tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63840445867691135712024-03-19T07:24:37.773-05:00Bread CrumbsA blog of Fairfax Baptist Church intended to share insights from the Word of God (Bread Crumbs).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.comBlogger211125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-22272926367929406322019-01-06T16:05:00.002-06:002019-01-06T16:05:55.958-06:00BREAD CRUMBS Has MovedThe home for the Fairfax Baptist Church blog called Bread Crumbs has moved. The new site will be included on our website and will be a WordPress blog beginning with the first post of 2019. The new site is: fairfaxbaptistchurch.org/blog.<br />
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We hope you will continue reading Bread Crumbs at the new site. We will continue to post on Facebook when new blog posts have been made.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-73978608124990112112019-01-01T16:30:00.000-06:002019-01-01T16:30:31.992-06:00Hub Sunday: “Let Them See You” by Mike Lewis<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I compare this to the time about 2.5 years ago when we went to Andy and Susan’s house to look at pictures from Africa. Almost before Andy got it out of his mouth, I told him that I was going to Kenya when he decided to go back. When Andy called to see if I wanted to preach today, I said yes pretty quickly. Then, when I got off of the phone, I thought, <i>“What are you thinking? You can’t preach!!!”</i> So here I am...don’t expect an Andy, Reggie or Rick!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today is HUB Sunday. A day where we traditionally look at the places that we have ministered to, the possibilities that might be coming up and the opportunities that we have sitting before us. I want to dig a little deeper into the why and maybe show you how this goes farther than we can even comprehend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 2:10 says, <b><i>“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”</i></b> So what this tells me is that we were made with a purpose. A purpose to serve Him by serving people. He didn’t make us to serve ourselves. He designed us with a purpose. We were made to be a blessing to others. It’s his plan for us, all of us, not just some of us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In other words, He has given to us, certain people that we are supposed to help. Some that we can serve, some that we can care for and some who we can lead to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For those that were here a couple of weeks ago and heard Andy tell about the gentleman that asked him a question about scripture, did this bring up any certain event that made you think? Should I have helped that person? Should I have done whatever was necessary? Was this one of the people that He sent to us, that we were supposed to help? I know it did for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We all have God-given talents that we can utilize to help people. We need to be faithful in doing just that. He made us all different and all of our talents different for a reason. We can use our talents to complement each other. What I can do is probably different than what Roger can do, our Leon can do...but together, we can accomplish what God planned for us. In 1 Peter 4:10 it says <b><i>“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”</i></b> A perfect example of this is our upcoming Wounded Warrior Guide Service waterfowl hunt. I’m not the best waterfowl hunter that there is but I know people that are pretty good at it. They are willing to use those talents to help. If these veterans coming to hunt had to eat my cooking, they would probably lose weight while they are here. If any of you have eaten Robin’s cooking, you know that she’s a pretty good cook. I know for a fact that they go home with a belly full of great food and a few extra pounds because she utilizes one of her many talents to serve others. These people are fulfilling God’s plan. Jesus said in Matthew 20:28 that we are to serve others <b><i>“just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve...”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what happens if we choose not to serve? I want to give you an example. Imagine a pond. Just your little run of the mill pond. The only water it gets is rain water. It gets a little water in to it every once in a while but it has no outlet. The water just sits in this pond. What happens to the water? It becomes stagnant, right? It’s the same with us as Christians. We get knowledge of the Bible coming in...through Church service, Bible study, reading the Word. If that all comes in and there is no outlet, we become stagnant. Our spiritual life become stagnant. God expects us to fulfill His plans for us. We need to be doers of the Word. The Bible says in James 2:20 that <b><i>“Faith without deeds is useless.”</i></b> God didn’t design us, before we were born, to be useless. Admittedly, it’s easy to know what needs done but not do it. It’s comfortable...for a little bit. God, or your conscience, will eventually push you to do good works...or, at least, He has me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God puts people in front of us, all of the time, that need help. It may seem like a burden at the time but maybe, just maybe, He is giving us the opportunity to be like Jesus or at least the opportunity to practice being like Jesus. Even Jesus took a towel and a bowl of water and washed His disciple’s feet because the need was obvious.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know there are some of us that think, <i>“What can I do? Even if I can do something, it’s not that big of a deal.”</i> I’m here to tell you that all good deeds are important. God doesn’t keep track of how big or important they are. Just like a sin is a sin, one is not bigger than the other...the same applies for the blessings that you give out. The work that you do is important, no matter how big or how small. Proof of this is in Mark 9:41. It reads, <b><i>“I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, because you belong to Christ, will certainly not lose his reward.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are to be faithful in the things that God has for us, we need recognize these opportunities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I want to take a look at the maps that Reggie made for us. We see here all of the places that we have served. Whether in person or by sending supplies, we have served. Let me tap in to your imagination a little bit with something my wife said to me about a year ago. Imagine, if you will, that this person that we helped here in Fairfax, helped someone else in Wyoming. We in essence could put a sticker here. Or this person that we helped in St. Louis, helped someone in Texas. I know for a fact, that we don’t, or can’t, have a clue how far reaching our Good Works go. These people, if they see God in our works, will pass the blessing forward. It is His design for us and for them. In reality, we could cover most of Missouri with stickers. We could color a lot of states in stickers and we could eventually put more stickers into other countries. Andy just got back from Honduras...there’s a sticker and because of his work, those people will bless others. How cool is that? It’s the perfect pyramid scheme!!!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I read a story this week as I was preparing the sermon. It’s about a pencil. I’d like to share it with you:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“The pencil maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box and said, ‘There are 5 things you need to know, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.’</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">‘You will do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.’</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">‘You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.’</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">‘You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.’</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">‘The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.’</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">‘On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.’</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in his heart.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just like the pencil, we need to remember these five things in order to be the best person we can be:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other people to access you for the many gifts that you possess.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through numerous trials, but you’ll need them to become a stronger person.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It doesn’t matter what situation we find ourselves in, we must continue to do our part. Use our gifts. Bless others lives. And maybe, just maybe, they will see God through our good works and be led to Him through us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are many people that you see during your daily routines that need our love. There are people here that need our love. There are innumerous people that need to hear about Jesus. We need to focus on these people. We need to do the good works that God prepared for us to do. We need to diligent and deliberate in doing these things. Be the good that people want and need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of my favorite songs is, <i>“Let Them See You in Me”</i>. Let the people see Him in you and all of the things that you do. Let them see Him in the gifts that you intentionally use to help others.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-14284887671607040572018-12-26T10:17:00.002-06:002018-12-26T10:17:56.305-06:00The God Who Gives: God Gave Us Himself<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>“For God so loved the world, He __________.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">John 3.16 is more than a verse, it is the essence of God. 1 John 4 says that God is love. And the Bible is replete with examples of God giving. So, God is loving and God is giving. These two ideas are perfectly compatible with one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But when we say God is giving, we can break that into multiple parts because, after all, God is multiple Persons – Father, Son, and Spirit. As we gather today, we are merely two days before we officially celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. And we know that God gave us Jesus and Jesus gave His life. But is that all? After all, it is more than we could have expected and certainly more than we deserve, but the reality is that each Person of the Godhead is giving because the fullness of God is giving.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimauxF-p_jeYR-c42hXQCVpKL9PP3fwgBdcSyu5EGk2jesPvZyzym0YUjXGchEi8jSxmSxdY1fYlrVmXwGKg5pYiLD7FajWjeqCnopew5dpkgVkmgJee25WTxhmo_Ht0AiySQWA5rQL_E/s1600/Trinity-triangle-pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="569" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimauxF-p_jeYR-c42hXQCVpKL9PP3fwgBdcSyu5EGk2jesPvZyzym0YUjXGchEi8jSxmSxdY1fYlrVmXwGKg5pYiLD7FajWjeqCnopew5dpkgVkmgJee25WTxhmo_Ht0AiySQWA5rQL_E/s400/Trinity-triangle-pic.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimauxF-p_jeYR-c42hXQCVpKL9PP3fwgBdcSyu5EGk2jesPvZyzym0YUjXGchEi8jSxmSxdY1fYlrVmXwGKg5pYiLD7FajWjeqCnopew5dpkgVkmgJee25WTxhmo_Ht0AiySQWA5rQL_E/s1600/Trinity-triangle-pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, some may question how one Being can be three distinct Persons. It is a fair question, and honestly, the concept is impossible for our minds to understand. Any attempt at explanation is futile because even though God has made Himself available as a person, in His totality, He is beyond explanation. But, let us take a few moments to explore the idea that God is really Three in One. I have included a few below that contain all three persons of God within a single verse. The picture above provides a bit of visualization of the relationship with each Person and their relationship with one another. Again, no representation is perfect, but, some are wrong. This one may be incomplete, but it is at least accurate in what it does share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are a few verses that mention all three members of the Trinity in the one verse.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 28.19</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Luke 3.22</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Romans 8.9</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Corinthians 13.14</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Galatians 4.6</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ephesians 2.18</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hebrews 9.14</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Isaiah 48.6 (For good measure, here is a verse from the Old Testament)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The point of this is to show that God is, indeed, three distinct persons and yet is a single God. As such, when we say God is giving (which is the basic premise of this sermon series), we should consider which Person of God is doing the giving. Ultimately, what we must realize is that God has given us Himself. But if God gave us Himself, and God is multiple persons, let us consider, during this Christmas season what gifts each Person of God has given.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God the Father</u></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Father gave us purpose.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(Isaiah 64.8)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Father gives us spiritual blessings. (Ephesians 1.3)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Father gives good and perfect gifts. (James 1.17)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Father gives us new life. (1 Peter 1.3)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Father gives us compassion. (Psalm 103.13)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Father gave us the Son. (1 John 4.14).</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God the Son</u></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son gives us salvation. (Acts 4.12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son gave us Creation. (John 1.3)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son gives us understanding. (1 John 5.20)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son gives us eternal life. (John 11.25)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son gives us access to the Father. (John 14.6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son gives us the Spirit. (John 14.26; 15.26)</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God the Spirit</u></span></b><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit gives us the ability to talk to God. (Romans 8.26)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit gives us hope. (Romans 15.13)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit gives us fruit. (Galatians 5.22-23)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit gives us assurance. (Ephesians 1.13-14, 4.30)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit gives us teaching. (John 14.26)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Spirit gives us witness about Jesus. (John 15.26)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The verses shown here may not represent traditional verses for a blog post at Christmas. But if Christmas is about Christ, then it is about giving. And if Christmas is about giving, then it is about God. And if giving is about God, then we need to know what God has given – not generally, but specifically.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the previous three weeks, the posts have more generically covered the gifts God has given. He has given us life. He has given us time, treasure, and talent. And He has given us relationships – those we call family, those who are friends, and those who are others. So, today, we get specific on which Person of God gives certain aspects to us. But, in the remaining few minutes I want to talk about the gift that the Gift gave us. That is, God the Father gave the gift of the Son, but the Son has given us a gift that we must not overlook. Because the Son’s gift to us is even better than the jelly of the month club. You know that club is “the gift that keeps on giving the whole year” – as we are reminded by cousin Eddie (Johnson), in the movie Christmas Vacation. See, the gift from Jesus is not only His sacrifice, but a part of God Himself in the Person of the Holy Spirit. Below are two verses mentioned above. They are mention in both the section on God the Son and God the Spirit (and could be included in the Father’s section as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.</i> – John 14.26</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. </i>– John 15.26</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God gave us Himself. He gave of Himself as the Father. He gave Himself fully as the Son. And He is still giving to us Himself as the Spirit. And the Spirit is a gift from Jesus to you – not just on the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus, but all day, every day, until you are with Jesus again. Think about this! Nothing you receive this Christmas, or at any other time of the year, is greater than the gifts that God has provided. But the danger of Christmas is leaving Jesus as a baby in manger. Yes, Jesus had to come as a baby because that is how humans come into the world. And Jesus was fully human. But, if we only see Jesus as a baby, we miss the point of why He really came – to be our Redeemer, our Savior. And, if we leave Him on the cross, then we miss the point that He not only came to die; rather, He came to live and that required Him to rise again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that is the true gift of Jesus. He gave us life. But not just life beyond this life. He gave us the opportunity to truly live now. But for us to truly live, He had to remain with us in some way. See, we say Jesus is in our hearts, but truly it is the Spirit who is with us. Jesus is fully God, but He is also fully man, and thus is limited in where He can be. But the Bible says God is Spirit (John 4.24) and the Spirit can be, and is, everywhere. Thus, it is the Spirit that Jesus promised to send as a gift when He, the Son, departed this earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What does the Spirit do? He helps us know God. He bears witness about Jesus. Without the Spirit we would know little; we would understand even less. Jesus promised His disciples the Spirit would teach them all things and He is still teaching us today. Furthermore, it is the Spirit who helps us prepare for our life beyond this life by changing us to be people of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and to live with self-control. It is the Spirit who allows us to truly live our life on this earth and make true the statement – <b><i>“on earth as it is in heaven.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Son of God came in form of a baby only to become a man who would die because of His love for us. But the Holy Spirit is God’s continual gift to us – so that we might live now, and not just wait until eternity. For those who receive the gift of the Son, Jesus includes the gift of the Spirit for the entirety of our lives. The Son came and we celebrate His birth, and while we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day we call Pentecost, we must understand that the Spirit is ultimately Jesus’ gift to us. So, as you celebrate this week, as you exchange gifts this week, or even if you find this week to be the most painful of weeks, remember that, if nothing else, the coming of Jesus was the Father’s gift to you, and the going of Jesus, was necessary to allow His gift to come to you in the Person of the Holy Spirit.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">CONCLUSION</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The whole point of this message – and this series – is to show that our God is a God who gives. The Bible says that we are created in the image of God, so while we are not perfect, and do not love or give perfectly, any expression of our love towards others and our giving to others is a reflection of the loving and giving nature of God – as Father, as Son, and as Spirit. But, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Messiah (Christ) this week, it is only fitting that...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b><u>JOURNEY</u></b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>J</u></b> – <b><u>JESUS</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus is the Gift. And Jesus has given us gifts. We may not perfectly understand it, but our lack of understanding does not make it true. I don’t understand a lot of things – like cows eating grass and making milk or how putting on plastic glasses on allows me to see movies in 3D or how I can talk or text on a phone without any wires and the right person hears or sees my message. I could list countless other aspects of life that I use that I don’t understand, but they are real. And so is the love of Jesus. And so is His gift to you. But the question is what will you do with His gift to you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God is a giving God – in the present tense. Therefore, Jesus has not just given us something in the past (salvation); rather, He is still giving us something in the present (the Spirit) for us to know and serve God better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What will I do with the gift(s) that Jesus has given to me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>: <b><u>LEAD</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus’ gifts are for us, but not for us alone. We are to take what we have received and share it with others. That is, we are to make disciples, we are to lead others. He has gifted us so that we can extend His gift to others. So, let us be both receivers and givers of the gifts God has given, both this week and in all our years to come.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-38011877372888241162018-12-19T12:52:00.000-06:002018-12-19T12:52:18.413-06:00The God Who Gives: God Gave Us Relationships<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the past couple of weeks, we have covered a few different gifts that we have received from God. Two week ago, we talked about the gift of life and the various aspects (also gifts from God) that make life what it is. Last week, we talked about the gift of time, the gift of treasure, and the gift of talents. These three gifts have been given to each of us, but we must choose to use what we have been given for His glory. This week, we talk about another important gift God has given us – the gift of relationships.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like life, time, talent, and treasure, we all have relationships. But of these gifts only time is perfectly constant – meaning we all have 24 hours in a day. Of course, you might say, but some people have a longer life, and while that is true, I would put that under the gift category of life. But not only are some life’s longer, some have a different quality – not just in health, but in the approach to life. The same can be true of how we use our talents, and what we consider to be our treasure (which is quite different than worry about how much treasure we do/do not have). Likewise, the number and, more importantly, the quality of our relationships will be different as well. But, we all have someone or many others in our lives and those relationships are a gift from God. So, let us examine three types of relationships that God has given to us.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Family</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For most people the greatest relationships they have are those within their family. Of course, not everyone has good relations with their family members, and many families have at least one family relationship that is strained. But as the old saying goes, <i>“blood is thicker than water”</i> which is a testimony to the importance of family.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The blessing of our biological family. (Matthew 19.3-6)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We must understand that our family is a gift from God. In fact, it is the first new gift God gave to mankind. I say, <i>“new,”</i> because all of the rest of Creation was complete when God created man. Of course, God then took man and put him in the Garden of Eden. And he brought the animals before man. But when the first man was unable to find a suitable companion, God made woman. And the man and woman were a gift to one another from God. And from this gift man multiplied greatly to cover the earth (see Gen 1.28).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We see family being a gift from God in so many places. The Bible says that God blessed Noah and told them to be fruitful and multiply – that is, add to your family (Gen 9.1). Of course, the family begins with a man and woman, but from there it often extends to children eventually uncles, aunts, cousins, etc. are all a part of one larger family. Consider Abraham was called the <i>“father”</i> of many nations. And Jacob had twelve sons who were the namesakes of the tribes of Israel. But all of these descendants are a part of a gift from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have to remember that Abraham and Sarah were not able to have children, but God made it possible (see Gen 18 which was fulfilled in Gen 21). Remember Samuel’s mother Hannah praying and God granting her a son (1 Samuel 1). And Solomon writes in Psalm 127 that children are a heritage from the Lord. That is, they are a gift from God (Psalm 127.3-5).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But besides our biological family, those who are Christian are a part of God’s family. And thus, we have...</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The blessing of our church family.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, to truly be a part of a church family means being a part of God’s family. (Mark 3.33-35).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People may belong to a church, but unless God is the Father of a person, then that person is not truly a part of the family. But God does desire that each one of us be a part of His family. It is God’s gift to us because of His love for us. (See John 1.12-13; Ephesians 2.19; 1 John 3.1).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, the true benefit is being part of God’s family. I preached a full series on God adopting us as His children at this time last year. But being in God’s family, means that those who are a part of His church are members of a family as well. And what a gift that is – or, at least, should be! Frankly, I am closer to some people in this and previous churches than I am with many people who share DNA with me. And that’s ok. It is like Jesus said with His own mother and siblings outside the door in Capernaum that day, those who follow God were His true family. I feel the same way about many church friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like with any family, tensions arise in a church. But think about where those tensions in your home were often discussed and even settled many years ago. It was often around the dinner table. And, similar to a family unit who solves issues while they eat, we are instructed in the Bible to make peace with our fellow family members in the church before we worship (Matthew 5.23-24) and especially before we take the Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, we should be thankful to God for His gift to us that we all family.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Friends (John 15.12-15)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Bible is full of examples of people being friends. Of course, the primary text for this point is Jesus words to His disciples that they are His friends. Now, some might consider Jesus words a little strange given the fact that in the previous section we saw from Mark 3 that Jesus called those who do God’s will His brothers and sisters. But as I mentioned a moment ago, most of us will have friends that are dear to us more than certain family members are. And, more to the point, we would certainly call some of our family members friends while others are more like acquaintances. That is a part of what Jesus is saying here. You are no longer my servants, you are truly my friends. What an honor! And what a gift from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other friendships in the Bible would include Moses and Joshua, Jonathan and David, Paul and Barnabas, and many others. Some of these friendships also served as mentoring types (e.g. Moses/Joshua and Paul/Timothy), but the importance of friendships is clearly evident throughout the Bible.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beyond the idea of just being a friend, we will say that someone is a good friend while others are bad. For those on Facebook, we have to adjust the definition of a <i>“friend”</i> even further. I used to have a policy that I would only be friends on FB with those I knew (which still didn’t mean we were actual friends, but at least I knew them). Now, I am <i>“friends”</i> with many people I have never met and likely never will. Why the change? Because God has given me an opportunity to influence them by sharing my thoughts and teaching from His Word.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, the definition of being a <i>“friend”</i> has changed in our culture. But the fact remains that some people have a positive effect on us while others can lead us in the wrong direction. Let us briefly hear what God’s word says about the positive and negative aspects of certain people in our lives.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The blessing of good friends. Ecclesiastes 4.9-12, Proverbs 17.17, Proverbs 27.9, 17</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The challenge of bad friends. Proverbs 22.24-25<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And some verses provide a contrast – Prov 12.26; 13.20</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the point of all of this is that God gave us friends. Our objective should be to be wise in who we call our friend. So, we have seen that God gave us family and God gave us friends, but one other group remains.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Others</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The moment a person is conceived, you are part of a family. You may choose not to like the family or be associated with a family, but a DNA test will reveal family ties. On the other hand, we get to choose our friends. As we just saw, it is important to choose wisely, but the reality is that before people become friends, they are not. That is, other people are just that – they are not family and they are not friends – at least, not yet. So, we can lump everyone who does not fit into the category of family or friend into a collective category called other.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we know the people in the other category. Perhaps we work with them or have met them at an event or know them because of another relationship in our lives. But we do not know them well enough to truly call them a friends. (BTW, this would be a good term for all of those people on Facebook that are not truly friends, but who wants to be called an <i>“Other”</i> – even if we all know it is true.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Bible has a few really good examples of others. Luke 10 tells the story of a few people who are others. One person is injured and three <i>“others”</i> pass by, but only one of the <i>“others”</i> stops to help. And this man is a Samaritan. If this story had another chapter, I wonder if these two strangers might have become friends. In Luke 19, Jesus also stops along the path because He sees a man who is likely without many friends because of his profession. But Jesus goes to his house, which happens to reveal what so many others think about this tax collector (and Jesus). But Zacchaeus found a friend that day in Jesus and it changed his life and his eternity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We can find examples where we are to with others as well. Jesus says that we should pray for our enemies and those who persecute us. In Matthew 25, Jesus says that we are to care for the least of these. While that may means Christian brothers and sisters, it also means others. Therefore, this group of people is prominent. And they are a gift from God. Why are they a gift?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because like our family and like our friends, the others provide an opportunity to serve. I mentioned the gift of talents last week and said we would have a connection to this week. Well, this is the connection. Last week, I mentioned that one of the gifts God has given each person is the gift of one or many talents. In fact, God gave everyone certain skills, talents, and abilities. And for those who are born again, He also gave us spiritual gifts. And when we use the attributes God has given us, especially as He desires us to use them, then we are expressing our thanks to Him for our gifts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our serving can certainly help our family much of the time. It will help our friends a good deal of the time. And we never know how our service to others might make a difference in their life – and like Zacchaeus, for eternity as well. Now, I know that when Jesus used others in the verse that I am about to share, He meant all others (family, friends, strangers, etc.) But listen to what Jesus says about others in a verse that should be VERY familiar to us now – <b><i>“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven”</i></b> (Matthew 5.16). That verse captures the essence of our church’s vision perfectly. But the idea is that we must use the gifts that God has given us in our time, talents, and treasure so that God’s gifts to us of our family, friends, and others might bring Him glory for what He is doing in and through us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, God gives us gifts. But He does so not for our purpose, but for His. That doesn’t make God selfish, it makes God glorious. After all, without God we would have nothing, and in fact, we would literally not exist. So, let us celebrate the gifts God has given – the time, talent, and treasure and all of those relationships He has brought into our lives as well.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While not all relationships are <i>“good”</i> or healthy, each and every relationship has a purpose. Relationships can smooth our certain areas of our lives when we yield to the grace of God. Thus, relationships are like sandpaper and the more <i>“smoothing out”</i> we need, the rougher the relationship usually is. Why? Because it requires us to rely more on God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ultimately, God gave us relationships, in part, because our lives would be empty without them. But, more importantly, He gave us relationships so that we can serve others, be served by others, and serve with others because while we are serving others, we can be serving Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b><u>JOURNEY</u></b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>U</u></b> – <u><b>UNITE</b></u>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Unity is not always possible. The Bible is realistic about this. Paul wrote in Romans 12 that as much as it depends upon you, live at peace with everyone. Jesus did this, and yet a friend betrayed Him and others killed Him. But God’s goal is for His people to be united. How do we know? Because it is the very nature of God. After all, God is a relationship – Father, Son, Spirit. And we call this relationship Trinity, which is really expressing the 3-in-1 aspect into one word with the <i>“3”</i> represented by the prefix <i>“tri-“</i> and the <i>“1”</i> represented by the word unity. So, using the term trinity is really to say tri-unity. Thus, if God is united Himself, He wants His people to be united as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God gives us relationships because it not good that the man (or woman) should be alone. (See Genesis 2.18.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What relationship(s) in your life do you need to give thanks to God because of your appreciation of His gift? What relationship(s) do you need to seek to mend because God gave you the opportunity to have the relationship in the first place?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>: <b><u>LOVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is usually easier to love our family and even our friends than it is to love others, especially complete strangers. But the Great Commandment – loving God and loving others – is all about relationships (Mark 12.30-31). So, let us show thanks to God for His gift of relationships to us by being better at loving others in the coming year(s).</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-88912660699737125452018-12-12T13:46:00.000-06:002018-12-12T13:46:56.973-06:00The God Who Gives: God Gave Us Gifts<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">’Tis the season to be giving...<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fa la la la la la la la la</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Aren’t we glad our Lord is living?<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fa la la la la la la la la</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the question we must ask...<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fa la la la la la la la la</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is are we equal to the task? <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fa la la la la la la la la</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wait, what? If something is a gift, then why should we worry about if we are worthy of the gift? Fair question. But this is something we worry about. As the giver we ask questions such as, <i>“Will I get them the right gift?”</i> <i>“Can I afford to give what I want to give?”</i> And as the receiver, we may say, <i>“This gift is really beyond what I deserve.”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, rightly or wrongly, we are in the middle of that season where we hope to be considered good enough to receive gifts (lists being made and then checked twice for those who were naughty and nice). And we hope to be properly thanked for getting good enough gifts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, let me ask, have you ever received or seen someone else receive the perfect gift? How do they react? How does the giver respond? That moment, if/when it happens, is truly a blessing for all involved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With that in mind, here is an important thought. If you are a follower of Christ, then you have already received the perfect gift? Of course, that is Jesus. But even beyond the gift of Jesus (which we will discuss in two weeks), God has gifted YOU perfectly to serve Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week, we began this short series by reviewing some of what God has given us. This week, we will go a little deeper with the idea of three particular gifts God has given to all people, but particularly to those who call Him Father.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Time</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God is an eternal God. Therefore, time is a part of Creation. God doesn’t need time, we do. When the Bible says, in the beginning God created...well, He also created time. He created the concept of <b><i>“beginning.”</i></b> Because God existed before the beginning and will exist after the end – of time, that is. That is why He is called the Alpha and Omega. These are two letters of the Greek alphabet, where alpha is the first letter and omega is the last. For us it would be like saying God is the A and Z.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And because God is eternal, the writer of Ecclesiastes says that He put eternity in our hearts (Eccl. 3.11). We are created to be beings that will live beyond this life (that is, for eternity from here forward), but we are bound by time at this point. So, the question is: What do we do with this gift of time?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We must realize our time is limited. (Psalm 90.12)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We only have so many days on this earth and therefore we must make them count.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We must make time count. (John 9.4) </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He continued by saying that He was the light of the world. And in Matthew 5, Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. How can this be true? Listen to verse 5. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. Is Jesus still in the world? Yes, through you and me. And thus, if His light shines it shine through us, but it only shines when we make time count. Therefore,</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We must redeem the time. (Ephesians 5.16)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To redeem something, is to buy it back or recover it. Of course, we call Jesus our Redeemer because He bought us back. That is, Jesus purchased us instead of letting us die and be separated from God. Paul writes that the days are evil. Thus, we need to buy them back. We need to make the best use of the time that God has given us. We need to be intentional. We need to be focused. We need to be committed. Do you know what happens if we are not intentional, focused, and committed? Nothing. Nothing good happens. We say things like, <i>“I can’t believe I just wasted a whole hour (or day)”</i> doing whatever it is we do when we are not redeeming the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The problem is that too many people waste too many days and when their life is about to end they realize just how limited their time is, they regret what they haven’t done. I don’t want that to be me, and I pray you don’t want that to be you. And, in the coming year, we are going to have the opportunity to be much more intentional, more focused, and more committed to doing all that God wants from each of us. I can ask if you are ready now, but those are just words. As the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. Well, get ready for 2019, because the pudding is about to be served!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Treasure</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, we come to the topic everyone dreads hearing about during a sermon. But the reality is that God has given you finances. And God offers you the opportunity to return some of that portion to Him. As I mentioned last week, God is a giving God and His generosity far exceeds His <i>“expected”</i> return. He wants a cheerful giver, but 10% should be a minimal goal for us. Maybe we can’t give 10% now; maybe only 2% or 5% is possible. But if you get a 2% increase, why not give 1% extra to God. In a few years, you can be giving 10% or more. 10% is, after all, the full tithe. And the only place in the Bible where God asks for us to test Him is in regard to giving Him the tithe.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our lack of blessing may be from our lack of giving. (Malachi 3.10)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just before this verse, God asks, <b><i>“Will man rob God?”</i></b> The idea is that we often withhold from God in order to meet our own desires. But God says, if you give to me, I will give abundantly to you.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our lack of giving may reveal our lack of faith. (Philippians 4.19)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you believe that promise? God will supply all your needs. He will, and that need includes giving back to Him. Why does it include giving? Because we are made in the image of God and this entire series is about the fact that our God is a giving God. Thus, if He gave and still gives, then we should be giving as well. And, if we are not giving, then perhaps, that is because we do not trust Him to provide for us. Of course, some are able to give more than others, but it is not the amount we give it is the sacrifice we are willing to make. Compare the story of the rich, young ruler in Matthew 19 who had much but was unwilling to part with it (Matthew 19.16-22) compared to the widow who gave all she had (Mark 12.41-44). Which person truly had faith?</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our lack of faith may reveal where we desire our treasure. (Matthew 6.19-24)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please understand it is not wrong to have stuff. But nothing we have is truly ours. It is given by God for us to steward. It is ours in the sense that God has allowed us to have/use it, but ultimately, everything belongs to Him. As Job said, <b><i>“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return”</i></b> (Job 1.21). Job knew the truth because his faith was in the right place. Even though Job struggled and seemingly doubted, he knew that despite losing all he had, his true treasure was found in God. And, as you may recall, God restored to him even more than he lost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I say often, we are not to seek what God may give us, we are to seek God. If we seek stuff from God, we may receive it, but miss out on having God. But if we seek God, then we not only get God, but one day (in the next life) we will get everything that God can offer. Remember, God has set eternity in our hearts, so let us focus on where the true treasure lies.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Talent</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This last point will spill over into next week, but it is important we see this truth today. Because like with time and treasure, God has given us the ability to do certain things. The question is: How do we use what God has given? Do we use it for ourselves, for others, or for God? Now, the reality is that all three of those aspects can be ok (which is why we need to spill over into next week), but to paraphrase Paul’s thought to a couple of different churches, all that we do should be done for Jesus and to glorify God (Colossians 3.17, 23; 1 Corinthians 10.31).</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God made us for good work. (Ephesians 2.10)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God knew what He needed, so He gave us the ability to do it. Notice, the verse says that He prepared these works beforehand so that we would walk in them. That is, we should be doing what God prepared for us to do. He didn’t just randomly make you or me. He made us on purpose, with purpose, for a purpose. And thus, He expects us to fulfill our purpose until we are no longer living.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our work may be different, but it is all for God. (1 Corinthians 12.4-7)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We looked at this passage recently on a Hub Sunday with the help of Mr. Potato Head. The truth is we need to be different and have different skills to accomplish different tasks to fulfill the overall mission that God has for us. That begins by each one of us doing our part, and it ends with God getting the glory for what we accomplish together. Thus, God made us all unique and, as such, we need one another to be complete.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God made us different because of His grace. (Romans 12.3-8)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Notice verse 6 says that the different gifts we have received are because of His grace. This is stunning. Parents worry too much about being fair. If one child receives something the other child must as well. Now, when one child is having a birthday, some people give a gift to their siblings so they are not left out. That is their choice, but God isn’t worried about fairness, He is worried about getting things done. So, notice verse 6 ends with an exhortation from Paul – <b><i>“let us use them.”</i></b> That is, God has given us these gifts based upon what He thinks is best – so, let us use what has been given to us. How? For whom? Well, we will develop this thought more next week. For now, let us be about discovering our gift and using what we know we should be using.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Time. Treasure. Talent. These are all gifts from God to His people. The Bible speaks about time often. It speaks more about money and treasures than it does about heaven and hell. And all throughout the Bible we see people using or refusing their talents. The question for us is: How will we respond – as individuals and as a church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know that God has gifted me in many ways. However, to use the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, I feel like I am often returning three talents for the five I have been given. A 60% return may be great as an investment in the market, but is it enough for Jesus?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, Jesus was willing to receive at least interest from the third servant in Matthew 25. But in reality, 60% is not enough for all that Jesus did for me. He gave 100% of Himself to me so that I could give back to Him. But my failure is why He came. Your failure is why He came. We are just over two weeks from celebrating the birth of Jesus, but it is not just a baby we honor. It is the baby who became a man willing to die so that when we fail to live up to the expectations of God, we can be forgiven because of the sacrifice that man, the man named Jesus, made for you and me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">See, Jesus had a fixed amount of time on this earth. And Jesus had limited treasure. But Jesus also had a certain talent all of which were to fulfill His unique purpose. That is the gift we are ultimately about to celebrate. And that is why we must consider what, if anything, we will give back as our gift to Him. And that is why...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b><u>JOURNEY</u></b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>Y</u></b> – <b><u>YOU</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is up to YOU. It is up to me. God has a purpose for each of us and thus He has given us gifts to accomplish that purpose. Ultimately, we are gifted so that God may be glorified, but that only happens if we live our lives in the manner for which He intended. We cannot change yesterday, but we can make a new future by our choices today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God gave us resources to be used for His glory not ours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u>:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How can I better use what God has given me as an expression of thanksgiving to Him?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>: <b><u>LIVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Live what you know as you seek to improve yourself for Him. Don’t wait for tomorrow – make use of the time you have been given today to begin serving God with your time, your treasure, and your talents.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-69366454915807919552018-12-05T12:21:00.000-06:002018-12-05T12:21:24.921-06:00The God Who Gives: God, the Giver<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A little more than a week ago, we celebrated a holiday called Thanksgiving. Many people still hold this holiday for its intention – as a day of giving thanks for what God has provided. Of course, the American focus goes back to the pilgrims and the Indians, but the origins of the holiday actually go back to the ancient Israelites and the Feast of Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) which was the feast of the harvest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But in our day many see the day as the beginning of the season of the getting. That is, maybe we should call December 25th, <i>“Thanksgetting,”</i> and wrap the period in between in a nice bow to represent what many have purposed these 30 or so days. But, even if some people do focus more on what they get instead of what they give, the reality is that someone had to give something in order for that something to be received. Yes, I know that some people give themselves their own gifts to make sure they get what they want, but still, the premise holds true. The act of giving is required for an act of receiving to happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So why do people give? Some will say they give based upon what they receive (or hope to receive). Others give because they want to give or because they can. But ultimately, the reason any of us give anything is because we are created in the image of God, and the Bible shows time and time again that God is a giving God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week, we begin a four-part series entitled, The God Who Gives. This week will serve as a bit of an overview of the series, with the next three weeks looking more in depth at points two through four from today’s outline. By the time this series is completed, my goal is for us all to appreciate all that God has given to us and for each of us to be more responsive for what He asks of us in return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today I am going to share four primary aspects of God’s giving. We must realize that just because God has given it does not mean that all of us have received it. As I mentioned above, these four aspects are really the outline for the series I am preaching this month. The entire theme can be understood in the idea that God is a giving God and therefore, because we are made in His image, we should be giving as well. In fact, as we will see in the next three weeks, we can give to others the very things that God has given to us. But first, let us take a birds-eye view of God’s gifts to us.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Life (Gen 2.7; John 11.25)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We know that God breathed life into Adam (Gen 2.7). But the NT reminds us of this truth as well (1 Tim 3.16; John 6.33).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But beyond human life, God gives that which sustains our lives. He gives:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">light to make things grow and to help us find our way. – Exodus 13.21</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(gave) water to the Israelites. – Numbers 21.16</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">rain which allows grass to grow in the field. – Zechariah 10.1</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God also gives in order that our lives may be full. He gives:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">wisdom to those who seek it. – James 1.5</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">increase to those whom He wills. – Psalm 115.14</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">peace and rest to those who seek and trust in Him. – Numbers 6.26; Deuteronomy 12.10</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could go on and on with the things God gives related to life as well as life itself – life that is abundant, both here and forever for those who follow Jesus (according to Jesus – John 10.10). We will come back to this idea in Week 4 a little bit, so for now, let us preview the next few weeks to see what else God gives.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Purpose (Gen 2.15; Jeremiah 29.11)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, we can look at the very beginning of the Bible to see that He intends for His creatures to have purpose. At the end of Genesis 1, God says that mankind is to have dominion over all other animals. He commanded the first man and woman to be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth. In Genesis 2 (v 15), God put the man <b><i>“in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”</i></b> Later, God had a purpose for Noah, for Abraham, for Jacob, for Joseph, for Moses, for Joshua, for Samuel, for David, for Isaiah, for Jeremiah, for Daniel, and a whole slew of others. In the NT, we see the same was true for Jesus, but also for Peter, and John, and Paul, and Bartemaues, and even Judas.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, these are marquise names, but what about Tamar and Jael and Nabal and Ziba and Barzillai from the OT or Anna, or Justus, or Parmenas, Publius, Junia, and others from the NT? The point is that God has a purpose for each one of us. For some it is a noble purpose; for others it is a more common one. After all, He is the potter and we are the clay. But the point is that God has created us on purpose for a purpose and our responsibility is to discover that purpose and live our lives accordingly. It goes back to the question I asked time and time again in the last series:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What can I do, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church and for the Kingdom of God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A part of that answer lies in the purpose that He gave to you. In all of history, you are the only person who is exactly like you. And thus, God made you unique to do something only you could do. The question is are you doing it? If not, maybe it is because you have not discovered that purpose. Do you think it is too late? Well, Moses was 80 and Abram was about 90 when they learned of their purpose. And that is young compared to Noah who was 500 when God revealed his purpose. So, you are not too old. Nor are you too young (remember Samuel was a small child when the Lord first appeared to him). The question is are you interested in knowing your purpose? And if so, are you willing to fulfill it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We will discuss this aspect of our purpose more next week, and, for that matter, next year.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave Us Love (1 John 4.8; John 3.16)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 John 4.8 says God is love. And if we are created in God’s image (which Genesis 1 says we are), then some of that attribute is within us. If it wasn’t, then God would be asking the impossible when Jesus said that the greatest command is to love God with everything we are and to love others as we do ourselves. Of course, it is next to impossible to do this well anyway, so we must rely upon the love of God to make it happen in our lives. But not only did God gives us the capacity to love, He gave us His love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One verse in the Bible says something about God loving us so much He did something for us. You might recognize it if you heard it (referring to John 3.16). What was it God did? He gave His Son. Why? So that we might have life. Wow. That is love. Stop and think about that for a minute. I am sure we all have had a similar thought about sacrificing our own child. But let’s make it practical in this moment. Look at the person next to you. In front of you. Behind you. Look at me. Whatever you may think of the person personally, would you willingly sacrifice them to appease the wrath of a god. History shows that this happened often, including in biblical times. But these sacrifices were made to some god out of fear for what might happen. Our God gave us Himself because He loved us (and loves us) so that we do not have to fear Him, but that we may love Him in return.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the love that He has given to us is not for just ourselves and Him, it is for all people – and for all of the time. More on this thought in two weeks.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>God Gave/Gives Us Grace (Ephesians 2.8-9; John 1.16)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This fourth point relates to the previous one. Love and grace are connected just as love and mercy are connected. Therefore, we have a direct link which connects mercy and grace. The gift of God by which you do not have to die for your sin is because of His mercy. The gift of God by which you have life is due to His grace. As Ephesians 2.8-9 tell us it is a gift of God that we have grace through faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might recall a phrase I isolated around this time last year from John 1. John records that from God’s fullness we receive grace upon grace (v. 16). I absolutely love that thought that grace is multiplied by grace. Take a dose of grace from God and heap an another helping. That is what John says we can receive. But something can only be received if it is offered. And John says it is from the fullness of God that such grace is offered to you and to me. Now, that does not give us license to abuse that grace. Rather, the grace we are extended is to then be extended to others as well. But the idea of grace upon grace is a wonderful picture of how much God has given to us already and how much more He is willing to give us when we fall.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We could spend the rest of the day reviewing Scripture for all of what God has given in the past or will give in the future. And, I am certain, we could spend all week here listing (and then discussing) all that He has given to each of us individually. So, why does God give us all that He has and all that He will? Why does God give us all of these things and more? Because our God is a giving God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me ask it one more time with a slightly different emphasis. Why does God give <i>us</i> all of these things and more? Because He wants us to pass on what we have received so that others can benefit as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God gives because He is a giving God. But God gives to us so that we can give to others. God made us in His image, so our very nature includes the capacity, and even the desire, to give. The challenge for us is to live up to the challenge of being a giver like God. The truth is that in God’s economy, we cannot out-give the giver. God always has more to give, but that does not mean that He necessarily will give when we want it. Of course, the same is true with us. We often have more to give, but we withhold it for various reasons. However, I would venture to guess that our reasons (however good we think they are) pale in comparison to the reasons God would withhold from us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That said, as we consider what it means for God to be a giving God, will you consider how God wants you to respond this month as a giver? We will talk more about our own responsibilities in the next three weeks, but before we make excuses or give a rationale for why we don’t give to someone or some organization (including this church), let us stop, for this month, and ask what, if anything, God would have us to give.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b>JOURNEY</b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>E</u></b> – <b><u>ENGAGE</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God is the giver, but He has given so that we will engage others. He wants us to tell His story. He wants us to share what He has done in our lives. He wants us to give back that portion from what we have received.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>: <b><u>LEARN</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What motivates you to give or not to give? What motivates you to give the amount you give? Is it duty? Is it habit? Is it love? Is it something else? Take time this week to LEARN what motivates or inspires you to give. Then ask God to help you remain faithful or to fix your life in whatever way it needs to be fixed to allow you to give as God wants you to do.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-70489667004557098442018-11-14T08:00:00.000-06:002018-11-14T08:00:05.968-06:00Church in HD: May His Glory Fill the Earth<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the past two months, we have taken a little closer look at our church. Frankly, in some ways it has been uncomfortable, and particularly as we sit on these new pews and have new carpet under us. Of course, we know that these items are not the church, but given the problems we have had downstairs and how those problems have kept us from using approximately 20% of the downstairs during Sunday School, and during God Squad during the week, matters such as carpet and furniture do have a place in the discussion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On the second week of the series, I very briefly reviewed the history of the television. I think I surprised many of you by saying that the first set of pictures to be transferred across a set of wires was done in 1862. But TV has come a long way since then, and even within the last 60 years when it became more common for people to own televisions in their home. Rather than the black and white TVs with rabbit ears, most people now have high-definition TVs and even super hi-def TVs and can watch TV without any wires as images float past us in the air all the time. The picture has become clearer and that made watching more enjoyable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another major advance in clarity was the advent of the Hubble Telescope. Of course, people have been gazing at the stars for years. Telescopes are nothing new. They have allowed people to get a better gaze at the stars and planets for centuries. But when the Hubble Telescope was developed the star-gazing became less hazy, and details emerged that had never been known. Additionally, the Hubble Telescope allowed us to see so much further into space than had ever been considered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, seeing things more clearly does not always make us feel good. For instance, my wife does not worry much about what the top of the refrigerator may look like. It isn’t that she doesn’t care, but because she cannot see it, she has no idea how dusty is can become. But if she gets a step stool to get in the cabinet above the fridge, then her next stop includes a paper towel and cleaner to clean it off – unless I have done it recently. (And yes, having used this example, the top was cleaned this week!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we conclude this series today, I want to move beyond the church to YOU as an individual. Because if you are a Christian, then you are a part of the Church. So, let us use the passage from Acts 2 to consider how you are doing as it relates to what the early church did. Because if each of us – that is, a collection of you’s all do our part, then indeed, we can emulate the early church and we will see God move in ways we may not have considered.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Are You Devoted to the Word of God? (Acts 2.42)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The early church was devoted to learning. They gathered every day to learn. They came to hear the apostles teach them – from their experiences and from their study. Of course, the apostles physically saw Jesus and were present when Jesus did many of the things He did. But Acts 6 tells us that the primary method was proclaiming the Word of God. That is the great equalizer. You and I may not have been physically present with Jesus, but we have the complete Word of God available to us every day. The apostles were devoted to studying it and teaching it. The people were devoted to hearing and learning it. Are YOU as devoted to God and His Word?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Are You Devoted to Fellowship with Others? (Acts 2.42)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are all devoted to someone or something. As I frequently mention, a large group of people will be show extreme devotion each Sunday various football teams. I am not anti-football. And I like the Chiefs, but where is my true devotion? Because fellowship is not just being around others or the 75000+ people at Arrowhead today would be experiencing deep fellowship. And yet, let me argue, that they are. Most of the people at a game as Arrowhead Stadium will be Chiefs fans. Some plays will cause them to agonize. Others will cause them to celebrate. An extreme unity will be felt by most everyone there. And that unity includes suffering in the cold. On the other hand, the modern church has reduced fellowship to having meals together – and as the end of verse 42 shows, that was a part of the fellowship then. But fellowship is the sharing of life. It is wanting to spend time together. It is desiring to be with other believers. It includes encouraging one another to be better, caring for one another during times of trial, loving one another when no one else will, praying with, and for, each other (as the text mentions), and yes, gathering together regularly to celebrate what Jesus has done for us. Are YOU devoted to that kind of fellowship with others?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Are You Devoted to Sharing with Those in Need? (Acts 2.44-45)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Three times each year we take a collection to send to missionaries in Missouri (September), North America (March/April), and around the world (December). On the last Sunday of each month, we collect our change to send to two pastors in Kenya. Throughout the years, we also have other opportunities to share – such as providing supplies to the youth, coats to the students at Maryville, boxes of toys to children around the world through OCC, food items for our area’s food pantry, etc. But most of what we give comes from the excess of what we receive, not from what we already have. While that is ok in the monetary sense, it is not acceptable in the fullness of ministry. What do I mean?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Service is needed as well. As we have seen a couple of times over the past few months, God has given us all certain talents, skills, abilities, etc. We are to serve Him from what we already have – ourselves. Yes, we should give to worthy causes, but sharing with those in need will often require giving of ourselves more than of our stuff. Of course, the early church was willing to sell “stuff” in order to provide for others. But the awe that people experienced (v 43) was due to what was being done. And this is not about being at or going to church – living for Jesus means you can serve Him wherever you are and in whatever you do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, our willingness to give from what we have can change the world. As Matt Perman said, <i>“Our work changes the world in at least two ways. First, it is through our work that we change the structures of society, and it is by changing the structures of society that we change the world.”</i> (Matt Perman, <i>Unstuck</i>, p. 116)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need to be giving of ourselves – our time and our money. Are YOU sharing with those who are in need?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Are You Devoted to the Worship of the Lord? (Acts 2.46-47)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are reading to this, your immediate response may be “Of course.” But is that true? Remember, the aim of this series is to be honest with who we are as a church, and that begins with who we are as individuals. Attending church on Sunday (or reading certain blogs) is fine. But worship is not meant for Sunday alone. True worship is meant for every day. In fact, I am fully convinced that the reason most churches do not fully experience God on Sundays is that the people do not take time to worship Him during the week. Our worship together on Sunday should be from the overflow of our worship individually throughout the week. Now, the early church did this differently, but they did not have radios, music apps, the internet, etc. Additionally, they were still learning to understand that God did not reside in a place (the temple), but within our hearts. So they went daily to the temple (where God had promised His presence would be) to worship – or praise (v 47) – who He was and all that He was doing. Our technology may allow us to worship anywhere, but we do not need technology to worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is worship a part of your daily routine? Are you truly devoted to the worship of Jesus?</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Are You Devoted</b><b> to the Spreading of the Gospel? (Acts 2.47)</b></span></u><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week I reminded us of the story of Philip and his instant readiness. Philip had an expectation to be used by God. Acts 2.42 shows the early church, as a whole, did as well. Verse 47 says that God added to their number daily. Last week, during Sunday School, a couple of people started asking about how the Doctrine of Election fits into the entire scheme of faith and sharing the gospel. It was a fascinating discussion for about five minutes and I just listened and smiled while they worked through it and others joined in the process. Without getting into that doctrine, let me just say that the doctrine is biblical. But so is sharing the gospel. Jesus did it (Mark 1.14-15) and He commanded us to do it as well (Matthew 28.18-20).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, it was the Lord who added to their number, but the people were sharing the message. That message included words like, “Knowing Jesus changed my life” and “You should hear what Peter was teaching us last night” and “Why don’t you come with me tonight and hear for yourself?” Again, the word gospel simply means “good news.” We all share good news, but do we honestly take the time to share THE GOOD NEWS?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, that’s five things the early church did well that we must consider for ourselves. The group then was fully devoted and the impact on the world is still being realized. The question for us: Is are we devoted? These five areas of devotion represent the five areas or our church’s strategy as well, so if we are as devoted, we can accomplish now all that they did then.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The early church was healthy and thus God did some amazing things in and through them. Fairfax Baptist Church, we can become healthier. We can do better. We can grow like they did then – maybe not with the same numbers, but why not at the same percentage rate? Healthy churches grow over time, although not necessarily at all times. A church that is growing is not necessarily healthy, but a healthy church will eventually mean growth. If we are not growing and do not grow, then we are not healthy. And, thus, we need to look deeper than the surface issues. If we are not healthy, then that means all of us have some part to play in improving ourselves so that collectively we can improve as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It goes back to the central question of this series: <i>“</i><i>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church, and for His Kingdom?”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why should we care? Because it is not enough to be a church member...we are called to be Christ followers. Jesus said, I am the Way, so if we heed His call to <b><i>“Follow Me,”</i></b> we will not get lost. And when we are following the path He has set for us, we are able to bring God glory. Bringing God glory is the vision we have as a church (Matthew 5.16) and is our part in God fulfilling His promise in Habakkuk 2.14 that the knowledge of His glory will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For us to fully begin exchanging our expectations for God’s manifestations, we need to tend to a few practical matters as well. I spent time this week mapping out 2019 and am really excited for what the new year will bring. But to enjoy the ride, we have some preparatory work to do. This work will not be specifically related to the ideas I have mentioned today, but without having certain processes in place, we cannot function as well as we should. So, when I return, we will focus on a few key items like developing our team purposes and completing our policies and procedures manual, and examining certain systems to make any changes to allow our ministry to become more effective. These areas will be key areas of focus of 2019!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you have been challenged during this series – and especially today – to more seriously consider what it truly means to be a church that is devoted to God’s purposes and not our expectations. I realize that this series has not been the easiest to consider. It is easier to live with the idol of comfort than surrendering to standing before the council to be punished for proclaiming Jesus name as we saw with the apostles. It is easier to come and go while letting others serve than it is to do our part as a hand, a foot, an eye, and ear, or whatever part of the Body of Christ God has called us to be. It is easier to complain about what we would change about the church or others within the church than to take a closer look at what we could change about ourselves so that we might better reflect the glory of God. And it is better to think that the church that began just after Jesus left should be better than we are because, after all, they had spent time with Jesus. But do we not have the same Spirit and the same power available to us?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that is why this series has been necessary. Sometimes we need to be rocked to the core. Sometimes we need to be reminded that church is nothing about what we want it to be; rather it is what He has designed her to be. The Church is the Bride of Christ and, as such, we have a responsibility to our groom to be what He wants us to be. And Jesus is not some misogynistic, wife-beating maniac. No, Paul reminds us that Jesus loved His bride so much that He died for her. The question for us is, will we live for Him?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus said He would build His Church. One would think that over time it would improve. Humans now make better televisions, and telescopes. In fact, a lot of what is made is better now than in the past. No, not everything is, but if humans can improve on our ability to manufacture items, should we not expect that the Church Jesus designed and is building to be at least as good now as it was when it was first started? I am not suggesting that Jesus needs improving, He does not, but we do. And, as we improve, and become more like Jesus (God’s goal for us according to Romans 8.29), His Church should improve as well. That is why...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b><u>JOURNEY</u></b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>Y</u></b> – <b><u>YOU</u>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is up to YOU. It is up to me. But if we live our lives devoted to Jesus and what He wants from each of us individually, we will become what He wants us to be collectively as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God asks us to be ready to engage with others because He wants to be further engaged with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;"><i>“</i></span><i>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church, and for His Kingdom?”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>NEXT STEP(S)</b></u>: <b><u>LIVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be devoted! And answer the question that has fueled this series: <i>“What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church, and for His Kingdom?”</i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-10934185537000929192018-11-07T10:00:00.000-06:002018-11-07T10:00:22.975-06:00Church in HD: No Thanks, Lord. Not Today.<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each morning you wake up with a multitude of choices. But every choice we face daily boils down to this: will we do what needs to be done or what we want to do? Sometimes these two questions overlap or at least nearly overlap. For instance, we have all probably said, <i>“I need a break,”</i> or even better <i>“I need a vacation.”</i> Both of those may be needs, but each may also satisfy a want.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet most of what we do is done without much thought. As you got dressed this morning, you may have considered which shoes to wear, but you probably didn’t give much thought to putting them on your feet. Why? Because it is just what you do before going outside. Yet, why is that? Because you need to protect your feet. Likewise, your body will tell you when it needs food, so you eat when you need to eat. But sometimes we also eat when we want to eat – which is often why we gain weight. And how many children have no problem preparing to eat because they want some food only to hear, <i>“You need to eat your vegetables.”</i> Again, I would contend that everything we do will come down to either needing or wanting to do it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what about evangelism? As I say that word, many will cringe. Why? Because we know we need to do it, but few really want to do it. Yet, according to the Bible we are commanded to evangelize – that is, we are commanded to share the Gospel. And I would guess most everyone in here has evangelized today or at least within the past couple of days. That is, you have shared good news with someone. Because that is what the gospel is. The word gospel simply means good news. But the question we must then ask is are we only sharing the gospel of our lives or the gospel of Jesus Christ?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before I go on, let me just pause and ask this question. You need not respond out loud, but you should consider a response. Whether you have shared the Good News of Jesus recently or not, and whether you want to do it or not, would you agree that the Bible says that as a follower of Christ, you should be sharing the Good News with others? Hold on to that thought for just a minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week’s message is about a story of a man who was ready to serve God in a moment’s notice. He wanted to serve, and thus God used him where he was needed. The story is of a man named Philip, and the passage is from Acts 8.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>If We Want to Serve God, We Need to Be Ready (Acts 8.26-29)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts 8 begins with Saul ravaging the church. But the story immediately turns to the work that the Spirit is doing through the lives of people. One of those people is Philip who is preaching the gospel. Now before I go on, let me clarify something. Just a moment ago, I asked if, as a Christian, you should be telling others about Jesus – whether you want to or not. If you agree that is true, then let me share how the Greek verb <i>“to evangelize”</i> is translated in English. The word is preach. 55 times in the New Testament, this word is translated to preach, so if you agreed with that question a moment ago, then you have agreed that God has called you to preach.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The problem is that we have turned the idea of preaching into a form of speaking. But the Bible doesn’t explicitly say that preaching is standing behind a pulpit and delivering a message like we are accustomed to think of it. Now, it can mean that, but essentially, the meaning of the word is to share the Good News, and if we are to share that news, then we must be ready.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, Philip is proclaiming the Gospel throughout Samaria. Remember the Samaritans are the half-breeds that most Jews detested. But they needed to hear the Good News so whether or not others wanted to go, and even whether or not Philip wanted to go, he went. And people believed. The apostles got word of what was happening so they sent Peter and John to make sure it was real. <i>“Really, the Samaritans are believing that Jesus is Lord? Can that be true? Maybe Philip is mistaken. We better send someone to check it out!”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, Peter and John go. And they find what has been said to be true. And even a magician believes so the apostles return to Jerusalem and preach, that is evangelize, to other Samaritans on the way back. Thus, the disciples have now made it to the third steps of Jesus promise. As we read last week, Jesus said, <b><i>“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”</i></b> They may not have wanted to go to the Samaritans, but God needed someone to go, so Philip went. The apostles have followed. And that leads us to the heart of our story for this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, imagine Philip on the morning of this story. We are not told what time of day it takes place, but let’s say Philip woke that morning and said, <i>“God, I am ready for whatever is next.”</i> At some point, an angel appears and says something like, <i>“Ok, God heard you. Here is your assignment for the day.”</i> When Philip heard what he was to do, he did it. He was ready. And he went. The end of verse 26 says it was a desert place. This important detail tells us that it was not going to be all comfort for Philip, but his intent was serving God, so he went. He did not know what he was to do. He did not know whom he would meet. He just knew God said, <b><i>“Go”</i></b> so he went.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once he got there, he was given his assignment. Notice that it wasn’t until he obeyed that God revealed what he was to do next. This principle is often difficult for me. At least it is when I am in this vicinity, and less so when I travel abroad. As you know I am a planner. But when you are serving God, you need to let you plans be disrupted if they are His plans doing the disrupting. Planning is not wrong. The Bible is filled with the plans that people had – including Jesus. But as Proverbs 16.9 teaches us, <b><i>“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”</i></b> I don’t know what Philip wanted to do that particular day, but he was ready to do what the Lord needed him to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, Philip arrives at the spot. He is told his next assignment which was simply to go over to the chariot. Philip still did not know what he was supposed to do. But he kept going. Now, the text does not tell us if the chariot was moving or not, and I suspect it was not. However, I like to think of this passage as Philip running alongside it because it does say Philip ran to the chariot. It is likely not true (it does not say he ran alongside), but it adds to the drama. But when Philip arrives he begins to understand what his assignment will be.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>If We Want to Help Others Understand, We Need to Begin Where They Are (Acts 8.30-35)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes we desire to help but we do not know what is really needed. In those cases, we need to take a moment to observe the situation and then begin to work. As I have mentioned several times, that was a mistake I made upon arriving in Fairfax. I did take time initially on Wednesday evenings, and frankly after about five months, I thought we were ready (or at least I was ready) to move forward. But after I began to present some ideas, I realized that I did not have the full story and we had to back up and begin again about seven months later. Overall, I estimate the process set us back about another year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Philip did not have five months, let alone two years. He had just a short time, but he did not know that. Yet, Philip hears what the man is doing and instantly asks a relevant question. <b><i>“Do you understand what you are reading?”</i></b> We do not know how long this was after Jesus died, but likely not very long – maybe a year or two. But this man comes from Ethiopia to Jerusalem and is now returning home. We do not know why he was there, but this mention of travelling from Ethiopia to Jerusalem may be a reminder to some people of the Queen of Sheba’s journey to Jerusalem during the time of Solomon. This man obtained some of the ancient writings somewhere and was reading from Isaiah 53 (verses 7 and 8), when Philip arrived.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Philip hears the man reading aloud and now he can begin to minister. Philip knew the man was ready because he asked for a guide. We may not always need to wait, but Philip knew this man was teachable. The word used for guiding is the same word that Jesus used to say that the Spirit would come to guide the apostles in John 16.13. Sometimes the Spirit may impart information Himself, but here He uses Philip to do the teaching. Remember, it was an angel that told Philip to go to the area, but it was the Spirit who told him to go to the chariot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, Philip serves as a guide. Philip engaged him but not just one to one. Philip began with this Scripture, so he included God in the process. But what else did Philip have to help him? Perhaps this official had a copy of what we call the Old Testament, but perhaps all he had was the book of Isaiah. What we do know is that none of the New Testament had been written, so whatever Philip told this man was relating Scripture from the Old Testament to the stories he had heard (and maybe even seen) about Jesus. But whatever process he used, Philip told this court official from Ethiopia the good news. That is, he evangelized!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>If We Want Others to Know the Joy of Christ, We Each Need to Do Our Part (Acts 8.36-40)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Philip had now done the first part of his job. He had done what the Spirit commanded and he had responded to the opportunity to proclaim God’s Word. Philip had helped this man understand. But now the emphasis moves to the official.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The man sees water. Is this a miracle? I think so. Remember, we were given a five-word clue in verse 26 above – this is a desert place. Why would this information be recorded? Maybe so we could see the miracle that God provided a place for water in the midst of the desert. Whatever may have happened, we know that Philip took the opportunity to baptize this court official. And then, Philip was gone. As in the fact, he immediately vanished.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Jesus command was to teach them to observe all that I commanded. Philip had not done this. This man still needed to know much more. But Philip’s part was done. Someone else would continue the process at this point. You may remember what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3, <b><i>“I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the growth.”</i></b> Here Philip was the planter and God must have had someone else in mind for the watering portion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Philip, God made it very clear that his responsibility with this man was over because he was immediately whisked away. God may not always make it as clear to us as he did to Philip that day, but if we are faithful to serve God, He will be faithful to let us know when it is time for our next assignment.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Peter 3.15 says that we should always be ready to give a reason for the hope that we have. Many people in this region right now are talking about the hope they have that the Chiefs will beat the Browns today or that Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to the Super Bowl for the first time in nearly 50 years. And, if he does it will be a time for celebration for every Chiefs fan. But what will happen to that optimism and hope if Mahomes gets injured? The good news people may want to share will quickly turn cynical again and people will say something like, <i>“See the Chiefs will never be able to win.”</i> And, in one moment, the perceived need to talk about the good news of the Chiefs is gone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, the Gospel of Jesus dos not disappoint. Of course, our lives are not perfect just because we believe that His death and resurrection are truly THE Good News. But Jesus cannot be injured and dash a city’s or a region’s football dreams. Because Jesus was already injured and even died but He was able to overcome death providing the greatest of news. But tomorrow morning, most people – even strong Christians – will be talking about the Chiefs’ game (win or lose) instead of what Jesus has done for them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is why we must remember that we NEED to share THE Good News that has stood the test of time. We NEED to be ready in a moment’s instant because somebody’s eternal fate might be at stake. We may not WANT to have our lives interrupted, but as Philip’s life shows us, when we are willing to be used by God, miracles do occur.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b><u>JOURNEY</u></b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>E</u></b> – <b><u>ENGAGE</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we consider this series of the Church in HD, we are looking at areas where our church might be lacking in comparison to the church as it was described in the Bible. We may not be whisked away in a moment like Philip was, but are we ready to share the Gospel of Jesus in a moment’s notice? Are we willing to share the Gospel of Jesus at all?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, every day we are faced with thousands of small choices that have to do with our wants and needs. And I suspect, if there is any spiritual maturity among us at all, then we realize that we need to share His message. That means we have to engage with others. We have to know them. We have to meet them where they are. And we must be ready to lead them as far as we can before God gives us our next assignment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We know what it means to be engaged to someone – it is to be committed or pledged to that person. And an engagement is an appointment or an arrangement that has been made. Well, if we truly want to be used by God, then He has an engagement for us with some person to whom we can engage and help them to become committed themselves to Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We need to quit making excuses and waiting for tomorrow. We need to be ready today!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>God asks us to be ready to engage with others because He wants to be further engaged with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church, and for His Kingdom?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LIVE</u>:</b><span style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b></span>We all need to live with a readiness to serve God. Make yourself ready this week and let God use you to speak to one person about the good news of Jesus Christ. In particular, the person should be someone whom you would not normally talk to about Jesus.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEAD</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We all need to lead others to not only know Jesus, but to be ready to serve Him as well.</span></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-60842257545267205892018-10-31T08:05:00.000-05:002018-10-31T08:05:03.147-05:00Hub Sunday – “Gifted to Serve”<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week is Hub Sunday. I know many are still wondering what that means because this is only our fourth one and for the second meeting we only met for a few minutes before going out to serve. So, let me provide a brief reminder.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The idea is rooted in a conversation between Roger Martin and I from mid-June. The following week, he used the word, <i>“</i><i>missions hub,”</i> in a deacon meeting and that got me thinking how we could better promote missions – not just in the sense that we give money to some cause, but in how we are involved, and how we should be involved.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, at the end of July we had our first Hub Sunday and I talked about these origins and why we would focus on this idea occasionally. I still do not know if it will be monthly long-term, but for now it is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On Labor Day weekend, we used Hub Sunday as an opportunity to serve people around Fairfax on what we called Labor for the Son Day. I anticipate that is the first annual such day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">At the end of September, we brought out the boards showing various areas we served – in Fairfax, in NW Missouri, in the United States, and around the world. Lord willing, we will continue to add more to these boards over time. As a part of last month’s service, I invited Dr. Jeremy Burright to come and share, as the Superintendent of Fairfax Schools, how we might be able to serve the school. Some interest was generated and we will be determining a date to do some of the interior painting soon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, that brings us to today. And today I want to focus on the fact that God has gifted us to serve. I will present a few opportunities for us to consider, but first I want to review a familiar parable. This parable fits well with last week’s message related to the fact that the Spirit has given one or more gifts to every born-again believer as we saw in 1 Corinthians 12. Those gifts, called spiritual gifts, are a gift from God to us so that we may, in turn, give ourselves to Him through our service.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before I begin to expand on today’s text, let me first read today’s text. The passage is Matthew 25.14-30. Please read Matthew 25.14-30.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>The Master’s Journey</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The man in the story is a wealthy man. We know this because He has servants and only those with some amount of wealth could afford to have servants. Furthermore, we will see by his gift, how wealthy this man really must be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, we must also note that he is a trusting man. Verse 14 says he entrusted his property to these servants. So, this wealthy and trusting man gave a certain amount of his assets to three servants as specified here. One servant received five talents, another two, and another received one. Before I describe a talent, let us understand that this distribution is fair. The Bible does not say this is a father trying to make certain that three of His children get the same portion of a candy bar. These are servants and the reason he gave more to certain servants is because of previous experience. The Bible tells us this – the master gave to each <b><i>“according to his ability”</i></b> (v. 15). This practice is good stewardship and, thus, good leadership. I teach this principle all the time. You give people certain responsibilities and as they succeed you give them more responsibility. A responsible adult does not give a 16-year-old $500,000 to do with as s/he pleases. The responsible adult gives a child a little bit of money and see how that amount first. If it is handled well, then more is given. Etc.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And we should be thankful for this because Luke 12.48 says that to whom much is given, much is expected. That verse is the verse I fear the most because I have been given much – and that would be true if I had nothing else but the grace of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus. From there, God has given me a beautiful wife, wonderful children, a loving church to serve, opportunities to use my education to benefit others within this country and now abroad. Again, much has been given. Therefore, much is expected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, in this text, what has truly been given to these three servants?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>The Master’s Gift</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In our culture, many will see the word talent and think of something they can do. Perhaps it is an expression of art, or working with certain kinds of tools, or playing sports, etc. But in ancient times, a talent represented a type of currency (in many different cultures). The key for our understanding this parable is to approximate the value of a talent. I know when I look at this story, it is easy to consider that the master gave $5, $2, and $1. If that is the case, what is the big deal?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, let me put it in better perspective. A talent of gold or silver weighed between 45-90 pounds. The standard was about 75 pounds, so this is a large amount of precious metal. In modern terms, the value of one talent would be about $16,000 for silver, but over $1.25 million per talent for gold. Those are based upon recent prices of those metals, and that is a large discrepancy in value. But many centuries ago, silver was often more valuable than gold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another way we can look at a talent is to consider its value compared to someone’s wages. Many Bible scholars believe the talent to be the equivalent of 20 years wages. But even the most conservative estimates place the value at over $1,000 per talent. So, let’s use 20 years wages. An average salary can be skewed because some people make enormous salaries ranging well into the tens of millions or beyond. So, let’s use the median salary for the US. As of tax year 2014, the median salary was about $40,000 per year. So, based upon that number, this master gave a gift of $4,000,000 to the first servant, $2,000,000 to the second, and $800,000 to the third. Now, we have perspective on why burying the talent in the ground is such a big deal. But let us first look at the rewards given.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Our Reward</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The master went away for some unknown, but long, period of time and when he returned, he did not expect the second servant to have as much as the first servant. Nor, did he expect as much from the third servant when compared to the second – suggesting interest would have been something beneficial.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it is only the first two servants who received a reward. And the primary reward is the same – entry into the joy of the master. (Yes, the first servant also received the talent that the dishonored servant did not steward correctly, but that was not the primary reward.) The latter servant did not receive a promise of joy; rather that man (the text says <b><i>“him”</i></b> – v. 28) was cast into outer darkness and would be in a place that knows no joy (with weeping and gnashing of teeth, v. 30).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Our JOURNEY</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How does this passage apply to Hub Sunday? If you are a Christian, you have a God-given gift designed to serve His church for the benefit of His Kingdom. And because you have a God-given gift, you have a God-expected responsibility to serve – that is, to use the gift(s) He has given. How do I know? Verse 19 says that the master returned to <b><i>“settle accounts with them.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One day our Master will return to settle accounts with us. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 3 that many will enter heaven, but will have nothing to show for it. Why will tears be wiped from our eyes in heaven? I think multiple reasons are possible, but one is that we will truly realize how much Jesus did for us. Certainly, that begins with His death on the cross and His resurrection to bring life after death. However, I believe we will also realize how many opportunities He gave us to serve and how little we did in response.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>What’s Next? The Challenge</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like the master in the parable, our Master has been away for a long-time on His journey (v. 19). But Jesus is not on vacation. In fact, He is quite busy, as He is currently preparing a place for us (John 14.2-3). The question is: Are we idle in our response? Again, the Christian life is not about waiting to die so we can go to heaven, it is about us bringing a bit of heaven to earth and extending the reign of God across this earth. Or is that not what we pray with the words, <b><i>“on earth as it is in heaven?”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, as we consider our journey, let us consider how we might better serve our Lord. Let us recognize the gifts He has given to us. (If you do not know what spiritual gift, let me know and I will give you an item that can help you to begin to discover it.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before I close let me mention three final thoughts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yesterday was a difficult day for many because of Ferd’s funeral. As we do several times per year, our church not only hosted the service, but provided a meal afterward. I know many people were involved in buying and/or preparing items to make that meal possible. But I want to especially thank the four ladies who spent upwards of six, maybe seven hours at the church setting up, preparing, serving, and loving on the family. I can say thank you. But you will have to wait for the real blessing because it is the Master from whom you wish to hear, <b><i>“Well done.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let me now mention a couple of opportunities for us to help the BSU in Maryville.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, the students in the ministry are holding a coat drive for international students. Some of these students come from warm climates and have no idea what is about to happen related to our weather in northwest Missouri. If you have any lightly worn coats or if you wish to purchase a new coat, that fine too. But in addition to our OCC collection, please feel free to bring any coats you would like to donate and leave them behind the sound booth near the window. We will have another collection box back there for these coats.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, the BSU has been hosting a dinner for college students for years. This dinner is on Monday evenings and they are asking churches to sponsor a Monday evening. I will have to get more details as to how many people are needed to serve and how much food should be prepared, but as a part of our church being a hub for missions, this is a great opportunity for us to partner with another ministry and allow them to make connections that can lead to gospel conversations.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These brief mentions are simply other ways that we can serve. The goal for all of us should be to hear our Master say, <b><i>“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little, I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we fulfill our responsibilities as individuals, we will realize our potential as a church. We have done some, but if we have been faithful with a little, then He will give us more to do. Let us respond, serving Him with the gifts (and talents) that He has given us to become the people and the church He has called us to be – a church that is truly a large church in a small town.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-63304907138490985932018-10-22T07:44:00.000-05:002018-10-22T07:44:18.346-05:00Church in HD: If We Are The Body...<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I was young I was athletic, but I was not highly flexible. I was good at a few sports and excelled at baseball. Additionally, I enjoyed playing most any type of game. (My wife will tell be the first to tell you that has changed!) But one game I never really liked – because I was not flexible was the Twister. You remember Twister, right? The premise was simple – don’t fall over. But the challenge was being able to contort one’s body in all kinds of positions while only allowing your hands or feet to touch the ground. Four colors. Four body parts. Each part would eventually be on a color, and you could only hope you could make the right decision so you could remain off the ground and off one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course another game involving the body was Operation. Operation was not about contortion it was about hand-eye coordination, having control, overcoming nerves, and keeping a steady hand. If your hand slipped slightly the buzz would startle you. Although an actual electric shock did not affect the player the buzz from the game would make it feel as if you had been shocked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And for those who were even younger, many children grew up with puzzles to teach them about the parts of the body. 8-10 piece puzzles with the head, the torso, legs, arms, hands, and a foot taught children the basics of how a human body is constructed. And, if they got bored putting the same pieces together all the time, they could mix and match pieces in a fun way on a head shaped like a potato. We will come back to Mr. Potato Head later.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do I mention these childhood games? Well, they all have a similar focus – the body. And the Body of Christ is what we will focus on today from Scripture. The concept of the Church as the Body of Christ is a repeated theme in the New Testament. The meaning of this phrase is that we are multiple, yet we are one. And although we are multiple and different as individuals parts, we function best when all parts are doing what they are designed to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This series on taking a deeper look at the church has primarily focused on Acts. We began in Acts 2 and have worked our way forward to Acts 6 today with another two weeks to go. But like we did two weeks ago, we are going to move our focus to 1 Corinthians using Acts as our launching point. Two weeks ago we saw the unity in the church from the end of Acts 4 and contrasted that with the division in the church in Corinth even as they came together to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. Just a few sentences later, in what we know as 1 Corinthians 12, Paul continues to address the divisions in Corinth by showing how the church is really one body so to be truly functional is to work with and care for one another. That is our focus today.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>One God, Many Gifts, for One Body (1 Corinthians 12.4-11)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 12 begins with Paul saying he wants the church of Corinth to understand. He then shows that the Trinity is perfectly involved in the development of the church. Regardless of how people are gifted to serve, it is the same Spirit who provides those gifts. Regardless of how people choose to serve, they are serving the same Lord. And regardless of the activities being done, they are being done for God. So, one God has given a variety of gifts, aptitudes, desires, etc. in order for the church to function best. As Paul continued in chapter 14, God is a God of order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider Creation for a moment. God did not make everything the same. He made different types of fauna and flora and He made humans to be different from them all. Why? Because as God created the overall ecosystem, it all works together to serve a singular purpose. Likewise, God provided each of us with different skills, and in this context, giftedness, to serve Him as one united body.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paul then lists a few of the gifts God has given – wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation. Paul says that all of these gifts are not to be withheld for our own pleasure, but are given by the Spirit, to whom the Spirit wills, for the <b><i>“common good”</i></b> (v7). That is, we all benefit when everyone serves according to his/her gifts.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>One Body, Many Parts, One Composition. (1 Corinthians 12.12-26)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paul then elaborates on his point by turning to the human body as an example. If I seem repetitive on this point, notice how repetitive Paul is. One body. Many parts. Many members of one body. Single members collectively as one body. Etc. Paul is speaking to a church that has deep divisions – even factions as he stated in the previous chapter. But the letter starts by talking about the divisions and people choosing to follow different lines of thought. In fact, the wording he used in 1 Corinthians 1 is remarkably similar to how people put signage in their yard at election time. When he says, I follow Apollos or I follow Peter, etc. it is like saying I vote for this candidate or that candidate. The problem was that Apollos, Peter, Paul, etc were not in opposition with one another, but the supposed singular body of Christ had become as divisive toward one another as our current political system is today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Notice the imagery Paul uses beginning in verse 15. He makes statements that one part of the body does not consider itself a part of the overall body because it is not a certain part. Then in verse 21, he says that one part of the body says to another part, <b><i>“I do not need you.”</i></b> We see this as imagery and it is, but the imagery is addressing a very real issue! Remember in 1 Corinthians 11, which we reviewed a couple of weeks ago, some were gathering before the meal to eat their fair share before others arrived – leaving only scraps. Then, in 1 Cor 12.1, Paul begins by saying, <b><i>“Now concerning spiritual gifts.”</i></b> What he is doing – as he does in much of this letter to Corinth – is responding to a message he received from the church in Corinth. They had asked him some question related to how people with differing gifts should respond to one another – and Paul is replying.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, imagine that the letter to Paul may have said something like, “We have people who say they should do this and others who don’t think it is important.” Paul writes back with examples from the human body which show the statement to be absurd. Effectively, Paul is saying that they should consider which part of the body they are willing to live without. Notice what he wrote beginning in verse 22. Read 1 Cor 12.22-24. Some parts of the body are more well known, they are more visible, they may even appear to be more useful. But all parts of a human body are necessary and so it is with the Body of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because God designed the human body as one collective unit (v. 24) and the church is designed the same way.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>One Composition, Many Appointments, for One Purpose (1 Corinthians 12.26-31)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paul concludes this section by challenging them to consider how a body functions. Verse 26 states that all individual parts of the body either rejoice or suffer together. Think about it. You have likely experienced a tingly sensation throughout your body before – perhaps a good tingle from excitement and euphoria, and a bad tingle from anxiety or nerves. The sensation is real, but likely originates in one particular area, yet influences the entire body in that moment. This is the essence of what Paul is stating in verse 26.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">He continues by providing a strong reminder of this current theme. NOW, you ARE the Body of Christ – with each of you being one part of it. He is saying that if you truly belong to Christ you need all of the other parts of the body – so care and nurture one another (tying this back to verse 25). He then lists another set of gifts with the idea that not everyone has all of these gifts, because again, as verse 4 and 11 combine to make clear, the single Spirit of God (i.e. no division) gives the gifts He chooses to each person as He wills.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the purpose of the Body is singular – and that is to do what the head of the body desires – and the head is Christ. And what does Christ desire? Well that is our final point today.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>One Purpose. One God. One Love. (1 Corinthians 13.1-13)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The text may be familiar, but imagine you are in Corinth on the day Paul’s letter arrives. Imagine you have never heard these words about love before this moment. And imagine you are hearing these words after just having heard Paul’s words about the gifts and the body. With that mindset, take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 13.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The point Paul is making in the overall context is that it is more than considering how good you think you are or how well you do what you do something. That type of thinking is the <b><i>“childish ways”</i></b> (v11). Instead, love is our ultimate purpose. Love is the command of Christ and if we are not loving others, particularly those who are part of the Body, then we gain nothing (v.3). Indeed, we are nothing (v.2). But Jesus did not give His life and call us to be part of His body that would be nothing. Jesus gave His everything so that we could truly be something – and that something is being a functioning member of the Body of Christ.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I began this sermon by talking about certain games and puzzles. Of course, childish games and puzzles give way to more complex ones. It is not enough for a medical student to consider the body in eight simple pieces. Rather they must learn the full anatomic structure of the body and how it works together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I think one thing that many adults lose as we age is the desire to imagine possibilities. That is why the three-dimensional Mr. Potato head is fun for children. The puzzle pieces fit in different areas that simply will not work for a two-dimensional puzzle where every piece has its defined space. Likewise, sometimes three dimensions is not enough. Twister is a three-dimensional game, but with a little imagination, someone added walls and added a fourth dimension.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A part of being one body is to nurture one another, or as Paul wrote in 1 Cor 12.25 to provide the same care for one another. That care is expressed in general empathy and specific concerns, but it is also expressed in helping others to grow into all that God would have them be even if they are different than you (or do things differently from you).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b><u>JOURNEY</u></b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>N</u></b> – <b><u>NURTURE</u></b><b>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our verse for Nurture and for the Mission (Equip the Saints) is from Ephesians 4.11-13. This passage is once again about what God gives to His Church for the sake of the body. Let me read all the way through verse 16. (READ Ephesians 4.11-16.) Mature manhood (v13) – represents the body maturing. Jesus as the head (v15) of the body (v16) joined as one (body) by joints will allow the body to grow and be built up in love (v16). Equipping the Saints for the work of ministry no doubt includes helping each member of the body to reach their potential as an individual member of Christ’s body. But it also requires helping body parts work together in order for the body to function properly as a collective representation of the Body of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Bible compares the God’s people to a body. Bodies were made to function and each part is important so the body can function as a whole. As we care for ourselves, let us also care for one another.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEARN</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take time this week to determine what your talents, skills, and desires truly are. Knowing how God made you is critical to serving Him to the best of your ability. Even if you have done this before, it is a worthwhile exercise to do again.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LOVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus gave us the Great Commandment: Love God, love others (Mark 12.30-31) and the New Commandment: Love one another (John 13.34-35). These are not options if we are truly a part of His body.</span></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-72191132107687915412018-10-17T09:30:00.000-05:002018-10-17T10:40:04.360-05:00Church In HD: That the Christ is Jesus<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today is a Sunday in October. That statement may be obvious to you because at this moment you are sitting in a church building looking at person standing on a platform talking to you while his Bible is open in front of him. But for most people Sunday does not mean sitting within a congregation. According to one study approximately 46% of Americans go to church or synagogue once per month with only 23% saying they go weekly. (1)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">23% of Americans equates to approximately 80 million people. For comparison sake, choosing from numbers published this week, over 90 million watched parts or all of just six (6) of last week’s fifteen (15) games in the NFL. (2) Add to that the number of people who watched the playoffs in baseball, college football, etc. and you can see that sports are a big deal for television, which doesn’t even count local school and non-school related sports and leagues.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, sports dominate over a time of worship. And many people will use excuses to not come to church that they would not use about sports. The following information has cycled through the internet many times, but it does provide a reminder for how shallow some excuses really are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reality is we worship what is important to us and we make excuses to avoid what is not important. God knew this, which is why He gave us commandments about worship. In our hearts, we will worship something, but our goal must be to make the object of that worship something truly worthy of worship. For the Christian, the object of worship is not an it, but a who – God Almighty. But that is not just true for the Christian, it is true for mankind in general because we are told that we have been made in His image.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of all Creation, only man was made in the image of God. Therefore, our goals, our desires, our purpose, and, indeed, our worship, must be toward Him. Indeed, it must be about Him. The point of our life is ultimately not about us – it is about God. Many know this, but it is hard to remain true to it. Yet, we are reminded of this truth in a teaching apparatus used for children since the 17th Century. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with the question: What is the chief end of man? The answer: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If that is man’s chief end, it is the chief end of the church as well. We are not perfect, but perhaps the story we see today will encourage us to live more like those in the early church.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>To Glorify God Is To Obey The Word of God. (Acts 5.17-26)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Acts 5 begins with the story of Ananias and Sapphira being killed for lying to the church. Then, many miracles and wonders are done. But this gets Peter and the other apostles thrown into prison.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But notice what happens. An angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and told them to go stand in the temple and speak about Jesus. I think many in our day would have heard the first part of that statement and gone on their merry way. “Look God has released us, let us go home, watch some TV, and stay out of sight for a few days.” But that is not what the apostles did. Despite the fact that they were out of the frying pan, they were now going to be directly in the fire. Speaking about Jesus in the temple would certainly draw the attention of the religious leaders – the same leaders who had just put the apostles in prison the night before (v 17-18).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, the next morning, the high priest called together the council and the political leaders of Israel to put the apostles on trial, but the apostles were not in their cells. They soon found them <b><i>“standing in the temple and teaching the people”</i></b> (v 25). The apostles were then asked to follow to the trial (notice the guard dared not do it by force for fear of the people (v 26).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, if chains were released and doors were open, I think most people today (even Christians) would simply escape to a place where they believed they would be safe from returning to prison. But the apostles heard the message from the angel and did not dismiss it. Rather then seeking safety, they followed God’s command and actually put themselves in harm’s way. That is knowing and trusting God. That is truly bringing God glory.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>To Glorify God Is To Speak Truth Regardless of Consequence (Acts 5.27-34)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Beginning in verse 27, the apostles are before the council. Verse 13 says <b><i>“all”</i></b> of the apostles were present, but does that mean twelve (now including Mattias), or 120 (as was in the upper room in Acts 2)? We simply do not know for certain. I tend to think it is the lower number, but we have no way of knowing. Likewise, we do not know how many were present in the council. The usual council was 70 members, but verse 21 said members of the senate were present as well. So we can guestimate that upwards of 50 were present, at a minimum. If so, the likelihood is that the apostles on trial were outnumbered by the leaders, perhaps by a 5:1 ration or maybe even greater. In other words, the odds were stacked against them from a human standpoint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But when the high priest reminded the apostles that they were ordered not to teach about Jesus, Peter responds by answering with a statement which would have everyone in agreement: We must obey God not man (v 29). The problem is that the religious leaders believed they were God’s spokesman, not the uneducated fishermen and others before them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Peter continued with a charge against them – it was the leaders who were responsible for Jesus death on the tree (v30). But God! But God raised Jesus. The apostles witnessed it. And all they are doing is telling others what they had witnessed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Peter spoke more than just some of the truth, he spoke the whole truth and nothing but the truth while he stood on trial. The reaction – the leaders now wanted the apostles dead. At this point, the apostles are taken out of the area so the leaders can discuss what should happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let’s follow two lines of thought here. One we know. The other will cause us to consider our reaction.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What we know is that one of the most respected Pharisees made a case to let the apostles go. The man, Gamaliel, was the man who taught Paul (see for instance Acts 22.3). His argument was that other <b><i>“great leaders”</i></b> had come and led others to believe something great but each time they faded away. The same would happen to this new teaching if it was from man, but if it was truly from God, nothing can stop it, and you <b><i>“might be guilty of opposing God”</i></b> (Acts 5.39).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, the apostles are waiting. If it was you, what would be going through your mind? When Peter charged these leaders with being responsible for having Jesus crucified, would you find yourself saying, “Peter, shut up! Maybe we can get out of here!” Or would you be saying, “Right, tell ‘em Peter. They need to know what they have done. And they need to know what Jesus did for them through His death.”</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, I want to be counted in the second group. But in the moment, what would I have done? What would I do today? Do I allow my speech, and even my worship, to be dictated by my surroundings or by my reverence for God? What about you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, to glorify God is to obey God’s word and to speak the truth regardless of circumstance. And finally,...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>To Glorify God Is To Fulfill His Purpose For Our Lives (Acts 5.40-42)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The religious leaders called the apostles before them, had them beaten, and said, <b><i>“No more talking about Jesus!”</i></b> What was the reaction of the apostles? To praise God for being beaten and continue to proclaim the name of Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is that we make time for what is important. We talk about what is important. We give to what is important. We can check our calendars, our conversations, our bank statements, and especially our prayers to know what is truly important to us. For instance, we often pray for safety, and I get it. But the disciples were more worried about being bold for Jesus (Acts 4.29) whatever the cost. That is true reverence. That is complete worship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we take a high-definition look at our church, we have to ask where we fall short of the biblical standard of worship. Worship is more than singing, praying, teaching, and giving. Worship is knowing God and taking time to be with Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Church, do we obey God’s word or do what is comfortable to us? Do we speak His truth or do we cower when opposition is, or might be, present? Do we seek to fulfill our goals or to find God’s purpose in our lives and fulfill it completely? For me, I see a difference in how the apostles lived and how I live. Of course, they were not perfect. And, sometimes, I get it right. But, on the whole, I have no doubts that their degree of faithfulness to Jesus was greater then than mine is now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most people today are looking for a God who will satisfy them rather than seeking how they can serve Him. That is true in 2018, but it has been true for decades. Listen to this quote from a book by David Wells written in 1994.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">“We have turned to a God we can use rather than a God we must obey; we have turned to a God who will fulfill our need rather than a God before whom we must surrender our rights to ourselves. He is a God for us, for our satisfaction – not because we have learned to think of him in this way through Christ but because we have learned to think of Him this way through the marketplace. Everything is for us, for our pleasure, for our satisfaction, and we have come to assume that it must be so in the church as well.” (3)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If that is our view of God, then it will impact how we see and serve His Church. We must move beyond the idea of a God who serves us in order to ready to be a people who serve God. As I said a few weeks ago, the only thing I have complete control over in this church is me. I must seek to make changes in my life that allow me to better revere God. I must partner with the Holy Spirit to allow God to mold me into the servant He wants me to be. If I do that – if each of us does that – then we will become the church that He desires us to be!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The last couple of years the Kansas City Chiefs have started their season 5-0. This year’s team looks to be as exciting of a team as the Chiefs have had in a long time and people are already talking about the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs win the next two weeks, they will be the AFC favorite for the Super Bowl by a large margin. And, when talking about football and television, the Super Bowl is the highest watched event in America each year. In fact, the Super Bowl rates as 19 of the 20 highest rated television events in American television history. The only exception is the series finale of M*A*S*H. (4) And yet, the Super Bowl compares nothing to the football event that happens every four years – the World Cup finale has over 1 billion people watch from all over the world. (5)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do I come back to this idea of football and television? Because the Chiefs have a realistic chance of playing in early February next year. And, while I have joked about it in a few prior years, one day I will be faced with the prospect of having church or watching the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl for the first time in my life. (I was four months from being born during Super Bowl IV.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, I will state right now that if they Chiefs make the Super Bowl and are set to begin play at about 5:15, I will be at church at 6 pm. Now, that said, last year I considered using the game as a means of outreach to the community, but we had just come back from Kenya. So this year, I am doing further research on this idea to ensure we do not violate any copyright laws. But if we do show the game, and serve food, and engage in some meaningful fellowship, we will pause to make sure that we take time to give glory to God because ultimately nothing else matters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <b>JOURNEY</b> letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>R</u></b> – <b><u>REVERE</u>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus said, <b><i>“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself”</i></b> (John 12.32). He meant that in a literal way – being lifted up from the earth on two pieces of wood and held there by spikes. And He meant that in a literal way, after He rose from the dead and was taken up to be with the Father in the place we call heaven. But He means for us to lift Him up in our lives as well. He wants us to bring Him glory in what we do, in what we say, and in how we live. Like the early apostles, He wants us to bring Him glory in our obedience, our speech, and by fulfilling our calling as a child of God. If we do these things then we will show Him, and the world that we truly revere Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Worship is more than coming to church; it involves giving every part of us to Someone greater than us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEARN</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take an honest inventory of your life to determine any areas that you hold for yourself instead of giving to God.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LIVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commit to giving more of yourself to God. Begin to live with an abandonment of self because of a complete trust in God. This can begin to happen by actually doing the answer to the question: What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LOVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Love God, love others, and love one another (Mark 12.30-31; John 13.34-35). Loving is not always easy, but if we love Jesus, we will obey His commands (John 14.15).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEAD</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Only one truth can save any of us – knowing that “the Christ is Jesus.” Help others to not only discover this truth, but to embrace it in their lives. They will need an example to follow – so learn to lead them well.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Footnotes</u>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(1) https://www.statista.com/statistics/245491/church-attendance-of-americans/ - accessed Oct 12, 2018).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(2) http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/ - accessed Oct 12, 2018).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(3) David Wells, God in the Wasteland: The Reality of Truth in a World of Fading Dreams (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994, 114).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(4) (https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/04/how-many-people-watch-super-bowl-viewership-ratings – accessed Oct 12, 2018).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(5) Ibid.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-71242940197493042482018-10-10T08:40:00.000-05:002018-10-10T08:46:39.340-05:00The Church in HD: A Common Bond<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the greatest privileges we have as a church is to celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. But as we take a look at what the Bible says about the Lord’s Supper we see that people made the occasion into something they wanted it to be rather than the purpose for which it was intended.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we prepare to partake of the Lord’s Supper today, we need to examine Scripture and then examine ourselves in order to made sure we are prepared to partake in a worthy manner. Taking the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner is not my idea, it is Paul’s expression – at which we will review in just a minute.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, let me remind all of us that this series is about taking a deep look at areas where we might not rather look. That is the idea of the Church in HD. We are taking a closer look at what Jesus said, at what Paul wrote, and what Peter shared, etc. in order to place ourselves better in line with the good parts of the church in its earliest stages.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The book of Acts paints a picture of a church in unity. For instance, Acts 4.32-37 reveals a church which is almost completed united. Certainly differences existed as would become evident in Acts 15 especially, but the early church recognized Jesus words that people would know they were His disciples if they loved one another – and that love for each other trumped any difference they held.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But as the church grew and spread to other areas more problems arose. So, rather than placing our focus on Acts 4 today, we will use Acts 4 as the foundation for what should be, and turn our attention to Corinth to see how Paul addressed a division related to the Lord’s Supper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(I encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 11.17-32 before continuing with this post.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me make a few quick observations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>When the people gathered it was worse than when they didn’t.</b> Why? Because divisions existed. These divisions (or factions as Paul then calls them) were because people did not come to be united, but to do as they pleased. Verse 21 says that some left the gathering hungry, while others gorged themselves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>The Church is to gather to bring glory to God. In fact, that is verse just before 1 Cor 11.</b> Paul says whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God. Then he moves into this teaching. Again, church is not about what we want it to be, it is about becoming what God wants it to be – in other words, bringing Him glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b>After reminding the Corinthians of what transpired the night of Jesus’ last meal, Paul then exhorts the people to be worthy of taking the Lord’s Supper.</b> We must first examine ourselves ensuring we have nothing hidden before partaking. Specifically, in this context, Paul is talking about being at peace with others – that is, we don’t have a beef with others and others don’t have a beef with us. Otherwise, if we partake we bring judgment on ourselves. Why? Because we are taking elements that represent the body and blood of Jesus who died so that we might be forgiven. So if we take the elements while holding grudges and not being willing to forgive then we are saying that we want what Jesus offers without being willing to grant it ourselves. To do this, Paul says will actually negate your forgiveness. In fact, Paul said that because some have not been willing to forgive they have become weak, ill, and some have even died.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Is Paul right or is this his opinion? Let’s review Jesus words we talked about earlier this year. Matthew 6.12, in the midst of the prayer He taught His disciples says, <b><i>“Forgive us our debts as we forgive the debts of others.”</i></b> And then, two verses later, Jesus continued the thought. <b><i>“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, before we take the Lord’s Supper, we need to examine ourselves. We need to see where unity needs to be restored. We need to consider if we have issues with others or if others may have issues with us. How do we do this? Well, let me read two more commands from Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 18.15 says, <b><i>“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.”</i></b> Sin is a key word here, but I think we can still apply the principle if we have been offended, even if the offense is not technically a sin – but we should be careful to make certain our preferences are not opposed to God’s.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The second passage is from Matthew 5.23-24. <b><i>“If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”</i></b> If Jesus words are true of the gift we offer, how much more true are they before we take elements to remind us of the gift He offers us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, we have our marching orders. Be united. Examine ourselves. Forgive others. Tell others where they have offended us. Go to others and make peace if we have offended them. And be ready to forgive again. Then we partake.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">That is the message. So before we partake, I want to challenge each of us to examine ourselves. I want each of us to seek God over these next few moments and determine if we are ready to partake. If not, when the elements are passed, I would encourage you not to partake – as Paul said, you will be drinking judgement on yourself. But if you realize an issue does exist, then be wise and make amends. Remember, Jesus said those who do what He says are wise – those who do not obey these words of mine are fools. So be wise. You may have to swallow some pride, but swallowing pride is better than swallowing God’s judgment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(NOTE: At this point of the message, the congregation was asked to pray for God to reveal any issues that needed to be resolved and to be bold enough to resolve them if any were discovered.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Follow Jesus' commands and go to that person or persons and make peace. If you have to pull someone aside, do so. But in making peace with others, you will be at peace with God and you will be ready to partake of the Lord’s Supper when the moment comes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>JOURNEY</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The JOURNEY letter for today is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>U</u></b> – <b><u>UNITE</u></b><b>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>: <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Love and unity are the essence of God and the Trinity. If we welcome God in the church, we need to work through any differences and be united in loving and serving Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>: <b><u>LOVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Partake of the Lord’s Supper having reconciled ourselves with one another and with God.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-80469083207438488092018-10-02T21:50:00.000-05:002018-10-02T21:50:16.868-05:00Hub Sunday – “The Hub”<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today is our third Hub Sunday. In the initial one at the end of July, I discussed the concept of WHY, we are doing this. That message was about our need to be missional wherever we go and whatever we do. Early this month, we went into the community on Labor Day Sunday to serve the town on what we called Labor for the Son Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, I want to provide some updates on WHERE we have served to reveal the significance of the idea of being a hub. As a part of the where, I have invited Dr. Jeremy Burright, the superintendent of Fairfax Schools, to share a little about his vision for the school and how our church might serve the school.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before we get to that point, I want to share some things we have been doing. Some of you may be aware of some or most of these items, but one of my goals of having Hub Sunday every month is for us to share what God is doing through this church – wherever that may be. Why should we share this? Primarily to celebrate what God is doing. But, as we celebrate, these days can be an encouragement to each one of us to do some small part. As I mentioned in July, one set of passages where Scripture supports this idea comes from Paul (and Barnabas) who returned to Antioch to share what God did on their travels. (Read the following verses – Acts 13.1-3; Acts 14.26-28; Acts 18.22-23.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, Jesus did the same thing with His disciples as they went out into the towns of Israel. (Read Mark 6.7-13, 30-32.) Matthew 10 and Luke 10 share the same basic story with more of Jesus’ teaching the disciples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what are some of the places we have/are serving?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, this month, we focus on raising funds for the Missouri Missions Offering. But let us briefly review some of the places members of our church have served over the past few years. We will track this with some board that will have colored paper taped on them where we serve. We have served: </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Locally – VBS, God Squad, No Hunger Summer, Labor for the Son Day, preparing church for the renovations, serving meals to families after funerals, Adopt a Family (as a church, and through Community Groups), Food Drop, our annual dinner to serve widows which has now expanded to the community, etc.;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Throughout This Area – Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Baptist Student Union;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Within Missouri – God’s Mountain, Grand Oaks, etc.; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Illinois – helping to build a church; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And around the world – Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Kenya, OCC. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">That reminds me a little bit of Jesus statement of proclaiming His Name in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of th earth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some projects are short in duration – like our Labor for the Son Day. Some spent 30 minutes, others an hour or a little more. Some did physical labor, and others made visits to members who had not been here for awhile.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other projects take a while. You have heard about the plarn mats for months, and I have held one up when we were downstairs last month. But we are getting quite a few done now and will be shipping a batch to Kenya in a couple of week to make certain these can be used.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjipKqpWG17XRQe_XLu-ml2XtG9yw5slEUglghzqnX4WTazxHcQcPe3tp-jYTl7jbidGjzfaB3ecFDGyCQVuBxcNIDxIxICyEtBNEOelWbaTudxjh5F0Rx_h4gcL0g-z7dwC_Q0rEwT0/s1600/plarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjipKqpWG17XRQe_XLu-ml2XtG9yw5slEUglghzqnX4WTazxHcQcPe3tp-jYTl7jbidGjzfaB3ecFDGyCQVuBxcNIDxIxICyEtBNEOelWbaTudxjh5F0Rx_h4gcL0g-z7dwC_Q0rEwT0/s320/plarn.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And speaking of Kenya, here are a few pictures of the well that was repaired last month in Lesurwa – where Benson is pastor.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_NUudJSpu2n4vP20EokWcbMYYA4lL8-zOAVkfRs28kuPFQx84RemdsW1dV1ZdpKXEs3H1uF98OhRLsKPsqQOQQTdPR_sBU2YeQlz1f4xK_ArSNBWns8_QPIQbD7ku8hnnMPmFAFXLnA/s1600/2-+child+bathing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_NUudJSpu2n4vP20EokWcbMYYA4lL8-zOAVkfRs28kuPFQx84RemdsW1dV1ZdpKXEs3H1uF98OhRLsKPsqQOQQTdPR_sBU2YeQlz1f4xK_ArSNBWns8_QPIQbD7ku8hnnMPmFAFXLnA/s320/2-+child+bathing.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW37wXHrN3Ge9jTq41gYXc4zsLEqaca6oTLaOEU_JTfLGpg_gqOMjiKAtq8GPrW78SSAdrJIRe2OjHcliRy0Yr6v-reyPbE8M2h2w7DMnZhurGUiD3LrzXBjIPc7Te0O-gTNr7ZmlhU4/s1600/4-Water+from+the+well.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWW37wXHrN3Ge9jTq41gYXc4zsLEqaca6oTLaOEU_JTfLGpg_gqOMjiKAtq8GPrW78SSAdrJIRe2OjHcliRy0Yr6v-reyPbE8M2h2w7DMnZhurGUiD3LrzXBjIPc7Te0O-gTNr7ZmlhU4/s320/4-Water+from+the+well.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, I have been promising a video for a while, but we had trouble getting sound through when Simon sent the first set of videos. After the well was completed, this came through just fine.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ku4zuhvUwdfkrk-Oop9ZyrjXda6dzdSenkgU0w9zVsqWS82lZPZtOf7uuTkCDw_3bQkWqi0LgUn0qInTFxh6GwLDdgXvYs3_6JrVVU8bQM6RYwHTkfaHHwPvJ6K7_O_-PVqPXLXjI-8/s1600/6_video_benson_simon_thank_you.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2ku4zuhvUwdfkrk-Oop9ZyrjXda6dzdSenkgU0w9zVsqWS82lZPZtOf7uuTkCDw_3bQkWqi0LgUn0qInTFxh6GwLDdgXvYs3_6JrVVU8bQM6RYwHTkfaHHwPvJ6K7_O_-PVqPXLXjI-8/s320/6_video_benson_simon_thank_you.mp4" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This well is from donation made through our church. Most of the money came from people out of town and out of state, but what that means is that people are hearing about what we are doing and are wanting to partner with us to make a difference. Consider our vision verse from Matthew 5.16: we are being salt and light in order that others would see our good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven. People ARE glorifying God because of what Fairfax Baptist Church is doing. Perhaps people are not beating down our doors to come, but our tasks is to be faithful in going and God is blessing us because we are starting to do more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the joys many of you have is contributing loose change each month during the piki offering. As we prepare to sing, let us take a moment to take this offering again so our brothers in Kenya – Michael and Benson – can have gas for their motorbikes for another month.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">BEING MISSIONAL</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dr Burright and I meet each month to simply talk. I began having discussions with Dr. Garrett during his last year here – which is part of how NHS came to Fairfax. When Jeremy came to Fairfax, my intention was to continue those discussions. Last year, we met two or three times, but our schedules got in the way. This year, we have both committed to the hour or so being more of a priority. Why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reality is that the school and the hospital are the primary institutions in this town. The Church (even this church) might have been a part of that conversation in the past, but that is not true any longer. But we do not need to lament that fact. Instead, let us celebrate that this town is still alive and well because of the school and because of the hospital. And if we are to be a large church in a small town, then we need to engage where the opportunities allow. Remember, being a large church is about influence, not necessarily numbers. So, where can we have influence? Well, the school is one of the greatest areas we can have influence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, I have invited Dr. Burright to come and speak today in order to share a little about himself, about what his vision for the school, and how we might help.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dr. Burright’s portion of the message was here.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">OUR JOURNEY</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our strategy is comprised of the acrostic JOURNEY. One reason that word was chosen is that we are all on a spiritual journey – some with Jesus, some towards Jesus, and others away from Him. But another aspect of the JOURNEY is that we each have an opportunity to prepare those who are younger to be better prepared for their geographical journey. We know that most of the students who graduate from Fairfax do not return to this area. So, the question we must ask ourselves is: What can we do to help the students commit themselves to letting Jesus be the guide on their life’s journey? The Children’s Festival yesterday was one aspect. God Squad starts this week – that is another. The new Root Group starts on Thursday as well. VBS is still very important. We have the Community Youth Group. But all of those are about others coming to us. No Hunger Summer is one way we go out to the families and children in the community. Serving the school is a way to go to them. Sure, we cannot go in and sing Jesus Loves Me or stand and preach whatever we want, but that is no different than when Paul travelled to other places. He went to the synagogue to teach (where people generally believed in God) and then went from there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is possible that any service we provide for the school will not cause one person to come into this church. Am I ok with that? Well, again, our purpose is to be about loving God and loving others even if that love is not returned as we might expect. But I can assure you this. Someone will ask, “Who painted this?” Or “How did this get done?” And the answer will be someone from the church, maybe even Fairfax Baptist Church. Again, remember the passage related to our vision is that we are salt and light. Verse 16 says, <b><i>“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we serve – and do it well, God will be glorified. If God is glorified, that is what matters. If He chooses to have someone come and be a part of this fellowship of believers, let us welcome them. If someone decides that seeing what we have done causes them to return to God, but do so in another Bible-believing church, Amen! Again, our competition is not other churches that teach the Bible. Our competition is any part of the culture around us that is against, or even apathetic toward, God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, let us be a sending Hub. Let us be a church that is known not for coming to church, but for going and serving as a part of the Church. Yes, we should still come for discipleship, fellowship, and worship, but we do so in order that we can better minister and share God’s message with others.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What’s Next? The Challenge</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dr. Burright has given us some options on how we might help the school. Some of the opportunities will requires some physical work (such as painting), others will require making a relational commitment to one or several students, etc. The question before us now is how to proceed? But before we can proceed, each person needs to consider what they will do. If we leave the idea at the level of us, then we can excuse ourselves because someone else will do it (and if they don’t then that is their fault). But if we make it personal – What will I do? (not what can I do?), then something will happen. And like the Labor for the Son Day, if you are unable to physically do something, that’s ok, you can pray! But again, our response goes beyond what each of us can do, our response is to actually do. The question we must each ask ourselves is: Will I do what God asks me to do?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember, our God is a sending God. He sent His Son. He is sending us. So, how will you respond?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-4900653579355610972018-09-26T12:12:00.000-05:002018-09-26T12:12:21.921-05:00The Church in HD: A Better Perspective<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As early as 1862, images were transferred across a series of wires. This test would lead to what is now the television. In the first half of the 20th Century, the TV became somewhat popular, and when color TV became available to the public in the 1950s, a new craze was born. But the early TVs with their rabbit ears and generally poor reception did not have a great picture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fast forward to 2009, and the government imposed that all television viewing must be digital. With that switch, the high definition television was in high demand. With higher definition came a picture that was not distorted as the size increased, so the 32-inch television (which was a good-sized TV in the first decade of the 21st Century) gave way to 40, 48, 55, 80 inches, etc. Now, we have Ultra High Def which has brought about an even brighter and more vibrant picture. We can say that the digital revolution has brought about a new perspective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">God wants to give us a new perspective as well. The perspective He desires for us is one that aligns with the life of Jesus which is recorded in His Word. A part of that perspective relates to the Church Jesus promised to build. Jesus promised to build the Church. He commissioned the the Church to do the work, and He gave a promise that Holy Spirit would empower the work.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oXQkfw0gA3MRr0SzWswNbODWpbygcu4eUdeSkmF5po54TjChJIsXEY9H-oWIDnAzdDS-9D3eAqHIZ4AwNFJA10l3dK-Cl048BtgekQUTQc_87U8krQaenA3ES2pDiSXR5NvBoLmJByw/s1600/Rhino-perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, before we are ready to partner with Him in that work, we may need to change our perspective on the Church. A part of that perspective is based upon our previous experiences, but a part of our perspective is based upon our personal ideas of what the church is or what it should be. That is what this series is designed to help us overcome. We need to get our own ideas out of the way and see what God’s design is for the church.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_oXQkfw0gA3MRr0SzWswNbODWpbygcu4eUdeSkmF5po54TjChJIsXEY9H-oWIDnAzdDS-9D3eAqHIZ4AwNFJA10l3dK-Cl048BtgekQUTQc_87U8krQaenA3ES2pDiSXR5NvBoLmJByw/s1600/Rhino-perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is like the rhino who was painting a picture. Its perspective altered the true nature of the landscape he was trying to paint. If we are not careful, we will let our thoughts dictate what God’s church should be like instead of letting Him build what He has planned. Sometimes we have to get ourselves out of the way in order to see clearly.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Spiritual Formation Comes From Obedience (Acts 2.37-41)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week, I mentioned that Peter preached a great message. What made it great was that it got the attention of those who heard it and they desired to know what to do because of it. Peter told them what they needed to do and they did it. Repent. Be baptized. And they were. Now, we think of baptism as an event within the life of the church, but in the Jewish custom, baptism was not just getting dunked. It was a matter of identifying with something or someone – in this case Jesus. It was setting aside what was formally important and re-defining one’s life. In this case, the life would now be defined by Jesus. This obedience to repent and then to be baptized was the first step towards spiritual formation.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Obedience Leads to Spiritual Formation (Acts 2.42-47)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, these first two points are saying the same thing. But the point must not be overlooked. In the first instance, their obedience was to be saved, now their obedience will lead to growth in their salvation. Notice what happened to this new group of Christians. Before this day of Pentecost, we know that approximately 120 were in the upper room (Acts 1.15). Now 3000 more souls were added to the church. What did they do? They became devoted to the teaching of the apostles. We do not know exactly what they taught or when they taught it, but we can have a very good idea. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructed His closest followers to <b><i>“teach them to observe all that I have commanded you.”</i></b> Notice what these three thousand people did immediately after choosing Jesus. They engaged in:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Fellowship</b> – they desired being with one another (Oct 7 – Unite)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Breaking of Bread</b> – they desired to eat together, mealtimes are great for discussions</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b> – certainly to understand what God wanted for this new group</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Unity</b> – they had all things in common (not uniformity as we will see later) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sharing</b> – they cared for those in need</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Daily Time Together</b> – again, a desire existed to be together and to learn and to talk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Praise</b><span style="white-space: pre;"> – </span>daily worship</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Including Others</b> – more people believed; invited others to see what God was doing</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The apostles also did signs and wonders. The apostles did great things which got people’s attention, but the idea is not just what they did because, as Jesus said, we are salt and light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The point is that their obedience to what the disciples taught caused them to engage in discipleship, fellowship, worship, ministry, and evangelism – the five focal points of a kingdom-focused church. For Fairfax Baptist Church, those five focal points are represented by the:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>O</b> – <b>Observe</b> (Discipleship)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>U</b> – <b>Unite</b> (Fellowship</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>R</b> – <b>Revere</b> (Worship)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>N</b> – <b>Nurture</b> (Ministry)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>E</b> – <b>Engage</b> (Evangelism)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ultimately, the work of the apostles was to make disciples and that is what they did. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His followers into all truth. In other words, the goal of making disciples was spiritual formation which leads to transformed lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider for a moment how much time you waste in a week. Thankfully, in Atchison County we don’t have stop lights, but each day in cities all over this nation, consider the collective number of minutes lost while sitting at a stop light. Or what about junk mail? It is called junk for a reason. But how much time is lost, let alone how much money is spent on sending it out. If I get the mail by going out through the garage, most of the time junk mail doesn’t even make it into our house. It goes straight into the recycle container.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The point is we waste a lot of time doing things that do not matter at all. When we stand before Jesus, He will not ask about how well we read our junk mail. Yet, junk mail, and other time wasters keep us from doing what He wants for us – to be transformed through spiritual formation. And, one to two hours per week of church do not lead to spiritual formation. Spiritual formation comes from our being obedient to Christ and, in turn, allows us to be spiritually formed to become like Christ. And this is where I have to get really ugly because of the high definition focus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week, I mentioned a question that would be prominent through this series. That question was, and is: What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church? I cannot answer that for you. But for Andy Braams, the answer is to lead. If I lead well, and lead as Jesus would have me lead, it will make a difference.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last month, while we were meeting downstairs, I confessed that despite the success of the renovations, I had not handled parts of this renovation process well. Comparing the life of David to the situation, I mentioned the 5 A’s of overcoming mistakes. Be Aware. Acknowledge. Apologize. Act. Apply Additional Generosity. At the time, I told you that I was not certain what the additional generosity should be. Well, I have a better perspective after God got hold of me this week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before I share that perspective, let me offer you another question to ponder. What is one thing you would change about this church? As I mentioned last week, I am not allowing myself to get ahead in this series in expectation that God will speak to me at the right moment about changes that need to be made. Well, He gave me one which ties directly into the question I asked last week.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The one thing I need to change about this church is the only thing I have control over – myself. I need to change me. God hit me over the head with this on Tuesday in such a way I could not escape it. In fact, after I went to bed, and stirred for an hour, I got up and wrote this sermon because He would not leave me alone until I got some things recorded and began to make plans to rectify the situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me share just a few items:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I need to <b>pray</b> more. We need teachers. We need leaders. We need more children in SS. I have prayed about this, but not as much as I should.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I need to <b>train</b> more. We have good teachers, but we can all be better. It is not enough to ask people to teach, it is imperative that each teacher be equipped to be the best teacher s/he can be.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I need to <b>model</b> more. I mentioned that we lack children in SS. Oftentimes, teachers show up and no students come. I can relate – it happens occasionally on a Sunday night or Wednesday to me. But will they come, if we do not go? That is, if we take the time to go make contact with them, maybe they will come to us. I need to model this better.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I need to <b>equip</b> more. Some will think of this as delegation, but the Bible is clear that those who are the leaders of the church are to equip the saints for the work of ministry. In part, this is training (like for the teachers as I just mentioned), but it is also making certain people are prepared biblically to go and do what God’s servants are to do – and that is to make disciples.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I need to <b>lead</b> more. All of these items, and others have to do with my leadership. Don’t get me wrong, we have done some good in our time at Fairfax. But what has been done is like the tip of the iceberg and what God wants to do through us is what still lies beneath. So, I need to pray, train, model, equip, guide, share, delegate, trust, encourage, celebrate, exhort, and challenge us more (and probably a few others I am forgetting). And all of that stems from my leadership. Thus, I need to lead more.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also need to continue to improve my teaching and preaching skills – particularly making the application more readily understood so we will not just be hearers, rather we will be doers, which according to Jesus words means we are wise (Matthew 7.24).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The point is that the one thing I can do well, and have been asked to do at this time, and do for Jesus, is lead. If I do that, it will be a benefit for me, for each of you, for Fairfax Baptist Church and for God’s Kingdom. I just needed a new perspective. And I got it big! But it is one thing for me to know it and another for me to do it. Remember, the difference between the wise and foolish builders was that the wise builder was like the one who does what Jesus says. That is, the wise person is obedient. In fact, Bill Hull, claims that nothing else should matter to the Christian. In his words, <i>“Obedience is the only sound objective of a Christian spirituality.”</i> – Bill Hull</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we are obedient, we will keep the Great Commandment. We will fulfill the Great Commission. We will be in fellowship. We will desire to worship. We will love one another. Etc. Etc. Etc. Obedience is the fullness of what we will do when we understand what God truly wants for us and from us. We cannot be obedient until we have learned what Jesus asks of us. Matt Perman says it this way, <i>“Coming to church is not coming to learn, it is coming to engage with God, in service, with others. But that begins with learning. The Great Commission says we are to teach everyone to observe everything He commanded. Ephesians 4 says that the people are to be equipped for ministry which requires teaching.”</i> (1)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we move further into this sermon series, my prayer is that we will all continue to gain a new perspective on what God wants from us individually and for this church. Some may be stubborn, but remember, God used a donkey to talk to Balaam to change his perspective. So watch out because God may surprise you by what He does to get your attention.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember when you were in school and you had an exam coming. Perhaps you had missed a couple of days and wanted to know what might be on the test and specifically you wanted to know how to pass the test. You found someone you trusted to get the information and/or the answers. Well, we have a final exam coming. And while I do not have all of the answers, I am the one you said you trusted to lead you and this church. My NT life verse speaks directly to my desire for people to be prepared for the final exam and yet, I have failed at one key part – wisdom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Colossians 1.28-29 says, <b><i>“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I must toil harder and longer and with more of His energy, because I want us all to pass that final exam. I want all of us to be presented mature in Christ! God has unfinished business at this church and I must use every ounce of wisdom He has given me and will give me to lead this church to become what He desires it to be. The goal is to present EVERYONE as mature in Christ. Some will not choose to be mature, but for those that want their spiritual formation to continue, my responsibility is to do what I can, which primarily includes making sure each person has an opportunity to be equipped to be more effective in his/her walk with Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>JOURNEY</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The JOURNEY letter for today is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>O</u></b> – <b><u>OBSERVE</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">PRINCIPLE</u>: <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spiritual formation and obedience to Christ are inextricably linked together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEARN</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Study more about the Church during this series. I have flagged two studies in RightNow Media to help you dig further into God’s plan for the church.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LIVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commit to serve God through His Church. Answer the question: What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LOVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Love God, love others, and love one another. See Mark 12.30-31 and John 13.34-35). These are not options, they are what Jesus expects from His Church.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEAD</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Assist in making some necessary changes to the church. Ask God what changes He desires to make. But only ask if you are ready for Him to say the change must start with you – because your answer may be just like mine!</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(1) Matt Perman, https://www.whatsbestnext.com/2018/04/what-is-the-meaning-of-spiritual-formation/</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-25240900135180391012018-09-19T13:18:00.002-05:002018-09-19T13:18:33.879-05:00The Church in HD: Aligned with God?<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week, was a great day for Fairfax Baptist Church. We were able to celebrate the new and fresh look of our sanctuary. It provided a new and fresh feeling among the people too. The day was good. The day was important. And the day was worth celebrating.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we are honest, not everything about the church looks as nice. Again, we need to celebrate what God has done. I am thankful for last Sunday, but let’s face it, our focus was on what looks good, not on the remaining areas that need improvement. And beyond general maintenance, we have one particular area that is in need.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our downstairs children’s area recently had some flooding and the carpet has been ripped up. That is an area where we do not want to bring focus. But if we are to be good stewards of this building with which we have been entrusted, we cannot just turn off the lights and shut the doors of certain rooms, we need to look everywhere for areas which need improvement. And wherever we find those areas, we need to evaluate the situation, make plans to improve, execute those plans, and then evaluate the results.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We also need to remember that the church is not a building. When Jesus said, He would build His church, He was not talking about brick and mortar. The materials Jesus has used for these last 2000 years is the hearts and minds and hands of His people. God’s people are the Church. We are a part of that church, and just like we want people to see the best parts of this building, we want others to see the best parts of our lives – individually and as a church collectively as well. The truth is that we all have parts of our lives that we are ok with people seeing and parts of our lives that we would rather keep hidden from others. The same is true of our houses, our church, and our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So...over the next couple of months, we are going to get personal – in a corporate kind of way. We cannot clean up the church (and by church I mean people) without cleaning up ourselves individually, but as we address these issues, we will be looking at them primarily from a corporate perspective – that is, how can we do better as a church. But for us to make significant improvements as a church, we will have to make incremental improvements as individuals. Therefore, the plan is to expose some deficiencies of the modern-day Church (including this church) by comparing what the Bible says about God’s design for His people, and specifically Jesus design for His Church. Specifically, we will be reviewing the first several chapters from the book of Acts to see how the early church functioned and determine how we can best approach the biblical model while living in the 21st Century. Please be aware, the early church was not perfect (e.g. Paul sent letters to churches because they were dealing with problems), but if we cannot learn how the church should function from the written Word of God, then we have no business in allowing the living Word of God to include us in the Church He is building.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To begin our study, let us consider how the six basic questions – who, what, when, where, why, and how – relate to the Church in general.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who? The Church consists of God’s people.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What? The Church is exists to make disciples – going, teaching, and baptizing others who will then do the same.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When? The Church began at Jesus word, and persists because Jesus said it would.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where? The Church exists anywhere God’s children are gathered.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why? The Church was created as a tool to do the work of ministry and expand God’s kingdom.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How? This is the question we must ask and attempt to answer for ourselves over the next several weeks!</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our goal in answering the How question is not to find the perfect answer (because one rarely exists); rather our goal is to use the Bible to explore options on answering the How question as best we can as Fairfax Baptist Church. To do that, we may have to look in some hard to reach places and see things that we might otherwise not see. I honestly have not looked ahead on this, so I am interested to see what God will expose to us as we shed His light on this church. For today, let us consider three areas which must be true for us to be properly aligned with God.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>1. To be aligned with God, we must use His building design, not ours.</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Matthew 16, Jesus said, <b><i>“I will build my church.”</i></b> As I mentioned a moment ago, that means a focus on people, not blueprints that include bricks, doorways, and rooms, let alone carpet and pews.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider the passage from Genesis 11.1-9. The story is often simply referred to as The Tower of Babel. We focus on the tower and the eventual dispersion of the people after they begin to speak different languages. The problem was that their purpose in building this mighty tower into the heavens was that they were seeking to make a name for themselves, not for God. But we cannot overlook one important verse. Take a moment to read verse 6. God said the people were united – just as we should be. And because the people were united, God said that they could succeed – nothing will be impossible for them – that is, they will be able to accomplish anything!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Imagine this, the people had a unified vision and thus they were destined to succeed. The only problem was that the vision they had was not the vision that God had. Imagine if their vision had been aligned with God’s vision. Imagine if their work had been aligned with God’s work. Imagine if their lives had been aligned with God’s desires for their lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To keep this in perspective, we must ask are we, that is, those who say we are God’s people (i.e. the Church), aligned with what God wants to do? I will not limit God to one particular vision idea, but if we look at our vision statement, it is certainly aligned with God. It must be because our vision statement is not something made up by man, it is straight from the Bible. Our vision statement is firmly based upon Matthew 5.13-16 which speaks of our need to be salt and light and to do our good works to that others might see our good works and give glory to the Father who is in heaven. So, our vision statement as a church is shiny and new and worth showing off to others. But, if we look in the cracks and in the hard to reach places what will we find? Are we aligned with God in our attempts to fulfill that directive from Jesus or are we too busy trying to promote our own agenda (i.e. seeking to make a name for ourselves rather than allowing God to get the glory)? Again, we will seek to better answer that question for this church in the coming weeks, but hopefully that question gives each one of us a reason to pause and answer the question for ourselves.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To be aligned with God, we must focus on His work, not ours.</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, in Matthew 16, Jesus said, <b><i>“I will build my church.”</i></b> Earlier, in Matthew 4, Jesus said, <b><i>“Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.”</i></b> But after Jesus died, and even briefly after He had returned from the dead, His closest followers were back doing their own business. For instance, we find in John 21 that several disciples followed Peter back out to sea to fish. At daybreak, Jesus was on the shore, but despite having already appeared to them (notice the <b><i>“again”</i></b> in verse 1), they do not expect Jesus – and do not even consider the possibility it is Jesus when they see Him OR hear Him (v. 4, v. 7)! Now, before I go on, this passage does not mean that we cannot, or should not, be engaged in work apart from the church. But it does mean that we should consider all of our work as a part of our ministry to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The key for us here is that Jesus said He would build His Church, but His people went about their business without considering it was them who would help to build it. But Jesus pulled Peter aside and said, <b><i>“Feed my sheep”</i></b> which also meant, “It is time to quit fishing for food from the water and start giving others the food that I have given you.” And that is exactly what they began to do beginning in Acts 2 after receiving the Holy Spirit as Jesus had promised in Acts 1.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Acts 1, Jesus was leaving, but having promised to build His church, He gave the command for the apostles to do the work so it could be built (i.e. Matthew 28, Acts 1.8). But with that command came a promise that Holy Spirit would empower the work. In Acts 2, we see the Holy Spirit empowering the apostles, and the work beginning to take shape. The essence of that work will be better defined next week , but a large part of the work the Church is to help people with their spiritual formation, and that is what we find throughout the book of Acts and the letters which were written to the various people and churches in the New Testament.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To be aligned with God, we must be His Church, not ours.</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, Matthew 16 says Jesus will build HIS church. Thus, point number three should be obvious, but it is much harder to make it true. A few months ago, a particular blog article captured the idea by sharing three common types of church models – all of which are deadly. Ultimately, the problem with each of these types is that the church quit being the church and started acting like a church. Scripture is clear that we must be before we can truly do. When we try to do things with the wrong motive, we often convince ourselves we are better than we are. For instance, if we try to be a Christian, we might think we are one, but if we do not believe, we can act all we want all the way to hell. Let me briefly share the three ideas the author conveyed about these deadly church models.(1)</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Business Model: Budget and Bylaws are the most important items. The Bible is important, but wherever the Bible interferes with money, finances win.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Truth – Being good stewards and having strong church documents is important, but these are not solid foundations on which to build a church.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Political Model: Identification is with a political party, not Jesus. If the other party is in power, sermons and lessons talk about persecution. If the favored party is in power, “God is in control.”</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Truth – Moral and social Issues must be confronted, but not because they are political issues, but because they are biblical issues.</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Family Reunion Model: Focus is on trying to get back to the “good old days.” The good old days ended when Adam was booted from the Garden.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Truth – Jesus said He would build His Church. If He has not returned, He is still building which means what it was or is still has room for improvement and growth if aligned with Him.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, all of these models are unhealthy. The only model that counts is a model based upon the Bible. Jesus will identify with a healthy church because a healthy church identifies with Jesus. Therefore, to align with God, we must focus on being the Church He wants us to be, not just acting like another type of model that pretends to be a church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am thankful that Fairfax Baptist Church is a church built on a biblical foundation. But just because we are built on the Bible, does not mean we are perfect. This understanding means we need to seek ways to improve who we are and what we do for the reasons why Jesus gave us whenever and wherever He wants us to. As for the How, we are given many options. The Bible gives us a lot of the what and the why, but is mostly silent on the how. So, as we seek to align ourselves to God’s design, God’s work, and His purpose for His Church, let us explore how we can best do it given the gifts, abilities, and skills He has given to each of us individually and all of us collectively.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The goal in this series is to expose whatever needs to be exposed in this church to ensure we are aligned with God. A church can be moving in the right direction, following Jesus, and then with one major issue or a series of small ones that are not dealt with in a timely manner, we can begin to go adrift. Consider a car. We can get our wheels aligned, but after driving through Fairfax for awhile, the alignment begins to shift just a little. It isn’t too bad so we live with it. But eventually it puts more wear on the tires and we either have to get new tires, get the car realigned, or both.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We may not be mechanics who know how to realign the car, but we do have a manual that can help guide us to find any areas where we, as Fairfax Baptist Church, may need to be adjusted. To fix a car, a mechanic needs to do more than look at the outside of the nicely washed car; s/he must get a little dirty or greasy. Church, over these next two months, we may find ourselves in some unpleasant thoughts as we get a little dirty and greasy allowing God to expose any shortcomings we have. But if we want to honor God, if we are truly followers of Jesus, then we will allow Him to work in us individually and collectively to become what He desires for us to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>JOURNEY</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The JOURNEY letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>J</u></b> – <b><u>JESUS</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRINCIPLE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jesus promised to build His Church. We must choose to work or against Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>QUESTION</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEARN</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Study more about the Church during this series. I have flagged two studies in Right Now Media to help you dig further into God’s plan for the church. We are also going to study this concept on the next 5 Sunday nights in place of our usual E.Q.U.I.P.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LIVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commit to serve God through God’s Church. Answer the question: What can I do that, if done well, and done for Jesus, can make a difference in this church?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LOVE</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Love God, love others, and love one another. See Mark 12.30-31 and John 13.34-35). These are not options, they are what Jesus expects from His Church.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>LEAD</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Assist in developing new documentation for this church. Updates will be made to team descriptions and goals, to ministries and positions of service, as well as the policies and procedures that will guide FfxBC into the future.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;">(1) </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Three Deadly Church Models – LifeWay Pastors blog on April 2, 2018, now at Facts and Trends, https://factsandtrends.net/2018/04/02/three-deadly-church-models/</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-40540338600808883292018-09-11T07:28:00.000-05:002018-09-11T07:28:32.962-05:00Celebrating “Mission: God Possible”<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each year on New Year’s Eve, an estimated one million people gather to watch <i>“the ball”</i> drop to ring in the new year. In addition, millions more in America, and many more around the world watch on television to celebrate the passing of one year and the arrival of another. It is the start of something new and the excitement is intense.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now imagine a gathering that is not an annual event, but one that has been planned for years, and in some way anticipated by generation after generation for nearly 500 years (see 1 Kings 6:1). The event does is not shown on television, not posted to social media, and will be forgotten by most over time. However, this singular event, which occurred nearly 3000 years ago still influences religion, politics, and daily life to this very day. The event is the day the ark of the Lord entered the temple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, we celebrate a much lesser significance, but one that has been expected for 18 months, and began as a conversation some six years ago. While the celebration of our sanctuary renovations being complete – platform, carpet, and pews all completed – it is a new day for us and we do share some commonalities with the people of Israel who gathered on that great day so long ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A couple of weeks ago, we reviewed 2 Samuel 24. The census of Israel violated the glory of God. The punishment was harsh, but David knew God’s mercy was great and believed God would ultimately spare His people. When the three days of pestilence passed, David honored God by building an alter and making sacrifices on the location where the temple would be built (1 Chron 22:1). It was at this location several years later where God made His glory manifest among the people.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>1. The People Were Gathered Together (1 Kings 8:1-2)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A celebration can take place with few or with many people. While the dedication of the temple and the placing of the ark was truly an observance, the people gathered expecting something great to happen. After months and years of preparation, the day arrived with everyone ready to do their part.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Solomon made certain that the preparations were complete. (1 Kings 7:51)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">B.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The leaders were prepared to serve before the people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">C.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All the men of Israel waited (their anticipation almost certainly at a peak).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">They waited. The expectations had to be running high. Consider the stories that had been passed down for generations of how God had rescued this people from Egypt. Stories of how God parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites into the Promised Land where He gave them such great victories. But now, a new generation waited with expectation to see what God would do on this day!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What are your expectations of God? Is He still worth celebrating? Today is an easy day to celebrate as we look at the changes in this sanctuary and we consider how God has made this possible in such a short period of time with no debt. We have been waiting for this day for a few months, but will we still be waiting for God to do something great next week, next month, next year?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the people waited, the next part of the story set the stage for God’s glory to be on full display!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>2. The Ark Was Put in Place (1 Kings 8:3-9)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The ark represented the presence of the Lord. The tent of meeting was its temporary home although it had existed from the time of Moses. Now, with a permanent structure, the presence of God could have a permanent home. What could be more deserving of a celebration? The people could not take their eyes off the process (note the poles being seen from the Holy Place – v. 8).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The leaders brought the ark and holy vessels to the temple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">B.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The people offered innumerable sacrifices showing how important this day truly was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">C.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The ark was placed in the Most Holy Place with everyone as a witness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Imagine the anticipation as each leader brought another object into the temple. Piece by piece the temple was being filled with items the Lord commanded be present. It must have been like a parade with these leaders carrying pieces of gold one by one past the people who watched with eagerness. Small children up on their father’s shoulders. Infants being held by their mothers. They may not remember being there, but the stories their parents would share of the greatness of God would be remembered for decades and told to the next generation as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about us? Do we get excited enough to tell others what God has done? Many get bored listening to stories from the Bible. <i>“Well, the pastor is preaching about that again today. I have already heard that so no need to pay attention.”</i> Yet, interestingly, the two most attended days of the year usually involved the most well-known of stories among church-goers – the story of Jesus birth at Christmas and of His overcoming death on Resurrection Sunday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But Isaiah reminds us that God is doing a new thing (Is 43.19). If we do not expect it, He will still do something new, we just will not realize it. But if we are ready, and if we are expectant, we may experience something we have never experienced before. And that is what happened on that glorious day in Jerusalem some 3000 year ago.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>3. The Lord Responded! (1 Kings 8:10-11)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The people of Israel did not need an unplanned surprise to gather for this holy day. However, unexpected outcomes often lead to great times of celebration. The people planned for the ark to be put in its proper place, but when would the Lord make His presence known? What happened next is truly awe-inspiring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The cloud filled the temple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">B.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The priests were unable to serve.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">C.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The glory of the Lord was fully present with the people.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we had not been allowed in this building to celebrate today, would you have been disappointed? We still could have sang songs, had a message, had our dinner following the meal and celebrated all that God has done, it just would not have been while sitting on these new pews. But pews don’t make the worship. And carpet doesn’t make the worship. And an updated platform doesn’t make the worship – the worship is made by God, it is offered by us, and it is made to God. But the pews, carpet, and platform are just a few new reasons that we can worship God on this, and every day.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Imagine standing among the people that day and witnessing the glory of God in an almost unimaginable way. These descendants knew of God and how amazing He was, but how many had first-hand knowledge of God’s glory? For all that showed up for the dedication of the temple, that question was no longer relevant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do we celebrate the acts of God? Do we have expectations that God will show Himself in a mighty way? Even when gathering together to worship God, do we expect to encounter Him corporately? Personally? God may not need us to celebrate Him, but we should desire to celebrate who He is and what He has done.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">JOURNEY</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for today is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>JOURNEY</b><b>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am using the whole word today because this is a new day for Fairfax Baptist Church. In a conversation with Rodney Harrison in March 2011, he charged me to help the people of Fairfax Baptist Church to see the manifest glory of God. 7 ½ years ago, I chose this same passage to preach because it is one of the most extraordinary glimpses of God’s glory that is shared by so many people. God giving the commandments to the people from Mount Sinai is, perhaps, the only other time when we know so many people were gathered and witnessed God in all of His glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In both of those settings, God brought about something new for His people. In Exodus 20, He established a new type of relationship with His people. In 1 Kings 8, He established a new type of presence among His people. In both situations, the people responded favorably – at least, initially. But before long, the people would turn to their wicked ways (building a golden calf in Exodus, and dividing the country in 1 Kings), both of which led to a downward spiral away from God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fairfax Baptist Church, today is a new day for us. We can mark this day as new because we have a new place to meet even if the general surroundings are the same. Personally, I am excited about what I have seen in this building, and it has renewed me. It is a new start for me because I have had a chance to make significant changes to my office – even if most of you may not see those changes. So, as I said, I preached from 1 Kings 8 over 7 years ago as we began our JOURNEY together. It set a course for the past, but now as we celebrate what God has done among us now, we need to set a course for the future that will not lead us astray and allow us to continue all that God is doing and what He wants to do through Fairfax Baptist Church in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The question is: Who is with me?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>LOVE</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take time this week to love God. Celebrate all that He has done in your life. Literally, count your blessings – name them one by one. Write them down. See how many pages you can fill. I promise if you will take 5 minutes each day to reflect on all that God has done in your past, you will be ready to celebrate all that He is ready to do with your future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will you do that? Will you take 5 minutes each day this week to write down all that God has done. Just write. Don’t evaluate. We can evaluate later. If we write now, others will know later – and like we have been able to celebrate with the Israelites across the centuries through the story we have heard today, perhaps others will celebrate with us as we share all that God has done for us on this day, in this place.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-24188902577710455482018-09-05T12:43:00.000-05:002018-09-05T12:43:31.950-05:00“Labor for the Son” Day<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">On Labor Day weekend, Fairfax Baptist Church went into the community to serve during the usual time of worship. We did gather for a few minutes to sing two songs, hear a word of encouragement, and have a commissioning prayer, but otherwise Labor Day Sunday was <i>“Labor for the Son”</i> Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some members helped by cleaning up yards, others by cleaning gutters, and some made visits to homebound or to other members who were not present. In all honesty, we had more people willing to serve than we had opportunity this first time, but it was a start, and something from which we can build in the future.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After reading from Matthew 5.13-16, the following is the brief encouragement shared before praying and going into the community.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 5.13-16 says that we are to be salt and light. We are salt to the earth and light for the world. As we have heard in the past from our friend Ayo in Nigeria, if we are Christian, wherever we stand we have the opportunity to make that place salty and give light. This salt and light is not for ourselves; rather it is for the benefit of others and ultimately is to serve as a blessing to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, we go out to be that salt and to be that light and to do good works and to have conversations and to allow people to ask, <i>“Why can't the church do this all the time?”</i> Ultimately, we go out today to fulfill Jesus command to serve, and to share His love, so that others might see our good works and glorify the Father who is in heaven.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-684776479093837832018-08-29T15:26:00.000-05:002018-08-29T15:26:18.681-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – Overcoming Mistakes<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever been in a restaurant when a waiter or waitress spilled something on someone? Of course, it is one thing to drop a tray or dishes and we have all heard that noise at some point. But when food or drink is spilled on someone the reactions are for more involved. For instance, you have the person who spilled. How might they react? You have the person who is now covered with food or drink? What is the reaction of that person? Anyone sitting nearby, and eventually most of the restaurant will soon be looking – what is their reaction? What about the manager and the rest of the serving staff?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I must admit that for the past couple of decades I have found it “fun” to loudly say “job opening” when I hear dishes crash. But as I thought about the message this week, I thought about how insensitive that statement is. I say it for laughs, but the person who dropped the dishes is not laughing, and I would not be laughing if the dishes were dropped on me. More importantly, I have made many mistakes on the job and felt horrible about it. For instance, two days before Susan and I were married I made a mistake worth a couple of hundred dollars as a teller at a bank. Later, while working with a mutual fund company I made a couple of mistakes that literally involved hundreds of millions of dollars. I have made mistakes in school. I have made mistakes as a pastor. I have made mistakes as a husband, a father, a friend, and most importantly as a human and that is why Jesus had to come – not just for me, but for all of us, because we have all made mistakes against God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have already seen that David has made his share of mistakes as well. We know of his adultery, ordering a murder, lack of discipline as a father, etc. But today, we look at one of his biggest mistakes – a mistake that costs the lives of 70,000 men. What was the mistake? Specifically, the mistake was taking a census of the nation of Israel. Categorically, the mistake was pride (or arrogance).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But mistakes need not define us. When we make mistakes, we can fall or we can fail. We all fall, but the question is how do we respond? We really have three choices. We can:</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay down and wallow in our misery.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get up and keep making the same mistake over and over because we do not learn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get up, make adjustments and do things better, until we get it right.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over time, the first two choices mean we have failed. The last choice means our falling has turned to success. But before we can succeed, we must first learn to address our mistakes. Today, I want to share five steps to address our mistakes. In doing so, I want to share some mistakes I have made as the leader of this church.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>1. Be Aware (2 Samuel 24.10a)</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first step should be obvious, but it is not always so. Sometimes we make mistakes because we are ignorant of the situation. Perhaps we do not know traditions or certain customs. Or perhaps we just do not have the information we need to know that a mistake has been made.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In 2 Samuel, David takes a census. I mentioned last year that the parallel passage in 1 Chronicles says that Satan was directly involved in tempting David (1 Chronicles 21.1). Even though David was warned against taking a census (2 Samuel 24.3), he ordered it anyway. However, as soon as the final numbers were known, David’s <b><i>“heart struck him”</i></b> (2 Samuel 24.10a). That is, he became aware.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we will see being aware is not enough. Like David, many people discover their mistakes at some point. Maybe they realize the issues on their own or maybe someone has to tell them. How people realize they have made a mistake is secondary. The primary issue is what do they do with that knowledge. Do they simply ignore or minimize the mistake by making excuses or do they attempt to rectify the issue?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Personally, I have done some good things while pastor of this church. But in recently evaluating my efforts, I have become aware of some specific issues I need to address. One particular area which cannot be undone, but from which I can learn is the handling of our recent renovations. I will expand on this in the next section.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>2. Acknowledge (2 Samuel 24.10b)</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once we have been made aware, we have a choice. Do we avoid it or acknowledge it? Apart from David’s actions as a father (which we can only infer), one thing we must credit him for is that he acknowledged the reality of his situation in all areas of his life when he became aware. While this is certainly true when David was confronted by Nathan regarding Bathsheba (2 Samuel 12), David acknowledged his place when God said David was not to build the temple (2 Samuel 7), when Absalom usurped his power (2 Samuel 15), and in other places as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But to acknowledge our mistakes requires two distinct aspects.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It takes maturity. As I have mentioned many times, most people will say they are sorry. But the sorry is for being caught. Maturity means the sorry is because of sorrow. Jesus didn’t say to be sorry. He said to repent – which means to turn away from something. Those who are only sorry, often return to their actions when they believe no one is watching. But those who are sorrowful will turn away completely. That takes maturity.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It takes courage. Trust is needed because to acknowledge our mistakes should naturally lead to the next step, which is to apologize. To acknowledge the mistake, however, is to let someone else know that we have wronged them in some way. Perhaps the mistake was innocent, but still we must admit the issue. When we do, we make ourselves vulnerable to them – and potentially to retaliation or punishment. Thus, in a very real sense, we must have courage and even trust that the other person will still receive us after we acknowledge our mistake. And after we acknowledge our mistake, we must then apologize.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We saw David acknowledge his sin and we saw the courage he needed. He not only realized he had offended God, but that is actions were foolish – trusting in the number of people instead of placing his trust in God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, I can relate to David. Perhaps you can too. I realize all that I have is from God. I also realize that to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12.48). The problem is that I often try to fulfill those requirements myself, which is not what God has asked me to do. But let me acknowledge a specific mistake related to the sanctuary renovation. My goal was to try to get consensus on all matters of this process. I know that issues like carpet and paint have caused church splits and I was determined not to let that happen. But, regardless of how a vote goes, some will not be happy. And the leaders job is not only to motivate, but to inspire people to support the church even if they may not agree with the decision. The problem is that we were following a process and near the end that process was abandoned. People were hurt, not because of a vote, but because of my lack of leadership. I realize that now. I can learn from that for the next issue that arises. Thus, knowing my mistake, the next thing I must do is apologize.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>3. Apologize (2 Samuel 24.10b)</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until we acknowledge we have made a mistake, we cannot truly be sorry for it. But, if we own our mistakes, we should apologize for them. David’s apology is not as clearly defined as saying the words, “I am sorry,” but his plea is an earnest appeal for forgiveness, which is the hope behind a true apology. READ v 10. David uses the word, <b><u>“please,”</u></b> and describes his action as, <b><u>“foolish.”</u></b> In addition, he cries, <b><u>“O Lord,”</u></b> which is a deep appeal to gain the attention of the God he loved so much.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, it is verses like this that make David’s life such a good study. Once again, we see David not as a perfect man, but as one who sinned – just like you and me. But God called David a man after His own heart because whenever David became aware of his transgressions, He eagerly sought the Lord and His forgiveness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ultimately as the pastor of this church, I am accountable to God first, and you second. But, my mistakes affect you and so my apologies must be directed to you as well as God. So, I ask for your forgiveness even as I have asked God to be a better leader having learned from this mistake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>4. Act (2 Samuel 24.14, 17)</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apologies are important, but they are not enough. As the old maxim goes, <i>“Actions speak louder than words.”</i> The important aspect in this fourth step is to fix the problem. We must be aware before we can acknowledge. Once we acknowledge, then we should apologize. But this step is where our apology gets real. Do we try to make it right? That is, do we try to fix the problem. On the surface, the problem David needed to fix was to stop his people from getting killed. Verse 15 says that 70,000 men had died. As the commander of the army, David could usually fix this kind of problem by ordering the Israelite army to war. But this killing was not from anything natural. It was God’s word. Notice verse 16 says is was an angel doing the work. Thus, the problem was not what it seemed to be on the surface. The problem was David’s pride.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thus, the action that David needed to take was becoming humble. In this case, the action was to speak to the Lord with true humility. David spoke of God’s mercy before the killing began (v. 14) and pleaded for his mercy to end the killing (v. 17). In this case, David’s actions were his words, but it was the humility with which he spoke that spared Israel from further decimation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Frankly, I have had a difficult time determining what I can do at this moment related to the renovations. Again, the apology is important, but what act can I do at present to make it right? Once I understand what I should do, I must do it. Remember, when Jesus was talking about the wise and foolish builders, he said the one who acts on what they have heard (or know) is the one who is wise! I choose that option.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>5. Apply Additional Generosity (2 Samuel 24.24)</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Apologies and actions are the start, and often times they are enough to make amends. But going above and beyond indicates a level of sincerity that is otherwise lacking in most situations. Perhaps, we will do this to keep others from hostility, but truly being overly generous is an opportunity to show our appreciation to a person or to God for the opportunity we had in the first place. And, by showing additional generosity, we may have another opportunity in the future. As Danny Meyer states,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“We can’t undo what was done, but what is the next chapter when the story is told?”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">– Danny Meyer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David could not bring back the lives of the 70,000 men. David could not ease the pain of those whose husbands and fathers had died. But David could worship God for being merciful. But a hugely important part of this story is that the place where David went to offer praise and sacrifice was owned by a man named Araunah, and this man was willing to give the king the land for free. But David applied additional generosity by paying for it (v. 24). And remarkably we learn from 2 Chronicles 22.1 that this exact place was where the temple would later be built.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, not knowing what to do, it is hard to go above and beyond. But what I know is that my lack of firm leadership caused problems and that needs not happen for whatever may be next. I also realize that I need to do a better job at empowering others and you will hear more about that in the coming weeks as we begin our next series – “The Church in HD.” Whatever the case may be, the next chapter awaits and I want it to be a good one for me, for us, for this church. So, I will continue to explore what I can and must do. And then, I will seek to do it – even if I must return to the five “A”s – aware, acknowledge, apologize, act, apply – once again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>CONCLUSION</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The five “A”s are not mine. They originated from a leading restauranteur named Danny Meyer, whom I quoted earlier. He has seen many mistakes in the restaurants he owns. He has watched many items be spilled including on people. But his restaurants are known for their impeccable service and when they make mistakes, they seek to remedy the issue by applying these steps rather than make excuses.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about you? When you make a mistake are you one to make excuses or do you seek to learn from it, grow from it, and overcome it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ultimately, we can only overcome our mistakes through the grace of Jesus. The magnificence of God and His love is shown very clearly through the five “A”s I shared today. God was (is) aware of our sin even when we are not. He does ask us to acknowledge our sin before Him. He commands us to repent which is one aspect of apologizing. But, and here is the beauty of God’s majesty, He knew we could do nothing on our own to fix the problem, so God acted on our behalf by sending Jesus to die for us. And while that is certainly generous, not only did Jesus die for us, but the applying of additional generosity includes the promise of an abundant life forever with Jesus if we simply repent and believe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>JOURNEY</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for today is: <b><u>R</u></b> – <b><u>REVERE</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can we not revere God if we truly understand what He has done? Of course, sometimes we make mistakes because we are simply not capable of perfection. But sometimes we make mistakes because we think far too highly of ourselves. That was David’s issue in ordering the census. As David realized, and we must too, the only Person we should lift up and exalt is Jesus. It is in Jesus that we find our strength. It is in Jesus that we are made whole. So, let us lift Him up. Let us exalt Him as King. And yield ourselves to what He wants us to do. That is true reverence. And that is what Jesus desires from us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>: <u><b>LEAD</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I mentioned earlier that to acknowledge our mistakes takes maturity and courage. Those two characteristics are true of a good leader as well. The challenge in our culture today is that too many people are not willing to acknowledge their mistakes. It is far easier to make excuses. And, if we do not acknowledge them to ourselves, we will never acknowledge them publicly, and therefore never apologize, to others. As Christians, we must set the example. As Christians, we must be the leaders in acknowledging our mistakes, and our faults. After all, if we truly believe that Jesus died for our sins, and if we truly believe that God forgives us when we confess our sins, then we would be foolish not to confess them! So, fellow Christians, let us lead out in not only being aware, but in acknowledging, in apologizing, in acting to better the situation, and in applying additional generosity in every situation we can because God has already done all of those things for us!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-19167987130714015232018-08-22T06:26:00.000-05:002018-08-22T06:26:30.766-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – Loyalty & Leadership<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is loyalty? How is it properly defined? Loyalties to people, organizations, teams, etc., differ among people, so a complete understanding of loyalty cannot be defined by the objects of a person’s commitment. Rather loyalty must be understood by our commitment to something. In other words, loyalty is essentially faithfulness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Faithfulness is unwavering even if it is imperfect. We can be full of faith towards someone or something even when we fall short of living up to, or being let down by, whomever or whatever we have pledged our faith. For in the end our loyalty, our faithfulness, is tested by whether, or not, we stay true to what we claim to believe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today’s message is from a short pericope about David and Israel being at war. David is now much older which causes him to tire more easily. His closest servants came to his aid in battle because they were loyal to their king. But their loyalty to their king is, in part, because he was loyal to his followers.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Good Leader Is Loyal to His/Her Followers (2 Sam. 21:15-16)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before David became king, he was a mighty warrior. The people once sang that Saul killed his thousands while David killed tens of thousands (1 Sam. 17:7). Now, as king, David followed the tradition of leading the army into battle. (Remember, the incident with Bathsheba and Uriah happened because he did not go to battle, 2 Sam 11:1).</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David went to battle with his troops. (v. 15)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David grew weary, but his presence was noticed by the troops. (v. 16)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The key in these verses is to notice two words beginning with the letter “w” – “with” and “weary.”</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David was with his troops. He was among those engaged in the battle. Otherwise why would he grow weary? So, unlike the incident when David stayed behind and chose Bathsheba over battle, we now have a leader who is not only giving the orders, but is involved in the process of execution.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, David was no longer a young man, and he tired more quickly (became weary) than when he was a younger warrior. But the Philistines had been a constant challenge to the Israelites. (Remember, the first time we encounter David on a battlefield was against Goliath who was the Philistine champion.) So, David went and he fought until he became weary. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">True leadership is a balancing act. A good leader is faithful to those who follow, but sometimes that means making a decision and letting others do the work. In fact, the main purpose of a leader is to make decisions. Decisions on what should be done, when it should be done, who should do it, etc. Sometimes that includes doing it with others, and sometimes that means releasing others to do the work themselves. As we will see in the remaining verses of this passage, this is just what David did. But such an approach is only possible when the leader and the followers trust one another.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Good Leader Has the Loyalty of His/Her Followers (2 Sam. 21:17)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As David aged, he may have been a detriment on the battlefield because others had to watch out for him. A king on the battlefield was a prime target because if the opposing army could kill the king, it often demoralized the troops. But David’s leadership was still valued and thus, one (or many) kept an eye on David to protect him against the enemy.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s men watched out for him when the enemy was on the attack (v. 17a)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s men valued his leadership and wanted to keep him from endangering himself in the future. (v. 17b)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a great verse for us to review. It shows how much the army respected David. Not only did one of the mightiest of David’s mighty men come to David’s rescue, but the army valued him as the <b><i>“lamp of Israel.”</i></b> That is, he was the one who provided their hope as leader. Now, before we say that their allegiance was misplaced in favoring David over God, we must consider the words of Jesus as well. Certainly, some likely idolized David, but two statements of Jesus can provide clarity for us.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>“I am the light of the world.”</i></b> – Jesus (John 8.12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>“You are the light of the world.”</i></b> – Jesus (Matthew 5.14)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I believe these two statements from Jesus capture the essence of what David’s men saw in him. He was their light because He had the light within Him. Just as we can light the world if Jesus shines in and through us, God shined through David and the people knew it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 5.14 is another reason that I often say that all Christians are leaders. Our light is to shine in a way that allows other people to know Jesus. If we are to make disciples (Matthew 28.19), then people must follow our lead – thus we are leaders. But for those in positions of leadership, it is even more critical for us to reflect the light of Jesus in the decisions we make and how we lead others. Again, David’s men recognized the light emanating from David and were willing to do anything to protect him from the enemy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Let me be personal for a minute. I don’t share a great deal personally, but as your leader, I need protection too. Earlier this Spring, I mentioned that several deacons were dealing with various issues and asked you to pray for them. Likewise, I need you to pray for me. The Bible says that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour. Those words are meant for everyone, but they come just a few verses after Peter has encouraged the leaders of the church to be faithful in their duties. So, as your leader, I pray I have your loyalty (especially in your prayers), not because of me, but because I seek to let the light of Jesus shine in and through me.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Good Leader Trusts His/Her Followers When Loyalty Exists Mutually (v. 18-22)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Israel’s army faced further battles and now, at their discretion, they would do so without their king on the battlefield. Nevertheless, despite their leader not being physically present, they realized his importance in their success. Similarly, David trusted his army to win the battles, yet remain true to his leadership. The Bible records David’s name alongside that of those who fought because the victory was to be shared by all.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s men continued to fight against the Philistines although they had sworn he would not go to battle with them any longer. (v. 18, 19, and 20 all state a new war begins)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s men continually defeated the Philistines, but David received credit as well because he was their leader.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leaders often receive much of the credit, and most, if not all, of the blame. Consider a football team. Announcers often speak of the leadership of the quarterback and give stats on how many come from behind victories he has. But without an offensive line or running backs or receivers, the quarterback can do little. And what about a pitcher in baseball. We measure pitchers by the number of wins. Twenty wins in a season is a benchmark as is 300 wins for a career. But last I checked, no pitcher has ever won a game without the rest of the team. And many times a pitcher wins when he pitches lousy but the rest of the team has a great game or the pitcher pitches great (maybe one mistake), but the rest of the team couldn’t score so the pitcher does not win. That doesn’t make much sense to me. Because in a team sport, every player is important.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The same is true in the church. Paul equates the church to a body which means that every single one of us is responsible for any success or failure we have as a church. And yes, the church needs a head, but ultimately that head is Jesus (Colossians 1.18, Ephesians 5.23). But just like some members of the body are more prominent (hands and face), the same is true within the church body. But as Paul wrote to the church in Corinth every part of the body needs all other parts to function naturally and healthily (1 Corinthians 12).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, David needed his men. And the men needed David. Both sides trusted one another and thus great things were accomplished for Israel. Likewise, I need you. And you need me. And, if we trust one another to accomplish what God has for this church, then great things can happen for His kingdom.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Loyalty to tradition, to fellow man (whether friends, servants, or “co-workers”), and country, are a part of this short passage. The loyalty shown here is exemplary, but that is not always the case (consider the apostle Peter, for instance, who pledged loyalty at any cost but denied Jesus three times). But true loyalty, or faithfulness, will show itself in the end. The question we must each consider is when the end comes to what, to whom (or Whom) will we remain faithful? More importantly, knowing that our Leader will always be faithful to us, when our life ends, will we be found faithful to Jesus?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>JOURNEY</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for today is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>U</u></b> – <b><u>UNITE</u></b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Loyalty is best possible when trust is involved. Yes, people have a blind sense of loyalty in some circumstances. People will be loyal to the worst of teams in sports, to a particular political party, and often to family even when all the facts suggest that doing so might be foolish. But, if people trust one another then two-way loyalty is possible. And that loyalty is simply a reflection of a higher principle – unity. Unity is between people, whereas loyalty can be to anything. Furthermore, unity is commanded in Scripture (see, for example, Psalm 133.1, John 17.23, 1 Corinthians 1.10, Ephesians 4.3, 13, Colossians 3.13-14.) Thus, we must unite in our love for Jesus, our love towards one another and our purpose in serving Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>LOVE</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be united requires love. To be loyal has an element of love. And, of course, the greatest commandment is to love God and love others. So, let us be learn to be loyal to one another and loyal to our God by loving better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week, we do that by seeking opportunities to serve those in our community on our upcoming Labor for the Lord Sunday. Keep your eyes and ears open so we can be prepared to go with the light of Jesus into Fairfax on September 2. Write down any ideas on how we can serve. Next week we will begin to compile those ideas and make preparations so that others in Fairfax can see what the Church is truly meant to be.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-3667348098468049732018-08-15T16:35:00.000-05:002018-08-15T16:35:18.371-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – Counted Among the Great (Fairfax Fair)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This week’s post is more abbreviated than usual because it was Pastor Andy’s message during the Fairfax Fair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">---</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It takes everyone to make a community. But some people are more visible, and some are more well-known. The theme of the Fairfax Fair this year is that we all have a superhero inside us. I realize the premise of that statement, but the fact is that not everyone will be known as a superhero, but we all have a role to play. Today, I want to compare the life of David and Jesus to show that it isn’t only the well-known that make a difference. Indeed, all of us can if we simply are faithful to what God asks us to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Christianity is filled with a long history of great names. Certain apostles such as John, Peter, and Paul are considered among the greatest people in the Bible. Others such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, Spurgeon, and Graham could be included on a list of great Christians. But what about Mary in the Bible? Which one you ask? That is exactly the point – a few Mary’s deserve consideration (Jesus’ mother, of Magdala, Martha’s sister). The Bible is filled with many “minor” characters whose contribution makes God’s story what it is. Their names may not seem as significant to us, and others are even unknown to us, but that does not mean that they were not faithful to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s song in 2 Samuel 22 is truly his testimony about God. However, another important part of his testimony includes all of those who accompanied David throughout his life – as family, friends, servants, and warriors. Chapter 23 provides an important look at those who supported David throughout much of his life.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>The Three (2 Sam. 23:8-17)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most everyone has a person or group of people they deeply trust. David had thirty-seven mighty men (v. 39), but three were extra special (most did not <b><i>“attain to the three”</i></b>, see verse 19). Although very little is known of these three men, their efforts brought about great victories with the help of the Lord. Jesus also had three who were privileged beyond the others.</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David had three who stood above the rest. (8, 9-10, 11-12, together – 13-17) </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus had three who saw more than the rest. (e.g. Mark 5:37 – the healing of the deceased girl, Matthew 17:1 – the transfiguration, etc.)</span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>The Next Tier (2 Sam 23:18-23)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For David, a couple of other warriors were worthy of having a story told about them, but the rest of his mighty men are simply listed as a name (with their father and/or place of origin). Likewise, Jesus had a group of other close followers whom were named, but otherwise little is known about them. In both cases, however, these names represent close followers of their leader – men who were willing to die to serve their leader. Interestingly, a contrast exists between David’s men and Jesus’ followers.</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s list of selected men includes one he betrayed (Uriah, v. 39).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus’ list of selected men includes one who betrayed Him (Judas, Luke 6:16)</span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>The Rest</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the stories of David and Jesus, a few people are named for their parts in the story. However, countless others are not. We may not know the exact role these individuals had, but we can be certain they contributed in small and in great ways to David and Jesus, respectively.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A king has others who serve the kingdom.</span></i><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David had counselors (e.g. Nathan), and friends (e.g. Hushai) to guide him</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus sent 72 ahead of Him into towns where He would go (Luke 10:1)</span></li>
</ol>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A king has others to provide encouragement in the midst of challenges.</span></i><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David had priests (e.g. Ahimelech) and worship leaders (e.g. Asaph) who served the Lord through sacrifices and song.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus was comforted by Mary (John 12:1-8) and angels (in the wilderness and Gethsemane)</span></li>
</ol>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A king has subjects who serve without any recognition.</span></i><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Israel had thousands of people for David to lead. Certainly, not all of them appreciated David, but most did serve him because He served the Lord (cf. 1 Chronicles 29:6-9)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jesus sent the 72, but later appeared to over 500 men (1 Cor. 15:6), most all of whom are nameless.</span></li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Both David and Jesus impacted many people throughout their lives. Both also were positively impacted by many whether the help came from those in their inner circles, their close friends, or others who were nameless to most, but important to them. The truth is that whether our story is known by others or not, God knows it, and will use us for His glory, if we are committed to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The choice often comes down to whether we would rather be known by man or by God. God may make a name for us if we are focused on bringing Him glory. But when our focus is on our own glory, we fail God, and ultimately fail ourselves. Therefore, we must each answer the question: Do you want to be known by men or by God?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, whether or not a superhero is inside of all of us, we can all be great if we are faithful to our true leader – Jesus. That greatness may find us in a prominent place in the community or simply loved deeply by our families. But whatever greatness we may achieve, our success must always be measured by our faithfulness to God.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-20291324736942072222018-08-08T08:51:00.000-05:002018-08-08T08:51:24.097-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – Choosing A Response<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Imagine you have just lost your job because you have been betrayed by someone you trusted. As you leave your place of employment you are confronted by one of the employees who reported to you. He is a swindler who seeks to manipulate you one last time (although you do not know you are being manipulated). What do you do? Then, as you make your way to the parking lot, a disgruntled customer starts cussing you out and throwing things at you. How do you respond?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, having lost your job, you find yourself in need – not just for yourself, but for those who are with you as well. Someone you may not know well has respected you from afar. This person offers to provide your meals for an extended time. You later discover this man is wealthy and can afford the gesture, but a simple <i>“Thank you”</i> seems insufficient. How do you respond?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some time later, the one who betrayed you has died. You agree to take your job back despite the fact you cared about this person a great deal. Immediately, you are confronted with an opportunity to get even with the customer who berated you. Then, you find out you were manipulated and have the authority to make matters right. How do you respond?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These scenarios are not random ideas, they are directly from the story of David. In reviewing this story, and examining the response of David in each situation, we can learn more about David, about ourselves, and most importantly about God. Ultimtely, what we will discover is that our response does not have to come from our circumstances. Our response to circumstances should come from who we are.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After Absalom’s death, David rightfully resumes his role as king. While he was deposed, David certainly encountered various individuals who greeted him in a variety of ways. The Bible records an unfavorable encounter with Shemei as well as a favorable one with Barzillai. Another interaction David expected was from Mephibosheth, but he had not joined the king when he left Jerusalem. With David back on the throne, each of these men has a new encounter with David. It is David’s encounters with these individuals that will be our focus today.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>David Responds with Justice</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">All who were loyal to David left Jerusalem with him except for two distinct people – Hushai, who would act as a spy for David (2 Sam. 15:32-37) and Mephibosheth, whom David had earlier shown extreme kindness (2 Sam 9). Although David was deceived about the reason Mephibosheth remained, his solution to not strip Ziba of everything is consistent with a king not revoking a decree.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David was deceived by Ziba who said Mephibosheth remained to become king. (2 Sam. 16:1-4)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s Initial Response: Give Ziba what belonged to Mephibosheth. (v. 4)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s Final Response: Continue to show kindness to Mephibosheth. After returning as king, David approaches Mephibosheth, and hearing the truth, David restores land to him. (2 Samuel 19:24-30) Although Mephibosheth may be well-cared for due to David’s return, his response (v. 30) is one of true appreciation for the king.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We are not told why David made the decision he did, but he made the decision quickly and confidently. Because he was king, and because Ziba had deceived him, no one would have thought twice if David had taken everything from Ziba. While we are not told why David responded as he did, the question is how would you respond to Mephibosheth? To the story about Ziba? Having been restored to his rightful place, David wanted to move on to what was important. He put the past behind him and now it was time to see what God was ready to do next – another example of being a man after God’s own heart.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>David Responds with Mercy</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As David travelled further from Jerusalem, he was met by a man named Shimei, a member of King Saul’s household. Shimei’s hostility towards a warrior like David is foolish, but David’s response shows he considered the bigger picture of what was happening.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Shimei cursed and threw rocks at David and others because David was unworthy to be king. (2 Sam. 16.5-8)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s Initial Response: David considered that many were against him and that may mean the Lord was allowing the events to transpire. (2 Sam. 16.9-14)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s Final Response: David made an oath that Shimei would not die. Ultimately, David realized that his place as king was secure and his restoration was cause for celebration, not punishment. (2 Sam 19:16-23)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this instance, the issue was more than mental (deception). This person actually physically assaulted David. Certainly David is much older now as he has grown children capable of being king. But, this is still David of whom was sang, <b><i>“David killed his tens of thousands”</i></b> (1 Sam 18.7). Even if some think this is an exaggeration, David is the commander of the army and one would be pretty stupid to attack him. But Shimei did attack and even though he has pleaded with David, notice that the army was waiting for the order to strike (2 Sam 19.21). Yet, when it came time for payback, David relented – and did so with a promise. David may have been a warrior, but his heart sought God and thus he showed mercy.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>David Responds with Thanksgiving</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the king, David would have had many who were faithful to him in Israel. Certainly, some of these people would be willing to help David with any of his needs. One of the men who helped as David fled from Jerusalem was named Barzillai, whom David later seeks to reward by bringing him back to Jerusalem.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Barzillai provided food and a place of rest for David and all who travelled with him. (2 Sam. 17:27-29)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s Initial Response: Rest his troops for battle to defeat Absalom’s army (2 Sam 18:1-6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s Final Response: In appreciation for the hospitality received, David extended an offer of hospitality for Barzillai to come to Jerusalem to live. Barzillai declined due to his age, but sent a servant to be with David instead. (2 Sam. 19.31-40)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many times leaders will forget their place and expect people to provide for them and be dutiful without question. But David was not such a leader. Of course, as the king, he expected loyalty from his troops which could be easily manipulated as we saw in the story of Uriah. But when David was right with God, he was thankful for what he had. We saw that in verse 22 when he pardoned Shimei, and here he does it with Barzillai. Yes, Barzillai declined David’s offer, but it is David’s response that deserves to be highlighted here.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s initial response to each of these men was not rash. Even giving the property to Ziba was quite reasonable due to the details he was provided and the duress he was facing. However, David’s final response to each of these men was made due to the humility of a king. It must not be overlooked that each of the final responses was made in the midst of grieving the loss of his son (sorrow), not to mention preparing to re-establish himself as king (joy).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The truth is that we cannot control the circumstances around us, but we do have the ability to control our responses. The question is: Will you be defined by a response or will you define your response?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Remember the scenario with which I began. You have just lost your job having been betrayed by someone you trusted (for David, his son). You are manipulated as you are trying to leave (for David, by Ziba), and as you finally begin to get away you are physically harassed (for David, by Shimei). How do you respond? Maybe you can handle the job part. Then maybe you are able to put aside the manipulation. But eventually most will say, <i>“Enough is enough!”</i> and begin to lash out. Not David. Why? Because He trusted God. Why? Because He was a man after God’s own heart. David was not a perfect man, but he was a man who continually turned back to God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And that is what we need to do. When we succeed, we need to express thanksgiving to God. When we fail, we need to repent and turn back to God. Life is full of choices and many of those choices are a response to what someone else has done/will do for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is interesting is that both Mephibosheth (v30) and Barzillai (v 34-37) reject the offer made by the king. The problem is that too many people do that today. See, our King has made us an offer – the offer of life. Maybe we are like Barzillai and offer excuses as to why we cannot except the offer – we are too old, we are too young, we have too much to do, we have done such bad things, etc. But that is letting the situation define us rather than accepting what Jesus is offering. Jesus knows you better than you know yourself. So, if he is offering, the offer is good in spite of yourself. We need to be more like Mephibosheth, who turns down the offer of stuff, because He is simply thankful to be with the king.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, how do you respond to the offer of THE King – King Jesus? The offer of salvation. The offer of abundant life. The offer to be blessed as you are poor in spirit, as you mourn, as you hunger and seek righteousness, etc. The offer to have God’s kingdom come, to experience love and joy everlasting, etc., etc., etc.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>JOURNEY</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for today is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>R</u></b> – <u><b>REVERE</b></u>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Choosing the right response becomes easier as we follow Jesus more closely. The Bible says that David was a man after God’s own heart which means He revered God because He sought to be more like Him. Again, like us, David was not perfect, not even close. But to REVERE God does not mean that we are perfect, but that we desire to worship Him for who He is – and He is perfect!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>LEARN</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will repeat the primary question once more and explain it. <i>“Will you be defined by a response or will you define your response?”</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we react, we are defined by our response. For instance, we can all remember a time when someone did something to someone else and beforehand said, <i>“Watch this.”</i> The watching was not just for what was to be done, but was also because the reaction of the person was known before the act happened. Why? Because the response defined the person – that is, the person reacts the same way every time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But if we are proactive (instead of reactive), we have defined the response. We will not be perfect at this in every occasion, but David must have already considered the possibility of being ridiculed by someone or his reaction would likely to have been to have Shimei killed after the first rock was thrown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, take time to think how God would respond. Then seek to do the same. That is why this week’s step is LEARN. We must first begin to understand how we typically respond. Then we seek to know how God responds. And then we make whatever changes are necessary. So, LEARN your response. LEARN God’s response. Then LEARN how to better emulate God.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-66809055761962076742018-08-01T08:24:00.000-05:002018-08-01T08:24:39.317-05:00Hub Sunday – “Sent”<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today is the launch for a new emphasis we will call Hub Sunday. The idea for these times of worship each month will be to celebrate what we are doing as a church relating to fulfilling our mission.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why Missions’ Hub?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First, let me tell you about the origins of the name. The name comes from a couple of conversations where Roger and I were both present. One of the conversations was a one-on-one conversation while driving and the other was part of a discussion with the deacons. In the latter meeting with the deacons, Roger used the words <i>“missions’ hub”</i> to describe an aspect of our church and the name resonated strongly with me. So, for the last month, I have been considering how to celebrate everything we are doing as a church year-round. Thus, the idea for a regular service to celebrate was born. But beyond being a celebration, Hub Sunday will also be meant to challenge and inspire us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, as we begin our first Hub Sunday, I want to share three ideas with you and then leave us with a couple of considerations. First, I want to share the <i>“Why”</i> of missions. That is, why should we be engaged in servings others? Second, I want to break down a fallacy regarding missions. Third, I want to briefly make a comment about the nature of a worship service. After I have mentioned each of these items, I will provide our challenge for the remaining months of 2018 and beyond.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why Missions?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The main reason for us to be involved in missions is because Jesus commanded us to make disciples. And as part of that process, He said we are to <b><i>“go.”</i></b> Read Matthew 28.19-20. Thus, if Jesus tells us to go, then we are sent, but our sending is with a purpose. When talking about our purpose as Christians, we often mention the idea of being called. And that is true. Jesus called for the disciples to <b><i>“Follow Me”</i></b> (Matthew 4.19) and the Greek word from which we get the English <i>“church”</i> is ekklessia which means <i>“called out ones.”</i> So, we are indeed called, but our calling is so that we can be sent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Consider some of the major characters of the Bible. Abraham was sent out from his homeland. Moses was sent to Pharaoh. The Israelites were sent to the Promised Land. David was sent to the front lines where he would face Goliath. Ezra was sent to Jerusalem to help get the temple rebuilt. Nehemiah was sent to help rebuild the walls around Jerusalem. God sent His Son that whoever believes will have eternal life. The apostles were told they would be sent from Jerusalem to Judea to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Paul was sent to the Gentiles. Etc. So, the idea of being sent is prominent throughout Scripture.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The idea is not just for great people for none of the people mentioned (except His Son) were considered great until they obeyed their call to be sent. Again, we are sent by Jesus as He commands us to make disciples as we <b><i>“go.”</i></b> (Matthew 28.19). And we do not go in order to become great; rather we go in order that His Name will be made great (Matthew 5.16). Of course, some refuse the call to be sent (even if only for a while) like Jonah. However, the book of Jonah shows obedience of God’s sending throughout that short book. Consider that God sent Jonah (who initially disobeyed, but later obeyed), but God also sent a great wind and storm (Jonah 1.4), a big fish (1.17), a plant (4.6), a worm (4.7), and a scorching wind (4.8). So, again, listening to Jesus requires us to <b><i>“Go!”</i></b> because like God sent Him, He sends us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But being sent is not just about going abroad, it can mean going across the street or across the town. And that will be the next part of the message.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being Missional</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the primary reasons behind Hub Sunday is to help correct a misunderstanding of missions. Since late August of 2016, and particularly since late January of this year, you have heard a great deal about Kenya. And in previous years, you have heard about various mission trips to Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, as well as various places within the United States. It is particularly important for a church to hear what God is doing when the church is sending people out to far away locations. The church at Antioch sent Paul (and Barnabas) out (Acts 13.1-3), and Paul regularly returned to Antioch to give reports of his missionary endeavors (e.g. Acts 14.26-28; 18.22-23).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But the emphasis in the Great Commission is not the word <b><i>“go.”</i></b> The emphasis is to make disciples. In fact, the verb is <b><i>“to make”</i></b> and the terms <b><i>“go,”</i></b> <b><i>“baptize,”</i></b> and <b><i>“teach,”</i></b> are all participles which explain how <b><i>“to make.”</i></b> So, the important part is to make disciples and that can be done <i>“as we go.”</i> That is, as we go about our regular business we are to make disciples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, the idea is not necessarily about going on a mission trip. Rather, it is living a life that is <i>“on mission”</i> or being <i>“missional”</i> as is often said today. The difference is staggering. Going to and from Kenya costs between $1100-$1500 just for the airfare and costs a great deal of time (airport to airport is nearly 24 hours, for instance). Going across the street costs nothing monetarily, and perhaps five minutes of time at a minimum. But both can have eternal impact if we are mission-minded.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every interaction we have with another person could be a difference maker in their eternity. That statement is why Matthew 5.16 is the verse for our Vision statement. We do our good works to that others will give God the glory. Being missional is more than merely setting a good example, it is about being a positive influence and leading others into a deeper relationship with God. We do this by being salt and light wherever we are and whatever we are doing – whether it is one-half way around the world or talking to our neighbor in the front yard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, we must break the mindset of thinking that missions as something that happens over there. Missions is about being missional and that process begins in the heart and in the brain. For, as Jesus reminded us, we are to <b><i>“love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength”</i></b> (Mark 12.30-31). The heart and mind set the tone for our soul to be engaged and thus we use our strength to serve God by loving and serving others as well.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Service as Worship</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One last important aspect of Hub Sundays, at least future Hub Sundays, is to get more people involved in the worship service. Think about those two words. We come to worship God and part of that is done by some of the common elements we do every week. But the bulk of the time is spent with the focus on three or four people. Certainly, the time of worship should have direction (God is not a God of confusion, i.e. order is important – 1 Cor 14.33), and leaders help provide that direction. And the congregation can actively sing and actively give, but much of what is done is passive (i.e. listening). So, what if on one Sunday each month, the bulk of the congregation got more involved? That is, what if, instead of sitting and listening, the congregation contributed by sharing how they have served and then encourages others to do the same? If this is done, then the time of worship truly becomes a time of serving during worship – or a service of worship, which gives credence to the concept of a worship service.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we think of the Old Testament priests, their responsibility was to serve at the tabernacle and later the temple. And, one of the distinctives that was rebirthed during the Reformation was that we are all priests – designed to serve God (1 Peter 2.5). Of course, we are to serve outside the walls of this building because the building is not the church, we are! But, we can also serve within the church and can do so by sharing how God is using us to fulfill His purposes in a corporate setting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Furthermore, our service is truly an act of worship. Just as we may sing as worship, so can we serve as worship (and pray, study, etc.). Colossians 3.17 reminds us of this – whatever we do, in word or action, we do it in the name of Jesus, giving thanks (i.e. praising/worshipping) to God as we do. And, again, as we serve in this way, others will rejoice and give glory the Father in heaven (Matthew 5.16). Said succinctly, we serve as an act of worship, and others worship as we serve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, let us embrace the possibilities to share how God is using us. We do not do this to brag or receive human praise; rather, we share because God has chosen to use us and in our obedience the world is changed, and He is glorified. If you recall our key verse from earlier this year, Habakkuk 2.14 says, <b><i>“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”</i></b> That will began to happen as we serve more out there and celebrate that service more in here.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our JOURNEY</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our strategy is comprised of the acrostic JOURNEY. Each week, I share a letter that fits with the message and provides some clarity for how the message and our church’s purpose intersect. But our JOURNEY begins as individuals. We begin our lives apart from Christ and for those that choose Jesus, we eventually take that fork in the road that leads us to Christ, but we always still have further to go. That distance to travel to be complete in Him (Col. 1.28) is our growth which is captured by the idea of a JOURNEY. More will be said about this connection in our upcoming series on the church, but for now, let me briefly share a couple of areas of service that some people have embraced related to being missional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, Kenya gets a lot of attention and many contribute money to that each month through the piki offering. Other larger donations have been made recently and we are now almost able to repair the well at Lesurwa so they can have fresh water. But remember missions is not just about <i>“over there,”</i> it is about when and wherever.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This summer we have had people serve in VBS. Maybe it was helping serve meals, or maybe it was donating food. That can be a simple donation, or with the right mindset, that can be missional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have recently concluded No Hunger Summer. In all honestly, we did not help as many children and families as we had hoped, but 33 different children (and a total of 39 different individuals) consumed 190 meals (not counting VBS week). Our church had a part in that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each Tuesday, someone from our church delivers Meals on Wheels to various individuals around Fairfax. Serving in this way is an element of missions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each Monday, a group of ladies and a couple of men help convert plastic sacks into bed mats. But to do that, we need sacks. And some may simply drop off the sacks, but with the right mindset dropping off plastic sacks can be missional.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being missional can also include bringing supplies for the food pantry or the youth group or cooking a meal for someone or making a visit to the hospital or calling someone who was missing from church or Sunday School or sending my abbreviated sermon notes to someone who is homebound. Again, all of these ideas, and more, can just be something we do, or they can be missional. It is about our mindset and our heartset.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What’s Next? The Challenge</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Moving forward I want us to consider how we can fulfill two major initiatives. I am certain some may disregard one or both of these ideas, but if we are going to be a large church in a small town, we need to extend our influence (which is the essence of the word <i>“large”</i> in the vision).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, first, our next Hub Sunday will be scheduled for the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. But that week we will only meet here briefly. Instead for everyone who is able, we will honor the name of that weekend by finding some way to labor for the Lord on that Sunday morning. We will call it, <b><i>“</i></b><b><i>Labor for the Son Day.”</i></b> I realize that not everyone will be able to labor physically, so I invite you to this building to pray for those who are out serving in some way. The prayer is an important part of the service – praying for opportunities to serve, opportunities to proclaim Jesus, and even for the safety of those serving. To accomplish this, we need to have our eyes and ears open to possibilities. As you see a need or hear of someone who needs some assistance, make a note and let me know. We will compile a list and then meet here that morning to <b><i>“go”</i></b> and be servants within our community. We will celebrate these and other opportunities during Hub Sunday at the end of September.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The second challenge will wait until the end of September before we seek to engage. This town has two entities that keep this town afloat from an economic perspective – the hospital and the school. We can seek how to serve the hospital at a later point, but while our church is very active in VBS and is the host of God Squad each year, if we want to make a difference in the lives of the families in this community, we need to be engaged with the school. Two of the last three years, the president of the school board has been a member of our church. The current superintendent is a professing Christian. Can God make a partnership out of this? Absolutely. But the question is, if we are sent in this direction, will we go? We will have the opportunity to make that decision at the end of September. But, in some way, we must respond to our being sent.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we truly Exalt the Savior, we will go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we truly seek to Equip the Saint, we will go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we truly desire to Evangelize the Sinner, we will go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, the question isn’t if we are sent. The question isn’t if we should go? The question is when are where is God calling us to go? And within the us, how do you fit into that call?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-85795295282860105462018-07-25T12:50:00.000-05:002018-07-25T12:50:23.583-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – Playing Games (Part 2)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One of the more reviled figures in American history was a hero before he became a goat. As a captain during the Revolutionary war, this man twice disobeyed critical orders from his superiors, but in the latter situation, he helped the cause of the rebels by leading others in a critical battle at Saratoga in New York. Despite a severely injured left leg, this captain helped turn back the British who would eventually surrender to the American army there and end their attempt to separate the northern colonies from the southern colonies. If the British had been successful in that fall of 1777, the revolution likely would have been weakened considerably – perhaps allowing the Brits to triumph over the Continental Army.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because of this captain’s valor, Congress restored his full confession and he was soon promoted to Major General, becoming one of General Washington’s must trusted officers. Because of this truth, Washington appointed this man as the commander of West Point – a strategically placed fort near New York City. What Washington did not know was that his trusted officer was having secret conversations with the British providing them critical details about the movements and supplies of the Continental Army. Then, less than two months after being given command of West Point, he made a deal with the British to allow them to capture the fort and take control of it. Fortunately, the spy carrying the message was captured and the letter was found allowing the fort to be secured. Upon learning that the message had been intercepted, this general escaped to officially join with the British army and given commission as a Brigadier General. He would serve the Brits well winning multiple victories including destroying a town near the place of his birth in Connecticut. About a year after joining the Brits, he left for London, where he would live (except for a few years) for the rest of his life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This man, successful throughout his military career on both sides is not known for the battles he won. Nor is he known for being a very successful businessman – which he was before the war and to some extent after it as well. No, this man is known for one act and by one word. The act – betrayal. The word – traitor. The name – Benedict Arnold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Benedict Arnold learned to be a master player of games. Many have debated why Arnold chose to betray his country and several theories have been offered. But it likely had to do with the company he kept – which was a group of British sympathizers which included his wife Peggy. Whatever the cause, despite his leadership efforts during military times, his game playing not only deprived him of being considered one of the heroes of the American Revolution, but also has vilified him so that he is considered one of the worst individuals to have lived in this nation of ours.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Benedict Arnold’s story is not unique, however. Certainly, the details are unique to him, but betraying family, friends, and countries is nothing new. Last week we reviewed two plots which ultimately could be considered a betrayal of family. This week, we will see that the games Absalom played were just the beginning of a greater plot which lead to the betrayal of his father, and thus, in effect, a betrayal of the country as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last week’s message focused on three plots found in 2 Samuel 13 and 14. The plots (or games that were played) were attempts at selfish gain. Amnon and Absalom’s games had a severe consequence for another person. Joab’s ploy was seemingly helpful to Absalom, but it certainly did not hurt his cause with the king (or with Absalom). However, Absalom was deeply involved in the game now and, as such, had to continue to “play games” to ensure the outcome would be beneficial to him. However, deceit and game-playing are eventually exposed and often lead to unpleasant consequences which, for Absalom, included death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having returned to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14:23-24; 28), Absalom gains an audience with the king (2 Samuel 24:33) and begins to conspire against David to make himself the king. David is temporarily removed from the throne as Absalom wins the hearts of the people, but eventually he would die while leading Israel’s army against those faithful to David.</span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A Plot to Be Restored (2 Samuel 14:28-33)</span></u></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Absalom knew that Joab had intervened to get him back to Jerusalem, but after two more years had passed, Absalom still had not come before the king. After trying to get Joab to respond, Absalom forces the issue and eventually is welcomed by David.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Motive</b>: To gain access to the king (2 Samuel 14:28, 32)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Accomplice</b>: Absalom’s servants (30); Joab (eventually, 33)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Game</b>: Absalom had Joab’s field set on fire to force Joab to interact with him (29-31)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Result</b>: Joab listens to Absalom and eventually has him summoned to the king (32-33)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winners/Losers:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Winner</b> – Absalom, he got the audience he wanted; <b>Loser</b> – Joab, his field was burned</span></li>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Plot to Be Received (2 Samuel 15:1-6)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Having been received by the king, Absalom needed the people of Israel to rally behind him. Absalom established himself among the people by pretending to be a caring leader (judge) who would do right by anyone in Israel that had a dispute.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Motive</b>: Absalom needed the support of the people of Israel (v. 6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Accomplice</b>: Absalom’s servants (v. 1)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Game</b>: Absalom pretended to be a commander of many (v. 1); he portrayed himself as one who cared more than the king (v. 3); he showed immense respect to those who approached him (v. 5)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Result</b>: <b><i>“Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel”</i></b> (v. 6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winners/Losers:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Winner</b> – Absalom, the people of Israel were in his hands; <b>Loser</b> – David, implicitly, because the people loved Absalom</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Plot to Be King (2 Samuel 15:7-14)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Absalom now has the people behind him, but to take the throne from David directly while in Jerusalem would likely fail. Thus, he devises a plan to announce himself as king in Hebron and then return to Jerusalem further strengthened with the support of the people.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Motive</b>: To become king (v. 10)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Accomplice</b>: Absalom’s servants/messenger, innocent guests (10-11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Game</b>: Absalom asked David if he could go to worship God, but used the request as a tactic to make himself king (7-12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Result</b>: The people of Israel are duped into following someone they thought would be a worthy leader</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winners/Losers:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Winner</b> – Absalom, he positioned himself to be king and had David’s counselor (Ahithophel) at his side; <b>Loser</b> – David and his servants, when David heard the message, they fled (13-14)</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Plot to Be Buried (2 Samuel 18:9-18)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Absalom gained all he desired. But in the end, his gain was short-lived. Absalom’s death was necessary to restore David as God’s chosen king. All the plotting in the world could not keep him from being buried in a plot with a monument over it.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most everyone likes to play some sort of game – whether it is sports, board games, video games, or something else. However, we must all be on guard against playing games – that is, not to plot against others. Major General Arnold liked to play games, and although it did not cost him his life, it has left a horrible legacy that is etched into American lore. Similarly, Absalom was masterful in his game-playing ability. He used his skills to take the place of the king in his time rather than waiting for David to die. (This assumes Chileab, 2 Sam 3:3, had already died, which is certainly possible because his name is not mentioned elsewhere.) But Absalom’s games cost over 20,000 people their lives (2 Sam. 18:7) – all so he could get his way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">However, as one who simply plays the game, rather than makes it, Absalom is subject to the same rules of life as everyone else. Thus, God restored David as the rightful king showing He was in control. And, just as importantly for us, God is still in control today. For as Galatians 6.7 reminds us: <i><b>“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”</b></i></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>JOURNEY</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for today is: <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>R</u></b> – <b><u>REVERE</u>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Like last week, our choice comes down to whether or not we wish to play games to gain an apparent advantage or whether we will trust God for what He has for us. I don’t often mention our Mission anymore, and I should. This idea is about Exalt the Savior. We can exalt ourselves and play games because we think we are more important than we are, or we can Exalt the Savior who gave Himself up for us despite the fact that we are nothing compared to Him. Thus, we should REVERE our God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>LOVE</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Again, we have overlap here from last week. Playing games is done in order to manipulate a situation to our advantage. Oftentimes that manipulation comes at the expense of other people. Thus, playing games is really the opposite of love. If we truly exhibit the Great Commandment to love God and love others, then we will seek to be honest and truthful in our dealings with them and trust that God will provide what we need.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-14173938752174416012018-07-18T07:50:00.000-05:002018-07-18T07:50:05.053-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – Playing Games (Part 1)<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>This new series is based upon 2 Samuel. The general message outlines were written by Pastor Andy as part of a project for LifeWay to coincide with the quarter’s Explore the Bible Sunday School material. Because LifeWay owns the copyright, for full disclosure, a link to the original sermon idea is provided here.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>https://s3.amazonaws.com/lifewayblogs/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2014/06/16122345/sermons_2018_sum_session07.pdf</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Susan and I are in the process of purging several items from our home. In the process we have found some personal momentos from our past and have taken the time to read many of the letters we wrote to one another when we were dating – especially when we lived in different towns while attending college. One of the most repetitious statements I made was my goal to make her happy. Well, I believe I have done that well in most every area of our life together except one – I do not like to play games, and she does.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reason I do not like to play games is that as an only child, I played games by myself all the time. Although we lived in the city, my grandparents lived next door to us from the time I was 4 until I was 13, so I often stayed home alone while both of my parents were at work. Thus, I would play various bored games for hours and hours every day. For instance, I would play Monopoly with all of the pieces and I was the <i>“player”</i> for every piece – day after day after day. So, playing Monopoly is not something I enjoy. And many other games are the same for me. But Susan does like to play games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, when we were dating, we would occasionally play games, and that included going to play miniature golf. Well, when it comes to sports, I used to be hyper-competitive, and one round I was winning by several strokes with only a couple of holes to play. But for some reason, I could no longer sink a putt. In fact, on the last hole, I kept missing very short putts until she realized what I was doing. Now, I was not going to lose, but I thought it would be smart not to win either. Well, I was wrong, and she was rightfully upset. Of course, I apologized and she forgave me and we a happily married (except for the lack of games!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why have I shared this story about playing a game? Because besides playing games for fun and recreation, some people <i>“play games”</i> attempting to deceive others – like I was doing during mini-golf. For many, playing a game is about entertainment or having fun. But for most winning is important. The drive to win will cause some to bend or break the rules. This is true when families play board games or when athletes take their position. For those who look to cheat the system, they are doing more than playing a game, they are playing games. <i>“Playing games”</i> occurs in various aspects of our lives as well. The use of deceit, manipulation, etc., are all about gaining an advantage over someone else, and the Bible has many examples of those who are cunning, including David and his family. For instance, David’s kindness in 2 Samuel 9 turned to cunning in chapter 11, and when his initial plan did not work, he had Uriah killed. In this week’s message, we see David’s sons Amnon (2 Sam 13) and Absalom (chapter 13), as well as his nephew Joab (chapter 14) use deception for selfish motives as well. Next week, we will see how this series of plots (game-playing) ultimately caused more loss than gain for the various players.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we have seen thus far in 2 Samuel, David is a faithful and compassionate man. The book begins with David mourning the death of the king even though he stood to gain the title. Later, David shows kindness to the king’s grandson. But, as we saw last week, King David’s motives were not always so pure. David’s children may have known of the early example their father set, but they, along with their cousin Joab, certainly learned the craft of manipulation and deceit along the way. They learned to <i>“play games”</i> and <i>“plot”</i> to get what they desired. This week, I will share three different plots outlined in 2 Samuel 13 and 14, and try to determine the winners and losers in each.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Plot of Lust (2 Samuel 13:1-19)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Amnon professed to love his half-sister Tamar. His love for her had become unhealthy, even to the point of lust. Amnon sought counsel and a plan was devised for him to be alone with Tamar where he violated her. As is the usual case with lust, Amnon now despised what he desired, and had her removed from his presence.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Motive: Tormented by Love (2 Samuel 13:1-2)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Accomplice: The Crafty Friend – also Cousin (3-5)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Game: Amnon would pretend to be ill, so Tamar would care for him (6-12)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Result: Amnon violated Tamar, hated her for it, and cast her from his sight (13-19)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winners/Losers*:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No winners, all were losers as Amnon got what he wanted, but couldn’t enjoy it.</span></li>
</ul>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">*The Winner and Loser is only attributed to the immediate and near-term consequences, not the long-term implications.</span></i><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Plot of Anger (2 Samuel 13:20-29)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Absalom (Tamar’s brother) discovers that Tamar has been violated and seeks to protect her. When David learns of the situation, he was angry, but did not resolve the matter. Absalom may have waited for David to respond, but after two full years, Absalom has had ample time to devise a plan to kill Amnon.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Motive: Hatred, Revenge (2 Samuel 13:20-22)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Accomplice: Servants of Absalom, under his orders (28-29)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Game: Press David into allowing Amnon and the other sons to come to him (23-27)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Result: Amnon is murdered; Absalom flees for his safety</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winners/Losers:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Winner</b> – Absalom, in part – he avenged his sister, but must flee for his safety; <b>Loser</b>: Amnon</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>A Plot for Power (2 Samuel 14:1-24)</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joab knew the king loved Absalom and wanted to help him. Rather than going to the king himself, Joab used a woman to confront the king for him. A favorable response would further endear Joab to the king. Absalom would also appreciate Joab because he would be closer to being restored as David’s son. If the king responded negatively, Joab’s ploy, presumably, would not have exposed him. Therefore, Joab has much to gain, and virtually no chance at losing.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Motive: Get Absalom back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 14:1-24)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Accomplice: A woman from Tekoa (2-3)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Game: Remain in favor with David (v.22) and gain favor with Absalom</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Result: Absalom returns to Jerusalem, but is not to appear before David</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Winners/Losers:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Winners</b> – Absalom, back in Jerusalem; Joab, favor with the king; <b>Losers</b> – None</span></li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each of these plots is about showing or gaining power. Each person was selfish in their motive, but the ultimate goal was to display one’s perceived authority and/or secure it for the future. Amnon’s plot was to force Tamar to be with him so his desires could be fulfilled. Absalom’s plot was to kill Amnon which, incidentally, would also move him closer to the throne (Amnon was the firstborn of David). Joab wanted to secure his position of authority when the time came for a new king.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In each case, a temporary win was achieved, but only Joab did not face consequence. Likewise, when we <i>“play games”</i> with others we may be victorious in the moment, but at what cost? Just as I <i>“gained victory”</i> by not winning the mini-golf match with Susan, I still had to apologize because she was frustrated when she realized what I was doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As for the three men in this week’s message, the Bible does not give any indication that they ever repented. Their motives and actions were selfish. David also played games at times (e.g. with Uriah), but when he did, he repented before God. Let us realize when we are playing games, perhaps even deceiving ourselves, so that we will respond as David did – by repenting and turning (back) to Jesus.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>JOURNEY</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for this week is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>R</u></b> – <b><u>REVERE</u>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to stop and think about which letter fit best this week. Playing games creates disunity and tears down as opposed to nurturing others. But ultimately, our game playing is deceit which is an offense against God (i.e. Do not lie) and thus, I think REVERE is best. When we revere Jesus, we do not need to lie. When we revere Jesus, we do not want to lie. When we revere Jesus, we do not need to play games in order to get what we want because we are trusting that Jesus will provide for us. So, we can scheme and play games or we can trust in Jesus. The choice seems simple, but many still choose to play games.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>LOVE</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we love someone, we will not play games that will harm them. As Paul wrote in Philippians 2, we are to have the mind of Christ, which includes thinking with humility – that is, to consider others more significant than we do ourselves. That is the type of love that does not envy and is not rude. And when we love like that, we are not only loving others, we are loving God in the process.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6384044586769113571.post-16230879317239377022018-07-11T09:21:00.000-05:002018-07-11T09:21:41.769-05:00Seeking God’s Heart – A Faithful Servant<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>This new series is based upon 2 Samuel. The general message outlines were written by Pastor Andy as part of a project for LifeWay to coincide with the quarter’s Explore the Bible Sunday School material. Because LifeWay owns the copyright, for full disclosure, a link to the original sermon idea is provided here.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">https://s3.amazonaws.com/lifewayblogs/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2014/06/16122345/sermons_2018_sum_session06.pdf</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Success. The word conjures up many thoughts. We can debate what the nature of success is or how one achieves success or even the benefits of being successful. But for the Christian, the question must be, <i>“How does God define success?”</i> This question may also generate a good deal of debate based upon how well or how much someone does something. But the simplest answer to the question can be found in one word – faithfulness. The word faithful can be broken down to mean <i>“full of faith.”</i> We are faithful when we live in faith and live by faith. But that is more difficult to do than we might think. We can be faithful to our family, our jobs, our friends, and certainly to God. In fact, our passage this week (2 Samuel 11) talks a great deal about faithfulness – toward man and toward God. But to truly be faithful, we must consider that our service and love for God is expressed by our service and love toward others (Mark 12:30-31; 1 John 4:20-21).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 Samuel 11 involves three warriors – David, Joab, and Uriah. Although each of these men had different responsibilities (David as king, Joab as commander, Uriah as soldier), each generally served his leader faithfully. However, the great lesson for us today is that like David, our faithfulness will be severely tested at times. The question is how will we respond? Hopefully, like David, we will find ourselves turning back to God through repentance – for truly that is the only way we can be found faithful in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">But before we get to David, let us begin by reviewing how Uriah and Joab were faithful.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Uriah: Faithful in Duty</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Everything we know about Uriah shows him to be faithful to his duty. Offered the chance to be with his wife, he did not leave because of a sense of duty. The Bible paints a very positive picture of Uriah; we do not know any of his faults. (We do know he did get drunk, but only because the king made him – v. 13.) We also know that Uriah was more than just an ordinary soldier – he was one of David’s trusted warriors. 2 Samuel 23.39 shows that Uriah was one of David’s mighty men. So, Uriah was faithful to his king and to his duty. And that faithfulness is what ultimately got him killed. Consider four ways that Uriah was faithful.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Uriah slept at the king’s door instead of his bed. (2 Sam. 11:9-11)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Uriah slept with the king’s servants, but not in his own bed (2 Sam. 11:12-13)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Uriah delivered a letter (his death sentence) to his commander (2 Sam. 11.14-15)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Uriah fought on the frontlines as commanded (2 Sam. 11.16-17)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Uriah was faithful in his duty. And that duty included being faithful to his commander.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Joab: Faithful in Command</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joab was a faithful commander of the Israelite army, but he was not always faithful to David (he killed Abner out of revenge for having killed his brother (see 2 Samuel 3.26-30). Joab was a nephew of David (1 Chronicles 2:16) and he was also another of the mighty men of David (2 Sam. 23.18-19).</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joab was faithful to send Uriah home. (2 Sam. 11:6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joab was faithful to send Uriah to die. (2 Sam. 11:16-21)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joab was faithful in command, but to his own end (He tried to gain favor with Absalom to maintain his power after David was no longer king. See 2 Samuel 14.)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Joab, like Uriah, was faithful in most ways to their human leader. but with David we have a more complete story.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>David: Faithful in the End</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The depiction of David until this story is of a young man who is faithful to both man and God. He is a mighty warrior and has become a mighty king. But, like all of us, he is not perfect. The story of David and Bathsheba provides a great example of Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12, and the promise of verse 13. David did not have those verses to consult, but he did know the mercies of God for those who fail and repent. Thankfully, this same story provides us with a model of repentance as well. We may fall in the middle, but we can still be faithful in the end.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s lack of fidelity led to a plan of deceit. (2 Sam 11:1-6)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s lack of integrity led to additional sin. (2 Sam. 11:12-13, 15)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">David’s dedication to God led him to repent. (2 Sam. 12:13; Psalm 51)</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This last point is so crucial for us. Many people start strong, but are they faithful to the end? David started strong and fell hard in the middle, but because he repented he serves as a model for us today. We can learn a great deal from David’s story. It is being faithful at the end that counts. Jesus told a parable about seed that fell on four types of soil (Matthew 13). Three of the seeds began to show some life, but only one truly took root. That is only one type of soil was <i>“faithful”</i> and because of that it bore much fruit. It is not enough to start well, it is finishing well that matters.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>CONCLUSION</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In recent months, we have seen many high-profile leaders fall for various reasons. The governor of Missouri resigned, as did the President of the SBC Executive Committee, some professors at SBC seminaries, and other leaders have been forced to leave office due to a variety of issues related to sin. The truth is that being in a position of leadership makes any sin magnified and spreads through the public more quickly. And the public, including Christians, are often not as willing to forgive as God is. Of course, only God knows the sincerity of the heart when someone repents. But let us not be deceived into thinking these high-profile leaders are the only ones capable, or culpable, of sin. You and I sin daily, but thankfully, our sin is not broadcast on television or the internet. Likewise, the people in our story today were guilty of sin, but only David’s sin was fully revealed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Bible does not reveal any of Uriah’s faults, but Paul wrote that each of us sins, so Uriah had them. The Bible does share a few of Joab’s faults, but it does not have any record of him repenting. We definitely know some of David’s faults, but more importantly, we know that despite his failures, he desired God, who called David <i><b>“a man after my heart.”</b></i> David’s life should be an encouragement to us because, although he failed in many ways, he was found to be faithful in the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have seen each of these three individuals as faithful through a certain perspective. While, people may disagree on what makes a person or church faithful, Hebrews 11:6 says we cannot please God without faith. Thus, as I mentioned at the beginning, our success is somewhat tied to our faithfulness to God. That is, if acting on faith pleases God, we must consider being faithful important in God’s definition of success. Each of us, despite our flaws and our sins, can be found faithful in the end when we seek forgiveness from the One in whom we place our trust. We can be certain of this truth because Jesus has always been faithful – from beginning to end.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>JOURNEY</u></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The JOURNEY letter for today is:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>O</u></b> – <u><b>OBSERVE</b></u>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A part of being faithful is to follow the expectations of others. Uriah did this. Joab did this. And, ultimately, David did this. We must do the same, but ultimately our being faithful is to follow the expectations of Jesus. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28.19-20), Jesus said that making disciples includes not only teaching others about what He said, but to <b><i>“observe”</i></b> everything He commanded. The promise then, for those who do, is to hear the phrase we should all desire to hear, <b><i>“Well done good and faithful servant”</i></b> (Matthew 25.21). As I often comment though, to hear well done, means we had to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Being faithful requires us doing something. Last week, that doing included being kind (not just nice) to others. This week, we must consider that our faithfulness begins when we realize how unclean we are. Like David, in his prayer of repentance (Psalm 51), we must confess our sins and ask God to cleanse us and make us new. When we do, we are then equipped to begin observing everything else He has for us to do. And, as we observe, we will find ourselves moving closer to hearing that we have done well and been a faithful servant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>NEXT STEP(S)</u></b>:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b><u>LIVE</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Many people find the demands of Jesus too difficult. And, let’s face it, it is impossible to live up to the standards He demands. But that is why He came to die. He died so that we might live. He doesn’t want us to just be alive physically, He wants us to live our lives with purpose. It is not for us to look at what He demands and just give up; rather, we are to strive towards obedience (see Paul in Philippians 3.12-14), knowing that He has made the path possible for us. This week, choose to live faithfully. Begin by confessing whatever needs to be confessed, and then choose to live according to the standards placed before you (by yourself, your spouse, your boss, by God, whomever). This idea may sound easy, but actually living faithfully in all those roles may make this next week the hardest week of the year.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03476041556295317956noreply@blogger.com0