I preached this sermon December 6, 2009.
Every year at Christmas I always read about or hear someone speak suggesting that Christians should not celebrate Christmas. While it is sad to see the commercialization of Christmas and the secularization of Christmas to make it Happy Holidays, I think Christians have every reason to celebrate Christmas in its truest form.
There are always the arguments that it is unlikely Christ was born on December 25. That may be, but that does not negate a reason to celebrate Christ’s birth. There are some that talk about Christmas replacing pagan celebrations of winter solstice. And suggest that Christians should not celebrate Christ’s birth because of that. Since when did Christians let the world dictate to us what we believe or how we should behave? But these same people will sing hymns sung to tunes that replaced secular music. Or churches are often planted in buildings that once housed ungodly or secular businesses. The power of Christ can take something and transform it.
One of the most valid reasons that the Christian should not celebrate Christmas is that the Bible nowhere commands us to celebrate the birth of Christ. While I think that is a reasonable argument against celebrating Christmas, I think that the person making that argument misses many Bible affirmations suggesting the celebration of Christ’s birth. While the Bible may not explicitly command celebrating the birth of Christ it gives us the example of many who did and an example we are free to follow. So you may or may not celebrate Christmas, by not celebrating Christmas you are breaking no commands, but you are also missing out on a rich and beautiful part of the Christian faith.
There are no commands, but plenty of examples of people celebrating the birth of our Savior. Lets look at these examples.
1. John the Baptist leaped for joy in his mother's womb.
2. Elizabeth celebrated the coming of Christ by recognizing His Lordship.
3. Mary sang for joy - the first Christmas hymn.
4. The angels praised God for the birth of Christ.
5. The shepherds celebrated the birth by rushing to see the baby Jesus.
6. Simeon was a man who longed for the birth of Christ - Christmas was the best day of his life!
7. Anna celebrated the birth of Christ with gratitude.
8. The wise men from the east made a long journey to celebrate the birth of Jesus and celebrated by giving gifts!
It is interesting to notice the people not celebrating Christ's birth: King Herod, the innkeeper, the religous elite and leaders.
While not commanded, we are in good company by celebrating the birth of Christ.
1 Peter 1:8 8: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Talk about joy!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Promised Savior
This is the final sermon in The Promise series. I preached this sermon November 22, 2009.
Text: Isaiah 53
Introduction: This week I came into a financial windfall. I picked up my mail a couple of days ago and discovered an envelope from a lab that did some bloodwork on me a couple of months ago. I knew it wasn’t a bill and immediately knew I had received a check in the mail. I figured they must have made a mistake and overcharged me for my share in the bill I paid and I was getting a hefty refund. I sure was glad to get this check in the mail with Christmas coming and all a little extra cash would come in handy!
I got home and tore open the envelope. Hoping maybe to get back $100 or maybe $50. And in fact it was a refund from being overcharged. But to my dismay, I got a check for one cent. One measly penny. I burst out laughing. The envelope showed it cost them 33 cents to mail it, plus the cost of the envelope, the check and paying somebody to find their mistake and cut me a check for one cent. The cost to them to give me my refund was greater than the refund itself. And you better believe I will head down to the bank this week to get my penny.
There definitely needs to be some reform in health care!
My hopes were built up when I get the envelope because I knew that a little more cash in my pocket was exactly what I needed. As if money is the answer to all my difficulties.
Lets face it, we live in a world where it seems like every day is an uphill battle. We have seen how that the world is cursed by sin and that God promised a seed, a blessing, a son. What is the solution to the ills of this world? The business man says it is a little more money, the educator would say it is better education. The doctor says it is a healthy lifestyle, the politician says it is more government programs, the lawyers says better laws, and while any of these things can and do benefit people. The solution to the ills of this world is a Savior. A savior is needed to rescue a world that is perishing because of the curse of sin. And the cost to save the world is great.
God makes a promise in this text in Isaiah of just such a Savior. We have seen this Savior is the seed of woman, the blessing from Abraham’s lineage, the Son of God. God sent precisely what you and I need, A savior to rescue us.
Unexpected vs 1-3
God's plan for a savior seems unbelievable (vs 1). Rather than king, a military genuis, a politician, a wealthy and influential, or important person. Jesus was born to a poor couple in a stable in Bethlehem.
Undeserved vs 4-9
His suffering was undeserved. I should be the one suffering on the cross for my own sin.
He bore my sin on the cross
Unparalleled vs 10-12
His resurrection
We are justified through him
We are joint heirs with Christ
Text: Isaiah 53
Introduction: This week I came into a financial windfall. I picked up my mail a couple of days ago and discovered an envelope from a lab that did some bloodwork on me a couple of months ago. I knew it wasn’t a bill and immediately knew I had received a check in the mail. I figured they must have made a mistake and overcharged me for my share in the bill I paid and I was getting a hefty refund. I sure was glad to get this check in the mail with Christmas coming and all a little extra cash would come in handy!
I got home and tore open the envelope. Hoping maybe to get back $100 or maybe $50. And in fact it was a refund from being overcharged. But to my dismay, I got a check for one cent. One measly penny. I burst out laughing. The envelope showed it cost them 33 cents to mail it, plus the cost of the envelope, the check and paying somebody to find their mistake and cut me a check for one cent. The cost to them to give me my refund was greater than the refund itself. And you better believe I will head down to the bank this week to get my penny.
There definitely needs to be some reform in health care!
My hopes were built up when I get the envelope because I knew that a little more cash in my pocket was exactly what I needed. As if money is the answer to all my difficulties.
Lets face it, we live in a world where it seems like every day is an uphill battle. We have seen how that the world is cursed by sin and that God promised a seed, a blessing, a son. What is the solution to the ills of this world? The business man says it is a little more money, the educator would say it is better education. The doctor says it is a healthy lifestyle, the politician says it is more government programs, the lawyers says better laws, and while any of these things can and do benefit people. The solution to the ills of this world is a Savior. A savior is needed to rescue a world that is perishing because of the curse of sin. And the cost to save the world is great.
God makes a promise in this text in Isaiah of just such a Savior. We have seen this Savior is the seed of woman, the blessing from Abraham’s lineage, the Son of God. God sent precisely what you and I need, A savior to rescue us.
Unexpected vs 1-3
God's plan for a savior seems unbelievable (vs 1). Rather than king, a military genuis, a politician, a wealthy and influential, or important person. Jesus was born to a poor couple in a stable in Bethlehem.
Undeserved vs 4-9
His suffering was undeserved. I should be the one suffering on the cross for my own sin.
He bore my sin on the cross
Unparalleled vs 10-12
His resurrection
We are justified through him
We are joint heirs with Christ
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Promised Birth
This is the third message in a series The Promise. I preached this message November 15, 2009.
Introduction: We were celebrating Daniel’s second birthday with a small little party for Daniel. His grandparents all gathered with us and we sat around the table and watched Daniel open his presents when Wanda handed me a present to open. I thought that was very odd but I went ahead and opened it. Inside was a photograph of an ultrasound. I remember holding the picture in my hand a little confused. After all, it had been over 2 years since we got that picture of Daniel and I couldn’t figure out why Wanda gave it to me now. And the picture itself seemed a little odd. I didn’t remember it looking just like that. Of course with my thick skull Wanda had to explain to me that it was a picture of our second child. That is how she surprised me with the news that she was pregnant with Ethan. Of course, the next few months were a time of great expectation and the coming of our second child. That photo she gave me that day was a promise that we would have another child. This was the birth announcement that a child would be born.
We have seen a world cursed by sin and death, we have seen the need for a blessing to come that will overcome the curse. The world needs hope. If there is anything on this earth that symbolizes hope for a better future is the birth of a child. Each generation that comes puts its hope in the children that somehow they will make the world a better place than we were able to make it. However the world continues to get worse rather than improve. When a child is born we have a great hope for a better future, but there is only the birth of one child where we may place such hope. Here we get a royal birth announcement. God promised in this prophecy from Isaiah the birth of a child. And all hope for the future lies with the birth of this one child. Hope for Israel and Hope for us would not come from King Ahaz, Isaiah or any other human being. Hope comes from the birth of this child. What does the promise of this birth mean?
The promise of a birth more amazing than any other birth
Immanuel – God with us
Incarnation –John 1: 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2: The same was in the beginning with God. 3: All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4: In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
10: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The promise of a name above every name
have you noticed there really is something about that name? When 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus He is there. Demons are subject to the name of Jesus. Those that believe on the name of Jesus have the power to become the sons of God. If we ask anything in his name he will do it. We have lift through the name of Jesus. By the name of Jesus the lame man at the beautiful gate got up and walked. It is only through the name of Jesus that anyone may be saved. We are justified by his name. His name is exalted above every name.
The promise of a kingdom greater than other kingdom
Once again, we cast our votes we long for a better country. Nothing wrong with that. Candidates campaign with words like Hope and change and we think that perhaps this person can give us the country we all long for. But I am sorry, even the very best political candidate cannot give us what we long for. Our hope is not in a political candidate, Our hope is not in a political party, our hope is not in congress, the white house or the supreme court. Please don’t get me wrong, but our hope is not even in the constitution of the US. I think this is the greatest country on the earth, but I am still looking for a better country. I think that is why there is always so much dissatisfaction with human government. People really do long for a better country, but the problem is that some think humanity can create that country. Can’t be done!
Hebrews 11:13-16 13: These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14: For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15: And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16: But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Introduction: We were celebrating Daniel’s second birthday with a small little party for Daniel. His grandparents all gathered with us and we sat around the table and watched Daniel open his presents when Wanda handed me a present to open. I thought that was very odd but I went ahead and opened it. Inside was a photograph of an ultrasound. I remember holding the picture in my hand a little confused. After all, it had been over 2 years since we got that picture of Daniel and I couldn’t figure out why Wanda gave it to me now. And the picture itself seemed a little odd. I didn’t remember it looking just like that. Of course with my thick skull Wanda had to explain to me that it was a picture of our second child. That is how she surprised me with the news that she was pregnant with Ethan. Of course, the next few months were a time of great expectation and the coming of our second child. That photo she gave me that day was a promise that we would have another child. This was the birth announcement that a child would be born.
We have seen a world cursed by sin and death, we have seen the need for a blessing to come that will overcome the curse. The world needs hope. If there is anything on this earth that symbolizes hope for a better future is the birth of a child. Each generation that comes puts its hope in the children that somehow they will make the world a better place than we were able to make it. However the world continues to get worse rather than improve. When a child is born we have a great hope for a better future, but there is only the birth of one child where we may place such hope. Here we get a royal birth announcement. God promised in this prophecy from Isaiah the birth of a child. And all hope for the future lies with the birth of this one child. Hope for Israel and Hope for us would not come from King Ahaz, Isaiah or any other human being. Hope comes from the birth of this child. What does the promise of this birth mean?
The promise of a birth more amazing than any other birth
Immanuel – God with us
Incarnation –John 1: 1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2: The same was in the beginning with God. 3: All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4: In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
10: He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11: He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
The promise of a name above every name
have you noticed there really is something about that name? When 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus He is there. Demons are subject to the name of Jesus. Those that believe on the name of Jesus have the power to become the sons of God. If we ask anything in his name he will do it. We have lift through the name of Jesus. By the name of Jesus the lame man at the beautiful gate got up and walked. It is only through the name of Jesus that anyone may be saved. We are justified by his name. His name is exalted above every name.
The promise of a kingdom greater than other kingdom
Once again, we cast our votes we long for a better country. Nothing wrong with that. Candidates campaign with words like Hope and change and we think that perhaps this person can give us the country we all long for. But I am sorry, even the very best political candidate cannot give us what we long for. Our hope is not in a political candidate, Our hope is not in a political party, our hope is not in congress, the white house or the supreme court. Please don’t get me wrong, but our hope is not even in the constitution of the US. I think this is the greatest country on the earth, but I am still looking for a better country. I think that is why there is always so much dissatisfaction with human government. People really do long for a better country, but the problem is that some think humanity can create that country. Can’t be done!
Hebrews 11:13-16 13: These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14: For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15: And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16: But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Promised Blessing
This is the second sermon in The Promise series. I preached this sermon November 8, 2009.
Text: Genesis 12:1-3
Introduction: I think most all people want a better way to live and a better life. We all want to be a blessed people. Last week we saw how that we are now living under the curse of sin and death. Living under the curse means that life is hard, disappointing, at times depressing. No matter how hard we try we have bad days, bad things happen to the best people, disease ravages our bodies, disasters strike. While living under the duress of the curse we seek relief. We want and need a blessing. Some will go to extreme religious teachings in an attempt to be blessed. Some will spend their money on lottery tickets thinking that is the answer. Some will work long hours to earn more wages at the neglect of family and health thinking that is the answer. Some think illicit relationship is the answer. Some try to escape the reality of the curse through drugs and alcohol. Sadly enough, these things rather than blessing end up being a curse. Tomorrow is Monday, some here are already dreading it, as if Monday itself is a curse and we pray Lord I hope this day is good. We want a blessing.
God promised a seed to Adam and Eve who would destroy the curse. God promised that a blessing will come from the lineage of Abraham. God has promised a blessing and offers that blessing to each of us. Let’s look at God’s promised blessing.
God's promised blessing overpowers the curse
The blessing does what works can't do and what the religious law can't do. Christ became a curse that we may be blessed (Gal 3)
Romans 8:1
God's promised blessing extends to whosoever will
No difference among gender, race, social, economic status, background
-Gal 3:27-28 27: For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
-we are the children of God
Galatians 3:26: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
-Gal 4:6-7 : And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7: Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
God's promised blessing can only be experienced when we exercise faith
Abram justified by faith
We must live by faith – Hebrews 11:6 6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Text: Genesis 12:1-3
Introduction: I think most all people want a better way to live and a better life. We all want to be a blessed people. Last week we saw how that we are now living under the curse of sin and death. Living under the curse means that life is hard, disappointing, at times depressing. No matter how hard we try we have bad days, bad things happen to the best people, disease ravages our bodies, disasters strike. While living under the duress of the curse we seek relief. We want and need a blessing. Some will go to extreme religious teachings in an attempt to be blessed. Some will spend their money on lottery tickets thinking that is the answer. Some will work long hours to earn more wages at the neglect of family and health thinking that is the answer. Some think illicit relationship is the answer. Some try to escape the reality of the curse through drugs and alcohol. Sadly enough, these things rather than blessing end up being a curse. Tomorrow is Monday, some here are already dreading it, as if Monday itself is a curse and we pray Lord I hope this day is good. We want a blessing.
God promised a seed to Adam and Eve who would destroy the curse. God promised that a blessing will come from the lineage of Abraham. God has promised a blessing and offers that blessing to each of us. Let’s look at God’s promised blessing.
God's promised blessing overpowers the curse
The blessing does what works can't do and what the religious law can't do. Christ became a curse that we may be blessed (Gal 3)
Romans 8:1
God's promised blessing extends to whosoever will
No difference among gender, race, social, economic status, background
-Gal 3:27-28 27: For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
-we are the children of God
Galatians 3:26: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
-Gal 4:6-7 : And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7: Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
God's promised blessing can only be experienced when we exercise faith
Abram justified by faith
We must live by faith – Hebrews 11:6 6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Promised Seed
This is the first sermon in a seried The Promise. I preached this sermon November 1, 2009
Text: Genesis 3:14-21
Introduction: Wanda was preparing to vacuum her van Thursday evening and asked me to come empty the shop vac. When I lifted the lid I looked inside and saw one of Ethan’s small toys in the dirt and dust that must have been picked up the last time the van was vacuumed. I pulled it out and noticed something shiny. I thought it was a coin so I reached in the dirt and pulled it out and was shocked to discover it was a ring. Since about all we ever use the shop vac is for vacuuming the cars I thought it must be the wedding band of the last person that owned our van. But Wanda took it from me and said it was my wedding band. It couldn’t be! I lost my first wedding band about 8 years ago. I was living in Honaker and I remember searching frantically for it in the house, in the yard, in the car, at the church, everywhere I could possibly think. Then I waited months thinking it would turn up but it never did. I was so sad that I had lost it. Wanda bought me another one which I have now worn longer than the first one I had.
After all these years it turns up in the shop vac. Now don’t think I haven’t emptied the shop vac in 8 years, because I have many times. So all I can figure out is that I must have lost it in the car all those years ago and somehow the last time I vacuumed my car it picked it up. And here it was in the trash, and to think I almost threw it out with the rest of the trash.
That wedding band is a symbol a symbol of love, a symbol of commitment. But it is also a symbol of a promise I made to my wife in 1995. A promise to remain faithful, to love and to cherish…. When I retrieved the ring from the dirt and dust, it was tarnished, filthy, and dirty, it was beaten and battered. But this ring is still precious. Underneath that dirt and grime is still the precious gold metal. But more importantly the symbol has not changed. A promise was made a promise that I have kept and I still have every intention to honor and keep.
Mankind became tarnished, and filthy in sin when Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the garden of Eden. But God reached down into the trash heap of dirt and filth to retrieve something precious to him. He could have disposed of the trash and God being a holy and righteous God would have been just to do so. But Beneath the filth of sin was something that He still loved and cherished. And God made a promise to Adam, Eve and all humanity a promise that he has kept and a promise that he intends to keep.
Lets take a look at how mankind sinned, the result and the promise.
Curse
1. The consequence of their action
-curse over creation the serpant cursed above every beast (indicates all animal life cursed). The ground cursed, thorns and thistles….
Romans 8:21-22 21: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
-Some may say, that is not fair, but you see creation is cursed because mankind was given dominion over it and we failed creation. And we still do fail it.
-curse of pain and sorrow – sorrow in childbirth, problems in the family, (the devil doesn’t have to work hard to attack the family because sin is at the heart of family problems), hard work and sweat and many times hard work that will produce unsatisfactory results.
-curse of death – not able to eat of the tree life – return to dust.
Crush
In the midst of the curse caused by sin, God makes a promise to crush sin’s power.
Enimity – enemy – Satan is the great enemy of the Christian, of the Church, and of the Lord. Satan is described as an enemy, a liar and the father of lies, a murderer, a thief, a tempter, he lays traps and snares, he hinders the work of the Christian, he is crafty and full of guile, a roaring lion, a sinner, a destroyer, a dragon are just a few of the descriptions. And he is your enemy.
-2 Cor 2:11 11: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
God promises a seed of Eve(her seed, not Adam’s, an indication of the virgin birth) and that Satan will bruise his heel. This promise is not talking about a snake coming to bite you on the heel, it talking about Satan striking out at the seed of woman, who is the seed? It is none other than Christ. Satan struck a blow at Jesus, the scripture tells us that Satan himself entered into the heart of Judas Iscariot and he betrayed Jesus. Satan struck what he thought would be a fatal blow when Jesus died on the cross.
But God also made another promise that this seed will bruise (crush) his head. The head of satan was crushed when Jesus rose on the third day. -The wonderful promise we have in Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
And Jesus will strike the final blow when he returns.
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Cure
Eve – mother of living - 20: And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. – Indicates that hope remains
Nakedness covered – 21: Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. - Has your sin been covered by the blood of the lamb.
Text: Genesis 3:14-21
Introduction: Wanda was preparing to vacuum her van Thursday evening and asked me to come empty the shop vac. When I lifted the lid I looked inside and saw one of Ethan’s small toys in the dirt and dust that must have been picked up the last time the van was vacuumed. I pulled it out and noticed something shiny. I thought it was a coin so I reached in the dirt and pulled it out and was shocked to discover it was a ring. Since about all we ever use the shop vac is for vacuuming the cars I thought it must be the wedding band of the last person that owned our van. But Wanda took it from me and said it was my wedding band. It couldn’t be! I lost my first wedding band about 8 years ago. I was living in Honaker and I remember searching frantically for it in the house, in the yard, in the car, at the church, everywhere I could possibly think. Then I waited months thinking it would turn up but it never did. I was so sad that I had lost it. Wanda bought me another one which I have now worn longer than the first one I had.
After all these years it turns up in the shop vac. Now don’t think I haven’t emptied the shop vac in 8 years, because I have many times. So all I can figure out is that I must have lost it in the car all those years ago and somehow the last time I vacuumed my car it picked it up. And here it was in the trash, and to think I almost threw it out with the rest of the trash.
That wedding band is a symbol a symbol of love, a symbol of commitment. But it is also a symbol of a promise I made to my wife in 1995. A promise to remain faithful, to love and to cherish…. When I retrieved the ring from the dirt and dust, it was tarnished, filthy, and dirty, it was beaten and battered. But this ring is still precious. Underneath that dirt and grime is still the precious gold metal. But more importantly the symbol has not changed. A promise was made a promise that I have kept and I still have every intention to honor and keep.
Mankind became tarnished, and filthy in sin when Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the garden of Eden. But God reached down into the trash heap of dirt and filth to retrieve something precious to him. He could have disposed of the trash and God being a holy and righteous God would have been just to do so. But Beneath the filth of sin was something that He still loved and cherished. And God made a promise to Adam, Eve and all humanity a promise that he has kept and a promise that he intends to keep.
Lets take a look at how mankind sinned, the result and the promise.
Curse
1. The consequence of their action
-curse over creation the serpant cursed above every beast (indicates all animal life cursed). The ground cursed, thorns and thistles….
Romans 8:21-22 21: Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22: For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
-Some may say, that is not fair, but you see creation is cursed because mankind was given dominion over it and we failed creation. And we still do fail it.
-curse of pain and sorrow – sorrow in childbirth, problems in the family, (the devil doesn’t have to work hard to attack the family because sin is at the heart of family problems), hard work and sweat and many times hard work that will produce unsatisfactory results.
-curse of death – not able to eat of the tree life – return to dust.
Crush
In the midst of the curse caused by sin, God makes a promise to crush sin’s power.
Enimity – enemy – Satan is the great enemy of the Christian, of the Church, and of the Lord. Satan is described as an enemy, a liar and the father of lies, a murderer, a thief, a tempter, he lays traps and snares, he hinders the work of the Christian, he is crafty and full of guile, a roaring lion, a sinner, a destroyer, a dragon are just a few of the descriptions. And he is your enemy.
-2 Cor 2:11 11: Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
God promises a seed of Eve(her seed, not Adam’s, an indication of the virgin birth) and that Satan will bruise his heel. This promise is not talking about a snake coming to bite you on the heel, it talking about Satan striking out at the seed of woman, who is the seed? It is none other than Christ. Satan struck a blow at Jesus, the scripture tells us that Satan himself entered into the heart of Judas Iscariot and he betrayed Jesus. Satan struck what he thought would be a fatal blow when Jesus died on the cross.
But God also made another promise that this seed will bruise (crush) his head. The head of satan was crushed when Jesus rose on the third day. -The wonderful promise we have in Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
And Jesus will strike the final blow when he returns.
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Cure
Eve – mother of living - 20: And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living. – Indicates that hope remains
Nakedness covered – 21: Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them. - Has your sin been covered by the blood of the lamb.
Monday, October 26, 2009
In the Midst of the Years
I preached this sermon October 25, 2009
Text: Habakkuk 3:1-2
Introduction: What we need is genuine revival. A service full of energy and excitement is not revival. A large crowd doesn’t mean revival is taking place. Genuine revival iswhere people are surrendering to God.
He Saw A World Out of Control
1. Habakkuk lived in the southern kingdom of Judah during the time of Assyrian oppression. The Assyrian empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and threatened to destroy the Southern Kingdom as well. Judah lived under the oppression of the Assyrians, in fact, it got to the point one time that Assyria surrounded Jerusalem and would have destroyed it had not God intervened.
2. Habakkuk looked around at his culture and society and did not like what he saw: Hab1:1-4 1: The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. 2: O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 3: Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance(wickedness)? for spoiling (destruction) and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 4: Therefore the law is slacked (abused), and judgment doth never go forth (justice abused): for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
-Habakkuk begins this little book with a question. We could say it this way “God, I look around and see wickedness and I don’t understand why you do not pour out wrath and judgment against sin.”
-Habakkuk knew that in history God judged the wickedness of people precipitated God’s wrath (Noah, Sodom). If God did not act he would have to apologize to these people.
3. God answers Habakkuk vs 5 - 5: Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. 6: For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs. 7: They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves. 8: Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. 9: They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand. 10: And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it. 11: Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
-In other words, God is going to judge the Israelites for their sins and use the Babylonians to accomplish his judgment (they weren’t even a threat at the time of Habakkuk).
-the people had become smug and indifferent over the fact that the Assyrians could not overcome them. They thought as long as the temple is in Jerusalem they will be safe. Their sin doesn’t matter because God will not let the temple be destroyed.
He Heard of God's Great Acts in the Past
1. Habakkuk began his book with a question wondering why God doesn’t act. God answers and shows him the judgment and utter destruction to come to Jerusalem. And now he ends the book with a prayer that is meant to be sung, an act of worship.
2. I have heard thy speech and was afraid – literally he has heard of God’s great acts in history and he is awestruck.What are the things in the past he has heard? God’s promises fulfilled to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, He heard of God’s deliverance of the Israelites to the promised land of Canaan. He heard of God bringing the Israelites into the land of promise under the leadership of Joshua. He heard of God’s times of deliverance under the judges. He heard of God man David defeated Goliath and his enemies. He heard how that God’s glory filled the temple when dedicated by Solomon.
He Pleads for Revival
1. Revive thy work – do again what you once did. He wants to see God work with his own eyes.
2. In the midst of the years – in the midst of this wicked culture and society send a revival.
3. He appeals to God’s mercy that endures forever
Text: Habakkuk 3:1-2
Introduction: What we need is genuine revival. A service full of energy and excitement is not revival. A large crowd doesn’t mean revival is taking place. Genuine revival iswhere people are surrendering to God.
He Saw A World Out of Control
1. Habakkuk lived in the southern kingdom of Judah during the time of Assyrian oppression. The Assyrian empire conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and threatened to destroy the Southern Kingdom as well. Judah lived under the oppression of the Assyrians, in fact, it got to the point one time that Assyria surrounded Jerusalem and would have destroyed it had not God intervened.
2. Habakkuk looked around at his culture and society and did not like what he saw: Hab1:1-4 1: The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see. 2: O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save! 3: Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance(wickedness)? for spoiling (destruction) and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. 4: Therefore the law is slacked (abused), and judgment doth never go forth (justice abused): for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
-Habakkuk begins this little book with a question. We could say it this way “God, I look around and see wickedness and I don’t understand why you do not pour out wrath and judgment against sin.”
-Habakkuk knew that in history God judged the wickedness of people precipitated God’s wrath (Noah, Sodom). If God did not act he would have to apologize to these people.
3. God answers Habakkuk vs 5 - 5: Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you. 6: For, lo, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, which shall march through the breadth of the land, to possess the dwellingplaces that are not theirs. 7: They are terrible and dreadful: their judgment and their dignity shall proceed of themselves. 8: Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat. 9: They shall come all for violence: their faces shall sup up as the east wind, and they shall gather the captivity as the sand. 10: And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn unto them: they shall deride every strong hold; for they shall heap dust, and take it. 11: Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god.
-In other words, God is going to judge the Israelites for their sins and use the Babylonians to accomplish his judgment (they weren’t even a threat at the time of Habakkuk).
-the people had become smug and indifferent over the fact that the Assyrians could not overcome them. They thought as long as the temple is in Jerusalem they will be safe. Their sin doesn’t matter because God will not let the temple be destroyed.
He Heard of God's Great Acts in the Past
1. Habakkuk began his book with a question wondering why God doesn’t act. God answers and shows him the judgment and utter destruction to come to Jerusalem. And now he ends the book with a prayer that is meant to be sung, an act of worship.
2. I have heard thy speech and was afraid – literally he has heard of God’s great acts in history and he is awestruck.What are the things in the past he has heard? God’s promises fulfilled to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, He heard of God’s deliverance of the Israelites to the promised land of Canaan. He heard of God bringing the Israelites into the land of promise under the leadership of Joshua. He heard of God’s times of deliverance under the judges. He heard of God man David defeated Goliath and his enemies. He heard how that God’s glory filled the temple when dedicated by Solomon.
He Pleads for Revival
1. Revive thy work – do again what you once did. He wants to see God work with his own eyes.
2. In the midst of the years – in the midst of this wicked culture and society send a revival.
3. He appeals to God’s mercy that endures forever
Monday, October 12, 2009
An Anchor for the Soul
I preached this sermon October 11, 2009
Text: Hebrews 6:19
Introduction: Every ship needs an anchor on its voyage over across the sea and every person needs an anchor on this journey through day to day life. What is your anchor? The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have a great anchor for the soul in our hope in Jesus Christ. In the stormy seas of the world, dear Christian, we have God’s anchor to see us through. If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, you need God’s anchor for the soul. Let’s discover the benefits of God’s anchor for the soul.
The Anchor is Strong
The writer of Hebrews is encouraging his readers to remain faithful to the Lord and persevere in the midst of difficulty and trial. The writer is dealing with the fact there are many who make a profession of faith in Christ but whether it be persecution, tribulation, care of this world or the business of life no fruit is produced. They no longer continue to abide in Christ and are unfruitful. Here the writer of Hebrews is encouraging us that there is a strong anchor for the soul. God’s anchor for the soul. Why do we need a strong anchor?
An anchor for the troubled soul
An anchor for the lonely soul
An anchor for the warring soul
The Anchor is Sure
The anchor is sure and stedfast – sure in respect to us. In other words, our hope in Christ is sure in that God keeps his promises that he made to us!
The Anchor is Steadfast
The anchor is sure and steadfast – sure relates to us, but steadfast speaks of the anchor itself. It is firm in itself
Text: Hebrews 6:19
Introduction: Every ship needs an anchor on its voyage over across the sea and every person needs an anchor on this journey through day to day life. What is your anchor? The writer of Hebrews reminds us that we have a great anchor for the soul in our hope in Jesus Christ. In the stormy seas of the world, dear Christian, we have God’s anchor to see us through. If you don’t know Jesus as your Savior, you need God’s anchor for the soul. Let’s discover the benefits of God’s anchor for the soul.
The Anchor is Strong
The writer of Hebrews is encouraging his readers to remain faithful to the Lord and persevere in the midst of difficulty and trial. The writer is dealing with the fact there are many who make a profession of faith in Christ but whether it be persecution, tribulation, care of this world or the business of life no fruit is produced. They no longer continue to abide in Christ and are unfruitful. Here the writer of Hebrews is encouraging us that there is a strong anchor for the soul. God’s anchor for the soul. Why do we need a strong anchor?
An anchor for the troubled soul
An anchor for the lonely soul
An anchor for the warring soul
The Anchor is Sure
The anchor is sure and stedfast – sure in respect to us. In other words, our hope in Christ is sure in that God keeps his promises that he made to us!
The Anchor is Steadfast
The anchor is sure and steadfast – sure relates to us, but steadfast speaks of the anchor itself. It is firm in itself
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Marriage Supper
This is the last sermon in the Coming for the Bride series. I preached this sermon September 27, 2009.
Text: Revelation 19:6-9
Introduction: Soon after our last child left home for college, my husband was resting next to me on the couch with his head in my lap. I carefully removed his glasses. "You know, honey," I said sweetly, "without your glasses you look like the same handsome young man I married." "Honey," he replied with a grin, "without my glasses, you still look pretty good too!"
Last week’s message was for the lost, but this week’s message is for those who are Christians. The question is, “How do we look to Jesus?” When Christ comes back how will the bride be prepared?
Finally Ready
-the bride has made herself ready
Jesus went to prepare a place for you, but remember he is also preparing you for that place.
1 John 2:28 28: And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming
Finely Arrayed
the white linen – the righteousness of the saints
Are you working on your wedding dress?
Text: Revelation 19:6-9
Introduction: Soon after our last child left home for college, my husband was resting next to me on the couch with his head in my lap. I carefully removed his glasses. "You know, honey," I said sweetly, "without your glasses you look like the same handsome young man I married." "Honey," he replied with a grin, "without my glasses, you still look pretty good too!"
Last week’s message was for the lost, but this week’s message is for those who are Christians. The question is, “How do we look to Jesus?” When Christ comes back how will the bride be prepared?
Finally Ready
-the bride has made herself ready
Jesus went to prepare a place for you, but remember he is also preparing you for that place.
1 John 2:28 28: And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming
Finely Arrayed
the white linen – the righteousness of the saints
Are you working on your wedding dress?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Midnight Cry
This is the first of a two part sermon series Coming for the Bride. I preached this sermon on September 20, 2009.
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Introduction: Back in 1998 when I fractured my skull and had to have reconstruction surgery I recall being prepped for surgery. I was laying on the gurney and a nurse administered an IV to me and said I am going to give you something to relax you and we will take you into surgery in just a few minutes. Sure enough, the medicine she gave me made me very relaxed and groggy and it took off the nervous edge I had about the surgery. I waited expecting any moment to be taken to surgery. I watched a large clock on the wall as the minutes passed. And a few minutes turned into an hour. By that time the medicine wore off. I was no longer relaxed. In fact I was more nervous, I was also very aggravated because I was wondering what in the world was going on. What was taking so long? About that time the doctor’s nurse came in the door and I overheard her saying to another nurse that she was sorry she was late but that she didn’t know there was a surgery today, that the doctor had not told her. At that time I panicked. The nurse was unprepared for surgery and if the doctor hadn’t told her was he then even prepared? It appeared that I was the only one prepared for surgery and at that point I did not want to go into surgery with out the doctor and his nurse well prepared to do the surgery. When the nurse came to my bed I suggested we put the surgery off to another day. But she insisted we needed to go ahead and do it. I probably needed a double dose of that IV medicine to relax me at that point.
One of the distinct teachings of the Bible and core beliefs of the Christian is the imminent return of Jesus Christ to rapture his church. The early church so anticipated the return of Christ that they would great one another with the words “Maranatha” meaning “the Lord is coming.” Instead of hello or goodbye they would say to one another “The Lord is coming.” As the centuries have passed we still watch and anticipate the coming of Christ.
Jesus is coming back for his church, of that there is no question. But the question is who will be prepared for his return? The rapture is only for those who have been born again. Those who are not Christians will be left behind to endure the years of tribulation to follow the rapture. Now is the time to prepare for the Lord’s return. One day there will be a midnight cry that the bridegroom has come and if you are not ready at the midnight cry it will be too late. This parable of the 10 virgins is a parable about being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. There are 2 observations to make about the rapture of the church from this parable.
The Lengthy Delay of the Bridegroom
The hour was growing late. Now the 10 virgins all believed the bridegroom would come, that was not the problem. The problem was not whether or not he would come, the problem was being prepared for his coming. In other words, I have plenty of time to make preparation. They were all sleeping. But that was not the problem either. The five wise virgins could sleep in confidence knowing they had made preparation for the coming of the bridegroom. The foolish virgins should have used that time to make preparation.
The Late Arrival of the Bridegroom
When the bridegroom comes the bride and bridal party (the virgins) would go in procession to the home of the bridegroom for the wedding celebration. The virgins were caught by surprise and five of them were unprepared. 2 Peter 3: 10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Introduction: Back in 1998 when I fractured my skull and had to have reconstruction surgery I recall being prepped for surgery. I was laying on the gurney and a nurse administered an IV to me and said I am going to give you something to relax you and we will take you into surgery in just a few minutes. Sure enough, the medicine she gave me made me very relaxed and groggy and it took off the nervous edge I had about the surgery. I waited expecting any moment to be taken to surgery. I watched a large clock on the wall as the minutes passed. And a few minutes turned into an hour. By that time the medicine wore off. I was no longer relaxed. In fact I was more nervous, I was also very aggravated because I was wondering what in the world was going on. What was taking so long? About that time the doctor’s nurse came in the door and I overheard her saying to another nurse that she was sorry she was late but that she didn’t know there was a surgery today, that the doctor had not told her. At that time I panicked. The nurse was unprepared for surgery and if the doctor hadn’t told her was he then even prepared? It appeared that I was the only one prepared for surgery and at that point I did not want to go into surgery with out the doctor and his nurse well prepared to do the surgery. When the nurse came to my bed I suggested we put the surgery off to another day. But she insisted we needed to go ahead and do it. I probably needed a double dose of that IV medicine to relax me at that point.
One of the distinct teachings of the Bible and core beliefs of the Christian is the imminent return of Jesus Christ to rapture his church. The early church so anticipated the return of Christ that they would great one another with the words “Maranatha” meaning “the Lord is coming.” Instead of hello or goodbye they would say to one another “The Lord is coming.” As the centuries have passed we still watch and anticipate the coming of Christ.
Jesus is coming back for his church, of that there is no question. But the question is who will be prepared for his return? The rapture is only for those who have been born again. Those who are not Christians will be left behind to endure the years of tribulation to follow the rapture. Now is the time to prepare for the Lord’s return. One day there will be a midnight cry that the bridegroom has come and if you are not ready at the midnight cry it will be too late. This parable of the 10 virgins is a parable about being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. There are 2 observations to make about the rapture of the church from this parable.
The Lengthy Delay of the Bridegroom
The hour was growing late. Now the 10 virgins all believed the bridegroom would come, that was not the problem. The problem was not whether or not he would come, the problem was being prepared for his coming. In other words, I have plenty of time to make preparation. They were all sleeping. But that was not the problem either. The five wise virgins could sleep in confidence knowing they had made preparation for the coming of the bridegroom. The foolish virgins should have used that time to make preparation.
The Late Arrival of the Bridegroom
When the bridegroom comes the bride and bridal party (the virgins) would go in procession to the home of the bridegroom for the wedding celebration. The virgins were caught by surprise and five of them were unprepared. 2 Peter 3: 10: But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11: Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12: Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Missions, The Energy of the Church
This is the final sermon in the Back to Church series. I preached this message September 13, 2009.
Text: Revelation 7:9-10
Introduction: When most people first get saved, they are eager to serve the Lord and eager to reach out to lost people. There is just something about having Jesus in your heart that makes you want everybody to experience the same peace and joy that you do. Usually baby Christians are bursting with energy (and it doesn’t seem to matter the physical age.) But something happens as the years pass. For whatever reason that same energy we had begins to wane. We see young Christians full of energy serving the Lord and we wonder how we lost that energy and we long to have it back. Unlike me being able to have the physical energy of my children that has waned because of age, I can have a renewed energy to serve the Lord. How can that energy return? It is when I engage in the mission that God has given us.
Jesus left us with what we often call the great commission , immediately before Christ’s ascension he said these words recorded in Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Missions is the energy of the church. When you are on mission it energizes you (example of a mission team).
A commitment to missions will renew your energy for serving the Lord and missions will energize our church. How can we renew our commitment to missions? The energy for missions springs from 2 things:
Energy Springs from the Vision
John sees multitudes of people gathered around the throne. These are people of all the nations of the earth (what missionaries call people groups). The number of which is so great that no man could count the number. They are wearing robes symbolizing purity, their sins washed in the blood of the lamb, and the palms (Branches of the palm-tree were carried by the victors in the athletic contests of Greece and Rome, and in triumphal processions.) symbolizing victory, the victory over death won by Christ. What an awesome vision, a snapshot of a heavenly future. This vision is confirmed by Christ’s word Matthew 24:14 14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
-If Acts 1:8 is the mission, then Rev 7:9 is the vision. The vision to energize us to complete the mission. (problem of people misunderstanding the need for foreign missions excusing their lack of foreign missions as the need for local missions, but we are to do all of these and not neglect any, the key word in Acts 1:8 is “and,” ).-So while this vision of the future is what we are anticipating, there is another type of vision we need to energize us for the mission. We need the vision of Jesus in our everyday lives. In other words, we need to look at the world around us as Jesus would look. -Matthew 9:36-38 gives us a look through the eyes of Christ himself. 36: But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
First, as Jesus saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion, why because he saw them as sheep without a shepherd (a sheep without a shepherd is vulnerable to predators and other dangers.) They need to great shepherd John 10:11-15 11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12: But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13: The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15: As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Second he saw a harvest that is ready but laborers that are few. Here is the problem, God’s people often see the harvest as the problem, but the problem is there are too few laborers It is easier to blame the harvest than to accept that fact that God’s people re not working the fields. My challenge to you this week is to see the world around you through the eyes of Jesus. The coworker who gets on your nerves doesn’t need a critic but needs a shepherd, that neighbor having problems doesn’t need a gossip, but needs Christ. That family member living in sin doesn’t need judgment but needs Jesus.
Energy Springs from the Voice
That is how they cried out in praise to God, but notice what the content of their expression of praise says. Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. This is an expression stating that God alone is the author of salvation. And Jesus Christ is the one who purchase our salvation by his death and shed blood on the cross.
Acts 4:12 12: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 14 6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
These saints from every nation on the earth proclaim salvation in Christ alone. In other words, these people from all around the world came to the throne of God one way, through Jesus. No other name, no other religion, no other God. Nor could they save themselves by their own works.
-That is the voice of missions. That salvation is through Christ alone. That is the voice of the church, what we proclaim. We proclaim salvation loudly, we don’t apologize for it, we don’t try to hide it, we don’t try to water it down or sugar coat the message. Jesus is the truth and he said you will know the truth and truth will make you free.
– 1 Peter 3:15 15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Text: Revelation 7:9-10
Introduction: When most people first get saved, they are eager to serve the Lord and eager to reach out to lost people. There is just something about having Jesus in your heart that makes you want everybody to experience the same peace and joy that you do. Usually baby Christians are bursting with energy (and it doesn’t seem to matter the physical age.) But something happens as the years pass. For whatever reason that same energy we had begins to wane. We see young Christians full of energy serving the Lord and we wonder how we lost that energy and we long to have it back. Unlike me being able to have the physical energy of my children that has waned because of age, I can have a renewed energy to serve the Lord. How can that energy return? It is when I engage in the mission that God has given us.
Jesus left us with what we often call the great commission , immediately before Christ’s ascension he said these words recorded in Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Missions is the energy of the church. When you are on mission it energizes you (example of a mission team).
A commitment to missions will renew your energy for serving the Lord and missions will energize our church. How can we renew our commitment to missions? The energy for missions springs from 2 things:
Energy Springs from the Vision
John sees multitudes of people gathered around the throne. These are people of all the nations of the earth (what missionaries call people groups). The number of which is so great that no man could count the number. They are wearing robes symbolizing purity, their sins washed in the blood of the lamb, and the palms (Branches of the palm-tree were carried by the victors in the athletic contests of Greece and Rome, and in triumphal processions.) symbolizing victory, the victory over death won by Christ. What an awesome vision, a snapshot of a heavenly future. This vision is confirmed by Christ’s word Matthew 24:14 14: And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
-If Acts 1:8 is the mission, then Rev 7:9 is the vision. The vision to energize us to complete the mission. (problem of people misunderstanding the need for foreign missions excusing their lack of foreign missions as the need for local missions, but we are to do all of these and not neglect any, the key word in Acts 1:8 is “and,” ).-So while this vision of the future is what we are anticipating, there is another type of vision we need to energize us for the mission. We need the vision of Jesus in our everyday lives. In other words, we need to look at the world around us as Jesus would look. -Matthew 9:36-38 gives us a look through the eyes of Christ himself. 36: But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
First, as Jesus saw the multitudes he was moved with compassion, why because he saw them as sheep without a shepherd (a sheep without a shepherd is vulnerable to predators and other dangers.) They need to great shepherd John 10:11-15 11: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12: But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13: The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14: I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15: As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Second he saw a harvest that is ready but laborers that are few. Here is the problem, God’s people often see the harvest as the problem, but the problem is there are too few laborers It is easier to blame the harvest than to accept that fact that God’s people re not working the fields. My challenge to you this week is to see the world around you through the eyes of Jesus. The coworker who gets on your nerves doesn’t need a critic but needs a shepherd, that neighbor having problems doesn’t need a gossip, but needs Christ. That family member living in sin doesn’t need judgment but needs Jesus.
Energy Springs from the Voice
That is how they cried out in praise to God, but notice what the content of their expression of praise says. Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. This is an expression stating that God alone is the author of salvation. And Jesus Christ is the one who purchase our salvation by his death and shed blood on the cross.
Acts 4:12 12: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
John 14 6: Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
These saints from every nation on the earth proclaim salvation in Christ alone. In other words, these people from all around the world came to the throne of God one way, through Jesus. No other name, no other religion, no other God. Nor could they save themselves by their own works.
-That is the voice of missions. That salvation is through Christ alone. That is the voice of the church, what we proclaim. We proclaim salvation loudly, we don’t apologize for it, we don’t try to hide it, we don’t try to water it down or sugar coat the message. Jesus is the truth and he said you will know the truth and truth will make you free.
– 1 Peter 3:15 15: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
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