“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)
Friday, January 30, 2009
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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