“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
There are no routine moments, days, relationships or positions in life. Every moment matters. Rather than this increasing the “pressure” on your life, it is rather a discovery that you must pour your heart completely into your relationship with God and others at all times. Something crucial may be at stake or may be happening in what we think are ordinary times. In the last week I have heard (and thought myself) that with school beginning again for me and so many other families, we are “getting back into our routines.” But is any day “routine”? If we see each moment, task, and relationship as a divine opportunity to know and experience God in a greater way, we will put our whole heart into our knowing Him rather than “just going through the motions.” David was having what he may have considered an ordinary day, but the God of the universe had life altering plans behind the scenes. It all hinged on what was happening in David’s heart at the time. Israel was in need of a new king - David was a teenage boy tending the flock of his father Jesse every day. To many this may have seemed like a meaningless, monotonous task with no feeling, emotion, engagement or purpose. But God saw what was happening in this young boys heart as he defended and guided those sheep. David sang, reflected, and served – and God saw a boy who was becoming a man after His own heart. God saw a heart that through all the seasons of life would belong to Him and be a shepherd for His people. Jesse’s seven oldest sons looked the part, and would have been the “people’s choice” – but only David was chosen by God to replace Saul as king over Israel. God had an infinitely bigger purpose for David’s life, even bigger than being king over Israel. His life was to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be called the Son of David. (Matthew 1:1) We constantly judge ourselves, others and life situations by outward appearance. God knows the heart, and sees the full future potential of the heart in all situations. God had chosen a new king, one “after His own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14). God measured all the potential kings by the heart and inner character, and declared that David would be better than Saul (1 Samuel 15:28) Samuel would find and anoint this chosen one in a small village called Bethlehem, and the chosen one was not even invited to the “draft” by his father Jesse. Instead, this youngest David was left out, tending the sheep. But God saw the heart, and made His choice, one that would pave the way for another King born in Bethlehem . . . . God is looking into your heart. What is at stake? What does He see? How will you condition your heart to be completely His? That is the challenge we face every day as we take up our cross and follow Jesus.
“Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Prov. 4:23)
“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10)
“For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His . . .” (2 Chronicles 16:9)
“It is our daily lament that we cannot love enough. If only our hearts were capable of holding more and reaching further. Like Samuel Rutherford, we sigh and cry, "Oh, for as much love as would go round about the earth, and over heaven-yes, the heaven of heavens, and ten thousand worlds-that I might expand it all upon this fairest Lord Jesus." Unfortunately, our longest reach is only a span of love, and our affection is like a drop in a bucket compared with what He deserves. Measure our love by our intentions, and it is strong indeed; we trust that the Lord judges it in this way. If only we could give all the love in all hearts in one great offering, a gathering together of all loves to Him who is altogether lovely!” (Spurgeon)
“All the things which men count as privileges, and therefore as creating fitness for position and high service, are in themselves of no value in the sight of God. He looketh on the heart. He considers the deepest fact in personality, the inner and hidden impulse, desire, affection.” (Morgan)
“You may have nothing in your outward semblance, nothing in your surroundings or circumstances, to indicate the true royalty within; but if you bare your heart to God, you shall stand revealed as his son, as a priest and a king unto Himself.” (Meyer)
“David was none of your strutting peacocks who cannot be content unless all eyes are upon them; he sang God’s praises as the nightingale will sing in the dark when no human ear is listening and no eye is admiring. He was content to bloom unseen, knowing that the sweetness of a renewed heart is never wasted on the desert air. He was satisfied with God alone as his auditor, and he coveted not the high opinion of man.” (Spurgeon)
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This Week’s Revival Schedule:
6pm Sunday : Bob Norton
Monday – Wednesday 10:30 am (Scott Googe) Lunch following daily
7pm Monday: Clifford Anderson
7pm Tuesday: Justin Richards
7pm Wednesday : Andrew Owensby (Youth Pizza Party at 6pm)
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This week’s Message:
The Centrality of the Heart 1 Samuel 16:1-13
God replaces king Saul with a young shepherd boy named David – and the condition of the heart is at the center of God’s choice.
1. The Choice is God’s (1 Samuel 16:1-2)
a. God had a plan to replace Saul after his disobedience.
b. What was God going to look for in the new king?
c. See 1 Samuel 13:14; 15:28
2. The Way is Worship (1 Samuel 16:3-5)
a. Samuel was paralyzed by grief and fear.
b. God commanded him to move ahead and worship in Bethlehem!
c. How will you make the significant choices in your life?
3. The Measure is the Heart (1 Samuel 16:6-13)
a. Jesse’s seven sons were rejected by God though they appeared acceptable by human standards.
b. How does the world judge by external standards? What often is the end result of this kind of measurement?
c. Cultivate a heart which will be completely His through:
i. Brokenness and humility: Psalm 51:17
ii. Purity and integrity: Psalm 51:10; Matthew 5:8
iii. Trusting in the Lord: Proverbs 3:5
iv. Seeking the Lord: Psalm 119:10-11; Jeremiah 29:13
v. Loving God with all your heart: Mark 12:30
vi. Strengthened by Grace: Hebrews 13:9
vii. Set apart Christ as Lord over the Heart: 1 Peter 3:15
viii. Indwelt by Christ: Ephesians 3:17
ix. Desiring and delighting in God: Psalm 37:4; Matthew 15:8-9
x. Gratefulness of Heart: Luke 17:11-19
xi. Peacefulness: Phil. 4:6-7
xii. Wisdom: Psalm 90:12
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Walk In Love
“Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” (Eph. 5:25)
*I went to my first ever hockey match in Columbus last week. It was to celebrate my son Eli’s thirteenth birthday –a minor league contest between the Cottonmouths and the Fayetteville Fireants. It was great – the Cottonmouths won, at least five fights broke out, the boys went nuts, and one man in particular with the last name “George” kept getting in the penalty box for fighting and other infractions. I am not even sure what most of the rules he broke were, but he was on the home team, and every time he was released from the penalty box the home crowd would anticipate more action from their star. We sat down near the penalty box, which is basically like a “time out” from the action for a certain amount of time – and I noticed that as soon as a player is released from his time in the penalty box he gets right into the action – he doesn’t go to the showers, he doesn’t go home, he doesn’t go to the stands with the fans or even to the bench with his teammates. He is right back on the ice into the battle – he shoots out of the penalty box, onto the ice, and starts playing (or fighting!) with reckless abandon again. When it came time to leave, we had two “George” souvenir hockey pucks in our pockets. He really stood out from the rest of the crowd . . . . This week’s message is about “Walking in Love”. Now that we have been released from the penalty of sin, forgiven by what Christ has done for us (as we learned last week in Gethsemane the depth of His love for us) . . we now move to the effect that His redeeming love has had upon us. We are much more than just forgiven - we now are empowered and transformed to live the live of love to God and others which we were intended to live. In other words, we are set free from the penalty of sin to be set free and saved also from the power of sin (world, self, flesh, devil) so that we may love as He has loved us. We don’t get in the stands to enjoy the game; we don’t go to the showers or the sidelines, and He doesn’t immediately send us home – we get right into the heat of the battle between two kingdoms and two loves . . . After describing in the first three chapter of Ephesians God’s gift of salvation and His creation of the new community called the body of Christ, we have these instructions: “Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Eph. 5:1-2) We are called to imitate His love in the following ways: 1. By living a life of holiness, worship and submission in the body of Christ (5:1-21). 2. By displaying the love of Christ in our home (marriage in 5:22-33; parenting in 6:1-2) and 3. The workplace (6:6-9). This week’s message will highlight especially the opportunity to display God’s love in the home through marriage. The wife is to submit to her husband out of devotion to Christ, and the husband must love His wife as Christ loved the church. Enjoy discovering more of the mystery of Christ’s love for the church.
“A Christian marriage is a total commitment of two people to the person of Jesus Christ and to one another . . . it is similar to a solvent, freeing up of the man and woman to be themselves and become all that God intends for them to become. Marriage is the refining process that God will use to have us develop into the man or woman He wants us to become.” (Norman Wright)
*Charles Spurgeon offers the following thoughts on Christ’s love for the church as described in Ephesians 5:25:
1. Special Love: “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world. (John 17:9) It is a peculiar affection. Set upon the church in a way it is not upon the world.
2. Constant Love: He does not vary in His affection. The display may vary, but not the affection.
3. Enduring Love: “Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ.” Rom. 8
4. Hearty Love: It is fervent, intense. Not lip service, going through the motions.
5. Delighted Love: He prizes her affection and delights in her with sweet satisfaction.
“Believer, you wonder at Jesus’ love; you admire it – are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships, is the rule and measure of your love ‘even as Christ loved the church’?
*John Stott of the meaning of headship in the home: “Certainly ‘headship’ implies a degree of leadership and initiative, as when Christ came to woo and win His bride. But more specifically it implies sacrifice, self-giving for the sake of the beloved, as when Christ gave himself for his bride. If ‘headship’ means power in any sense, then it is power to care not to crush, power to serve not to dominate, power to facilitate self-fulfillment, not to frustrate or destroy it. And in all this the standard of the husband’s love is to be the cross of Christ, on which he surrendered himself even to death in his selfless love for his bride.”
Ephesians 5:1-2; 21-33 Walk in Love
*The effect of His love is to empower us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength . . . and my neighbor as myself. To transform us/ sanctify us to become what God intended us to become. So we may now be in a condition to glorify Him with our lives.
1. Walk in love out of reverence for Christ. (v.21)
a. v.21: Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (to the church)
b. Phil. 2:3: consider others as better than yourself
c. Take the position of servant of all . . .
2. Walk in love in the arenas of life. (All these are His, a theatre of His glory)
a. Holiness and worship in the church (through v. 21)
b. In home, marriage (v.22-33)
i. Wives, submit to your husbands
ii. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.
iii. The mystery is of His love for the church!
c. In home, parenting (6:1-4)d. In the workplace (6:5-9) servants
“It is God’s will in every marriage that the couple love each other with an absorbing spiritual, emotional, and physical attraction that continues to grow throughout their lifetime together. It is possible for any Christian couple to develop this love relationship in their marriage because it is in harmony with God’s expressed will.” (Ed Wheat)
*I went to my first ever hockey match in Columbus last week. It was to celebrate my son Eli’s thirteenth birthday –a minor league contest between the Cottonmouths and the Fayetteville Fireants. It was great – the Cottonmouths won, at least five fights broke out, the boys went nuts, and one man in particular with the last name “George” kept getting in the penalty box for fighting and other infractions. I am not even sure what most of the rules he broke were, but he was on the home team, and every time he was released from the penalty box the home crowd would anticipate more action from their star. We sat down near the penalty box, which is basically like a “time out” from the action for a certain amount of time – and I noticed that as soon as a player is released from his time in the penalty box he gets right into the action – he doesn’t go to the showers, he doesn’t go home, he doesn’t go to the stands with the fans or even to the bench with his teammates. He is right back on the ice into the battle – he shoots out of the penalty box, onto the ice, and starts playing (or fighting!) with reckless abandon again. When it came time to leave, we had two “George” souvenir hockey pucks in our pockets. He really stood out from the rest of the crowd . . . . This week’s message is about “Walking in Love”. Now that we have been released from the penalty of sin, forgiven by what Christ has done for us (as we learned last week in Gethsemane the depth of His love for us) . . we now move to the effect that His redeeming love has had upon us. We are much more than just forgiven - we now are empowered and transformed to live the live of love to God and others which we were intended to live. In other words, we are set free from the penalty of sin to be set free and saved also from the power of sin (world, self, flesh, devil) so that we may love as He has loved us. We don’t get in the stands to enjoy the game; we don’t go to the showers or the sidelines, and He doesn’t immediately send us home – we get right into the heat of the battle between two kingdoms and two loves . . . After describing in the first three chapter of Ephesians God’s gift of salvation and His creation of the new community called the body of Christ, we have these instructions: “Therefore, be imitators of God as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Eph. 5:1-2) We are called to imitate His love in the following ways: 1. By living a life of holiness, worship and submission in the body of Christ (5:1-21). 2. By displaying the love of Christ in our home (marriage in 5:22-33; parenting in 6:1-2) and 3. The workplace (6:6-9). This week’s message will highlight especially the opportunity to display God’s love in the home through marriage. The wife is to submit to her husband out of devotion to Christ, and the husband must love His wife as Christ loved the church. Enjoy discovering more of the mystery of Christ’s love for the church.
“A Christian marriage is a total commitment of two people to the person of Jesus Christ and to one another . . . it is similar to a solvent, freeing up of the man and woman to be themselves and become all that God intends for them to become. Marriage is the refining process that God will use to have us develop into the man or woman He wants us to become.” (Norman Wright)
*Charles Spurgeon offers the following thoughts on Christ’s love for the church as described in Ephesians 5:25:
1. Special Love: “I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world. (John 17:9) It is a peculiar affection. Set upon the church in a way it is not upon the world.
2. Constant Love: He does not vary in His affection. The display may vary, but not the affection.
3. Enduring Love: “Nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ.” Rom. 8
4. Hearty Love: It is fervent, intense. Not lip service, going through the motions.
5. Delighted Love: He prizes her affection and delights in her with sweet satisfaction.
“Believer, you wonder at Jesus’ love; you admire it – are you imitating it? In your domestic relationships, is the rule and measure of your love ‘even as Christ loved the church’?
*John Stott of the meaning of headship in the home: “Certainly ‘headship’ implies a degree of leadership and initiative, as when Christ came to woo and win His bride. But more specifically it implies sacrifice, self-giving for the sake of the beloved, as when Christ gave himself for his bride. If ‘headship’ means power in any sense, then it is power to care not to crush, power to serve not to dominate, power to facilitate self-fulfillment, not to frustrate or destroy it. And in all this the standard of the husband’s love is to be the cross of Christ, on which he surrendered himself even to death in his selfless love for his bride.”
Ephesians 5:1-2; 21-33 Walk in Love
*The effect of His love is to empower us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength . . . and my neighbor as myself. To transform us/ sanctify us to become what God intended us to become. So we may now be in a condition to glorify Him with our lives.
1. Walk in love out of reverence for Christ. (v.21)
a. v.21: Be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (to the church)
b. Phil. 2:3: consider others as better than yourself
c. Take the position of servant of all . . .
2. Walk in love in the arenas of life. (All these are His, a theatre of His glory)
a. Holiness and worship in the church (through v. 21)
b. In home, marriage (v.22-33)
i. Wives, submit to your husbands
ii. Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church.
iii. The mystery is of His love for the church!
c. In home, parenting (6:1-4)d. In the workplace (6:5-9) servants
“It is God’s will in every marriage that the couple love each other with an absorbing spiritual, emotional, and physical attraction that continues to grow throughout their lifetime together. It is possible for any Christian couple to develop this love relationship in their marriage because it is in harmony with God’s expressed will.” (Ed Wheat)
Friday, February 13, 2009
The Depth of His Love
“Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will , but as Thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:38-39)
It has been said that the modern church is like a river that is “a mile wide and an inch deep.” One reason is our lack of understanding of the cross of Christ. Our prayer for this week’s message is to save us from a shallow understanding of His love, so that the fullness of God may dwell in us. The experience in Gethsemane, the cup, the cry of dereliction from the cross (Matthew 27:46), the darkness from noon until 3pm at Golgotha, all point to a depth of love we could never imagine. The perfect, glorious love the Father and Son enjoyed since eternity past was momentarily replaced with wrath, alienation and punishment for the redemption of sinners.
“The center of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened—but the crash is on the heart of God.” Oswald Chambers
“The cross is the vindication of the character of God. The cross not only shows the love of God more gloriously than anything else, it shows His righteousness, His justice, His holiness, and all the glory of His eternal attributes. They are all to be seen shining together there. If you do not see them all you have not seen the Cross.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-18)
This week’s message: The Depth of His Love
Matthew 26:36-46
One scene from the life of our Lord reveals a greater understanding of the depths of His love comes from Matthew 26:36-46, where we discover in the Garden of Gethsemane:
1. Jesus went beyond where we could go. (v.36-39)
a. Notice: He went a little beyond them and fell on His face to pray.
b. Jesus called his most intimate disciples to come with Him, but He alone could go to the depths of passion and suffering for us.
c. Related Scripture: Proverbs 30:4; John 1:29; 1 Tim. 2:5
2. Jesus felt more than we could ever feel. (v.37-38)
a. Notice: Jesus became deeply grieved to the point of death.
b. The cup was the reason for the intensity of these emotions. What was in the cup which He prayed would pass from Him?
c. The cup in the OT: Psalm 11:6; Isaiah 51:17; Ezk. 23:33-34; Jeremiah 25:15-29
3. Jesus accomplished more than we could ever accomplish. (v.40-46)
a. He bore our sin, and thus the wrath of God due our sin. (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13) He was forsaken by the Father, so that we may be forgiven.
b. In Him we therefore have the forgiveness of sin and the righteousness of God. (Col. 1:13-14)c. What has He done with our sin? Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 9:26
“Whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness . . . that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:25-26)
*The result of this intense praying and surrender to the Father was that Jesus arose in new strength to face the Hour at hand. Likewise, when we face our times of suffering and testing we pray to our Father, surrender our lives to His will, and the strength of the risen Christ empowers us. In our weakness, He is strong. His grace is sufficient. (2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 4:13)
It has been said that the modern church is like a river that is “a mile wide and an inch deep.” One reason is our lack of understanding of the cross of Christ. Our prayer for this week’s message is to save us from a shallow understanding of His love, so that the fullness of God may dwell in us. The experience in Gethsemane, the cup, the cry of dereliction from the cross (Matthew 27:46), the darkness from noon until 3pm at Golgotha, all point to a depth of love we could never imagine. The perfect, glorious love the Father and Son enjoyed since eternity past was momentarily replaced with wrath, alienation and punishment for the redemption of sinners.
“The center of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened—but the crash is on the heart of God.” Oswald Chambers
“The cross is the vindication of the character of God. The cross not only shows the love of God more gloriously than anything else, it shows His righteousness, His justice, His holiness, and all the glory of His eternal attributes. They are all to be seen shining together there. If you do not see them all you have not seen the Cross.” (Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
“So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:17-18)
This week’s message: The Depth of His Love
Matthew 26:36-46
One scene from the life of our Lord reveals a greater understanding of the depths of His love comes from Matthew 26:36-46, where we discover in the Garden of Gethsemane:
1. Jesus went beyond where we could go. (v.36-39)
a. Notice: He went a little beyond them and fell on His face to pray.
b. Jesus called his most intimate disciples to come with Him, but He alone could go to the depths of passion and suffering for us.
c. Related Scripture: Proverbs 30:4; John 1:29; 1 Tim. 2:5
2. Jesus felt more than we could ever feel. (v.37-38)
a. Notice: Jesus became deeply grieved to the point of death.
b. The cup was the reason for the intensity of these emotions. What was in the cup which He prayed would pass from Him?
c. The cup in the OT: Psalm 11:6; Isaiah 51:17; Ezk. 23:33-34; Jeremiah 25:15-29
3. Jesus accomplished more than we could ever accomplish. (v.40-46)
a. He bore our sin, and thus the wrath of God due our sin. (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13) He was forsaken by the Father, so that we may be forgiven.
b. In Him we therefore have the forgiveness of sin and the righteousness of God. (Col. 1:13-14)c. What has He done with our sin? Isaiah 38:17; Micah 7:19; Psalm 103:12; Hebrews 9:26
“Whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness . . . that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:25-26)
*The result of this intense praying and surrender to the Father was that Jesus arose in new strength to face the Hour at hand. Likewise, when we face our times of suffering and testing we pray to our Father, surrender our lives to His will, and the strength of the risen Christ empowers us. In our weakness, He is strong. His grace is sufficient. (2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 4:13)
Friday, February 6, 2009
The Most Excellent Way
“ . . . And I show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31)
The eternal love of God, which has existed forever in the Trinity . . . has been made known in history through the Gospel . . . and now continues through the Church, His body, today . . .How? In the most excellent way of agape love.
Here is the most excellent way His love is displayed, God is glorified, and discipleship becomes fruit bearing. If you have ever found yourself asking, “Is there a better way?”, here is your answer.
The Most Excellent Way 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
*Each quality is from the essence of God’s nature, especially revealed in Jesus Christ. And each quality must mark those who are followers of Christ and children of God.
Because God is . . . and because I love you . . I will be . . .
1. Patient: Romans 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:16
2. Kind: Eph. 4:32; Titus 3:4
3. Glad: (not jealous or envious of others) Zephaniah 3:17
4. Humble (not boastful or arrogant) Phil. 2:7-8; Gal. 6:14
5. Considerate (not rude or unbecoming) Matthew 11:28; 12:18-21
6. Selfless (does not seek its own) Mark 10:45; John 12:26; Luke 9:23
7. Self Controlled (not easily angered) Exodus 34:6
8. Forgiving (keeps no record of wrongs) Isaiah 55:7; Colossians 1:14
9. Righteous (does not rejoice in unrighteousness) 2 Cor. 5:21
10. Truthful (but rejoices with the truth) John 8:32; John 14:6
11. Edifying (bears all things) Galatians 3:13-14; Rom. 14:19
12. Trusting (believes all things) Luke 23:46
13. Hopeful (hopes all things) John 16:33
14. Enduring (endures all things) John 13:1; Hebrews 13:8
Added promise in verse 8: Love never fails! (Isaiah 55:11)
Verse 13: Now abides faith (saves me from my past), hope (saves me from my future) and love (saves me in the present). But the greatest of these is love.
“Then the LORD passed by in from of him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.” (Ex. 34:6)
“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Tim. 1:5)
“Now by nature none of us likes to be interrupted when things are going well. We do not like delays in our plans. We all have a strong craving for a trouble-free life and we tend to get irritated when our best-laid plans go awry. We don't like traffic tie-ups on the freeway when we have an appointment. We don't like overheated cars on vacation. We don't like for babies to cry through the night. We don't like checks to get lost in the mail. We like it when life flows according to plan and pleasure. And when it doesn't, our nature is be provoked and to complain and grumble and murmur and be angry and critical . . . My strong craving for a trouble free life must die. My need for an uninterrupted schedule must die. My demandingness that frustrations and interference get out of my way must die. We simply cannot love the way Paul describes until we die. (John Piper)
One of the marks of Christian maturity is not that Christians know more or accomplish more. It is that they love more. As we mature, we experience an ever-increasing capacity to love. We learn how to access and express God’s love in our marriages, our child rearing, our work, and our friendships. Love can triumph in every arena of life.” (Linda Riley)
The eternal love of God, which has existed forever in the Trinity . . . has been made known in history through the Gospel . . . and now continues through the Church, His body, today . . .How? In the most excellent way of agape love.
Here is the most excellent way His love is displayed, God is glorified, and discipleship becomes fruit bearing. If you have ever found yourself asking, “Is there a better way?”, here is your answer.
The Most Excellent Way 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
*Each quality is from the essence of God’s nature, especially revealed in Jesus Christ. And each quality must mark those who are followers of Christ and children of God.
Because God is . . . and because I love you . . I will be . . .
1. Patient: Romans 2:4; 1 Tim. 1:16
2. Kind: Eph. 4:32; Titus 3:4
3. Glad: (not jealous or envious of others) Zephaniah 3:17
4. Humble (not boastful or arrogant) Phil. 2:7-8; Gal. 6:14
5. Considerate (not rude or unbecoming) Matthew 11:28; 12:18-21
6. Selfless (does not seek its own) Mark 10:45; John 12:26; Luke 9:23
7. Self Controlled (not easily angered) Exodus 34:6
8. Forgiving (keeps no record of wrongs) Isaiah 55:7; Colossians 1:14
9. Righteous (does not rejoice in unrighteousness) 2 Cor. 5:21
10. Truthful (but rejoices with the truth) John 8:32; John 14:6
11. Edifying (bears all things) Galatians 3:13-14; Rom. 14:19
12. Trusting (believes all things) Luke 23:46
13. Hopeful (hopes all things) John 16:33
14. Enduring (endures all things) John 13:1; Hebrews 13:8
Added promise in verse 8: Love never fails! (Isaiah 55:11)
Verse 13: Now abides faith (saves me from my past), hope (saves me from my future) and love (saves me in the present). But the greatest of these is love.
“Then the LORD passed by in from of him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.” (Ex. 34:6)
“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1 Tim. 1:5)
“Now by nature none of us likes to be interrupted when things are going well. We do not like delays in our plans. We all have a strong craving for a trouble-free life and we tend to get irritated when our best-laid plans go awry. We don't like traffic tie-ups on the freeway when we have an appointment. We don't like overheated cars on vacation. We don't like for babies to cry through the night. We don't like checks to get lost in the mail. We like it when life flows according to plan and pleasure. And when it doesn't, our nature is be provoked and to complain and grumble and murmur and be angry and critical . . . My strong craving for a trouble free life must die. My need for an uninterrupted schedule must die. My demandingness that frustrations and interference get out of my way must die. We simply cannot love the way Paul describes until we die. (John Piper)
One of the marks of Christian maturity is not that Christians know more or accomplish more. It is that they love more. As we mature, we experience an ever-increasing capacity to love. We learn how to access and express God’s love in our marriages, our child rearing, our work, and our friendships. Love can triumph in every arena of life.” (Linda Riley)
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Essence of Love (Part One): God's Eternal Nature: Love
“But now abide faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
Love is in the air! Valentines day is approaching, and many couples have romance on their mind. Flowers, candlelight dinner dates, chocolates and gifts will mark the day for many, but the real issue is what goes on the rest of the year. Procrastinating men like me will scramble to find some last minute token of love and appreciation for their wives. For many, this day will be a departure from the usual. One day out of the year to honor and celebrate love and marriage . . . while the reality of the other 364 days is a daily grind filled with the pressures on marriages today. Almost one half of marriages end in divorce, and there is a constant stream of childrearing, bill paying, apathy, anger, temptations, etc. wreaking havoc on our relationships. Valentines day for some people may also be a reminder of past loves gone wrong, as the pain of separation or divorce or infidelity will be magnified as they see other couples enjoying the moment together. The damaging effects on society are all around us. Former first lady Barbara Bush has been quoted as saying, “Your success as a family ... our success as a society depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”
How is life in your house on a daily basis? Is there a better way for us to maintain and flourish in our most important relationships?
A few of our local churches have joined together because we care about the health and long term strength of marriages. We invite you to join us for a free showing of the movie “Fireproof”. It is the story of a firefighter who is interested in saving lives, and turns his heart toward saving his own marriage. I have seen this movie and it helped me to see my own weaknesses and how God’s grace can heal our hearts and renew our struggling relationships. As a Pastor of a local church, I see almost weekly the strain upon relationships coming from the world, the flesh, and the Devil. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is, has been, or will be married. It is God’s will for every couple to have an absorbing spiritual, emotional and physical attraction that continues to grow throughout their lifetime together. There is a better way!
“The Scriptures say that God designed and created marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless gift. He uses marriage to help us eliminate loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life, and bless us with relational intimacy. But beyond this, marriage also shows us our need to grow and deal with our own issues and self-centeredness through the help of a lifelong partner. If we are teachable, we will learn to do the one thing that is most important in marriage – to love. This powerful union provides the path for you to learn how to love another imperfect person unconditionally. It is wonderful. It is difficult. It is life changing.” (Quoted from “The Love Dare” by Stephen Kendrick)
Don’t give up! Discover God’s amazing, eternal love to transform your relationships.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Upcoming Sermon Series: The Essence of Love
Feb. 1 (am) Part 1: God’s Eternal Nature: Love
Feb. 1 (pm) Part 2: God’s Historical Gift of LoveFeb. 8 (am)
Part 3: Bearing Witness to God’s LoveFeb. 8 (pm)
Part 4: God’s Love Made Complete (Jamie Wynn preaching)
This week’s Message:
The Essence of Love (Part 1) God’s Eternal Nature: Love
Ephesians 2:1-10: Rich in Mercy
God always has been, and always will be, love.
1. The Need for Love: (2:1-3)
a. Man’s condition is spiritual death apart from Christ.
b. Nothing in man could result in salvation;we deserve only wrath.
c. Man’s only hope is redeeming love.d. Related Scripture: Isaiah 64:6; Daniel 9:18; Romans 3:9-18; 6:23
2. The Source of Love: (2:4-5)
a. Two great words in Scripture : “But God”
b. Our solution is found in the eternal nature of God: John 17:23-24
c. The essence of love? Substitution, Christ in man’s stead.
d. Related Scripture: John 10:9-11; 15:13; 2 Cor 5:21
3. The Effect of Love: (2:6-10)
a. God’s love is regenerating, exalting, saving, amazing and working.
b. We will spend all eternity worshipping and discovering the depths of His love.
c. Related Scripture: Psalm 103: 17; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:35-39
“He brought me to His banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.” (Songs 2:4)
Love is in the air! Valentines day is approaching, and many couples have romance on their mind. Flowers, candlelight dinner dates, chocolates and gifts will mark the day for many, but the real issue is what goes on the rest of the year. Procrastinating men like me will scramble to find some last minute token of love and appreciation for their wives. For many, this day will be a departure from the usual. One day out of the year to honor and celebrate love and marriage . . . while the reality of the other 364 days is a daily grind filled with the pressures on marriages today. Almost one half of marriages end in divorce, and there is a constant stream of childrearing, bill paying, apathy, anger, temptations, etc. wreaking havoc on our relationships. Valentines day for some people may also be a reminder of past loves gone wrong, as the pain of separation or divorce or infidelity will be magnified as they see other couples enjoying the moment together. The damaging effects on society are all around us. Former first lady Barbara Bush has been quoted as saying, “Your success as a family ... our success as a society depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”
How is life in your house on a daily basis? Is there a better way for us to maintain and flourish in our most important relationships?
A few of our local churches have joined together because we care about the health and long term strength of marriages. We invite you to join us for a free showing of the movie “Fireproof”. It is the story of a firefighter who is interested in saving lives, and turns his heart toward saving his own marriage. I have seen this movie and it helped me to see my own weaknesses and how God’s grace can heal our hearts and renew our struggling relationships. As a Pastor of a local church, I see almost weekly the strain upon relationships coming from the world, the flesh, and the Devil. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who is, has been, or will be married. It is God’s will for every couple to have an absorbing spiritual, emotional and physical attraction that continues to grow throughout their lifetime together. There is a better way!
“The Scriptures say that God designed and created marriage as a good thing. It is a beautiful, priceless gift. He uses marriage to help us eliminate loneliness, multiply our effectiveness, establish families, raise children, enjoy life, and bless us with relational intimacy. But beyond this, marriage also shows us our need to grow and deal with our own issues and self-centeredness through the help of a lifelong partner. If we are teachable, we will learn to do the one thing that is most important in marriage – to love. This powerful union provides the path for you to learn how to love another imperfect person unconditionally. It is wonderful. It is difficult. It is life changing.” (Quoted from “The Love Dare” by Stephen Kendrick)
Don’t give up! Discover God’s amazing, eternal love to transform your relationships.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Upcoming Sermon Series: The Essence of Love
Feb. 1 (am) Part 1: God’s Eternal Nature: Love
Feb. 1 (pm) Part 2: God’s Historical Gift of LoveFeb. 8 (am)
Part 3: Bearing Witness to God’s LoveFeb. 8 (pm)
Part 4: God’s Love Made Complete (Jamie Wynn preaching)
This week’s Message:
The Essence of Love (Part 1) God’s Eternal Nature: Love
Ephesians 2:1-10: Rich in Mercy
God always has been, and always will be, love.
1. The Need for Love: (2:1-3)
a. Man’s condition is spiritual death apart from Christ.
b. Nothing in man could result in salvation;we deserve only wrath.
c. Man’s only hope is redeeming love.d. Related Scripture: Isaiah 64:6; Daniel 9:18; Romans 3:9-18; 6:23
2. The Source of Love: (2:4-5)
a. Two great words in Scripture : “But God”
b. Our solution is found in the eternal nature of God: John 17:23-24
c. The essence of love? Substitution, Christ in man’s stead.
d. Related Scripture: John 10:9-11; 15:13; 2 Cor 5:21
3. The Effect of Love: (2:6-10)
a. God’s love is regenerating, exalting, saving, amazing and working.
b. We will spend all eternity worshipping and discovering the depths of His love.
c. Related Scripture: Psalm 103: 17; Jeremiah 31:3; Romans 8:35-39
“He brought me to His banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.” (Songs 2:4)
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Glorious Appearing of Christ
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:40)
There is no neutral ground in our relationship with Christ. You are either in or out, a sheep or a goat, of the wheat or of the tares. He demands absolute allegiance and surrender . . . And as His disciples, are called to live with this ultimate end in mind, and in the end all judgment and authority is given to Jesus Christ. Your relationship to Him is central. It is life’s most pressing issue. Where do you stand with Christ? Fortunately, Jesus gives us ways we can know our standing. One way is to know that if you have a right standing before Him your life will be lived in service to those in need. Since Jesus is the bread of life who has fed your spiritual hunger; since He gives the living water of life which fills our thirst; since he has taken us as strange, separated sinners into His family and household; since He has clothed us in His righteousness; since He has set us free from the prison of sin and death; since He has been all this and more for us spiritually, when we see those in these physical needs we will respond with His grace. His love transforms those who are rescued by Him. Salvation is a gift – righteousness is a gift – yet these gifts transform. The fruit or works of this gift give evidence that will prove in the judgment that we were on His favored side. That we were sheep of His pasture and flock. These works are not the reason we are saved – the atoning work of Christ, The Good Shepherd, is the reason we are saved. Faith is the means by which this gift is received. Ministry and works then becomes the evidence. Jesus takes this personally –so take advantage of every opportunity you have to love Christ by serving others in need. It may be sacrificial and difficult, but in the end your eternal destiny and reward will be infinitely greater. Jesus says the righteous and the accursed will both be surprised at His judgment.
“I am accountable. I am free to live my life just as I please, but at the end I shall have to give account to the One who gave me my life.” (Michael Green)
“When you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:13-14)
“Simon do you love me? . . .. feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)
“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” (Prov. 14:31)
“Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.” (Prov. 25:25)
This week’s message:
The glory, authority, lordship and holiness of Jesus is revealed by His gathering, separating, and determining the eternal destiny of all people. Jesus takes personally our ministering to those in need and declares this ministry to be evidence of a righteous standing before Him.
1. Revealing: The glorious appearing of Christ. (v.31)
a. He first came in humility, suffering and death.
b. He will return in majesty with all the angels with Him.
2. Gathering: The gathering of all nations before Christ. (v.32)
a. Christ will call all people to account for their lives.
b. He is like a Shepherd separating the sheep from the goats.
3. Separating: The separation of all people based on righteousness. (v.33-46)
a. The sheep on His right ministered to those in need, and thus ministered to Christ. They are invited to come into His eternal kingdom.
b. The goats on His left did not minister to those in need, and thus rejected Christ himself.
c. The works we do are not the reason but the evidence of our acceptance of saving grace.
There is no neutral ground in our relationship with Christ. You are either in or out, a sheep or a goat, of the wheat or of the tares. He demands absolute allegiance and surrender . . . And as His disciples, are called to live with this ultimate end in mind, and in the end all judgment and authority is given to Jesus Christ. Your relationship to Him is central. It is life’s most pressing issue. Where do you stand with Christ? Fortunately, Jesus gives us ways we can know our standing. One way is to know that if you have a right standing before Him your life will be lived in service to those in need. Since Jesus is the bread of life who has fed your spiritual hunger; since He gives the living water of life which fills our thirst; since he has taken us as strange, separated sinners into His family and household; since He has clothed us in His righteousness; since He has set us free from the prison of sin and death; since He has been all this and more for us spiritually, when we see those in these physical needs we will respond with His grace. His love transforms those who are rescued by Him. Salvation is a gift – righteousness is a gift – yet these gifts transform. The fruit or works of this gift give evidence that will prove in the judgment that we were on His favored side. That we were sheep of His pasture and flock. These works are not the reason we are saved – the atoning work of Christ, The Good Shepherd, is the reason we are saved. Faith is the means by which this gift is received. Ministry and works then becomes the evidence. Jesus takes this personally –so take advantage of every opportunity you have to love Christ by serving others in need. It may be sacrificial and difficult, but in the end your eternal destiny and reward will be infinitely greater. Jesus says the righteous and the accursed will both be surprised at His judgment.
“I am accountable. I am free to live my life just as I please, but at the end I shall have to give account to the One who gave me my life.” (Michael Green)
“When you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (Luke 14:13-14)
“Simon do you love me? . . .. feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)
“He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” (Prov. 14:31)
“Like cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a distant land.” (Prov. 25:25)
This week’s message:
The Glorious Appearing of Christ
Matthew 25:31-46
The glory, authority, lordship and holiness of Jesus is revealed by His gathering, separating, and determining the eternal destiny of all people. Jesus takes personally our ministering to those in need and declares this ministry to be evidence of a righteous standing before Him.
1. Revealing: The glorious appearing of Christ. (v.31)
a. He first came in humility, suffering and death.
b. He will return in majesty with all the angels with Him.
2. Gathering: The gathering of all nations before Christ. (v.32)
a. Christ will call all people to account for their lives.
b. He is like a Shepherd separating the sheep from the goats.
3. Separating: The separation of all people based on righteousness. (v.33-46)
a. The sheep on His right ministered to those in need, and thus ministered to Christ. They are invited to come into His eternal kingdom.
b. The goats on His left did not minister to those in need, and thus rejected Christ himself.
c. The works we do are not the reason but the evidence of our acceptance of saving grace.
Friday, January 16, 2009
For Thou didst form my inward parts, Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows if very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14)Does your soul know very well the sacredness of your life and every person’s life? Do you worship God today for the miracle of life? This Sunday marks what many churches, including Glenloch, recognize as “Sanctity of Life” Sunday. Our church supports such ministries as the local Pregancy Resource Center with money and volunteers so that the truth and grace of Jesus may be shared with those who are facing/or have faced, a crisis pregnancy. So for our text and message this week, we will expound Psalm 139 which is rooted in the holy character of God and how His divine personhood determines/defines the sanctity of all life. The psalm is ultimately a celebration of who God is – and how this knowledge of a personal, infinite God affects our perspective on every aspect of life. To be pro-life includes, but extends beyond, the ballot box, abortion clinics, and pregnancy resource centers. It is to know and share the love of the God of life in the midst of a culture of selfishness and death – and to be salt and light, expressing the sacredness of every moment, every place and every person.
I praise God this morning for the miracle of a safe landing by a USAir pilot, Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, just yesterday, who guided an incredible life-saving landing into the Hudson River in New York, only moments after both engines were disabled. All 155 passengers came through the landing in the Hudson, out of the cold, icy waters, safe and alive. We rejoice that the pilot was so prepared and skilled in responding to such a potentially fatal situation. He was literally facing “life and death” choices. “Sully” Sullenberger had this compulsion and instinct that defended and protected life, and with the hand of God upon them the passengers are now telling the story of the life saving ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ efforts of one human skillfully seeking to preserve the lives of many other humans, nearly all of whom the pilot had no personal knowledge or relationship. It didn’t matter – there were people, human beings, aboard, and he was trained, called, and courageous enough to respond in a life saving way. This morning, many of the souls aboard that flight know well how precious each moment can be in preserving life. Can you image yourself as a passenger hearing these words, “Brace yourself for impact, we are going down?” What would be your response with your life and many other lives “on the line?” This pilot was the right person, in the right place, at the right time. As the captain of the plane, Sully twice walked the length of the ship to make sure everyone was rescued and that he was the last one to leave the plane. . . . May we who bear the name and witness of Christ respond to every moment, place and person, from the womb through the “graying years”, seeking to defend, love, edify and save every soul God has created. Psalm 139 teaches that God is omniscient (all knowing), therefore every moment is sacred. God is omnipresent (all present), therefore every place is sacred. God is omnipotent (all powerful), therefore every person is sacred. Each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made” in His image. Love them, rescue them, defend them, serve them, as Jesus does, from the womb to the grave. “To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40) “Warning every man, teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:27-28)
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:9-10)
“I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The majority of us have no ear for anything but ourselves. We cannot hear a thing God says. To be brought into the zone of the call of God is to be profoundly altered.” (Oswald Chambers)
This week’s message: The Sanctity of Life
Psalm 139
1. God is omniscient (all knowing) – every moment is sacred. (v.1-6)
a. Notice: God is intimately acquainted with all our ways, even knowing our thoughts and words before we speak. He encloses us behind and before.
b. Consider: Why should this truth about result in our reverence and humility before God?c. Related Scripture: Mark 7:20-23; Romans 11:33-36; Colossians 3:23
2. God is omnipresent (all present) – every place is sacred (v.7-12)
a. Notice: God is everywhere; we cannot escape His presence.
b. Consider: What happens if someone attempts to “run from God” ? How does the psalmist respond to this truth?
c. Related Scripture: Genesis 28:16-17; Isaiah 6:3; Acts 17:24-28; Hebrews 13:5
3. God is omnipotent (all powerful) – every person is sacred. (v.13-16)
a. Notice: The psalmist is amazed at God’s wonderful, amazing creation. God weaved him in his mother’s womb, and saw his unformed substance.
b. Consider: Are you amazed at God’s personal creation and forming of your life? How does this change how we view other people, as created in His image?
c. Related Scripture: Genesis 1:26; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 5:21-26; 25:40; Ephesians 2:10
What must our response to the revelation of God’s character Repentance, transparency, and a desire to walk in the everlasting way, which is the way of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the perfect person, at the perfect place, at the perfect time to redeem us from the fall and curse of sin. Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
I praise God this morning for the miracle of a safe landing by a USAir pilot, Chelsey “Sully” Sullenberger, just yesterday, who guided an incredible life-saving landing into the Hudson River in New York, only moments after both engines were disabled. All 155 passengers came through the landing in the Hudson, out of the cold, icy waters, safe and alive. We rejoice that the pilot was so prepared and skilled in responding to such a potentially fatal situation. He was literally facing “life and death” choices. “Sully” Sullenberger had this compulsion and instinct that defended and protected life, and with the hand of God upon them the passengers are now telling the story of the life saving ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ efforts of one human skillfully seeking to preserve the lives of many other humans, nearly all of whom the pilot had no personal knowledge or relationship. It didn’t matter – there were people, human beings, aboard, and he was trained, called, and courageous enough to respond in a life saving way. This morning, many of the souls aboard that flight know well how precious each moment can be in preserving life. Can you image yourself as a passenger hearing these words, “Brace yourself for impact, we are going down?” What would be your response with your life and many other lives “on the line?” This pilot was the right person, in the right place, at the right time. As the captain of the plane, Sully twice walked the length of the ship to make sure everyone was rescued and that he was the last one to leave the plane. . . . May we who bear the name and witness of Christ respond to every moment, place and person, from the womb through the “graying years”, seeking to defend, love, edify and save every soul God has created. Psalm 139 teaches that God is omniscient (all knowing), therefore every moment is sacred. God is omnipresent (all present), therefore every place is sacred. God is omnipotent (all powerful), therefore every person is sacred. Each person is “fearfully and wonderfully made” in His image. Love them, rescue them, defend them, serve them, as Jesus does, from the womb to the grave. “To the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40) “Warning every man, teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:27-28)
“The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:9-10)
“I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The majority of us have no ear for anything but ourselves. We cannot hear a thing God says. To be brought into the zone of the call of God is to be profoundly altered.” (Oswald Chambers)
This week’s message: The Sanctity of Life
Psalm 139
1. God is omniscient (all knowing) – every moment is sacred. (v.1-6)
a. Notice: God is intimately acquainted with all our ways, even knowing our thoughts and words before we speak. He encloses us behind and before.
b. Consider: Why should this truth about result in our reverence and humility before God?c. Related Scripture: Mark 7:20-23; Romans 11:33-36; Colossians 3:23
2. God is omnipresent (all present) – every place is sacred (v.7-12)
a. Notice: God is everywhere; we cannot escape His presence.
b. Consider: What happens if someone attempts to “run from God” ? How does the psalmist respond to this truth?
c. Related Scripture: Genesis 28:16-17; Isaiah 6:3; Acts 17:24-28; Hebrews 13:5
3. God is omnipotent (all powerful) – every person is sacred. (v.13-16)
a. Notice: The psalmist is amazed at God’s wonderful, amazing creation. God weaved him in his mother’s womb, and saw his unformed substance.
b. Consider: Are you amazed at God’s personal creation and forming of your life? How does this change how we view other people, as created in His image?
c. Related Scripture: Genesis 1:26; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 5:21-26; 25:40; Ephesians 2:10
What must our response to the revelation of God’s character Repentance, transparency, and a desire to walk in the everlasting way, which is the way of Jesus Christ. Jesus was the perfect person, at the perfect place, at the perfect time to redeem us from the fall and curse of sin. Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there is any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
Friday, January 9, 2009
“But seek for His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Do not be afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:31-32)
How are you responding to the inevitable difficult issues of life? Chuck Swindoll says. “Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we respond to it.” The natural man will respond with fear, anxiety or frantic activity. It has been said that we are heading for a crisis, in a crisis, or coming out of a crisis of some kind in our lives. As a disciple of Christ, you must keep setting the Father’s perfect character before you. You must treasure Him above everything else. He is perfect in His purpose, providence and promises. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You are His child. He has everything under control. Do not worry about tomorrow. Every day will have enough trouble of its own. And on each day, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness – all this other stuff is just “add on”. Jesus revealed all of this in His life, death, burial and resurrection. This week’s passage is pure teaching for disciples of Christ, children of the Heavenly Father. And when this is accepted by faith, you are then set free to live, give, serve, and love in such a radical way, the nations will see the nature of the Father in us. (Matthew 5:16)
“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)
“Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“If we undertake work for God and get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility will be overwhelmingly crushing; but if we roll back on God that which He has put upon us, He takes away the sense of responsibility by bringing in the realization of Himself.” (Oswald Sanders)
“Faith is confidence that God is who He says He is and that He will do all He has promised to do.” (Andy Stanley)
This week’s message
Trust Your Father: Luke 12:22-34
Jesus instructs His disciples on how to live with a trusting, God glorifying heart in a world that is often a source of anxiety, fear and worry. Our hearts must treasure:
1. The Father’s transcendent purpose (v.22-23)
a. Notice: Do not be anxious for the needs of your life.
b. Consider: In what way is life about more than food and clothing? What is life’s ultimate purpose?
c. Related Scripture: Prov. 4:23; Matthew 4:4; John 7:37-38; 10:10; 17:3; Phil. 3:8-10
2. The Father’s loving providence (v.24-28)
a. Notice: The ravens and the lilies are cared for and gloriously beautiful.
b. Consider: What does anxiety accomplish? What proves we are more valuable than the birds and grass?
c. Related Scripture: Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 12:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-7;
3. The Father’s glorious promise (v.29-34)
a. Notice: We must seek first God’s kingdom, and all else will be added unto us.
b. Consider: What are the implications of the promise in verse 32? How does this empower us to give to charity and treasure the things of heaven?
c. Related Scripture: John 14:1; Romans 8:32; 2 Cor. 4:14-18; Hebrews 11:6;
How are you responding to the inevitable difficult issues of life? Chuck Swindoll says. “Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we respond to it.” The natural man will respond with fear, anxiety or frantic activity. It has been said that we are heading for a crisis, in a crisis, or coming out of a crisis of some kind in our lives. As a disciple of Christ, you must keep setting the Father’s perfect character before you. You must treasure Him above everything else. He is perfect in His purpose, providence and promises. He will never leave you nor forsake you. You are His child. He has everything under control. Do not worry about tomorrow. Every day will have enough trouble of its own. And on each day, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness – all this other stuff is just “add on”. Jesus revealed all of this in His life, death, burial and resurrection. This week’s passage is pure teaching for disciples of Christ, children of the Heavenly Father. And when this is accepted by faith, you are then set free to live, give, serve, and love in such a radical way, the nations will see the nature of the Father in us. (Matthew 5:16)
“I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8)
“Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
“If we undertake work for God and get out of touch with Him, the sense of responsibility will be overwhelmingly crushing; but if we roll back on God that which He has put upon us, He takes away the sense of responsibility by bringing in the realization of Himself.” (Oswald Sanders)
“Faith is confidence that God is who He says He is and that He will do all He has promised to do.” (Andy Stanley)
This week’s message
Trust Your Father: Luke 12:22-34
Jesus instructs His disciples on how to live with a trusting, God glorifying heart in a world that is often a source of anxiety, fear and worry. Our hearts must treasure:
1. The Father’s transcendent purpose (v.22-23)
a. Notice: Do not be anxious for the needs of your life.
b. Consider: In what way is life about more than food and clothing? What is life’s ultimate purpose?
c. Related Scripture: Prov. 4:23; Matthew 4:4; John 7:37-38; 10:10; 17:3; Phil. 3:8-10
2. The Father’s loving providence (v.24-28)
a. Notice: The ravens and the lilies are cared for and gloriously beautiful.
b. Consider: What does anxiety accomplish? What proves we are more valuable than the birds and grass?
c. Related Scripture: Psalm 55:22; Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 12:6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-7;
3. The Father’s glorious promise (v.29-34)
a. Notice: We must seek first God’s kingdom, and all else will be added unto us.
b. Consider: What are the implications of the promise in verse 32? How does this empower us to give to charity and treasure the things of heaven?
c. Related Scripture: John 14:1; Romans 8:32; 2 Cor. 4:14-18; Hebrews 11:6;
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