “Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and  the years of your life will be many.”

•   When assembly required – it pays to follow the instructions.

3. Provide instruction in the home.
• Instruction begins with something we DON”T do.

• (4) “Do not provoke your children to wrath.”    (like mama Jane’s           pressure cooker..!)

• By: unreasonableness…fault-finding…neglect…inconsistency.

• #1) TENDER NURTURE.  “Bring them up.” = To nourish w/gentleness.

• #2) FIRM DISCIPLINE.  “in the training…” = To discipline even by punishment.  (Prov.19:18) “Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction.”

• #3) VERBAL CORRECTION.  “…And admonition…” = Literally: to place before the mind.”

• Often it means to confront.  Exactly what Eli failed to do with his sons.  See I Samuel 3:11-13 (“restrain”).

• (Prov.22:6) “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

• As a child – the awareness of what was right and wrong kept me, and keeps me now from all kinds of harm!

• I wonder.  Go to a seminary and ask a typical student about his family and childhood, then go the state prison and ask a typical inmate the same questions.

• We will win the fight for the family when: we’re involved in church…prioritize the word…provide instruction in the home.

- - May 9, 2010 - -
Hannah; a Mom in the Know

Text: I Samuel 2:1-10

Introduction: 41% of all childbirth in USA is out of wedlock.  Resulting in a tremendous responsibility for the mother!

Give us some mothers like Hannah!  She knew God!  She knew:

1. God is worthy of worship.
• Today (80%) in USA believe in God but He’s NOT worthy of…

• (1) “My heart rejoices in the Lord.”

• “My horn is exalted…” Earlier (1:10: bitterness of soul, anguish)

• Now – “I smile at my enemies”  She rejoices in “Yeshua”

• (2) There’s nobody else like Him!  (Ps.34:1-3) “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.  My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.  Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.”

• I once met a girl over the CB radio, she sounded great.  We met (or were supposed to) at Taco Bell.  As she came in the front door I went out the back.  She was not worth it! 

2. God is totally just.
• (3) Watch your proud talk and arrogant ways!  God knows!

• All over the world, esp. in America – people are mocking God!

• But He will not be (stay) mocked!  “For whatsoever a man sows that will he also reap!”

• (3b) “…By Him actions are weighed.”  (4-8b) 7 contrasts made.

• (Ps.33:13-15) “The Lord looks from heaven; He sees all the sons of men.  From the place of His dwelling He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth; He fashions their hearts individually; He considers all their works.”

• I like the dumb crook shows where the crook gets his gun taken from him by the store clerk, usually a little old lady.    

3. God guards His own.
• (8b-10) “For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s…”

• Don’t worry & fret over global warming! 

• Thursday’s stock market – 30 minutes: One trillion $ vanished, but it didn’t shake God or His kingdom.

• (9) “He guards the feet of His saints…”Last Sat., Times Square bomb – Was a mom praying?

• The most powerful person on earth is not the president – it’s a mom or dad who prays!

• By God’s grace Samuel was sent out into a perverse and corrupt nation!

• (Ps.127:3-4) “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth.”

• Oh how we need some Samuel’s sent out today!

• If God protected me before I came to faith, how much more so will He watch over me now.

• Thank God for Hannah, she knew God: Is worthy of worship…totally just…guards his own.

- - May 2, 2010 - -
Hebrews 12:25

The Danger of being a Casual Christian

Text: Hebrews 12:25-29

Introduction:  Haiti, Chile, China, Taiwan, Iceland, Japan, Spain: the earth has been shaking.  “Whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven.’”  (Hebrews 12:26)
(Mt.24:7b) “…And there will be earthquakes in various places.” = A sign of His 2nd coming. 
The writer of Hebrews writes to some who truly believed and to others who, although in appearance looked authentic, had not genuinely believed.

1. God’s prohibition of being spiritually deaf.
• (25) “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks.”

• Verse (24) speaks of His blood speaking.  (1:1) “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.”

• Jesus came preaching: repentance, faith and the cross!  He called apostles and prophets, evangelist, and pastor –teachers! He established the church and unveiled His written Word!!

• HE speaks today but some aren’t listening!

• Warning!  Watch out!  See Hebrews 3:7-19.

• MP3 headset stopped working – I thought my hearing had a stopped in my left ear.  

2. God promises a trial of separation.
• (26) The writer quotes Haggai 2:6.

• Not only earth but heaven too!  See Revelation 6:12-14.

• Why?  (27b) “…That the things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

• God IS shaking us: FINANCIAL SECURITY…NATIONAL SECUTITY…HEALTHCARE…RELIGION…our very WAY of LIFE!!

• Man has shown that he will set up for himself a “way to God.”  See Hebrews 12:15-17.  Esau traded the spiritual for the natural!

• (29) “For our God is a consuming fire.”  (Heb.4:13) “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.”

• I once panned for gold (not real gold).  I tried to sift or shake out the impurities that the gold might remain.

3. God provides eternal security.
• (28) “…Receiving an unshakeable KINGDOM.”

• More than a place or material things: (Romans 14:17) “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

• (Romans 8:16) “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

• (Romans 5:1-2) “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

• Knowing this: (28b) “Serve God acceptably” = Worship in Spirit & truth!   

• Mere fleshly, materialistic, worldly worship of God won’t cut it!

• “With reverence and godly fear.”  (Eccl.12:13) “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.”

• God prohibits spiritual deafness…He promises a trial of separation…He provides eternal security.

• Dale Thrasher of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Yazoo City, Mi. – in the church, while the tornado raged he hid under the remembrance table; the windows blew out, the roof blew off.  He said Jesus, “Put His arms around him and kept him safe.”

- - April 25, 2010 - -
Ephesians 4.11

“What a Pastor Does”

• Text: Ephesians 4:11-14

• (11b) “And He Himself gave…and some pastors and teachers.”

• From (v.7), we know Christ gave us “grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” = Not the underservedness but the freeness of it.

• Most commentators believe this is ONE office (two ministries).

• Teaching is considered a gift on its own.  (I Cor.12:28) “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, variety of tongues.”

• However, “Some” is not repeated for teachers.

• The word “and” (this usage) often means: “that is” or “in particular.” 

• (I Tim.5:17) “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine (teaching).”

• One of the qualifications of a bishop is: “Able to teach.” (I Timothy 3:2b)

• Pastor = poimen (to shepherd), bishop = episkopos(overseer), elder = presbuteros (denotes an older person.)

• A pastor is to care for, protect and feed his flock.  “Teaching” is certainly a primary way of doing this.

• Paul warned the elders of Ephesus: “Therefore take to yourselves and all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.  For I know this that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.”  (Acts 20:28-30)

• See II Cor.11:1-4.

• (Gal.1:8) “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you, let him be accursed.”

• (12) MY (or any God called pastor) primary function and objective: “To equip the saints for the work of the ministry.”  “Equipping.” = A reference to that which is fit, restored to its original condition, or made complete.  Often used as a medical term in the setting broken bones.

• (II Tim.3:16-17) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction is righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

• Also, “For the edifying of the body of Christ.” “Edifying.” = a literal reference to the building of a house.  The nourishment of the Word.

• (Acts 20:32a) “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up…”

• (I Peter 2:1-3) “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of  the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”

• Equipped…edified…

• (13) “Till we all come to the unity of the faith.” 

• “The faith” = not an act of belief or of obedience, but rather the body of Christian truth, to Christian doctrine.

• (13b) “And of the knowledge of the Son of God.” = Not salvation (how to) knowledge, but rather a deep knowledge, full, accurate knowledge that comes through a relationship of the risen Christ!

• This is from prayer, intimacy, diligent study and daily walking in obedience!

• Illustrated so vividly – See Phil.3:7-10.

• “To a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” = MATURITY!

• Old “Baldy” on hearing a sermon about trust and not worrying, bragged on how he worried!

• (14) “Trickery” = a term from which get cube = dice.  “Loaded dice.”

• “Cunning craftiness” = clever manipulation of error to look like truth!

• “Deceitful plotting” = Methods, schemes, subtle systematized error!

• Many young people today are duped!  Pluralistic, syncretistic theology is a major heresy of our day!  Doctrine that teaches all faiths lead to the same destination is a damnable lie!

• “COEXIST” Bumper sticker.   We do coexist now, but it takes the forgiveness of Christ to gain heaven.

• A God called pastor preaches and teaches his flock in order to equip them for Christian service while being built up in their spiritual maturity.

- - April 18, 2010 - -
Ephesians 4.7

Diversity within Unity

• Ephesians 4:6 – 11

• (6) 3x “all” then Paul in verse (7), “But to each one of us…”  The contrast is striking!

• We are a body of unity but NOT uniformity.  How sad if were all replicas of one another.

• (7) Paul uses “charis” (grace) and not charismata as he does in Romans 12:6, and I Corinthians 12:4.

• “Christ’s gift” = “dorea” does not focus on the undeservedness but rather, on the freeness of the gift.

• Remember how “charismatic” (adjectival) was used to speak of certain churches.  “Oh, they’re so spiritual over there, they’re charismatic.”

• Paul wrote to his young protégé Timothy, (II Timothy 1:6) “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

• (8) Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18.  A Psalm of David about God’s faithfulness: to deliver His people and protect them.  It celebrated the Ark of the Covenant coming to Jerusalem and called the people to praise God.

•  (9) Paul, parenthetically, points out that Jesus came down (descended to earth) before He ascended.

• JESUS CAME DOWN THROUGH THE: heavenly city…mysteries of the 3rd heavens…the constellations…the clouds…to earth to face ridicule…to death, even the death of the cross…to the depths of hell itself!

• (10) Then He rightfully ascended far above all the heavens!  The relevance is NOT so much of spatial terms!  But rather Christ’s humiliation & exaltation!

• This is turn speaks of His power and authority!  He indeed, “Led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”

• (II Cor.2:14-16) “Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.  For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.  To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life…”

• Some who hear are saved, and some believe not and are condemned by the same exercise of our gifts via the power of His Word and Spirit.

• (11) Paul begins to list some gifts.  5x gifts (20 distinct) are mentioned the Bible.  4x by Paul: Romans 12:6-8; I Cor.12:4-11, 28-30; Eph.4:7-12.  Peter writes once, I Peter 4:10-11.

• (I Cor.12:4) “There are diversities (variety) of gifts, but the same Spirit.”

• Thus, no one list is complete, and all 5 are not exhaustive.  So, there may be many more not listed in His Word for us.

• In our immediate text Paul mentions 5 (or 4): Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastors, and teachers.

• (11) “And He Himself gave…” God calls!  (Gal.1:15-16) “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…”

• “APOSTLE” (One sent.)  We all are in that sense – but Paul speaks of a unique bunch.

• This bunch includes the 12 (Matthias replaced Judas), Paul, James the ½ brother of Jesus, and possibly one or two others.

• They were personally chosen and authorized by Jesus, and had to be eyewitnesses of the risen Lord.

• “PROPHET” the primary sense of the Bible it was on who ‘stood in the council of God’, who heard and even ‘saw’ his word, and who in consequence ‘spoke from the mouth of the Lord’ and spoke his word faithfully.  Cf. Jer.23:16-32.

• In other words: A prophet was the mouthpiece or spokesman of God, a vehicle of His direct revelation.  (Unlike the TV preachers boys who receive new revelation per new episode.)

• It has to be that there are NO apostles or prophets today in the original sense.

•   (Eph.2:20) “Having built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”

• “EVANGELIST” this noun is used 3x, here, Acts 21:8 of Philip, and II Tim.4:5 of Timothy.

• The verb form “evangelize” is used often to describe the spreading of the gospel.

• All of us are responsible to evangelize but one with this gift, perhaps is gifted in his preaching or making the gospel plain and relevant to unbelievers.  Personal witnessing is effective…

• Someone once simply described evangelism as “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”

• Next week a look at the office of pastor.

- - April 11, 2010 - -
When Do we Need Revival?

• A Gallop poll taken some years ago shared that 84% of American Christians claim to be praying for revival.  If so, then why hasn’t God sent it?

• The following article is out of a British magazine, written by Matthew Olson.

•  We need revival when:

  It is easier to stay home than go to church.
  It is easier to work than to worship.
  It is easier to be critical than to be kind.
  It is easier to read fiction than the Bible.
  It is easier to shirk God given opportunities than to perform it.
  It is easier to support the club than the church.
  It is easier to sleep in church than to stay awake.
  It is easier to grumble than to praise.
  It is easier to condemn men rather than pray for their salvation.
  It is easier to hold grudges than forgive.
  It is easier to be worldly than holy.
  It is easier to with hold our tithes and spend on temporal things rather than invest   them on eternity.

- - April 4, 2010 - -
He is risen. He is risen indeed!

He is risen.  He is risen indeed!  The resurrection of Christ is the one central event on which all our hopes and significance rest.  If Christ be not risen our faith is vanity and our sin remains!  The good news is Christ has risen and because He has our faith is not in vain and our sin has been washed away by His blood!  Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift of salvation.  In Paul's epistle to the believers at Corinth he shared, "For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."  (II Corinthians 4:6) 

Please allow me to give you some points to ponder when it comes to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The following comes from the text of I Corinthians 15:1-10:

1. THE PROMISE of the RESURRECTION (v.v. 3-4)
Notice "According to the Scriptures" in regards to Christ's death, burial and resurrection!  Isaiah 53 is the best and one of many Old Testament passages concerning God's promise.

2. THE PROOF of the RESURRECTION (v.v. 5-8)
Again, notice "He was seen" by Peter, the twelve, Paul, and over five hundred at the same time.  First hand eyewitness testimony!  If you put these eyewitnesses on a stand for 15 minutes around the clock without stopping in a court of law you would have enough witnesses to testify for five solid days that they had seen the RISEN LORD!

3. THE POWER of the RESURRECTION (v.v.9-10)
Paul reminds the readers that he formerly persecuted the church, but now by God's grace, is not only a part of the church, but stands for the church as an apostle.  We know Paul stood for Christ to the very end being put to death by sword at the hands of the emperor Nero.  A life so transformed - now that's powerful!
Because He lives we can face tomorrow.
Think about these and praise His name.  Christ is risen!  He is risen indeed!

In Him,
Pastor John

- - February 14, 2010 - -
The Greatest Love of All

Text: Ephesians 3:14-19

Introduction: Candy and cards versus God’s love.

Paul prays for:

1. The fullness of God’s power.

• (16) “Strengthened(overcomes, dominates) with might (dynamic power).”

• It is limitless and available!  “According to the riches of his glory.”

• Not physical but inwardly by the Holy Spirit!  “Through His Holy Spirit in the inner man.”

• (Eph.5:18) And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be (continuously being) filled with the Spirit.”

• Influenced, yielded to Him via: Intake of His word, confession of sins, surrender to His will.)

• Someone asked Albert Armstrong what having a feel for jazz was like, ‘If you gotta ask you ain’t got it.’

• Power from hydro-elec. dams are generated internally – not the froth trickling over the top.

2. The fellowship of God’s presence.
• (17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts.”  2 words for dwell in the Greek: one is temporary Lit. to inhabit as a stranger. The other is permanent, long term, to settle down.

• Christ is to feel at home all the time – He’s not a part time guest!

• “Through faith.”  A daily exercise of trust in the lordship of your life.

• (Rev.3:20) “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

• “Rooted and grounded in love” A deep, foundational fellowship based on love (not fear.)

• Next time at the food court – sit down & eat with a stranger.   
2. The fulfillment of God’s purpose.
• We need His Spirit’s power and the loving fellowship in order to

• (18) “Comprehend with all the saints (Jew & Gentile alike) what is…”

• “The love of Christ is wide enough to encompass all mankind, long enough to last for eternity, deep enough to reach the most degraded sinner, high enough to exalt him to heaven.” (Stott)

• (Romans 8:38-39) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

• (19) “To know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.”

• You have to live it, experience it!

• “That you may be filled with (to) all the fullness of God.”

• (Romans 8:29) “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…
  

• (II Cor.3:18) “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

• To love, to live, to reflect Christ – that is His purpose.

• The little boy who spoke to his dad realizing that Jesus is bigger than he was and since Jesus lived inside  - well then, ‘He ought to stick out!’

• Paul prays for: The fullness of God’s power…fellowship of God’s presence…the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

- - February 7, 2010 - -
Ephesians 2:11-22
(From Refugee to Royalty)

• 1. The memory of our alienation.  

• “The Way We Were” by Barbara Streisand tugs on my heartstrings (thoughts of my childhood.)

• Something’s we’re told to forget (how others hurt us.) But in (11) , we’re told to “Remember.”

• (11b) “Gentiles in the flesh, the uncircumcised.”  (Paul seems to be diminish the labeling…)

• (12) “Without Christ.”  (As clearly seen in previous verses) But not only “alienated” from God but God’s people, the Jews.

• “Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel.”  We were NOT citizens.

• “Strangers from the covenants of [the] promise”  = Most likely the promise given to Abraham.

• “Having no hope.”  Although God’s plan was to include Gentiles, at the time they didn’t know it.

• “Without God in the world.”  (Creation declares Him but the truth is suppressed by unrighteousness, thus pagan gods only, Israel was to bear witness to the true God, but often failed.)

• In summary, as William Hendricksen states it: “They were Christless, stateless, friendless, hopeless, and Godless.”

• The alienation between Jew and Gentile is hard to understand today.  See Barclay’s quote from Stott’s commentary, p.91.  (Like Jew and Palestinian today.)

•  2. The method of God’s reconciliation.

• (13) Before, we thought back, we remembered, “But now…”

• “In Christ Jesus you (emphatic)” = #1. CONVERSION.  The living out of our salvation.

• “Once were far off have been brought near.”  Rabbi’s would speak of someone “brought near” when one converted to Judaism.  A Gentile woman sought conversion & came to Rabbi Eliezer.  She confessed her being a sinner & asked to be admitted to the Jewish faith.  “Rabbi, bring me near.”  The Rabbi refused, the door was shut in her face!

• #2. CALVARY’S CROSS.  (13b) “By the blood of Christ.”  “Oh how precious is the flow that washes me white as snow.”

• #3.  CHRIST Himself.  (14) “He Himself is…our peace”  (15) He “makes peace.”  (17) He “preached peace.”

• (14b) “Has broken down the middle wall of separation.”  (4.5’ high, divided the court of the Gentiles from the rest of the temple.  A sign gave warning: “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure.  Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.”)

• Note: Paul was nearly killed by a Mob in Acts 21 – because they accused him of taking Trophimus from Ephesus beyond the barrier.

• The middle wall is merely symbolic of the real barrier – the Mosaic law itself! (15) “The law of commandments contained in ordinances.”

• “Abolished in His flesh.”  His life/death on the cross – “abolished” = ‘to make ineffective, powerless, nullify.’  The ceremony, ritual, code, statutes, ordinances that separated is NOW nullified!

• (15b) “To create in Himself one new man (humanity) from the two …”

• (16) “That he might reconcile them both to God in ONE body…” “He put to death the enmity…”  Between each other and between God.

• (18) In so doing – “We have access by one Spirit to the Father.”

• Little William at the gates of Buckingham Palace story taken to the king by the prince (Gordon, p.141-142.)

• 3. The marvel of God’s unification.

• (19) “Now” (Consequently or as a result) We are “No Longer: Christless…stateless…friendless…hopeless…Godless!

• “But fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”  HALLELUJAH!

• (20) “Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.”  2 groups of people.  (The original 12 who witnessed Christ’s resurrection and a group who prophesied God’s word.)

• It’s not the men per say but their MESSAGE!!

• (20B) “Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.” 

• (Psalm 118:22-23) “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.  This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.”

• (21) Jesus Christ; He holds it all together, He holds it up!

• (22) “…you also…”  Oh the thought that God would want to come down and not just visit but stay with me!

• “God is not tied to holy buildings but to holy people.”  (Stott)

• The memory of our alienation…the method of God’s reconciliation…the marvel of God’s unification.

• Charles Wesley’s O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing  (# 23, The New National Baptist Hymnal)

• “From Refugee to Royalty” I am a child of the King!

- - January 31, 2010 - -

Let your God Love You

Be silent.
Be still. Alone,
Empty
Before your God.
Say nothing.
Be silent.

Be still.
Let your God
Look upon you.
That is all.
God knows,
Understands,
Loves you with
An enormous love.
God only wants to
Look upon you
With Love.
Quiet.
Still.
Be.

Let your God –
Love you.

Edwina Gately, from There Was No Path but I Trod One.

- - January 24, 2010 - -

Text: Matthew 5:13-16

Introduction:  We should all watch our salt, but a boiled egg must… (Job:6) “Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt?”

(John 17:15) “I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.” = No isolation (like a monk).

Jesus uses two common metaphors that everyone would’ve related to: salt & light.

The implication is obvious; the earth is a corrupt(decaying) and dark place!  (In spite of men’s “enlightenment.”)

In that day, salt was different from our table salt.  Then – a white powder (from Dead Sea) contained sodium chloride along with other minerals.  The sodium chloride being the most soluble was also the most easily washed out.  The white dust (residue) that remained still looked like salt but neither tasted or acted like salt.  = Road Dust (used for little more than killing vegetation around a foot path.)

1. A kingdom citizen is to be an influence for Christ and His kingdom.
• (13) “You = me, you, us…are the salt of the earth.”

• With all the evil going on – we don’t need to contribute!

• #1. Live without COMPROMISE.  “…Loses its flavor, how?”

• (James 4:4) “Adulterers and adulteresses!  Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?  Whoever therefore wants to be friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

• (8) “Blessed are the pure in heart.” = Sincerity, no hypocrisy!

• #2. Live true to your biblical CONVICTIONS.  (Not personal prejudices.)

• Live with: “Meekness” (gentle spirit) “Mercy” (The world retaliates & “gets even.”)  “Peacemaker.”

• Of all things tell the truth!  Do what’s right!  (Hunger & thirst for it!  Social. Moral, legal righteousness.)

• “To him who knows to do right and doeth it not – to him it is sin.”

• If we don’t salt the earth – who will?

• How is it?  Who influences who?

• Boat in the water – OK.  Water in the boat – Oh No!

2. A kingdom citizen is to illuminate the earth with God’s glory.
• An obvious function of light is to help us see!

• “Twinkle, twinkle little star how I wonder what you are.”

• “…set on a hill CAN NOT BE HIDDEN.”

• Moses didn’t just walk away from the burning bush!  Paul didn’t go on to Damascus as if nothing had happened!  Jacob became Israel at Peniel and was never the same!  John The Baptist did not need motivational talks after he saw Jesus at the Jordan River!

• But people do ignore us or walk away when: (15) we put our light under a basket.  BASKET = SELF…SIN…FEAR (no faith)

• (16) A life lived “SO SHINES” – the world “sees your good works.”

•  Good works:  They’re “seen” so must practical. = Loyalty to God, sharing w/the lost, caring for the sick/needy, teaching…

• Even giving a cup of cold water is rewarded!

• Its everything about your life that points to Jesus !  (1 Peter 2:12) “Having your conduct honorable (lovely, winsome, gracious, noble, excellent) among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.”

• A kingdom citizen that influences & illuminates the earth w/God’s glory makes an impact that pleases God.

• In the “Mosaic” of our lives – the good works or lack thereof – what does our picture of Jesus look like?

- - January 17, 2010 - -

Characteristics of a Kingdom Citizen
(The Sermon on the Mount Series #1)

Text: Matthew 5:3-12

Introduction: Public opinion has a number of ways of how and who get to heaven.  Jesus’ sermon drew a definite line and clearly defined the requirements and character of a kingdom citizen.
(5:48) “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
Imagine – some thought, ‘I guess they (the Pharisees) will make it then.’
(5:20) “For I say to you, unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.”

1. The character of a kingdom citizen.
• #1. CONFESSION. (3) “Poor in spirit.”  Nothing of self of which to rely on.

• Spiritually bankrupt!  “O God be merciful to me a sinner!”

• “Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to the cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace’ Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Savior, or I die.”

• #2. CONTRITION. (4) “Those who mourn.”  Over their SIN.

• (Is.40:1-2) “Comfort, yes, comfort My people!  Says your God.  Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.”

• #3. CONSECRATION. (6) “Hunger & thirst for righteousness.”

• “They shall be filled”  (Romans 6:18-19) “Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.  For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”

• (8) “Pure in heart.”  This speaks of one’s sincerity, NO hypocrisy!

• Note progression: confess…contrite…consecrates = “See God.”

• The man under his house of rubble in Haiti -
  ”Jesus, My life is in your hands.”  

2. The conduct of a kingdom citizen,
• If character is what we are, then conduct is what we do.

• #1. BE CONSIDERATE.  (5) “Meek.” Opposite of “out of control.”  It speaks of someone of a “gentle spirit.”  Humble, gentle, considerate.

• “Inherit the earth.”   Opposite of the world’s “dog eat dog.”  This quote is from Psalm 37:11.  The “do not fret” Psalm.

• #2. BE COMPASSIONATE. (7) “The merciful.”  Opposite of revenge!  People hurting, in misery, distressed – we help…  

• #3. BE CONCILATORY. (9) “Peacemakers.” The Word tells us: “called to peace…pursue peace…strive for peace with all men as much as it depends on us…love our enemies.”

• My biography of life will reveal what?  Jesus’ or my own will?     

3. The conflict of a kingdom citizen.
• (10) We just spoke of being a peacemaker – but yet there will be conflict.

• (11) “…Against you falsely…” Not for our: insults…demeaning them…condescension.

• But because of: “Righteousness sake…MY (Christ) sake…”

• Then what: sulk like a child…grin & bear it like stoic…lick our wounds in self pity…pretend we like it like a masochist?  NO.

• (12) Rejoice & be (not a little) exceedingly glad!  Because: you’re in good company…great reward in heaven!

• Our Armed Forces on the battleground bear the marks and pay the price for being in the fight.  What about us in this spiritual war on terror?

• As a citizen of the kingdom: CHARACTER (confession, contrition, consecrated)…CONDUCT (considerate, compassionate, conciliatory)…CONFLICT.

• The thing of it is, Jesus tells us if we do these and are these – we’re blessed!  (A divine bestowing of joy exceeding circumstance.

- - January 10, 2010 - -

The Days of Noah – Again
Text: Matthew 24:27-42 (Focal: v.v.37-42), Genesis
Introduction: No man knows the day when Christ will return but He did tell us what the “days” would be like – “the days of Noah.”

1. The people were unconcerned in spiritual matters.
• (38) Seemingly, an innocent statement, but in the context it reveals…

• Peter tells us Noah was a “preacher of righteousness.”

•  Instead, the people were “eating & drinking, marrying and…”

• Have you noticed lately how we’re turning to everything else but God!  We’re preoccupied with mundane things!  (Movies, malls, and money…)

• (Col.3:2) “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” 

• Compare church giving receipts & box office intake one weekend 

2. The people were unrestrained in their quest for violence.
• (5) A wickedness so great – man’s “every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

• (11 &13) “Corrupt and filled with violence.”

• (4:23-24) Lamech kills and sings a song about it!

• There was no regard for the sanctity of life!

• In America many lives are terminated before their birth!   

3. The people were unfulfilled in their desire for sensual pleasure.
• Did you notice earlier that Lamech had two wives?

• (6:1-2) “The sons of God” = angels? (3x in Job)  See II Peter 2:4-5; Jude 6.

• Wickedness so great (5,6), the Lord was sorry He had made earth!

• (Lk.17:28-29) “Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but in the day Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all.”

• Nothing is out of bounds today, we have no shame, and we don’t know how to blush!

4. The people were unshackled in their technological advances.
• (4:20-22) Advances in tents…musical instruments…metallurgy

• Super computers…cell phones…space station…(Video game systems w/more power than Apollo 13)

• (Daniel 12:4) “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”

• At Virgin Galactic for $200,000 you can go into space

5. The people were unprepared for God’s judgment.
• (39) “And did not know until the flood came and took them all away.”

• (40-41) The ones taken are taken into judgment!

• (I John 2:28) “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”

• (42) “WATCH.”  Be on the alert, be ready.  (Like Chuck S.’s friend at work)

• In the 2005 Tsunami, so many perished because there was little warning and many did not understand what was happening.

• The people were unconcerned about spiritual matters…unrestrained in quest for violence…unfulfilled in desire for sensual pleasures…unshackled in technological advances…unprepared for God’s judgment.

There's a man in yonder glory I have loved for many years,
He has cleared my guilty conscience and has banished all my fears.
He is coming in a moment in the twinkling of an eye,
And no time will be allotted for you to utter one good-bye.
No time to kiss the husband or embrace the loving wife,
If they are but united in the bonds of holy life.
Are you ready, Christian, ready, for shout and trump and voice?
Will His coming make you tremble or cause you to rejoice?
Are you walking, talking with Him daily, taking Him your care,
Do you live so close to heaven that a breath would waft you there? 
Quoted in Fairest of All, Herbert Lockyer, Eerdmans, 1936, p. 71.
 

- - January 3, 2010 - -

Pressing On in 2010

Text: Philippians 3
Introduction:  I have never been a distant runner, however, I do know that as you near the end you “reach back” for something extra and turn on a “burst” for the finish.
Twice (v.v.12,14) Paul, said he “pressed on” a word used of a sprinter’s aggressive, energetic action!  (V.13) Paul said he was “reaching forward.”

We will press on when:

1. We realize we cannot serve God in the flesh.
• (3) Too often Paul dealt with the Judaizers who “added” works…

• “NO confidence in the flesh.”   (In my flesh no good thing dwells.)

• See I Corinthians 1:26-29.  Flesh can sing…preach…teach…but when the Spirit of God does it there’s a difference!

• (4-6) Paul’s pedigree & credentials!  (7) None of that helped Paul serve Christ, as a matter of fact they were a LOSS!

• (Gal.2:20) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

• Seminary guy who push started car for 2 years – cable was loose!   

2. Our passion for Jesus Christ rises above the things of this world.
• Solomon said, “Where there is no vision the people perish.”

• More than ever, we need people who know the Lord well enough to get a word!

• I think back to a time when, “The Word of the Lord was rare in those days…”  (Eli’s sons: Hophni and Phineas were worthless!)

• Jesus said that, “Man was not to live by bread alone by every word (rhema) that proceeded out of the mouth of God.”

• (9-10) Paul’s desire, “And be found in him…that I may know Him…”

• (8) This knowledge (desire of it) of Christ surpassed “all things.”

• (10b) “The practical reality of one who SEEKS Christ that way.

• “A religion that gives nothing, cost nothing, and suffers nothing is worth nothing.”  (Martin Luther)

• (11) No matter what it takes.  “Resurrection” (literally: “The resurrection out from the corpses.” = Resurrection that accompanies the rapture of the church.)

• (12-14) PRESS ON!  REACH FORTH!  Until the “UPWARD CALL of God…”

• We will press on when we: realize we can’t serve God in the flesh and when our passion for Christ rises above the things of this world.

•  The late A.W. Tozier said people who were crucified with Christ had three distinct marks: 1. They are facing only one direction.  2. They can never turn back.  3. They no longer have plans of their own.