Jeremiah 1:17 11/24/2020*

“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.”

Our society has stopped teaching toughness. We lower requirements rather than let children learn from failure.  Instead they learn about failure later in life when the consequences are harsher. 

It is important to learn how to struggle. Valleys are where things grow…There are very few wise people who have not walked through trials.  By removing difficulties, we have created a generation of shallow individuals.

That is not God’s way – God tells Jeremiah to put on his work boots... Israel has failed and is facing judgement and Jeremiah has been given the difficult job of telling them.  It will not be pleasant nor popular…but look closely at what God says:
 
“Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them”.
  
In other words, “they won’t like what you say – but say it anyway. Worry about my response to your words - not theirs.”

That type of coaching would get you kicked out of little league today…and that is the problem. God requires a tenacity for truth, not comfortable compromises.
 
This self-focused philosophy has creeped into the church causing us to struggle when we are asked to suffer….. we want admiration but God wants obedience.
  
On Sunday we are as likely to question the pastors style, as be convicted by what he says…and if he makes us uncomfortable, society has taught us that he should lower the bar so we will feel better about ourselves.
 
God did not save us just to make us happy – He saved us to make us Holy - We have been recruited as Soldiers.  Make no mistake, when you speak truth some people will leave your church, turn off your blog…some may even stop being your friend…but God says to tell the truth anyway, and understand that sometimes people are offended by truth even when spoken in love.
  
We are warriors and sometimes warriors get hurt – adjust your expectations – focus on the goal - put on your gear and run to the battle…  you have work to do.

“Jesus' life was a storm of controversy …To avoid controversy is to avoid Christ. We can have peace, but it is a servile and carnal peace where truth is slain in the streets.”  - R. C. Sproul

Colossians 1:6-7 11/17/2020*

“All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God.  You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf”

We need more people like “Epaphras” … Not much is known about him except that he was a faithful servant - and he was a “doer” … A guy who taught truth in the trenches.

Evangelism is often discussed in the abstract…Something elaborately planned… overseas, involving logistics, and fund raising. But that was not Epaphras’ model…. He just shared the gospel with people around him. 

 
Epaphras told people about Jesus… Probably friends and co-workers…. at times maybe uncomfortable…  but Epaphras jumped in anyway.

That is how he influenced an entire city. He decided what was important and acted on it. 

What about us?...Would we be named as faithful servants who led others to “truly understand the grace of God” or would we just be listed among those who agreed with the concept?

Romans says: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” 

Those are good questions … Our job is to make disciples…how can that happen if others don’t hear the gospel… Will they hear if from you? 

The only way to finish a job - is to start it. Have you started? Have you taken the first step, opened your mouth, and told others about your Savior?

  
Don’t listen to the lie that you’re not qualified… just tell your story. God is the only one who can change a heart. That is His job, not yours.  Your job is to speak the truth... God’s decree is called the “great commission” not the “great suggestion”. Obey Him.

 
Today is as good a day as any to start. 

That friend that God keeps putting on your heart needs to hear the truth.   It might feel awkward but take the step – share your faith… God will move, and like Epaphras, He will use you to teach others about His amazing grace.

 
Anything else you do today, will pale in comparison.

“Evangelism is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find the bread.”
Daniel Niles

Daniel 10:12 11/10/2020*

"'Don't be afraid, Daniel,' he told me, 'because from the first day that you committed yourself to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I've come in answer to your prayers.”

Do you ever feel helpless?...  Like you are being swept along with no ability to change anything? This verse quotes the angel Gabriel speaking to Daniel in a vision - and what he says is amazing. 

He tells him that the first day Daniel cried out to God…the moment he hit his knees…his words were heard – And not only that…The Commander of Heaven’s army responded by dispatching Gabriel to help him.

 
There is no answering machine in Heaven… God never puts us on hold until He can get to our request.  The instant we humble ourselves before God we are in the presence of the Almighty - and He is listening.

 
I am astonished when people despondently say, “all we can do is pray”.  Prayer is not a last resort - it is the Atomic Bomb of spiritual weapons…it is the game changer. Daniels grief over Israel drove him to pray and the instant he did, he had God’s attention. 

What has driven you to your knees?  What has broken your heart to the point that you feel helpless?  This verse says He hears you…God is listening and has a plan.  Keep praying.  Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5).  God is moved by the hearts of His children and He will respond.

 
You are not a victim and things are not out of control.  
Do not pray defeatedly – attack the enemy… Go on the offense - You are a warrior whose prayer is an overwhelming weapon – wield it like a sword and stand confidently in its power. 

We are more than conquerors and the enemy's greatest fear is that we will realize the power we have at our disposal.

 
This morning you have been invited into the Throne room of the King of Kings. He is listening to you – and ready to act - do not waste time doubting what He is capable of – Ask in faith, stand back, and watch God deliver. 

“The power of prayer can never be overrated. ... If a man can but pray he can do anything. He who knows how to overcome with God in prayer has Heaven and earth at his disposal. “- Charles Spurgeon
 

TITUS 1 :15-16 11/3/2020*

"To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.  They profess to know God, but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for any good deed."

According to this passage, purity is essential.  The phrase describes only those hearts which are filled with the Holy Spirit because that is the only engine that produces purity. 

1 Corinthians 13 makes it clear that when it comes to serving others, your motives can disqualify your offering.  Every action attains its coloring of good or evil from its point of origin which is your heart. 

So, what color are your actions?  Do they reflect the color of integrity, or is there a tint of sin on your activities?
 
If your heart is not pure then the thoughts, words, and actions that flow from it are not either.
  
That is Paul’s point, and he is not worried about hurting our feelings. If our hearts are unchanged we are detestable, disobedient, and worthless for any good deed. 

The gospel is not “sinner friendly” … and complete re-birth and regeneration is the only path to God….and God is the only source of purity.

You will not hear that preached from very many pulpits today… but the Word of God is unambiguous. We are useless without pure hearts – which can only be attained if the Spirit of God creates one inside of us. (Psalm 51)

The litmus test of whether that has happened, is found in what you do...Your actions are your spiritual thermometer. We are saved by faith alone - but our actions define the validity of our faith.  Faith without works is dead (James 2) – and only a new heart can and will produces new actions.

So, evaluate your walk – look hard in the mirror. Focus on the engine … Make sure your heart is the temple of God. His presence in your heart will lead to a life of purity. 

Only then will you be able to simultaneously proclaim Him with your words - and honor Him with your walk.

 “The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians: who acknowledge Jesus with their lips, walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
― Brennan Manning

1 Corinthians 2:9 10/27/2020*

“… No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Do you find yourself clinging to this world instead of anticipating eternity?  It’s not your fault - you have no idea what is waiting for you…you aren’t capable of knowing what is waiting for you.
 
God created the universe in just six days.  But Jesus has been preparing a place for us for over 2000 years (John 14) - so the splendor of what awaits us is literally beyond our imagination. This makes one of my favorite songs technically incorrect …I cannot “only imagine”. 

Simply put, our minds have nothing to draw from to achieve this level of magnificence. We imagine Heaven as us sitting in boredom playing a harp…when in actuality Heaven will be more exciting than any last-minute championship win.

  
The Grand Canyon, the Northern lights, white sandy beaches – these are all just preliminary sketches.  No one has ever seen anything close to the masterpiece God is preparing…We are destined for a place that will amaze us for an eternity.
 
So how should this impact us?  

To begin with we should be less frantic about this world and more focused on the next one.

  
If I have a hot dog - but know a filet mignon is on the way - I am less possessive of the dog.  If my coloring book is damaged but my Rembrandt is safe on the wall – I simply focus on the treasure.

 
People should notice you have a different perspective.  It should make them curious that you are not consumed with the trinkets of this world.

 
The only thing of eternal value on this planet is other people’s souls. The only news events that matter are those that impact those soul’s eternal destiny. The hysteria we generate over temporary events and possessions is unjustifiable.

Spend more time today anticipating the gourmet meal being prepared for you …and spend less time worrying about the fast food of this world. 

 
An amazing eternity is being arranged for you, and your job is to bring as many people as you can with you ...  

When people see your peace and ask you to explain your lack of anxiety in this world – this verse will be an excellent place to start.

“The love of heaven makes one heavenly.”
-  William Shakespeare

2 Corinthians 5:17 10/20/2020*

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

We usually look at this verse in the context of the freedom we have in Christ. He has made us new.  Our past is gone, our guilt is removed, and we walk in His righteousness.

This is the gospel, and we read this verse joyfully and acknowledge that we are redeemed and without guilt…

But this morning I want to look at it from a different angle. This morning let’s look at the fact that this verse is not only about how I see myself – it is also about how I see you.

 
We are quick to claim amazing grace and apply the blood of Christ to our sins - but we are slower to apply that same grace to the sins of others. 

This verse says I am a new creation – brand new. …But how can I claim that promise without extending it to you as well? 

Are there people in your life that you have forgiven for their sin - but not forgotten it?  Do you see them as “repaired” instead of brand new?

Even some in the church today, will say “don’t hold a grudge - but don’t forget what they did either”. But is that forgiveness?  

Should God see you that way?  Should He forgive your sin but keep you at a distance?  Should your account be wiped clean, but your value be reduced because you faltered?

We can’t have it both ways…. If “new creation” means “new” – then the old is gone away …Paul says “Behold the new has come” … he says look for yourself, I am a different person. 

I realize this sounds like a good way to get hurt again…and it is. 

Love is hard - and sometimes people fail us twice… sometimes they fail us seventy times seven times.  But that does not change the requirement 

If I believe I am new and redeemed – I must believe you are too. 

It creates great internal conflict when you define the word “forgiveness” one way for you, and another way for those who hurt you.

God will do the accounting for others - that is His job…He has wiped your account clean, so your assignment is to forgive, forget, love, and be free.  

“Forgotten is forgiven”. — F. Scott Fitzgerald

1 Corinthians 12:26 10/13/2020*

 “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”

At some point we should all be involved in a team sport. Our culture pushes individual rights, and accolades so strongly that most of us need something to teach us unselfishness.

Many will have a “team spirit” if that will bring them individual recognition, but that is not humility. That is the equivalent of saying, “my humbleness is what makes me great”, and that statement invalidates itself. 

Self-centeredness creeps into our spiritual life as well, and Paul spends this chapter telling us that we have missed the point. 

The church is a team of one … We do not keep personal stats, we don’t hand out MVP awards, and we all have the same name on the back of our jersey … Nothing draws attention to us individually. We celebrate and suffer together…as one.

In fact, scripture teaches that if we do good things for others, we should do them secretly. It is as though we are to blend so perfectly into one body that the world sees a single entity where the pastor, nursery worker, and custodian are all equally important.

Arguments in the church should be the opposite of what we hear in the world. Instead of seeking recognition - we should be pushing others to the front and insisting on giving them credit. 

This not only edifies the church; it is the most liberating thing you can do for yourself.  There is nothing that reduces anxiety more than humility. Nothing brings freedom like elevating someone else’s needs above your own because your Father loves them.

When I coached our moto was always “an Audience of One”.  And that is the key to this passage. Only God can meet your need for recognition. He is the only spectator in the stands of your life that matters. 

If you recognize this it will eliminate the useless stress you have been carrying and make you a more effective member of your family, church, business, and friend group. 

But most importantly it will set you free for God to use to fulfill His plans. Because in the end - the “One” who is your audience…is the only One who actually deserves applause. 

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” - Harry S Truman

Philippians 3:20 10/6/2020*

“For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

We must never forget that this is an “away game”.

If we do not feel at home in this world - it is because we are not…  We should not expect a home field advantage. 

When you play an away game, you do not anticipate applause. You come prepared to be harassed and taunted…It does not discourage you it motivates you.   

As a Christian if you are looking for applause you have overlooked where the game is ... If you are surprised at what you see on the news you have forgotten where you are...

The fact that this is not our home becomes clearer every day, but that should not depress us…it should inspire us…Some people are enemies of the cross. But we do not despise our opponents because we were once enemies of the cross ourselves.

We are not here to defeat them – we are here to rescue them. We are here to bring them truth even though that will not always make us popular. That’s OK because that’s not the goal - our mission is to make followers of Christ, not followers of us. 

Jesus is coming back, but until He does we are behind enemy lines. We cannot forget that we are “in this world” not “of it” …In fact, if you are universally accepted and appreciated it may be because they do not know what team you’re on…Make sure it is evident Who your King is…We’re not here to make enemies - but we are here to be different.   

Live boldly in this foreign land - Be salt and light – Refuse to blend in, knowing your King is coming soon. 

You are not a tourist - and your popularity is not the goal … your objective is to never water-down the truth…and get the gospel to as many people as you can…That, after all, is the only reason you are still here. 

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” - Jesus

Luke 22:57 9/29/2020*

“But Peter denied it. “Woman, I do not know Him,” he said.”

Peter was a leader among the disciples, a self-assured fisherman…The only human other than Christ to walk on water… He was a man’s man, who once cut a guys ear off while he was defending Jesus…And he swore to go to his grave protecting his Lord….Yet, here he denies Jesus because he is afraid of a servant girl.

How many of us are too much like Peter?

How many of us have accomplishments in our lives which make us believe we have something to offer God?  We think since we are disciplined - we can show God how worthy we are…but when we are challenged we collapse.

Peter…the man that Jesus named “The Rock” and said He would build His church on…crumbled under sin. Without the Holy Spirit, the “Navy Seal” of the disciples retreated when challenged by a young girl.

This verse is not intended to preserve Peter’s failure - but to speak to those of us who are too much like him.

It does not matter who the world thinks you are, you are a slave to sin without Christ.  Without the Holy Spirit you, like Peter, are a failure who is defenseless against temptation. 

If that were not true - the cross would not have been necessary - and if it were not necessary - it would never have happened. 

Peter was transformed by Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection – which paid his debt to sin and redeemed him – this was the only thing that could make him a vessel worthy of the Holy Spirit – and that is what changed him.  

It made Peter a fearless warrior who later, when condemned to be crucified, would demand to be turned upside down because he was not worthy to die like his King.

Man’s stumbling block is pride.. thinking we can do it on our own. But regardless of worldly achievement, we cannot…so we must die to ourselves so the Holy Spirit will live in us and permanently transforms us. 

This is the only path…The Holy Spirit is the seal of our salvation and He alone can give us real courage and change us from slaves to sin, into soldiers for God.  

“When we have the Holy Spirit, we have all that is needed to be all that God desires us to be.” - Aiden Wilson Tozer

Romans 1:20 9/22/2020*

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” 

Our lack of belief is confusing… we are without excuse. God’s existence has been etched on our consciences by God Himself. 

Few will argue that there is not an “unexplained force out there”. Most even acknowledge elements of design in creation – They do this not to recognize God, but because even their stubborn unbelief has limits.

Something outside of science is needed for their theories to be reasonable. The “big bang” requires colliding particles …an explanation is needed as to where these come from, and why they were in motion?  Since there are no definitive answers – a force must be acknowledged… call it what you want, just don’t call it God.

Academia says they “believe in science” …but science does not offer anything to believe in… Science begins in the middle … However, the bible begins with “In the beginning” … making it a self-contained belief system. 

Scripture says the unseen has been seen - perceived “by that which has been made”. The phrase “His eternal power and Godhead” expresses the idea of an infinite God - and we have been made aware of His existence. 

Great Apes - though differing by one chromosome from us - have never been observed worshiping. Yet even the most primitive human cultures worshipped something… Why?

Because we are not apes…we are created in God’s image and He has placed an awareness of Himself inside of us. 

The problem this creates is that we are now without excuse. God exists… and He has made sure you know it. If you refuse to worship Him then you will stand and fall on your own merits. If you have sinned (and you have) His wrath is justified. 

But instead of wrath - God loves you and sent His Son to redeem you. 

Look at the evidence…acknowledge Him as God, and accept His grace …because when our life is over -  no one will say “I didn’t know”

 “I was at this time, like so many Atheists in a whirl of contradictions. I maintained that God did not exist. I was also very angry with God for not existing. I was equally angry with Him for creating a world.”

~ C.S. Lewis