Saltillo International Church
Carretera Los Gonzalez 4138 Colonia Los Gonzalez
Saltillo, Coahuila 25082
439-8119

WEEKLY SERMON NOTES

Strong Families Know Each Other

To Save A Family, Sermon 1

John 9:1-11; James 1:19; Mark 1:40-42

February 5, 2012

We’re starting a brand-new series called “To Save A Family” this morning. Recently, New Song Pictures released the film To Save A Life about a teenager named Jake Taylor who struggles to figure out how life works after his best friend dies.

During his journey, Jake finds a mentor who helps him and a lot of other teenagers who need help. The film is inspirational, but the story left me wishing that Jake could have had a better family to teach him, guide him and love him through the valley he was going through.

Lately, I’ve been wishing this for a lot of people. I wish everyone I know had a strong family to teach and guide and love them. So over these next six weeks, we’re going to talk about six of the most important practices for that make strong families and, with God’s help, we’re going to raise the quality of your family by helping you become a better family member. My guarantee is, if you come every week for the next six weeks and apply each of these lessons, you will be a more likeable, loveable and positive contributor to not only your family, but to your friends too. And I extend this guarantee to every kind of family represented here today, whether you’re a single parent, married with or without kids, living apart from your family or your kids are grown.

I can’t promise to save your family from sorrow, but I can promise that you will be a person who saves your family from a lot of pain, because YOU will be a better family member if you come faithfully. Is that a fair deal?

In the movie, Jake is the star basketball player at his local high school. He’s wrestling through some issues and, deep down, would really like to process with his dad about the death of his friend. Watch how the family interacts in this clip, and see if you think this is a normal or abnormal family.

I don’t know if you’ve thought about it much, but the family is looking a lot different today than it did just a few decades ago. Back up a few centuries, and it’s a completely different ballgame. Before 1900, life on the farm consisted of pretty much doing life with and for your family 24/7.

Without electricity, families gathered around fireplaces after sunset, and Dad read out loud, usually from the Bible, while Mom and Grandma, aunts and uncles, sons, daughters and cousins knitted and sewed clothes and molded candles or repaired tools and got things ready for the next day’s work.

Without central heating, children shared beds to be warm and handed-down clothes and shoes through four, five or six children, sometimes even from parents to children. Styles didn’t change all that much from year to year.

In the morning, fathers and sons milked cows and fed livestock while mothers and daughters straightened beds and prepared breakfast. On Sundays, everybody took their weekly bath, all using the same bathwater—starting with the girls while the water was still clean, then Junior before the water got cold, and Dad last of all before hitching the wagon for the long ride into church that morning.

If you can believe it, these farm families actually rode to church TOGETHER, all in the same buggy or wagon. The ride was slow enough that nobody needed a seatbelt, and no one had even thought up the car seat. Just one little wagon draggin’ the whole family for an hour’s ride together, during which they would talk, laugh, sing and appreciate nature together.

On the rare occasion that you find a family actually driving together, do they talk, laugh or appreciate nature? Not likely. After climbing into the backseat, children switch on the video player and teens strap on their iPods, so nobody has to be bored or try to come up with conversation for the long 15-minute drive to church.

In olden days, families ate dinner together every night and breakfast together every morning. If school was close enough, students walked home for lunch together every noon. Today? We eat breakfast from a box, lunch from a fast-food place and dinner in front of the television or during the drive to soccer practice. Can you see why it’s harder for family members to know each other these days? This is the challenge of our generation.

I believe being a strong family really does require more conscious effort today than it ever has before. But, on the upside of the equation, we have far more help and far more resources for family-building than any generation in history. If diamonds are made under pressure, you and I have the opportunity to forge stronger families than anyone we’ve ever known because of the combination of pressure and available resources today.

So, with all our excuses out of the way, let’s jump into Part One of our series: Strong Families Know Each Other.

Author Dave Carlson writes, Recently a research project was conducted in which about 240 counseling agencies across the country were asked to identify the primary problem that their counselors encountered. It was reported that almost 80 percent of the problems brought to the agencies concerning marriage and family life had to do with communication... [1]

So, if communication is the No. 1 problem for families, let’s tackle it this morning. On the one hand, communication can be a very complex issue. Ninety-three percent of our communication comes not from our words, but from our facial expressions, posture, vocal inflections and other non-verbals. On the other hand, it can be a very simple issue: Communicating really only has to involve two people and two messages. I send one; you receive it and send another back to me, and I receive it. If we hear each other correctly, we’ve communicated.

What I’ve discovered is it’s not so much that communication is difficult in the family today, as that it’s LACKING. We don’t do enough of it.

Author Tim Hansel suggests that if you’re married, you should spend at least 15 minutes a day communicating with your spouse.[2] If this seems like a challenge, Dr. Willard Harley suggests if you’re married, you should spend at least 15 hours a week communicating with your spouse.[3] This is how much time you spent while courting them, so if you’re going to stay in love, you have to do the things that made you fall in love in the first place.

Choose either time-frame, and you end up with the same principle: Strong family members spend time with each other. But, like Jake’s dad in the movie, we tend to concentrate on the things on our to-do list and assume everyone around us is doing OK unless they take the initiative to let us know otherwise.

What this means is, if you are going to be a strong member of a strong family, you are going to have to find time to pay attention to the people you love.

Let me show you a great picture of this. Turn in your Bibles to John 9. This is the story of a man who was born blind. Blind people back then were unemployable, so this man had spent his whole life begging. Just listen to what Jesus does when He sees the man. (Read John 9:1-11.)

Most people who read this story agree that this is a story demonstrating Jesus’ power and compassion. But if you look a little deeper, it’s also a story of how three different groups of people look at a blind man in three different ways.

Let me read the first sentence to you again: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.” What’s the first thing that Jesus did when He encountered the blind man? He SAW him. He looked at him.

When the disciples looked at the man, they didn’t really see a man; they saw a theology lesson. In that day, it was believed that if someone was born with a physical handicap, it was probably their fault or their parents’ fault. So Jesus looked at the person, and the disciples looked at the potential object lesson.

The third group of people was the man’s neighbors. They never really saw this man at all. The text doesn’t tell us how old he was, only that he was “a man,” so he must have been fully grown. People didn’t move too often in that day, so these neighbors had probably lived next to this man for 15 or 20 years or more. Yet they had looked at him so infrequently that, after he was healed, they weren’t even sure if he was their neighbor. They even have a little debate about it, with some saying he was and some saying he wasn’t. Even when he says, “I am the man” (which was the first time that phrase had been uttered in human history—others who came later who were more attentive would have said, “You the man”). But these people aren’t sure if he is “the man” or not.

Of all the people who encountered the blind man, only Jesus “saw” him. Only Jesus “paid attention” to him. That’s an interesting phrase, isn’t it? People’s attention is so valuable that we attach a cost to it. We don’t “do” attention, and we don’t “make” attention. We “PAY” attention.

And this is the first and very simplistic thing you need to do if you are going to be a strong family member:

Strong Family Members…

1. Pay the Price to Pay Attention to Each Other.

This is both easy and hard to do. I read once that when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president, he got tired of smiling that big smile of his and saying the usual things at all those White House receptions, so one evening he decided to find out whether anybody was really paying attention to him. At the next reception, as each person came up to him with an extended hand, he flashed his big smile and said, “I murdered my grandmother this morning.” People would automatically respond with comments like, “How nice!” Or, “Just keep up the great work you’re doing.” Nobody listened to what he was saying, except one foreign diplomat. When the President said to him, “I murdered my grandmother this morning,” the diplomat responded softly, “I’m sure she had it coming to her.”

How often do we sit around the breakfast table, reading the newspaper and tuning out everyone around us? Here’s an idea: Tomorrow morning, spend a few minutes looking out the window, appreciating what God has made, and then turn around and spend a few minutes looking in your house at who God has made. Really experience the pure joy of being in relationship with them.

In v. 4 of this passage, Jesus says, (John 9:4). What does that mean? I think Jesus is saying, “You now have an extraordinary opportunity. But the opportunity is limited. Like the daytime, it will not last forever.” It is possible to miss the wonders taking place around you —and most of those wonders have to do with the people you love. Jake’s dad missed his basketball games; in fact, he almost missed the entire basketball season. Now, I know there is work to be done, but what’s the point of being a family if we don’t pay attention to each other?

This leads me to a second key to communication:

Strong Family Members…

2. Ask Great Questions.

Read through other stories about Jesus sometime and you’ll see that He was not only a good speaker; He was a great question-asker. In John 1, instead of focusing on Himself, the Bible says He turned to the men following Him and asked, “What do you want?” (John 1:37) This might seem like an obvious question, but how often do we ask those we love, “What do you want?”

Not too long after that, Jesus was walking through the region of Samaria when He came to a well. There was a woman getting water there, and it was awkward for men and women to talk to each other if they weren’t married back then, so Jesus broke the ice by asking, “Will you give me a drink of water?” (John 4:7) From that simple question, a great conversation began.

One chapter later, it says that Jesus was walking by a pool of water in Jerusalem when He came to a crippled man, so He asked him a question. Now, if you came across a crippled man sitting by a pool of water, what would you ask him? Jesus starts with a simple, easy-to-answer question: “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:6)

One chapter further, Jesus is teaching a large crowd on a hillside when He realizes that they’re all getting hungry. Instead of just telling the disciples what to do, He asks them a question: “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (John 6:5)

Think through some of the best conversations you’ve ever had, where you felt really connected to and known by the person you were talking with. I’m guessing the reason the conversation went well and went deep is because they asked good questions.

We ought to get so good at this that we start a collection of questions. On the back of your Message Notes, I’ve given you a running start. You can use this list of questions around the lunch or dinner table. One of the questions is called “High/Low,” where everyone at the table gets a chance to answer the question, “What was the high point of your day and what was the low point?” This question takes us down to a feeling level, and feelings are where connections begin.

So let’s talk about really communicating for a minute. Write this down. There are five levels of communication.

1. Facts — You know what those are. “It’s 80 degrees and sunny today.” (This doesn’t really connect us.)

2. Events — “The San Antonio Spurs played a great game yesterday.” A little more stimulating, but nothing deep is really exchanged between us.

3. People — “Susie just had a facelift.” (That could stir up some conversation.) “John hates Republicans.” “Bill got a new job.” These are much more engaging.

4. Ideas — “I believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son and Savior of the world.” Say that to someone, and suddenly you’re sharing some very stimulating material. The conversation can go deep or it can get heated, but ideas are exchanged and we share much more of ourselves in it.

5. Feelings — “I’m hurt today.” “I’m tired.” “I’m happy, bored, jealous, excited.” This is where we live. This is where it gets deep.

So a good question to ask a loved one when they describe a fact, event, person, or idea is, “And how do you feel about that?”

Can you see how communication is complex, but also pretty simple? The most engaging people you know are people who are good at asking questions.

There’s a third strength possessed by strong family members.

Strong Family Members…

3. Know That Loving Means Listening. God gave us all two ears and one mouth, because we should do twice as much listening as we do speaking.

One of the greatest verses on the family in the entire Bible is James 1:19, (James 1:19)

Notice the one quick and two slows. Be quick to listen. How often do we speak so quickly that we don’t even listen to the end of our friend’s sentences? While they’re speaking, we’re already thinking about what we want to say in response. Remember the one quick and two slows: Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry.

The other day, I read about a 95-year-old man who was on his deathbed, he smelled his favorite smell: freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. With his last breath, he dragged himself out of bed, crawled into the kitchen, raised himself off the floor and extended his hand toward the cookie tray. He said, “Oh, Martha, you baked my favorites! Chocolate chip cookies!” As he was reaching for one, she slapped his hand and said, “Get away from there. Those are for the funeral; you can’t have them!”

Sometimes we’re so focused on what we think that we forget to think about the other person and their situation. Listening to another person talk about their feelings is a great gift of love.

“Quick to listen, slow to speak” can save a lot of sorrow and a lot of mix-up.

One more.

Strong Family Members…

4. Communicate Love Through Touch.

Years ago, in a classic work called Peoplemaking, psychologist Virginia Satir said that it takes eight meaningful touches a day to maintain mental health, and 12 touches a day to grow. Sometimes the best way to communicate love is to put your hand on someone’s shoulder, touch their elbow or rub their back.

One of my favorite stories of Jesus is in Mark 1, when Jesus meets a man with leprosy. It says, (Mark 1:40-41)

The reason this story is one of my favorites is because Jesus touched the man, and then He healed him. From the day he had been diagnosed with leprosy until this day, the man had known no physical human contact. Jesus knew the man needed a touch more than he needed healing. So, at the risk of contracting leprosy Himself, Jesus touched the man while he was still sick—and then He healed him. Jesus knew the power of touch.

I’m going to suggest some things to you today as we begin working on improving the quality of our families. Write these down somewhere and think of them as your…

Family Assignment:

1. Develop a habit of touching with your family. Touch first thing in the morning, touch before you leave the house, touch when you get home. That’s three. To get to eight, you’re going to have to go deeper. To get to 12, well, unless you’re planning to count petting the cat, you’ve got some work to do. It doesn’t have to be a big deal, just a touch.

2. Spend some time paying attention to every member of the family each day. It won’t always be possible, but try for a few one-on-one minutes. How about starting with 60 seconds per day? Could you do that? If it’s more than you’re doing now, it’s moving forward. Whatever you do, try to take a step forward.

3. Ask at least one good question every day. Become an expert at this. Then, after you ask your question…

4. Listen quickly and speak slowly.

5. Every Sunday, ask every member of your family, “What did you learn today?” And then really listen to the answer.

While there are times (like this one) when we hope no one knows us, deep inside we all want to know and be known by those we love. With a little effort and creativity, we can achieve both.

Do you receive this teaching? Will you put it into practice?

[1] Jay Kesler, ed., Parents and Children (Victor Books, 1987), p. 57.

[2] Ibid, p. 55.

[3] Willard Harley, His Needs, Her Needs, (Fleming H. Revell, 1994), p. 71.

Be Still and Know…

January 29, 2012

I’m reminded this morning a little of the movie from several years back now, “Castaway” with Tom Hanks. In that movie, due to a FedEx airplane accident, Hanks’ character finds himself stranded alone on a deserted island with his only companion being a volleyball he named “Wilson”. As we see him progress for hours, days, weeks, months and even years, we find him becoming a much different person.

Much of this is due to the fact that his world is different than it was: No more modern conveniences, No more hustle and bustle / stress, No more noise, No more companionship. Yet, to a great degree, he is changed for the better, He comes to realize the unimportance of some things. He comes to know himself in a much deeper way than he could have with those things. What Hanks’ character goes through is, in a sense, what every believer who longs to be a disciple of Christ needs to go through from time to time. We need to go through regular, even weekly or daily, periods of silence and solitude. We just need to be still and be with God. This is a spiritual discipline that can help all of us as we grow in our relationship with God as His disciples.

Psalms 46:10-11

Why is it hard to be Still?

SILENCE
Noises abound in our world. Dogs howling, Airplanes flying overhead, Cars and trucks whizzing by. Keith Drury said, “Silence is abstaining from sound in order to open our spiritual ears and listen more closely to the voice of God”.

The Abundance Of Sound Clutter - Too much talking
Q: Have you ever known somewhat that spoke very little, but when they did you knew to listen because it was likely to be very important? There are actually few of those people around. Speech and communication is the rule of the day. We can’t even escape it anymore when we’re alone because of the prevalence of cell phones.

Background noise
1. Imposed-Those we have no control over, Planes overhead, Cars on the street, People in public places, The natural world, Elevator music
2. Self-inflicted-Turning on the TV as soon as we come in the house, Keeping the radio up in the car, Participating in boisterous activities, Sporting events, Going to public places / shopping

Yet, silence is not something we desire in our society. We fill every moment with noise, The radio, TV, Communication, Power tools / motors. But the Bible holds silence, solitude and just being still in high value. There is certainly a time for being still.
-Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7

Why do we resist being still in quiet and solitude?
A. Fear of loneliness
B. Fear of seeing ourselves clearly
C. Fear of seeing God clearly
            -His greatness
            -His holiness
            -And we don’t like what we see

What we can hear when we are Still.

The Softness Of The Voice of God - Often He speaks in whispers.I Kings 19:11-12.God’s Revelation to Elijah

Often in silence we come to know Him better - Psalm 46:10a
-It’s a reward to hear Him, Because His words are valuable, Because they have life-changing implications. What are the benefits of being Still?

Hebrews 11:6 “… He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

The Benefits Of being still - Hearing God’s voice: Words of love, Words of comfort, Words of guidance, Words of correction.
We have a Need For Solitude
A. It helps to draw us closer to God-And keeps us there.
B. It improves our appreciation for our companions -“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Improving other disciplines-It paves the way for us to be more submissive to God and for the other spiritual disciplines to have greater effect in our lives.

Wisdom Seeks God - Psalm 14:2

There could be a large life-changing decision looming. It may relate to the timing in having kids, the opportunity for a move and a new job, the sale of a business, a spiritual commitment, graduate school or treatment options related to a health issue. The Lord looks down from heaven for wise ones who will seek Him for the best answers. He doesn’t look down with disdain, but with determined love, compassion and insight.

The Lord seeks out those who seek Him. He gazes all over the globe in one grand glance ready to grant grace and truth to trusting souls. He looks for the once zealous Christ follower and entreats him or her to come back to the basics of belief. He watches for the wise that hail from humble circumstances or the learned who want to lean into the Lord. He looks to unleash His love, dispense discernment and convert sinners to saints.

1 Samuel 16:7

So, do you first seek your heavenly Father for divine direction? Is Christ central in making your decisions? If so, you will discover God’s best in God’s time. But you cannot rush the revelation of God’s will for your life. Jesus wants you to know Him deeper, before He leads you further. Clarity comes in intimacy.

Maybe you pray, “Lord what would you have for me in this season of life?” Wisdom prays and then listens to the Lord’s still small voice. His will is a series of small steps in obedience that begin today. Do the next right thing, and then watch Him bring His will together like a beautiful work of art composed of a 1,000 brush strokes. You are wise to seek the Wisest One—Jesus—first in simple salvation and second as a faithful follower.

Deuteronomy 22:39

What area of my life requires me to patiently seek the Lord for wisdom and clarity?

EXAMPLE = What will we Know: Ps. 46:10-11 Many times-A person is searching for the will of God in their life. They have Ambitions, Goals, and Dreams. Question is What Am I to do with My life. Answer---God has a Plan for each Life--Be Still and Know that God will Reveal His Plan at the Right Time.

Many Times--Problems arise, delays come, detour signs appear. We Worry How are We going to Accomplish Our Goals. Answer---God Specializes in Miracles IF WE GIVE IT TO HIM. Just Like Moses and Israel at the Red Sea--STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF THE LORD!

The first phrase of Verse 10 is important. It is about the hardest thing a person can do. We are prone to talk, to defend ourselves, to justify our failures, and to condone our defeats. But the Psalm is clear, "Be still, and know that I am God."

"Be still" means to "get quiet and sit tight." Activity is no sure sign of progress. "And know"--this is the greatest revelation that can come to any soul.

"That I am God"---Notice the Great "I am" is speaking. I AM WHATEVER YOU NEED.

PSA 46:10-11

He Is God

He will be exalted

He is with us

He is our refuge -

A Personal & Powerful Refuge--Vs. 1--"a very present help in trouble." "Trouble" literally means "in tight places." "Present help"--means right now. "Very"---means "speedily"--I thought, "How can you be better than present which means "right now". God has no problem with time you will notice it does not say "in the time of trouble." God has the help already there before the trouble arises.

C. A Permanent Refuge--Vs. 2&3 --There are Four "Thoughs" illustrating that even if the whole world is destroyed, when all the noise subsides and all the dust settles, he will still be standing because God is his refuge.

Why and how to be Still.

Why - There is certainly a scriptural call for silence
-Habakkuk 2:20, Zephaniah 1:7

SOLITUDE
Solitude is the act of getting away - From the noises of life; From the stresses of life; From the people of our lives.

It is intentional seclusion from all that seeks our attention in order to give full attention to God

Keith Drury said, “Solitude is abstaining from people contact in order to be alone with God and get closer to Him.”

Why - Jesus has given us a wonderful example of this discipline. Remember: Jesus started His ministry years with a period of 40 days of solitude in the desert. But throughout His life he would draw back by Himself to spend time alone with the Father. Each of the four gospels give us an example of it:
-Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42, John 6:15

HOW - Let me share some ideas of how you can make them happen because they go against our normal tendencies.

Make It Planned = Not necessarily what you’ll do, But when you’ll do it, and where, Pick a time and a place to be silent and find solitude
Make It Spontaneous = Little moments here and there, 5 minute time slots
Make It Focus On God = Not just your new surroundings or experiences, Take your Bible with you; Pray, pray, pray
Make It Realistic = Don’t seek to go for too long of periods too soon, Don’t expect too big of results too soon, Look for only one message from God each time.

CONCLUSION
This morning, the invitation for you is not a public one, it deals with what is done in private, It is a call to take time and be still with God. Allowing God to speak to us through these times.

We can’t know God like we should if we are running around all over the place. One of Satan’s traps is to get us so involved in activity that we have no time to be still in the presence of God.

Let me encourage you to make the decision and the commitment to make this part of your life.

Will you commit yourself to God to seek out these disciplines in your life? Will you commit to start this week?

Love Enough to Tell

January 22, 2012

Regardless of where you stand, abortion is one of the most controversial, pivotal, and emotionally charged issues of our day. Real People – Real Problems

Abortion Facts - Did you know that…1.2 to 1.4 million abortions are performed in the United States every year? That amounts to 4,000 every day, 3 every minute, 1 every 20 seconds.
…the United States has one of the highest abortion rates among developed countries?
…every fourth baby conceived in America is killed by abortion?

Today is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday and I just want to talk a little bit about how to deal with those around you on issues like this that really need to be talked about. 2 Positions: • The Pro-Abortion (Pro-choice) Position • The Anti-Abortion (Pro-life) Position

I read a quote from John Piper “If she wants her baby, it's illegal to kill it (fetal homicide). If she doesn't, it's not (abortion). What does the Bible says about life?

Sanctity of Human Life Sunday is January 22, 2012. David spoke of the wonder of God's work while being formed in his mother's womb (Psalm 139). John the Baptist lept in the womb of Elizabeth (Luke 1:41). And Mary celebrated the Messiah conceived within her by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:46-56). Human life, conceived by a miracle of God, is something to be celebrated and protected. A mother's love and heart are to be honored and respected. And God our Creator is to be worshipped and praised as the Giver of Life. Our Sanctity of Human Life page is created to help you and your church celebrate and champion the protection of human life as given by God—and to acknowledge and support those women God has chosen to give nurture and birth to the children he has given.

• How can you help someone:

• Finding MERCY. Psalm 86:5-7, 1 John 1:9

• Taking RESPONSIBILITY. Proverbs 24:11-12

• Establishing AUTHORITY. Romans 13:1-7

• Acting In TRUTH. Ephesians 4:15-18

How would you “lovingly” articulate your convictions concerning abortion if asked by someone who genuinely wanted to know? What would you say? How would you support your position?

How to Speak the Truth in Love Romans 15:14

“The best, the deepest, and the closest friends I have, or have ever had, all have one thing in common … they have each loved me enough to tell me some things about my life that no one else cared enough to tell me.” Having a conversation with a friend about something that is wrong in your life is about as fun as getting a speeding ticket. We all need people in our lives that can be honest with us and do it well.

I don’t know about you but for me to tell the truth is easy but when I need to tell the truth to someone about a sin in their life or a concern that I see it is often hard. Sometimes truth hurts and it really hurts if it is not done with love. This is the most neglected, the most misunderstood, the least practiced, and the most needed in the body of Christ.

A Critical Command: Romans 15:14 Admonishing (to instruct) one another is not judging one another. Judging is when I see something in your life that disagrees with my opinion. Admonishing (instructing) is when I see something in your life, or you see something in my life that does not agree with the Bible. I come to you or you come to me and we speak the truth because we want the best for you and all that God wants you to become.

I. Admonition – What is it?

Definition: To exert influence upon another (by life and word) to guide him / her into obedience of God’s will as revealed in Scripture. TELLING IT LIKE IT IS. Not blaming them but helping them to see if their life is in agreement with the Bible. “It consists of reminding, warning, counseling, correcting, reproving, and rebuking a person with the intention that he / she will carry it out.” Colin Brown, Dictionary of the New Testament

It is caring enough about someone to show them where their life is clearly not in line with God’s will. Saying to them that you care enough to help them through using the Word of God. If you have ever done this the wrong way you may be marked for life.

Clarification: What admonition is not!

• It is not JUDGING another’s life that does not conform to your standards. It is when you care enough to help someone.

• It is not a SUPERIOR or more spiritual person speaking down to an inferior or unspiritual person. It is equal to equal, saved sinner to saved sinner.

• It is not allowing things to remain the way they are for fear of REJECTION. The sad thing is that what we don’t go and tell when we see a marriage drifting apart, the kids doing the wrong things with the wrong people. Instead of going to the person, we go and tell someone else. That is not healthy or helpful and the Bible calls this gossip.

• It is not making GENERAL COMMENTS to a group, hoping that the one you want to hear it will catch it. We spray it and assume everyone in the room caught it including the intended receiver. Or we yell at all the kids and hope the one that really needs to be in trouble gets it.

• It is not a ONE-TIME shot and if they don’t respond, then I have done my duty. It has to be persistent and increasing in intensity if it is to be effective.

I Thessalonians 2:11-12 = a heart of love to encourage>exhort>urge (these go up in intensity)

Right about now you are probably thinking about how you can get out of doing this. I would rather be encouraging, uplifting, etc. I want you to understand that this is one of the most loving things you can do.

II. Why must we admonish one another?

• It is a COMMAND. Colossians 3:16 “;1 Thessalonians 5:14

• Because we all have “ BLIND SPOTS.” Psalm 19:12 ; Psalm 139:23-24 There are spots in your life that you don’t even see. Search me, know me reveal what you need to see.

• To become godly, holy, MATURING CHRISTIANS. Colossians 1:28-29 These three things have to happen in order for us to grow. You cannot become a mature Christian unless you can hear God speak through other people.

• It cultivates deep, LOVING RELATIONSHIPS. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 The deepest relationships will not be with the ones that are always telling you all the good things, patting you on the back and encouraging you. The deepest relationships you will have are those people that can speak the truth to you and you to them even when it is hard.

• Because sin INFECTS a believer’s life. - Where would you be if people don’t tell you the truth.

• Because we are MEMBERS of one another. Romans 12:4-5 Once someone we love crosses the line Biblically, if affects us all. Unchecked sin impacts the whole body of Christ. When sin is not dealt with it, it becomes normal. How can one out of four in the US say they are Christians. There are two reasons the US is the way it is. Either there are a lot of people lying about their relationship with Christ or they are not honestly doing what the Bible tells us. We are to be salt and light, holy, righteous examples, a called/set apart people. We are not just supposed to fall into the sins of the world because everyone else is doing it. We are not to be judgmental but to live a holy separated life. We are to love each other to do good works. It will develop deep relationships and help the body of Christ.

Why we don’t admonish one another:

Confrontation is hard. We are PEACEKEEPERS. There will come a time when it will blow up. Peacemakers put it on the table and work through it. I hate confrontation… The pain is too great when we avoid it and it grows to explosion.
We feel inadequate. LOGICALLY. If you wait until you are perfect to speak into someones life, when will you speak?
We don’t know how to do it.

I hope you realize that God can and will work through you to do this loving act of speaking to them in love.

III. Who is competent to admonish?

1. It requires a life “full of goodness” Romans 15:14

• In general terms, we are living a holy, righteous life. Matthew 7:3-5

• We must “clean up our own act” before we can help others clean up theirs. The assumption is that you will take the SPECK OUT OF THEIR EYE.

2. It requires a life “filled with knowledge” Romans 15:14 Stick to the Bible not your opinion. Use the word of God.

Areas we can admonish: False teaching - Acts 20:21; False doctrine - 2 Tim 4; Disunity in personal relationships - Phil. 4; Immoral behavior - I Cor. 5; Diligence in prayer and Bible Study; Health and well-being I Tim 4; Boldness 2 Tim 1:7-8; How to relate to the opposite sex before and after marriage – I Cor. 7; Perseverance during trials etc when people are trying to give up – II Tim 4:4; Materialism and Money – I Tim 6 ; Use or neglect of your spiritual gifts; Gossip, rumors, malicious or misleading reports - I Peter 2; Pride or arrogance in a persons life – I Cor 4; concerning loving others.

• We must be careful to admonish with regard to the absolutes of Scripture, not in areas that are extra-Biblical. It is not about your opinion, it is BLACK AND WHITE.

3. It requires a “heart filled with love” GET THIS ONE. IT is the most IMPORTANT.

• “not to shame, but as beloved children…” 1 Corinthians 4:14

• “night and day with tears …” Acts 20:31

• “as a brother …” 2 Thessalonians 3:15

• “as a father with his children …” Ephesians 6:4

IV. How to admonish – “the process”

Step #1: Examine your own life. Matthew 7:3-5

Step #2: Examine the Word. 2 Timothy 2:15 The authority is not you, it is the Bible. Read it.

Step #3: Examine your motives. 1 Corinthians 4:14 If you can’t say it in love don’t say it.

Step #4: Set a time to meet privately. Matthew 18:15

Step #5: Ask specific questions to confirm data, and disarm the situation. Don’t assume.

Step #6: Tenderly point out the sin; show them the Scripture that applies to them.

Step #7: If possible, develop a game-plan, timetable, and follow-up meeting for support and follow-through. Whenever you go in love 90% of the time the response is positive. You are to do this in love. How can you continue to help and love the person. The goal is not just to open it up and leave it.

Conclusion:

Admonition is God’s antibiotic for the church; done Biblically, it is the most loving thing you can do … for all concerned.

Is there a relationship or situation that needs my attention? Do you love them enough to help them? You could save a marriage, a persons life, a persons job if you love them enough to admonish them.I want you to let the Holy Spirit speak to you today. Is there someone you know that their lifestyle, attitude is not living within the Bible’s guidelines and are living a destructive life? You know they are on the path to distruction. It takes courage and love to be the instrument of God to approach someone on their attitude, inappropriate relationships, bad influences, how they are raising their kids etc. This is something that could go wrong but it also can destroy them if you don’t love them enough to tell them. Do you love this person enough to “speak the truth in love?”

With God’s help, I will …

 pray

 examine my life

 act _______________ (day of this week)

Our Supernatural Community

January 15, 2012

Romans 12:3-5

Introduction:

I want to give an idea of the needs that are around you. Pray for X… Every week we meet with people and they have problems and then we meet with people that want to be used by God. How do we get these two things together? I think there are a lot of needs in this body of Christ and I know there are a lot of need meeters here and they just need to get together. Like I said last week, we are all one great big puzzle and we fit together. A lot of people don’t get love or don’t get love like they should or could. There is something missing.

Why are there so many people desperately hurting and in need of love, and so many others who are so willing and wanting to give love, yet so few who actually get loved?

What’s the missing link?

⇓

6 Key Words: “You Are Members of One Another” - this is not something mystical but a reality.

Thesis: To fulfill Jesus’ command to love one another, as He loved us … demands that we understand our membership and function in “HIS SUPERNATURAL COMMUNITY.” We are the body of Christ and this is not a building, it is not some great idea. If we don’t know how and where this occurs we can’t fulfill it. I am not talking about some theory but a down to earth, real application where we live on being a Supernatural Community. This is about how in a tangible way, we get involved in each others’ lives. It is not just showing up on Sunday and saying Hi to your “friend”, but it is about really being a friend who loves and cares.

We all want authentic relationships but why is it so hard to have them.

QUESTION: You are members of a supernatural community: What makes it supernatural?

It has a supernatural ORIGIN. Acts 1:1-3

This is the beginning of the church behind the scenes. The church was planned.

The church did not begin with the disciples just sitting around thinking up something to do. Jesus was gone so “I don’t really want to fish any more do you Pete?” “Nah, hey, how about we start a church? That sounds cool and I really like the fancy buildings and stuff…” “we will just make it up as we go along, tell them some cool stuff Jesus taught and see how it goes.”

That is not how it started. Jesus gave them a supernatural command to build the church. They were given instructions to a chosen group, with proof from the Holy Spirit, and it happen in a real period of time. This is not something in theory but a real supernatural beginning. After Jesus resurrected we see this is a history of what God wanted them to do.

We all have a common origin just as we do with our families. If someone in my family is in need I will do what I can to help them because of my relationship with them. It is the same as in the family of Christ, we need to help our community of believers.

This is not some weird fuzzy idea of who we are in Christ but it is real.

It has a supernatural AGENDA. Acts 1:4-7

The kingdom of God is when people are rightly related to each other and rightly related to God and reaching out to others. What happens on a team? Some of the closest relationships you have are the ones you have on a team. When you have a mission or a goal bigger than yourself it gives you the desire to work in greater community. It is not about doing it on your own but as a part of the team. You realize you have a supernatural agenda, origin and you are on a team so you put your best into it. How do you feel about a guy that shows up to the game but never shows up to practice?

How do the people feel when they are just sitting on the bench and are not in the game? I spent my time on the bench in basketball. I know you are thinking the same as me, “what was the coach thinking, how dumb could he have been, I certainly am the best player on the team.” To be on the bench is one of the hardest things for me to do as a Christian. Subconsciously many are just sitting on the bench, yes they are a part of the team but they are not really contributing much, maybe just a yell here or there. I don’t know about you but I want to be known as being a part of God’s team. We live in a consumer oriented society. It is all about what I can get and not what I can give. I believe SALT is a giving church and we are a giving people.

A lot of us here today have been told the theories of how to be on the team but what we really want are some practical ways that we can be involved. You want to grow but you haven’t seen it really take place. How can you live a practical Christian life and not be on the sidelines anymore? How can you get into the game? We need everyone we can get to be in the game of life.

If you are someone that is involved in the church you are excited. If you aren’t that involved I want you to understand that you are a part of the Supernatural Community of Believers. As a member you are needed. You have a part that only you can fill. Lonely, and hurting people are in this community to get help from others. You may be here today and not be getting any of the benefits of being in God’s family. If that is your case then all you have to do is get into the game.

There are people here today that need your wisdom, experience, expertise, encouragement, understanding etc. But if you keep it on the bench or on the sidelines it is not available for use. So let me ask you, “Do you want to be connected, be a part?” Then you need to get involved. I know you have busy schedules, you don’t have a lot of time, but are you doing what you can to be involved? Decide to be regular, are you involved, if you are involved are you connected where you give love and receive love. You are a part of a Supernatural Community go experience what you are a part of.

Do you ever think that being a Christian should be more than just superficial but you don’t see it much? Do you want that kind of relationship? I hope you do because the real and deep relationships are what God means for us to have. He wants us to love and get love.

It has a supernatural POWER. Acts 1: 8

Do you know what Romans 8:11 tells us? The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives within us a Christians today. This is the power to overcome sins power in your life, the power to love people you don’t even like, the power to help others when you are exhausted yourself, the power to trust God even through difficult times, the power to not hide that you are a Christian even when everyone else in the office will give you a hard time for your beliefs.

The human equivalent of this is a gang. If you go to prison the likelihood of you joining a gang is high, higher and higher. Why, because if you don’t join a gang in prison you may be dead soon. This is because you are one person that is vulnerable. You have to be a part of a group to make it.

Community offers bonding through teams, it gives you a greater power. Some of you are members at City Club or Sam’s – it’s a gang. Why are we members – we have greater buying power, especially in bulk. The human groups that we belong to are important to us. There is probably nothing more important to you than your family, some sense of team or club. This is where you are giving and receiving, there is power, loyalty, and commitment. What I want you to understand is that IT IS JUST HUMAN.

When you understand that you, as a believer, are a part of a supernatural community with a supernatural origin, with a supernatural agenda and you have supernatural power it will change your life. That is the truth from the Bible but all of us would say we are not experiencing Supernatural Community like we could. So how do we get into the Body of Christ so we experience this?

QUESTION: What makes it authentic community? Three things we need to experience it…

Possessing an accurate view of ourselves.

Romans 12:3

Key word = HUMILITY (not thinking highly or lowly but accurately of who you are your strengths and weaknesses) If you know you are the best you should humbly serve and if you know your limitations you are working well in the community. Be open and vulnerable. This allows people into your life to see the real you and then you get love. When is the last time you let someone into your life.

Nurturing a healthy appreciation of others.

Romans 12:4-5a

Key word = INTERDEPENDENT We are like a puzzle and the positives and negatives go together to make a beautiful picture. If we are living in the flesh we walk in and compare, compare, compare, (clothes, cars, kids, work, intelligence, weight, and when we do this it makes us carnal. Then we project an image of what we think others want to see and it turns into a game and we pretend to be something we are not. You don’t need to be anybody else, you just need to be the person that God made you to be. You don’t have to be everything, because you are not and neither am I. This takes the pressure off.

Practicing a loyal allegiance to one another.

Romans 12:5b

Key word = COMMITMENT

People know each other because they make the effort to get to know them.

This is not a message about telling you to get involved. It is about Jesus showing us through what he did on this earth and following His lead. If you understand that you are part of a Supernatural Community, that has a Supernatural Origin, with a Supernatural Agenda and Supernatural Power, you have an accurate view of yourself and are humble, nurture and appreciate other interdependently and then have loyalty or commitment you have the power in Christ. You belong to each other and get love and give love. We need to use everything that we already possess in Christ.

Application:

No individual Christian can function effectively by himself/herself. ?are you by yourself in your spiritual life, do you have a spiritual family, can you name two or three people that you can call on at anytime to help you? These people are a quality people that know you, love you and really care about your life. If you didn’t show up here for three or four weeks who would miss you? If you don’t have someone like this, then you are missing out on the Supernatural Community that God has for you. If you are here and don’t know Christ as your personal Savior then you are not a part of the Supernatural Community, but God tells us that it is open for all. The only difference between believers and unbelievers is that those He paid the price for all, some have received the gift and some have not.

No member of the “supernatural community” is more or less important than anyone else. You are part of the team and need to discover where you belong.

We must “get connected” in real life relationships if we are to experience the reality that “we are members of one another.” We want you to be involved so you get the love. We have all these needs and we have all those that want to give love. All that needs to happen is that they get connected.

What makes us a “supernatural” community? Why is this important? What are the most common hindrances to us experiencing “real community” in our relationships? Which of those hindrances are keeping you from receiving or giving love right now? What are you going to ask God to do to help you with this hindrance?

Your Spiritual Locker

January 8, 2012

Romans 12:1-21

Do you remember when you were a kid in middle school and could not get your locker open? I remember those days that I got there and felt like someone had played a trick on me and changed the lock. It was like I had forgotten the combination or something. When there were a lot of them sometimes I would get confused. Sometimes I was even trying to open the wrong one. As a little kid I needed help. I remember this happening and being frustrated and angry that I couldn’t open the combination. I was going to be late to class and worse than that, I couldn’t get my lunch that I had already put in there.

I was “stuck,” my heart was pounding, the halls were empty, I was late for class, and I was all alone… all because I couldn’t get my locker open. Everything I needed was in my locker but I could not get it open.

Do you ever feel like you are just “stuck” spiritually? Like you are in limbo waiting for something to get going but it hasn’t happened yet? You just can’t get the door open to get what God has for your life.

I believe that is a good picture of many Christians today. They really accepted Christ, they are born again but they can’t get the locker open. They are one of God’s children and everything they need they have and don’t need anything else to live a great Christian life. The problem is that they just can’t get their Spiritual Locker open. So many times we have Jesus as the Savior of our souls but He is not the Lord of our life. God is the CEO, Master of the universe and He wants to be the same in our lives.

Today I want to give you a very, very simple summary of a lot of things you already know.

L - G56 = The only thing that matters is…. Galatians 5:6 The Christian life is a life of faith to the point that you do what you have heard from Him based on His character and trustworthiness. This makes your love for God grow and your love for other become supernatural. This is not about coming to church, keeping rules, but it is about your relationship with God the father through your faith in the resurrection of his son. Demonstrating your love for him in how you spend your time, your resources, and your devotion.

R - Q2 = Two questions to clarify your life…. There are so many things that pull us away from what really matters in life. In the Bible there were over 600 commands so the Pharisees wanted to try to trap Jesus.

Matthew 22:34-40

The only thing that really counts is faith expressing itself in love - G56. Then you have to ask yourself two questions so that you can determine where you are at spiritually at any time:

How am I loving God right now with my heart, mind, soul and strength?
Am I loving my neighbor as myself?

If the answer is Yes and Yes then you are growing.

L - R12 = How to know if you’re loving God and your neighbor…. Romans 12:1-21 READ. This is a clear picture of whether you are loving with all your heart, mind and strength.

Loving God with all your HEART involves…

Romans 12:1

• A correct motivation – You want to respond to God’s love. We love God because He first loved us. This is not about performance for God. It is about us being the object of God’s love.

• A special offering – It happens at a specific point in time.

• A specific presentation – Surrender – Lordship decision

I kind of got away from God in College. I really didn’t get things in the right perspective until I moved to Austin where I found that God was not interested in my going to church, giving, reading my Bible but that He wanted all of Damon Tripp. He wants all you are, heart, mind, body, business, bank account, relationships, your intelligence, your future, basically, everything you are. He wants you to give it to Him so He can use it and bless you. If you really want to know where someone’s heart is, look at what their body is doing.

We have a generation of Christians that say they are in love with God but they are going after other things. You might love Him with part of your heart, some of your heart, but not with all of it. In 1991 I wrote the blank check to God. It was at that time I gave it all to God. It is a lot like getting married, it takes work and you have to make decisions based on the relationship. If you want to have trouble in a marriage then act as if you are still single. The same goes with God. When you make decisions without Him you will find yourself in trouble.

Have you ever on a certain day or time surrendered EVERYTHING to God? The problem with most of us is that we are sincere but we have a hard time making the change. There is a process that has to occur.

Small groups help us to make the changes. People need to have help after making a commitment to God. For Christians to live like Christians we need community. This will help you to multiply yourself to others. We need to invest ourselves in the lives of others so they too can grow their relationship with God.

Loving God with all your MIND involves…

Romans 12:2-5

This is one of the most important passages in the whole Bible. It is telling us to Love God with all our mind. What does that mean?

• Saying “No” to the world – #1 don’t be conformed (stop allowing yourself to be molded into the worlds view of how you should live). Don’t let the world tell you how you should live.

• Saying “Yes” to the word – allow God to transform your thinking about yourself, your life, your identity, your abilities, your worth, your time, your money, your priorities, your eternity. Allow Him to transform you into what He thinks. That is what it means to transform your mind. Stop allowing the world media, movies, papers, advertisements and TV to tell you who you are to be to be someone. “you have to look like this, so buy this, you have to drive this, you have to say this, you have to own that” It is a trap.

• Thinking accurately about yourself – v. 3 - As you look at yourself, be real in what and who you are not a false humility. Say I have these strengths and they are to be used. Don’t say you are not good at something when you are, use your strengths. Know your weakness and needs realizing you have to rely on God and also the strengths that He has placed in them.

• Thinking accurately about others – v. 4 - You can’t judge people by what you see on the outside. All of us are a piece of God’s puzzle. To love God with all your mind, you will say no to all the junk in the world and realize what you have to offer and what needs you have. So we need to be open about it and allow others to help us in our needs. I need to look at others without seeing their race, color, background, financial status, etc. but to see them as a piece of the puzzle and see them as Jesus sees them. We are to build each other up in Christ.

9 out of 10 Christians according to research tells us that they are conformed to this world. 9 out of 10 don’t live like Christians but the world because we live in this world. The reason is that we feel we have to be in style, we have to do what the media is telling us is cool, you have to do this and buy that.

Loving God with all your SOUL involves…

We all have a mind and Psychologists tell us that we will be a product of our thought-life.

Tells us this is where our mind needs to be.

Phil. 4:8

How do we love God as he has made us? You are also given special gifts, backgrounds and experiences so you can fulfill His unique purpose.

Romans 12:6-8

Exercise your gifts to the greatest potential. Do you know that it would change the world if the average Christians just used their gifts? Kind of like the average NFL players putting their abilities to work. Love God with all your soul. That means you are uniquely gifted to be used by God.

• Recognizing that you are a steward, not an owner

• Knowing what spiritual gifts you possess

• Exercising your gifts to their maximum potential

Loving your neighbor as yourself begins with A SPECIFIC COMMITMENT to God’s family…

Here is an overview of what this looks like: Romans 12:9-1

LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOR IN THE BODY OF CHRIST MEANS YOU HAVE:

• Relational authenticity – love without being a hypocrite

• Personal purity – you hate what is evil

• Corporate dependency – devoted to prayer

• Genuine humility – preference to others

• Motivational integrity – serve the Lord not anyone else

• Financial sacrifice – giving to the needs of the Saints

• Proactive hospitality – really means to pursue hospitality

You cannot do what we just talked about unless you are involved in a small group of believers. That is something that has to be done in community. You have to know each other and be a part of their lives.

Loving your neighbor as yourself extends to A SPECIFIC PRACTICE toward your enemies…

Romans 12:14-21

When the early church practiced what we just talked about they changed the world.

Sometimes our locks get spiritually stuck. G56 – the only thing that really counts is faith expressing itself through love. If you are feeling a little down and confused as to what to do then Q2 – Do I love God with all my heart mind and soul, and am I loving my neighbor as myself? If you don’t know what that looks like then R12 it. Go through the chapter as many times as you need to because God wants to help you be that kind of a Christian.

Because he wants you to experience His good, pleasing, perfect will for your life He is there to help you along the way.

Opening your spiritual locker is simple;
Gal 5:6; Q2 loving God and loving others; R12living out what God has given us.

In what ways is your spiritual locker stuck? In what way did God speak to you today? What specific step of obedience do you need to take to allow your faith to express genuine love for God and others? The greatest decision you will ever make on this earth is to surrender all that you are and all that you have to Him. Let Him take control. God’s love is not based on your performance but on your relationship with Him.

Who do you need to show love to today? Do you have it in your mind? Good, now go do it today!

How To Begin Again January 1, 2012

Every year we celebrate New Year’s Day. What are you going to do this year to make it a NEW YEAR? My question today is “what are we really celebrating?” In the book of Haggai God challenged the Jews to consider their ways. God was not happy with them because they were living in luxury and the Temple was in ruins.

Haggai 1:7-8

All God really wanted from them was His Pleasure and His Glory.

Eph 1:4-5

As we think about this New Year let us think about how to make this year different. Let’s make this God’s Year. A year that we:

Focus less on ourselves and commit to the needs of others
Admit our own faults and meet others where they are at
Walk less by sight and live more by faith
That we commit to not wanting more but to give so that others can have enough
To rely less on ourselves and to trust more on God
To see our lives not as ours to live but our lives as God’s to give

In 2012 “Expect Great Things from God and Do Great Things for God” William Carey

Predetermine your Decision

(Psalm 25:4-5).

Our battles are first won or lost alone with our desires in God’s presence, never in full view of the world. The Spirit of God speaks to me and I am compelled to get alone with God and fight the battle before Him. Until I do this, I will lose every time. The battle may take one minute or one year, but that will depend on me, not God. However long it takes, I must wrestle with it alone before God.

Nothing has power over someone who has fought the battle before God made the decision and won there. I should never say, “I will wait until I get into difficult circumstances and then I’ll put God to the test.” Trying to do that will not work. I must first make the decision between God and myself in the secret places of my soul, where no one else can interfere. Then I can go ahead, knowing that the battle is won. Lose it there, and disaster, and defeat before the world are as sure as the laws of God. The reason I lose the battle is that I fight it first in the external world. Get alone with God, do battle before Him, and make the decisions prior to the encounter.

Only Use New Wineskins

(Mark 2:22)

Think about how we try to put new wine into old wineskins. Jesus says we’re doomed to failure because “the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined” (Mark 2:22). For you to become the person God wants you to be in 2012, you will have to abandon the old wineskins in your life so that God can pour himself into the wineskin of your new life-in-Christ.

This may mean, for instance, that we cannot try to pour the new wine of “honesty at work” into an old wineskin of “cutting corners.” Otherwise, “both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined.”

This year, you will have to change in order to be the person God wants you to be. Are you ready to make the changes? Do you feel the excitement of knowing God is right there with you, not just helping you change, but leading you in the change?

God wants you to succeed in 2012. What are some of the old wineskins you will need to discard as the New Year approaches?

We wrongly try to live up to the acronym of "WWJD"—What Would Jesus Do. When we try to do what Jesus did, we fail, because only Jesus could do what Jesus did. The better way is to allow Jesus to live through us and allow His grace to flow through our lives.

Every day, Giovanetti says, we wake up to a battle. But it's not the battle we think. It's not a battle against sin or even against our flesh. It's the battle inside that says "Christ can't do something in me." In other words, the key to living out the Christian life is to have a bigger faith and it's that faith that releases the grace that empowers our lives.

He encourages us to build up our soul by immersing ourselves in the Word, in community with like-minded believers, and in Biblical preaching. All that serves to build a muscular faith, a faith that works.

Focus on What God Can Do Through You

(Hebrews 6:1a)

Although God does the heavy lifting in our transformation to Christ-likeness, we still bear the responsibility to keep discipline part of discipleship.

Therefore, we no longer run aimlessly; we have the sizeable objective of becoming just like Jesus. And so, as the Apostle Paul describes it, we beat our bodies into submission as we press on toward our objective (1 Corinthians 9:26–27).

But, as we’re beating discipline into our thoughts and behavior, we too often slip into beating ourselves up over the inability to do the things we ought to do (Romans 7:16–25).

Here’s the thing: Becoming like Jesus is difficult enough without this “Try harder!” mentality we force upon ourselves. It sucks us into a cycle of “I must do better,” “I ought to pray more,” and “I should be spiritually more mature by now.” We’re left feeling defeated, and that pushes us further into our cycle of trying harder to measure up to God’s standards.

But can you see that this keeps us focused on ourselves and on the things we can’t do?

God wants us focused on the things he can do through us. He wants us to know that, having begun a good work in us, he “will carry it on to completion” until we see Jesus face-to-face (Philippians 1:6 ).

Paul, ever the exhorter, says we’re to push toward the ideal, but these standards were never meant as imperative “ought-to” statements demanding immediate perfection from us. Perhaps more than any one of us, Paul understands our desperate need for God’s grace.

Our objective is to make every effort to mature into believers who think and act just like Jesus. We may slip, we may fail horribly, but we press on to take hold of the abundant life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Philippians 3:12).

Don’t Put Jesus First.

I have one piece of advice for you as we start out this New Year: Don’t put Jesus first this year.

Yes, you read that correctly. Before you label me a heretic, let me explain. I imagine that many of you are going through a similar process as me right now of setting and resetting your priorities. Personally, I love this time of year. I’m a very goal-oriented individual, and I’ve found that reprioritizing and recalibrating your life is an indispensable activity if you really want to actualize your potential.

And here’s what it usually looks like. We start by putting Jesus at the top. Then family. Then maybe career. And so on. So our priorities look something like this:

Jesus/God 2. Family 3. Church 4. Career

Looks good. However, I’ve found that this isn’t very effective when you get down to the grind of everyday life. For example, what does it even mean to put Jesus before my family? Do I ignore my family to spend more time with Jesus? Or with your career, do you stop working to put Jesus first?

The essential problem with this approach is that it segregates the different priorities of life. You end up removing Jesus from where you spend the majority of your time and putting Him on an island by Himself. The biggest island maybe, but an island nonetheless.

I don’t think this is the way it was ever supposed to work. Colossians 1:15-20 repeatedly tells us that Jesus is first before and over everything. But it also says that all things were created through and for Him. That in Him all things hold together. That the goal of the cross was to reconcile all things to Himself.

So Jesus is first. He is first in order. He is first in importance. But He is so because He is the center of everything.

That’s what He should be in your life. And consequently, the thing that is at the center of your life is the thing that is ultimately first in your life.

This year, instead of worrying about putting Jesus first in your life, what if you concentrated on making Him the center of every area of your life? Not just the top priority in front of every other priority, but the top priority in every priority?

Not Jesus, then my family. But Jesus in my family.
Not Jesus, then my career. But Jesus in my career.

We’d probably be a lot more successful in actually keeping Jesus at the top spot on our list. And we’d be much more likely to do an exponentially greater job at accomplishing our other goals and maintaining our priorities.

CONCLUSION:

On a rainy afternoon in 1940, a fifteen-year-old dreamer named John Goddard pulled out a piece of paper and wrote My Life List at the top of it. In one afternoon, he wrote down 127 life goals. By the time he had turned fifty, John Goddard had accomplished 108 of his 127 goals. And they were no garden-variety goals.

Milk a poisonous snake, Skin dive to 40 feet and hold breath 2 ½ minutes underwater, Learn Jujitsu, Study primitive culture in Borneo, Land on and take off from an aircraft carrier, Run a mile in five minutes, Go on a church missions trip, Retrace the travels of Marco Polo and Alexander the Great, Learn French, Spanish, and Arabic, Play the flute and violin, Photograph Victoria Falls in Rhodesia, Light a match with a .22 rifle, Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Build a telescope, Read the Bible from cover to cover, Circumnavigate the globe, Visit the birthplace of Grandfather Sorenson in Denmark, & Publish an article in National Geographic magazine

John Goddard has not accomplished every goal he set. He never climbed Mount Everest, and his quest to visit every country in the world fell a few countries short. There were also some disappointments along the way. His goal of studying dragon lizards on Komodo Island was thwarted when his boat broke down twenty miles offshore. So Goddard hasn’t accomplished all of his goals, but I doubt that he would have accomplished half of what he has if he hadn’t set the goals in the first place. After all, you’ll never achieve the goals you don’t set.

We need supernatural help from God. There is no natural love, natural patience, natural purity etc. that can ever meet God’s standards. We are by nature sinners. So in order for us to reach God’s goals for us we need His help. Stop trying to do it yourself and let God reach these goals through you.

Walls between Us and the Manger

Dec 24, 2011

Most of us have walls between our hearts and the manger. What if we tore down those walls this Christmas, and simply adored the Christ child? My question today is this – “What is holding you back from really worshipping the Christ Child? Jesus came for us!

No walls but an open door

I have come that they may have life, and live life to the fullest.

I heard a story about a woman who was doing her last-minute Christmas shopping at a crowded mall. She was tired of fighting the crowds. She was tired of standing in lines. She was tired of fighting her way down long aisles looking for a gift that had sold out days before. Her arms were full of bulky packages when the Elevator door opened. It was full.

The occupants of the Elevator grudgingly tightened ranks to allow a small space for her and her load. As the doors closed she blurted out, “Whoever is responsible for this whole Christmas thing ought to be arrested, strung up, and shot!” A few others nodded their heads or grunted in agreement. Then, from somewhere in the back of the elevator came a single voice that said, “Don’t worry. They already crucified him.”

If you gave me a Christmas gift and I never opened it, you would be disappointed. And it would be a worthless gift, because I don’t receive the benefit of a gift I never opened.

Jesus Christ is God’s Christmas gift to you. Yet some of us have gone Christmas after Christmas and never opened the best gift of all: God’s gift of salvation. Why even celebrate Christmas if you’re not going to open the biggest gift? It doesn’t make sense to leave unwrapped the gift of your past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in Heaven.

Jesus Christ says to you, “I can replace the frustration in your heart with peace. I can replace the guilt, resentment, shame, and grudges with forgiveness. I can replace the worry and anxiety with confidence and faith. I can replace depression or despair with hope. I can replace emptiness with meaning and purpose. I can replace confusion with clarity. But I’m not going to break down the door of your heart. You have to invite me in.

“It makes no difference who you are or where you’re from. If you want me and you are ready to do as I say, the door is open.”

It doesn’t matter what your religious background is – Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Mormon, Buddhist, Baptist, Hindu, or no religion. This is not about religion. God didn’t send Jesus to give you religion. He sent him so you could have a personal relationship with God. It’s all about relationship.

We need to remember who is responsible for the whole Christmas thing. It is all about how God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son so that whosoever believes in Him might have eternal life. John 3:16

Our walls

I am Faking it – What is really going on inside you?

I Am Self-righteous - Judgmental

I Am Scared – Afraid to REALLY trust God

I Am Playing Religion – my culture, my family, it is what is expected after all, I am a good person.

We all have REASONS.

I Am Abandoned and Judged – I don’t feel accepted for who God made me or I am judged by my past.

I Am Lonely – I don’t fit in and don’t feel like even God will accept me.

I Am Struggling with God – I blame God, I just don’t understand why …

I Am Addicted – I need help but can’t find it in this world

We all have reasons to put up walls between ourselves and the manger…

I Am Beyond Redemption – I am so unworthy

I Am Self-Condemned & have Regrets – I cannot be forgiven, I can’t get past what I did.

What would Christmas look like if we tore down these walls?

Take down the walls and open the door

Can you say, “I am tired of living like this”?“I am desperate for a change this year”?

“Open the door and I will come in…”

(Romans 7:24)

Have you figured out yet that a lot of times you are your own worst enemy? It’s your own reactions, your own fears, your own inadequacies that cause you to act in foolish ways. I know that’s true for me.

I need to be saved from myself because there are things I don’t like about me, things I wish I had done differently, things I’d like to change. But I can’t change them, not on my own power. I need an outside power source.

You may be saying, “I can change.” I hate to say this, but you can’t. In January, you’re going to make a list of New Year’s resolutions. And, by the end of January, that list will be in the trash. Why? Because you can’t change on your own; you need God’s power. You need a Savior; someone who can make the changes you can’t make yourself.

Let me make an important point here: God never wastes energy. He doesn’t waste effort on things that are unnecessary. In other words, if you didn’t need a Savior, he wouldn’t have sent one. The very fact that God sent a Savior means you need one.

The truth is, if you are honest about it, sometimes you feel like your life is out of control. That’s a pretty common feeling. Welcome to the human race!

The apostle Paul felt that way 2,000 years ago. Paul says this in the Bible: I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does (Romans 7:24-25).That’s the answer!

Let me be honest with you. You may be looking for salvation in the wrong places; that’s why you’re frustrated. You’re looking for that one thing that’s going to give you fulfillment and meaning and peace in life.

Some of us think that if we could just get married, or if we could just get a certain job, or a promotion, or attain a certain level of wealth, or have a baby — or if our babies would grow up and graduate! — things would be great.

You’re looking in the wrong places.

A lot of people are looking for salvation in a self-help book. Or they’re looking for it in therapy or in a fad or diet. Or they’re looking for it in a vacation: “If I could just escape to Tahiti, everything would be great.” The problem is that if you go to Tahiti, you’re taking you with you!

The answer is not in a place. It’s not in a program or a pill. The answer is a person: Jesus Christ. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life is never going to make sense.

How would your life change if you fully accepted your dependence upon Jesus? What would a “fully accepting” faith look like?

No wall relationship

What would your life look like if you did not have anything between you and God.You had a great relationship with Him and nothing dampened your time together.You are open, sharing, trusting and faithful.You are totally dependent upon Him.You are invited this Christmas to approach and adore the Christ Child with no walls.

(Philippians 4:7)

Once you make peace with God, that’s spiritual peace. Then you get the peace of God in your heart, and that’s emotional peace.

This is the one you really need for daily living. The peace of God happens in your heart when you’ve made peace with God. All of a sudden, the stress in your life goes down. You’re not as angry as you used to be. Things don’t bother you as much. You’re a lot more patient. You’re filled with a lot more love and peace.

Why? Because once you have peace with God, you have the peace of God in your heart.

The Bible says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything”. You have choices in life: You can pray or panic, worship or worry. Worry has never solved a single one of your problems. If you prayed as much as you worry, you would have a lot less to worry about! Prayer can change things. That’s why the Bible says, “Don’t worry. Pray!”

(Ephesians 2:8-9)

God says, “I will give you my grace.” What is grace? It’s when God gives you what you need — not what you deserve. Grace is when God says, “I’m going to take your problem and make it my problem.” Grace is God’s Riches given to you At Christ’s Expense.

In other words, you can’t earn your way to heaven. You can’t work your way in. It’s just a gift.

Did you know that’s why we give gifts at Christmas? Because that’s when God gave the gift of his Son to you, by grace. We give gifts because God gave us the greatest gift at Christmas.

Every lifeguard knows you can’t save someone as long as they are trying to save themselves. If somebody is drowning and flailing around in panic, a lifeguard knows to just stay back for a few seconds and wait until they give up. Because if you try to save them while they’re trying to save themselves, they will pull you under, too.

When they finally give up and relax, you put your arm around them and just swim back to shore. It’s really quite easy.

God wants to save you. Jesus Christ wants to save you from your hurts, your habits, and your hang-ups. He wants to save you for his purpose and by his grace. But you have to quit trying to do it yourself. You have to relax. You need to let go and let God be God

Why The Manger?

Dec 18, 2011

There is one character in the original Christmas story that we can easily identify with — the Bethlehem innkeeper. His inn is mentioned in the Christmas story but we are not told his name. There is just this one phrase in Luke 2:7 — "because there was no room for them in the inn."

It was not surprising that there was no room in the Bethlehem Inn for the holy family. Because of this Roman census or registration, everybody had to return to his hometown and be counted. Bethlehem's great claim to fame was that it was the home of King David. So, everybody who claimed King David as an ancestor (and there were thousands) returned to Bethlehem.

Usually in Christmas plays, the Bethlehem innkeeper is cast as something of a villain. We imagine some hard-hearted Scrooge so intent on money-making that he forgets all about hospitality.

I heard about a Jewish lady named Mrs. Rosenberg who some years ago tried to get a room at a very exclusive hotel on Cape Cod. This particular hotel was run by some haughty Protestants from Boston, and it excluded Jews. So, when Mrs. Rosenberg gave her name to the desk clerk, he said, "Sorry, we're all booked up." "But," she said, "You have a vacancy sign out front." The clerk stammered a bit and finally confessed, "Sorry, but we don't cater to Jewish persons." Mrs. Rosenberg stiffened noticeably and then said, "It may surprise you to know that I have converted to Christianity." "Is that so?" responded the clerk. "Let me give you a bit of a test. Where was Jesus born?" "In a stable in Bethlehem," she replied. "Who were his parents?" "Mary and Joseph," she answered. "Why was he born in a stable?" he asked. Rather loudly Mrs. Rosenberg replied, "Because a jerk like you wouldn't give a Jewish lady a room for the night."

It is doubtful that the Bethlehem innkeeper was an excluder. There is no reason to believe that he was a bad fellow at all. He was just very busy, taking care of his customers, making change in various currencies, and keeping peace among the guests. Privacy was minimal and I'm sure there were some guests who snored. The tragedy is that when the most important birth in human history took place in his backyard, he missed it entirely. Not because he was bad; he was just too busy.

Augustus had to tax the people; so it was mandatory that everyone return to his home town so Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethleham. Jesus Christ is born there and we find that proved he was a descent from David which was prophesied in the Bible. God is a detailed god and has everything in order.

When all the people who were decendants of David went to Bethlehem, the little town ran out of room. I am sure that friends took in their friends till their houses were all full, but Joseph didn’t have any family or friends with room. There was a place call caravanserai, which was provided in every village, where free housing was given to travelers; this, too, was full, because they had to travel a long way and slowly, getting them there late in the day. The rooms in the great brick square were already occupied with families; there was no better lodging, even for a pregnant woman in labor, than one of the places set aside to feed the animals. The stall of the donkey was the only place where the child could be born. They probably hung a curtain in front of it, and maybe tied the animals up outside: and there, in the stable, was the King of Glory born and in the manger he was laid.

This morning I want to take you to the stable at Bethlehem, so you can see this great sight - the Savior in the manger, and think over the reason for this lowly birth -"because there was no room for them in the inn."

REASONS WHY CHRIST SHOULD BE LAID IN THE MANGER

To show his humiliation.

He came, according to prophecy, to be "despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;" he was to be "without form or comeliness," "a root out of a dry ground." Would it have been right that the man who was to die naked on the cross should be robed in purple at his birth? Would it not have been inappropriate that the Redeemer who was to be buried in a borrowed tomb should be born anywhere but in the humblest manger, and housed anywhere but in the most un-noble manner?

The manger and the cross stand at the two extremities of the Savior's earthly life. He wore normal clothing; he associated with fishermen; the normal and even poor were his disciples; the cold mountains were often his only bed; he said, "Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head;" nothing, therefore, could he more fitting than that in his season of humiliation, when he laid aside all his glory, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and lowered Himself even to the lowest estate, and be laid in a manger.

To Show His Availability

By being in a manger he was declared to be the king of the poor. They, doubtless, were at once able to recognize his relationship to them, from the position in which they found him. I believe it excited feelings of kindness in the minds of the shepherds, when the angel said — "This shall be a sign unto you; you shall find the child wrapped in swaddling-clothes and lying in a manger."

I think I hear the shepherds comment on the manger-birth, "Ah!" said one to his fellow, "then he will not be like Herod the tyrant; he will remember the manger and feel for the poor; poor helpless infant, I feel a love for him even now, what miserable accommodation this cold world gives its Savior; it is not a Caesar that is born to-day; he will never trample down our fields with his armies, or slaughter our flocks for himself, he will be the poor man's friend, the people's king; according to the words of our shepherd-king, he shall judge the poor of the people; he shall save the children of the needy." Surely the shepherds, understood immediately that here was the king; noble in descent, just as the Bible called him, "one chosen out of the people."

To Show His Acceptance.

He gives an invitation to the most humble to come to him. We might tremble to approach a throne, but we cannot fear to approach a manger. Never could there be a person more approachable than Christ. No rough guards pushed people away; no group of official friends were allowed to keep away the poor widow or the man begged that his son would be healed; the hem of his garment was always trailing where sick people could reach it, and he himself had a hand always ready to heal the disease, an ear to catch the lightest sound of misery, a soul going forth everywhere with mercy. By being laid in a manger he proved to be a priest taken from among men, one who suffered like everyone else, and one who can be touched with a feeling of our infirmities. The Bible said, "He doth eat and drink with publicans and sinners;" "this man receiveth sinners and eateth with them."

Even as an infant, by being laid in a manger, he was the sinner's friend. Come to him, all that are weary and heavy-laden! Come to him, all that are broken in spirit, all who are weary in your soul! Come to him, all that despise themselves and are despised of others! Come to him, publican and harlot! Come to him, thief and drunkard! In the manger there he lies, available for your touch and unprotected from your look. Bow your knee, and kiss the Son of God; accept him as your Savior, because he put himself into that manger so that you may approach him. The throne of Solomon might awe you, but the manger of the Son of David will invite you.

To Show The Gift is Free to All.

You remember, that this place was free to all; it was an inn, and remember the inn in this case was not like our hotels, where room and food must be paid for. In the early and simple ages of the world every man considered it an honor to entertain a stranger; afterwards, as travelling became more common, many desired to shift the honor and pleasure upon their neighbors. Still, one person was chosen in each town and village, and was expected to entertain strangers in the name of the town; but, as the time became more complicated, and the pure light of brotherly love dimmed, the only provision made was the building, arranged in rooms for the travelers, and with lower floors for the animals, with some water and in some cases straw for the cattle, the traveler made himself as comfortable as he could. He didn’t have to pay to stay at the caravanserai, because it was free, and especially the stable.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was born in the stable of the inn to show how free He is to everyone. The Gospel is preached to every creature and leaves out no one.

Class exclusions are unknown here, and the privileges of status are not acknowledged. No forms of etiquette are required in entering a stable; it cannot be an offense to enter the stable of a public caravanserai. So, if you want to come to Christ you can come to him just as you are; you can come now. Whoever has the desire in his heart to trust Christ is free to do it. Jesus is free to you; he will receive you; he will welcome you with joy, and to show this, I think, the young child was born in a manger.

We know that sinners often imagine that they are shut out. Often the convicted conscience will say bad things against itself and not see itself worthy of Mercy. If God did not shut you out, do not shut yourself out. I hope you understand that -"He is able to save unto the uttermost them that come unto God by him." Believe that promise; come to Christ in the strength and faith of it, and you will find him free to everyone.

To Show ALL can come to Him.

It was at the manger that the animals were fed; and why does the Savior lie where tired animals receive their food? There are some men who have become so brutal through sin, so destroyed by their lusts, that to their own consciences everything human has left, but even to them, the Great Physician, will apply His remedy for sin . . . .

I believe our Lord was laid in the manger where the beasts were fed, to show that even animal-like men may come to him and live. No person can be so bad that Christ cannot save it. Fall it may, and seem to fall most certainly to hell, but the long and strong arm of Christ can reach it even in its most desperate situation; he can bring it up from apparently hopeless ruin. If there is someone who came in here this morning that society hates, and who hates himself, my Master in the stable with the beasts is able to save the vilest of the vile, and to accept the worst of the worst even now. Believe on him and he will make you a new creature.

To Show Our Need of Christ.

But as Christ was laid where animals were fed, remember that after he was gone animals fed there again. It was only his presence that brought glory to the manger, and here we learn that if Christ were taken away, the world would go back to its former heathen darkness. Civilization itself would die out if the religion of Jesus could be extinguished. If Christ were taken away from the human heart, the most holy would become sinful again, and those who claim kinship with angels would soon prove that they have relationship to devils. The manger, would be a manger for animals still, if the Lord of Glory were withdrawn, and we should go back to our sins and our lusts if Christ took away his grace and left us to ourselves. For the reasons we talked about, I think Christ was laid in a manger.

Conclusion: DO YOU HAVE ROOM FOR CHRIST? The palace and the inn had no room for Christ, but do you have room for Christ? "Well," you say, "I have room for him, but I am not worthy that he should come to me." Ah! I didn’t ask about worthiness; do you have room for him? "Oh," you say, "I have an empty void the world can never fill!" Ah! I see you do have room for him. "Oh! but the room I have in my heart is so dirty!" So was the manger. "But it is so despicable!" So was the manger a thing to be despised. "Ah! but my heart is so foul!" "Oh! but I feel it is a place not at all fit for Christ!" Niether was the manger a place fit for him, and yet there was he laid." Oh! but I have been such a sinner; I feel as if my heart had been a den of beasts and devils!" Well, the manger had been a place where animals had eaten.

Do you have room for him? Never mind what the past has been; he can forget and forgive. It does not matter what situation you are in. If you have room for Christ he will come and be your guest. Do not say, "I hope I will have room for him;" the time is come that he shall be born; Mary cannot wait months and years. Oh! If you have room for him let him be born in heart today. "To-day is the accepted time; today is the day of salvation." Room for Jesus! Room for Jesus now! "Oh!" you say, "I have room for him, but will he come?" Yes He will. All you have to do is open the door of your heart, and he will clean the manger of thy heart. He will transform it into a golden throne, and there he will sit and reign forever and forever.

Be a Kid This Christmas

Dec. 11, 2011

Matthew 18:2-4

Kids and Christmas… The thought of combining the two is enough to warm anyone’s heart. Children get so excited when the Christmas season approaches, and for good reason! There’s no school, and they get to eat cookies. They have lots of time to play, and don’t forget they are waiting for those presents!

But this, and every, Christmas, don’t forget to give your children the most important gifts they can possibly receive – the message of Jesus Christ and your time. Take advantage of the winter break to share God’s story with your family by spending time with them and talking about the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Today I want to challenge all of us to act like a kid this Christmas and really focus on a few things. I don’t know about you but over the years we lose our excitement about the real reason for Christmas. I find myself not as excited about putting up the Christmas tree, buying presents is not a thrill, but a challenge. Even receiving presents is not that exciting anymore. I guess it just becomes routine.

I would like for you to do something this morning. Close your eyes and think back to a time as a child when you felt the overwhelming excitement of Christmas…

That is the feeling we need to have all year long specifically as it relates to the greatest gift we will have ever received. The gift God gave us through His Son sent here to live on earth, be our example, give us His word, the Holy Spirit, us His peace, understanding, guidance, and more than any of those, the gift of Eternal Life through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Read Luke 2:1-20

Remember the Christmas Story

Emanuel = God with us

Isaiah 9:6-7

John H. Gerstner – “To the artist he is the one altogether lovely. To the educator he is the smartest teacher. To the philosopher he is the wisdom of God. To the lonely he is a brother; to the Sorrowful, a comforter; to the bereaved, the resurrection and the life. And to the sinner he is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

Through this Child we are granted what we need. And what we really need is life as it comes to us from a Father who lasts forever. So the question I ask is, "Can a father last forever?" the answer is - Yes, at least one Father can. All of our toys, gadgets, clothes, all the things of this earthly life, let's face it: they aren't going to last forever. But a relationship with Bethlehem's Child does. This Child introduces us to an Eternal Father who always provides what we need, not what want, but what we need.

In fact, our relationship with this Everlasting Father is such that we, His adopted children, can come into His presence just as if we weren't adopted at all. So I really am a son of God. All of us, who are in Christ, are children of God. We aren't orphaned! He really is our Daddy. He really does embody what parenthood is about. He is the kind of parent that wants us to come to Him with our grief, our trouble, our anxiety and our hopelessness as we confront the reality of things not lasting forever.

While editing notes in The Quest Study Bible, Marshall Shelley underwent a test of faith. His wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter severely mentally handicapped and a complete invalid. Eighteen months later, a second child was born who lived for only one minute. Six months after that, their first child died. Shelley said he was obligated to ask God his most honest questions. He said, "God's not offended by that. In fact, He invites it!"

Only an "Everlasting Father" could invite us to bring to Him all the emotional and spiritual junk that we've been carting around for years. This Everlasting Father born in Bethlehem's barn grew to die and be resurrected from the dead so we could make it through this earthly life, a life that is cruel where children are sometimes born mentally handicapped, where children sometimes die from hunger and disease, where children are abused by earthly parents and the system of slick and sick greed and exploitation. It's a world in which we big children have gotten our priorities all messed up, thinking we really need something, when, in reality, we know we don't need it at all. Each of us suffers from the harshness of this earthly life.

That's why I'm glad there is an Everlasting Father who listens to us and provides for us. He grants to us what we need. And He knows what we need better than we know what we need. To borrow from a sitcom of the 1950s, "the Everlasting Father Knows Best!" So when you are tempted in these days to rely upon the provision of the world, I invite you to remember the provision that comes from Jesus Christ. A Child.

Jesus is like a river. A river is continually flowing; there are fresh supplies of water coming from the fountain, so that a man may live by it, and be supplied with water all his life. So Jesus is an everlasting fountain; He is continually supplying His people, and the fountain will never dry up. This is the same Jesus that was born of a virgin, and laid in a manger in Bethlehem.

Have Faith Like a Kid

Come to Jesus with childlike faith… The Bible says

Matthew 18:2-4

GOD SIGHTINGS

Desire Gifts Like a Kid

The Other Shepherd: Asa watched the other shepherds hurry off toward Bethlehem. He shook his head. This wasn’t like them. Jacob, Benjamin, and Nathanael were usually practical men, not given to just doing something without a plan. They knew watching the sheep was serious work that could not be quit just because you felt like it. If the four of them ever hoped to make any money off these animals, then the flock had to be taken care of carefully and consistently, all day and night. Shepherds couldn’t just go running off to Bethlehem in the middle of the night.

The first half of the night was Benjamin’s turn to keep watch, and Asa had fallen into exhausted sleep almost as soon as his head touched the robe he was using for a pillow. When he woke up, the others were on their feet, staring up in the sky. Asa had a feeling that a clap of thunder and lightning might have woken him; any way, a strange golden glow was fading from the starry sky.

The other three men were so shaken they could barely speak. They babbled about angles and a baby – and almost immediately, they began running away from the sheep and over the hills toward town.

Asa shook his head again, then turned back to the flock. Carefully, he counted each one. In his head, he added up the profit he could expect from their wool. Let the others go chasing dreams. At least he for one had his priorities straight. He settled himself on the cold, dark hillside. As he once again counted his investment in the sheep, he never dreamed what he had missed.

What are we missing out on when we don’t desire all the things God has for us. We need to be like a kid and want what we our heavenly father who has great blessings for us greater than we can think and imagine has for us.

Salvation – The greatest gift we could ever receive is the gift of eternal life. Are you grateful and excited about this gift?
Peace – Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Wisdom – ask of Him and he will give you wisdom
Provision – He will give you what you need and not what is your greed.

Colossians 1:15-20

Our Messiah is constantly taking care of those who are related to Him. None of us can say we don't want or need some sort of emotional care. We need the assurance of physical touch, an embrace, a word that will uplift, and one that reminds us that Another is there for us. Even though little children may lose a parent or parents in death, even though big children may lose a parent or parents in death, even though some children in this world grow up parent-less for whatever reason, God is there to provide.

And what He provides is surprising. He grants the provision of life, life that is abundantly full of everlasting meaning. If we should covet something in this Advent Season, if there is one thing we should really want this Christmas, it ought to be the provision of Everlasting Life.

Share like a Kid

We should model a positive Christmas celebration for our culture. We should transform Christmas from a chaotic, exhausting, materialistic binge into a deeply meaningful, peaceful, joyful celebration of Jesus' birth.

Let me conclude with a story about a boy who really understood what Christmas is all about. Jimmy was in the 8th grade, but because of his mental limitations as a Special Education child, he couldn't really do all of the 8th grade work. The teacher in that class planned a Christmas play. Jimmy wanted to be in it very much. The teacher doubted that he would be able to memorize his lines, but all the students wanted to include Jimmy. So, he was assigned the role of the Bethlehem innkeeper, primarily because that character had only two words to say: "No room." Then after Mary begged for special consideration, he was supposed to say those same words again, "No room."

Eventually the day of the performance came. Lots of family and friends were in the audience. Mary and Joseph approached the inn and knocked on the door. Jimmy opened the door and said flawlessly, "No room." Then Mary said, "But I'm very tired and I'm going to have a baby real soon. If I don't find a safe place for my baby to be born, I'm going to cry."

Jimmy paused for a moment, and then said, "I know what I'm supposed to say . . . but you can have my room."

Jimmy was willing to violate a script in order to follow the higher impulse of love. We Christians must be willing to violate the cultural script about Christmas if we want to truly glorify the Savior.

Lets all glorify God this Christmas and for the rest of our lives acting like God’s children with excitement, faith, and desire to be treated as the sons and daughters of God that we are. Then let us share that excitement with those that are around us so they too can have the same joy, peace and satisfaction that we can only find through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lasting Generosity Lifestyle

October 30, 2011

For the past three weeks we have been talking about how wise it is to be generous. Today we are going to end this series and talk about how to live a lasting generosity lifestyle.

If I told you today that there is one simple thing you can do that will bless others, meet needs, honor God, and produce joy and eternal rewards, provide the antidote to greed, and reveal the true condition of your heart anytime you wanted to know it would you want to do this practice? When you do this people will receive emotional and spiritual help. People who are hungry will get fed, people who’s relationships are broken will get back together, people will see God, and it will honor God and people will see God as He is. It also produces joy, an amazingly good feeling and it will give you great rewards in heaven.

This practice will also destroy the greed monster in you. It will let you know who you serve. This is the genius of generosity; Changing from getting to giving. It produces these 7 things. It is not about all the things you have and are but what you can do with all these things given to us by God to be used by God. I cannot see anyone here today not wanting this list of things in their life.

Living generously blesses others, meets needs, honors God, produces joy and results in eternal rewards. Well, if being generous is so good and so positive, why is it so hard to be generous?

Living generously is genius because . . .

1. It blesses others.

2. It meets needs.

3. It honors God.

4. It produces joy.

5. It results in eternal rewards.

6. It’s the antidote to greed.

7. It reveals our true lordship.

It is the genius that God has built into the system moving from getting to giving, it is not just about your time and money it is about your attitude. It is about thinking of all that you are, all that you have, and all that you have been is for God’s use. This will produce a radical change in you and the world around you.

I. If generous living is so genius and so good, why do so few people live generously?

Logically, practically, spiritually there are a lot of reasons to be generous but it is one of the most difficult things we do as humans.

It should be one of the greatest things we do but it is difficult for most of us. For three reasons:

1. The Deceptive Power of Riches. Mark 4:18-19

Jesus is telling his disciples that this is a basic understanding that needs to be applied to be a disciple of Christ. The parable of the seeds and the sower…

Wealth is not neutral; it is powerful and lures you in. It can trick you into making wrong decisions. It is like the lure to a fish or a shell game. You choose and put the money down. The fast handed man takes your money because we have been deceived. Without the truth of God’s Word is planted in your heart, there are things that can bend the truth. Wealth can make you think that the more you have the greater you are, more powerful you are, the more secure you are and if you have more then you will have more of this. We can be deceived.

2. The Luring Promises of Mammon Worship. Luke 16:13

Jesus says that when it comes to money and wealth it is hard because you are either sold out to one or the other. There is no middle ground. It comes in different forms. It is not having a big pile of money in front of you so you can stare at it and worship it. Every god demands sacrifice as an offering. The god of mammon promises that “if you have me I can make you powerful, successful, give you things. As a matter of fact, I can even change the way you look, I will give you status, and things to impress others. I will give you status, control, you will be able to impress people through me. Mammon says I can offer you things, a big house, control, you can have it all and you can have it now.

So we see those of great wealth, some of whom have bowed down to Mammon. I saw this week how one of the superstars has a gold bathroom. That is one way to invest in gold…

For others people worship security, others flaunt it having multimillion dollar parties thinking they are important because of all the people that come. For others some are really using their money to control others (specializing in family, friends, and employees). Mammon is a hard path to follow.

3. Temporal Myopia. Luke 12:13-21

This is thinking that “Now is all there is, I must get all that I can now, whatever I have a bigger, nicer better one will make me happier.”

So, how can we win this insidious battle with WEALTH in order to develop a lasting lifestyle of generosity? It is so hard for all of us because it is so deceptive.

II. How to Beat Generosity’s Biggest Competitor:

Is this going to be something that we are able to beat now, or in one month or in two. How do we make Generosity last for a lifetime. Will you still be generous later or will the commercials take over and the old greedy person come out again? How can we make sure this is not just a passing phase but a lasting lifestyle? The number one competitor is GREED.

1. Refuse to Chase the Wind. Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 (NIV)

This is written by the wisest man in the world toward the end of his life. He was the richest and wisest. The Bible says “he withheld nothing from himself.” He had it all and did it all. You name it he did it. At the end of his life he gives us wisdom about how to live and regarding money…

The more you have the more you want. The more you have the more people will come after what you have. The more you have the more you realize that things can’t bring deep satisfaction and joy. Andrew Carnige said “Millionaires rarely smile.” The more you have, the more you have to worry about. True right? If you don’t have a pool you don’t have to clean it. If you don’t have 7 cars you don’t have to worry about changing the oil in 7 cars. Wealth is powerful and takes spiritual maturity to handle it in a Godly way. Money is not neutral, it is very powerful. The more you have the more the more harm you can do to yourself when you hoard it.

Hetty Green (The Witch of Wallstreet) was the daughter wealthy business man inherited millions of dollars from her dad and turned it into tens of millions of dollars. She lived in the slums and hostels to avoid paying taxes. She even once rented a place in the name of her dog. She resold newspaper and bottles, and carried crackers in her pockets to avoid paying the price of buying food in New York restaurants. When her son broke his leg in an accident she delayed getting him help because of the fear of what it would cost. At that time her annual income was $7,000,000. She finally dressed her small son in rags to get free treatment in a charity hospital. The treatment came too late and the leg eventually had to be amputated. Money is not neutral. When Sylvia (her daughter) died in 1951, she left an estate of an estimated US$200 million, donating all but US$1,388,000 of it to 64 charities, including colleges, churches, and hospitals

The more you have the more you have to lose. The more you have the more you leave behind. PBS did a TV special. “AFFLUENZA” their research claimed the following talking about the modern day plague of materialism:

The avg. American shops 6 hours a week while spending 40 minutes a week playing with the children.
By age 20 all of us have seen 1million commercials.
Recently more Americans have declared bankruptcy than graduated from college.
In 90% of divorce cases Money is a major issue.

Material wealth does not have the power according to this TV special to bring happiness to anyone’s life. It is not saying that morally this is wrong but practically this is not good for us.

Solomon is not saying that wealth is wrong, neither does the Bible. Moses, Abraham, David, Job, Barnabas was a wealthy realestate man, wealthy women in the Bible supported Jesus fianancially in His ministry, Solomon all had a lot… If you hear that wealth is bad and wealth is wrong you are missing what the Bible is telling us. The desire for wealth for yourself alone, leaving God out of the picture is wrong. What the Bible is telling us is refuse to chase the wind. . . It takes spirituality and maturity to be able to handle wealth for God. To win the battle you have to refuse to chase the wind.

2. Refuse to View Generosity as Depriving Yourself of Something Good

Small pie syndrome… Says there is only so much to go around and if I give it away I won’t get it back again. Life in the kingdom of God is big pies that we can give away and He will give us more so we can invest it in His plan for eternity. He will multiply my slices of pie so they will go further. I can never out-give God.

R.J. LeTourneo “I give it away in shovel fulls, but God’s shovel is bigger than mine.” Refuse to see generosity as taking something good away from you… Don’t be a selfrighteous jerk none of us want to be around. Refuse to view generosity as depriving yourself of something good.

Matthew 6:20

1 Timothy 6:17-19 This is for heaven and now. God wants us to enjoy life and fulfill His agenda for your life and His kingdom. A life of wisdom and joy.

R e t u r n O n I n v e s t m e n t – Business proposition

Treasure on Earth

1. uncertain, unstable

2. treasure left behind

3. always obsessed with “more” (enjoy what you have now, not what you will have someday…”

4. become empty pursuits of purpose, significance, and power through money

Treasure in Heaven

1. guaranteed, firm foundation

2. treasure sent ahead for your eternal reward

3. genuinely enjoy what one has “now”

4. allows you to have eternal purpose, significance, and to “take hold of life that is truly life”

III. How can I live like this? Generosity Breakthrough Concept #5:

• Heaven is my home! Earth is merely my hotel room!

This is a mentally, that when I have it, will change my perspective in life.

o We're pilgrims, strangers, and aliens on earth. Hebrews 11:13

o We’re ambassadors representing our true country. 2 Corinthians 5:20

o Our citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20

o We’re citizens of a better country – a heavenly one. Hebrews 11:15-17

I want to ask you to think about what it would look like for you be living a generous lifestyle. Let’s pretend that you are transferred to Dallas, Texas by your employer to work for two months. You are going to be staying in a hotel room. ?Would you buy new furniture for your hotel room for the two months you will be there? Would you get new curtains? Would you buy a year membership to a gym even though you are only there two months? NO. Is it wrong to work out at the gym, would it be ok to put some flowers in the hotel room, maybe make it smell better, even pay extra money to upgrade to a better room because you are going to be there for a while? I would want to go to some nice restaurants, have some fun, enjoy my surroundings; knowing all the time that this is just temporal. Have a great experience. Let’s live our lives like “Heaven is my home! Earth is merely my hotel room.”

It is wrong to spend money on things that are not important to God. He will help you. You may need to reevaluate your finances. You may need to start doing some things and also stop doing some things to do what is right according to God’s desires. Listen to the call of God to get your finances in order. Our security, hope, peace and joy are in God and not the things we can find on this earth.

Prosperity & Generousity

October 23, 2011

Did you know that God loves all of us just alike but He does not bless us all alike? He has a set of promises that he gives us and we are to make choices. Do you remember the children of Israel? He put before them “life and death, blessing and curse”. He made great promises to them with choices and quite often they made the wrong choices.

God blesses and prospers generous people. He does things in them and through them emotionally, relationally and financially. Today I want us to see why God prospers generous people and how we can all be come a prosperous generous people.

Research tells us that less than 10% of Christians practice what we are going to talk about today. This is a subject that is often overlooked by Pastors and we have failed you. I want you to get the very best for yourselves. This can transform your finances and your life.

We have been talking about the genious of generosity and how that with GOD’S time, talent and treasures that has been given to us to manage is best done through generosity. So why does God prosper people who are like this through spiritual, emotional and often financial prosperity?

Four Facts:

I. Fact #1: God blesses generous people! (Paul is repeating what Jesus said)

Jesus Acts 20:35 This is a joy that wells up in us. Jesus says that when we are giving we are more blessed than when we get something.

Jesus Luke 6:38 This is not a FINANCIAL passage.

Solomon Proverbs 22:9

Solomon Proverbs 19:17

Moses Deuteronomy 24:19 They had laws that were about generosity. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we had laws like this about being generous. In those days they had to leave any sheaf or grains they overlooked for others.

Solomon Proverbs 11:24-25

Solomon Proverbs 3:9-10

Summary – Generous living produces emotional happiness, spiritual holiness, and material prosperity. The only antidote to greed and materialism is to be generous. Stuff can get a hold of us or we can get a hold of it and use it for God’s purposes and His glory which will bring us happiness, holiness and prosperity.

The material prosperity part is not talking about give to get. I am not talking about the prosperity Gospel. We don’t give to get. “If I want to be rich I need to give”. Sounds like greed right. As a general rule those that are generous with their time, talents and money are prospering financially. Look around at those that are generous and typically you will see them doing well. It does not mean they don’t have times when they suffer in their finances, they have an accident or something that takes away from their finances. It does mean as a general principal that being generous with God’s resources will prosper you in your heart, in your relationships, with Him and will do it materially because He has an agenda for what He wants you to do with what He gives you.

Some questions you might be thinking:

I am generous and I don’t have any of this going on in my life.
I really feel like I am giving because I give X…

So let’s look at how God measures generosity. I don’t want us to just base our generosity on how we feel but the facts of what God sees as generosity.

II. Fact #2: God provides clear and measurable guidelines for becoming a generous person.

So if this is a criteria from God how am I doing based on this not on comparing myself with someone else. There are five of them.

Genuine generosity gives the first and best to God. Proverbs 3:9-10

o Old Testament Sacrifices – “without defect” (not the lame, sick, diseased)

o The Tithe (first 10%) of the harvest (not on what was left over, gratitude and faith)

o The Question – Is the tithe for today? Tithe literally means 10%. The tithe didn’t come from the law, it was even before the law. It was honoring someone before the law. If you do the research the average Israelite gave from 23-25% of their income. God was their king and lord. Over and above that they had other offerings, thanksgiving and freewill offerings that showed they were not just being obedient but generous.

Matt. 23:23 Jesus is rebuking a group of religious leaders because they tithed down to the herbs and spices but were not right in their hearts with God.

This is not something we are bound to by law. It is something we are taught to do because of love. Did you know that all the 10 commandments are repeated in the NT except ONE? What is it? Thou shalt observe the Sabbath. It is not commanded to us in the NT but it is a Biblical habit that should be carried on today. Some take a Sabbath on Sat, some Sun. others maybe Friday as a time of rest and rejuvenation.

Col. 2 says that every day is a Sabbath set aside for the Lord but the pattern of setting one day aside is Biblical wisdom that I am commanded to do.

The same, I believe is true of the tithe. What the NT teaches is that it is proportional giving. The tithe is a pattern before the law, during the law and not taken away after the law. Ask yourself the question, would we do less than what was required under the law now that we live under grace? Or would the Grace we have received cause us to want to do more for Christ? It is a good place to start. Can you be obedient to God and give 6.45% if that is where God is leading you? YES. I would recommend just starting. And start today to see if what He promises is true.

Genuine generosity is regular and systematic. 1Corinthians 16:2 He is teaching the churches how to give. Give in the way that you get. Generosity is not just giving when you are in the mood. It is a pattern of first and best, then regular, systematic, and then proportional.
Genuine generosity is proportional to our income. 1Corinthians 16:2 According to how we are blessed. Think in percentages and not amounts. Look at what you give according to what you get. Ex. Of guy that is wanting to be on Staff for the church and the issue of giving regularly came up. He only gave when he was in town. ?so when you are out of town and the car payment or mortage comes due, do you pay it? Sure you do. What had happened to a man of integrity was that he had in his mind he only needed to be generous when he was there. It is habitual generosity that we need which will enable us to be habitually blessed. You give with a pattern of first and best, then regular, systematic, and then proportional and sacrificially. God says don’t give me your defects and don’t give me your rejects. Give your best to God.

Understand that Generosity produces emotional happiness, spiritual holiness and material prosperity as a general rule. I want you to understand that is not telling you to give so you can get. We are talking about timeless principles through the Bible that tell us that when I am generous with the time, talents and resources God has given me it will produce emotional happiness. It also produces spiritual holiness. There is a fact that we can not overlook that when we are generous He often blesses us materially.

Number two God measures generosity when I give the first and best to God, regular and systematic and in proportion to my income. So how are you doing so far? Don’t just think you are generous but know you are generous according to what we see in the Bible.

3. Genuine generosity is sacrificial. 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 READ

Paul is talking to a church about another church and how they are giving. OVERFLOWING JOY. Heard about Jewish brothers going through a hard time. No big campaign, no promotion, gave to the Lord and to them. David said “I will not sacrifice to God that which costs me nothing.”

4. Genuine generosity is thoughtful, voluntary, and worshipful. 2 Corinthians 9:5-7 (it is a lifestyle, planned, voluntary, not under pressure, worshipful. It is a worshipful as praying, using spiritual gifts.

2 Cor. 9:5-7

This is about a special over and above. If I only gave when I felt like it Delight would not get any loving feelings from me but about 40% of the time. We don’t have to wait until we feel like begin generous. If I waited until I felt like and had joy in reading my Bible I wouldn’t read it that often. If I only prayed when I felt like it… There is a correlation between my giving joyfully and worshipfully and what happens as a result. You are blessed and others are blessed. I also didn’t like it when others talked about giving to God. What we have seen today is not to break you, to make you feel bad but to see that God blesses generous people. Think about where you are at and where you can be.

God has plenty of money and doesn’t need yours but He wants to bless you under His lordship, seeing lives changed around you, being used to bless others for other than here and now but for all eternity.

The greatest blessing you can receive is seeing God use you to change people’s lives. To see them come to a personal relationship with God, to break free from the bondage of some sin, to see them grow in Christ, to see the excitement that comes from knowing God and experiencing Him at work in their lives also. That is what prosperity is for me. Money cannot compare to the joy I get from seeing this kind of spiritual properity…

III. Fact #3: Generosity Breakthrough Concept #3:

• God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.

He is not telling us that when I am prospered it means with a 1000 sq ft house I move up to 1500 sq ft., if 1500 I move up to 2000 if 2000 up to 2500 etc. It is not so that if you have a Timex you can get a Rolex, if you get hamburger now you get steak.

If you have a Rolex and are eating steak and are generous and serving in God’s will then thanks be to God. What we saw in our facts was that God blesses genuine generous people and now we are seeing what God is blessing us for. God has a great agenda and it is not to raise your standard of living but your standard of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:8-11

The word ABOUND is over the top, more than you can imagine. And it is because OF THE AGRICULTURAL METAPHORE.

SEED TO THE SOWER (all you get), BREAD FOR FOOD (make some bread and take care of yourself, STORE OF SEE (decision to build barn to store it or reinvest it in the ground so it multilply), IT WILL ENLARGE YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, RICH IN EVERY WAY, SO YOU CAN BE GENEROUS ON EVERY OCCASION, AND BY GIVING you get in on helping Him transform the world.

IV. Fact #4: The Key to Becoming Habitually Generous and Experience Habitual Happiness is! FAITH

If this is all true then this is a win/win. But what we know from the polls is that the avg. Christian gives 2.5% of their gross income to the work of God. So apparently the majority don’t believe what the Bible is teaching us and they are missing out on all the blessings that God has in store for us. So what it comes down to is that we have to believe this is true and act on it accordingly.

ONCE THERE was a man lost in the desert, near death from thirst. He wandered aimlessly through the burning sand for many days, growing weaker by the moment. At long last he saw an oasis far in the distance. Palm trees indicated a source of water!

He stumbled forward feverishly and fell beneath the shade of the trees. Finally he might slake his tortured thirst. But then he noticed something strange about this particular oasis.

Instead of a pool of water, or a well, or a spring bubbling up from the ground, the man found a pump. And beside the pump were two objects—a small jar of water, and a parchment note.

The note explained that a leather gasket within the pump must be saturated with water for the pump to work. Within the jar was just enough water for this purpose.

The note also warned the reader not to drink from the jar. Every drop must be poured into an opening at the base of the pump to soak the heat-dried gasket. Then, as the leather softened and expanded, an unlimited supply of sweet water would be available. The parchment’s final instructions were to refill the container for the next traveler’s use.

The man faced a dilemma. He was dying of thirst, and he had found water. Not much, of course. Maybe not even enough to save his life. But it seemed the height of follishness to pour it away, down the base of the pump. On the other hand, if the note was accurate, by pouring out the small quantity of water, he would then have all he wanted. What should he do?

Many of us find ourselves in the same situation. What would it look like if he took that step of faith? What will it look like when you take that step of faith? To give of the first and best, proportionally, generously, sacrificially, regularly, with a worshipful thoughtful heart. What would it look like? It would demand a step of faith.

When we give we position ourselves for God’s blessings. The Bible is full of stories of people that took steps of faith and they found God to be faithful. He is still faithful to us today. Are you willing to take a step of faith in generosity? It may seem illogical to give something away to have an overabundance like the story of the well. I all boils down to faith in Him.

The Gateway of Generosity

October 16, 2011

Generosity: The Gateway to Intimacy with God

Have you ever thought that the Christian life feels like more of a duty rather than a joy filled life? Be honest with me. I have. Do you want to have a joy-filled relationship with God and not a duty-filled one? It is not about the rules it is about the relationship we have in God.

Do you ever think about how you know God and do as He commands but you really don’t have a intimate relationship with Him? Do you long for that and want to have the emotional connection with Him? Today we are going to talk about how to get that.

Last week we began talking about how genius it is to be generous. It is really smart to live a generous life. We learned it it works and is the greatest win-win situation in the world. When you are generous with your time, talents, and resources with others they feel great and are blessed and so are you. Spiritually Jesus teaches us that it protects us from making bad investments with your time, talent and treasure.

Reason #2 – Generosity is one of God’s primary tools to draw us into a very intimate relationship with Him.

Let me give you a human picture of what this would look like. Introduction: The amazing John Saville! He was the chairman of the Elders and a very godly man. He approached the pastor with a desire to love and help people. He is a CPA in a big office and doesn’t have the time to really reach out to people personally. So he tells the pastor his idea. The pastor is to find people in need and with this resource he will be able to help them.

When a single mom drives up and needs groceries, or a family needs to pay their elect. bill, or someone is just down and needs encouragement the pastor is given full use of this money. John (the accountant) had the money/resources and the pastor has the opportunity. So they made the deal.

John gives the checkbook marked discretionary funds to the pastor. He hands him a checkbook with $5000 in an account. He tells him to be his eyes, his ears, his mouth and his hand to help those he sees in need. The pastor cannot tell the people where it comes from. He is to take care of the needs he finds with people and get the money to those that need it.

At first the pastor was overwhelmed by the responsibility but then it became really fun.

• Three things happened in his life:

1. Rarely a day went by that he didn’t think of John. Every need raised the question - “What would John want me to do?” So here is a girl that is pregnant and needs help, a family that has a medical bill, a man who lost his job and can’t pay the rent… This really made him feel like Santa Claus. They were friends before but now that the pastor was using John’s resources it made them really close. The pastor was always thinking of John and what/where he would want these resources/money to go.

2. He strangely became far more meticulous about balancing “his checkbook” than his own. First he started communicating and understanding where John wanted his money to go and then he became more interested in taking care of John’s resources than his own.

3. John and the pastor became best friends as John bought extravagant lunches and the pastor told extraordinary stories at their quarterly celebrations. So it was a celebration. The pastor was not treated as an errand boy but a partner. He would go to the office building and the two of them would sit down and talk about all the great things over an extravagant lunch with fancy dishes and meals that had no price on the menu. It was a celebration. He would give him the best lunch possible while he spent two hours telling him of all the great things his money had accomplished. Then John would say, “ok, I am going to deposit the money again, so let’s do this again.”

This is the same relationship that God wants to have with us. Just like the pastor and John. This is Generosity Breakthrough Concept #2:

I. The Concept

• God owns everything. I am His money manager.

Breakthrough concept one was: wherever I put God’s money, His treasure and His talents my heart will always follow.

We are God’s time, talent and resource managers. This is not just something that I made up, let’s look at the Bible.

Psalm 24:1; Haggai 2:8; Deuteronomy 8:18; 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20a

This is something revolutionary in our relationship with God that we need to get. If we can take what we intellectually understand in that all that we have, all that we are and all that we know and move it into our hearts then we will get that generosity is the gateway to a great relationship with God. You will begin to ask questions like these… When I get up “what should I do with God today”, when I spend the money “what should I spend this money for God”, when it comes to my family “how should I treat this wife, husband, child that God has given to me?”, When I go to work “how should I treat these employees or this work that God has given to me?”, This will revolutionize your relationship with God because you are really aware of communication with Him on what He wants you to do with His resources. Your communication is amplified.

Psa 90:12 - the time you have is entrusted to you

Prov. 19:14 - your wife is a gift from the Lord. Your children are a gift from God.

Luke 16 and 12 – it is not your money or my money, it is God’s money that he has put into an account that is entrusted to you. Like the story we heard with John

Supernatural gifts – given to you to further the Gospel of Christ. These are things that God has given us.

Acts 20:28 – even people, you are overseers of people.

You are a steward and I am a steward. Paul gives us a clear understanding of this in I Cor. 4:1-2

• Summary – The “Oikonomia” Principle – All that we are, and all that we have belongs to God and has been temporarily entrusted to us to manage according to His wishes.

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Now we begin to understand why Jesus talked so much about this. Over and over he is telling us that God is the king, the owner and we are just the managers.

Jesus teaches us how to become wise stewards:

The Pharisees were confused because they thought the sure sign of blessing on a righteous life was material wealth. So they spent their efforts trying to get financial wealth because it would make people think they were religious. Some of the hardest words Jesus used were aimed at the Pharisees – “you brood of vipers”; He knew they used a religious facade to get money from people.

• The Setting – Correction of the Pharisees and instruction of His disciples concerning wealth.

II. The Story. Luke 16:1-11

o Mismanagement occurs and dismissal soon follows. V1-2

o Two options considered and a third taken. V 3-7 1. Dig ditches or 2. Beg or 3. Dishonest and selfish.

o A commendation by the owner – a good lesson from a bad example – “He was shrewd.” V. 8-9

• The dishonest manager used his present temporal opportunities (stewardship) with a view of receiving future rewards. This made good business sense and according to Jesus, makes good spiritual sense as well. This is how we should act since we are made for eternity.

• The Teaching – Faithfulness with material wealth is a prerequisite to being entrusted with spiritual wealth and rewards.

Luke 16:10-11

There is something about us learning to be generous that will draw us closer to God. Learning to be generous is like the ABCs of spiritual growth. In fact unless you are learning to give generously you are not ready to get into the game. You are just sitting on the sidelines. I am talking about the real spiritual riches. Where God will give you oversight of someone’s soul, where God will let you help transform a life, where you are able to be part of the rescue of a marriage, where lives are changed. Those are real riches. God is the wisest investment banker in the universe.

Look at verse 12.

Verse 13. “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other: You cannot serve God and mammon.” He is telling his disciples here “guys, do you understand the way the Pharisees are and how they think they are righteous because they have money?” Do you see that God owns it all and that the beginning of discipleship is realizing that God has given us everything and we are just managers. When you realize that and act like that, your heart will be in the right place. You will be an authentic worshipper.

v. 15 The Pharisees were sneering at Jesus. He told them their attitude toward money was a show about them and not their relationship with God.

Faithfulness with material wealth is the prerequisite to being entrusted with spiritual wealth. Do you see God’s design. Generosity is the gateway to intimacy with God because when I understand this and know I am His manager.

Do you see how generosity is really not about money it is about you. It is about how you can have a greater relationship with God. Remember the story I told you about John and the preacher. When we make that connection we begin to make that relationship great with the giver of these resources. How I spend the money and what I do with the rest, How I spend my time and what I do with the rest. Think “what would God want me to do with this?” God is not a miser.

God is telling us that our lives will be transformed when we realize that everything… is all His. They have been entrusted to us as his Managers. We should wake up every day saying “Lord, what do you want me to do with the time, talents and treasures you have given me?” “What would make you most pleased with me and give you the greatest return spiritually?” “Lord, I want to be best friends with you through all of this. Having great lunches and sharing wonderful stories of what is being done with Your resources.”

III. The Application: Three questions wise stewards regularly ask

1. Am I using the money entrusted to me in accordance with the Owner’s wishes? Am I fulfilling his purposes or mine. His are 1. The Great Commission – God is concerned that people are coming to know Him and have a personal relationship with Him. So if your money is going to reach the lost and dying world then you are doing one of His purposes. 2. God wants the body of Christ to be built up & believers are growing. 3. God is passionate about desperate hurting people and helping them. So, if you are doing this you are on the right track.

2. Am I carefully keeping account of where all the Owner’s funds are going? The 50% you keep, the 90% you keep are just as important as the 10% you give. An indication that you are a good money manager is that you live on some sort of budget. It is impossible to be a good steward of someone else’s money if you don’t know where it is going and have a predetermined plan on how to use it. Simple budget…

3. Am I becoming “best friends” with the Owner by the privilege and opportunity of managing His resources? This has probably been challenging.

Balance sacrifice with joy and celebrating fulfilling the wishes of your Heavenly Father. Enjoy the blessings of God. Do fun things. Stewardship is living with God’s resources and enjoying them. Think about the extraordinary stories we will hear in heaven.

I ______ _________ want to develop a deep, personal relationship with You, dear God. Today, I recognize that all I have and all I am belongs to You. I commit today to discover, by Your grace, where and how to invest the time, talent, and treasure entrusted to me. Amen!

Generosity Genius

October 9, 2011

How many of you are tired of hearing and maybe even experiencing the bad financial troubles that are going on around us? For the next few Sundays we are not going to talk about the bad but we are going to focus on the good that can come out of being generous. Be smart with your money, smart with your time, smart with your resources all by doing something that blesses you and those you are involved with. We are going to hear from the wisest financial counselor in all the universe that wants to help you personally.

What if I told you today that I have something that you can invest in that will give you a high rate of return, would allow you to enjoy its benefits immediately and could really help others without hurting your finances over all? Would you be interested? There is a way to invest like this. You can be the smartest investment manager ever.

Everyone wants to have joy even when things are not going so well. Today I want to help you find that same joy. Living generously is not just Biblical but it is wise, smart and the greatest way to live.

Solomon “a generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

Jesus “give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down and shaken together, running over.” “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

A first century Hebrew is traveling along a road and cuts across a field. This is something normal. As he puts his staff on the ground and “thunk”. He hit something. He digs and finds the treasure of a lifetime. He opens the lock to find jewels, gold coins (70 yrs old), and other treasures. Some wealthy person must have buried this decades ago and it has been forgotten.

He doesn’t have a lot of money but he knows that he who owns the field owns what is in it. There is no house around. The owner must not even know there is a treasure there. The traveler closes the lid, buries it back and marks the spot.

He leaves with a joy in his heart. Skipping on his way. He knows he can not just take it because that would be stealing. He decides the honest way to get the treasure is to buy the land. Whoever owns the land owns what is in it. He has to sell his house, farm tools, cattle and everything he has. The treasure has captured him. He is obsessed with it, he is centered on this great find. His whole life is now focused on a treasure.

Jesus teaches us that our lives are to be characterized by radical extravagant generosity.

Matt. 13:44

Generosity is not to be based on should, must, need to, but on pure joy of generosity. It is the wisdom of giving. We have found a treasure from heaven and now we should do all we can to get it.

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Jim Elliot

Introduction: Defining our terms -

• Genius – root word from genere, gignere to produce. The personification of quality; great natural ability for a particular activity; popularly, any person with a high intelligence quotient. It is doing something good based on high intellect.

• Generosity – root word from generosus of noble birth, excellent, generous; having qualities associated with those of noble birth, noble-minded, gracious, magnanimous, willing to give or share, unselfish. In former days it is believed that God picked the kings. They are to be like God.

Hebrew – Proverbs 11:25 “to saturate with water, to give to overflowing, drink one’s fill.” To give generously would bring life.

Greek – 1 Timothy 6:18 “ready to distribute.” Time, talent and resources are to be ready to give away.

What’s so “genius” about generosity? Two reasons:

I. Generosity is genius becauseIT WORKS!

Really, generosity is the ultimate win/win proposition. This is the smartest thing you can do in life now and for life later. People who give feel great and are blessed and people who receive feel good and are blessed. It is the ultimate win/win situation. When people are generous great things happen in them, to them and through them to others. It is a smart way to live.

1. Scripture supports this.

Proverbs 11:25 This comes from the general principles of wisdom from the Bible. Live a life of wisdom. Understand how God designed life so that you can live it His way, honor Him, please Him, bless you and serve others.

Even if that is not in the Bible we see the next three things:

2. Our observation of life confirms it. When people act in a miserly, selfish, greedy way they are miserable and unhappy people. Miser and miserable come from the same word. Have you even been involved with or seen the behavior when people are fighting over the estate of a deceased loved one? Those that used to love one another turn on one another. Lifelong relationships are hurt. Whenever we act in a selfish, greedy way it destroys us and other people. When we act in a generous way it affects in a great way.

Some of you here today have just blown my mind by the generosity that I see and have experienced through you. Ex. Of people that give. It often takes more humility to receive than it does to give. I have been on the receiving end and seen how happy it makes people to give to me. If you want the quality of your life to be better, be a generous person. Do you want the quality of your relationships to go up be generous?

3. Our experience in life confirms it. How many of us feel encourage and positive when we do something generous? On the other hand, maybe like me, you know you should give but you just don’t want to. So you feel bad. Your conscience tells you that you are greedy and focused on yourself. My experience tells me that when I am generous it is a good thing for me and a good thing for others.

4. The “Christmas Spirit” exemplifies it. Have you even done the spiritual math on this? For 11months people treat each other bad and then for 1 month we are all in the “Christmas Spirit”. Hey, why don’t you go first? What can I get you? You even buy gifts for people you don’t like. Everyone is smiling and hugging and then they go back to the way they were before. Theory – for one month people are focused on what they are going to GIVE. When the focus is on what you are going to give, it changes relationships everywhere.

Smart people, like us, want to experience the “Christmas Spirit” twelve months a year.

• Summary – Becoming a generous person is the smartest way to increase the quality of your life now!

II. Generosity is genius because it PROTECTS US !

Spiritually, generosity protects us from short-sighted bad investments of our time, treasure, and talent. You understand that every day we are making investments and they come back to us. You invest your time, money, energy etc. in things every day and that is where you heart is. Every investment will have a return. Sowing and Reaping.

Scripture supports this.

Matthew 6:19-24

The key is “for yourself”. Doing everything for you. For now. Why, because God has your best in mind. In the days that this was written people gained wealth in clothes, lands, etc. v. 19 Jesus wants to prevent us from making a bad investment. It is unwise to invest in material things.

Second command is positive. Store up for yourself. Benefits for heaven by:

Giving so that the word of God is spread. Souls in heaven.
Giving even a cup of cold water in God’s name will be rewarded.
Giving to the poor is like lending to the Lord.

Money is the most accurate gauge of where our heart is. The eye has to do with your FOCUS. This can either be a good focus or an evil one. They had a saying in that day as we do today “an evil eye.” So there are two treasures in life, temporal or eternal. Do you live for the temporal or eternal?

He goes from the two treasures to the two eyes because where your eyes focus is where your treasure is. V. 24 is talking about a slave market, you are owned by one or the other. If you want to know who your master is…follow the money trail. The goal here is to protect you from a bad investment. Not to beat you up. God wants us to be smarter. You need money to live and it is ok to have things.

“He is no fool to give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliott

• Summary – Becoming a generous person is the smartest way to prepare for your eternal future.

III. How Can You Become More Generous?

How can I be the kind of person that is blessed, that has treasures in heaven stored up (FOR ME), that is helping others?

• Generosity Breakthrough Concept #1

My heart always goes where I put God’s money, time, and talent.

You don’t have any money, time, and talent that you have not received from God. It is not about owning, it is about being a wise manager.

• Three Diagnostic Questions:

1. Where is my heart right now? If you look at your finances where would it tell you that your heart is?

2. To whom or what do I want my heart more connected? Is there a person or thing maybe even God that you want to connect more to?

3. What would be the “smartest” reallocation of my resources to move my heart where I want it to be?

The secret is a mind change. We believe two big lies about giving: 1. That you have to have a lot of money. 2. You have to be more spiritual that everyone else.

Develop a generosity spirit rather than a miserly one. It is a mindset.

YOUR HEART ALWAYS GOES WHERE YOU PUT YOUR TIME, MONEY AND RESOURCES. Do you find there are problems in your marriage, with your kids, and you just don’t feel like giving? Let me tell you today that if you will channel your time, money and resources to the areas you want to focus on then your heart will follow. It does not even have to be that you “FEEL LIKE IT”. Your heart will follow. Jesus chose to love me even though He did not feel like dying on the cross for me. I am glad that Jesus was generous with His life for me bringing salvation.

Make the choice to put your resources where you want your heart to be.

The Greatest Name September 25, 2011

Phil 2:8-11

I. That Name.

Names are given for three main reasons:
1. Identification: A Name in Bible times is given to identify a person. Jesus name uniquely identify Him. He was given a name that is above every other name – Acts4:12, Phil2:9-11, .
2. Office: When a person is appointed to a position or an office, He is given a name to signify that position or office – Lk1:31-33.
3. Description: Names not only identify a person but also tell us of their character as well – Is9:6.

People have lost the significance of a name in our present society. Either the names they give many of their children are stylish or they are named with no thought of God in mind.

There have been those throughout history who have realized just how important their name was and they have done everything within their power to guard that name. No one could persuade them, at any cost, to bring a bad thought of their good name because, for many of them, that good name was all they had.

Illustration:

After the American Civil War the managers of the infamous Louisiana Lottery approached Robert E. Lee and asked if he’d let them use his name in their scheme. They promised that if he did he would become rich.

Astounded, Lee straightened up, buttoned his gray coat, and shouted, "Gentlemen, I lost my home in the war. I lost my fortune in the war. I lost everything except my name. My name is not for sale, and if you fellows don’t get out of here, I’ll break this crutch over year heads!"

There have been a lot of people throughout history who have also earned names that they really didn’t want and many who have committed evil crimes and allowed Satan to let their names be forever remembered as a scourge upon humanity. Names of men like Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and others are an unforgettable reminder of man’s inhumanity to man.

Names like George Patton, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Charlemagne, and William Wallace remind us that there are men who will give their all to make this world a better and safer place to live.

There are names like Billy Sunday, Billy Graham, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, John Calvin, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and many more who bring to mind the heroes of our faith and the great evangelistic moves of God in this world.

Names do tell us something, don’t they? “Jesus”-- God is Salvation; “Messiah”/ “Christ”- anointed one/ king; “Immanuel”-- God’s promise to never leave us nor forsake us; “Righteous Advocate” – intercedes for us before the Father; “Son of God/ Son of Man”- he had to identify with our weakness in order to save us from it.; “Word”-- that force that holds all things together, that ‘true’ philosophy, who reveals the Father to us, who became flesh to dwell among us.; “precious, Sacrificial & Triumphant Lamb of God” – who takes away my sin and yours.

Proverbs 22:1

Ecclesiastes 7:1

When I studied this subject I realized that the Name of Jesus is vital to the Christian walk. When we look at "The Wonderful Name of Jesus", we’re seeing, not only His name but, His very being, His Character and His attributes, His Power, His reason for existence. Every name in the Bible is with meaning and reveals to us a lot about the person that bears it.

II. That Authority

Philippians 2:9-11

His authority – Matt 28:18-19, Phil 2:9-11. The authority and power that a name carries depends on the bearer.

No other name can bring peace to a troubled heart and soul like the name of Jesus.
No other name can bring encourage those who depressed and discouraged like Jesus. No other name can give strength to weak and lonely like the name of Jesus. No other name can bring deliverance to a sin-sick soul like the name of Jesus.
No other name can bring us to a place of victory, power, healing and love for our fellowman like Jesus.

No other name in history has had, or will ever have, the impact that the name of Jesus has.

At that name of Jesus, all of creation bows in obedience.
At the name of Jesus, the winds and waves cease to roar.
At that name of Jesus, all of Heaven sings in glorious victory and praise for the Son of God, who has purchased victory over sin with His own Precious Blood upon the Cross.

III. Those Attributes

In the account of His birth in Matt 1:21. Then, this means that Salvation only comes through this Name. This is the greatest thing about Jesus that we can be saved and be delivered from a life of sin, bondage, and eternal separation from God.

What are the attributes of the name of Jesus? There are many ‘Attributes to the Name of Jesus’ some of which are found in Isaiah 9:6-7 & Isaiah 61, Matt 4:23, Rev 5:1

*Wonderful Counselor
*Prince of Peace
*Mighty God
*Everlasting Father
*Justice
*Righteousness
*Giving of Hope
*Healing
*Friend
*King (King of kings)
*Love
*Compassion
*Mercy
*Lord (Lord of lords)
*The Lamb Heb 13:8

Above all the attributes, the Name of Jesus is a guarantee over our requests (that is ‘ask in His Name’), as no other Name can guarantee acceptance of our requests.

IV. That Access

Jesus Christ, the only Son of God came down to this earth and took upon him the form of a man. Driven by his love for man, who was created in the image of God, and who was eternally condemned to death for sin, Jesus chose to go to the cross and give his life, shed his blood and die there for you and I because we had no other hope of deliverance.

Jesus Christ, died and rose again by his own power on the third day, to become the first-fruits of all men who will only believe in the name of Jesus as their Savior, Lord and King. The name of Jesus brings to bear all the power of God to meet every need that anyone will ever have. The problem is that not all men will call upon him in their hour of need.

What about each of you right now? What does the name Jesus mean to you this morning? When you hear the name Jesus what thoughts come immediately to your heart and mind?

For many, the name of Jesus carries little significance other than some story like a fairy tale that they heard long ago because they have never met him and don’t know him.

For others the name of Jesus only strikes fear and dread into their hearts because they have learned of him and heard of him and they know that they must come to him and accept his sacrifice or they will face eternity without God. They know that Jesus is the only way but they are unwilling to surrender to him, choosing rather to serve their own desires and to walk in the paths of rebellion against God while gambling with their very soul. What a sad state these are in. They are rejecting their only hope and eternity without Jesus will be a long, long, long time to remember that they chose not to allow him to be their Savior and Lord.

For others, perhaps even some of us here, we have heard that name Jesus, and we have accepted his sacrifice for our sins and began to walk according to his will. But, somehow, over time, we have lost our desire for him. We have begun to take him for granted. The name of Jesus doesn’t excite the “fire within our hearts” that it used to. We have become complacent in our walk with the Lord. We aren’t excited about being a part of his Church any more. We only live a good life, just squeaking by, walking just far enough away from the Lord so that we seldom hear his voice anymore. We go for days without praying or talking to Jesus. He is still there with us but we just tend to ignore him most of the time. It won’t be long until we won’t hear him at all if we continue that way. It’s time to turn back to him. When you are looking into the face of Jesus, calling on his name, you can’t live without him. You need his presence, his glory and his power in your life and you can’t live a minute without thinking of his will for your life.

Jesus gave the believer the right to use his name – Jn14:13, 15:16, 16:23-24,26.

In what area of life can we use the name of Jesus?

1. Salvation – Mat 1:21, Acts 4:12, 10:42-43.
2. Prayer – Jn14:13-14, 16:23-24
3. Preaching – Acts 4:17-18, 5:28, 9:29.
4. Instruction of command – 2 Thess3:6
5. Healing and miracles – Acts 3:6, 16, 4:10
6. Deliverance – Acts 16:18, 19:13-17, Lk 10:1, 17
7. Baptism – Acts 2:37-38, 8:16, 10:48
8. Suffer persecution – Acts 5:41-42, 9:14-16, 15:25-26
9. Justified, Washed and Sanctified – 1Cor 6:11
10. Thanksgiving – Eph 5:20, Col 3:17
11. Unity – 1Cor 1:10, 5:4
12. Reward – Heb 6:10
13. Doing all – Col 3:17, Acts 26:8-10

Conclusion:

If you’re here this morning and haven’t yet decided what you’re going to DO with Jesus, don’t wait until next week! Let us encourage you right NOW to make up your mind! Hearing about Jesus demands a decision. What will it be? Will you trust him with your life? Will you turn to him for hope? Will you surrender your life to him? What will you do with Jesus, the precious Lamb of God?

Your name, my name and the names of all people will immediately bring to mind the kind of person that we are in the eyes of others. But there is one name that is above every name, and one name that carries a greater significance than any other name in history. That name is the name of Jesus Christ.

I hope that all of us that are here this morning are just amazed beyond words that the very Son of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, lives within your heart right now. To think that the same God who is omnipresent throughout all creation, and who has all omnipotent power to speak and do whatever he wants, and who is omniscient, knowing everything about everything from eternity past to eternity future, cares enough about you and I to move in and live within our hearts is just incomprehensible to me.

I can’t understand it. I just accept him by faith and let him move in. What a wonderful life we can have when Jesus moves into our heart.

What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought since I light in my soul
I have ceased from my wondering astray and my sins are washed away
I possess a hope that is steadfast and sure and no dark clouds my sight now obscure
There’s a light now in the valley of death and the gates of Heaven I can see
I shall go there to dwell I know and I’m happy, so happy, as onward I go
Since Jesus Came into My Heart

Can you sing those words this morning? Is that how the name of Jesus makes you feel? The name of Jesus will have a powerful effect upon your heart and life, either for good or for bad depending on how you treat him and whether you accept him or not.

What will you do with that name? Will you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Now is the accepted time. Come while the Spirit is calling!

In closing, Jesus the Name, Jesus the being and Jesus the God, is an ‘Awesome Wonder’. Let this beautiful name of Jesus transform your life into something meaningful, because until you start living for him, you are not living at all.

But the reason for examining Jesus and these titles isn’t to just know more ABOUT him... Knowing about him isn’t enough. The question is what are you going to do about him?

Now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, cause His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and grant you peace, peace in your hearts and peace in your homes. God bless you.

Even Better Relationships
Sept. 18, 2011
Philippians 2:1-2:8

Here is a fact: God has made us to have relationships. We can have a relationship with Him and we can have a relationship with other people. Since the fall of Adam and Eve – maintaining relationships has been a major struggle between man and man - and man and God.

One of the biggest causes of unhappiness in our world is strained relationships. Conflict kills happiness. There is a daily struggle to live in a world where there is no conflict. Whether it be nation against nation or family member against another family member to live conflict free is a struggle.

How do you handle the conflict? How do you have unity? Unity is a key ingredient for success and fulfillment in life. To have a successful business the employees must get along and work together. To have a successful football team the players must work together. To have successful government the congress and the president must cooperate. To have a successful family the members must work together. To have a successful church we must work together. Very little is accomplished in life by yourself. Very little is accomplished without cooperation. When there is unity there is tremendous power and potential. The problem is people don’t always get along – they don’t always co-operate. How do you strive for unity? How do you reduce conflict and increase cooperation?

In Philippians chapter two Paul talks about how to have unity and co-operation with others.

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:1-2 (NKJV)

How can we make Paul and God happy?

A. Encouragement (from being united with Christ)
2:1 ”IF therefore YOU HAVE ANY ENCOURAGEMENT/comfort FROM BEING UNITED WITH CHRIST,
Paul has already written that they have received comfort from their unity in Christ. How many times have we been encouraged because we are united with Christ?

B. Comfort (of love)
IF ANY COMFORT FROM (HIS) LOVE, This is better translated, “If you have been consoled/refreshed/comforted from the love of Christ and others…”Again, it’s obvious from Ch. 1 that they had met this qualification.

C. Fellowship (in the Spirit)
IF ANY FELLOWSHIP WITH/in THE SPIRIT, Again, throughout Ch. 1, Paul has encouraged them in their fellowship/partnership. 1:5 – their partnership in the Gospel; v. 7 their sharing in God’s grace. Again, they have already met this condition. Notice here, their fellowship is in the Spirit, not necessarily fellowship with each other.

D. Mercy
IF ANY TENDERNESS AND COMPASSION/mercy, TENDERNESS – Did the Philippians demonstrate tenderness and compassion toward Paul? Absolutely! “If you have any encouragement or comfort or fellowship or mercy, which is clear that you have all of them, then take that a step further.” How can they do that? That’s what Paul’s/God’s real goal is.

WHAT IS THE REAL GOAL? (What is God’s Goal?) Unity

2THEN MAKE MY JOY COMPLETE. Fulfill my joy. Make me (and God) happy.
Paul knows they’re concerned for him. He knows they want to encourage him. So he says, “you want to really make me happy, here’s what you need to do.”

•They loved him and were united with him, but their love for and unity with each other was lacking. They needed real unity.

Unfortunately – unity and harmony does not happen very often. But Paul gives us in Philippians chapter two - five practical steps of finding joy through reduced conflict. The first step is found in verse three.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)

Paul in this one verse gives us the first three steps of reducing conflict. Let’s look at these one at a time.

I. Stop having selfish AMBITIONS

Philippians 2:3

All too often we compete with people who are supposed to be on our team. What type of team will ever win if they a busy competing with themselves – rather than working together? Stop fighting one another.

As a child you may have been involved in sibling rivalries. You competed with your brothers and sisters and now you’re much older and much more grown up. But some of you are still competing with your brothers and sisters, trying to prove that you’re better. That may be your ambition in life – “Let the world see that I am better than my brother or my sister or my neighbor.” You’re an adult and you’re still acting like a child! You’re on the same team – you’re in the same family! Stop holding on to selfish ambitions.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

What are the ambitions in your life? How are they driving your life? Are your ambitions causing conflict? Look at what James says on the subject:

“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires (ambitions) for pleasure that war in your members?” James 4:1 (NKJV)

Our society teaches us instant gratification. When my needs and ambitions conflict with your needs and ambitions, we have trouble. We live in a very competitive world. If you want to have unity you need to check if you ambitions are selfish.

The second step in reducing conflict with other people is:

II. Stop having selfish CONCEIT

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)

How many of you like conceited people? Not too many.

Pride can affect us all. We should not do things just to show off our egos. An egotist is an "I" specialist. He is full of himself. When this happens there is very little room for anyone else – including God. All he can see is himself. Self centered pride and arrogance is the result of conceit. The Bible says "Pride goes before destruction".

Proverbs 13:10

The first cause of conflict is competing ambitions. The second cause of conflict is personal pride – when I’ve got an ego and refuse to admit it when I’m wrong there is bound to be quarrels. If you could eliminate conceit you would solve most of the people problems in today’s world.

Now we get to a positive quality we should strive to attain.

III. Increase HUMILITY

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)

Paul says don’t put people down – lift them up. How? By treating them better than you would yourself. This is a radical concept. Treat others better than yourself? Yes! That is what the Bible teaches. It is the exact opposite of what our culture teaches. The world is full of people who think they are better than everybody else. We have elevated selfishness to an art form – a quality characteristic.

Paul tells us to decrease criticism because when you’re critical you’re thinking that you’re better than the other people.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself – but thinking of your-self less. Your focus isn’t on you – it is on others. Your focus is on other people. You are people centered – rather than self centered. The person that thinks he’s humble – isn’t. The humble person doesn’t even know it because he’s focusing on everybody else. The book of Proverbs tells us:

“A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” Proverbs 29:23 (NKJV)

Proverbs 11:2

The mind and the heart need humble preparation before they can receive wisdom and use it properly. Otherwise, without the influence of humility, knowledge promotes prideful thinking and hardens the heart. Information can increase intelligence, but it only creates educated fools—unless a heart of humility rejects any attitude of being superior.

(Matthew 11:29).

The ways of the Lord require a regular emptying of earthly desires, so heaven’s wisdom has room to work. Resist the temptation to fill your mind with information without immersing your heart in humility. The idol of being awed by intelligence competes with your reverence for God.

It is one thing to know truth and it is a whole other level of maturity to responsibly apply and live out truth.

(1 Corinthians 8:1a-3).

He trusts the humble to use wisdom for His purposes and not their own. Humility can handle wisdom, because it becomes a tool to lead others to trust Jesus. The Lord grows wisdom in a humble heart and teachable mind—so stay true to both.

(Proverbs 2:9-10).

How can I cultivate of heart of humility that stewards well God’s gift of wisdom?

IV. Increase CONSIDERATION of others

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NKJV)

Don’t just be interested in what is going on your life - but be interested in the lives of other people too. Look out for them. The Greek word for “look” is "scopos" from which we get the word "scope” – like the scope on a rifle. A Telescope – a microscope – both help you see things better. Care about the lives of other people. Pay attention to their needs.

Demonstrate consideration of others. Be considerate of each other. Watch out for one another. Take care of one another. Nothing I’m saying is new – but doing it is harder than saying it.

The fifth step to in reducing conflict with other people is:

V. Develop a Christ-Like CHARACTER

This next step is found in the next four verses. Let’s read them together:

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)

Jesus is our model. Jesus is our example. If you want to know how to get along with people – even those who are hard to get along with – look at the example of Jesus. We are to put on the mind of Christ and develop the same attitude toward others that He had. What is this mind? What was his attitude? It is found in our verses.

Even though He is the very form of God – He didn’t demand His rights. He humbled Himself and became obedient to the Father’s will – even to the point of death. What death? Death of the cross.

Jesus had a servants attitude. Do you? How do you know if you have a serving attitude? Let me ask you, “How do you respond when people treat you like a servant? Do you get up-tight and demand your rights?” It that is the case you don’t have a servants attitude.

Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself for others – are you? Most of us know John 3:16 but do you know 1 John 3:16? Let me read it to you:

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16 (NKJV)

This verse not only talks about the attitude of Jesus – but it talks about what our attitude should be. Have you got a servants attitude? Have you put on the mind of Christ?

It’s impossible to live a lifestyle of unselfishness on your own. It is human nature to be selfish – to only look out for number one. We all have that nature to do what we want to do. We are selfish – through and through. But Christ wants us to live different than that. He wants us to develop a Christ like character. He wants us to become like He is and He asks us to

"Let this attitude be in you that was in Christ."

Allow this attitude to be in you. Allow Christ take control of your attitudes. Allow Christ to take control of your mind. Submit to Him. Follow Him. Give yourself to Him today.

A.W. Tozer, in his book, The Pursuit of God, says, "Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers [meeting] together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be, were they to become “unity” conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."

Expectations

September 11, 2011

Philippians 1:27-30

For the last few weeks we have been talking about living above your circumstances. We have been looking at the way to have God’s perspective on your life’s problems, etc. Have you ever felt like quitting? Maybe you did or maybe you are thinking about that today. Just have had enough with the situation or circumstances you find yourself in? Do you want to know what Paul did when he found himself in a tough circumstance? How can you do what he did?

He not only survived through this but was ministering to others and staying strong as an example to us today. Our lives are difficult but through those times we can be a great witness to those around us.

Introduction:Understanding Expectations

For me I often have experiences that are not meeting my expectations. It can be a real problem. The distance between my experience and expectation gives me the level of frustration, anger and disappointment I have in life.

Disappointment, frustration and anger = the distance between my experience and expectation.

Dan and Sally with the 18 month old kid. Go to restaurant, friend calls to tell them their house is on fire and don’t know if their little boy has gotten out. No one can find the child. 45 minutes after the fire is put out a fireman gives them their son who “crawled out”. Expect not to find their child. OR Friend that tells them trying to protect them. Expectation their home is OK. Assume it is no big deal. MAD because they lost their home. Ex. of 18 month old boy – joy because son is ok, or devasted because their house is burned up.

Disappointment, frustration and anger = the distance between my experience and expectation.

Ex. When you got married did you think that everything was going to be great and you would never have a problem? If that was you, how do you feel now? Disillusioned. Maybe you thought that job would make all the difference in the world but now it is the worst decision of your life.

I am not real sure but I imagine that wide receivers know that eventually they are going to get tackled. Just an idea. If not, at the time he is waking up after being knocked out he will realize he was disillusioned. If you want to live in reality you have to realize you are going to take some hits in life.

When we don’t realize this then we are angry (maybe even with God), frustrated and ready to give it all up.

Review: Circumstances + Perspective = Experience

WK1 • Focus = Upward/Outward, Not Inward!

WK 2 • Purpose = God, “Use” My Adversity!

WK 3 • Hope = Look Through An Eternal Perspective

Key #4: EXPECTATION

Question #4: What are my expectations?

When we got married did we think there could never be a more peaceful place on earth than with my wife? How about when that little “bundle of joy” came along? Then you realize there are diapers to take care of, attitudes to deal with, and growing pains on both sides.

Another Lesson from the Life of Paul : Philippians 1:27-30

“Clear Expectations” Paul is giving it to us in the following verses. We need to communicate our expectations clearly so that we are understood in the job, at home, and in our relationships. God wants us to understand this from Him.

Paul gives three essentials for victory in this war against the enemy.
1- Consistency (27a)
2- Cooperation (27b)
3- Confidence (28-30)

I. Consistent Conduct

Philippians 1:27-28

A Consistent Conduct – live in a way that what you say or do reflects the Gospel. This new life in Christ is to be seen in you. The word he uses here is from the same word that we get politics from. The Philippians were a Roman colony, and they were proud of it. In that day if you were a Roman you had certain rights. Membership had its privileges. You were to walk with pride at being a Roman. I am not sure if you remember when Paul was being beat up etc and he said “so this is the way you treat your Roman citizens?”.

They had privileges and responsibilities. We also have certain privileges but we also have responsibilities as Christians. We have access to God, the creator of the universe, we have an inheritance with Him, we have privileges like you can’t even imagine. With those privileges come responsibilities. Everywhere you go, how you act, what you say, how you treat people needs to reflect Christ. Be the man or woman that God has made you to be. Not a super Christian, a pastor or a missionary but a normal Christian.

We need to act like the heirs of Jesus Christ that we are.

He tells us exactly what we are to do to live a consistent life. Verse 27

Three temptations when things get hard:

To give up. I quit. Thought it wouldn’t be that hard so I give up.
To give in. Don’t stand up. Don’t be a leader in the home. Don’t let anyone know you are even a Christian.
To not even try to live a Godly life.

v. 27 - We are to be tough in tough times. In one Spirit. Depend on God’s Spirit even when you don’t feel like it. 27a “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel.”

The application for us is: HOW’S MY LIVING? And the world is watching. Our conduct should be worthy of the gospel. How’s your conduct record? We all have our days, our good days and our bad days. We’re not perfect every day, as much as we would like to be.

While we may not get into a fight with someone over some issue, we will rant and rave, cuss and discuss things with passion at times. And I’m not talking having a religious discussion or argument.

James 1:20

ILL.- I am my neighbor’s Bible
He reads me when we meet;
Today he reads me in my home –
Tomorrow, in the street.
He may be a relative or friend,
Or slight acquaintance be;
He may not even know my name,
Yet he is reading me.

It’s possible that Christ could say these words to some of us today. Consistent living for Christ is needed in order to overcome the enemy.

Maybe you are in the situation where you just want to give up. You are honestly wanting to get out of all of this. You have been fighting the battle so long and you are exhausted. God is telling you today here and now not to give up. He knows, understands and if all you feel like doing is crying then cry. If you don’t feel like reading the Bible then go to the Psalms 42-43 Oh God how long will I be here? How long will this take? He wants to lift you up. God uses others in our lives that help us. If you don’t have anyone in your life to encourage you then maybe it is time for you to get involved in one of the small group Bible Studies that we have here. There are others in this church that can help you.

II. Cooperation with Others

Ask God to bring people into your life to help. Do some practical things like take a walk, exercise, do something to stimulate your mind but to relax you. Journal what you feel. Don’t be a victim fight back.

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Grace is always available to you. Go meet with God and get the grace you need today. Stand together, face it together and face God.

V. 27b “Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.”

Stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man. Paul is talking about cooperation in the body of Christ. Without cooperation in the house, nothing great will be accomplished.

I Cor. 1:1

THERE MUST BE COOPERATION IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE VICTORY OVER THE ENEMY AND TO EXPERIENCE GROWTH!

We must be united together and stand together against the opposition. WE MAY NOT AGREE ON EVERYTHING, BUT WE CERTAINLY AGREE ON JESUS!

III. Confidence in God.

What can we expect from God in a fallen world?

Philippians 1:29-30

2 Gifts

• Gift #1: To BELIEVE on Him.

• Gift #2: To SUFFER for Him.

Man that will really put things in perspective. Faith and suffering are NORMAL. I don’t believe in the self-help preaching. God does tell us that everything is going to be easy. Great things in life are not easy. You find someone with a great marriage and know they had to work on it, a great business – they worked on it, a great family – they worked on it. A great athlete, artist, musician, etc, it was not easy. They had heartaches, pains, long work hours, and suffering. We live in a fallen world and we are going to suffer.

He says we can expect suffering in our lives. 2 Tim 3:12; John 16:33

Some suffer without a cause and we get to suffer for Christ. All suffering is not from God. When I go through a hard time I ask if it is because of the following four things:

My sin. Am I following God’s will? Am I walking in sin? You reap what you sew.
Is this a Spiritual attack? Job wasn’t doing anything wrong but he suffered.
It is a fallen world. The world is sick with illnesses and we live in it.
Spiritual Discipline. Heb. 12 tells us there are times in your life when God needs to get our attention. He is our dad and He wants to bring us back. It is a spiritual discipline. He unplugs your finances, your work, your health etc. and then you say HEY. He says, “Did you want to talk?”
Spiritual Development. 2 Cor 12. God wanted Paul to be more mature. My grace is sufficient for you. You stand up for God and get rejected, persecuted, suffer. That is what he is talking about. Can you embrace the suffering as the model that Jesus gave us?

There is great power in your perspective of your surroundings. What are your expectations?

Suffering is a normal part of the Christian life. Our expectations are formed by our thinking. What are you putting into your mind? Even listening to Christian radio, TV and a number of books that we find in Christian bookstores teach that we are just going to get wealth and health. If you just believe, have enough faith, and speak it into existence then you will have prosperity. If you put that in your mind you are setting yourself up for disappointment. It is not Biblical. All of the Apostles could not qualify for the prosperity Gospel. 11 of the 12 were martyred. They suffered and died for following Christ. The other was exiled on a deserted island where he finished the book of Revelations.

Know that God loves us, He hears, us, and He does bless us. When he gives us things it is not to raise our standard of living but our standard of giving.

In our suffering God produces a heart like his. Suffer in a way that honors Him. Our view of life changes everything. It is the power of our perspective.

V. 28 Without being frightened. WE MUST NOT BE AFRAID OF THE ENEMY.

Fear is a common factor that affects us all in one way or another. We all fear something. What is your greatest fear? Fear of death? Fear of not having enough money to live? Fear of losing your health or your mind? Fear of what will happen to your children? Fear of being left alone?

All of us have fears that we have to face. Some are real and some we make more real than they really are.

There are many causes in our world that people speak about, preach about, push, sweat for, argue for, and even die for. Most of those causes are worthless.

I believe that we have the greatest of all causes and it is the truth above all truths! Consequently, we should be passionate about it and fearless in our witness of it!

We need more confidence in life and living the Christian life. And it will only come when we believe in the God of heaven and believe that He is at work in our world today and will do what He says He will do!

Understanding the Power of Hope

September 4, 2011

Do you need some hope today? Are you drained, don’t have any energy left to fight the fights. Is there someone you know that just feels like they don’t have the strength to carry on? I am glad you are here today because I want to share with you how to find hope during these difficult circumstances.

Review:

• Circumstances + Perspective = Experience

• Key #1 = FOCUS

Question #1 = Outward and Upward, or Inward.

• Key #2 = PURPOSE

Question #2 = Do you Focus on God’s Purpose?

•Key #3: HOPE

Question #3: What is my hope based on? Where is my hope?

Howard Hughes became synonymous with money, power and control. "Every man has his price, or a man like me couldn't exist," he would say. Yet, for the last fifteen years of his life, no one could say for certain whether he was alive or dead; much less, what he looked like. He controlled thousands of lives and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Even governments depended on him. Yet, he lived a sunless, joyless, half lunatic life. His scraggly beard hung down to his waist. His long, unwashed hair hung to the middle of his back. His fingernails were two inches long. His toenails hadn't been trimmed for so long, they looked like corkscrews. He lived with a horrifying fear of dying. All that accumulation . . . yet, today it does him no good. All that wealth, and all that unhappiness. His name meant, "authority," yet, his life meant nothing. It's the classic tale of time verses eternity. Howard Hughes had it backwards.

Ex. Ladder (imagine a wall in line with the ladder). On the other side is a picture of water that represents the normal needs and desires that we have. It also represents things in our lives that we have to deal with. Paul is telling us in Philippians that there are two places we can look at life from, two vantage points. 1. Temporal vantage point called time. I look at what my needs and wants are but I cannot see through the wall. What I really need is on the other side but I cannot see it from here. I do all I can and I can’t see it. I keep hitting the wall. There are things on the other side of the wall that give me hope but if I can’t see them I give up etc. If there is not hope in my marriage, I quit. If there is no hope in my job, I give up. If I am not getting anywhere with my kids, I stop trying. If there is no hope of walking with God because you keep struggling with the same sin you just quit. Paul is telling us there are two vantage points:

I. Paul’s Vantage Point.

“Vantage” = a) a position or situation more advantageous than an opponent’s. b) a position that allows a clear, broad view; understanding - i.e. vantage point.

Paul is telling us there is another place to look at life from. You can look at life from this vantage point (on top of the ladder) = an eternal perspective. I can see time but I can also see eternity. I can see that which is seen through physical eyes and also what is seen with spiritual eyes. It is real. I will keep on going because I can see the eternal. If I can only see the temporal, I don’t have any hope. When you go through hard circumstances you have to ask yourself “where do I base my hope?”

Application:

1. Personal situation you need to see from an eternal vantage point:

_____________________________________________________

2. Corporate situation we need to see from an eternal vantage point: ___________________________________________________

II. The Hope of Paul

Is my hope thinking this marriage is based on that in six months this marriage will be better. Is it based on that I make X $, but I need XX $ to be happy. Or is it that I should be promoted and then I will be happy. Maybe my health is not allowing us to have the fun we used to have. If your hope and happiness are based on what you can do in your temporal body and whether you are healthy all the time then you are going to be unhappy.

You choose to look at life through temporal or eternal eyes. Do I like the situation I am in, No. Do I enjoy being physically unable to do things, No. Am I excited about where I am financially, No. Is my family doing great, No. But I not am putting my hope and satisfaction in what is happening in my life today and what I can see. My hope and my perspective comes from looking realistically and honestly at what is happening temporally which allows me to see the eternal things that are real, available and promised.

Hope in English = hope it doesn’t rain (wishful thinking) or I hope I get a raise. This means I am wishfully hoping that something good will happen in the future and there is nothing wrong with that. It is not the Biblical use of the word.

Hope in the Bible = absolute certainty. In NT “our hope is the anchor of our soul”. Ex. It is in the return of Christ. He promised He will come back. I don’t hope that some way, somehow my needs will be taken care of emotionally, physically and spiritually. I KNOW He will.

Phillipians 4:19

If your hope is in anything temporal you are just milliseconds away from no hope. A car wreck, an accident, a fire, a hurricane, etc. It could even be in your wife, you kids, you job and even a ministry. If it is based on anything temporal it is here today and gone tomorrow.

What Paul is teaching us is that we hold temporal things loosely. We need to look at temporal reality but through the lens of this is my life, my body, the circumstances I am facing but see them through the eyes of eternity.

With every situation we make a choice. Do I see this through temporal eyes or with eyes looking through the lens of eternity. Do I climb up and see all eternity or only see the wall in the middle. One will always give you hope, the other will make you like a cork that bobs up and down with the waves of life. As circumstances go up and down so will your hope because you are placing your hope in a person, a place or a thing that is temporal. It is not able to fulfill your deepest desires.

When you lose hope, you lose it all. Someone said “Hope is the oxygen of the soul”. Your soul can not live very long without hope.

The Third lesson on perspective we find today. Whatever circumstances we have today are nothing compared to what Paul is going through.

V. 18b “yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” He is sitting there in prison, chained up, he knows his purpose, and when he looked through temporal eyes he could have been really depressed. He chose to look at life through Eternal eyes, an eternal vantage point.

III. The Source of Paul’s Hope

A summary of Paul’s source of hope:

1. Paul is joyful because he is CERTAIN that he will be delivered “through” this time of personal testing and be found a faithful witness. V18. He is confident in God. That God will be glorified in either his life or his death. Because he has hope in something that is eternal – salvation through Jesus Christ. The key is asking the right questions. We need to look at life through FOCUS, PURPOSE and HOPE.

2. Paul’s KNOWLEDGE rests in the supernatural enabling God will provide through the prayers of the Philippians and the empowering of the indwelling Holy Spirit. V19 Salvation in this case is delivered. I am going to come through somehow. Their prayers were really making a difference. The power of God through the Holy Spirit was doing something in this situation. He is certain.

Two Greek words about know: 1. Knowledge that comes by experience. (Delight will order soft-serve ice-cream when I go to Peter Piper Pizza if she can. I know that from experience). 2. That is not this word. I know that if I take this pen out and drop it, it will hit the grown. I know that because gravity does not change. This is the KNOW he is talking about here. Paul is saying based on the facts that help comes through prayers and that the Holy Spirit is at work. So based on these facts he knows that he will be delivered in some way. He knew that everything he needed to make it through that situation would be provided for his deliverance.

3. Paul’s major CONCERN during this time of testing are how his failure to be faithful might reflect (negatively) on the person of Christ.

4. Paul’s MOTIVATION and goal in his testing is that Christ’s reputation would be greatly enhanced; regardless of what means God would chose to accomplish this goal (life or death).

His source of joy is unshakable. Verse 21. “whether by life or by death, For (explanation or reason)… He has an eternal perspective. The answer to your problems is not a solution. The answer to your problems is a person. We typically need solutions to our problems. Ex. If my wife’s attitude would just change, if the stock market was better, if I could only get a better job, a new supervisor, good employees, a physical condition that is keeping me from doing what I want to do… When we look at life on the temporal basis we ask God for a solution. The more we ask and the more we don’t get it we get frustrated. If you keep asking the wrong questions you lose hope.

You think your spouse will never change, the kids are a lost cause, my job is going nowhere, I am a physical mess, I am no good, my body doesn’t work. When you ask the question and you are looking for a solution you are looking through a temporal lens. But when I tell myself the answer is a person then “for me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. He is the answer. My relationship with Him is the key. There is no circumstance in my life that can take away my relationship with God. My life should revolve around him. There are problems and situations in our lives that we have to really examine.

God tells us that He is our HOPE. This is the most liberating thing when we realize this. There will come a day when we are going to die. At that point we will no longer just taste of the living water but we will drink of it forever and ever. No tears, no sorrow, no pain.

He goes on to say that he would in no way be ashamed. Eager and intense hope is found in God. He is focusing on the end. It is the picture of a runner busting through that tape. His expectation is that God will deliver him. Three options: 1. Delivered out of the situation 2. Delivered unto God. Psa 116 “precious in the sight of God are the deaths of His saints. We think the worst thing that can happen is that we die. 3. Delivered through the circumstances. God gives you something in the middle of the circumstances that gets you through. It is the thing He gives you that make others marvel at how you get through.

It is said that adversity will either make us or break us. What is it that makes the difference? We see it on the news, as a matter of fact I saw on the news they are thinking the recent hurricane Irene may be good for the economy in the United States. This will bring jobs in reconstruction and materials needed. In some instances the people are devastated by what they lost but on the other side some people are happy about the new closeness in their community, friends and family. So what is the difference? It is a four letter word that will help you get through the difficult circumstances in your life. H O P E

Philippians 1:18b-26

Paul is not worried about his death, what people are saying, what he is supposed to do etc. He says that what his hope is in is the hope that cannot change. The sovereign good God that gives him the ability to accomplish exactly what God called him to. He knew his purpose, (not to live an easy life, grow old, and have a great retirement) but to be an ambassador for Christ, share Christ and to live a righteous life.

CONCLUSION:

Everyone’s life revolves around something. No matter who you are you are focused on the thing that gives you hope. What are you focused on? What does your life revolve around? If it is around how rich you are, successful, smart, your car, your home, your wife or kids.

That which is seen is temporal and that which is unseen is eternal. Paul says I don’t lose hope because my joy is in Jesus Christ. Joy and Happiness are not the same thing. Happiness comes from the root word of happenings. Happiness is based on the happenings or circumstances in my life. Joy on the other hand is always the byproduct of a relationship. He is saying my joy is unshakable because my joy is based on a relationship. In fact what some fear is death and for me all that does is take away that barrier. It is better for me.

I believe we as Christians have bought into the world’s view of happiness. If given the opportunity check one box A. to live in a great house, drive a nice car, have a easy life or B. to check, leave here and spend eternity with Jesus, the majority of us would check box A. I don’t think we are supposed to think about getting to heaven faster. We are to realize there are things for us to do here, we have a purpose. It is not so that everything will turn out right, and you can live successfully and at ease.

Our purpose is to share the Gospel of Jesus with others, that they can know the joy we have in Him. We are to build each other up. To be more of a man or woman that reflects Christ in all we do in the middle of a difficult world.

Think about the worst thing that could happen to you… and then I die. We are untouchable when our hope is in Christ. Ask yourself today “what or who do I put my hope in?” Do you look at life through the hope in Christ or only the happiness you find here on this earth?

****Summary of Paul’s source of hope: First: He is happy because he is certain that he will be delivered through this time of testing and be found faithful. Second: He also is confident in the supernatural help he is receiving through the prayers of the Phillipians, and the power of the Holy Spirit in him. We have it, everything we need, the spirit of God will give you. Third: Paul’s major concern is how his failure could be a negative reflection on the person of Jesus Christ. Fourth: His main motivation is that Christ would be lifted up, glorified whether it would be through his life or his death.

Application: What personal circumstance is getting you down right now? Finances, personal relationship, work issue, health, emotional. When you leave today what is it that you can say I am tired of this thing dragging me down because I have put my hope in that problem being resolved. You will need to look at it realistically but through the lens of eternity. Where are you putting your hope? I will believe with all my heart that it is a certain thing that God will give me all I need at the time. You and I get the grace we need for the day. We have a choice: focus, purpose, hope. Lens of time or lens of eternity. What do you need in your life to look through the lens of eternity? What if you started looking at Mexico through the lens of eternity, the economy, terrorism, the drug wars etc. We would move from being protective to an attitude of eternity because once you realize that death cannot hurt you, then you are invincible. God wants invincible people in this world and in our homes that will say “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

What you allow to go through your “eye gate” and “ear gate” impacts you immensely. To protect yourself, focus on God and His ways. In Colossians 3:2, the Bible says, "Set your mind on things above, not on worldly things".

Focus on Jesus and what He wants to do in your life. The truth is, the more you let Jesus Christ live through you, the more you’ll find sanity in a world that’s going insane.

The Power of Purpose

August 28, 2011

Philippians 1:12-18

“Sometimes the shortest distance between two points is a ‘zig-zag’ line.” –Don Sunnuikian

For most of us we think that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Well, that is true if you are talking about geometry. Buy in life it is not always like that. With God when you are at point A and He wants to take you to point B it is not always straight. You ask person after person about what it took to get them where they are today and they will tell you about all the zig and zags that gave them the abilities and made them who they are today. Ex. Moses, David, Joseph, and even Jesus. He started as a baby born Lord of Lord and King of Kings but he lived a perfect life that does not look like a straight line. He is born in a stable, attempted to be killed as a small child, beaten, rejected, and crucified. At the end of his life he looked like a total failure. “You raised people from the dead, why don’t you save yourself, they said.” He died, and rose again and brought us the salvation we find in Him and only Him today. This is exactly what God had planned for Him. He gives us salvation, purpose, hope, taking people from the kingdom of darkness and places them in the kingdom of light.

In that journey the shortest distance between two points was a zig-zag line. So what does that have to do with purpose?

God’s ultimate purposes for our lives are often achieved by circumstances that seem to make no “apparent” sense to us. Is that how you feel sometimes? You might tell God, Hey, this stinks, what is the deal, why am I being treated so bad. I love you and obey you but what is going on. Do you want some help? I hope by the time you leave here today you will have a better understanding of what you can do during these times of life.

Review:

• Circumstances + Perspective = Experience

Stuff you can’t control + how you think about it = your experience. That is why you have people that are suffering with cancer and live in joy and peace. On the other hand there are those that have a splinter in their finger, a mild problem in the economy, or just aren’t getting their way and they are clinically depressed. Because it is the power of perspective. Circumstances don’t have the power to make your life, or break your life.

• Key #1 = FOCUS

• Question #1 = Where is my focus, Upward and Outward or Inward?

Key #2: PURPOSE

This is what happens when you are just kind of down and out, confused, etc.

Question #2: What’s my purpose? Why am I here? What is God up to in my life? What is it you are doing about these circumstances? What are you doing here to complete Your agenda when I am feeling in my heart that this is not doing anything for my agenda.

A Second Lesson from the Life of Paul: Philippians 1:12-18 (overview of the report from Paul) Paul here is writing from a Roman jail to the church in Philipi. He gets a letter from one of the Phillipians in the church wondering how he is doing. He helped to start the church there and as we saw last week they had a special bond of love. They sent Epaphraditus with a financial gift and so they could know what was happening to Paul. Then he takes this letter back to the Philippian church.

• Paul’s Report: His Thesis

Philippians 1:12 So what has happened to me has really served to preach the Gospel. They had heard he was in jail, in chains, guarded by the Praetorian guards that change every 6 hours, and under hard circumstances. They wanted to know how Paul was, discouraged, making it, what could they do to help. He tells them it is being used to progress or advance the Gospel. This is a military term used in the advancement of a campaign. It is used for cutting down trees, undergrowth, the removal of barriers that slow down forward movement of troops. He is telling them that advancement is coming through his imprisonment. It all looks bad but it had taken away some of the barriers to spread the Word Of God. God is using this difficult circumstance for His good work.

Gospel means – Good News. Really Happy is better. Something great happened that people need to know.

Rom. 1:16 The power of God is not from a messenger but from the Message.

I Cor 15:1-4 This is the Good News that we are to take to everyone no matter who they are or what they have done. ECT. It is accepting the gift, growing and becoming like Him. This is what Paul lived for.

God Used Circumstances:

Like a legal brief. These are the three purposes for my life and for your life.

Exhibit A: The GOSPEL Goes Forth

Philippians 1:13a

Think about it within only about thirty years after Christ’s death they have already turned the world upside down. These people called the Way are preaching a new religion and it is spreading like crazy. They said that Jesus died on the cross, rose again for our sins, and they go so far as to say he walked around on the earth for 40 days after this. Walked through walls, & actually ate food so he wasn’t a ghost. Anyone he got close to was changed forever. They made them human torches, threw them into lions dens, put them in the stadiums for the lions to tear to pieces all the while asking this God to forgive the torturers for what they did to them. They are sacrificing their lives, money, resources and love each other in radical ways. Now their leader (Paul) is in jail in the center of the empire.

He is not having the time of his life with the rats in jail, enjoying great meals in comfort. What he is doing is focusing on the perspective or purpose.

It has become well know among the palace guard who he is. His witness is impacting the world from jail. Those that were guarding him were the elite, renown, respected, trustworthy soldiers of great influence in Rome. These are the Praetorian guard – about 9000.

What do you think happened when these guys were chained to Paul? “how come you are singing dude?” “why are you happy”? are you crazy? He would tell them because of Jesus. Then Fred comes to know Christ, George, John, Bob, Bill, etc. Pretty soon even some of the leaders in King Herods household came to know Christ.

God has an amazing goal for us but we don’t get there the way we think. God does things in mysterious ways. Isa 55:8 “neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

Life is not fair. I am just going to come right out and say it. Bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people. Here is the question: what do you do when you get a bad deal? What do you do when life is not fair to you?

When you have God’s purpose in mind it totally changes the way you think about your circumstances. Instead of the woe is me, why am I suffering, let’s have a pity party, Paul is thinking HUM, if God loves me, is in control, is all wise then there must be a purpose for all of this. It may not be fair etc. but what we see is this group of 9000 elite soldiers are presented with the Gospel. God takes the message of the Gospel around the world because of this situation. He is given an opportunity to talk to a group of people that could have taken a hundred years to get to.

Paul says I really don’t like the chains but when I look at this through the lens of Purpose, the Gospel is going forth.

Think about the opportunities we have as we go through suffering and others see the help we get from God. God makes the difference for us in these times and this opens the door for sharing the love of God with others. It is not usually the life of pain-free happy go lucky lives that bring people to question but when we go through hard times and people see who we are in those times that make them want what you have in Christ. How does God want to use your present difficulty or circumstance to be a witness to those around you?

Exhibit B: The CHURCH Grows Strong

Philippians 1:14

To a larger degree the men had more boldness to speak because of Paul’s suffering. He used his suffering as a way to encourage believers to step up and do more. When we respond in a Christ-like way during difficult circumstances it will encourage and motivate other believers to live the way they know they need to live.

The church grows stronger. Sometimes we just get enough faith for the day… sometimes God will allow your bad circumstances to go to impossible so that He is the only way out. This is when we trust God even when it does not make sense. The circumstances may be unbearable but God gives something better in the way of a miracle. What if there is something deeper He wants to do in you so that He can do something through you.

Exhibit C: The MAN Grows Deep

Philippians 1:15-18

He is saying that something happened in me. How are we changed to be like Him? By putting you in places/situations you don’t want to be in and then doing things that only He can do.

So his friend has come and is wondering what is going on. People are saying you should just pray and get out of prison, if you were such a great man of God then you shouldn’t be in this predicament. They are wondering what is happening to his reputation and his testimony as a great Christ follower is at stake. Paul says “what is it to me?” The important thing is that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed…” He is not focusing on others but on the goal of proclaiming Christ.

Paul understood what God’s purpose is. Therefore he was not worried about who got the credit, what other people thought, but he chose to take great joy in what God was doing.

II. 3 Purpose Statements for every believer:

1. I am an ambassador/messenger of the Gospel.

• Purpose: Reach the Lost. How can God use my circumstances to do that?

2. I am called to encourage God’s people; to help them grow to full maturity in Christ.

• Purpose: Build them UP.

3. I am a servant of the Living God.

• Purpose: That you Become Like Him.

(Mark 16:15)

“Me first” believers ask, “How can God make my life more comfortable?” They want to use God for their purposes instead of being used for his purposes.

“God first” believers know they’ve been saved to serve and made for mission. They’re eager to receive a personal assignment and excited about the privilege of being used by God. Their joy, confidence and enthusiasm are contagious, because they know they’re making a difference. They wake up each morning expecting God to work through them in fresh ways. Which type of believer do you want to be?

God invites you to participate in the greatest, largest, most diverse and most significant cause in history: building his Kingdom. History is his story; he’s building his family for eternity. Nothing matters more and nothing will last as long.

From the book of Revelation, we know God’s global mission will be accomplished, that someday the Great Commission will be the Great Completion. In heaven, an enormous crowd of people “from every race, tribe, nation, and language” will one day stand before Jesus Christ to worship him (Revelation 7:9 CEV).

III. Questions to ponder:

Application of looking at life through the Lens of Purpose: Three things God has in mind when we go through hard circumstances.

1. How could God use my difficult circumstances to advance the Gospel? Is this something God can use to reach others?

2. How could God use my difficult circumstances to encourage other believers? Is this something that can encourage others?

3. What might God want to do “in” me through my present circumstances? Is this purpose only to make us more like Christ?

4. Whose purpose or agenda have I been most eager to see fulfilled . . . God’s or mine?

CONCLUSION: John 14:27

There are times in our lives when our peace is based simply on our own ignorance. But when we are awakened to the realities of life, true inner peace is impossible unless we get it from Jesus. When our Lord speaks peace, He creates peace, because the words that He speaks are always “spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Have I ever received what Jesus speaks? “. . . My peace I give to you. . .”— a peace that comes from looking into His face and fully understanding and receiving His quiet contentment.

Are you severely troubled right now? Are you afraid and confused by the waves and the turbulence God sovereignly allows to enter your life? Have you left no stone of your faith unturned, yet still not found any well of peace, joy, or comfort? Does your life seem completely barren to you? Then look up and receive the quiet contentment of the Lord Jesus. Reflecting His peace is proof that you are right with God, because you are exhibiting the freedom to turn your mind to Him. If you are not right with God, you can never turn your mind anywhere but on yourself. Allowing anything to hide the face of Jesus Christ from you either causes you to become troubled or gives you a false sense of security.

With regard to the problem that is pressing in on you right now, are you “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2) and receiving peace from Him? If so, He will be a gracious blessing of peace exhibited in and through you. But if you only try to worry your way out of the problem, you destroy His effectiveness in you, and you deserve whatever you get. We become troubled because we have not been taking Him into account. When a person confers with Jesus Christ, the confusion stops, because there is no confusion in Him. Lay everything out before Him, and when you are faced with difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, listen to Him say, “Let not your heart be troubled . . .” (John 14:27).

The divine formula [Circumstances + Perspective = Experience]

Lord, show me what the purpose is in this circumstance?

Focus Power

August 21, 2011

Philippians 1:1-11

Have you had better days than what you are experiencing today? Do you know what happened and how to get back to that time? What can we do about this situation that gets us out of control?

What is the hardest situation you are facing today? Is it a family problem, a health problem, something at work, lack of work, your finances? What is really getting you down. Today I want to help you get through these problems.

Introduction: A Tale of Two Stories – man that was doing great in cabinets was called about a fire that destroyed everything. He was clinically depressed because everything he built his life on was gone. He realized that he had left God out.

He started another business in the housing industry and did great. He had a good relationship with God. Then it happened again… an employee was sweeping sawdust and it caught the business on fire. Totally destroyed everything again. He said he went outside and just began to praise God for who he is. Then he went and got his grandson and took him to the park to play some baseball. The little kid hit it and ran the bases. He looked at his grandson and realized that nothing had been taken from him. Within 24hours all his employees had work again.

Upward focus verses inward focus. Fire #1 Inward focus = despair, depression, bad results. Fire #2 Upward and outward. Peace, understanding and blessings.

This time he said in Job 1:21 “naked you came into this world and naked you will return, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Living above your circumstances…

• The Divine Equation: C+P = E

C__circumstances___ + P__perspecitve__ = E__experience___

In the story we just talked about the circumstances were the same but the perspective was different and so the experience was different. Living above my circumstances occurs when my PERSPECTIVE interprets my circumstances rather than my CIRCUMSTANCES determining my perspective.

We don’t have any control over what the stock market may do, how the automotive industry will prosper, what will happen with the other foreign countries that affect us here. You do have control over your attitude and perspective of specific circumstances 100%. It is a broken marriage, a child doing wrong, a boyfriend that has hurt you, school that just is not going well or a chronic pain that you wake up to. We ask and get “my Grace is sufficient for you.”

• The Fundamental Question: How can we develop the kind of perspective that goes beyond our circumstances? It is the power of Focus.

I. Where is your focus?

A Lesson from the Life of Paul: Philippians 1:1-11

Paul’s Circumstance – Let’s look at the apostle Paul.

Philippians 1:1-2

Paul’s ____UPWARD___ Focus

Philippians 1:3-6

Paul’s ____UPWARD___ Focus

He has gone through a lot. There are chains, it is cold and wet, he can be killed at any time but he is not whining. His life is falling apart, he doesn’t have a problem with retirement, a child that is doing wrong, problems with people, or someone that is upset with him. He has been abandoned, he has nothing, he is going to be killed at any moment. He is alone and rejected. Where is his hope?

BOX on notes: one word or two the most painful negative pressure filled thing in your life right now. If God could take away or give you something that you would dream of, what would it be. Write it down. You have to be clear on what you are facing. We have to be clear with God.

There is so much taking place right now in our world that is out of control. Our circumstances are often difficult. We need to see, hear and obey God but we also need to let Him renew our minds. We can’t change our circumstances very often but we can change our perspective which in turn will change our experiences.

I really want you to know that the apostle Paul loved God and served Him with all his heart. It is just about what God gives us. We have little control over our circumstances but we can focus outward and not inward to give us the perspective that if we will focus UPWARD (Lord help me to see the good, Lord help me to trust in you, Lord help me to rely on You) it will change our perspective so that our experience will be good even though it may have been difficult. He wants us to get close to Him and for some of us the only way we will do so is through difficulties. Don’t wait for that. Have a close relationship with Him now so that you have confidence in Him during the hard times.

You can say “God I don’t like it but I choose to rely on You with the right attitude and the right heart. So will you help me and use me in this situation.”

Do you think God is saying to Gabriel “Oh my goodness, this is horrible, I never saw the global financial crisis coming. I was not prepared. What am I going to do?”

Write as many things as you can today on the back of your handout of things you are thankful to God for. As your perspective changes your experiences will also.

II. WHERE IS MY AFFECTION?

Philippians 1:7-8

Paul’s ___OUTWARD____ Focus

They experienced God together. Circle the word feel, heart, partakers, long, affection. He feels, in his heart, because of what they have done together, and he wants to be with them and loves them with God’s love.

If you think about Paul’s circumstances they were worse than probably anyone else’s here today. That is just a guess. The key for him was an upward and outward focus. We have all lost a lot of things. Our retirement is not what it was, I don’t make as much money as I did… If you focus on the stuff you have lost, your job, or the uncertainty of the future. Giving thanks is a choice. Look at what you do have and thank God.

There is going to come a day when everything fades away except for the relationship you had. No one is going to sit around after I am dead and talk about all the cool tools I have in the garage. Or the house that I have, the cars that I drive. They are not even going to be chatting over the shirts that I wore. They are going to be talking about the relationships that I had with God and with others.

Paul prays, his heart is full of people and he remembers how God used us in the past.

James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…”

Our __FEELINGS___ always follows our focus!

Three Observations about an Outward Focus: Philippians 1:7-8

1. Difficult circumstances reveal our true ___AFFECTIONS___. It is like a sponge and we don’t really know what is in it until it is squeezed. If stuff, you, and personal stuff is in there you will see it when you are squeezed. What is your true affection?

2. Living above our circumstances occur when our hearts are so full of people, there is no room for __SELF PITY__. Paul’s heart was so filled with people that there was no room for self-pity.

Look outside and fill yourself with people. Out, and up. Who is it that I could be helping and loving. You will give of yourself. Give and it shall be given unto you. This does not always mean your money

3. Sometimes God allows adverse circumstances to realign our __AFFECTIONS___!

If that is true and you want to focus up and out then the answer is in verses 9-11.

Where is my affection? Paul’s was on people. Paul’s circumstances were worse than anyone here today’s right?

III. How to Develop an Upward Focus: Philippians 1:3-6

• A Choice = ___OF GRATITUDE___ By choosing to thank God and remember our relationships. We have all lost a lot of stuff. Job, stuff, and uncertainty will really make you depressed. Start thanking God for the people in your life that you do have. This is life. Thank God for things that money cannot buy.

• An Action = ____PRAYER_____ There is going to come a day in our lives when it is all about the people we have invested in. When I am dead they are not going to talk about what I have but the relationships that I had with people. We have believed that as evangelical Christians when we go to church, get involved in ministry, ready your Bible, go on missions trips, pay our tithes and keep ourselves morally clean that God owes us a great life.

We should have an easy life, a job with room to advance, a great wife, kids that don’t have problems, no worries over our finances and all your grandkids will always be there to love on you. The reality is that we are to experience His joy and also some sufferings. In verse 25 it says “for it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggles I had…” Just because you have difficulties does not mean you are not right with God.

The idea that if you are right with God all things will be easy is not something you will be able to sell. It is not one that we asked for, we signed up for or that we like. It is how we go through suffering that the power of God is seen in our lives.

Life is not out of control, it is just that your life is out of control. He says that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. God wants us to come to Him. He understands what we are going through and wants to help.

He is going to work it out. You thought you had control. Now you can’t sell your house, you can’t retire because you don’t have the money.

How do You Pray with an Outward Focus When Times are Tough? This is a different kind of praying. He was praying –

Philippians 1:9-11

1. The requestPhilippians 1:9 Not about circumstances at all but for other people. He wants them to have a relationship that is deep and real.

2. The reasonPhilippians 1:10 So that you can know what is not only good but the best. So you will be able to be sincere. You can test what is true. Having been already full. What would happen if you began to focus your prayers on what God wants to do in you rather than on all the things going on outside of you? That is what Paul is demonstrating for us.

Circumstances + Perspective = Experience

3. The resourcePhilippians 1:11 The power and presence of our Lord being shown through us as humans.

Conclusion:

What is the hardest thing you are going through right now? Do you have that in mind? Now ask yourself, where is my focus? Is it on the circumstances or on God who can help you through them? Is your focus inward or is it upward and outward?

Application: Three timeless principles… when you find yourself living below your circumstances:

1. Our ___FEELINGS_____ always follow our focus.

2. Our ___FOCUS_____ always follows our affections.

3. Our ___EXPERIENCE___ always follow our thinking.

Conclusion: C + P = E

He promises to be with us in and all things. If you are focused inward think outwardly. Quit focusing on yourself and focus on what God is doing in and through you.

Dream Great Dreams

August 14, 2011

Ephesians 3:20

God delights…

to do IMPOSSIBLE things…

through IMPROBABLE people…

to IMPART exceeding grace…

to UNDESERVING recipients.

Nothing will ever happen unless there is a spark of a desire that changes into a dream that catches fire…

Practice: Dream GREAT Dreams!

Ephesians 3:20-21

I. How does God do it?

He invites ordinary people to dream something so great that it would be impossible if God did not do it. That way God gets the glory. It is not for special talented people but for ordinary people.

This is not a self-help, get rich quick program. I am going to talk to you about our God and how he holy wants to bless us by being used by God. We are not talking about learning to think in a certain way. I am talking about a dream that God gives us so that God does something in us and then through us so that everyone will know that it is from God.

The basis of holy or sanctified dreaming:

1. God is ABLE.

Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37 This is what is being told Mary when she finds out that she will be the mother of Jesus.

2. God is DESIRIOUS.

God doesn’t only give us the dream but He wants us to succeed greater than we can even think.

1 Corinthians 2:9 This is bigger than we can even imagine. It is stored up for us.

3. God has MADE A PROMISE.

Psalm 37:4

This is not delight yourself in the Lord and you will get all that you ever wanted and dreamed. When we begin to think His thoughts, have His desires, want what He wants then He will give us according to our background and life and what He had planned for you. It is about a relationship with Him. You want to please and enjoy God wanting to please Him. You long and want God and Him only. You will dream the dreams that are according to what He wants not your fleshly desires.

4. God INVITES us.

He says I can do it. Things you cannot even imagine.

Psalm 2:8

This is what we are doing here at SALT. We want to be a part of what God is doing here in Saltillo, Mexico and even around the world - Reaching people with the love of God. I don’t know about you but I believe this body of believers is experiencing a great dream being birthed.

This is not something that might happen someday & some way. This is happening now. God has given us as a church a vision to do something impossible through unlikely people. God says that I want to do things through unusual people to accomplish a great vision.

John 14:12-14

Do you really believe this verse? So many of us have been made unaware that God is able to accomplish things through us because all we are doing is trying to survive. How can I pay my bills, how can my kids go to school, can I get a better job? I would like to help out at the church sometimes, I can teach a class here or there but God is telling us to wake up. He wants to give us a God-sized dream that He can accomplish. ASK OF ME.

The condition is that we are asking things that honor Him. You must ask things that line up with what God wants. These are things you find in the Bible. GOD BIRTHS DREAMS IN HIS PEOPLE!

II. How God births dreams in His people?

We should be asking what God can do through me and not what I can do for God. So how do these dreams work? The Bible is about very improbable people. Peter the rock was a murder, coward: Abraham was a liar and coward – “she is my sister, don’t hurt me…” Some of us may just be too good for God to use, you may just be too smart and good looking… HA HA. The people God has used all had problems. Do you have to commit murder to be used by God? Moses, David, Paul – each for different reasons did the worst thing that can be done to another human. They were all forgiven and restored. God not only did this but also gave them a dream that changed the course of history being unlikely people to be used by God. How about you? Could it be that God brought you here today to open your eyes to the God sized dream that He has in store for you?

• Abram – He commands us to step out of our “comfort zone.” If you are not willing to step out of your comfort zone you will stop here. Without faith it is impossible to please God. He is who He is and He is a Rewarder. This is what faith is. Abraham is told to leave everything and go some place he does not know. Just following God in pure faith. This is the first step in birthing the dream.

• Joseph – He puts a dream within our heart. You don’t have to come up with it. What are your passions? You just follow your dreams. Often as you move toward your dream you may go through some difficult times. This will allow you to stay humble knowing that God is doing it and not you. God will give you a burden and a dream, What is yours? Ask God to use your life. Ask God to show you how it goes together. What is your personal dream? It is not always an easy process.

• Moses – He allows us to fail in our attempt to accomplish His dreams in our own power. Moses got the dream and then kills a man. He had the right dream but tried the wrong method. If God gives you a dream you will fail if you try to do it on your own. It may cause you great pain and failure. God is always more interested in developing the person than He is in accomplishing the dream.

• David – He teaches us through adversity to love the “Dream-giver” more than “the dreams.” Think about David and Goliath that we talked about last week, Saul has now turned away from God. David is now anointed to be king but spends a couple of years fighting, fleeing and faking insanity. He was taken from his pride and trust in himself to put everything in God’s hands. Psa 73:20 The nearness of God is his gift.

• Paul – He clarifies our calling in times of crisis and often uses our worst failures as the platform of His future fulfillment. Paul was a murderer on the wrong team. He comes to Christ and God gives him the vision right off the bat to be God’s witness. He was a murderer of the church. Some of us think we cannot do anything because of our past. God could have chosen anyone in the Bible to accomplish what Paul did but he chose a murder to write 13 books of the New Testament. I think he chose him so that we can see that if Paul qualifies then you and I do also. There is nothing in your past that God cannot forgive. A lot of ministries grow from our past failures.

• Jesus – The dream will cost us our life and appear to others as the height of folly just before God accomplishes the impossible through us. The greatest fulfillment of a dream was Jesus’s dream. The dream will always bring us to the cross. Remember last week how we were talking about Peter wanting him to not give himself as a sacrifice for us? It looks like craziness that Jesus would die on the cross. There is no resurrection until there is death. The death of your dreams and your agenda; the death of your fears and security; death of you trying to feel significant through what you have, what you do, how you look, what you own; death to think what you can accomplish and who you can impress. There is a process of us surrendering and giving it all to Him. Your money, your brain, your family, your job… You surrender all of this to God. Give everything to Him to direct. Sign the blank check and give it to Him. God will not withhold anything from those that serve him. Die so you can be resurrected.

What stage are you at today? Are you ready for God to give you a dream that only He can accomplish? So how do we do this?

III. How to develop bite-sized dreams for… “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Cards that dream about:

• Your life – walk with integrity until the day I die.

• Your marriage – be a real couple that others can relate to and gain strength from.

• Your children – That I will model a loving relationship with God so that my kids will also love Him and have a real relationship with God and others.

• Your career – That I will always be in tune with the work that God has in store for me.

• Your ministry – That I will be real and relative in ministering to those around me. I want to love people and show people how they can love a loving Lord and Savior.

DREAM A GREAT DREAM starting out with little bite sized dreams. Unless you think it, desire it, pray it, and dream it, writing it down you will never complete the dream God has given you.

IV. The process:

• Write it down – 3x5 cards

• Read it over regularly.

• Pray over your dreams.

• Look for God’s intervention and direction. Moving me to resign as director of a children’s home to focus on the dream of Saltillo International Church. God brought you here to start, grow and complete the dream He has given you.

“He is able to do exceedingly more than you can think…”

Conclusion:

God has a DREAM for you!

Big Dreams and Big God

August 7, 2011

Luke 19:26

How many of you today have or have had a dream in your life? Is there something you have always wanted to do but never accomplished it? Have you given up on that dream? Time is against us. It devours dreams and dreamers on a daily basis.

There are millions of dreamers that no one knows about and history doesn’t tell us about because these people chose to live a safe, ordinary life, spending their time even killing the dreams of others.

Today I want to tell you there are two kinds of people in the world: Dreamers and Used-to-be Dreamers. There are a lot of “safe” people out there and I used to be one of them. There are Christians that are good people and can give you safe “verses” from the Bible but they don’t see that God wants us to go deeper. He wants you to trust Him and fear nothing.

Some dreamers of the Bible: Joshua and Caleb – they believed God could conquer the land filled with giants even when everyone else said it could not be done; Daniel – he dared to pray to God when everyone else decided to stay safe; the Twelve disciples – they left everything to follow a man they believed was the Messiah and even God himself. They did not have an easy life but they were dreamers.

John A. Shedd – “A ship in harbor is safe – but that is now what ships are for.”

Every story that is worth telling had a man or a woman behind it that dreamed big. Ex. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, Walt Disney and hundreds of others. There are many people that stepped into the deep waters and God took care of them. Your home is filled with dreamers. Your kids dream of being drs, lawyers, soccer players, teachers, preachers, etc. They don’t know it yet but their dreams will be replaced with realistic ideas like, “You’re not tall enough, you aren’t good enough, you are not rich enough or smart enough.” At first we fight these statements but then with time we give in and start to believe them. In Christian homes the odds of a child being a real dreamer are even less. We can be the safest people sitting in safe churches, listening to safe sermons, living a safe life, and comfortable lives.

Today we are going to talk about dreamers and dream killers… Our words have the power to fan the flame of dreams or to kill them. Wherever you find dreamers you will find dream killers. On the other side there is great power in those that fan the flames of dreams.

David and the Dream Killers.(I Sam. 17) - Overview of the battle

As soon as Goliath finished his speech God put a dream in David’s heart. “David, I want you to kill the giant.”

That is the way it is with dreams. Many of you here today have had such an experience. They just sneak up on you. David did not just get up one morning and say to himself “Man, I think I would like to kill a giant today… wonder where I could find one?” No, he was just doing what his father had asked him to when God gave him the dream.

Do you remember when you first had the dream of starting a business, having another child, becoming a missionary, going to college, or any other wild and crazy idea? What have you done with that dream?

God’s Dream.

My dream or God’s dream – so how do I know that what I am thinking or feeling is from God? Maybe it is just my dream and not His. Sorry to say there is not electronic device that I can hook up to you to make this determination. What I can tell you is that God will not keep up guessing. It is also not as hard as we make it often times. Here are some questions that may help:

Am I in obedience to my father? First of all are you going against what your parents are telling you? It is not just your heavenly father but your earthly parents that you have to consider. I am pretty sure that David was not too excited that he had to stay at home and watch the sheep what his brothers were having the thrill of going to battle. How boring was it to just sit around and watch the sheep, feed them and scoop their poop? He was obedient to his father.

He was asked to go take some food to his brothers and check on them. Still no dream.

Doren has a dream of working in the fashion world as a way to reach the artists in the world. When he went to France we knew he would be changed for God. God has given him the Dream of using fashion, art and a coffee shop to reach those that don’t have a relationship with Christ. Do we have a good relationship? YES. Are we supportive of this DREAM? YES.

Sometimes when you would rather be fighting the battles God just asks us to tend the sheep. We have to wait until God says, GO!

This same principal applies to adults. If your dream or passion goes against God’s principles in any way, then your dream is not God’s dream for you. Something like this would be a man that wants to start a business but it would cost his family greatly. God will not ask you to lose your family to follow a dream. God’s dreams include families.

Questions:

Am I walking in obedience to God and to others right now?
Is my dream against the Bible?
If I do this will I be able to fulfill my duties to my spouse and children? Will it be good for my family, not only in the long run but in the short run also?
Is my dream crazy? Does your dream make sense or does it look almost impossible? You will hear people say: “You want to do what?”, Do you know how many people have failed that?”, “What, are you crazy?”, “You’re going to take your kids to the jungle to share Jesus with savages?”, “You are going to start a church without money?

Your dream may be just to have a normal life. This is harder than you think now. So ask yourself, “does my dream sound crazy?”. If it does and you have answered the questions correctly then this Dream is probably from God.

5. Do I have experience? This is the least important thing, but important. Remember that David went before Saul and so David starts giving him all his credentials. He says I do have some experience (God delivered from the paw of the lion and the bear) so He can take care of this hairy giant guy also.

For example, if you want to start a computer business you should know what a computer is; a mechanic you should know how to change the oil etc; have a child, you should be married.

God is bigger than a dumb dream. In case you are wondering and not sure still, God is able to kill dumb dreams. If your dream is not from God, and you’ve asked Him to stop you if it isn’t, then He will stop you. All we have to do is act in faith and pray “God, this looks like it is from you but if it is not stop me before I hurt myself or others.” This really takes the pressure off.

The sad part is that most people never even get this far and their dreams are soon replaced by regrets.

II. The Dream Killers.

Lets go back to I Samuel 17:28. Here we see that David’s older brother, Eliab, became a dream killer. He basically told him he had no business there and that he really should not be talking about killing a giant.

A lot of our dream killers come from those we know best, our family. The people who should be encouraging us the most are the ones that are discouraging us.

Mark Twain –“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Here are some reasons that people kill your dreams:

1. They mean well – They don’t want to see you suffer, fail, and are just doing what they have been taught. At one time they had a dream also and “listened to the voice of reason.” They feel they are wise and safe. They can quote scriptures, pray for wisdom etc. but they can kill your dream.

Even Jesus had dream killers in His life. Peter was one. He was telling Jesus to think positive and that he would not have to go to the cross. He meant well. He didn’t want Jesus to suffer and die. He wanted Jesus safe, but the truth is that dreamers and dreams are never safe.

2. They admire dreamers – Imagine how Eliab felt when David was talking about killing the giant. He was the biggest and best of Jesse’s boys. He should be the one that would become the leader. But he was acting like a coward while David took the challenge and dream that God had given him. He was probably thinking “David’s just a kid. I’m the one who should be out there battling giants. I’m the biggest, strongest, and oldest, but here I am hiding with the rest of these guys while David, the youngest of Jesse’s sons, wants to fight him.”

I have felt like that and done things like that. Feeling like if I can not do it then nobody should be able to do it either. When someone else steps up and completes the task it makes me irritated for lack of faith.

Some hate that they are scared to dream but too ashamed to admit it, and they hope that by keeping you from doing your dream it will make them feel better about not attempting theirs.

3. What do they look like

Nobody likes them – how do you feel towards dream killers? You don’t feel very warm and fuzzy, right? In fact, you probably do all you can to avoid them.

I remember when the Lord called me to a dream. That was to become a missionary. I was working at a hospital in administration when God spoke to me with the dream of using my education in missions. One of my friends was the Chief Medical Staff Doctor. I told him what my plans are and boy did he have some negative, dream killing advice…

Could be me – “We have seen the enemy and it is me.” We sometimes become our own dream killers.
Could be my spouse – Honey, I have an idea. What is it now? I explain all the great ideas and… “You’re kidding right?” All men want to hear is “Go for it…” Eventually the dreamer quits sharing his/her dreams. After all, who wants to share their dream with a dream killer

Do you want to know a secret to a great marriage? BE A DREAM FANNER.

Frederrick B. Wilcox – Progress always involves risks. You can’t steal second base and keep your foot on first.

Could be my parents – here is a great saying we can use with our kids and ourselves “Well, you don’t want to live your life with any I wish I would haves, do you? You will do great.”
Could be anyone

Remember, don’t be afraid of dumb dreams (God will get rid of them), but fan the dreams of others, they will dream more, and even more importantly, they will dream with you.

III. The Dream Builders.

One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is the gift of believing in them and allowing them to pursue their dream, even if it doesn’t look like the kind of dream I would have picked for them.

Doren has a dream of working in fashion… For most of us guys that is not really something we would dream for our sons. It is a hard job and takes a lot of skill, marketing, work, etc. with not a lot of reward. Have I been a dream builder or dream killer for him? To be honest a little of both. I find myself like many others here today looking at reality and not God’s ability. I want to be a dream builder for my kids, my friends, you, our community, our world.

IV. What should I do?

1. Fan early and fan often. – As a parent you should intentionally plant certain dreams early on in your kids lives. Ex. Dream of your boys being godly fathers and husbands, and your girls being godly wives and mothers. Say things like “you are going to be a great father some day” or “you are going to make a wonderful wife.”

2. Fan the dreamer. – If you can’t fan the dream, fan the dreamer. Ex. “You have so much talent…I am so glad that I am your dad… How do you know so much about this stuff?” Remember and count on this truth – God is big enough to kill dumb dreams. You must focus on loving your dreamer. If you don’t and decide instead to take a stand against them, then you will have no influence in their lives. If you can keep them coming back to you, then you can have influence. When they ask for advice, honestly give it to them.

3. Turn away from dream killers. That is what David did when his brother tried to kill his dream. Those that are not dreamers would just say “you are right, what was I thinking? Lets get out of here.”

4. Remember you have a BIG GOD! The truth is that God-sized dreams can’t be accomplished by ANYONE, but GOD!

Philippians 4:13

God pours his power into your life, giving you his strength to do what he’s called to do. Faith is acting in confidence that God’s power is active in and through your life. Faith is trusting God’s power will be your strength to do everything through him.

He’s not asking you to live life under your own power or through your own strength. That would limit what you can do; yet, God’s power and strength are unlimited.

When you say, “There’s something I'd really like to do for God, but I don't think that I can do it,” God may reply, “Great! I’m glad you’ve figured it out. You can’t do it by yourself, but with my power working through you, you can do anything I ask you to do.”

If you stay at “I can’t” and never move to “God can,” then you’re less likely to even try great things for God. It’s like having a car with the most powerful engine ever built, but saying, “I don’t think it can get me past the first intersection.” So you leave it in your garage, never taking it onto the road.

God is calling you to the open road. His power is available to you: (Philippians 2:13).

Jesus once told the story of a master who asked three servants to handle his money while he was away. He gave each of them a sum of money, and when he returned, the first servant told the master he’d doubled the money through investments, and the second said he’d made fifty percent profit for the master.

But the third servant, in essence, said he’d been afraid the master would punish him for making mistakes so he hid the money in the cellar until the master returned.

The master rewarded the first two servants, saying those who handle small matters well will be given greater responsibility. But he rebuked the third servant, saying, (Luke 19:26).

We move forward in faith when we take risks, not just any kind of risk, but ones that are specifically directed by God. These God-nudges push us beyond living life by sight so that we will live life by faith. When we do not live by faith, we live faithlessly. Any decision independent of God is a faithless decision. Jesus expressed his faith when he said: (John 5:19).

Someone said – “Feed your faith - however small – by coming to Christ, and your doubts will starve to death.”

Total Integrity: One Little Word that Will Change Your Life

07/17/2011

Let’s say you leave here today and after church you go to a nice restaurant. You order a huge pizza. When you get it there is no flavor. It looks OK on the outside but inside it has no sauce, no salt, no spices, the cheese is fake, there is no meat and it pretty much just taste like cardboard. What would you do?

Today I want to talk to you about something that is very similar. That is having integrity but not having total integrity.

If there is one thing that could change and improve about every area of your life what would you be willing to give for it? Well, to get you started, how about a thirty minute investment of your time? For the next thirty minutes I want to give you one word that can do just that.

Do you know that integrity is the very foundation of everything in our Christian life? It is the foundation of every relationship that you have: mother to daughter, father to son, employer to employee, husband to wife, wife to husband, friend to friend. If there is not integrity then no matter what you build on top at some time will fall.

Proverbs 10:9

Why do our attempts to change so often fail?

INTEGRITY

Behavior

Speech

Thoughts

Attitudes

Values

Beliefs

Integrity is the pre-requisite for lasting change.

What is Integrity?

• In the Hebrew: “Complete moral innocence.”

• Webster’s Dictionary: 1. The state or quality of being complete, undivided, or unbroken. 2. Moral soundness, honesty, upright.

It means that your words and your life match.

Why is Integrity so important?

3 Reasons

1. RELATIONSHIPSare impossible without integrity.

• With God (John 4:24, Psalm 15) - Woman at the well, Jesus gives her the test. He will always give us the test as believers or unbelievers – are you sincere in coming to me? They finally get to the topic of worshiping God and it is said that those that worship God are to do it in SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH. In Psalm 15:1-5 READ. HE WHO WALKS WITH INTEGRITY, who WORKS RIGHTEOUSNESS and SPEAKS TRUTH in his heart. So he talks about his integrity. Give your word and people can count on it. Phrase “I will try to make it, If I can, etc. Those phrases usually mean you won’t be committed to it, if it convenient, if I don’t have anything else going on. What happened to the day when your word was your bond. Now we are experts at not making commitments.

We should be people of integrity, be honest. If someone ask for a meeting check your calendar and make a commitment. Look at verse Psa 15:5b. He who does these things will never be shaken. You can never go wrong by being honest. You might lose a friend, you might lose a deal but by being honest you will never be shaken. People who learn you can be counted on (you say what you mean and you mean what you say) will put you in a class by yourself.

Psa 145:18

• With Myself(Psalm 51:5-6) Dishonesty is the father of self-hatred. If I am not willing to see myself as I truly am then I play a game of dishonesty. You need to realize who you really are. You strengths and weaknesses. Why are we so afraid of having negatives? Do you know anyone that is perfect? I don’t.

God was so sure that we were and are not perfect that He sent his son to die for our sins in advance. I can’t believe I lied, I got mad, I had an evil thought after all a man like me does not do that. At that point we lie to ourselves. We have to be honest withourselves.

• With OthersEphesians 4:15 This is SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE. We are to strengthen each other. Have you as a brother or sister in love spoken the truth about a problem in someone else’s life. You can not have relationships with others unless we are honest with them.

2. PEACEis impossible without integrity.

Colossians 3:15

Ruling is like an umpire calling the fouls. What happens is that at first you hear the call loud and clear, then it gets softer, then quieter, then a whisper then you don’t even notice it. You have seared your conscience. We keep rejecting honesty. Over time we become desensitized and lose the peace we once had. People will never think less of you when you are honest, EVER!

If you are not a person of integrity, you will not have peace. He who is faithful in a little thing is also faithful in much and he who is unrighteous in a little thing will be unrighteous in also much.

People who are in constant turmoil are usually people who rationalize, exaggerate, stretch the truth, overlook, fake it in their relationship with God, themselves and others. Integrity is at the foundation of who you are. Integrity is what made Jesus’ life so attractive.

How much are we willing to pay for little white lies. How much is it worth to get … Ex. Your expenses that are not legit. Is it worth our peace? You need to know that if I am being dishonest then I will be found out. It is not a matter of if, it is just a matter of when.

If I walk in integrity I can walk securely. If I don’t have integrity, I will be found out.

3. HOLINESSis impossible without integrity.

There is more to be lost here than just my personal peace and whether you can have a relationship with God, yourself and others.

Proverbs 25:26

Remember when this is written that many of the people were sheep herders and that for miles around there was not a whole lot of water. Some may have had to walk for days to get to the water of a spring or well. Everyone knew that they had to protect this water supply. What happens if they allowed the animals to pollute the water?

Imagine what you would think of someone that allowed this to happen. All your animals are there, your kids, your workers… Kind of like the only gas station in the desert. Stay with it and in a few days we will have water. So everyone is excited but when you get there the water is contaminated, polluted, can’t drink it. So is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.

When we are believers people expect us to be clean and pure water (Christ living in us). What happens when you are not? People want to see Christ in us. This is a huge responsibility. When you have a neighbor that wants to know what a Christ centered marriage is all about and all they see you do is argue and fight, what do they think. When as teenagers in school want to know what a Christian teenager is like and find that you are rebellious, doing drugs, and not living a pure life. Sure you go to church most of the time and read your Bible occasionally but you are a polluted well

Strong words from God are that we are to be holy as He is holy so that we can reflect Him to a lost and dying world.

Conclusion

Integrity has had a great impact on my life personally. It is when your life and your words match. When you walk in integrity you walk securely. Think of the impact (cost and rewards) on relationships. They are impossible without integrity. God others and yourself. Peace is also impossible without it. What is peace worth to you? The energy that we put into covering up our lack of integrity.

Something we did not get to talk about is Impact. Without Integrity we will not be able to have a clean wholesome spiritual impact on those in our lives.

You are the greatest Christian some people will ever know. If you life is not telling Jesus story then you are lacking the power that comes from Integrity. It is like people coming to the spring or the well for a drink. Do you offer a clean and inviting water? The things we say, how we act, whether we tell the truth, how we treat our families, how loyal we are as friends will help or hurt your ability to be a testimony for Christ.

You can know the truth and the truth will set you free. The key to righteous living is INTEGRITY and Jesus is the only one that can give it to you. Why do most of our attempts to change fall short? What’s missing in the process? Letting God do the work in our lives.

Make integrity your personal goal and ask God to give you the grace to have it and live it.

Proverbs 10:9

HOW DO WE START?

Psa. 139:23-24

What aspect of your life do you think needs to be more “integrated?” What steps will you take to follow David’s example in Psalm 139:23-24? Do you need to be honest with God today and accept Him as your personal Savior. Yes, you know who he is and you keep telling yourself you are a Christian. Has there ever been a time in your life when you realized you were a sinner, that Christ died for you and wants to have a lasting eternal relationship with Him.

Do you have integrity and are you honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses? Are you real or are you just playing like you are someone else?

Are you seen as a person of integrity to those around you? When people see you do they see Christ and his integrity or do they see someone that turns them off to Jesus and Christianity?

When Being Good Isn’t “Good Enough”

July 3, 2011

Luke 15

Is it possible that trying to be moral, etc. cause you to miss out on a relationship with God? That is what I want us to look at today. If you are struggling to do better, to be better and you still feel like you are not happy and you don’t have joy in your relationship with God then I pray today you will find the way to that loving relationship.

There are two historical paths that people take in life.

Two well-worn paths of life

Self- Discovery. . . Moral Conformity

(I am tired of tradition, I don’t want anyone to tell me what to do, I will do what I want, I will figure it out…)
(I want to follow the religion, I want to do what is right, I don’t want to sin, I want to obey the rules, follow the right people…)

Progressives (Left Wing) . . . Conservatives (Right Wing)

“Our Western society is so deeply divided between these two approaches that hardly anyone can conceive of any other way to live. If you criticize or distance yourself from one, everyone assumes you have chosen to follow the other, because each of these approaches tends to divide the whole world into two basic groups. The moral conformists say: ‘The immoral people – the people who ‘do their own thing’ – are the problem with the world, and moral people are the solution.’ The advocates of SELF DISCOVERY say: ‘The bigoted people – the people who say, ‘We have the Truth’ – are the problem with the world, and progressive people are the solution.’ Each side says: ‘Our way is the way the world will be put to rights, and if you are not with us, you are against us.’”

Timothy Keller, The Prodigal God

Both sides say their way is right. Jesus’ parable (Luke 15) teaches both approaches are __WRONG__________. In this chapter Jesus is with the progressives, the self discoverers, tax collectors, prostitutes etc. and at the same time He is with the Pharisees, the self righteous people. The immoral people say they are going to cast off the restraints and find their way while the moral conformists (Pharisees) say they are going to follow all the laws etc. These two groups are together and the religious ones think Jesus could not be from God because he is hanging out with all these sinners. The progressive group is thinking he is all religion.

Jesus is going to talk to the two groups at the same time. The young prodigal son (the young son stands for the immoral people and the older son the Pharisees. The younger son rejects his father, wants all his inheritance (1/3 of all he had) and then waste it living foolishly. He realizes that he has made a mistake while feeding some pigs and eating with them and comes back to the father who receives him openly and lovingly.

The father is looking for his son every day. One day he sees him coming up the road, runs to meet him, puts a ring on his finger (security), sandals on his feet (not like a slave) and a robe on his back, and then has a feast in celebration of the lost son coming home.

Father = God, older son = Pharisees, younger son = Sinner. We learn that there is a celebration in heaven when one person comes to know Jesus as personal Savior. When one person begins a real relationship with God. A sinner by their progressive actions or a sinner by their conservative actions. When anyone comes to God there is a great celebration. Today we are going to talk about those that are not in a relationship because they are just keeping all the law and all the rules. We want to talk about people that are in a bad relationship because they keep all the rules.

VERSE 25 – Here we see the older brother out in the field working because he is VERY OBEDIENT. He does all the has to, shoulds, the musts of the religious. When he came by the house he heard all the partying and asked a servant what was going on. He was told how his brother came home and how his father had received him.

Jesus Offers Hope . . . When Our Goodness Fails Luke 15:25-31

• The elder son’s response: Anger - “I won’t go IN.” He has an opportunity to celebrate with them but refuses to go in. His father is embarrassing himself again. The older son is rejecting the father and embarrassing him because he wont come in. So the father goes out an begs him to come in.

• The elder son’s reason: Pride - “I’ve never DISOBEYED you.” He says, “all these years I have been slaving” See the relationship, he is not loving, not enjoying, he is just doing, not being the son through works. He is jealous… Then we hear the heart of God from the father. From people that have done horrible things, killing, addicts, immoral we see that there is another contrast with those that have tried to keep all the rules, have done what they felt was worthy but never had a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

He shows us how God feels about people that are trapped in their own goodness, self-righteousness. Their acceptance is based on being a good person, a religious person, or doing the right things, being morally superior. See what he says “my son all I have is yours and you have always been with me but your brother was lost and now he is found”. Jesus offers us hope when our goodness fails. This older brother was a good and moral person but his good morality was keeping him from the father. He is mad at the father because he forgave someone else, that he was compassionate, that a 1/3 of the estate was given away and from the rest of the estate came the fatted calf. He is not concerned with his relationship with the father but “What I get or what I don’t get”. I have earned it. He is arrogant.

• The elder son’s message: “You OWE me, I’ve been slaving for you.”

• The elder son’s attitude: Bitter and resentful, his motives exposed.

He wants what the father has, not the father himself.

What do we learn from the elder brother?

• Very good, moral, religious people who believe the Bible can be as lost as the most immoral sinner. When the Pharisees heard this they were taken aback.

• Jesus extends forgiveness to elder brothers (Pharisees then, those of us now) – “come in to My house.”

I was raised in a church that had great intentions for the Christians in their church. They taught me how to live morally, read the Bible, tithe, be separate etc. I got away from Church for a while because I did not want to be like them. But after becoming an adult I began to see others that really had a great relationship with God. They enjoyed being with Him. This is what I began to pursue that has brought me to where I am today. What marks a follower of Christ is that they love people and they love me. There is joy and relationships and life in them.

• Elder brothers’ lives are as miserable as prodigals. Why, because they are joyless slaves, there is envy, there is bitterness, when you are the performance track, when God does not come through the way you want Him to you get angry. When you try to do everything right and you don’t you get depressed. By the way, if you are trying to perform for God, you will fail. You eventually become a hypocrite. You show one thing on the outside but really inside you are torn up with bitterness, anger, hurt. I know what it feels like to be the Elder son and I don’t want to feel that way again.

Three groups we are talking about today:

People that are convinced they are a part of God’s family and you are the Elder brother that is religious, moral, may have been in church all your life but you are trusting in your own goodness.
People like me that became a Christian and for one reason or another turned your Christian life into performing for God and you are missing the relationship.
People that are like the younger brother that don’t want to come to the Father because you have seen all those religious people out there and you don’t want to be like the ever!

Jesus tells us that the progressives are wrong and the conservatives are wrong but I am right. “I want you to come to me, and have a relationship with me.”

WATCH ON OPPOSITE HAND – when you look down at it remember that God loves you for who you are and not what you do. You can’t earn it and you don’t have to earn it. Every time remember that God loves me and is for me. The second half of the day make it a thank you to God that he loves us even when we don’t deserve it, when we are not loving, when we mess up. ENJOY YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Go to the house and enjoy the feast.

Today you may hear the most freeing message of your life. If you have been reading your Bible, spending time in prayer, tithing etc out of obligation and duty then you can be freed today to have a joyful relationship with God.

Traits of elder brothers and their relationship with God is characterized by . . .

• Duty and = OBLIGATION Characterized by a dry prayer life.

• Thinking God owes them a GOOD life. It is a formula. When I do this, God does that. When he doesn’t you get mad.

• Guilt becomes HOW YOU FEEL because they feel they never quite measure up. How much do I have to read, pray, give? If you have to ask those questions then it is performance based.

• Feeling pressured - RULES , LAWS, and LEGALISM. It isn’t that you are going to God because you feel His love and want to be with Him.

• Performance - feeling loved only when your are DOING what you feel you ought to do. Your goodness does not deserve God’s blessing. This is the Elder Brother mentality. You think that right living is the key to getting what you really want from God. Rom. 4:20-22 = no one will ever be justified by the law. We feel we are better than others as the Elder Son. They are righteousness champions. They push religion and not a loving life in Christ.

Traits of elder brothers and their relationship with other people is characterized by.

• Feelings of SUPERIORITY, critical, prejudice, judgmental.

• Led by the legalistic letter of law; not the SPIRIT.

• Championing God’sJUSTICE; not His mercy. (justice for everyone, condemning)

• They REPEL irreligious people.

• Espousing correct doctrine, but acting in UNLOVING WAYS.

• Struggling with DEPRESSION and often having secret sins. This is how many cope with the inability to do things for God. The father has come in and given me His love and relationship. I don’t need to do anything for God. How do you relate to God? Got to, ought to, rules are not the focus but your relationship with Him. Your righteousness can keep you from God.

How do elder brothers experience God’s love & forgiveness?

• Repent of their GOOD WORKS as the basis of their relationship with God.

• Repent of their SELF-SEEKING motives. It is using God to get what we want.

• Repent of their desire for MEN’S approval above God’s.

• Repent of their PRIDE and humble themselves (admit their need). I am not proud that I used to act like a Pharisee and I still struggle sometimes with this.

• Refuse to COMPARE themselves with others. Look for someone less than you so you feel better.

• Refuse to JUDGE others. See others through God’s eyes.

• Draw near to the Father, just to PLEASE the Father. Jesus came to this earth just to save you, to help you, to have a relationship with you. Not so you can just be a religious robot that performs.

• SUBMIT to God’s authority in their lives. When I am a rebellious sinful person (sexual sins, drugs, immoral) then I am in control. I am also in control when I live the religious life of rules and regulations that we feel make us superior and in control. I use my religion to do the same things as those that are in the Younger Son category. Both of those are wrong. The scary part is that we need to come to God humbly seeking a relationship with Him. I want my purpose for my life to be centered around You. I desperately need you. I surrender to You.

CONCLUSION:

2 Groups:

You may be pushing this sermon away today. This is what Jesus said not what Damon says. Would those closest to you say you are a real loving person. Are you not loving and kind then the chances are that you are an Elder Brother. When everyone around you feels inadequate, you are critical, no one measures up. Be honest and repent. At the heart of this is some bad teaching and make yourself in control. You will explode if you don’t give up this load. God wants to treat you like a son or daughter. He wants to love you, hold you, bless you and take away the burden of religious performance.
Maybe you identify yourself as an Elder Brother and you may not even be in the family of God. When you are really religious it is hard to imagine this possibility. Your works of going to church, reading the Bible etc. make it hard to realize that you don’t feel drawn to God. You do things out of duty, you feel guilty, you never feel like you measure up. The joy is not there. You are faking a lot. You really don’t have a relationship with God. Your works are blinding you. Right now bow your head and ask Him to come into your life and save you. Make your life one that is to know Him and not to perform for Him.

I pray this will be the greatest day of your new spiritual life. So often we don’t know that being a Christ follower is not about rules. It is about being free in the Grace of God.

Do you want to be a Christian that is not a Religious Elder Brother? God’s plan is never for us just to live by all these rules and regulations but to have a loving relationship with Him.

Escaping the Rat Race Forever!!

June 26, 2011

Introduction: How many of you have cobwebs in your house or know of someone that does? So much of our time is spent cleaning up cobwebs and not taking care of getting rid of the spiders in our lives. Do you really want to get out of the rat race forever? Have you tried to prioritize your life and it does not really seem to make a difference? Today we are going to talk about killing the spiders that are making cobwebs in our lives. What do we need to do to prioritize our lives? Are you “clearing cobwebs” or “killing spiders”?

If there is one thing we have learned over the past few years … you can’t trust in material things to make your life happy. Many of us have or are going through hard economic times… what if God wanted to use the uncertainty of these times to speak to you like never before? What if He wanted to take your trouble making a car payment, a house payment, or some other hardship to make you so you would listen to him? Are you listening to Him?

What is at the heart of having misplaced priorities? Jesus is going to tell us in Matthew that there is a single problem that causes our priorities to be out of line. It is the spider and when we kill the spider we get rid of the cobwebs.

The root problem in priority living according to Jesus is MATERIALISM.

Before you get upset and think that Damon is going to tell me that I have too much and should be giving more to the church I want to set you at ease. Let’s look at what is materialism.

Materialism = A disease of the rich and the poor and everyone in between. It has little or nothing to do with what you have. It is a condition of the heart where I am leaning, trusting and even believing that the outward - things, money and possessions- and the fame, status and power that they provide have the ability to achieve for me inner peace, happiness and satisfaction in my life. I can show you people that don’t have two pesos to rub together that are filled with materialism. You see it when they get their first 50 pesos and run down to play that lottery at Oxxo. They think they are going to make it rich having never read of all those that have gone before them and lost and even those that won and end up wishing they had never won because the money ruined their life. It is a condition of the heart. I could show you a condition of the heart of those that have so much that they cannot even enjoy life. It demands all their time and energy to unconsciously demand everything they have. The problem is not “can I get it or can I have it?” the problem is that it has them!

I. The Symptom: Anxiety is the mark of a life preoccupied with material things.

Material things are not evil in and by themselves. The following verses show us a balance in material things.

The problem is not the things, it is trusting in those things to fill the inner void that I have in myself. Thinking things will give me the joy, peace, security and satisfaction. What we are going to see from verse 19 to the end of the chapter is how to kill the spider so we can get rid of the cobwebs of misplaced priorities.

Matthew 6:1-18 - He talks about giving, prayer and fasting. What is the one thing that is true about these three things? Jesus says “don’t do it like the – Pharisees”.

Two motives: We can either do it to please people or to please God. So we ask ourselves, “how do we know what our motives are?”. In the following verses he is going to show us what our real motives are. The two motives reveal two treasures. Now that you know there are two treasures (one eternal and one temporal) I am going to tell you where they come from. Then finally we will see two options. We understand we are to do everything with the right motive and it is to be done in secrecy. So how do we know what our motive is?

Matthew 6:19-21

If you want to know what your priorities are find out what you treasure. It is pretty simple. Money is the greatest revealer of your priorities. Our trust follows our treasure. People whose God is Gold always have anxiety. People whose God is Christ even in difficult times can relax in Him. So he is saying be smart. Invest your treasures in what is ahead.

So if I want to do a test of where my treasure is I need to look at my money, time, talents, efforts what is the wealth that I have and where do I put it.

Matthew 6:22-23

He is helping us to see that our perception will be what we pursue. What we think is important is what we will passionately pursue (a mother – her children, a man – his work, an artist – his art, a musician – his music, and a Christian – his God!) He tells us if we don’t know what is driving us then see where your eyes are going. Where your eyes go is where you go. If you have your eyes focused on God then your whole body will be full of light. If your eyes believe that things, power, status, etc can deliver satisfaction, meaning and significance then your whole body will be full of darkness. If your eyes are focused on Jesus your whole life will be filled with God’s blessing, joy, power and presence. You will have singleness of purpose. Your priority will be Jesus.

The point of all we are talking about is that there are two motives but what treasure you pursue will be where you put your priorities. It is not what you say but what you actually do that demonstrates your priority in life.

Matthew 6:24 It is not about having things but it is about where you put your faith. In God or in things.

Summary: Do not allow the pursuit of material things to slow your spiritual development.

Question: How can we live in a material world without becoming materialistic?

All of us have financial needs. I have bills to pay, I have dr bills, car bills, house payments. So how do I live in a material world?

Our problem is that we are worried or preoccupied with things that really don’t matter.

II. The Explanation: Stop your preoccupation with material things because...

Don’t think about materialism as possessions, whether I am a shop-a-holic, do I love money, am I a work aholic? At the heart of materialism is the concern for other things. Some of us really need to pray about the relationships we have, the activities (even religious), get focused on what God really wants you to do. Don’t think you have to do something that God has not called you to do.

You may need to take some things out of your life and then put some things on that will make a difference for eternity. What about your relationships do you have time for them? Maybe you need to take some things out of your life so you have time for what really matters.

Matthew 6:24-32

The test for materialism is not what I have or don’t have, but my preoccupation and worrying over it. I can be preoccupied over what I don’t have or I can be preoccupied and worried over what I do have. Either way it is materialism. God is telling us to stop our worry over material things.

1. It's short-sighted – Matthew 6:25b

2. It's illogical – Matthew 6:28-30 look at the birds and flowers. At the end of the day what is it that really matters? If you were to write down the top 5 things in your life what would they be. Wedding day, birth of a child, recovery from cancer might be some of the top things. Have you ever gone to a funeral and just sit around talking about what a great car the buy had, what name brand clothes he wore, how great his retirement fund was? The only thing we talk about is how they modeled Christ in their life and the relationships they had with others. When someone has lived well and died well it is great to talk about them.

3. It's unprofitable – Matthew 6:27

4. It's disgraceful to God – Matthew 6:30-32

Material things are unable to meet the deepest needs of your life. If your kids get into the best schools, if you have a great house, if you drive a cool car, if you have a great business, if you have beautiful grandkids, you have a great retirement. You will realize that none of those things will satisfy you. God may give you all those things.

III. The Promise: Matthew 6:33-34

If you will pursue knowing Christ and making Him known as your first priority, He will meet all your material needs. Run, seek, pursue after Christ, knowing Him and serving Him letting Him show you what your priorities should be. What relationships you should be in, where you should spend your time, where you put your treasures. Invest in people and invest in God.

Matthew 6:33-34

Here is a way to get started. Ask these:

Questions to Ponder

• Are you "spending" or "investing" your life?

• Is your life making a significant difference in the lives of others?

• Do you live under "pressure" or under "priorities"?

• Do your time, talent, and treasure reflect that pursuing Christ and making Him known is your #1 priority?

Don’t get discouraged but know that changing may take some time. Get someone to help you on this journey.

The only way to live in a materialistic world without being materialistic is what Jesus said. Seek first His kingdom and all these things shall be added unto you.

IV. The Jesus Model for Life: Priority.

If we want to know how to effectively minister to others, we need to look at the model Jesus established. We must know who we are and who we belong to in order to be confident in life. By understanding that God creates each of us to be unique, we can engage in ministry without comparing ourselves to or copying others.

To be effective, we must clarify why we are here.

This was a settled issue for Jesus. He dedicated his entire life to pleasing God. In John 5:30.

What was Jesus’ motivation for life? It was to please God the Father. Was it to please himself? No. Other people? No. To be popular? No. To make a lot of money? No. Ego strokes? No. He said, “I do it to please the Father.”

In your priorities, you have to clarify, “Who or what am I serving?” You have to do this right up front. Life is too costly to be motivated by the wrong motive. You’ve got to have the right motive in serving Jesus or you will not last for the long haul.

What is the right motive? “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” Jesus dedicated his entire life to pleasing God. When Jesus was baptized and the Spirit came down as a dove and the Father spoke, he said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 KJV).

The fact is, you can’t please everybody. That’s one of the great stresses in life. Never base your life on what other people say about you; base it on what God says to do. Focus on pleasing God.

If you don’t focus your priorities on God, you’ll discover people will place all kinds of impossible expectations on you. Perhaps you’ve seen this before, but this funny takeoff on a chain letter does a pretty good job of showing how a congregation’s expectations of a pastor can become unrealistic:

“The results of a computerized survey of the expectations of church members now indicate the following characteristics of the perfect pastor: He preaches exactly fifteen minutes and includes all that the Bible has to say about the sermon subject. He condemns everybody's sin, except your sins, and he never says anything anyone might disagree with. He works from 6 A.M. until midnight and gets eight hours of sleep to stay healthy. He’s also the janitor after each service. He prepares a sermon every week for 40 years and never repeats an idea, an illustration, or a joke. He makes sixty dollars a week, wears good clothes, buys good books, drives a new car, and gives fifty dollars a week to the poor. He’s 28 years old and has been in the ministry for 30 years. Half of his hair is youthful blond and the other side is gray to give him that distinguished look. He has a burning desire to work with teenagers and spends all of his time with senior citizens. He’s a close personal friend to every member. The perfect pastor smiles all the time with a straight face because he has a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his work. He makes 15 visits a day to church families, shut-ins and the hospitalized, spends all his time evangelizing the unchurched and is always in his office when you need him. He has four kids who never get in trouble and a wife who cooks like Betty Crocker, counsels like Joyce Brothers, prays like Anna, and looks like Marilyn Monroe without making anyone else jealous. If your pastor does not measure up to these expectations, simply send this chain letter to six other churches whose pastors fail to reach these reasonable standards. Then package your pastor and mail him to the church at the top of the list. In one year you will receive 1,643 pastors. And one of them should be perfect. Warning: Keep this letter going. One church broke the chain and got its old pastor back.”

You can’t please everybody, so you have to settle the issue of motivation right now. Who am I trying to please? (1 Thessalonians 2:4).

Learn to live for an audience of one. I’m learning more and more the importance of that statement. No matter what I do, what matters is what Jesus would think about what I’m trying to do. If you want to live a life with the right priorities, then you have to make Jesus your NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

Picture of a Godly Father

When your kids look at you what do they see? Do they see a hard worker, a sports fanatic, a great husband? What kind of a model are you for them? Do you want them to be positive and self assured, and morally strong adults then that is what we are going to talk about today

Why are effective fathers so vital to the health of our families and children?

Today four out of ten children will put their head on their pillows without a father in the house. The father is the primary shaper of a kid’s morals according to secular research. Second, in the sexual identity of a little boy and girl in the home the father is the primary influencer. In self image 50/50 mom and dad. The given is that the mother is the most influential but fathers matter. Today we are told that fathers don’t matter.

Introduction:

“The United States is becoming an increasingly fatherless society. A generation ago, an American child could reasonably expect to grow up with his or her father. Today, an American child can reasonably expect not to … Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this generation. It is the leading cause of declining child well-being in our society. It is also the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to child sexual abuse to domestic violence against women. Yet, despite its scale and social consequences, fatherlessness is a problem that is frequently ignored or denied.”

Fatherless America by David Blankenhorn

Why is it so difficult for most men to be effective fathers?

Most of us did not have a good model. Not many men can say they had a father as a great father. The second thing is cultural confusion. In the last 30-40 years the man has been minimized. They say that men are not really needed.

In every major society issue the greatest predictability of whether a son or daughter will wind up in poverty is whether they have a father at home engaged and active. If they don’t they are 5xs more likely to end up in poverty. The greatest predictability factor of whether kids end up on drugs, get in gangs, get pregnant before they are married, or get someone pregnant before they are married is not race, economics, social status or geography. The single most, and clearest indicator is the presence or absence of a father, an engaged, caring and loving father.

Today is not about beating up your husband.

The Godly Heavenly Father (When Father's Day is Difficult)

In fact, when I speak about God as our Heavenly Father, there are often people in the audience who later tell me “I didn’t know what it was like to have a loving father, so I certainly can’t see God that way.”

Wounds abound from those who have never experienced the love of a father, who have been disappointed, hurt deeply, or even abused by a father, or who have never had the kind of relationship with a father figure to where they could call him Daddy. Because of that, Father’s Day may be a painful reminder each year of what you never had. It might bring a feeling of guilt for not sending a card when the reality is that you can’t find one that honestly describes your father, only the father you wish you had. If that’s the case, let me encourage you with the news that God wants to more than make up for what you may have lacked in a loving father here on this earth.

Scripture tells us three wonderful things about your true Father, if you are in relationship with Jesus Christ.

1. Your Heavenly Father Wanted You as His Child

We are all God’s creation. But we are not all God’s children. Scripture says we are all, by nature, children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3), but God found a way to adopt us as His own. Adopted children cannot say they were “accidents” or unplanned when it came to being in their family. Their adoptive parents wanted them so much they found a way to get them.

Our Heavenly Father did the same for us. He found a way to make us His own, even though we were set apart from Him at birth. Romans 5:8 says “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And Romans 8:15 says we have been given the spirit of adoption, through that death and resurrection that Christ endured on our behalf. That means you weren’t an unplanned or unwanted child. You were not an accident. Even if you feel no one on earth really wanted you, God did. And He found a way to make you His own.

2. Your Heavenly Father Wants You to Call Him “Daddy”

Scripture doesn’t just say we can call God our Father. The Bible tells us we have been given the right, through our adoption, to call Him “Daddy.”

Again, Romans 8:15 tells us we are given the spirit of adoption and “by him we cry ‘Abba, Father.’” The English word that is most close in meaning to the Aramaic word “Abba” is “Papa” or “Daddy.” Jesus used this affectionate, loving term for His Father when He prayed “Abba” or “Daddy” in the Garden of Gethsemane shortly before He was arrested and crucified. In crying out “Abba” Jesus showed His dependence on Daddy while contemplating His impending death. We can call upon our Heavenly Daddy as personally as God’s own loving Son, Jesus, did. That is a privilege. That is affection. And that is love between a Daddy and His child.

3. Your Heavenly Father wants you to rely on His protective love

It’s often been said that daughters have a special place in the hearts of their daddies. It’s no different with our Daddy in heaven. Every child of God has a special place in His heart. He asks us to ride with Him and He holds us close where we’ll be safe, even over the bumpy railroad tracks of life.

Deuteronomy 33:26-27

If you happened to have a relationship with your father in which you could freely call him “Daddy” and trust in His love that is a blessing. God was giving you a glimpse of the fatherly love and affection He has for you. But if you didn’t, God is giving you an opportunity now to call Him Daddy and experience the closeness you’ve always longed for in a daddy relationship. Won’t you let your Heavenly Father fill that hole in your heart this Father’s Day?

For Father’s Day I would like to share a couple of thoughts about what a Godly father looks like.

II. A Godly Father is the Spiritual Leader (Deut. 6:1-13)

God says I want them to hear what is right and wrong but make sure they know that I love them. It is not the rules and legalism. These things are given to help us because he loves us. They are the guardrails of life.

v. 4 Correct Theology. Make sure they have an accurate view of God.
V. 5 Personal Devotion. You will all your heart and soul should be your devotion to God. Not what you do as a job but that you are a man of God.
V.5 Bible centered life. You cannot know God without being in the Scripture. Are you an ESPN guy, a workaholic guy, a sports guy.
V. Formal training. Teach them at dinner time, breakfast. How many have been to a boring business meeting. Be creative in what you teach your kids.
V. Talk with them. Informal teaching in everyday life.
V. Practice it in your life. You need to do this in all of life. Your activity, playing, on the computer. You live out your spirituality in all aspects of your life. Live your talk.
When you live life God’s way you will be blessed.
Warning: be careful that you don’t focus on the gifts, but the Giver.

We parents and fathers do set an example for our children to follow. Be it good or bad, they often do walk in our steps.

I Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

The greatest example, however, that any parent or father can set for his children is that of godliness or Christ-likeness.

• Definition = He makes God known.

• Questions Spiritual Leaders ask:

1. Do my kids know God?

2. Do they have an accurate view of God?

3. Does our home honor God? By what we see, what our values are, would Christ be able to be in our home and say “well done”. Do you have double standards?

4. Are we growing in holiness? This is not the church’s job. The church is just a resource. We should be different. Loving relationships, a healthy marriage relationship, kids that want to be with their parents…

• As the Spiritual leader our Focus = Worship

• How?

1. Modeling authentic worship. You have time, we have time, it is a priority issue.

2. Initiating family worship. Don’t be the one that has to be drug to church. “I love you so much that we are going to church.”

3. Encouraging private worship. Encourage this in your kids. How many TV shows are going to really change your life?

• Stewardship = The spiritual climate of the home depends on the husband although many times it is in the hands of the wife.

A GODLYFATHERIS LOVING (Malachi 4:5-6)

I Cor. 1:8

• Definition = He gives people what they need most.

• Questions loving fathers ask:

1. How are my kids “really” doing? Not just how their grades are, not just how many points they scored in a game… this is how are THEY really doing? It is like the guy who just gets in his car and drives it without ever looking under the hood. There are others who check it out before there is a problem. They look at the signs, hear the noises etc. No oil, some smoke, no power/transmission fluid. They don’t wait until it wrecks. This father looks for the warning signs.

2. Do they sense my approval and acceptance? You dad, are for them. You want them to succeed.

3. Are we “connecting” at a deep level? As your kids go through stages they have to be understood. You find when you dig and try to connect they sometimes don’t want it. Some parents just say it is a fad and they will just get over it. We need to be man enough to stand up to them and not allow bad relationships, not allow bad attitudes. Spend time with them until you get to the bottom and understand how to help them. The bottom line is a relationship with them. It is hard to do this if you did not get it from your father but you can do it.

• Focus = Relationships

• How? Get together as a family. Put your kids on your schedule (really spend dad to kid time). Start modeling something. Take a proverbs and just talk about it. Be the man and give them what they need not necessarily what they want.

1. Modeling a loving relationship with God and your wife. Pray with her, spend time with her, hold hands, be loving with her. Even if your wife does not live in the house anymore be careful what you say about them. Treat that person like God treats you. Have you ever messed up, blown it, does God love you unconditionally? YES! Telling your kids bad things about their parent is like a poison. Deal with it in a way that God treats me.

2. TIME - When you are there, really be there.

Dr. James Dobson said, “Loves isn’t something you buy. Your kids spell it T-I-M-E and it costs more than M-O-N-E-Y.”

ILL.- Harmon Killebrew who used to play for the Minn. Twins said, “My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’ Dad would reply, ‘We’re not raising grass, we’re raising boys.’”

ILL.- With a timid voice and idolizing eyes, the little boy greeted his father as he returned from work, "Daddy, how much do you make an hour?"

Greatly surprised, but giving his boy a glaring look, the father said: "Look, son, not even your mother knows that. Don’t bother me now, I’m tired."

"But Daddy, just tell me please, how much do you make an hour," the boy insisted. The father finally giving up replied: "Twenty dollars per hour." "Okay, Daddy, could you loan me ten dollars?" the boy asked.

Showing restlessness and positively disturbed, the father yelled: "So that was the reason you asked how much I earn, right! Go to sleep and don’t bother me anymore!"

It was already dark and the father was meditating on what he had said and was feeling guilty. Maybe he thought, his son wanted to buy something. Finally, trying to ease his mind, the father went to his son’s room.

"Are you asleep son?" asked the father. "No, Daddy. Why?" replied the boy partially asleep. "Here’s the money you asked for earlier," the father said. "Thanks, Daddy!" rejoiced the son, while putting his hand under his pillow and removing some money. "Now I have enough! Now I have twenty dollars!" the boy said to his father, who was gazing at his son, confused at what his son just said. "Daddy could you sell me one hour of your time?"

3. Providing tender love unconditionally. Psa 103:13 He is tender, caring approachable. Be tender with words – say I love you; touch them (wrestle, don’t back away from your daughters, be a safe good man with non sexual touching); special moments (birthdays, games, awards, celebrate, when they hurt, big decisions, listen more than give all the big advice, and when they fail give them UNCONDITIONAL LOVE)

4. Providing tough love when necessary. Heb 12:11 Kids are always asking two questions 1. Do you love me? 2. Can I have my own way? The answer to #1 is yes, yes, yes, to #2 NO! What tough love is - is that I love you so much that there are boundaries. Be consistent. Give them what they need, not what they want. Do you want your kids to love you next week or 10 years from now. Set the boundaries and keep them.

• Stewardship = The “issues of the heart” in the home.

ILL.- There’s a Spanish story of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away, and the father set off to find him. He searched for months to no avail. Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in a Madrid newspaper. The ad read: “Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father.” On Saturday 800 Pacos showed up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers.

If I could build a father I would build me with more love!

CONCLUSION

How do you become the dad your kids need you to be?

1. It must begin with your Thinking. Think the way God thinks rather than the way you think about being a father because of the way you were raised.

2. It only becomes real with Support. You will fail on your own. Get help from other men or couples.

3. It requires supernatural GRACE. Modeling is needed but you have to experience God’s grace. It is only through Him that you can model this.

4. It is sustained by pondering the FUTURE. Picture yourself in your retirement years and think about what people will be there. The things that will really matter will be your family.

I Cor. 3:7

Questions again:

1. How are my kids “really” doing?

2. Do they sense my approval and acceptance? You dad, are for them. You want them to succeed.

3. Are we “connecting” at a deep level?

What kind of relationship do you have? Not only does God make things grow, He also builds people and builds them well. If we fathers had a prayer today, hopefully, it would be, “Father God, make me a better father; a more godly and more loving father.”

Dangers of Personal Discipline

June 5, 2011

For the past three weeks we have been looking at Balancing Life’s Demands. We talked about the peace and power of a prioritized life, how to put first things first, what it means to put first priorities first and discipline, and last week what is needed to keep first things first.

So today, I want to give you a short quiz to see how you are doing. To what degree have you taken specific steps in the following areas?

Quiz: 1-5 (1=none, 2-3=some, 4=making progress, 5=I am really doing this) write the number down.

1. Objectives, moving from vague ideas to specific decisions about the kind of person I want to become and what I want to accomplish.

2. Priorities, (how you spend you time, money, resources, talents) am I ordering my life so that the spiritual and eternal are not given up for the pressing and the urgent. I am putting “first things first.”

3. Schedule, determining how and when I will place the spiritually important things in my life. (time with God, time with my wife, time with my kids, mentoring someone etc.)

4. Discipline, doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Making the choice to delay short-term pleasure in order to get the greater good and rewards.

5. Accountability enlisting the support of others who love me to help me keep my commitments to God.

Put a line under that and add them up. 5-10 heard not acted, 11-15 taking initial steps, 15-20 your life is changing, 20-25 God has a special word for you.

I have a growing concern that evangelicals do not take seriously the Bible’s call to personal holiness. We are too at peace with worldliness in our homes, too at ease with sin in our lives, too content with spiritual immaturity in our churches.

God’s mission in the world is to save a people and sanctify his people. Christ died “that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Cor. 5:15) We were chosen in Christ “before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Eph. 1:4) Christ “loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her…so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” (Eph. 5:25-27) Christ “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)

The desire of holiness does not occupy the place in our hearts that it should. There are several reasons for neglecting personal holiness.

1)It was too common in the past to equate holiness with abstaining from a few taboo practices like drinking, smoking, and dancing. In a previous generation, godliness meant you didn’t do these things. Younger generations have little patience for these sorts of rules. They either don’t agree with the rules, or they figure they’ve got those bases covered so there’s not much else to worry about.

2)Related to the first reason is the fear that a desire for holiness makes you some kind of weirdo. As soon as you talk about swearing or movies or music or modesty or sexual purity or self-control or just plain godliness, people get nervous that others will call them legalistic, or worse, a fundamentalist.

3)We live in a culture of cool, and to be cool means you differentiate yourself from others. That has often meant pushing the boundaries with language, with entertainment, with alcohol, and with fashion. Of course, holiness is much more than these things, but in an effort to be cool, many Christians have figured holiness has nothingto do with these things. They’ve willingly embraced Christian freedom, but they’ve not earnestly pursued Christian virtue.

4)Among more liberal Christians, a radical pursuit of holiness is often suspect because any talk of right and wrong behaviors feels judgmental and intolerant. If we are to be “without spot or blemish,” it necessitates we distinguish between what sort of attitudes, actions, and habits are pure and what sort are impure.

5)Among conservative Christians, there is sometimes the mistaken notion that if we are truly gospel-centered, we won’t talk about rules or imperatives or exhort Christians to moral exertion. To be sure, there is a rash of moralistic teaching out there, but sometimes we go to the other extreme and act as if the Bible shouldn’t advise our morals at all. We’ve been afraid of words like diligence, effort, and obedience. We’ve downplayed verses that call us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12) or command us to cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit (2 Cor. 7:1) or warn against even a hint of immorality among the saints (Eph. 5:3).

It’s interesting that you can find plenty of young Christians today who are really excited about justice and serving in their communities. You can find Christians excited up about evangelism. You can find lots of Generation XYZ believers passionate about precise theology. Yes and amen to all that. But where are the Christians known for their passion for holiness? Where is the corresponding passion for honoring Christ with Christ-like obedience? We need more Christian leaders on our campuses, in our cities, in our schools who will say with Paul, “Look carefully then how you walk.” (Eph. 5:15)

When is the last time we took a verse like Ephesians 5:4—“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving”—when is the last time we took a verse like this and even began to try to apply this to our conversation, our joking, our movies, our YouTube clips, our TV and commercial intake? The fact of the matter is if you read through the New Testament epistles, you will find very few explicit commands that tell us to evangelize and very few explicit commands that tell us to take care of the poor in our communities, but there are dozens and dozens of verses in the New Testament that tell us, in one way or another, to be holy as God is holy (e.g., 1 Peter 1:13-16).

I brought all of this to mind so that we can get to the heart of today’s message.

Do you ever feel stuck in your spiritual life? Sometimes we are doing all the right things but we just don’t feel the presence of God and His power in our lives. We are reading the Bible, going to church, praying, giving but still we feel spiritually dead… Today we are going to talk about how personal discipline can be dangerous.

Two warnings about being a highly disciplined person:

Warning #1: In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is the… danger of DISTORTION.

Jesus warns us that we can distort spiritual activity. He was on the mountain and had prayed all night according to Luke 6. He knew he was about to give the ministry over to the 12 disciples. Just as Moses goes up on the mount so did Jesus. This is where we get the Sermon on the Mount. It was actually a sermon for his disciples overheard by the crowd. As He sat down, the custom of a Rabbi speaking with authority.

Matthew 5 Overview

The reward and character of His true followers 5:3-12 (see the character quality and then the reward)

Salt and light – be worthy examples 5:13-16 (notice He says “you are” not “you will become”) When He said “good works” they would immediately think of all the rules and regulations of the religious.

Relationship of this new teaching to the Law of Moses is seen in 5:17-20. Practices and teachings. We have to do what we say. This is the problem that He had with the religious of that day. Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees.

True Righteousness (Matthew 5:20)

“You have heard it said... but I say to you...

External vs Internal

Doing vs Being

Duty vs Devotion

Performance vs Relationship

Guilt vs Grace

Letter vs Spirit

Head vs Heart

Application of Matthew 5:20 to...

•Murder – 5:21-26 There is a background here pointing at relational issues. You don’t just one day decide to kill someone. There are things that lead up to murder. He is saying make things right with God. This is not only if you did it but get yourself right with God. Relational reconciliation is the point of this command.

• Adultery– 5:27-30 The point is not the legalistic issues of adultery. When your loyalty moves from your spouse to mentally lusting after another person, you have already committed the sin in your mind. If you have a problem with this it has to be dealt with.

• Divorce– 5:31-32 Now Jesus goes to divorce. It is the sanctity of the family here. Not just the legal issues. Its covenant, it’s the relationship.

• Oaths – 5:33-37 This the time where there were not legal written contracts. They had a system of SWEARS. Jesus is talking about integrity. When you say YES it means Yes, when you say NO, it means NO. Don’t play games in working around the loopholes in religion. Be men and women of integrity.

• Retribution– 5:38-41 Roman soldiers by law could ask anyone to carry their equipment for a mile. What he is getting to is “you know your rights?” and when you get offended we are going to get back. We need to show the world GRACE. Let’s give people what they don’t deserve. Instead of carrying the equipment one mile, say “can I carry it two miles” Show your heart of grace.

•Enemies – 5:43-48 Son = family likeness. Grace is giving something you don’t deserve and mercy is withholding something that you do deserve. You will never be more like Jesus than when you love people that have wounded, hurt, abused and betrayed you.

Jesus shocked people with “YOU HAVE HEARD IT SAID”. He went to the very heart of the matter. All the external righteousness, performance and religiosity he got rid of. It is what is inside that God is looking for.

Summary: Jesus condemns SELF- righteousness (spiritual activities) when it does not flow from a PERSONAL relationship with God.

II. Warning #2: Danger of DISCEPTION.

Jesus is telling us that yes, we are to do what He has commanded us to do but they are just the road. They are the way to get to where you want to go. The whole Christian life is ABIDE. Get connected to God. There are things that help us get connected.

In our pursuit of "seeking first" His righteousness there is also the… danger of DISCEPTION.

Matthew 6:1-18 (three most common practices of the religious leaders of that day)

• Giving– Key Issue = MOTIVE. (giving guards your devotion) Matthew 6:1- 4

If you want your motives to stay true to God then you have to check them out. Giving is just a way to remind us that God is the most generous. He gave his only son. It is a practice that we give with the right motive. Give from the heart, pay yourself, save then live on the rest.

• Prayer– Key Issue = MOTIVE. Matthew 6:5-8 He gives us in prayer the motive to discern God’s desire. He wants to tell you but you have to sit still to get the answers. I have to stop to get the response. I am going to ask for my needs, ask for protection, etc. It is not “I PRAY FOR OVER AN HOUR EVERY DAY.” The real agenda for God is just being with you. The more you are with Him the more you will resemble Him. You always become like those you hang out with.

• Fasting– Key Issue = MOTIVE. (perspective) Matthew 6:16-18 It allows you to disengage and focus on what matters. Your spiritual sensitivity goes up.

Summary: Spiritual disciplines are ESSENTIAL but become dangerous when they become means to gain the REWARD of men rather than deepen our RELATIONSHIP with God.

You need to do all the things we find written in the Bible, but with the right motive.

Application: SECRECY is God's method of keeping our motives pure.

During college I was a youth pastor in Austin, TX. IT was during that time that I felt more religious than any other. After becoming a missionary my Spiritual Supremacy got worse. I had graduated from a Christian school and felt like I was supposed to be a walking religious billboard. For years I not only tried to impress Christians but I felt the need to impress pastors, missionaries, religious leaders. I wanted to have people see what I did rather than who I was in Christ. God doesn’t want us to be religious, he wants the relationship. There are not many people that want us to be religious, they want a relationship. We should not be fake with people and we should not be fake with God. We need real people with real relationships in the church today.

We need to examine our objectives/goals. Look at our priorities and our disciplines. Look at what you are doing as it relates to knowing and deepening your relationship with God. Are we doing what we are doing to be rewarded by men or is our focus on our relationship with God? Discipline is the road but the real goal is our relationship with Him. It is the way to give God your heart.

How is it that even our efforts to draw near to God can sometimes be destructive to our relationship with God? What part of this message hit "closest to home" with you? Why?

Balance is needed with regard to our will and effort, God's grace, accountability and maintaining pure motives as they relate to "seeking first" His righteousness in your life right now?

I have struggled with self righteousness or legalism. I have been the jerk that tells others they are not as good as I am. Those are days that I regret. There have been things that I have said and attitudes that I have had that were based on religion not a relationship with God.

Two questions as we close this morning. 1. Do you have a relationship with God? 2. Do you focus on the religion or on the relationship? Maybe you need to talk to someone about their religiosity. Help those people with grace. You can take the same things that God means to help you and turn them into things that make you a slave. How can you help someone experience the love that Christ has for us? God always values obedience over sacrifice. The balance is that I need to stay on track. Do what your heart tells you as you follow Christ. When you meet with God and what you do should be what deepens your relationship, not what is “required”.

How to Keep “First Things First”

May 29, 2011

Proverbs 27:17

We talked last week about priorities and that it takes discipline to put first things first. The problem we saw was that we have to decide to put God first then be disciplined to make Him the priority.

Today I want to follow this with how to keep your priorities in order. Do you find yourself wanting to serve God? Do you want to leave a godly legacy? So how do you do it? It is not easy with all the things coming against us as Christians. It is hard to be consistent.

Do you know someone that has an addiction, alcohol, drugs, eating disorder? They were doing so well and then the fell right back into the same problem. How do we keep this sort of thing from happening to us? We find ourselves doing what we don’t want to do. What can we do?

The Problem: Many start well, but few finish well.

The Answer: Biblical Accountability

• Definition: Biblical Accountability is enlisting the support of those who love me, to help me keep my commitments to God.

It is not just accountability which can have a negative feeling. This does not mean that you get a person or group of people together to harass you. It is not a group of people that get together on a regular basis to show you all the ways you have and are messing up. You don’t have to say “I am involved in an Accountability Group”. Typically when you have these types of groups they don’t really get down to the heart of the person.

What I am talking about is when you have someone that you have invited into your life to share your life with. You share you hurts, your struggles, your victories your desires… I will share my I WANT TO BE’s (a great father, a great husband, pastor, leader) with someone else and ask them to help me accomplish those goals. I want to open my life to this person so that they can help me through my struggles, victories, failures etc. all because they have made a commitment to help me reach my goals. I am asking them “will you help me”.

• Its Power:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Most of us have a Christian mentality in that we say “I got God and He’s got me and I don’t need anybody else”. We are like the Lone Rangers. Every NT command that I can find is grammatically written in the SECOND PERSON PLURAL. This means they are all written to you all. Not intended for individuals to try to accomplish on their own. Be this kind of husband (you all men), be this kind of father (you all men), be this kind of worker (you all men)… IT means that you cannot do it all along. You can’t be the husband, the wife, the worker, the employee, the employer, the church member, the church leader, the Pastor without help. It is not meant for it to be YOU, GOD and Your BIBLE. We all need others to help us. We all agree with Biblical accountability. Can you think of people that helped you be the person you are today?

The world even knows this AA, Celebrate Recovery, Jenny Craig, etc. they have found out that unless you are with other people that will encourage you and hold you accountable then the programs really do not work. But the majority of Christians do not have Biblical accountability. Why don’t we do this more?

Why is accountability essential for spiritual success?

Five Reasons:

1. Because we never outgrow the need for PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Paul was concerned that he would get off course, that he would be disqualified. If he was concerned don’t you think we should be also? The more responsibility you have, the more accountability you need. Some might think that because you are the leader that you don’t need this. That is wrong. Ladies don’t think this doesn’t include you because you are a stay at home mom. That is the most important leadership you will ever do. It affects you now and all future generations.

2. Because past successes are no guarantee of FUTURE FAITHFULNESS.

I have never had a problem… I read my Bible, I am a leader in the church, I pray, my family has done so much for God. I am OK…

1 Corinthians 10:1-5

Paul shares with us some of the experiences from Israelites in the OT. Your spiritual experiences will not keep you going. God’s works will not keep you going, only His ways will keep you going.

Psa. 103:7

There is no such thing as “spiritual autopilot”. We are either growing or wilting. That goes for all of us.

3. Because we constantly underestimate the power of our own SINFUL PASSIONS.

How in the world can some of the most gifted and spiritual leaders of the past and even now fail? How did they lose their vision? If Paul thought he could fail, and the Israelites failed and some of the great men and women of today failed, then I guess that I could fail also. But how does this happen. We underestimate the power of our own sinful passions. Paul says:

1 Corinthians 10:6-11

There is a word here telling us they had huge passions, desires and at the heart there is an opportunity for all of us to fall. Maybe we are tired, lonely, sick, upset, angry… There can come a time when we are attacked at just the right time in a moment of weakness. Only one out of 100,000 times would you fail. Know that everyone can fall. Do you have genuine personal relationships with people in your life that will help keep you accountable? Have you faced these things. David was a man after God’s own heart. If he could have blown it then what makes you think you can’t.

Two Questions: 1. Where are you most vulnerable? 2. Do you have someone that you can share your heart with?

Just let them know everything so that they can help you with it. Is there someone that will keep you moving forward and telling you when you are off track? We all need these people in our lives. You might think “THAT” will never happen to you. But in a moment of weakness you fail given the right circumstances. Where are you most vulnerable?

Find someone that you can be honest with. Maybe it is an old college friend, old pastor, friend at church, old pastor, your mentor. Find someone that you can rely on to help you as you keep first things first in your life. Pride is something that will keep us from doing this. Grace flows toward humility. God wants to help you today deal with what you are facing.

4. Because we constantly overestimate our ability to handle TEMPTATIONS.

We underestimate the power of our sinful nature and overestimate our ability to handle them. We think “I would never do that”, “that doesn’t affect me”, it is not a physical relationship, or “I know some people could not watch that kind of movie but it doesn’t bother me”, “I am a mature Christian so this won’t get to me”

1 Corinthians 10:12

Heb. 3:13 “Encourage one another day by day…” IT starts in your heart. That is where it hardens. We are to be tender hearted.

Encouraging each other is not like “high five” or you are great and so am I. It is translated as coming along side someone, sometimes having to tell them really hard stuff, other times it may just be that you listen and support, or telling them how proud you are of them. It is “Doing Life Together.” It is caring.

On any given day I (Damon Tripp) am capable of any sin beyond my wildest imagination. You

need to make pre-decisions about what you will do, where you will go, who you will be with. You

have to surround yourself with people that will lift you up, love you and that you invited into your

life and that you can share everything with.

5. Because we naively believe our struggles and temptations are UNIQUE.

I cannot fool myself into believing that just because I am the Pastor or the leader that nothing can affect me. I am a man and the struggles and temptations are the same as anyone’s.

1 Corinthians 10:13

At one time or another in your life as men you have had a problem with lust, and most women have had problems with self image, most have had debt problems, unresolved anger issues in your marriage and at some point there are problems with communication, kids and in-laws. When people know that I have the same problems they don’t say “whoa, what is his problem?” No, they realize that I am just as normal as anyone else. I am just like you. You need to have people that are just like you.

It should be OK to tell someone that you are clinically depressed without being judged. We should have the freedom to share our problems. When they are kept inside they grow to the point of explosion. At that point, it may be too late. Good Godly people have problems. Welcome to the human race. Remember that temptation is not sin. Looking at an attractive woman is not a sin but lusting after her is. Ladies when you see something that would look great in your house it is not a sin. The sin would be when you try to manipulate your husband into remodeling the house to fit it in. Just kidding.

The point is because we think our struggles and temptations are unique we want to hide them so that we are not ridiculed or put down. Secrecy is where Satan will hit you with condemnation, dragging you down. It makes you not like God, not want to pray and not want to get things right. Conviction on the other hand makes you want to get things right with God, pray and restore that relationship.

Summary: "Therefore, my beloved, flee from IDOLATRY!" 1 Corinthians 10:14 It is about me worshiping me. If God is taken from the main priority then I make an idol. Every sin that I commit has ripples. They affect those around us.

We all need Biblical Accountability.

“How To” develop accountability in relationships:

• It begins at HOME. Start with the people you live with. There are some things women won’t understand about men so share them with men. You can’t fool those you live with.

• In an atmosphere of LOVE. Tender, compassionate, cheering for you. YOU don’t need a spiritual Police Force. We are not going to have classes here at SALT on how to force your “accountability partner” to do what is right. I want someone that can be tough but have feeling for me when I fail.

• It must be voluntary and by PERMISSION. Nobody needs a Junior Holy Spirit in your life. People who come to you and say they are the greatest accountability partner and with them you will grow, just tell them NO.

• It must be SPECIFIC , not generic. We can kid ourselves and have that warm fuzzy feeling. But it needs to be specific.

• It must be ORGANIZED, not sporadic. Questions asked if you have a problem with your Time, money, ego, thought life, have you lied to me about the previous questions?

• No more than FOUR people in your group.

Lets review this: We talked about why we need to be accountable. Accountability is not having a group of people harass or nag you playing the Holy Spirit. It is me inviting trusted people into my life to help me keep my commitments to God. It is important that we accept each other as we are but that we can also have some tough love. Let’s really love people and help them in their lives here at Saltillo International Church.

How to Put “First Things First”

May 22, 2011

I have asked a few of you to come up and share your testimony about what Saltillo International Church means to you. Chris, Gerardo, Raphael. Our priorities are to reach the lost, hurting, hungry people with the Gospel. We are a church not based on a religion but on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our focus is to be your family away from family. To be the body of Christ that is growing and serving here in Saltillo and around the world. We put God first. With that being said lets continue our series on “Balancing Life’s Demands.

Is your “to-do” list too long? Do you have too many people wanting your attention? If you are having a hard time keeping up with everything then I am glad you are here today.

Hebrews 12:11

THREE REASONS (Why Most of Us Live With Two Sets of Priorities):

1. We are DECEIVED. We honestly don't see the difference between what we think and say, and how we actually live. This is not just the bad people it is something that happens to all of us.

2. We are AFRAID. Though we want to put "first things first," we simply do not believe that God will supply our needs if we give Him the first portion of our time, our lives, and our money. “I am stressed out with my time and now you want me to spend more time with God?” If you do this God will clear up things to make it easier to spend time with Him and put first things first. If you put Him first in your time, your money etc. you will have to change your priorities because He will show you things you need to change.

3. We have FAILED repeatedly. Our sincere and honest efforts to put "first things first" in the past lasted only a short time and ended with frustration and disillusionment with ourselves. How many have started Ex. Gym, diets, devotional time…

So, what’s the “Missing Ingredient” to Living Out Our Priorities?

• It's a word.

• It's a FRUIT of the Spirit.

• It comes to us by GRACE. Most of us have tried hard and it did not work.

• We ADMIRE it in others.

• It's ESSENTIAL for putting "first things first."

II. THE WORD = DISCIPLINE (self-control)

Definition: Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. It is not just activity, it is doing things in the right order. And not doing what needs to be done is laziness no matter how much “work” you do. When is the last time you heard a great message on laziness. When I know what needs to be done and don’t in my relationship etc. from what God has shown me that is laziness.

• Discipline is the Spirit-empowered ability given by God to face the harder things in order to receive the greater reward.

Titus 2:11-12

Grace produces discipline and teaches us, it is a process. It is like learning to ride a bike. You have to go through a process.

God's grace that allows us to say "no" to the quick fix and the easy road, and say "yes" to the harder but better way.

• Discipline is a by-product of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.

Galatians 5:22-23

• We are commanded to live disciplined lives.

2 Peter 1:6

• Discipline is a process that is learned over time through training. This is not just an experience, something automatic, or even by trying hard.

**The Dynamics of Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 2 Words:

DELAYED GRATIFICATION

Hebrews 12:11

Ex. 10^thgrade 15 pg term paper assignment. 3x5 cards (old school), 1 month, now it is the week before. Now you are at Sunday night, write a bad 12 pg paper. You could not even enjoy the evens over the weekend. Even thought about skipping church to do it. Put off the problems in life. You stay busy doing a lot of stuff but you cannot really enjoy things because you have a nagging in your mind that won’t let you enjoy all that God has for you.

We don’t experience the Greatness God has in store for us because we lack discipline. We go into great debt levels, overeat, make poor choices etc. because we are not willing to wait. Discipline is the one thing that is missing most in our Christian lives.

The Method of Developing Biblical Discipline Can Be Summed Up in 3 Words: Three words that will make your stress less, increase your happiness and help you get in control of your life. They are -

III. THE Advanced Decision - Making.

If you have not already decided on your response 95% of the time you will do what you don’t want to do.

• The Biblical Example – the Apostle Paul

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

My body and my emotions are not going to tell me what to do. The Holy Spirit will give me my direction. You can have kids that see you as a Godly parent, you can have employees that see you as a Godly leader, a wife or husband that sees you as a Godly mate… This is done when we don’t allow ourselves to overtake the power of God in our lives.

• How Does It Work?

1. Advanced Decision Making begins with Clear – Cut Objectives.

Ex. (Don’t do what I do but determine what God wants). Be with God before I am with people, give the first portion of all my money to God (I trust God or I don’t), I will not be alone with another woman at any time. Our pre-decisions should be more about our weaknesses than our strengths. Let them come from clear goals. What are your clear cut goals?

TO BE LIST… What if I just have a list of who I want to be? These are not my rules they are just what I would like to see in my life. They are the desires of my heart.

I want to be a man of God, a person that fulfills Gods’ will, the best father, a great husband, a great pastor not just an OK one, I want to be in shape, I want to be a man of integrity. If you are not able to remember your TO BE LIST then write it on a note card etc. and keep it. God wants to give you the desires of your heart. I want to be a man of God, I want to be a great example for my children. If you have a dream or desire then with the clear cut objective keep reaching for it and reward yourself along the way. You may have a sacrifice here and there but it is OK because it is needed to reach your goal. Plan in some rewards.

2. Advanced Decision Making is reinforced by rewards along the way.

It takes over six weeks to develop a habit. I reward myself by watching some basketball etc. if I have all my sermon stuff done by Friday night. Do you know that God loves you and has given you all the grace He has right now? You can not impress God by reading more of the Bible, praying longer, spending more time at church. None of those things will change the way God feels about you. How do you say thank you and what do you want to be.

3. Advanced Decision Making becomes a personal conviction when you ponder the consequences.

If I don’t say no to opening the frig and just eating, say no to the emotions, to the quick fix, to just walking away from a marriage... You have to say no to all the pressures and come up with a clear plan and focus on the rewards.

I can only imagine having to come before you and my family after having fallen because of some quick fall. It is a scary thing to think about.

What is it going to be like when Jesus is sitting on the couch and you have to explain to Him why you did not have time to fulfill your purpose? How you did not get around to getting your finances in order and getting on a budget, how you dreamed a dream and knew His calling but just did not get around to it, You just had too many emails to answer, too many committees to meet with, too many errands to run. I don’t know about you but when I get to heaven I don’t want wood, hay and stubble. I want gold, silver and diamonds because I am greatly rewarded for what I am doing here on this earth serving God. This is only done through discipline.

Ask God to bring to your mind what it will look like for a failure to do…

Conclusion:

Define discipline. = Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done. How does this definition differ from your thinking about “discipline” in the past? Why is it critical to see discipline in a positive light?

Remember there are some three reasons we don’t live a prioritized life (deceived, afraid, past failures). In order to get that straightened out we need to discipline ourselves and make decisions in advance. When we do that we will see our lives change. With God as our priority the rest of our life will follow. Focus on the rewards and not what you have to give up. Think about the consequences. You need someone to help and a way to get out. Get that help today.

The Peace and Power of a Prioritized Life

May 15, 2011

Balancing Life’s Demands

Would you like to make this the best time of your life? No matter what happens with the economy, on your job, in your family or even in your health, it is possible to make this the best time of your life. Over the next five weeks we will be talking about Balancing Life’s Demands.

We are going to talk about balancing life’s demands according Biblical priorities. We are going to talk about putting your priorities in line with what God says will complete two purpose