Illuminate Community Church: Recent Episodes
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We live in a culture that places a high value on physical fitness, health, and self-improvement - especially true in Scottsdale! From gym memberships to training programs and nutrition plans, people understand that growth requires intentional effort. In this Sunday's passage, Paul uses that same imagery to teach us an important truth: spiritual maturity does not happen by accident.
We'll see that before believers can be trained for Godliness, they must first be nourished by the truth of God's Word. Paul reminds Timothy to reject false teaching and feed himself on sound doctrine. Just as an athlete needs proper nutrition before entering the gym, Christians need the steady nourishment of Scripture if they are going to grow in faith, obedience, and Christlike character. Godliness does not happen by accident.
We'll also discover why the pursuit of Godliness is worth the effort. While physical training has some value for this life, godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. God has not left us alone in this pursuit. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His people to equip us for spiritual growth. I’m looking forward to discovering how we can make use of these gifts and learn what it means to train for a life that bears eternal fruit.
This Sunday, we’ll continue our study through 1 Timothy by looking at one of the saddest realities in the Christian life: people who once seemed to walk with Christ eventually drifting away from the faith. Paul tells Timothy that this should not surprise the church, because the Holy Spirit expressly warned that it would happen. Behind false teaching is more than intellectual confusion or changing opinions. There is real spiritual deception at work. We’ll examine how subtle and gradual that deception often is, and why believers must remain grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
We’ll also look closely at the nature of false spirituality. In Ephesus, false teachers were forbidding marriage and restricting foods God had created to be received with thanksgiving. Their message sounded spiritual, but Paul exposes it as legalistic and ultimately destructive. This passage reminds us that one of Satan’s oldest strategies is to distort God’s good gifts and replace biblical freedom with man-made religion. We’ll also understand that Christian liberty is not permission for indulgence or compromise. God’s gifts are good when they are received according to His design, with gratitude and purity.
Finally, we’ll be reminded of the goodness of God as Creator. Paul says, “everything created by God is good,” and that simple truth changes how we view everyday life. Marriage, food, rest, work, friendship, and beauty are not distractions from God, but gifts meant to point us back to Him in thanksgiving. True godliness is not found in rejecting what God has made, nor in abusing it, but in receiving His gifts rightly, under His Word and with thankful hearts. I’m looking forward to opening this rich and timely passage together!
Have you ever wondered what the church is all about? In a world filled with opinions about what the church should be, it’s easy to lose sight of what God Himself says the church is. This Sunday, we’ll be looking at one of the most important descriptions of the church in all of Scripture. In our passage, Paul describes the church as “the household of God,” “the church of the living God,” and “a pillar and buttress of the truth.” These are not casual descriptions. They remind us that the church is not a building or an organization; it is the family Christ purchased with His own blood and the people entrusted with displaying God’s truth to the world.
After nearly 35 years in pastoral ministry, I can tell you it’s not just about what a church believes, but also what she emphasizes. What a church treasures eventually shapes the hearts of her people. Paul understood this deeply, which is why he wrote to Timothy about how believers “ought to behave” in God’s household. Everything flows from the truth of God’s Word, so when truth is weakened, confusion enters. But when Christ and His gospel remain central, the church becomes stable, healthy, and spiritually alive. This passage calls us back to the center. We must remember who we are and whose we are.
These verses culminate in one of the most beautiful summaries of Jesus Christ in the New Testament: “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness…” Paul then unfolds the glory of Christ. He is God manifested in the flesh, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory. The church exists because Jesus revealed God, died for sinners, rose again, and gathered a people to Himself. As we study this passage together, we’ll ask ourselves an important question: If the church is truly the household of God and the pillar of His truth, does the way I live and participate in the church reflect the glory of the Christ we proclaim?
This Sunday, we’ll continue our study through 1 Timothy as we come to chapter 3 and Paul’s teaching on Elders and Deacons. At first glance, this passage can feel like it’s only about church leadership, but as I’ve been studying it this week, I’ve been reminded that it gives us something much bigger: a picture of what spiritual maturity actually looks like. Paul spends very little time talking about talent, charisma, or personality, and instead focuses almost entirely on character: integrity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, humility, hospitality, and wisdom. In many ways, this passage answers the question every Christian eventually asks: What does a mature follower of Jesus look like?
One of the things we’ll explore together is how God’s design for leadership is deeply different from the world's. The New Testament presents church leadership not as status or celebrity, but as sacrificial service. Paul even compares ministry labor to an ox treading grain. This is steady, faithful, often unseen work done for the nourishment of others. It’s a powerful reminder that the church is not built on personalities or platforms, but on spiritually mature people who quietly and faithfully serve Christ and His people.
My prayer is that this passage would not only challenge all those in leadership, but encourage every one of us to pursue the kind of character that reflects Jesus. I’m thankful for the many men and women in our church who already serve so faithfully, and I look forward to more gospel fruit as we continue building God’s kingdom side by side.
If you like the more challenging and controversial passages of Scripture, then you won’t want to miss this Sunday! (Pray for me!) We’ll be reading from one of the most often debated sections found in the entire Bible. It speaks directly to the roles of men and women in the life of the church, which means it touches on deeply personal and sometimes sensitive matters. As we approach it together, I hope we do so with open Bibles and open hearts. The goal is to understand what God is actually saying and how we can faithfully live it out as His people.
In this passage, Paul gives instructions to both men and women in the context of corporate worship. He calls men away from anger and division toward prayer marked by holiness, and he calls women away from external emphasis toward godliness expressed through good works. What becomes clear is that Paul isn’t stereotyping; he’s shepherding. He’s addressing the ways our natural tendencies can become distorted when the gospel isn’t shaping us, and he’s calling the whole church back to a life of humility, order, and maturity in Christ.
We’ll also wrestle with some of the harder verses about teaching and authority. Here we want to be careful and thoughtful and, as always, led by a desire to be faithful to all of Scripture. This isn’t about restrictions; it’s about God’s design for a healthy, flourishing church. Each of us has a vital role to play as we become all He wants us to be. The call is to continue in faith, love, holiness, and self-control, trusting that God is always working to shape His people for His glory.
I’m excited to be with you this Sunday as we step back into 1 Timothy. We’ll be looking at 1 Timothy 2:1–7 this week, which begins a new section in the letter. Paul is moving on from dealing with false teachers (they’ll come back up later) to focus on the heart of the letter: “how one ought to behave in the household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). Paul begins this long section by urging the church to pray, which is the passage we will be in this Sunday.
This passage has two emphases in it with the first being prayer. Paul calls the church to pray with urgency. How many of us feel this urgency in our prayer life today? As we struggle amid the busyness that modern life seems to amplify, it can be easy to lose sight of our prayer lives. Prayer, like many good things, can start to feel like a chore that we have to do instead of an incredible gift that God invites his people into. As you may have experienced, guilt tripping ourselves into praying more or trying to force ourselves into it through sheer will power usually doesn’t provide lasting change.
This brings us to the second emphases of our passage: the one God and the one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ. How are these two emphases related? The insight we get here is that our prayer lives dramatically change when we remember that we are praying to the God revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is what we will be exploring together on Sunday.
This Sunday, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, we’re going to take a short pause from our study in 1 Timothy and look at a powerful verse in 2 Timothy 1:5. In it, the apostle Paul reflects on the faith of Timothy. His faith didn’t begin with him, but was first lived out in his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. It’s a reminder that faith is not just something we profess, but something we pass on.
At the same time, I recognize that Mother’s Day carries a wide range of emotions. For some, it’s joyful, for others it’s complicated or even painful. I want to approach it honestly and pastorally, with a message that speaks into all of those experiences.
We’ll explore what it means to have a “sincere faith” - a faith that is real, not perfect; lived, not just spoken. Paul doesn’t highlight accomplishments or outward success, but rather he points to something deeper: a consistent, authentic faith that shaped Timothy’s life over time. That kind of faith is rarely formed in big, dramatic moments, but in the ordinary rhythms of everyday life. It’s the moments around the table, in conversations, in how we respond to pressure, and in the way we trust God in real time. It’s a helpful reminder that what shapes people most isn’t perfection, but presence.
I’m looking forward to being back with everyone this Sunday! We’ll be stepping into 1 Timothy 1:18–20, where Paul gives Timothy a charge that is anything but casual. As I’ve been studying this passage, I’ve been reminded that the Christian life is not lived on the sidelines; it’s a real spiritual battle. Paul writes to a young pastor in a city filled with pressure, opposition, and competing voices, and his message is clear: there is a fight to enter and a faith to protect. Together, we’ll explore what it means to “wage the good warfare” in our own lives today.
At the center of this passage are two anchors Paul says we must not let go of: faith and a good conscience. We’ll talk about what it really means to hold onto faith, not just believing the right things, but continuing to trust God’s character, Word, and promises when life presses in. And we’ll look at the role of a good conscience and what it means to stay responsive to God, to listen when He convicts, and to live in a way that aligns with what we say we believe. These aren’t abstract ideas; they are essential to staying spiritually steady.
Paul also gives a sobering warning by pointing to real people who made a shipwreck of their faith, and the faith of others. Their story reminds us that drifting doesn’t usually happen all at once; it’s often the result of slowly letting go of truth and ignoring conviction. But even here, we see God’s heart for restoration. I hope this message will both ground us and challenge us to hold tightly to what matters most and to walk faithfully in whatever God has called us to.
I’m looking forward to being together this Sunday as we continue in 1 Timothy. In this passage, Paul reflects on his own story. He looks back at who he was apart from Christ, the grace he’s received, and the way his life has been changed. He’s honest about his past, not to stay there, but to show just how good God’s mercy really is.
That’s where we’re going this week. The Gospel produces something in us. It leads us to remember who we were apart from Christ, rejoice in the grace we’ve received, and respond by living for His glory.
My hope is that this Sunday wouldn’t just be something we hear, but something that actually moves us. That we would walk away with a deeper gratitude for God’s grace and a clearer sense of how to live in light of it. Looking forward to worshiping with you.
This Sunday, we’ll continue our series in 1 Timothy as we look at chapter 1, verses 8–11 and consider what Paul says about the purpose of God’s law. In the church at Ephesus, there had been a subtle but significant drift away from sound doctrine, as false teachers rose up and began to misunderstand and misapply the law. What was meant to point people to God was instead being used in a way that led them away from Him.
Paul addresses this head-on by reminding us that the law is good—but only when it’s used properly. Like many today, the people in Ephesus were tempted to treat the law as a measuring stick for their own righteousness or to separate it entirely from the message of grace. But Paul shows us that the law and the gospel are not at odds—they work together. The law exposes our sin and reveals our need, while the gospel points us to Jesus, the One who fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf.
Together, we’ll explore how the law was never meant to save us, but to serve a greater purpose: to confront us, to lead us to Christ, and to shape how we live in response to His grace. My hope is that this message helps us see both the depth of our need and the greatness of God’s love—that while we may be far more sinful than we realize, we are also far more loved than we could ever imagine.
As we begin this new series, we step into a letter written by the Apostle Paul to a young pastor named Timothy, who was leading a church in Ephesus where something had begun to drift. The issue wasn’t outright denial of the gospel; it was more subtle than that. False teachings had crept in that sounded spiritual but were pulling people away from the truth. Paul writes to bring clarity, reminding us that the church is the household of God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. That means we don’t create truth, we hold it up, protect it, and live it out.
We’ll also see that what shapes us will ultimately define us. True teaching doesn’t lead to empty discussion, but to lives marked by love from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. And that’s exactly what we’ll witness in baptisms: not speculation or empty words, but the clear, life-changing truth of Jesus on display. I’m looking forward to celebrating with you all that God is doing in and through His people!
As we head into Easter weekend, I cannot wait to join you for both Good Friday and Easter Sunday services. Good Friday will be a quieter, more reflective time as we sit in the weight and meaning of the cross. We’ll walk through the final words of Jesus, each one revealing His heart, His mercy, and the price He willingly paid for us. It’s a moment to slow down, examine our hearts, and remember the depth of His love as we come to the table together.
Then on Easter Sunday, everything shifts. We celebrate the resurrection! The moment that changed everything. We’ll look at how people responded to the empty tomb: some worshiped, some doubted, and some rejected it altogether. And in that, we’re invited to see ourselves. Wherever you are spiritually right now, steady in your faith, full of questions, or just exploring, I believe this message will meet you in a meaningful way.
More than anything, I hope this weekend feels like an open door for you to invite friends and family to experience the people of Illuminate and the gospel of Jesus. Bring whatever you’re carrying and encounter the hope that only Jesus offers. I’m praying that God meets you personally, whether in the quiet reflection of Friday or the joy of Sunday, and reminds you just how deeply you are loved.
As we head into Easter weekend, I cannot wait to join you for both Good Friday and Easter Sunday services. Good Friday will be a quieter, more reflective time as we sit in the weight and meaning of the cross. We’ll walk through the final words of Jesus, each one revealing His heart, His mercy, and the price He willingly paid for us. It’s a moment to slow down, examine our hearts, and remember the depth of His love as we come to the table together.
Then on Easter Sunday, everything shifts. We celebrate the resurrection! The moment that changed everything. We’ll look at how people responded to the empty tomb: some worshiped, some doubted, and some rejected it altogether. And in that, we’re invited to see ourselves. Wherever you are spiritually right now, steady in your faith, full of questions, or just exploring, I believe this message will meet you in a meaningful way.
More than anything, I hope this weekend feels like an open door for you to invite friends and family to experience the people of Illuminate and the gospel of Jesus. Bring whatever you’re carrying and encounter the hope that only Jesus offers. I’m praying that God meets you personally, whether in the quiet reflection of Friday or the joy of Sunday, and reminds you just how deeply you are loved.
As we step into this Sunday, we’re entering one of the most significant moments in the life of our church gatherings - Palm Sunday and the beginning of Passion Week. This Sunday, we’ll slow down and walk through the final days of Jesus’ life, not just looking at what happened, but how He moved toward it. What stands out so clearly in the Gospels is that Jesus wasn’t caught off guard by any of it. He knew exactly what was coming - the betrayal, the suffering, the cross, and still, He moved forward with purpose. That’s what makes this week so powerful: it wasn’t just something that happened to Jesus; it was something He willingly stepped into for us.
As we trace the daily events from His entrance into Jerusalem to the moments leading up to the cross, we’ll see a fuller picture of who Jesus is. He is the humble King who doesn’t meet our expectations, the One who confronts what’s broken in us, the authority whose words we can’t ignore, the Savior who is worthy of everything we have, and the Son who models complete surrender to the Father. Each day reveals something essential, not just about Him, but about what it means for us to follow Him. My prayer is that this won’t just be informative, but transformative as we allow His words and actions to examine our own hearts.
We’ll also take time together to come to the Lord’s Table. As we do, I want to encourage you even now to begin preparing your heart. Take time this week to reflect, to confess, and to realign your life with Him. Don’t come casually, come ready to remember, to worship, and to respond. This is a week that invites us not just to observe, but to engage deeply with what Christ has done. I’m looking forward to gathering together and walking through it with you!
This Sunday, we come to one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture: Daniel in the lions’ den. Daniel 6 shows us what faithful courage looks like when obedience to God collides with the pressure of culture. Daniel had risen to a position of great influence in the Persian kingdom, not because he sought power, but because his integrity and faithfulness were evident even to a pagan king. Yet that very faithfulness also made him a target. When his enemies could find no fault in his work or character, they attacked the one thing they knew Daniel would never compromise- his devotion to God.
What unfolds is a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God is often tested when it becomes costly. Daniel refuses to change his habits of prayer even when a royal decree makes it illegal. He simply continues doing what he has always done, seeking the Lord with consistency and trust. His courage wasn’t sudden or dramatic; it was the product of a lifetime of walking with God. In a culture that often pressures believers to remain quiet about their faith, Daniel’s example challenges us to consider where our ultimate loyalty lies.
But the true hero of this story is not Daniel; it is God who delivers those who trust in Him. When Daniel is thrown into the lions’ den, God demonstrates His power by shutting the lions’ mouths and preserving His servant. Ultimately, this story points us forward to someone greater than Daniel. Like Daniel, Jesus was innocent and unjustly condemned. But unlike Daniel, Jesus was not spared from death. He entered into it so that we might be delivered from it. I’m looking forward to joining you this Sunday as we see how Daniel’s story reminds us that those who trust the living God can remain faithful, even when the cost is high.
This Sunday, we’ll be in Daniel chapter 5, the account that gives us the familiar phrase “the handwriting on the wall.” The story centers on King Belshazzar, who throws a massive celebration in Babylon while the Persian army is already surrounding the city. In the middle of the feast he commits a brazen act of arrogance by using the sacred vessels taken from the temple in Jerusalem to toast false gods. What follows is one of the most dramatic scenes in Scripture - God interrupts the party as a mysterious hand appears and writes a message of judgment on the palace wall.
When Daniel is brought in to interpret the writing, he reminds the king of what happened to his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar had learned the hard lesson that God rules over the kingdoms of men, but Belshazzar ignored that warning and hardened his heart. The words written on the wall - Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin - announce God’s verdict: the king’s days are numbered, his life has been weighed and found wanting, and his kingdom will be taken from him. That very night, the Persians enter the city, Babylon falls, and the king dies.
This passage is a sobering reminder that pride can blind us to reality. Belshazzar partied with the enemy already at the gate, convinced he was untouchable. The message of Daniel 5 shows us that what belongs to God should never be used to celebrate sin, and that every life will one day be weighed by God’s standard. The good news of the gospel is that while all of us would be found wanting on our own, Christ was weighed and found perfect in our place. Christians are those who have learned to read the writing on the wall and place their hope in Him.
This week we'll be in Daniel chapter 3, a passage that confronts every generation with a question we can’t avoid: Who, or what, are you really worshiping?
Worship isn’t just something we do on Sundays; it’s what we assign ultimate worth to, and that shapes what we love, fear, and obey. By chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are no longer anonymous exiles, they are leaders in Babylon. Their earlier faithfulness brought promotion, not persecution. But now obedience to God comes with a clear cost. King Nebuchadnezzar constructs a massive golden image and demands public allegiance. The choice is simple and terrifying: bow, or burn.
This moment didn’t come out of nowhere. Previously, God revealed to Nebuchadnezzar that his kingdom was a head of gold, glorious, powerful, but temporary. Chapter 3 shows the king’s response: he builds an image entirely of gold, as if to say his rule will never fade. The dedication ceremony is overwhelming - music, officials, crowds, and pressure to conform. When everyone bows, three men remain standing. Their refusal isn’t loud or rebellious, but it’s unmistakable. They will not worship what God has forbidden, even when the threat is death. And when the king offers a second chance, they respond with breathtaking clarity: God can save them, but even if He does not, they will not bow.
This story isn’t just about courage long ago; it’s about settled faith today. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego show us what it means to love God for who He is, not for what He gives. They trust Him without presuming on the outcome. The furnace still burns. The pressure doesn’t disappear. But God meets them in the fire, and in doing so, He reminds us that faithfulness does not guarantee deliverance from suffering, but it does promise God’s presence in it. When the music starts and the heat rises, it’s too late to decide whom you will worship. Daniel 3 calls us to decide now.
This Sunday, we’ll continue our series with the prophet Daniel, a story that feels surprisingly close to home even though it was written over 2,600 years ago. Daniel and his friends lived in a culture that was pluralistic, secular, and often hostile to their faith, yet they didn’t withdraw from society or react with anger. Instead, they remained faithful to God while continuing to live with integrity and influence in the world around them. From the very start, Daniel shows us that it is possible to belong fully to God while living faithfully in a culture that does not share our convictions.
We’ll spend time setting the historical scene as Judah is overtaken by the rising Babylonian empire and Daniel is carried into exile. What’s striking is Daniel’s perspective: he doesn’t see these events as random or as proof that God has lost control. Scripture tells us plainly that “the Lord gave” Judah into Babylon’s hands. God is not absent from history; He is actively at work, even when His people experience discipline and disruption. Nations rise and fall, but God remains sovereign, and that truth brings both humility and hope as we navigate our own uncertain times.
Most of our focus will be on Daniel’s early decision to resolve in his heart not to defile himself. Before pressure mounted and temptation became real, Daniel settled his convictions. Rather than protesting loudly or compromising quietly, he chose respectful obedience and trusted God with the results. We will be challenged to examine our own identities and convictions: where the world is trying to rename us, where comfort tempts us to compromise, and whether people know what we believe because of our integrity rather than our tone. Like Daniel, we are called to remain faithful to God and trust Him with the outcomes.
This Sunday, we’ll spend our time in one of the most profound passages in all of Scripture: Isaiah 53. It’s here that God reveals the hero He will send to rescue humanity, but not in the way anyone was expecting. We’re naturally drawn to powerful, impressive saviors - the kind who arrive with strength, spectacle, and instant victory. Isaiah shows us something very different: a Servant who comes quietly, without beauty or status, rejected rather than celebrated, and victorious not through force but through suffering. That contrast matters because it reveals the heart of God’s plan to save, not by avoiding pain, but by stepping directly into it for us.
Isaiah spoke these words to a nation that was fractured spiritually, threatened politically, and marked by pride and empty worship. After decades of warning and calling God’s people back to trust in Him, Isaiah pulls back the curtain in chapter 53 to show how God would ultimately rescue His people. Not through military strength or national revival, but through a suffering Servant who would bear sin in silence. What makes this chapter so staggering is that it was written about 700 years before Jesus was born, yet it describes His rejection, innocence, suffering, crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ongoing intercession with remarkable precision. This is history written in advance.
As we walk through this chapter line by line, we’ll see both the weight of our sin and the depth of God’s mercy. Isaiah reminds us that all of us have gone astray, yet God has laid our iniquity on His Servant so that we might have peace with Him. For believers, this passage humbles us, heals our shame, and strengthens our confidence in the trustworthiness of Scripture. For those still considering faith, Isaiah 53 clearly explains why trusting Jesus matters so much - because ignoring sin doesn’t remove it, but trusting Christ transfers it. I’m praying this message will lead us all to gratitude, confidence, and a deeper trust in the Savior God has already sent.
This Sunday, we’re stepping into the book of Isaiah together, one of the major prophetic voices of the Old Testament. “Major” not because he’s more important than the others, but because his writing is longer and wider in scope. Isaiah ministers during a time of outward prosperity and inward decay. It's a season where religious activity is high, but repentance is low. Justice is neglected, worship is hollow, and trust in political solutions is quietly replacing trust in God. It’s into that exact environment that God raises up Isaiah to speak to the southern kingdom of Judah with a clear message: a holy God will not ignore persistent rebellion, but a gracious God will always make a way back for those who repent.
At the heart of our time together will be Isaiah chapter 6, where Isaiah is given a glimpse into the throne room of God. In the year King Uzziah dies, a year of national uncertainty and personal disruption, Isaiah sees something that changes him forever: the Lord seated on His throne. What follows is not excitement, but reverence. Not just admiration, but confession. In the presence of God’s holiness, Isaiah suddenly sees himself with startling clarity. We’ll talk about why this kind of reverence feels so rare in our day, and how seeing God rightly always leads to seeing ourselves rightly.
And then comes the beautiful turn in the story. The God who exposes Isaiah’s sin is the same God who moves toward him with atonement and cleansing. The lips that confess sin become the lips God commissions for service: “Here I am, send me.” We’ll see how this is the pattern God still follows - exposure, cleansing, and calling. My prayer is that as we look at this vision together, we won’t just admire Isaiah’s experience but allow it to shape our own view of God, ourselves, and the way we live in His presence.
This Sunday, we’ll be absorbing the words of Habakkuk. This book contains one of the most honest conversations with God in all of Scripture. Habakkuk doesn’t begin by speaking to the people for God; he begins by speaking to God for the people. He looks at violence, injustice, and moral confusion and brings his burden directly to the Lord. His opening words sound less like polished theology and more like a prayer that borders on a complaint: “How long, O Lord?” Habakkuk permits us to bring real questions into the presence of a real God and shows us that wrestling with God is not faithlessness, but faith that refuses shallow answers.
The book unfolds in three movements. In chapter 1, Habakkuk voices his concern as he watches corruption thrive while God appears silent. In chapter 2, God responds, not with the explanation Habakkuk expects, but with a call to trust His sovereign purposes and timing. Right at the center of the book, we’re given one of the most important statements in Scripture: “The righteous shall live by his faith.” That truth becomes the anchor when God’s ways don’t make sense, and His timing feels slow. Faith, we’ll see, is not living by feelings or circumstances, but by trusting the character of God.
Chapter 3 closes the book with a prayer set to music - a psalm of resolved trust. Habakkuk confesses that even if everything he depends on fails: “though the fig tree should not blossom...,” he will still rejoice in the Lord. His circumstances haven’t changed, but his posture has. We’ll see how God meets us in our questions, reshapes our hearts through waiting, and teaches us how to live not by sight, but by faith. I’m praying this text will steady and strengthen you wherever you find yourself in life.
This Sunday, we’ll turn to the prophet Micah, another short book that packs a serious punch. Micah is written to people who look spiritually healthy on the outside but are deeply compromised on the inside. Worship is happening, sacrifices are offered, and religious life appears vibrant. Yet God exposes a sobering reality: proximity to religion does not equal faithfulness to God. Micah reminds us that God is not fooled by appearances, and that religious activity without transformed hearts ultimately rings hollow.
Micah opens with courtroom language. God summons the whole world as His witness and brings charges against His own people. He begins with especially corrupt leadership and social injustice. Those entrusted to protect had become predatory, and those with power exploited the vulnerable. God makes clear that faith that ignores justice misunderstands His character. When confronted, the people ask what God wants - more sacrifices, bigger offerings, greater performance? God’s answer is simple and unsettling: He has already told them what is good.
That answer comes in Micah 6:8 "...to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." This week, we’ll explore how these three belong together, especially as justice intersects with real and difficult issues in our culture. We’ll see how God anchors justice in memory, mercy, and humility, and ultimately how Micah points us to Jesus, the promised King from Bethlehem, who bears judgment so we can receive mercy. My prayer is that God uses this text not just to inform us, but to reshape how we live as His people.
This Sunday, we’ll step into one of the most personal and emotionally charged books in all of Scripture: the book of Hosea. Hosea ministered in the northern kingdom of Israel during a time of political chaos, moral collapse, and rampant idolatry, just decades before the Assyrian invasion. What makes Hosea unique among the prophets is that God used Hosea's marriage as the message. God commanded Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman marked by unfaithfulness, and then to love her faithfully even as she repeatedly betrayed him. Hosea’s life became a living illustration of God’s own relationship with Israel - a steady love met with constant wandering.
Through Hosea, God reveals that idolatry is not merely rule-breaking; it is a relational betrayal. Israel didn’t deny God’s existence; they simply didn’t want to interact with Him anymore. They pursued other “lovers” for security, pleasure, and identity, while assuming God would always be there. Hosea speaks not like a detached preacher, but like a wounded husband whose heart has been broken again and again. And yet, woven through the warnings and judgment is something astonishing: God refuses to give up. His discipline is not abandonment; it is pursuit. Even after declaring, “Not My People,” God immediately promises restoration by turning judgment into hope and exile into homecoming.
Perhaps the most powerful moment comes when Hosea is told to go find Gomer again. She has been used, discarded, and for sale. He buys her back. This is where Hosea’s story becomes unmistakably gospel-shaped. God does not wait for His people to clean themselves up; He goes after them. He pays the price. He restores the relationship. Hosea answers a timeless question: What does God do when the people He loves keep cheating on Him? The answer is not indifference, but heartbreak, discipline, relentless pursuit, and ultimately restoration. I can’t wait to open this book together and hear God’s tender but urgent call: “Return to the Lord your God.”
This Sunday, we’ll be diving into the writings of the prophet Amos, whose very name means “burden.” Amos was an ordinary man, a herdsman and gardener, and yet God called him to deliver a message to His people. He was not part of the religious establishment, nor did he have prophetic training, yet God used him to speak truth with authority. His life reminds us that God often works through ordinary people, and that our usefulness to Him is determined not by position or status, but by faithfulness, obedience, and willingness to carry His burden.
Amos prophesied during a time of prosperity and stability in Israel, yet beneath the surface, injustice, exploitation, and moral corruption were rampant. He confronts the nation with their sin, showing how they had replaced God’s authority with their own. They had normalized oppression, idolatry, and exploitation. Amos exposes the heart of their rebellion: they decided for themselves what was right and wrong. Through his visions, God demonstrates both His patience and His judgment. When Amos intercedes after visions of locusts and fire, God relents. But the third vision, the plumb line, reveals the unchangeable standard of God’s truth. The plumb line measures Israel against God’s righteousness, showing that cultural approval, personal desire, or convenience cannot define what is right.
The message for us today is just as urgent. Culture continues to reject God's plumb lines. Therefore, truth becomes relative, morality becomes personal, and alignment with God is optional. God does not adjust His standard to fit our preferences; He measures us against His Word. As Christians, we are called to honestly examine our lives, our choices, and our motivations, asking whether we are aligned with God’s truth or simply following the crowd. The plumb line is not a suggestion; it is a warning. Our calling is to live lives in alignment with God’s standard, to hate evil, love good, and establish justice, knowing that only by standing straight against the plumb line of God’s Word can we build a life that will endure.
This Sunday, we’ll be spending our time in the small but powerful book of Joel. Though we know very little about the prophet himself, his message could not be timelier. Joel speaks to Judah in the middle of a national catastrophe, a locust invasion so severe that it collapses the economy, disrupts worship, and brings everyday life to a standstill. Rather than rushing to solutions, Joel presses a deeper question: Why is this happening? His conviction is that God often speaks through disruption, using moments we cannot ignore to reveal what we have been trusting in and what has been quietly shaping our hearts.
As we walk through chapters 1 and 2, we’ll see how crisis exposes spiritual complacency. Comfort, Joel shows us, can be spiritually numbing. When life is stable, prayer becomes polite, worship becomes routine, and dependence on God becomes theoretical. But when everything is shaken, illusions of control fall away, and honest self-examination becomes possible. God’s call through Joel is not merely to feel bad or perform religious acts, but to return to Him with all our hearts. “Rend your hearts, not your garments,” God says. This is an invitation to genuine repentance rooted in humility and trust in His gracious and merciful character.
We’ll also see that Joel’s message doesn’t end with judgment, but with restoration and hope. God responds to repentance with mercy, promising not only physical renewal but spiritual renewal through the outpouring of His Spirit, a promise Peter declares fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2. Joel then lifts our eyes to the coming Day of the Lord, when God’s justice and mercy will be fully revealed, and He will be a refuge for His people. My prayer is that this Sunday helps us see disruption differently, examine where comfort may have replaced dependence, practice quick and honest repentance, and learn what it truly means to live each day empowered by the Spirit of God.
This Sunday, we’ll be spending our time in the small but powerful book of Joel. Though we know very little about the prophet himself, his message could not be timelier. Joel speaks to Judah in the middle of a national catastrophe, a locust invasion so severe that it collapses the economy, disrupts worship, and brings everyday life to a standstill. Rather than rushing to solutions, Joel presses a deeper question: Why is this happening? His conviction is that God often speaks through disruption, using moments we cannot ignore to reveal what we have been trusting in and what has been quietly shaping our hearts.
As we walk through chapters 1 and 2, we’ll see how crisis exposes spiritual complacency. Comfort, Joel shows us, can be spiritually numbing. When life is stable, prayer becomes polite, worship becomes routine, and dependence on God becomes theoretical. But when everything is shaken, illusions of control fall away, and honest self-examination becomes possible. God’s call through Joel is not merely to feel bad or perform religious acts, but to return to Him with all our hearts. “Rend your hearts, not your garments,” God says. This is an invitation to genuine repentance rooted in humility and trust in His gracious and merciful character.
We’ll also see that Joel’s message doesn’t end with judgment, but with restoration and hope. God responds to repentance with mercy, promising not only physical renewal but spiritual renewal through the outpouring of His Spirit, a promise Peter declares fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2. Joel then lifts our eyes to the coming Day of the Lord, when God’s justice and mercy will be fully revealed, and He will be a refuge for His people. My prayer is that this Sunday helps us see disruption differently, examine where comfort may have replaced dependence, practice quick and honest repentance, and learn what it truly means to live each day empowered by the Spirit of God.
This Sunday, we’re kicking off an exciting new series on the Old Testament prophets. Many of us immediately think of prophets as those who predict the future, but in reality, God raised them up as truth-tellers. Their role was to speak into moments when His people were drifting spiritually, compromising morally, or trusting the wrong things. Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore individual prophets in the order they appeared, stepping into the ongoing conversation God has been having with His people for thousands of years. Each prophet challenges us with the same question: Will we listen, and will we respond?
We’ll begin with Obadiah, the smallest book in the Old Testament, just one short chapter, but it has tremendous weight. Obadiah delivers God’s message to Edom, a nation descended from Esau, Jacob’s twin brother. When Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians in 586 BC, Edom not only failed to help but actively rejoiced in Israel’s suffering. God’s message through Obadiah exposes their pride, their betrayal, and the moral cost of standing aloof while others fall. I’m reminded of the haunting modern parallel in Johnny Cash’s song “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” which echoes the same warning: no one can escape God’s justice. But the prophecy is not only about judgment; it is also about justice and hope. God promises that, in the end, the kingdom will be His, and His people will be restored.
This ancient message speaks powerfully into our culture today. How do we respond when others stumble - friends, neighbors, and especially people we disagree with? Do we rejoice in their misfortune, or do we act with compassion? Obadiah challenges us to place our trust not in our cleverness, alliances, or social standing, but in the sovereignty of God. In a world where social media encourages gloating and superiority, this is a timely reminder that true faith responds with mercy, not judgment, and seeks restoration rather than advantage. I hope you’ll read ahead as we dive into Obadiah’s piercing, yet hope-filled word and discover what it means to live faithfully in God’s sight.
This week in our Advent series, we are reflecting on the love of God revealed in the gift of His Son. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God’s love is personal, sacrificial, and transformative. He gave what was most precious to Him so that one day we could be where He is. Therefore, the gift of Jesus is the most profound and useful gift we will ever receive.
Jesus came to bridge the gap between God and humanity. He became flesh so that we could understand God’s heart. Romans 8:32 assures us that if God did not spare His Son, He will graciously provide for all our needs. God’s love is not only for us to receive but also for us to share, flowing through us to bless others and extend His kingdom.
This Christmas, let's reflect on the love we have received and consider how we can share it with those around us. Where do you need to receive God’s love this season? Who needs to experience Christ’s love through you? Let’s conclude this Advent season with hearts ready to receive and hands prepared to share, living as a people transformed by the greatest love story ever told.
This Sunday, we continue our Advent series focusing on joy, and it’s fitting, since “joy" is one of the first words used to announce Jesus’ birth: “I bring you good news of great joy.” A multitude of angels praised God, reminding us that true joy doesn’t depend on circumstances but on God’s presence, promises, and character. Even when life feels uncertain or difficult, joy is rooted in who God is and what He has done for us through Christ.
True to form, God brings this message in a way that no one expects. The shepherds were ordinary, overlooked people, yet they were the first to hear the angels’ announcement, showing that God’s joy is for everyone. Jesus said in John 15:11, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” This joy grows as we abide in His love, obey His commands, and trust His guidance. Even in hardships and heartache, Paul reminds us that God’s love poured into our hearts produces hope that does not disappoint.
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, I want to encourage you to anchor your joy not in the lights, gifts, or celebrations, but in the unchanging love of God made visible in the baby Jesus. Obedience to His word and remaining in His love are not burdens; they are the paths to experiencing His joy fully. Henri Nouwen beautifully reminds us, “Joy is the experience of knowing that you are unconditionally loved.” This week, let that truth guide your hearts and your steps. Let God’s deep, steady, unshakeable joy fill you, and may you share it freely with those around you.
This Sunday, we continue our Advent series, and we’re looking at the beautiful promise of peace. To do that, we’ll travel back about 3,500 years to hear the prophet Isaiah’s words: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…” (Isaiah 9:6–7). When Isaiah first spoke those words, peace was not the reality of his world. God’s people were anxious and under threat. Yet Isaiah pointed to a future peace that would not come through armies or politics, but through a child, the One who would be called the Prince of Peace.
As we open Luke chapter 2, we’ll see that Jesus entered a world every bit as chaotic as our own. Rome ruled with power, fear was constant, and even the king sought to kill Jesus upon his birth. Yet into that darkness, God sent light. The angels’ announcement, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased,” reminds us that Jesus came not to end political wars, but to restore peace where it was most needed: between God and humanity. The peace of Christmas is not a sentimental wish; it’s a spiritual reality that begins when we are reconciled to God through faith in Christ.
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season, a time of anticipation, reflection, and preparation as we remember Christ’s first coming and look forward to His return. Our sermon will focus on the theme of hope - not wishful thinking, but the confident expectation of God’s promises fulfilled. We’ll explore the story of Simeon, the righteous man in Luke 2 who waited patiently for the Messiah and finally saw God’s salvation with his own eyes. His example reminds us that hope is active, shaping how we live and respond to the world around us.
We’ll also see how hope transforms our daily lives, whether in our marriages, work, parenting, and friendships. Just as Simeon’s hope brought clarity and joy in the ordinary moment of seeing a baby in the temple, the hope we have in Christ gives us strength, perspective, and courage in the challenges we face every day. We’ll look at biblical examples, like the woman at Bethany who poured costly perfume on Jesus, and modern examples of faith lived with hope, to see how this assurance in God changes everything.
Finally, we’ll consider how this hope is more than a feeling. It is an anchor for our souls, firm and secure. Through Scripture, we’ll reflect on God’s promises, the gift of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance, and the assurance that the best is yet to come. My prayer is that each of us will leave this Sunday renewed in hope, confident in Christ’s presence in our lives, and inspired to live in light of the great salvation God has promised.
This Sunday, we continue our two-part series on What It Means to Be a Christian. Last week, we looked at the first three core beliefs that define a biblical worldview: the existence of absolute moral truth, the accuracy of the Bible in all its teachings, and the reality of Satan. It was an eye-opening study, highlighting just how many people who identify as Christians do not hold these foundational truths. As we reflected together, I was reminded that our faith is not merely about words or traditions, it’s about grounding our lives in the truths of God’s Word.
This week, we will examine the remaining three beliefs: that we cannot earn our way to heaven by being good, that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, and that God is the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator who still rules the universe today. These truths are not optional for those who follow Christ because they form the foundation of our salvation, our hope, and our daily walk with God. Through Scripture, example, and practical application, we’ll see why these beliefs matter and how they should shape the way we live, worship, and interact with the world around us.
I want to invite you to come with an open heart, ready to hear God speak. Whether you are new to Illuminate or you’ve been part of our church family for years, these truths have the power to transform your life. Come ready to reflect, respond, and recommit to trusting in God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Word that guides us. I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we continue to build our faith on the rock-solid foundation of God’s truth!
Last week, we saw some eye-opening statistics showing that while many people call themselves Christian, very few actually hold to the core biblical beliefs that define a true Christian worldview. This Sunday, we’re going to dig into what’s at the heart of those beliefs—the very foundation of the Christian worldview: the Bible.
If someone were to ask you, “Why do you base your whole life on the Bible?” or “Why do you trust it?” you might answer, “Because it’s God’s Word.” But what if they pressed further and asked, “How do you know that? What makes the Bible different from the Qur’an, the Hindu Vedas, or any other religious or philosophical writings in the world?” A Hindu would say the Vedas offer the correct picture of truth and reality, while a Muslim would disagree and point to the Qur’an as the accurate one.
I think most believers would probably share their personal story or testimony as proof. But people of other faiths do the same with their own experiences. So just relying on your personal experience is not enough to prove your view of Scripture—especially in a culture that’s skeptical about what the Bible says.
Do you really have solid reasons to believe God has spoken through the Bible and that what it says is actually true? Why should you trust the Bible above everything else? You should be able to answer that. You should be able to say, “Here’s why my life depends on this Book, and here’s why yours should, too.” We’ll help you with a number of specific reasons.
We’ll talk about how we can keep building our lives on God’s truth instead of just going along with opinions or what’s popular in our culture and we’ll get practical about what it looks like to live out a true biblical worldview, “rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
I’ve been thinking a lot about a question we don’t ask nearly enough: What does it really mean to be a Christian? George Barna’s recent research reminded me that while many people call themselves Christian, very few actually hold to the core biblical beliefs that define a Christian worldview. This Sunday, we’ll start looking at three of those beliefs: that absolute moral truth exists, the Bible is accurate in all the principles it teaches, and Satan is a real being.
Where to begin? In a world where people often say, “That’s your truth, not mine,” we need to remember that God alone defines what is right and wrong, and His truth never changes based on our feelings or culture.
We’ll also dig into why we can’t trust human reason or personal happiness alone to guide us. History and Scripture make this clear: even our best intentions can be flawed because of sin. We’ll touch on examples from philosophy and history, and more importantly, we’ll see what God’s Word says about how our hearts and minds need His guidance. The Bible provides a firm foundation, a moral compass we can trust, and a standard for life that remains constant, unaffected by the latest trends.
We’ll also be examining our own lives. Are we building on God’s truth, or are we relying on our own opinions and cultural influences? We’ll talk about practical ways to live out a biblical worldview, recognizing that sin, Satan, and spiritual battle are real, and that God equips us to stand firm.
This Sunday, we conclude our study of 1 Peter, where he ends with the most fitting exhortation once again: be humble and entrust yourself to God’s care. Humility is the key to a healthy church because without it, unity suffers, and without unity, the world sees us as just another divided, ineffective group. Pride separates, but humility recognizes our need for one another. As we discussed last Sunday, Jesus Himself set the ultimate example, humbling Himself even to death, and the more we imitate Him, the stronger our unity becomes. True humility isn’t thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less. It is prioritizing others, submitting, forgiving, and living selflessly.
Peter moves from humility to trust, urging us to place our anxieties upon God because He is sovereign. This is a reminder that God is in control of all things, and we can pause in our stress, disappointment, or conflict and hand over our burdens. The call is to make your anxiety God’s problem. But trusting God also means recognizing the reality of opposition: the devil prowls like a roaring lion, claiming territory and seeking to devour. We are called to resist him, firm in our faith, using the armor God provides.
Finally, Peter reminds us that suffering is temporary in light of eternity. After we endure trials, the God of all grace will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us. We see this fulfilled in the life of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who, even while being stoned, prayed for his enemies and witnessed Christ ready to receive him. The message is clear: faithful endurance glorifies God, strengthens His church, and secures eternal reward. Let us humbly depend on Him, stand firm in faith, and encourage one another until He calls us home.
This Sunday, we are nearing the end of our series in 1 Peter, a letter that has guided us through the challenges of living faithfully in a world that often opposes God. We’ll reflect on the first half of chapter 5, where Peter encourages church leaders to shepherd with humility and integrity, and calls all believers to follow God’s appointed leadership with trust and joy. As we explore these truths, we’ll see how the roles of leader and follower work together to strengthen the church, and how God uses each of us in His plan.
I’ll also be highlighting Hebrews 13:17, reminding us that our leaders watch over our souls and that our attitude toward them - whether joyful, respectful, and trusting or grumbling and resistant - directly impacts the health and joy of our church family. We’ll draw lessons from the story of Israel in the wilderness, their struggles with trust and submission, and how God’s people can learn to respond in humility, bring their concerns respectfully, and grow together in faith.
As we prepare our hearts this week, I encourage you to reflect on your place in the church. Are you stepping into your role, whether as a leader, a follower, or a servant, with trust, humility, and joy? I look forward to gathering with you this Sunday to celebrate God’s faithfulness, learn from His Word, and encourage one another to live faithfully in our community and in the world.
This week, we are approaching the final section of Peter’s letter, where he addresses how Christians are to live in a hostile world. Peter’s focus is on enduring suffering for righteousness’ sake while keeping our hope fixed on the eternal glory God has prepared for us. He reminds us that everything we do - our words, actions, and service - should glorify God, pointing others to His greatness and character. Living for God naturally draws opposition, and Peter warns that trials and ridicule are part of the Christian journey, designed not to harm us but to refine and strengthen our faith, much like gold being purified in fire.
Peter gives practical encouragement for facing these trials. Believers are to rejoice in sharing Christ’s sufferings, understanding that what appears as shame or loss in the world is actually a sign of belonging to Him. He reminds us of the example of the early apostles, who were whipped, insulted, and even died for preaching the gospel, yet rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s name. I think of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, whose courage, prayer, and vision of Jesus standing at God’s right hand demonstrate how God’s Spirit, the Spirit of glory, gives strength, sustains His people, and confirms their ultimate vindication, even in the darkest moments.
Finally, Peter clarifies that suffering for Christ is blessed, but suffering for sin or misdeeds carries no honor. He urges believers to embrace the name “Christian” with Godly pride, recognizing that it signifies being part of a diverse and unified body of Christ. He explains that God’s judgment begins with His people to purify and prepare them, and that enduring trials faithfully point to the greater accountability of the world. Our response, then, is to entrust ourselves to the faithful Creator, who is sovereign over all life and circumstances, and to continue doing good, confident that God is at work for His glory.
What would change if you knew you only had one week left to live? Would you spend more time with God? Mend broken relationships? Focus on what truly matters? Peter writes to wake us up, not to scare us. We are reminded that our lives are short, and history is moving toward God’s ultimate plan: the return of Jesus. This week, we’ll explore what it means to live with urgency, clear thinking, and a heart fully aligned with God.
We’ll look at how self-control and sober-mindedness affect our prayers and our relationships. Anxiety, anger, and selfishness cloud our hearts and hinder our connection with God, but when we cultivate clarity, we can love one another earnestly, forgive past offenses, and serve others with joy. Peter shows us that love covers sins and that hospitality and service are powerful ways to strengthen the body of Christ.
Finally, we’ll discover how to use the gifts God has given each of us. From teaching and serving to encouraging and leading, every gift is meant to bless others and glorify God. When we align our abilities with God’s purpose, His glory shines through everything we do. I’m looking forward to discussing how we can live intentionally, serve faithfully, and glorify God in every part of our lives!
This Sunday we will continue our journey through 1 Peter and look at what it means to suffer for doing what is right. Peter tells us that when we experience rejection, criticism, or even ridicule because of our faith, it is not a sign of weakness but rather evidence that we’ve made a clean break with sin. Christ Himself suffered in the body to accomplish God’s will, and we are called to arm ourselves with that same attitude. Suffering in the Christian life is not wasted; it shows our loyalty to Christ and our willingness to live for God’s will rather than for human approval.We’ll see how Peter points back to our old way of life and reminds us that enough time has been wasted there. When we say “no” to the patterns of the world and instead say “yes” to God, people will notice. Some may misunderstand us, label us, or even mock us, but Peter lifts our eyes to the greater reality: God is the ultimate judge, not people. Their disapproval may sting in the moment, but His approval is eternal. Death itself cannot cancel the hope we have in the gospel, for even those who have gone before us in Christ are alive with Him forever.
This passage is both sobering and deeply encouraging. It reminds us that following Jesus will cost us something in this world, but it also assures us that our suffering has purpose and our hope is secure. As we gather this Sunday, we’ll be encouraged to live boldly, even when it’s costly, knowing that we are anchored in Christ. I hope you’ll join us, and I pray this message strengthens your resolve to live for the will of God with courage, joy, and hope!
This Sunday we will continue our journey through 1 Peter and look at what it means to suffer for doing what is right. Peter tells us that when we experience rejection, criticism, or even ridicule because of our faith, it is not a sign of weakness but rather evidence that we’ve made a clean break with sin. Christ Himself suffered in the body to accomplish God’s will, and we are called to arm ourselves with that same attitude. Suffering in the Christian life is not wasted; it shows our loyalty to Christ and our willingness to live for God’s will rather than for human approval.We’ll see how Peter points back to our old way of life and reminds us that enough time has been wasted there. When we say “no” to the patterns of the world and instead say “yes” to God, people will notice. Some may misunderstand us, label us, or even mock us, but Peter lifts our eyes to the greater reality: God is the ultimate judge, not people. Their disapproval may sting in the moment, but His approval is eternal. Death itself cannot cancel the hope we have in the gospel, for even those who have gone before us in Christ are alive with Him forever.
This passage is both sobering and deeply encouraging. It reminds us that following Jesus will cost us something in this world, but it also assures us that our suffering has purpose and our hope is secure. As we gather this Sunday, we’ll be encouraged to live boldly, even when it’s costly, knowing that we are anchored in Christ. I hope you’ll join us, and I pray this message strengthens your resolve to live for the will of God with courage, joy, and hope!
Until Sunday, be the light!
This Sunday, we’ll continue our series on how our faith shapes the relationships in our lives, turning our focus to a topic that touches many of our hearts: marriage. Specifically, we’ll explore what it looks like for a Christian woman to live faithfully when married to a husband who does not yet know Christ. Using 1 Peter 3 as our guide, we’ll discover practical wisdom for living out the gospel in ways that are deeply countercultural, both in the first-century Roman world and today. This is not a message about winning arguments or pressuring anyone into faith, but about letting our lives shine as a testimony to His grace.
We’ll also talk about the difference between outward adornment and inner beauty. In a world that often measures worth by appearance, status, or social influence, Peter reminds us that the "imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" is what God treasures most. This is a wife’s uniqueness that truly influences hearts, strengthens marriages, and reflects Christ to those around her. Together, we’ll see how cultivating faith, trust, and humility has a profound, lasting impact on our families.
Finally, we’ll explore the call for mutual honor and respect within marriage. Peter elevates the role of both husband and wife in spiritual partnership, reminding us that Christian marriage is rooted in God’s grace, not societal expectation or fear. Wives are empowered to live courageously in their faith, and husbands are called to treat their wives with understanding and honor, recognizing them as co-heirs of God’s eternal promises. My prayer is that this message will encourage all of us, whether married, or single, to trust God as we reflect His goodness in our lives. In doing so, we will experience the blessing that comes from living faithfully in all His ways.
This Sunday, I’ll be preaching from the second half of 1 Peter chapter 2, a passage that radically reshapes how Christians are called to live in the world, and especially in the face of unjust treatment. Peter writes to believers who were being slandered and mistreated simply for following Jesus, and rather than encouraging them to retaliate or withdraw, he calls them to live honorably so that their good conduct might lead others to glorify God. The challenge in this text is to live righteously, not just when life is fair, but especially when it’s not, because when we respond to hostility with Christlike character, we bear silent but powerful witness to the gospel.
We’ll explore how our faith transforms two major areas of everyday life: our relationship with government and our relationship with employers. In each case, Peter urges us to respond with humility and respect, not because the person in authority is always right, but because honoring the structure of authority reflects our trust in God. This is especially powerful when authority is abused or when the system is unjust. Peter isn’t excusing mistreatment, but he is saying that when we endure it with patience and faith, like Jesus did, we participate in something deeply Christlike. Jesus didn’t retaliate when reviled; He entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly, and we are called to follow in His steps.
This message is essential in today’s cultural climate, where outrage and vengeance are normalized. But Scripture calls us to something higher. Whether you’re frustrated with the decisions of politicians, facing injustice at work, or struggling in silence, your response has eternal significance. You might not be able to change your circumstances, but you can choose to honor Christ through them. And when you do, you reflect Jesus to a watching world, and you never suffer unseen. Your endurance matters to God, and sometimes, it becomes the very means by which someone finds Him.
This Sunday, we’re stepping into 1 Peter 2 and continuing our journey through this powerful letter. Peter begins by showing us how love for one another is not just a command, it’s the visible evidence of Christ at work in us. But he doesn't stop there. He warns us of five destructive behaviors: malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. These things sabotage our community and damage our witness. They are not simply bad habits; they’re soul-level toxins that erode trust and fracture unity in the body of Christ. If we’ve tasted the goodness of God, we should crave the things that nourish us spiritually - His Word, His Spirit, His people, and prayer.
Peter then paints a beautiful picture of who we are becoming together. Individually, we’re like newborns growing in grace; collectively, we are being built into a spiritual house. Jesus, the cornerstone, is the foundation for it all. Even though the world may reject Him, and us by extension, God sees His Church as chosen and precious. Each of us plays a role in this sacred structure, and we’re all priests called to offer our lives in worship. There’s no hierarchy here, just one Savior, one Spirit, and one mission.
In a time when the church is often criticized for its flaws, Peter reminds us that we’re not just a gathering, we’re being shaped into something eternal. This calling comes with a responsibility: to live honorably, love sincerely, and shine brightly in a dark world. I look forward to unpacking this with you and challenging us all to consider what kind of “spiritual house” we’re helping to build. Come prayed up and hungry for the Word.
This Sunday, we’re digging into a powerful and foundational question: Why should we trust the Bible? In a world full of skepticism and shifting opinions, many wonder if Scripture is just another ancient book or if it really is the living and enduring Word of God. In 1 Peter 1:22–25, we’ll explore how God’s Word not only brings new life, being “born again of imperishable seed,” but also transforms how we live and love. Peter shows us that our obedience to the gospel isn’t just personal; it spills out into sincere, sacrificial love for others. That’s the mark of a life changed by the gospel!
We’ll also answer important questions about how the Bible came to be, why certain books were included or excluded, and how we know the New Testament carries the same authority as the Old. You’ll see that Scripture isn’t just trustworthy because of historical consistency or fulfilled prophecy (though there are plenty of examples of this!), but because it was written by authors “carried along by the Holy Spirit.” That means when you open the Bible, you're not reading man’s thoughts; you’re hearing the very voice of God, speaking eternal truth.
As we reflect on these things, I want to encourage you to respond practically. Where is God calling you to love others deeply? How is His Word shaping your worldview, your priorities, and your everyday choices? Whether it’s serving, giving, encouraging others, or digging deeper into Scripture yourself, don’t let the living Word stay on a shelf. Let’s be a church that not only believes the Bible is true but lives like it.
Church family, this Sunday we come to a single verse that has the power to reframe your entire perspective on life: “Set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13). It’s easy to get stuck looking at the hood of the car rather than the road ahead. We are distracted by the immediate problems, deadlines, or notifications. But Peter lifts our eyes to the horizon and calls us to live with a mindset that is alert, sober, and anchored in the coming grace of Jesus. This isn’t vague theology, it’s deeply practical. The battle begins in the mind, and Peter challenges us to gird up our thoughts, to be mentally and spiritually ready for the life God has called us to live.
We’ll explore how the hope of Jesus’ return should change how we live today, specifically in how we pursue holiness and reverence. Holiness isn't about perfection; it’s about living set apart for God. And reverence means honoring the weight of what Christ has done for us. Peter reminds us that we were ransomed, not with gold or silver, but with the precious blood of Christ. When we see the price of our salvation clearly, it should shape every decision, every desire, every moment of our lives. This passage asks us to live backwards: with eternity in view, living today in light of the heavenly glories that are yet to come!
This Sunday, we’re stepping into a passage that powerfully affirms the trustworthiness of Scripture and the uniqueness of our salvation. In 1 Peter 1:10–12, we’re reminded that what we now see clearly, Jesus as the promised Messiah, was once only glimpsed through the prophetic puzzle pieces of the Old Testament. The prophets searched and inquired, longing to understand the grace that was to be revealed. But we have something they didn’t: the full picture. We see the face on the box - Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, fulfilling what was foretold centuries before.
This message isn’t just about head knowledge or historical interest; it’s about strengthening our confidence in the truth of Christianity. We don’t believe in Jesus primarily because it’s useful or comforting (though it certainly is); we believe because He is the truth. Fulfilled prophecy is one of the compelling pieces of evidence that what we believe is grounded in real events: events that were predicted, witnessed, and preserved. When people dismiss the Bible as “just a man-made book,” this passage pushes back hard. The Spirit of God spoke through human voices to reveal divine truth, and that truth culminates in Jesus.
Come prepared to have your faith strengthened as we look at specific Old Testament prophecies and how they point in exact detail to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. I hope that you’ll walk away not only encouraged, but in awe of the God who orchestrates history, fulfills His promises, and invites us into a salvation that even angels long to understand.
This Sunday, we continue in our series through 1 Peter. It’s an encouraging letter written to ancient Christians facing hostility and pressure for their faith. In many ways, their world mirrors our own. Especially for the next generation, following Jesus today often means standing alone in a culture that demands conformity. Many young believers are caught in the tension between faith and social acceptance. Social media fuels this fire. Peter doesn't shy away from this conflict; he speaks directly into it. We'll be looking at what it means to rejoice in salvation even while walking through grief, and how trials, far from being pointless, are the very means by which our faith is refined and proven genuine.
I’ve spent some time this week reflecting on my own journey with suffering and what God has taught me through it. So this is where we’re headed Sunday - a deeper look at how God meets us in our trials, not to shame us, but to shape us, not to fail us but to form us. I hope you’ll come ready to hear from God and encourage one another. Invite someone who’s walking through something hard. You never know how a word from 1 Peter might speak into their life.
It is so good to be back with you after a time away. These past three months on sabbatical have been deeply refreshing for my soul, but I have missed you: your faces, your love, and your faith. Absence has made this heart grow very fond. I’ve returned with a full tank and I’m ready to boldly speak God’s truth, and I can't think of a better way to rejoin you than by starting a new study together in the book of 1 Peter. This letter was written to Christians who were feeling like outsiders in the world, and I think that speaks to where many of us find ourselves today.
Peter begins not by comforting the early believers with shallow platitudes but by grounding them in a greater truth. They are elect exiles. Chosen by God, set apart by the Spirit, and called to obey Jesus. Though they’re misunderstood, rejected, and even persecuted by the world around them, their identity is secure. That tension between being loved by God and rejected by culture isn’t something to run from. It’s a calling to live differently. Peter doesn’t want us to blend in; he wants us to stand out, not with arrogance, but with holiness, humility, and courage.
If you’ve ever felt out of place because of your faith, this letter is for you. The Christian life will create tension in a world that doesn’t share our hope. But our hope is living and rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, who has given us an eternal inheritance that cannot be touched by suffering. So wherever God has placed you, whether in a family that doesn’t understand your faith, a job where values collide, or a world that increasingly sees Christians as strange, know this: you are not forgotten. You are chosen, you are sent, and you are held by a God who is writing a far bigger story than what we can see.
When you look at all that is going on in the world today, don’t you sometimes wish that Jesus would just come back soon and bring an end to all that is wrong and ungodly? Have you ever prayed that Jesus would come back and fix it all? Is it wrong to pray for that? As we open God’s word this week, we will get Jesus’ answer.
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus encourages His disciples to pray about the future with a parable about a widow who keeps asking an unfair judge for help. She's being treated badly and wants the judge to use his power to help her. We're pretty much like that widow. Our only real source of help is God, just like the widow's only real source of help is the judge. She keeps coming back again and again until the judge finally gives her justice just to get her to stop bothering him.
And this is where understanding the parable gets strange. On the surface it seems as though the point of the parable is that if you can wear out an unjust human judge, then you may stand a chance of wearing out God so that He answers your prayers just to get you “off his back.” But that can’t be true, can it?
Join us as we untangle this strange parable and unlock what could bring a new dimension to your prayer life.
I'm going to say something that might shock you: Many of us — maybe even you — are far more prideful than we realize. You may be thinking, “Ryan, who do you think you are? You don’t know me.” But take a moment and really think about it. None of us want to admit that deep down inside of us may exist something that says, “I don’t need God” or “my way is better than His way.” Yet, that is what we are saying when we sin and decide to go against what God wants for us. When we sin, we consciously or subconsciously are telling God that our way is better than His, and this is pride. If we take an honest look at ourselves, we may realize that pride exists in many of us — to greater or lesser degrees.
This weekend we will dive into the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector where we are called to look inward at the posture of our hearts to see where pride exists. However, at the same time, in this parable we are shown what true humility looks like and invited to turn away from our pride and live as the humble sons and daughters who are bought by the blood of Jesus Christ and saved from our sins. I would love if you would join us this weekend at Illuminate as we journey through this parable together. See you then!
There is a verse in the Bible that gives a remarkable promise—so remarkable that it can hardly be misunderstood. The promise I’m referring to is found in James 1:25: “But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this one shall be blessed in what they do.” That’s pretty straightforward, wouldn’t you say? Now, if you go back to the beginning of the context of that promise, it starts in verse 19: “…be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger… in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to deliver your soul.” Did Jesus have anything to say about how we respond to truth?
Have you ever heard a child say, “But that’s not fair”? How did you respond? Have you ever thought that yourself? We’ve all witnessed something that doesn’t seem consistent with the “law” of fairness. Maybe something good happens to someone we don’t believe deserves it. Or perhaps something bad happens to someone who doesn’t seem to have done anything to deserve such a negative outcome. I’m looking forward to being back with you at Illuminate this Sunday as we learn from Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1–16) that God’s kingdom is built on grace—not karma.
C.S. Lewis once said, “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.” Isn’t it interesting that, perhaps, the two most difficult phrases to utter are: “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.”
In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus responds to a question from Peter about the extent of forgiveness. Jesus answers with the parable of the unforgiving servant in order to illustrate the necessity of forgiveness. The parable highlights that because God has forgiven us much, we should extend forgiveness to others, even when it's difficult or seems impossible.
As we prepare to share in the Lord’s Table this Sunday, Jesus’ words are strong reminders of God’s mercy and compassion in sending His Son to the cross on our behalf, and how that can and should motivate us to handle the difficult relationships in our lives.
I’ve come to learn that God is never more like God than when He forgives, and we are never more like God than we forgive. That says two things to me. First, we can find the forgiveness we are looking for and need in Him. Secondly, we can truly open our hearts to forgiving others when we understand how much we have been forgiven.
Picture a man walking through a field, just going about his day, when suddenly his foot catches on something. Curious, he kneels down, brushes away the dirt, and his eyes widen—he's uncovered a treasure beyond his wildest imagination. It’s not like anything he has ever seen, and he immediately recognizes just how valuable it is.
You would think he would grab it and run as fast as he could. He doesn’t. Instead, he buries again and rushes home and sells everything he has—his house, his possessions, every last item he owns—they’re all gone! Imagine the reaction of his family and friends. “What in the world are you doing?” they probably ask. “Why are you throwing away everything you’ve worked for, everything you have, for a measly piece of land?” His response is most likely just a smile because he knows something they don’t. To them, it looks crazy. To him, it’s the smartest decision he’s ever made.
Picture a pearl wholesaler, one who has spent his entire career searching for the finest pearls in the world. He knows what makes them valuable, what sets them apart, and he is dedicated to finding the very best. One day, in the midst of searching for better and more valuable pearls, he comes across the ultimate pearl, the one that could possibly be more valuable than anything he has ever seen.
You would think he would want to do whatever is necessary to add it to his inventory to serve as the pièce de résistance of his collection. Instead, he makes a shocking decision. He liquidates his inventory, and then sells all he has in order to buy that one very valuable pearl. His friends and business associates must think he is foolish…
These two stories are parables that Jesus uses to tell his disciples about the nature of the kingdom of heaven.
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
The Parable of the Dishonest Manager is a perplexing one. Why is a clever defrauder commended for his shrewdness? How is this dishonest manager’s swift economic redistribution used to teach Jesus’ audience about kinship, faithfulness, and honesty? By using a real-world example, Jesus teaches his listeners about the right use of wealth and business forethought. This parable has more to do with preparing for the future than it does deception. In this passage, Jesus uses a dishonest manager who was likely a slave or freedman, desperate to keep his job, to display the commemorability of acting boldly to secure his financial future. Jesus often draws lessons from sinful or lowly men to create contrast with the prideful elite, and in Luke 16:1–13, we learn from a dishonest manager about the glory of foresight and diligence. This Sunday, we will learn from Phoenix Seminary President, Dr. David Hogg, about how we as Christians can model such an attitude in our own faith journey. The dishonest manager’s decisive action in this parable is praiseworthy and points to how Christians ought to be regarding eternal matters.
Have you ever been invited somewhere, but after weighing the options, you make an excuse for why you can't attend? If so, you have the tools to understand our parable this Sunday. Imagine a wealthy host plans a feast beyond imagination: the table is set with the finest foods, the hall glows with light and laughter, and everything is ready for a great feast. The host even sends invitations to guests ahead of time, but when the moment of the banquet arrives, all who agreed to join simply back out. One guest just bought a field, another is too busy with work, and another just got married. Excuse after excuse.
So then, what does the host do? He sends his servant into the streets to invite the poor, overlooked, and broken—anyone who will say yes. He throws open the doors and says: “There’s still room.”
This isn’t just a story about a dinner party. In Luke 14, Jesus uses this parable to reveal something profound about God’s Kingdom. It's about grace, and how easily we can miss what matters most, which is the open invitation God offers to every single one of us—no matter who we are or where we’ve been.
The truth is, we’re all being invited to something greater than we can imagine through Jesus. But like those in the story, we have a choice: make an excuse or accept the invitation.
But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ Luke 16:29 ESV
I don’t know if it’s a “guy thing,” but I seem to never be able to find anything in the refrigerator. I’ll stand there staring, looking for one thing, absolutely convinced it isn’t in there, then insist that what I need was never available in the first place. It isn’t until I humble myself (usually out of immature frustration) and ask my wife, “Babe, do you know where this is? I don’t see it!” that things get solved. Two seconds tops:“Top shelf, behind the ketchup.” After all my insistence, what I needed was in front of me the whole time. I usually find what I need, but it takes some humbling to get there.
Most of the time in life, what we need is right in front of us. As Christians, God has given us everything necessary to thrive: His Word, His Holy Spirit, and our eternal connection to Him through His Son, Jesus. Yet there are many moments when we don’t see any of that, even when it’s staring us in the face. Sometimes it’s due to self-inflicted wounds like apathy, selfishness, or outright rebellion. But often, I’d argue, the issue is far more subtle, and far more dangerous.
We fail to see what’s in front of us because of comfort.
Comfort comes from many sources, our time, money, heritage, zip code, and resources, and it makes us feel secure. But that very comfort can press us to forget, or even disregard, what we’ve been called to. When we get too comfortable, we’re prone to miss everything God has graciously given us.
In Luke 16, the rich man had everything, but he missed the suffering man at his gate and the truth of God’s Word. His comfort blinded him to eternal realities.
So we ask:
• What is the Christian truly called to do in life?
• In what ways are we ignoring the commission we’ve been given?
• Who do we overlook or avoid because we assume we’re already set for eternity.
This week, we’ll explore these questions and more.
"But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20—21 ESV
My primary calling and love is the pastorate, but some may not know that I also serve as a professor at a local Christian university. At the end of every spring semester, I watch graduating seniors stress over what to do with their lives. While I encourage them to trust God to show them the way, the world is screaming something different: gaining more is the measure of becoming more. They are told they need a job, a house, and a fat bank account to be happy—and if they don’t get these things, their lives will be less than. What a tragic lie.
We live in a fast-paced world that celebrates self-sufficiency and personal gain. To society, getting more is thriving more. Your worth is measured by what you have, and if you save money, manage your resources, and prepare for retirement, life will supposedly be grand. But Scripture shows us something better. Having resources isn’t bad, but relying on them—trusting in them for security—reveals a deeper problem. If our hearts long for self-sufficiency over God-dependence, our goods are rotten because our hearts are rotten. We forget that what we have won’t last, but our souls will. The real question is: which do you want to be richer, your possessions or your soul?
In the Parable of the Rich Fool, Jesus teaches what a truly rich disciple looks like. He confronts the tragic dance between the search for meaning and the certainty of finality. One day, all our efforts to save, spend, and secure a full life will fade, and only what was aimed at God will endure. Having stuff is not bad, but depending on it is deadly.
How do we live richly toward God instead of ourselves? How does the reality of our finality shape a heart fully focused on Him? This week, we’ll explore Jesus’ answer together.
Parables can be a real pain to the brain, but at the same time, Jesus tackles the issue quickly if you’re open to it. Solomon says in Proverbs 15: “…wisdom make knowledge acceptable,” that is, sometimes the way you say something makes all the difference. Jesus sometimes chose parables to tell us things that we need to understand.
The context of the parable in Matthew 5:13-16 is the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes found in the introduction of the sermon are about kingdom thinking, or the Kingdom Ethic. The Kingdom Ethic is what directs our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. This is the: “Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” type of thinking.
This first parable following the Beatitudes is about the practice of this Kingdom Ethic. It is about how Kingdom thinking is actually lived out. If I was to summarize the eight Beatitudes for you, it would be this: “I am not a god. I am a sinner. I am here to serve others by pursuing good. I am moved by compassion, committed to do the right thing before God, in peace, and without compromise.”
The purpose of the following parable can be summarized with one word: influence! How does one human being influence another? It was John Donne who said, “no man is an island.” We all have an influence on people, but we do it one at a time. Whether we admit it or not, we all have influence on something or someone and it’s either for good or for bad. We cannot live out the Kingdom Ethic in a private world. We cannot live our lives in splendid isolation.
In this parable, Jesus uses two metaphors to show how we, his followers, leave our “fingerprints” on the world around us. Some Christians think our job is to curse the darkness, but instead, Jesus has called us to light a candle.
It’s been said that most Christians have been educated beyond their level of obedience. We need to remember James’ admonishment to be “doers of the word and not merely hearers” (James 1:19-25).
This Sunday we’re kicking off a brand-new summer series called Stories That Shape Us: Unveiling the Heart of God Through Parables. Jesus didn’t come handing out abstract theology. He came telling stories that stuck. Stories that spoke to fishermen, farmers, tax collectors, and everyday people like you and me. And those stories still speak. They don’t just inform us; they form us. They hold a mirror to our lives and a window into the Kingdom of God. I’ll be introducing the summer series with a message that helps us understand why Jesus spoke in parables and how they reach into the deepest parts of our hearts today.
We’ll see much more than good moral lessons, we’ll see Jesus Himself. He’s the Sower, the Shepherd, the Samaritan, and the Father running to meet us. These are His stories, but more than that, they are invitations to examine what we’re building our lives on, to receive grace, to give forgiveness, to live in light of the Kingdom. This week, we’ll also reflect on Jesus’ words in Matthew 13, where He reveals that parables both reveal and conceal truth depending on the heart of the listener. It’s a powerful reminder that spiritual growth starts not with more information, but with humility and hunger before God.
As Jill and I prepare to step away for a few weeks of sabbatical, I’m encouraged knowing that you’ll be well-fed with the Word each Sunday. Next week, you’ll hear from a man who shaped my walk with Jesus, Pastor Darryl DelHousaye. In the meantime, every three weeks or so, I’ll be sharing a few books and podcast recommendations. You can find these in the weekly update or on our website. Let’s be a church that leans in to listen well and responds with obedience to the good words of Jesus.
Happy Resurrection Sunday! This week, we come together to celebrate the most pivotal event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not just a day of tradition or remembrance; it is the foundation of our faith and the source of our greatest hope. Because the tomb is empty, despair no longer has the final word over our lives. The resurrection proves that sin and death have been conquered, and through Christ, we have the promise of new life. At each of our five services, we will explore how this single event transformed the world, turning a small movement outside Jerusalem into a faith that has touched millions across the centuries.
We will see how the resurrection stands as the defining moment of Christianity. Paul himself declared that if Christ had not been raised, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:17). The early enemies of Jesus would have done anything to disprove the resurrection, yet they could not produce His dead body. Instead, His followers, who had once been fearful, became bold witnesses, willing to die rather than deny what they had seen. The resurrection was not just an inspiring event; it was the proof of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. It was God’s receipt confirming that the price for our sins had been paid in full. This truth doesn’t just shape our theology; it transforms our lives.
As we reflect on this, I want to challenge you to consider where you stand with Jesus. The resurrection is not just a historical claim; it is an invitation to new life. If you have never placed your trust in Him, this Sunday could be the day of your own spiritual resurrection. And for those who already follow Christ, let’s remember that Easter isn’t just a moment to celebrate, it’s a call to live in resurrection power. Just as Jesus sent His disciples into the world with this message, He calls us to go and share this good news with others. I look forward to celebrating with you - He is risen indeed!
This Sunday, as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week, we’ll take a different approach to the Palm Sunday message. While we’ll reflect on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we’ll also walk through the events of His final days leading up to Good Friday. The gospel writers devote an extraordinary amount of attention to this final week - nearly half of John’s Gospel focuses on it, which speaks to its significance in our faith. From the moment Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy, to His cleansing of the temple, His teachings on faith and readiness, and ultimately His betrayal, every moment was intentional. Each event reveals more about who Jesus truly is and what He came to accomplish.
As we follow Jesus through these crucial days, we’ll see how He boldly declared His authority and divinity. He confronted the religious leaders, pronounced judgment on spiritual hypocrisy, and pointed His disciples toward the necessity of faith. His cleansing of the temple wasn’t just about overturning tables, it was a declaration that true worship belongs to God alone. His cursing of the fig tree symbolized Israel’s spiritual barrenness, reminding us to examine the fruit in our own lives. And when He spoke about His return, His message was clear: no one knows the exact hour, so we must always be ready. These moments weren’t just historical events; they were signposts pointing to the greater purpose of Jesus’ mission.
As we move into Holy Week, let’s reflect on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and what it means for us today. His entry into Jerusalem signified His kingship, His actions in the temple revealed His authority and His final teachings called His followers to faithfulness. Most importantly, He willingly submitted to the Father’s will, setting the stage for the cross. My prayer is that as we study this pivotal week together, we will grow in our love for Christ and our commitment to follow Him daily. I look forward to sharing this message with you!
God designed us for community, and the relationships we cultivate have a profound impact on our character and faith. Proverbs reminds us that true friendship is more than just companionship - it’s about sharpening one another, walking through life’s highs and lows together, and ultimately reflecting God’s love. We’ll look at what it means to be a faithful friend, how to build lasting relationships, and why friendships rooted in Christ are life-giving. The greatest example of true friendship comes from Jesus Himself. In John 15:13, He tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." Jesus didn’t just teach about friendship; He demonstrated it through His sacrificial love. We’ll explore what it means to love, challenge, and support one another in ways that honor God. We’ll also talk about how we can overcome the challenges of friendship - betrayal, conflict, and forgiveness. Biblical wisdom helps us navigate the roadblocks. I encourage you to come ready to reflect on your own friendships. Do you have people in your life who sharpen you in your faith? Are you the kind of friend who encourages and strengthens others? Let’s be intentional about building the kind of friendships that bring us closer to Christ. I look forward to learning with you this Sunday as we grow together in God’s wisdom!
God designed us for community, and the relationships we cultivate have a profound impact on our character and faith. Proverbs reminds us that true friendship is more than just companionship - it’s about sharpening one another, walking through life’s highs and lows together, and ultimately reflecting God’s love. We’ll look at what it means to be a faithful friend, how to build lasting relationships, and why friendships rooted in Christ are life-giving.
The greatest example of true friendship comes from Jesus Himself. In John 15:13, He tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." Jesus didn’t just teach about friendship; He demonstrated it through His sacrificial love. We’ll explore what it means to love, challenge, and support one another in ways that honor God. We’ll also talk about how we can overcome the challenges of friendship - betrayal, conflict, and forgiveness. Biblical wisdom helps us navigate the roadblocks.
I encourage you to come ready to reflect on your own friendships. Do you have people in your life who sharpen you in your faith? Are you the kind of friend who encourages and strengthens others? Let’s be intentional about building the kind of friendships that bring us closer to Christ. I look forward to learning with you this Sunday as we grow together in God’s wisdom!
This Sunday, we will explore what the book of Proverbs teaches us about our emotions. Emotions are a gift from God, but without wisdom, they can lead us astray. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard the heart because everything we do flows from it. Throughout Scripture, we see how emotions like anger, envy, and anxiety can destroy, while self-control, patience, and joy bring life and peace. Our goal is not to suppress emotions but to guide them through the wisdom of God’s Word so that they serve His purposes rather than control us. The life of Jesus provides the perfect example—his emotions were always righteous, whether it was compassion for the lost, grief over sin, or righteous anger at hypocrisy. Jesus and the apostle Paul show us how to properly steward our emotions. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and the death of Lazarus, showing his deep sorrow, yet he also expressed righteous anger at the Pharisees' hardness of heart and the corruption in the temple. Paul, too, displayed intense concern for the spiritual well-being of others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:29. However, both did not allow their emotions to lead them into sin; instead, they were guided by truth and love. Today, we face similar challenges—our emotions can either drive us closer to God or lead us astray. For example, Proverbs warns us that anger can be destructive if unchecked, jealousy is more dangerous than wrath, and the fear of man leads to folly. Instead of following the world’s advice to "follow your heart," we are called to align our emotions with God's wisdom. So how do we cultivate Godly emotions? It begins with the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of wisdom. When we fear God more than we fear the opinions of others, we are freed from the emotional turmoil of seeking human approval. We learn to control our anger, replacing it with patience and discernment. We overcome jealousy by finding our worth in Christ rather than comparison. We move from anxiety to peace by trusting in God's sovereignty. Above all, we look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2), showing us that true joy is found in living for God’s purposes. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and transform our emotions so that we reflect Christ in every aspect of our lives.
This Sunday, we’re turning to the book of Proverbs to explore God’s design for husbands and wives. The modern family has undergone significant redefinitions, yet stability and fulfillment seem more elusive than ever. While society offers competing narratives, Scripture presents a clear and timeless vision. Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a strong, virtuous wife, while the rest of Proverbs offers wisdom for husbands - calling them to integrity, faithfulness, and sacrificial leadership. Marriage is not a competition but a covenant, and when both husband and wife embrace God’s design, the home flourishes. Some may read Proverbs 31 and feel overwhelmed rather than encouraged. But this passage is not a checklist of impossible standards; it is a lifelong picture of Godly character, cultivated by God’s grace. True strength comes not from striving for perfection but from trusting in the Lord. Husbands, our role is to cultivate an environment where our wives can thrive, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Wives, your strength and wisdom are a gift that builds up your family. Together, a Godly marriage is not only possible but profoundly beautiful when rooted in biblical wisdom. As we prepare to dive into this text, I challenge each of us to reflect on our roles within our families. Husbands, are you leading with integrity, love, and sacrifice? Wives, are you embracing the strength and wisdom that God has given you? And for those who are not yet married, are you preparing your heart to walk in God’s wisdom? May we all look to Christ, the perfect example of love and leadership, as we seek to build marriages and homes that honor Him.
The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 This Sunday, we will explore the themes of pride and humility as presented throughout the book of Proverbs. Scripture makes it clear that pride is a barrier to wisdom, while humility is the key to receiving instruction and growing in faith. Proverbs, along with passages from Matthew, James, and 1 Corinthians, reminds us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God. The world encourages self-promotion and self-esteem, but the Bible calls us to place our confidence not in ourselves but in the Lord. Pride is often deceptive, showing up in subtle ways, including the self-help movement’s emphasis on self-importance. However, studies show that those who believe themselves superior to others are often the most violent and prejudiced. In other words, we have too much self-esteem. Scripture warns us that pride leads to destruction, as seen in Satan’s fall, while humility leads to grace, wisdom, and true greatness. True humility is not self-deprecation but rather a recognition that our talents, abilities, and even our very lives are gifts from God. We don’t need more self-esteem; we need more gospel-esteem - the understanding that our worth comes from Christ’s love and sacrifice, not our own achievements. As we prepare our hearts for Sunday, let’s reflect on how God is calling us to walk in humility. Are there areas of pride we need to confess? Is there someone we need to seek forgiveness from or extend grace to? When we humble ourselves before God, we open our lives to His blessings and wisdom. Let’s embrace the posture of a disciple, coming before God with a heart that says, “Teach me. Help me adopt the humility of Jesus in what I say and do.”
For the past ten weeks, we have walked through Proverbs 1-9, a section of Scripture that paints a vivid picture of wisdom’s beauty and folly’s destruction. Now, as we move into Proverbs 10, we transition from poetic discourse to the practical, everyday wisdom of the Proverbs themselves. The structure may seem scattered, jumping from one topic to another, but this is intentional - it encourages reflection and discussion. As we begin this next section, we will organize proverbs thematically, starting with the most frequently mentioned topic: our words. The sage speaks more about our speech than he does about money, sex, or family. Why? Because our words carry immense power - for life or death. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 We have all felt the weight of words. A careless insult can linger in our hearts for years, while a word of encouragement can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Gossip, slander, and false accusations tear apart families, friendships, and even churches. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, and among them are a lying tongue and one who sows discord among brothers. Gossip isn’t just a minor offense, it is a direct attack on unity, love, and peace, which are at the core of God’s design for His people. And let’s not forget that listening to gossip makes us just as guilty as speaking it. “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 Gossip would die if there were no eager ears to receive it. But just as words have the power to destroy, they also have the power to heal. A timely word of encouragement can lift the soul, as Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Jesus Himself embodied this balance. He was full of both grace and truth. He spoke life into the broken, the weary, and the lost. And He warns us in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will give an account for every careless word we speak. Our words reflect what is in our hearts, and they will either justify us or condemn us. So, let’s consider the diet of our words: what we speak, we consume. May our words be full of grace, seasoned with salt, and reflective of Christ, bringing life and healing to those around us.
This Sunday, we will explore Proverbs 9, a chapter that vividly portrays the crossroads of life we all face. As I studied this text, I was struck anew by the richness of its imagery. Proverbs 9 presents two contrasting invitations: one from Lady Wisdom, who offers a feast of life-giving truth, and the other from Lady Folly, who lures with empty promises that lead to destruction. Both are calling out, but their outcomes could not be more different. This passage reminds us that life is a series of decisions, each one drawing us closer to either wisdom or folly. Whose invitation will we accept? We will consider the nature of wisdom’s call—patient, generous, and built on a foundation of reverence for God. Wisdom doesn’t demand perfection but invites teachability. It prepares a place for those humble enough to recognize their need. On the other hand, folly’s appeal is loud, seductive, and fleeting, preying on our innate tendency to choose what is easy over what is right. Proverbs challenges us to see beyond the surface of our decisions and recognize their eternal significance. It’s not just about choosing well - it’s about living well under the guidance and grace of God. As we gather, my prayer is that this message equips you to discern the voices calling out to you. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes wisdom’s way not only possible but also joyous. He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom and the ultimate banquet of life. Let’s come ready to ask ourselves: Whose house am I dwelling in? And where is God leading me next? May His Spirit guide us as we seek to walk in the way of insight.
Proverbs chapters 5 and 7 explore the destructive consequences of following cultural views of sexuality that ignore God’s design. Proverbs 8 shifts our focus to a better way - God’s wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a dignified woman who calls out to all. Unlike the seductive voice of folly, wisdom offers life, joy, and clarity. She’s not hidden or exclusive; she stands at the crossroads and city gates, calling everyone to listen and follow God’s design for life. Wisdom, like Jesus, speaks truth with love, offering guidance to those who seek it diligently. Proverbs 8 reminds us that wisdom isn’t just practical but eternal—it existed before creation and aligns perfectly with God’s order. Living apart from God’s wisdom leads to chaos and brokenness, but embracing it brings understanding, justice, and joy. It teaches us to hate evil, shun pride, and make prudent, God-honoring decisions. At the world’s birth, wisdom shaped chaos into creation, so she also redeems our personal messes when we turn to her. Like Jesus, wisdom doesn’t deceive or mislead; it offers lasting fulfillment and directs us toward the life God designed us to live. To fully embrace wisdom, we must hear, take, and listen. Hearing wisdom calls for tuning out the noise of a culture saturated with distractions. Taking wisdom means choosing it over fleeting treasures like money or possessions, recognizing its incomparable value. Listening to wisdom involves a heart of humility and a willingness to apply God’s truth. As we diligently seek wisdom, God transforms our lives, bringing joy, purpose, and a glimpse of His eternal plan. May we respond to wisdom’s call and live lives that reflect the wisdom found in Jesus!
This week will we explore Proverbs 6, where the wise father addresses three key areas of life: financial wisdom, diligence versus laziness, and the importance of unity. First on his mind is the danger of co-signing unwise financial agreements, likened to a snare that entraps us. The Bible does not condemn debt outright but warns against decisions that jeopardize our financial stability or enable poor stewardship in others.
Next, we turn to the metaphor of the ant, that little creature modeling diligence and intrinsic motivation. The ant’s unwavering effort in preparation and perseverance teaches us to work hard, seize opportunities, and reject the laziness of the sluggard, who passively reacts to life and suffers the consequences. Work is a gift from God, providing us with purpose and the ability to share with others. As a church, we are called to be like an anthill, each member fulfilling their role to build a thriving, unified community. We must reject excuses that keep us stagnant, allowing God’s transformative power to redefine our future, regardless of our past - no more excuses!
Finally, we will be reminded of the grave danger of those who sow discord within the body of Christ. Unity is central to the church's witness to the world, showing that Jesus alone unites us above all else. God detests division among His people, and we are called to guard against arrogance, deceit, and conflict. Instead, we must strive for harmony, living in alignment with God's will and purpose. As believers, our prayer should not be for comfort but to become a blessing, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ in all we do.
Sex is like fire; in the fireplace it keeps us warm. Outside the fireplace it burns the house down.
The Bible is not silent or shy about sex, portraying it as a sacred gift meant to be enjoyed exclusively within the covenant of marriage. Using vivid imagery, the chapter warns against the dangers of sexual immorality, comparing it to honey that turns bitter and ultimately leads to destruction. The passage emphasizes that God's design—one man and one woman in a lifelong, faithful union—not only fosters personal and spiritual well-being but also protects against the destructive consequences of promiscuity, including emotional, physical, and spiritual harm. Wisdom calls believers to treasure intimacy within marriage and resist temptations that appear sweet but lead to ruin.
The wise father uses the imagery of springs and streams being "scattered abroad" representing the wastefulness of indulging in relationships outside ofGod’s design. The text also highlights the deceitfulness of sin, urging us to stay far from temptation, whether in the form of adultery, pornography, or emotional infidelity. The consequences of ignoring these warnings are severe—lost honor, wasted years, broken relationships, and spiritual emptiness. However, the passage also points to the beauty of a healthy, God-honoring marriage, where love, passion, and delight are celebrated as blessings from God.
Sin’s consequences are real, but God’s grace is greater. Jesus is a friend to the sexually broken. He offers forgiveness and restoration to those who turn to Him, no matter how far they have strayed. Like the prodigal son who returns to his father, those who repent will find a God who runs to meet them with mercy and compassion. We are being called to something higher - to reject the deceit of sexual sin, embrace God’s design for sexuality, and experience the fullness of His blessing in a life aligned with His wisdom.
In Proverbs 4, the focus shifts from warnings to encouragement, emphasizing actions that lead to flourishing in life. This chapter reflects the wisdom of a father passing down vital lessons to his sons, which he learned from his father. The passage highlights the importance of pursuing wisdom as the key to living a meaningful and abundant life, aligning with Jesus' promise in John 10:10. True abundance comes not from worldly pursuits but from a life lived in and for Christ. Scottish minister Thomas Chalmers insightfully noted that real change happens when we see Christ as the source of true life, outshining even the most enticing sins.
We will delve into the four stages of life: identity, growth, impact, and legacy, each posing unique challenges and opportunities to root oneself in Christ. Identity requires overcoming insecurities by embracing who God created us to be. Growth involves defining success through sanctification rather than worldly measures, while impact focuses on servant leadership amidst growing responsibilities. Legacy calls for finishing well, leaving a lasting testimony ofGod's faithfulness. Above all, our text urges the pursuit of wisdom, which requires humility and the abandonment of preconceived notions shaped by cultural pressures. A life guided by wisdom is likened to a bright, growing light, while rejecting wisdom leads to blindness and destruction.
To remain on the path of wisdom, we must protect the heart, the source of life. Practical steps include meditating on God's Word, being mindful of influences, speaking truth, fostering Godly relationships, controlling thoughts, praying for protection, and pursuing purity. The passage concludes with vivid metaphors contrasting the righteous path of light with the wicked path of darkness, underscoring the importance of vigilance in navigating life's journey.
We must never forget that life does not flow from the outside in, it flows from the inside out. Guard your heart!
Our text in Proverbs 3 invites us to consider the role of God’s wisdom in navigating the highs and lows of life. Whether in times of plenty or seasons of scarcity, we are called to trust God wholeheartedly, acknowledging Him as our ultimate provider. Solomon’s counsel to honor the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of our produce reminds us that money carries a significant weight in revealing our values and affections. The challenge lies in shifting the focus from glorifying ourselves to glorifying God with what we have, using our resources to highlight His greatness and meet the needs of others.
Generosity is at the heart of this passage. It’s not about the size of our bank accounts or gifts, but the posture of our hearts. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because her offering came from a place of deep sacrifice and trust. The same is true for us today. God doesn’t need our money—He desires our hearts. And when we choose generosity over greed, we reflect His selfless love to the world. By giving our first and best to Him, we declare that He holds the highest place in our lives and that we trust Him to meet all our needs.
As we honor God with our wealth, He promises to bless us—not for our own indulgence, but so we can bless others. God entrusts us with resources to invest in His kingdom, sowing seeds that will bear eternal fruit. This isn’t about hoarding for ourselves here and now; it’s about partnering with Him to make an impact that outlasts us. When we align our finances with His purposes, we bring glory to His name, inspire others to give thanks, and experience the joy of being part of His eternal work. May we live as stewards who honor God with all that He’s given us, trusting Him to provide as we generously give for His glory.
In this week’s sermon, we draw a contrast between Proverbs chapters 2 and 3. While chapter 2 issues a warning to avoid the path of the wicked, chapter 3 takes a positive approach, teaching how to live a life of shalom—marked by peace, success, and refreshment. Solomon's fatherly counsel begins with the words "my son" and links wisdom with tangible blessings, urging us to guard our hearts against cultural ideologies, such as the popular mantra "live your truth," which opposes the biblical foundation of truth found in Jesus Christ. Solomon emphasizes the need to reject worldly loves and instead pursue the steadfast love and faithfulness of God. This provides lasting contentment within us and visible expressions of God’s character through us.
True Shalom arises from aligning one’s life with God’s wisdom rather than worldly voices or self-reliance. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds believers to trust fully in the Lord and avoid leaning on personal understanding. Trusting in God is described with imagery of throwing oneself entirely into His care. This is foundational to living a life that flourishes under His guidance. The wise man challenges his listeners to examine their worldview, urging them to live out biblical truths boldly and to take risks for God, demonstrating faith in action that defies worldly logic. Such trust, coupled with reverence and acknowledgment ofGod, leads to a life of spiritual freedom and fulfillment.
Finally, our text highlights the consequences of ignoring God’s wisdom. King David comes to mind. His sins caused physical and emotional torment until he confessed and received God’s forgiveness. Proverbs 3:7-8 and Psalm 32 illustrate the transformative power of humility and dependence on God, which bring healing and refreshment. We are left with a simple yet profound application: fear God, turn from evil and embrace His design for your life. This response to God’s wisdom leads to a life of eternal significance and the peace believers truly desire.
Wisdom’s Warning
Proverbs 1:22-33
Last Sunday’s message from Proverbs reminded us of a fundamental truth: wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. This fear isn’t about dread but reverence, a profound awe for God’s greatness, power, and grace. Proverbs 1:7 underscores this: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To be wise is to recognize God’s design for the world and to live in harmony with it. Like a toddler ignoring a warning about playing with an electrical outlet, those who disregard God’s wisdom face inevitable consequences. The call today is clear—acknowledge God as the ultimate source of wisdom and align your life with His order.
Our text this Sunday highlights further dangers of living apart from God’s guidance. When we prioritize self, applause, or worldly desires over God, we experience a breakdown—psychologically, relationally, and spiritually. Proverbs 14:12 warns that “there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” Whether we are naive and willing to learn or arrogant and resistant, wisdom personified in Proverbs calls us to humility. Accepting discipline and reproof, though uncomfortable, leads to growth and blessing. Rejecting correction, however, leads to regret and missed opportunities for peace and security.
Yet, the message ends with hope. Wisdom continually invites us to turn to her. Proverbs 1:33 promises, “Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Today, let’s choose reverence for the Lord, embrace correction from God’s Word, and respond to God’s wisdom before calamity overtakes us. When we do, we are met not with condemnation but with peace, stability, and the steadfast love of a God who desires the best for His children.
Why study Proverbs? Because life is hard!
As we begin to open the book, we are reminded of the complexities of life—relationships, conflict, and unexpected difficulties. Proverbs offers us a timeless guide for navigating these challenges with wisdom. The book, written by Solomon, contrasts two paths: the way of the wise and the way of the fool. Its purpose is clear from the outset: to impart skills for living a meaningful and purposeful life by aligning with God’s design. Wisdom is not strictly intellectual; it is a response to how God has ordered the world. Proverbs invites us to recognize and respond to the Creator, whose design leads to the life we deeply desire.
The foundation of wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7). This is a reverence and awe that acknowledges God’s greatness, holiness, and goodness. This fear is not about dread but about living in the wonder of God’s majesty while embracing His nearness and grace. Such recognition humbles us and opens our hearts to instruction, making us teachable and responsive to Godly counsel. Proverbs warn us of the consequences of foolishness which leads to broken relationships, missed opportunities, and ultimately disgrace. The fool lives out of alignment with God’s order, perpetuating chaos and harm, while the wise find life, honor, and peace by walking in God’s ways.
Solomon’s teaching is particularly directed toward the young and those lacking guidance from a Godly father. Proverbs personifies wisdom as a woman calling out, inviting all to embrace knowledge and reject folly. The lessons extend to practical living, from choosing wise companions to taming our words and emotions. These truths are timeless and applicable to all, shaping how we live, love, and lead. As we engage with Proverbs, may we hear the call to wisdom—learning from nature, reflecting on God’s Word, and aligning our lives with His perfect design. In doing so, we will discover the beauty, safety, and blessing of a life rooted in God’s wisdom.
This week’s Advent theme is love, beautifully captured in John 3:16.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
The depth of God’s love is seen in His plan of redemption, which began in theGarden of Eden after the fall of humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship with God was broken, and sin and death entered the world. But even then, God promised a Savior in Genesis 3:15, foretelling that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. This prophecy pointed to Jesus, who would bear the cost of sin through His death on the cross and triumph over Satan through His resurrection. This sacrificial love reflects God’s unyielding desire to restore His relationship with us.
Through the incarnation, God’s love became visible and relatable. Jesus, theWord made flesh, came to live among us so we could truly understand God’s heart. His birth, life, death, and resurrection reveal God's lengths to demonstrate His love and meet humanity’s deepest needs. Romans 8:32 assures us that if God did not spare His own Son but gave Him for us all, He will graciously provide everything we need. This Advent season, may we be filled with awe at the love of God and inspired to share that love with others.
This Sunday’s Advent theme explores the concept of joy as presented in the great birth announcement given by angels. Joy, unlike happiness, is not based on favorable life events but rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Biblical joy persists through all circumstances, anchored in the character and promises ofGod. This is why the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 was such a momentous declaration of "great joy" for all people—introducing a joy that comes through Christ’s presence and God’s redemptive plan rather than worldly pleasures or success.
The announcement reveals God’s profound presence through Jesus, as proclaimed to humble shepherds, demonstrating that this joy is accessible to all, not just the esteemed or powerful. This choice reflects God’s tendency to reach out to the overlooked and marginalized, who respond with attentiveness and faith. Jesus, described as Savior, Christ, and Lord, fulfills centuries-old promises of salvation, establishing Him as the foundation of a lasting joy that transcends temporary sorrows. This joy, embodied in Christ, transforms hardship into a pathway for spiritual growth, as seen in Romans 5:3-5, where suffering builds character and hope.
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
To experience this enduring joy, Jesus instructs His followers to obey His word and remain in His love (John 15:9-11). Obedience is not restrictive but brings believers closer to God, enabling them to experience His guiding presence. Remaining in His love, as Henri Nouwen suggests, means knowing oneself to be unconditionally loved by God. This realization brings a joy that surpasses life's challenges, offering Christians a steady assurance that their worth and ultimate fulfillment are found in God’s love and salvation.
In our passage this Sunday, the Apostle Paul explores the theme of submission within the family. The fact is, we are all called to place ourselves under authority. "Submit one to another,” says Paul. As one of your Pastors, I am under the authority of the Elders - this is a great thing. It brings accountability and protection.
And yet, is there a more incendiary word than submission in our culture today? A common misconception is that submission means inferiority or “less than.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus spent his entire life submitting to the will of the Father. The fact is it requires great strength to place oneself under the authority of another for mutual benefit. Using Jesus and his bride, the church as a model, Paul explains that submission within a family does not diminish value but reflects God’s design for order and support within family relationships including the roles of husbands and wives.
For wives, submission to their husbands is likened to the church’s submission to Christ—an act grounded in trust and reverence, but never in mindlessness or subservience. Husbands, in turn, are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church, a self-sacrificial love that prioritizes their wives' holiness and spiritual well-being.
Husbands, to lead the home is to love like Jesus and offer yourself in servant leadership. It is a man's responsibility to nurture and cherish his wife, leading her toward Christlikeness through humility, prayer and devotion. The question to ask yourself is this: Is my wife more like Jesus because she is married to me?
Paul reflects on the broader mystery of marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church. When both husbands and wives honor their God-given roles, they foster a relationship marked by love and respect that mirrors the profound union of Christ and his people.
In Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul challenges Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling. He emphasizes that knowing who God is and what He has done should lead us to obedience. This includes sexual purity and greed. Despite cultural resistance, Paul warns that sexual immorality, impurity, and coveting should not be present in the lives of Christians as these behaviors distort God's design for relationships and sexuality. Are we not seeing the damaging consequences of the sexual revolution that began 60 years ago? Now more than ever we encounter broken families, loneliness, objectification, and general dissatisfaction in relationships.
Paul contrasts this with the Christian sexual ethic, which promotes purity, mutual respect, and love within the boundaries of marriage. For Paul, sexual sin is not just about physical actions but reflects deeper issues of greed and idolatry, where lust and self-gratification take precedence over God’s will. He urges Christians to avoid even the slightest compromise, recognizing that feeding these desires leads to deeper moral corruption.
Paul also highlights the importance of gratitude and purity in speech, contrasting it with the harmful effects of crude talk and foolishness. He explains that these behaviors are out of place for believers and can easily lead to further moral decay. Instead, Christians are called to walk as children of light, exposing the unfruitful works of darkness and living in a way that reflects God’s goodness and truth. By doing so, they resist the corrupting influences of theworld and align themselves with the will of the Lord, living in the fullness of His Spirit. Our world is in desperate need of the higher Christian ethic!
Our text this Sunday focuses on the decisive action needed to overcome sin. I am reminded of the metaphor from C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. The main character has a lizard on his shoulder which represents sin and temptation, constantly leading the man astray. One day an angel appears and says, “I can remove that lizard by killing it.” The lizard senses his approaching doom and begins to whisper excuses to delay the action. “I will be good from now on. I won’t go too far. You and I have been together for so long now.” The angel gives his response to the man, “This moment will define all moments to come. Are you ready?” The angel’s command to kill the lizard illustrates the need for immediate and complete rejection of sin in our lives, as delaying only strengthens its hold. The message stresses that confronting sin head-on will impact the rest of one's life and spiritual journey.
In the second half of Ephesians 4, the Paul contrasts the old way of living, characterized by darkened minds, hardened hearts, and reckless behavior, with the new life in Christ. Paul’s command to "put off the old self" and be renewed in mind is likened to changing a worn-out wardrobe, where believers must remove the familiar, sinful habits to embrace a new, righteous identity in Christ. The transformation begins in the mind, requiring believers to reject what was and actively pursue a life of what can be.
We need help with this, thankfully there’s practical guidance on how this new life should look—speaking truth, handling anger righteously, working honestly, and speaking words that build others up. Paul’s call is not just for external behavior changes, but for an inward renewal that results in kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness. The takeaway is that Christians should not blend into the world like chameleons (to continue the reptile metaphor) but stand out as agents of change, dressed in the righteousness of Christ.
In a world marked by division, God's people should stand out as the most unified force on the planet. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul transitions from theology to practical application, urging believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" they have received.
Paul is thinking of the theological realities described in the earlier chapters; and they are amazing…
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we are chosen
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we are redeemed
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we are sealed by the Holy Spirit
Therefore, we are called to live lives that reflect these profound spiritual truths.
Paul introduces the concept of “walking worthy” by explaining that it involves two major characteristics: unity and holiness. He highlights the importance of humility, gentleness, and patience as foundational qualities that foster unity among believers. In a world rife with division and alienation, Paul underscores the need for Christians to embody the unity that comes from the Spirit, maintained through the bond of peace. This unity is not uniformity, but rather a harmonious relationship rooted in shared faith and mutual love, despite our differences.
Paul also discusses the diversity of gifts within the church, given by Christ to promote unity and build up the body of believers. These gifts include ministries such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors, each serving to equip the saints for ministry and to help the church grow into maturity in Christ. The goal is for the church to attain unity in faith and knowledge, enabling it to stand firm against false teachings and to grow together in love. This is discipleship. Paul encourages every believer to participate in ministry, emphasizing that when each part of the body functions properly, the church builds itself up in love, reflecting the fullness of Christ.
Let me ask you friend, what is your part? What is your ministry to the saints? We need you!!
Have you ever started praying for something specific, only to find your mind wandering? Perhaps someone asked you to pray for their job interview, but as you begin your thoughts shift to your own work responsibilities. Suddenly, you’re not praying anymore—you’re mentally compiling a to-do list!
Our passage this Sunday begins by drawing a parallel between our own distracted prayers and Paul's writing in Ephesians 3, where he starts with a prayer but then digresses into a theological reflection on the mystery of God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one family. After this digression, Paul returns to his original intention, resuming his prayer in verse 14, where he earnestly intercedes for the believers in Ephesus. His prayer emphasizes the spiritual unity of all believers, highlighting God’s authority over every family in heaven and on earth.
Paul’s posture in prayer, kneeling before God, is unusual for Jews. If you visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem you’ll see many Orthodox Jews standing in prayer. Kneeling however, reflects deep reverence and humility, recognizing God’s majesty and sovereignty. This contrasts with the more casual approach to God often seen today. The passage illustrates God's immense glory. We are reminded of the overwhelming experience Moses had on Mount Sinai. Despite this grandeur, Paul addresses God as "Father," emphasizing the intimate, familial relationship believers have with Him through Christ. This relationship unites all believers into one spiritual family, transcending the physical realm and placing it in the spiritual.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is not for physical strength, but for spiritual strength, asking God to empower them through His Spirit. He highlights the vast resources of God’s glory that are available to believers, drawing a distinction between giving from what one has versus giving according to what one has. Paul emphasizes that God’s generosity is beyond human comprehension, and believers need to be spiritually fortified to receive all that God has for them. This spiritual strength is essential for living out the Christian faith and experiencing the indwelling presence of Christ.
Finally, Paul focuses on the transformative power of God’s love, urging believers to be rooted and grounded in love, and to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love for us. He, along with the apostle John, challenge the popular notion that “love is love,” arguing instead that true love is defined by God and is rooted in His character. Paul concludes by praising God’s ability to do far more than we can ask or imagine, emphasizing the power of God at work within us and giving glory to God for His work in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations. To all of this, Paul gives a resounding, “Amen!”
"This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him"
- Ephesians 3:11-12
The moment we became Christians, our lives were beautifully transformed. First and foremost, we became Christ’s, new creations in Him, and are continually being shaped into His likeness every day! Even more exciting, we became part of a new humanity—a Body of believers, chosen to follow and boldly proclaim the love and hope of Christ. Yet, the Bible reminds us that many of us underestimate the power of this calling. Friends, you and I have a far greater role in God’s eternal plan than we often realize, and something incredible happens when we actively live it out together!
In Ephesians 3, the apostle Paul moves from unpacking the unifying mystery of Christ in Chapter 2, Jews and Gentiles brought together in Christ, to prayer. However, he couldn’t get past his first line. Due to the incredible importance of this new humanity, Paul was moved and compelled further to expound the implications of this divinely anticipated occurrence. It was crucial for the unified believers to understand their eternal and collective role in Christ’s plan!
Paul starts off by emphasizing his ministerial calling. What he brings to the people of God is not something contrived from his own thoughts. It is wisdom directly from God. As a steward of their faith, Paul feels responsible for helping them understand this wisdom on their own. By utilizing what he shared in Chapters 1 and 2, any believer can understand the mystery of the new humanity. However, from that understanding, they will realize they have a responsibility to actively steward this mystery themselves, but not on their own. Utilizing language that accentuates belonging and fellowship, Paul showcases God’s eternal plan to reveal Christ to the world through the Church. In one moment, faith moved from personal to corporal, a solo sport to a team sport.
All are invited, and no one is excluded. But all must play, and they must do it together.
Paul reminds believers that being a Christian means being a part of the Church called to an eternal purpose. The stakes are too high. People are watching, and so are the angels. Preaching, ministering, and bearing witness to the eternal wisdom of God are hallmarks of the Church. Since we are the Church, they are meant to be hallmarks of our lives. This is not an option. As if it needed to be hammered home further, Paul uses his own circumstances in prison to showcase how to do it. Suffering for one another is giving glory to Christ. We are not our own, friends!
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…" Ephesians 2:13-14
Have you ever asked, “Where does all of the world’s separation come from?" The answer is not social or cultural, it is spiritual.
In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul addresses the deep divisions that existed in the world of his time, much like those we see today. He highlights the profound separation between Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing the animosity that characterized their relationship. Paul explains that these divisions are not merely social or cultural but have a spiritual root. Gentiles were particularly distant from God, lacking access to the covenants and promises given to Israel, leaving them isolated and without hope.
Paul introduces the remedy for this alienation, which is found in Jesus Christ. Through His death on the cross, Jesus broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" that separated Jews and Gentiles, creating a new humanity where all believers, regardless of background, are united through the ministry of their Savior. This reconciliation is not achieved through external actions or laws but through a transformation of the heart. Paul emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles now have equal access to God through the Spirit, making them one body in Christ and abolishing any grounds for division.
The death of Jesus ends prejudice and builds a new race.
Paul describes this new unity using the imagery of a city, a family, and a building. He explains that believers are now citizens of heaven, members of God's household, and are being built together into a holy temple with Christ as the cornerstone. This temple, founded on the teachings of the apostles and prophets, is where God dwells among His people. Paul urges believers to embrace this new identity and unity in Christ, rejecting any barriers of pride or prejudice, and to live out the peace and reconciliation that Jesus has made possible.
In this Sunday’s message from Ephesians 2:1-10, I am reminded of the struggles that so many in the world face today—work anxiety, family stress, political division, social media pressure, and the overwhelming pace of life. These challenges can often make people feel like something is fundamentally wrong as if we are all searching for peace but can never quite find it. The Apostle Paul speaks directly to this condition, showing us that the world’s unrest is not just a result of external pressures, but a reflection of a deeper spiritual reality.
Mankind is without Christ, in a state of spiritual death, and disconnected from the life God intended for us.
This truth can be difficult to accept, especially when we compare ourselves to others and think, "I'm not that bad." But Paul doesn’t allow for such distinctions; we are all in the same boat at birth, spiritually dead because of our trespasses and sins.
Yet, Paul doesn’t leave us in this dark valley. Just as someone might stand on the peak of Mount Whitney and look down to the depths of Death Valley below, Paul shows us the contrast between where we are without Christ, and where we can be with Him. Despite the bleak picture of spiritual death, Paul immediately shifts the narrative with two powerful words: "But God." Here, we see the heart of our faith—God’s mercy and love for us, even when we are at our worst. It’s not about what we can do to earn His favor, but about what He has already done for us through Jesus. This grace is not just a lifeline; it’s a complete transformation, bringing us from death to life, from despair to hope.
As we reflect on these verses, it’s important to realize that this is not just a theological truth; it's deeply personal. God’s grace is not something abstract—it’s His active work in our lives, shaping us, restoring us, and giving us a new purpose. We are His workmanship, created to reflect His love in everything we do. When we grasp this truth, we can live with confidence, knowing that our lives have meaning and that we are called to do good works, not to earn God’s love but to respond to it. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that we are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to walk in the good works He has prepared for us. Perhaps the greatest of these works is sharing this incredible message of grace with others so that they too can experience the life that only God can give.
This Sunday's message dives into the Apostle Paul’s powerful prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, where he expresses his gratitude for the faith and love this church has for all believers. Notice the word “all.” If you’re not irritated by someone at Illuminate, you’re not attending Illuminate. The fact is, some are harder to love than others and yet, this is our charge - to love everyone. After giving praise to them, he prays for them. Paul prays that they would understand the incredible blessings they possess in Christ. He emphasizes three key gifts: the hope of their calling, the riches of God's glorious inheritance in the saints, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward believers. This prayer is rooted in Paul's deep affection for the Ephesians and his desire for them to grasp the spiritual wealth they already have.
Christian, do you realize all that you have in Christ? If you’re like me, too often you ask God for what you don’t have.
Paul's prayer highlights the importance of spiritual insight and understanding, asking God to grant the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation. This wisdom, imparted by the Holy Spirit, enables believers to see the world through the lens of their faith, transforming their lives and relationships. Paul emphasizes the need for Christians to recognize the hope, forgiveness, and daily guidance that come from their relationship with Christ. He also points out that they are God's prized possession, His inheritance, and that they have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead. This is astounding!
Finally, Paul underscores the exalted position of Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of God, far above all earthly powers. He reminds us that Jesus is the head of the church, and that we, as His body, share in His victory and are empowered to fulfill our mission on earth. He concludes with a call to embrace the blessings already given in Christ, to grow in faith and love, and to live under Christ's authority, reflecting His glory and advancing His kingdom. What a great encouragmement for us today!
This Sunday, I’m very excited to begin a new study in the book of Ephesians! There is one overarching theme: sound docrtine is important and should lead us to a life of holiness. The letter emphasizes the goal of living in harmony as one body with Christ as the head and provides guidance on how to navigate spiritual warfare.
It is amazing!
Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul during his house arrest in Rome, around the early 60s AD, to the church in Ephesus. Despite his imprisonment, Paul remained active in writing and teaching, using his confinement to reflect deeply on spiritual matters within the church. Ephesus, a major cultural and economic center of the time, was home to the Temple of Artemis and known for its blend of religious, financial, and criminal activities. This made one’s application of faith challenging. However, the church there was well-established with strong leadership from figures like Priscilla, Aquila, Paul, and Timothy.
The book of Ephesians is structured into two parts: doctrinal and practical. The first three chapters focus on doctrinal teachings, including the believer's position in Christ and the spiritual blessings they receive. Paul highlights that believers have been chosen by God before the foundation of the world, redeemed through Christ’s blood, and given an inheritance sealed by the Holy Spirit. The latter chapters (4-6) transition to practical instructions on living out one's faith, emphasizing holiness and alignment with God's will.
You can see Paul’s heart for all people in the opening lines. His introduction combines Eastern and Western greetings, symbolizing unity between Jews and Gentiles through Christ. He celebrates the spiritual blessings in Christ, asserting that they are secured in the heavenly realm. Paul explains that God's choice of believers is based on grace and love, not human merit. The letter underscores the role of the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our future inheritance and encourages believers to live in light of these spiritual truths, praising God for His transformative work and the future glory that awaits.
My prayer is for this book to bring us closer together as a church family and move us toward discipleship.
This Sunday, we conclude our study of the Book of Daniel, having explored it verse by verse to grasp the author's original intent under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This method helps us understand the overarching narrative and the homiletical plot of the story, aligning with Paul's reminder in Romans 15:4 that the Scriptures provide instruction, endurance, and hope. We have taken a deep dive into historical and prophetic texts that resonate with our faith journey, giving us a deeper understanding of God's work throughout history and His promises for the future.
Thanks for hanging in there!
In Daniel's final chapter, we find hope amid the disturbing visions of future trials. Chapters 10, 11, and 12 form a unified vision, revealing the rise and fall of four major empires, culminating in the reign of the Antichrist, who brings severe persecution against the Jews and the people of God. Despite the grim outlook, Daniel 12:1 foretells God's intervention through Michael, the archangel, who will deliver the faithful during an unprecedented time of trouble. This aligns with Jesus' prophecy in Matthew 24:21-22 about the great tribulation and underscores the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, even when faced with great hardship.
The conclusion of Daniel's vision emphasizes God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Michael's intervention ensures the preservation of God's people, reflecting God's historical faithfulness. The “book" mentioned in verse 1 signifies those destined for salvation, highlighting the choices individuals must make regarding their eternal destiny. Daniel 12:2 speaks of the resurrection, where the righteous will awaken to everlasting life, and the wicked to everlasting contempt. This prophecy underscores the reality of the afterlife and the eternal consequences of our earthly choices.
The overarching message from Daniel is an encouragement for believers to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God is in control and will ultimately deliver His people. Until then, we should focus on living wisely and leading others to righteousness.
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3
Allow me to give you practical application to this verse: First, it means sharing the gospel, embodying Christ's love, and being a light in a dark world. Secondly, we must trust in God's plan, even when we don't fully understand it, and find peace in His promise of deliverance. Lastly, we are motivated by the eternal perspective, understanding that our actions and decisions have lasting significance. By prioritizing our relationship with God and following His guidance daily, we ensure our names are written in the Book of Life, securing our place in His eternal kingdom.
Each day, when you wake, simply say to Him, “God, I want you to lead me this day.” Before you know it, you'll discover God has led you all the way to heaven!
There is nothing like the Bible.
In this Sunday's sermon, we explore the prophetic insights of Daniel chapter 11, a text written around 530 B.C. This chapter is renowned for its intricate predictions of future events, many of which have already transpired with remarkable accuracy, showcasing Daniel's divine revelation. The chapter narrates the rise and fall of various kings and kingdoms, affirming that God orchestrates the course of history. Daniel's prophecies cover a span of 350 years, highlighting key historical transitions, such as the reigns of Persian kings and the subsequent dominance of Alexander the Great, whose empire was divided among his generals following his premature death.
Beyond ancient history, Daniel’s prophecies extend to future events, focusing particularly on Israel. The text predicts the emergence of Antiochus IV, a despised ruler who would bring great suffering to the Jewish people and desecrate the temple. This prediction is later referenced by Jesus in the New Testament, who warns of a similar future abomination. The chapter also foreshadows the rise of an ultimate adversary, often identified as the Antichrist, who will exalt himself above all gods. This figure is depicted as a powerful and blasphemous ruler, marking a period of severe tribulation.
Despite the unsettling nature of these visions, Daniel’s message ultimately offers reassurance. Believers are reminded of God's sovereignty and the promise of ultimate victory over evil. The accuracy of Daniel's prophecies underscores the reliability of the Bible, encouraging Christians to trust in God's plan amidst political turmoil and conflict. Furthermore, the hope of Christ's return and the establishment of God's kingdom provide a profound sense of peace and comfort, affirming that even in the darkest times, God’s will prevails.
The calculation of the 476 years from the 483 (69 x 7) years in Daniel 9:24-26 arises due to the difference between the Jewish lunar calendar and the Gregorian solar calendar.
Jewish (lunar) vs. Gregorian (solar) Calendars
The Jewish calendar is based on a lunar year, which has 360 days per year. (12 months each having 30 days.)
The Gregorian calendar (which we use today) is based on a solar year, with 365.25 days per year (including the leap year adjustment).
The difference in years come from the conversion of the lunar calendar to the solar calendar as below...
Conversion of Years
Calculate the total days in 483 years according to the Jewish calendar:
483 years x 360 days/year = 173,880 days
Convert these days to Gregorian years:
173,880 days ÷ 365.25 days/year = 476 years
So, 483 Jewish lunar years equate to 476 Gregorian solar years. This conversion explains the apparent difference when interpreting the prophecy in the context of our modern calendar.
The distinction between the Jewish lunar calendar (360 days/year) and the Gregorian solar calendar (365.25 days/year) is a historical reality. Understanding that Daniel’s prophecy was likely based on a lunar calendar helps reconcile the apparent discrepancy when comparing ancient prophecies to modern timelines.
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Daniel 10 serves as the preface to the final vision Daniel receives, revealing future conflicts and exposing unseen spiritual realities. This chapter is crucial as it pulls back the curtain on a spiritual war that many are unaware of, similar to how one YouTuber exposes the staged parts of influencers' lives. Ephesians 6:12 highlights the ongoing unseen war against the spiritual forces of evil.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
At this point, Daniel is an elderly man who has served under powerful kings and witnessed God’s mighty work among them. Despite his experiences, he is troubled by a vision of a great conflict in the future. In mourning, Daniel abstains from pleasures for three weeks, seeking to hear from God.
On the twenty-fourth day, Daniel encounters a supernatural being with a majestic appearance. While his companions flee in fear, Daniel stays and is overwhelmed, falling into a deep sleep. The being, possibly an angel or even the pre-incarnate Jesus, touches and encourages Daniel, calling him "greatly loved" and revealing that his prayers were heard from the start. However, the messenger faced opposition from the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" until Michael, a chief prince, assisted.
This chapter unveils organized spiritual forces influencing political realms. Consider the rank and locations: the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece. The Bible depicts many varied instances of spiritual warfare, such as Elisha's vision of the heavenly forces surrounding Dothan and Jesus' confrontations with demons. Understanding this unseen battle is crucial for Christians to be prepared and equipped for life in this fallen world.
The passage from Ephesians 6:10-20 describes the armor of God and seven essentials for spiritual warfare:
Belt of Truth: Represents honesty and integrity, like keeping your pants around your waist, the truth holds everything together.
Breastplate of Righteousness: Symbolizes living a morally upright life and protecting one's heart from evil.
Gospel of Peace (Shoes): Refers to being prepared to spread the message of peace and maintaining stability and readiness.
Shield of Faith: Represents strong belief and trust in God, used to deflect spiritual attacks and doubts.
Helmet of Salvation: Symbolizes the assurance of salvation and protecting one's mind from spiritual harm.
Sword of the Spirit: Represents the Word of God, which is the Bible, used as a weapon against evil.
Prayer: constant prayer is essential for spiritual strength and alertness.
Christians are called to be aware of the spiritual battle, stand firm, and fight the good fight knowing they are on the winning team. Despite feeling like at times we take a loss, the ultimate victory is assured in the war!
In the first half of Daniel chapter 9, we witness the prophet Daniel praying with a tear-stained face and a heart weighed down by sorrow. His prayer is a heartfelt plea, one that ends abruptly as he calls out to God:
"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." (Daniel 9:19)
But before Daniel can even finish, God answers swiftly and unmistakably:
"While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice." (Daniel 9:20-21)
We never need to wonder if God hears our prayers. Consider the words of Jeremiah: "Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13)
Seeking God with all your heart means desiring what God desires for you. John echoes this sentiment: "And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him." (1 John 5:14-15) Notice the key phrase, “according to His will.”
This should guide every prayer we make. True prayer is the bending of our will to align with God’s, trusting that He knows what is best and is working all things according to His plan. If God granted us everything we asked for, we would be like spoiled children—immature, demanding, and lacking in the deeper maturity that comes through trials. It is in our times of need that we are drawn closest to God, finding growth in the very pains we seek to avoid.
Daniel’s heart was aligned with the will of God, and what follows is a powerful confirmation of that alignment. Gabriel continues:
"He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, ‘O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.’" (Daniel 9:22-23)
Daniel receives two profound messages:
- He is about to gain insight and understanding into future events.
- He is greatly loved by God.
As a prophet, Daniel often faced hostility because he stood against the prevailing cultural norms, calling people back from their sins. Prophets were frequently marginalized or even killed for their message. In this context, Daniel needed to know that God was with him, that he was loved. This assurance wasn’t just for Daniel; it’s a promise we can cling to today. So, don’t hesitate to follow Daniel’s example—pursue righteousness with confidence, knowing that God’s love is steadfast and unwavering.
This Sunday, I will be stepping out of Daniel and giving an update on our expansion plans. We are nearing the start of construction, and I want us to envision what will be included in the new Worship Center and the upstairs space. This time each year, by God’s grace, we experience growth, and for this reason, it's vital for more people to engage in the life of the church through service. As 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us, each of us has received gifts to serve one another, being good stewards of God's varied grace.
Serving within the church can be challenging!
It usually cost us something and that’s why it requires strength that only God can provide. Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, promising that we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Serving is akin to farming, involving hard work, patience, and trust in God's supernatural work. Jesus emphasized the importance of service in Matthew 6, highlighting that acts of service done in secret are seen and rewarded by God. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us that whatever we do should be done heartily for the Lord, knowing that our reward comes from Him.
We are created by God for good works, as stated in Ephesians 2:10, and each act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God's kingdom. Jesus exemplified this by serving others, even washing His disciples' feet as an act of humility and love. Of course this was the precursor to his sacrificial death - the greatest act of service one can perform! Our challenge is to recognize that every member of the church is needed to build up the body of Christ. I’m here to tell you - we need you! As we continue with our expansion, let's focus on strengthening our community through dedicated service, knowing that each of us plays a vital role in fulfilling our divine purpose.
According to Jesus, serving is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk. As we go about our daily lives, let’s remember that we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Let’s seek out opportunities to serve our brothers and sisters, knowing that each act of service reflects God’s love and brings us closer to fulfilling God’s purposes through us. Each of us has been uniquely gifted by the Holy Spirit to contribute to the church's growth and maturity. When we serve, we strengthen the community, foster unity, and help others grow in their faith. As we move forward with our expansion, let’s remember that it’s not just about the physical building but about building up the body of Christ through our dedicated service to one another!
This Sunday, we will delve into Daniel 9, splitting this chapter into two parts. In two weeks, we will cover the second part, which contains one of the most significant prophecies in the entire Bible. This week, we will focus on the first half, where we find Daniel’s remarkable prayer.
By this time, Daniel was over 80 years old and had endured many trials in Babylonian captivity. Throughout all these challenges, he has consistently placed his trust in God and remained faithful. Daniel’s heart and mind have always been set on his homeland despite being taken from Jerusalem as a teenager. Living in Babylon, he lived for Jerusalem, never ceasing to think about the holy city, which had been the center of worship for God’s people for centuries.
Daniel spends time reading the scroll of the prophet Jeremiah, known as the "weeping prophet" for his prophecies about the future devastations awaiting Israel. Jeremiah had foretold the destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the people's unfaithfulness to God. However, he also prophesied that this desolation would last for 70 years. Now, in 538 BC, roughly 67 years have passed since Jerusalem's destruction in 605 BC. The time for its restoration is near.
Motivated by Jeremiah’s prophecy, Daniel prays fervently, asking God to bring about this promised restoration. This section of Daniel 9, particularly the first 19 verses, demonstrates the incredible power of prayer in accomplishing God’s will. Daniel’s example shows us how to call upon God’s power.
Confess
Verses 4-5:
"I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, 'O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.'"
Ask
Verse 19:
"O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name."
Expect
Verses 20-21:
"While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my plea before the Lord my God for the holy hill of my God, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice."
Let us pray boldly, church. Confess, ask God to act and expect Him to answer.
In Daniel chapter 8, the prophet recounts a vision he had in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, finding himself beside the Ulai Canal in Susa. Brace yourself.
In the vision, Daniel witnesses a powerful ram with two horns, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, which is eventually overcome by a swift goat with a notable horn, representing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. (Horns signify strength, if you remember from last Sunday.) The goat's horn is removed at its zenith, replaced by four horns signifying the division of Alexander's empire among his generals. From one of these horns emerges a small yet formidable horn, symbolizing a future king who will wreak havoc, particularly against the holy people and their sanctuary. He will desecrate the sanctuary and halt daily sacrifices for 2,300 evenings and mornings until its purification. Thankfully, the angel Gabriel clarifies the vision for Daniel, confirming the identities of the ram and goat and detailing the rise and fall of the fierce king represented by the little horn. Daniel is deeply disturbed and exhausted by the vision's grave implications for his people.
Ever wondered if you can trust the Bible? Wonder no more. The prophecies in chapter 8 have been remarkably fulfilled, centuries ahead of their time. While there are future prophecies yet to be fulfilled, such as the return of Jesus, rest assured—God will see through what He has set in motion. The call is to prepare to meet Him by accepting Jesus, who alone forgives sins.
Do you question if God is truly in control? Daniel speaks of events happening "at the appointed time," a phrase seen throughout the Bible describing God's sovereign orchestration of history and the future. Everything rests in His hands. God has determined your birth and your appointed time to depart this world. Make the most of your time and devote your life in service to God, as Daniel did.
Have you ever wondered, "How should we live?" The spirit of antichrist seeks to "cast truth to the ground," a description fitting our times where postmodern thought denies the existence of truth. God's truth, affirmed by Jesus as liberating, has been rejected, plunging the world into chaos. Paul reminds us that those who reject truth do so because they refuse to embrace it morally. It's not just an intellectual stance but a rejection rooted in personal worldview. The Bible teaches that we reap what we sow—both for good and for ill. What is your source of truth, and why?
Prepare yourself for some intense imagery from the book of Daniel! Starting in chapter 7, the nature of this profound work shifts dramatically. The text transitions from Aramaic to Hebrew, marking the onset of several visions granted to Daniel. These visions unveil God’s cataclysmic plans for the nations. Yet, the most harrowing times are still ahead for the faithful. Daniel contemplates these revelations and reacts:
“As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.” Daniel 7:15
Daniel's alarm stems from a vision of an apocalyptic future depicted by four beasts, symbolizing four malevolent kingdoms, each more powerful than the last, with the fourth being absolutely terrifying. This kingdom ushers in an era of unprecedented persecution for Jesus's followers. However, just when all hope seems lost, Daniel witnesses the rise of a fifth and final kingdom. This divine kingdom, bestowed upon Jesus and inhabited by God's “holy ones” from every nation, signifies the presence of God among His people, who worship around His throne.
So why is Daniel distressed? Because war is waged against the saints, and God does not immediately deliver His people. This unsettled Daniel deeply, and it should unsettle us too. There will be a period of intense, Satanically-inspired persecution, during which many of God's people will endure severe suffering. This is the reality for some believers today. In 2023, over 8,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria alone (according to the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law).
This brings us to the age-old questions: If God can deliver His people, why doesn't He? If He can prevent suffering, why does He allow it? The problem of moral evil is unavoidable. How does Daniel respond to this dilemma? He highlights three key points:
There will be a judgment.
The Son of Man will come and set all things right.
The saints will receive the kingdom.
Mother Teresa often whispered a simple phrase to each orphan as she tucked them into bed at night, “There will be a better day child.” This embodies the hope cherished by all who call upon the name of Jesus.
Many are acquainted with the phrase "He couldn’t see the handwriting on the wall," often unaware of its origins in Daniel chapter 5. Here, during King Belshazzar’s extravagant feast, his arrogance invites God's judgment, marked by a mysterious inscription on the palace wall.
As the soiree persists, the Persians encircle Babylon. Did Belshazzar grasp the imminent danger? It seems likely, given the formidable size of the amassed army. So why indulge in revelry while the enemy lurks at the gates? Perhaps he deemed Babylon impregnable—a notion well reasoned considering its colossal walls. The remnants are still visible today in modern Iraq. Some historians doubted the city could fall in a single night, yet the ancitent historian Herodotus recounts the Persians' ingenious tactic: diverting the Euphrates to infiltrate Babylon through its waterways, swiftly seizing the city. At Belshazzar's feast, the glow of the lampstand dims as he retreats into the darkness of his final night. Belshazzar met his end, and Darius the Mede ascended to power. (Daniel 5:30-31)
God's mode of communication reveals a recurring pattern. Some 550 years later, Jesus faces a similar test of power. Confronted by accusers wielding the law against a woman caught in adultery, Jesus challenges the judgmental hearts of those present. Stooping to write in the dirt, his message brings conviction, driving away the self-righteous.
Similarly, God's hand continues to write upon our hearts today, calling us to faith, exposing our sins, and urging repentance. Most profoundly, those very hands were later extended on a cross, offering forgiveness and eternal life. Belshazzar's tale serves as a stark reminder: arrogance invites downfall and disobedience leads to ruin.
As Christians, we carry the light of God's Son within us. Let us therefore represent him faithfully, interpreting rather than receiving the handwriting on the wall, just as Daniel did.
Happy Father's Day Dads!
This Sunday, we celebrate the profound privilege and responsibility of being a father. For many, their fathers served as admirable examples, while others may have had different experiences. In today's world, there's often confusion about what it truly means to be a good dad. However, God’s wisdom awaits us in the Bible. This Sunday, we will explore how the apostle Paul considered himself a spiritual father to the believers in the Corinthian church. Paul played a crucial role in their journey to Christ, as he was the one who brought the gospel to them. Unfortunately, a few years later some of them were struggling in their faith. Like a devoted father, Paul's primary concern was their spiritual well-being, and he spoke to them with genuine care and love:
For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:15
In this verse, the Greek word for "guide" refers to a paid servant who looked after children. These guides were involved in the children's lives for personal gain. Paul contrasts these guides with himself, emphasizing that while there are many who will deliver a message with selfish motives, he, as their spirutal father, acted selflessly. His guidance was rooted in genuine love and concern, making him trustworthy.
Paul's tool for guiding the Corinthians was the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a powerful reminder that we should be bringing that same gospel into the lives of those around us. Fathers, our primary focus should be on Jesus, always aiming to point our children to Him. It's easy to fall into the trap of moralism, where we focus on our children's behavior and want them to simply "act right." However, our goal should be to consistently direct them towards Christ, fostering a deep, genuine relationship with Him and consistently modeling this ourselves.
If you've been immersed in church culture, the narrative from Daniel chapter three is likely etched in your memory. It recounts the unwavering faith of three young men in the face of adversity. It's a story that challenges us to reflect on our own daily choices.
What—or whom—are we truly worshiping?
This question holds profound significance because what we worship shapes our lives. Worship, at its core, is about assigning ultimate worth to someone or something. In essence, we are all worshipers, directing our deepest devotion towards various objects or ideals.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response to King Nebuchadnezzar is a testament to their unwavering faith: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
Their response exemplifies a rare blend of respect and noncompliance. While acknowledging the king's authority, they place their trust firmly in God. Crucially, they refrain from presuming how God will act. Their stance is clear: "God can save us, but even if He chooses not to, our allegiance to Him remains unwavering."
This encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: the confidence to proclaim, "I know my God is able to deliver me," coupled with the submission and humility to declare, "Yet even if He does not, I will still trust in Him." It echoes the resolve of Job, who said, "Though he slay me, I will hope in him," and reflects the attitude of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Not my will, but yours."
As Max Lucado poignantly puts it, "Sometimes God chooses to calm the storm, but if he doesn’t, he is always there to calm his children in the midst of the storm."
While most Christians affirm God's omnipotence, fewer embody a willingness to align their will with His. God isn't a celestial wish-granter or a lucky charm. He is the sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and Orchestrator of all existence. If Genesis 1:1 is true, then everything rests in His hands. And if the resurrection of Jesus is a reality, then we can rest assured—whether in life or in death—God has us covered.
This week, we will receive the long-anticipated revelation and interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. As Daniel began to reveal this dream to the King, it was important to Daniel that the king knew and understood who had revealed this mystery. “but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” Daniel 2:28 In this dream, a great and mighty statue resembling a man or god stood before the king. Each section of this statue was crafted from a different metal: the head was gold, the chest and arms of silver, the middle and thighs of bronze, the legs of iron and feet partly iron and partly clay. Despite its large and powerful frame, in the king's dream, a small stone would strike the feet, causing the entire statue to crumble. This collapse is indeed the cause of the King’s anxieties surrounding the dream. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that each section of this statue represents a succession of kingdoms, starting with his own. This dream reveals the truth that no king and no kingdom will last forever – except one. “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold.” Daniel 2:44-45 Every kingdom of this world will come and go, but the Kingdom of God will last forever. This has serious implications for how we live today and for our hope in eternity.
This week, Daniel, and his three friends are once again faced with a difficult situation. King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled in his spirit because of a recurring nightmare and threatens to kill all the wise men of Babylon if they cannot help him. However, King Nebuchadnezzar asked them not only to interpret the dream but also to reveal the content of the dream to him first. No king had ever asked them to do this, as it was seemingly impossible.
“The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” Daniel 2:11
This response caused the king to burn with fury and to set a decree to execute all the wise men in the land. When the news reached Daniel, he responded with prudence and discretion. He believed that what seems impossible for man is possible for God. Gathering his friends, they prayed for God's mercy and revelation. That night, God revealed the mystery of the dream and its interpretation to Daniel. Instead of rushing to the king, Daniel took a moment to acknowledge and praise God for His revelation. Daniel proclaims:
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;
he reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and the light dwells with him.”
Daniel 2:20-22
This poem reveals an important attribute of God’s character: He is omniscient (all-knowing). This reality of God sets wisdom that comes from Him apart from anything this world has to offer. It was this wisdom that continually set Daniel apart from all the other wise men in Babylonian empire. When you are met with challenges, difficult situations, and decisions, do you rely on the wisdom of this world or wisdom that comes from God?
Last week, we witnessed Daniel and his three friends being uprooted from everything they knew. Their world was turned upside down as they were taken into the custody of the mighty Babylonian empire. It was common for the Babylonians to educate the best and brightest in their ways. Almost overnight, these teenagers were on the path to immense influence. Upon arriving in Babylon, they encountered the pinnacle of worldly luxury. The city was magnificent and opulent, filled with pagan temples. The king’s palace, which was beyond their wildest imaginations would be their home. Despite the unique temptations they faced, they were prepared, having resolved in advance not to compromise their values.
"But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." Daniel 1:8
These young men were offered the same exquisite food the king ate, prepared by the finest chefs with ingredients sourced from far and wide. It was akin to dining at a Michelin-star restaurant - every day. Yet, they chose not to partake because they believed it would corrupt them according to God’s law. Note what the verse above emphasizes - Daniel decided beforehand he would not defile himself with the king’s food. He considered the real possibility that he would be asked to eat what isn’t kosher. When that moment arrived, he would say, "no.” This teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of our convictions. It begins with a decision firmly rooted in the heart before any action is taken. What about you? Do you have a plan for the daily temptations you face? If there’s one crucial lesson we can learn from the life of Daniel, it is this: Inner conviction will overcome any outward pressure.
It is widely acknowledged that mothers hold a uniquely cherished place in our lives. Do you realize that Mother's Day ranks as the third most celebrated holiday in America, following closely behind Christmas and Easter? Additionally, it is the third most attended Sunday in churches nationwide. Mother’s Day sees more phone calls exchanged than any other day of the year.
Every child knows that no mother is flawless, yet there exists within each of us a sacred space that only a mother can occupy. This bond transcends age and time. I recall the memorable moment when Shaquille O'Neal returned to complete his college education. On his graduation day, amidst a throng of news reporters, there stood Shaq—imposing in stature, swimming in wealth and fame. Yet, as he donned his cap and gown, with a simple gesture his mother straightened his tie on national television. It was a heartwarming reminder that mothers are perpetually watching over us, and somehow, we never wish for that to change. Indeed, there's an undeniable significance to the role they play in our lives.
Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Mother's Day may not evoke joy for every woman. For some, it stirs up painful emotions—perhaps due to infertility, estrangement from a child, or the loss of a son or daughter. However, even amidst such sorrow, many would agree that it is fitting to honor the mothers among us for their unwavering sacrifice and boundless love.
This Sunday, we extend our deepest gratitude to mothers and pay homage to the divine order set forth by God. According to the Bible, mothers occupy a sacred and invaluable role. Moms, we honor you and express our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do!
Daniel, along with his three companions, exemplified unwavering faith amidst the complexities of public life. Captured by the Babylonians as mere teenagers in the sixth century BC, they found themselves thrust into positions of influence within a pluralistic, secular society that often clashed with their deeply held beliefs in the one true God.
Much like our own time, where faith can feel marginalized and confined, the Babylonian empire presented Daniel and his friends with significant challenges. Their devotion to God was viewed as disruptive in a culture that favored pluralism.
Sound familiar?
Daniel’s life serves as a clarion call for God’s people to exhibit boldness. As a church, we aspire to emulate this courage as we navigate what we can’t always clearly see in the future. The parallels between Daniel’s time and ours are striking. Just as he influenced pagan culture with his unwavering commitment, we are likewise called to exert a Godly influence in our modern world.
These teenagers refused to compromise their convictions and as a result, they enjoyed the favor of God upon their lives. May we too, stand firm in our faith knowing that God’s favor accompanies those who boldly follow Him.
I often picture Paul as a seasoned soldier who is all blood and guts. He was constantly fighting the good fight, waging spiritual battles and slaying demons. However, in the final chapter of Romans you see the tender heart within him. This man accomplished great things for God but he did so through strong affectionate relationships with his brothers and sisters in Christ. With his concluding words he turns his attention to them. You can feel the overflowing emotions of love.
"I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house." Romans 16:1-5
The word greet appears 19 times alongside 33 names in this final chapter. Paul’s heart for others is an example for us all.
"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8
America is a lonely place for many, many people. Research reveals the number one reason why people attend their church regularly - “I was invited by someone who cared.” The church should be the ultimate place to build meaningful and lasting friendships. Can we take Paul’s encouragment and do this? It begins with a smile and kind greeting toward those you don’t know. The world can be cold but the church should be warm.
We are nearing the end of the book of Romans and in chapter 15 Paul begins his closing remarks. If you reflect on the life of this man, you really have to be amazed. Paul is nothing out of the ordinary in stature and presence, over time his body would become disfigured because of the violence brought against him. Yet, he would be one of the most significant individuals in the history of the world. Paul changed the course of Rome and Western civilization, not through the power of an army, but through the power of a message. His calling was to take the Gospel of Jesus where it had never gone before.
God used Paul to spread the message of hope and directed his steps along the way. This happened through much trial and tribulation but with God it is not about the destination, it is about the journey. In the journey we learn, grow and mature. The hardships along the way should cause us to lean on God. In the end, God’s will is accomplished and He is glorified. We focus on the prize; God focuses on the process.
What do you want to accomplish for God in this life? What God-sized dreams do you have? You might not have any, but it is never too late to begin. Without a vision of what you want to achieve, you will never start the journey. God won’t condemn you for not accomplishing what you want to do for Him. Rather he might say, “You didn’t have any desires, so you never even started.” The fulfillment is in His hands, but the initiative is in yours.
In Romans chapter 15, Paul encourages the church to maintain her unity once again. It turns out, this was quite a challenge for early Christians. I’ll give you some examples of what was happening in the local congregations…
The church in Galatia was known for its legalism. The church in Corinth was divided because some were tolerating the kind of sins that many unbelievers didn’t tolerate. The church in Pergamum was splitting because Christians were marrying pagans and it appears their pagan gods were being introduced. Many of Paul’s letters aim at preventing division due to doctrinal perversion.
Some scholars believe that the church in Rome was the most fragmented of all. Primarily, because it existed in the heart of the Roman Empire at a time when Christianity was out of favor. Nero was torturing Christians and some researchers say that early Christian martyrs were turned over to Nero by other Christians. The motivation behind this was envy, jealousy and rivalry.
Churches have been known to divide over the smallest and most insignificant matters. So it’s little wonder that three times Jesus prayed for our unity. The request came at a remarkable time in his life. We don’t wake up knowing when we are going to die. Jesus did. He knew exactly how much time he had. What does he do with his last 24 hours? He spends time instructing his disciples and he prays. More than once, he prays for our oneness.
Paul urges the strong not to become a stumbling block to the weak by exercising liberties that might cause the weak to stumble. If they are walking in love, the strong will gladly surrender the exercise of their liberties for the good of the weak. The benefits our liberties offer are so small, and the blessings for limiting our liberties are so great that this should not be an agonizing decision.
There’s an aphorism you might be familiar with: “Might makes right.” What this refers to is society’s view of what is right is determined by those in power. The Christian ethic upends this. Those who are strong have an obligation to the weak. They are not to victimize the weak but to come to their aid. All for the sake of unity.
This Sunday we're back in our study of Romans chapter fourteen. Paul isn’t finished talking about the importance of Christian unity. This can be challenging because we don’t all come from the same backgrounds, experiences and cultures. In Paul’s day, Rome was a cosmopolitan city with diverse people now joined together under the banner of Christianity. Many of these folks had very little in common.
Picture this incredible scene…
Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and Barbarians, servants of the house and owners of the same house sharing the same meal around the same table. Many come from pagan backgrounds and yet all are gathered together because of their newly formed faith in Jesus. This environment gave many opportunities for discord. One example Paul uses is that of eating meat. He introduces this at the beginning of chapter two.
One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Romans 14:2
Jewish Christians did not eat meat sold by the local butcher because it had been offered to pagan gods. For this reason the food was tainted so they kept it vegetarian. Gentile believers had no problem eating because they believed all meat was created by the one true God and idols are nothing. So what happens when the Gentile invites the Jew over for dinner? It could get awkward. There is opportunity for disunity.
Once again Paul helps us understand what it means to live in unity with one another in matters of conscience that are not sinful. I need to emphasize this - we are not talking about the clear violations of Scripture. Rather, this is between those whose faith is “weak” and those whose faith is "strong.”
Paul agrees with Jesus…
And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” Mark 7:14-19
Inanimate things such as food are morally neutral. However, if someone thinks such things are unclean, then for that person it is so. If a Jewish believer says, “I can’t eat what has been sacrificed to idols and if I do, I will be morally wrecked!” and you’re the host of this dinner party, then Paul has a warning for you.
For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. Romans 14:15
Back in chapter twelve Paul gave us an incredible description of Christian love. It seeks to bless and honor others. One way the strong can bless the weak is by putting limitations on his or her Christian freedoms. R. Kent Hughes says that exercising Christian liberty is like walking a tightrope. As you walk the rope with a balancing pole in your hands, one end of the pole is "love for others" and the other end is "Christian liberty." When these are in balance, you walk as you should. The stronger Christian voluntarily gives up his freedoms out of love for his weaker brothers and sisters. This is the way we maintain unity within the body and show the world we are disciples of Jesus.
"Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). John 20:10-16 Notice the question Mary is asked twice - "Why do you cry?" I was told by a very wise man to pay attention to what makes me laugh and what makes me cry. Laughter reveals a light heart, sorrow reveals a heavy burden. Jesus was Mary's friend and she wants to pay respect at his tomb. However, he’s not there and she is devastated. She carries a heavey burden when Jesus speaks. "Why are you crying?"
The angels asked the same question out of curiosity. They probably thought, “This earth creature should know Jesus is alive, so why is she sad?” Jesus asked the question out of compassion. He loved Mary, and His heart was moved by her tears. “Why are you crying?” He knew the answer, but He wanted her to come to the realization of what was happening.
You know why Mary cried? Because she had yet to receive the message of Easter. When people die they don’t come back. The good news of Easter was about to hit her like a ton of bricks. She hears the voice of Jesus and recognizes him. He is alive! The good news of Easter is that because Jesus came back from death, we also will live after death. Jesus said this very thing to his disciples in John 14:19, "Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live." Ancient tombs carried the stench of death. But Jesus' tomb carried the aroma of life.
“Why are you crying?” Jesus recognizes human pain and loss. He experienced it himself. His good friend Lazarus died and Jesus shows up and sees everyone weeping and the tears start to flow down his face. Jesus knows what’s causing your pain. He just wants you to admit the point of your pain because once you see it you can begin to address it.
We all battle sorrow. You may be hurting from the loss of a loved one. You may be struggling because of a recent diagnosis you or someone you love has received. There may be some relationship you are grieving. Your eyes may be filled with tears because of problems with your children or grandchildren. The list is endless, but Jesus sees your pain and cares about your suffering. In fact, he died and rose again to help you see beyond the heartache to the joy of what lies ahead - eternal life.
This weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday which marks the time when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The crowds waved palm branches as a sign of respect as he passed by. They shouted, “Hosanna!” which means, save us! This is the action displayed by those who are receiving their king. However, by the end of the week, some of these same people will be shouting, “Crucify him!” What happened? Well, Jesus was not the king they wanted him to be, but rather he was the king they needed him to be. You see, they did not understand the ultimate purpose for which he arrived. If Jesus came riding a white horse and wielding a sword to cut down the Romans - what ultimate good for mankind does that accomplish? He would not come in human power but in divine humility. As a result, his kingdom had greater impact than anyone could imagine. Jesus was different. He is the King of love and strength. Unlike the kings of this world who crave power, Jesus came to serve and to die for his people. There’s an old hymn that confronts our response to the truth of who Jesus is... Crown Him or Crucify Him Mary Brainerd Smith Today you have come to the valley of choice, Today to your heart speaks the Saviour’s own voice, “Tis your hand must lay the wreathed crown on my brow, Or drive cruel nails thro’ my pleading hands now.” Crown Him or crucify Him, which shall it be? This is the choice from which you cannot flee; Crown Him your King, or most surely ‘tis true, You crucify Jesus, your Saviour anew. Do you say with the Christ you have nothing to do, That the crown and the cross have no meaning for you? Yet the choice you have made, and your Saviour nailed then To a cross of neglect where He suffers again. Crown Him or crucify Him, which shall it be? This is the choice from which you cannot flee; Crown Him your King, or most surely ‘tis true, You crucify Jesus, your Saviour anew. Your job can’t die for your sins why would you worship the career path? Your politics can’t die for your sins so keep them in their proper place. Your wealth can’t die for your sins so stop bowing to your stuff. Your family can’t die for your sins so don’t make them your king. Only Jesus did what no other could do. Let’s keep the crown in its proper place!
Normally, diversity does not easily breed unity. The human tendency is to judge and look down upon those who are different than we are. This was certainly true in Paul’s day. The Jews living in Jerusalem viewed the Jews living in Rome as sellouts because they had adopted Roman customs. The Jerusalem Jews shunned Roman culture and therefore they were holier…or so they thought. Both groups looked down on the Gentiles who practiced paganism and had very little spiritual life. When people from these divergent groups met Jesus they soon met together. Their backgrounds had very little in common but their present belief in Christ brought them close. There had never been anything like Christianity in forming heterogeneous groups. Yet much was to be overcome because some of the differences were quite intense. This is what Paul addresses in Romans chapter 14…
"As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables." Romans 14:1-2
It was the "Meat-eaters" versus the “Vegetarians." The simple solution is to create two distinct churches. Paul gives another and better choice. Take the higher and more noble road and live together in harmony. But how?
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Don’t despise each other.
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Don’t judge each other.
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Welcome each other.
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Let God be one another’s judge.
"Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Romans 14:3-4
The weak are inclined to say, “You should not be doing this!” The strong are inclined to say, “You’re so immature!” If we are to be honest, we would have to say both misguided attitudes are within each of us. One of Paul’s main points is that people with opposing viewpoints on non-essentials can both be perfectly right with God.
Now to be clear, we are not talking about issues of sin. We are not talking about basic doctrines such as the deity of Christ, salvation by faith or matters of moral conduct as listed in the Ten Commandments for example. Instead, these are matters of Christian conscience.
"Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Hebrews 14:10-12
Twice in these verses Paul refers to us as family members so we should treat each other this way. Then he essentially says that we should stop trying to be God and leave the judging to Him. This should cause us to pull back from a critical spirit because God will hold us accountable for playing His role. Some things are less important than others and we need to pray that God will give us the wisdom to see what is essential and where we need to display liberty and charity for the sake of unity.
This Sunday we read from the last half of Romans chapter 13. It is beautiful. It contains the distinctively Christian virtue of love. I say, "distinctively Christian" because of the specific Greek word used by Paul - agape. This word is rarely used outside of the Bible. Yet it is the primary way in which Christians are commanded to love each other - without condition and without end. It is this unending love in action that gave rise to the spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean. The world had never seen anything like it.
First century AD culture was deeply divided and separated. There was strong prejudice in every direction. There were deep lines of division between male and female, Barbarian and Greek, Jew and Gentile, slave and free. Class differences kept people from speaking to each other. “Stranger” and “enemy” were the same word in many languages.
This was the backdrop against which Jesus said to his followers, “love one another” and, “love your neighbor." As the years went by and as people from all walks of life embraced Christianity something remarkable began to happen. Former enemies considered each other family. They sat at the same table holding hands and sharing food. It was unheard of before this time.
"Christian" is a word that was made up by those who were trying to identify this unusual collection of people. The name was not invented by Christians themselves. Christ means messiah and the suffix ‘ian’ means party of or belonging to. (Romans soldiers called themselves Caesarians, meaning they belonged to Caesar.) This diverse group was brought together by Christ. They were the party of Jesus!
How did it begin? With this attitude of heart...
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
Friends, we have a lifelong debt of love. No matter how much you give, you are called to give more. You never reach a point where you say, “I have loved enough, I’m done!” The motivation for this is God’s love for us. God loved us immeasurably through his son Jesus. We understand His love to the degree that we love others.
Romans chapter thirteen is famous for its words relating Christian conduct and human governments. This is not the first place in Scripture we read these things. In Matthew chapter twenty-two we find an interaction between Jesus and a group of men who were trying to trap him. This group was an unusual alliance between two types of Jews. The Pharisees, who represented religious life in the Jewish community, did not like Roman rule. The second group was the Herodians. These Jews didn’t mind the Roman way of life. In fact, they supported the Roman government and paid their taxes. These unlikely allies came together in order to put Jesus to the test. They did so with one very clever question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
If Jesus responds by saying, “No, do not pay taxes to the Roman Emperor,” then he will be accused of being a traitor and possibly an insurrectionist. Rome had no tolerance for men like this. If Jesus says, “Yes, go ahead and pay your taxes to Caesar,” then he will be accused of being a Roman sympathizer by the Pharisees. So it seems there is no way out. Either way, he will be accused of wrongdoing. Jesus' enemies are sure they’ve got him trapped.
But Jesus responds in the most brilliant way. He says, “Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites?” He’s saying they come from a place of moral superiority but he knows their words and deeds do not match up. Jesus replies, “Show me the coin,” and, “Whose face is on this coin?” They said, “Caesar.” Jesus delivers, "Therefore give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God the things that are God’s." This is the answer of a genius intellect. On one hand, he is acknowledging the validity of human government. On the other hand, he is putting limitations on it.
Caesar minted the coins and his image is imprinted on them, so in this sense they are his property. However, all humans bear the image of God. Therefore, all humans belong to God. It’s as if Jesus says, “This coin has the likeness of Caesar, but you have the likeness of God." This is the most profound political statement ever made. The critics cannot accuse him of being a traitor or a Roman sympathizer. They have nothing to do but walk away. Paul’s words in Romans chapter 13 give further expression to what Jesus said to his enemies.
Here are a couple of questions for Christians this election year: How are citizens of heaven supposed to relate to human governments? What kind of citizen is God calling you to be while on the earth?
Last Sunday we looked at Romans 12:3-8. We read about having our minds renewed in Christ. This has a profound effect on who we are and what we do. A renewed mind manifests itself in loving those inside and outside the church. How exactly is this done? Paul tells us what Christian love is, and is not. This is necessary because in our day we use the word love to describe affections that are not all the same. For example, you might hear someone say they love ice cream and then a minute later they tell you they love their spouse. Are they really talking about the same kind of love? Depends on the flavor…fair enough.
The ancient Greeks however, had four primary words to describe different types of love. Philia (close friendship), eros (romantic), storge (family) and more rarely, agape (Divine love used to describe God’s affection for humanity). This love is unwavering, unconditional and authentic.
"Let love be genuine." Romans 12:9
Of those four main Greek words for love, the one Paul uses above is agape. This is a persistent love that seeks to understand how one can be a blessing to another. It does not give up.
The word genuine means to be sincere. In other words, don’t fake it. It’s like when you smile and thank the police officer for giving you a speeding ticket. Don’t deceive yourself into thinking you're loving someone when in reality you are neglecting them. This is a call to honestly evaluate your heart and ask yourself the question, “Do I love without hypocrisy?” “Do I love only those who love me?”
The question Paul is asking each of us is this: How do you know if your heart and mind have been renewed in Christ? The answer is found in who and how you love those in the church and those in the world.
Last Sunday we covered the first two verses in Romans chapter twelve. Paul exhorted us in this way…
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2
In the verses that follow, he explains how to renew our minds, and as a result our lives will be transformed. This wisdom is needed today. Many (moreso the younger generations) struggle with these questions...
How should I think about myself?
How should I think about others?
What is my purpose?
For the Christian, these questions have been answered in a way that brings life and meaning. If you’ve been wondering why you should live for God; here’s one answer - You will never have the life you’ve always wanted without a proper perspective of who God created you to be.
This is how we are not to think and how we are to think about ourselves...
"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned."
Romans 12:3
There is a universal tendency in the human heart. We think we’re better than most. The cure is to think soberly according to the measure of faith God has assigned. The word measure can also be translated as standard and when read this way, it opens up the meaning. God has assigned to all of us the standard of faith which is Jesus himself. Paul understands that He is the yardstick by which we measure ourselves. This is very helpful. The main reason why you and I become arrogant and conceited is because we compare ourselves to others. And since everybody can look down on somebody, there is ample opportunity for the inflation of one’s ego. So here’s the correction: compare yourself to Jesus. Suddenly, pride gives way to humility and this allows us to think rightly about ourselves and others.
In Romans chapter 12 there is a noticeable shift in the letter from Paul. He moves from doctrine to application. This is the part where you ask yourself, "What difference does knowing God make in my life?" Paul helps… I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 Paul is making an urgent request and at the same, he forms the basis for it: God’s mercies. God’s mercy is both simple and complex. A short definition is to say that mercy is the gift of God’s forgiveness and the withholding of His punishment. God’s mercy pardons your sin thereby granting you eternal life. This, according to Paul, forms the foundation of our commitment to God. Paul doesn't say, “Hey, do yourself a favor and obey God.” Instead, he says you and I have an obligation to live for him because of what he has provided. God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his son on the cross to pay the price for our sins. The greater our comprehension of what God has done for us, the greater our commitment should be. This is worship. God’s mercy is the magnet that draws us closer to him!
Our text this week is about the nation of Israel. There is no doubt they are a unique group of people. They have been around a long time despite many efforts aimed at their destruction. Many ancient nations have come and gone yet Israel has stood the test of time. They are second to none in the history of battle. Think about this - they can trace their lineage back thousands of years to one man, Abraham. Worldwide those who identify as Jew first total about 15 million. Approximately half live in Israel and a little less than half live in the United States. Their religious, intellectual and socio-economic contributions to society are enormous. Yet today, there are many divided sympathies towards them throughout the world and in our own country.If the question is - What is the proper attitude toward Israel from the Christian community? The answer is found in Romans chapter 11. It’s here that Paul takes up the conversaton about whether God himself has given up on Israel. This is a natural question because in ancient times the majority of them were spiritually lost and did not follow God. Additionally, when Jesus arrived the Jews not only rejected him but they offered him up to be crucified. So does this mean that God is done with the nation of Israel? Paul responds with a resounding “No!" His answer also carries with it advice regarding our own attitudes. The simple fact is, if you are a Gentile Christian then you should be humbled to know that you were not a natural part of the spiritual tree in the first place. Instead, you were grafted in. Paul says that salvation is for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and then to the Gentile. C.S. Lewis said, “In a sense, the converted Jew is the most normal human being in the world. Everyone else is, from one point of view, a special case dealt with under emergency conditions.” So then, if you are a Gentile believer there is no room for pride or arrogance. We are privileged to have any part in it at all. Furthermore, God wants to use the Gentiles to bring the Jews into His kingdom. Individual believers and the believing community at large are meant to radiate a spiritual reality that causes unbelieving Jews to be provoked to spiritual jealousy. The love we have for Christ and each other is the magnet by which all people are drawn to the Savior. They look at us and say, “They have something I don’t have!”
Romans 10 There is a recurring argument that Paul confronts in the book of Romans and it goes like this…If the nation of Israel, with all of its tremendous spiritual privileges has not followed God’s plan of redemption through Jesus but still clings to a works oriented view of salvation - does that mean God has failed? Afterall, God chose Israel to be his people and yet they have turned their backs on his offer of salvation through Christ. This might lead some to think God did not accomplish what he set out to do and therefore God has failed.
Paul’s answer is that throughout Israel's history God has been supernaturally directing events. He operates according to his sovereign choosing. For example, even though Ishmael was born first, God chose Isaac to carry on his promises. Later, God would select Jacob over Esau. Paul says God raised up Pharoah to show his power. These are just a few events in history that reveal the foundation for God’s sovereign election.
Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out Paul ends the chapter saying everyone is personally responsible for responding to God in faith.
“Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” Romans 9:32-33
Notice carefully how Pauyl says, “...they did not pursue it by faith." He presents the other side of the coin. Everyone is accountable for accepting or rejecting Jesus. The fact is, the Bible teaches God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. It doesn't show us exactly how these two things blend together. It does not resolve the paradox. I used to struggle with this. My tiny analytical mind was troubled. Until I realized my inability to understand all that God does is a good thing. This is something a supernatural being would create and that actually gives me peace. If everything God does makes sense to me then there would be no transcendence. Nothing here contradicts reason, but it does go beyond it. God is bigger than we can conceive! Perhaps most glorious of all is that God has given us the dignity of being the vessels to bring about the message of salvation. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15 This is simple, progressive logic. Salvation comes when you and I preach the gospel to those who have not heard. You can’t call on Jesus if you don’t know him. God sends preachers like you and me to increase belief!
In this very special service, Dr. Peter Williams from The University of Cambridge joins us to speak about the trustworthiness of the Gospels. Dr. Williams is an Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and a member of the Translation Oversight Committee of the English Standard Version of the Bible. He assisted Dr. Dirk Jongkind in Tyndale House’s production of a major edition of the Greek New Testament and his book "Can We Trust the Gospels?" has been translated into 13 languages. His latest book, "The Surprising Genius of Jesus: What the Gospels Reveal about the Greatest Teacher", was published in October 2023.
This is a great opportunity to further enhance your confidence in the reliability of the Gospels.
Happy 8th Birthday Illuminate!
Wow, how time goes by! What began as a dream eight years ago has become a movement of God’s people who call Illuminate their home. We couldn’t have imagined all that God would do, but we are not surprised because we believe God is big and he wants to do much more than we could ask or think...
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
So as we talk about past victories, celebrate changed lives and brag on God’s faithfulness, we also look forward to the next chapters believing the best is yet to come! I’ll be sharing the vision for 2024 and where we believe God is guiding us into the future. There are some unique opportunities on the horizon for us as well.
I am so grateful for your participation in the Gospel. The best part for me is that we get to do this together and experience more, “Only God” stories!
In this message, we will be reading from Romans chapter nine. It’s a stark contrast to the end of chapter eight where Paul ends on a high note. He gives a mountain top experience but when you arrive at the summit and look ahead you see storm clouds approaching. After turning the page, you find distress in what Paul writes next. Consider the change in tone... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 This is the crescendo moment as Paul speaks of the overwhelming love of God. However, it is quickly followed by anguish in chapter 9 verses 1-2… I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. What happened? Well, Paul’s mind turns toward those who have not accepted God’s love in Christ. Specifically, his Jewish brothers and sisters. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. Romans 9:3-5 These are intense emotions spoken out of love for those who have had every advantage and yet, they have rejected the good things God has blessed them with. Paul goes so far as to say that he is willing to give up his seat on the bus to heaven so that his kinsman can take it. Many of us have gathered with friends and family for the holidays. Some of them don’t yet know Jesus and while we laugh and enjoy each other’s company, we have a deep sadness and underlying pain because they are far from God. Luther said it well, “Love is not only pure joy, and delight, but also great and deep heaviness of heart and sorrow.” Like Paul, our hearts break for those who are lost. One more thing to note about Romans chapter nine. It contains one of the more challenging and hard to follow issues in the entire Bible. Paul speaks of God’s sovereign and unconditional election. I hope to show this gives the believer great peace in knowing God has a plan and has been working that plan from eternity past. When God works, nothing will stop Him!
In 1660 John Bunyon, the Puritan preacher and author was in deep depression until he began meditating on the words of our text this Sunday. He read this from Romans chapter 8, “If God is for us, who is against us?” The more he reflected on these words the more the clouds departed. All we have to do is look around us and see what’s happening in the world and it’s easy to become downhearted. Or we can look within and recognize life’s unwanted circumstances and this too can cause a downward spiral. It’s time to look up. Romans chapter 8 contains what might be the most joy-filled, confident expressions in the entire Bible - and not just a few, but many in rapid succession beginning with one familiar to many Christians…
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 The text doesn’t say all things are good because in fact, sometimes life brings us horrible situations. However, even in this God works the bad for good. The Greek words translated as ‘work together' form the foundation for the English word synergy. Synergy is when two or more things come together and produce something better than what each could do on it’s own. Still the question remains... What exactly is meant by ‘good’? The ultimate good is revealed in the next verse... For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, Romans 8:29a There it is. Did you catch it? The ultimate good for you and me is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. This doesn’t mean everything in this life will be easy. It means that God will use all things to produce Christ-likeness in you and this is what serves you best. So your present distresses should not be viewed as destructive. Pleasures, pains, suffering, heartache and disappointments are being used by God synergystically. Sometimes we say, “Why is God allowing this to happen?” Paul reminds us that God gave us His best in Jesus so He won’t withold any good thing from us. This leads Paul to proclaim, "If God is for us, who can be against us!"
Have you noticed that Christmas has become the world’s largest secular holiday? Sadly, the story of Jesus’ birth goes unnoticed and yet the story itself is remarkable. It’s like someone who lives in Arizona and yet never visits the Grand Canyon thinking, “It will always be just a few hours away and when I get time, I’ll make it there.” There’s this incredible place of natural beauty and yet never experienced even though it’s in our own backyard! That’s the way many people treat the birth of Jesus. “Someday, I’ll think more critically about the most talked about and written individual to ever walk the planet. The story will always be there so I’ll explore it when I have time.” This weekend I’d like to bring us to the manger and into the sights and sounds of what took place 2000 years ago. Actually, I’d like to take us farther back in time. Seven hundred years before the days of Mary and Joseph there lived a man named Isaiah. He was from the same region where Jesus was born. God speaks through Isaiah and gives remarkable insight into future events… Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Immanuel means, “God with us.” Shockingly, the prophet tells us that Jesus is God in human form and will dwell among humanity. Many people have very little tolerance for Christianity because it is seen as exclusive and intolerant. The idea that Jesus is the only way to God and only through him can you achieve eternal life appears to be extremely narrow minded. The fact is, Christmas is the cause of irritating exclusivity. You see, every other religion believes that if you just follow their founder’s moral teachings then you will gain something better in the life to come. Morality and goodness is the path to God. Christianity says that’s not possible. Your situation is so desperate that morality and goodness will never be enough. Oh, and the reality is, you’re not actually as good as you think you are. So someone has to be good for you. Suddenly, Christianity doesn’t seem so exclusive does it? Because God did for you what you couldn’t do for yourself. This is the meaning of Immanuel, God WITH us. This shatters many people’s view of Him. They think God is distant and far off and only mildly interested in human affairs. Christmas gives correction to that. Listen to the words of the apostle Paul, For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 In other words, God gives light in the darkness by sending Jesus to be THE light who is the very representation of God himself. Now that is something to celebrate!
Advent - PeaceLuke 2:14 You may not speak Hebrew but you know the word shalom. The peace symbol is one of the most recognized in the world. Worldwide recognition is given every year to those who are considered great peacemakers. Meanwhile the 20th century has seen more bloodshed in war than all previous centuries combined. Currently there are two major ongoing conflicts. In reality; peace on earth is elusive.Last Sunday we looked at the first part of the angel’s glorious birth announcement. Shepherds were the first to hear about the true source of joy arriving in the form of a baby. The second part of the angel’s announcement proclaims this virgin born baby is the ultimate peacemaker.“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14There is no mistaking this - we please God by accepting his Son, Jesus. He is the only one that can remove the barrier of sin between us and the One who created and sustains all life. Once you have made peace with God, you can then have the peace of God in your life. As Jesus prepares to leave his disciples, he says this, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27
The world cannot offer inner peace. This is a deep security in knowing you are loved by God every moment of your life – in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, in bad times and good. It’s a comfort the world cannot know apart from God and found only in Jesus.
Christian joy is not dependent upon circumstances, it is dependent upon a person.
And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:8-14
God comes to those who are attentive no matter what society thinks of them.
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. 1 Corinthians 15:41
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Luke 2:1-2
And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Luke 2:3-5
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2
And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Christians have the ability to look beyond the suffering and look to a sovereign God who uses suffering to refine our character because He loves us.
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:9-11
Jesus says if you want joy that transcends your circumstances then do two things: obey His word and remain in His love.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 The Danish philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard reflected on the reason for the incarnation and said this… Imagine a prince desiring to get married. Each day his gold carriage traveled through the marketplace on its way to the castle. One day his eye caught the beauty of a peasant maiden. He fell in love with her. But how could he get her to marry him? As prince he could force the girl. Or he could have put on an incredible display of wealth and power. But he wanted a marriage of mutual love, not manipulation or force. So he exchanged his royal robes for peasant clothes and became a commoner. The prince lived as a poor man, worked as a laborer and ate scraps. Eventually, the girl took notice of him as a hard working and kind man. Soonafter, they wed. You see, the prince became as she was so that she could understand his heart for her. That’s why God sent Jesus. So that we would understand God’s heart for us. This method is far better than any external voice shouting from heaven or some powerful ruler announcing a decree. God’s love can be a difficult thing for us to grasp. We tend to withhold love if we have been wronged. We tend to think of what is in our best interest first. Sometimes we harbor bitterness and grudges toward those we love the most. God however, withholds nothing from us. Consider this: The greatest gifts are both useful and costly. The gift of Jesus is the most useful and costly thing you will ever receive. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 Through Jesus you recieve eternal life. I would say that is very useful! However, it will come at a sacrifice and not of your own. It will require the death of Jesus. That is costly. Useful and costly is this gift from God. A clear expression of his love for you!
This Sunday we start our Advent series in preparation for the most significant event in human history - the birth of Jesus. The word advent means “arrival” and beginning in the fourth century AD Christians have been preparing their hearts, minds and homes with the hope of Christmas. We use the word hope several different ways. We might say, “I hope next summer won’t be as hot as the last one!” There is an element of pessimism in this. That’s not the kind of hope we are talking about. Instead, Biblical hope is a confident assurance that what God promised, He will deliver. Read slowly this comforting truth from Paul... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 5:13 God is the source and supplier of hope. Certainly our world today needs a confident assurance that is rooted in the nature of the One who created and sustains all life. There are two major wars with no end in sight and more people are taking their lives than at any other time in recorded history. The number of those seeking professional mental health has never been higher. Why is this? It’s because we pour our hope into leaky containers only to realize they are soon empty. In God, we will never be depleted because our hope is in His son Jesus Christ born long ago and alive today. Johnathon Edwards said this about the Christian life… "Our good things can never be taken away from us, even our bad things turn out for good, and the best things are yet to come.” This is the hope of Christmas!
Romans 8:18-27
Friends, the Scritpures are honest in describing an inescapable reality: there is pain in human existence. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 Paul is honest in describing a life modeled after Jesus and guided by the Spirit includes suffering. He would know. This is his testimony… Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 Down through the ages some believers have had it worse than this. Notice he begins verse 18 by saying, “I consider,” which means he has taken time to think things through and develop a conclusion: Earthly hardships are temporary. The joy of heaven is eternal. Paul suffered physically and emotionally, but one day he, like us, will have a mind and body immune to pain. He has been without food but in heaven he has a feast. He bears the scars of several beat downs but his unbreakable body awaits. Best of all, he is in the presence of the one who saved him. There’s no comparison between what our lives are like now and what they will be in eternity. C. S. Lewis said this…
“If we consider the unblushing promises of reward … promised in the Gospels, it would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.” In other words, consider what your heart truly desires. The best of what this earth has to offer is a mere shadow of what is to come. Wash your hands of the mud and lift your eyes toward heaven. Whatever your earthly pain or pleasure it cannot be compared with what awaits you Christian. Through grief there is hope!
Romans 8:1-17
Last week we heard some brutally honest words from the apostle Paul. He reveals his own personal struggles in Romans chapter 7…
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. vs.24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Romans 7:14-15; 24.
I can relate to this and so can you. We want to do good but we end up doing the very thing we do not want to do. Our inner being wants to please God and recognizes the destructive patterns but yet we continue down the same road. Chapter 7 paints a bleak picture of the believer's ongoing struggle. At the same time there is something else present in the life of a Christian. Something even more powerful. If chapter 7 reveals the battle, chapter 8 gives us the victory. It is the Spirit of God that has the power to set us free from sin’s bondage. In the first seven chapters Paul has spoken of God’s Spirit only twice, but in chapter 8 the Spirit is mentioned 20 times!
For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2
The law shows us we are sinners and brings condemnation and death, but the law of the Spirit brings liberation and life. This was accomplished when Jesus took on human flesh and was without sin. He stood apart from it, therefore he could judge it. Through his resurrection Jesus conquered sin’s penalty. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you and now gives you the power to overcome life's daily temptations.
Paul explains how the Spirit of God works in cooperation with the Word of God and this gives you a new mindset, a new lifestyle, a new identity and new purpose. You are part of a new humanity and you are not in this alone. What a great comfort!
This is a very poignant description of somebody who cares deeply about people, the Word of God, and what God wants for him. This is the person who desires to obey God’s laws, but is disappointed with himself, because in spite of what he desires he is pulled and pushed away from what he wants to do into the very thing he hates. It is the personal conflict of a soul in turmoil. The struggle is real. It is so intense and so strong that it dominates the life of Paul, and it dominates our lives also.You’re probably familiar with the classic story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Dr. Jekyll creates a potion in an attempt to separate himself from his dark and evil side which becomes Mr. Hyde. Dr Jeykll is kind and has many friends, but Mr. Hyde is evil and cruel. Two very different personas living inside one person. Have you ever said to yourself, “I can’t believe I did that! Why did I say that…again!” It’s like this little dark closet that exists within your heart and at times the beast inside reveals itself rather abruptly. Just as quickly it goes back into the darkness and closes the door…until next time.Romans chapter 7 explains how that beast enters your life. It might surprise you to know that Paul makes this admission at least 20 years after being a Christian, sharing the gospel and planting churches. The more Paul studies his Bible the more he sees the contradiction in his life. The law brings recognition of the magnitude of sin. Sin has consequences far beyond what we first realize. As I get older I realize this truth more and more. Sins I committed in the past have their effect on me to this day. That’s the weight of it. Alternatively, I’m more aware of my need for God’s grace daily and am thankful for it.Once you recognize what fuels the beast you can begin to defeat it. The end of chapter 7 makes you want to quickly turn the page to chapter 8 becasue it’s there we are told how to win the victory, but first comes the struggle.
Last week we heard from the apostle Paul as he explained the effects of God’s grace in our lives. Some erroneously believed that because God forgives, they can just go on wilfully sinning. In fact, some made the argument that if we sin more, then God has to give us more grace and when God gives grace that just makes him look better. So we should sin more, therefore revealing God to be good. Paul answers with a resounding, “No!" You don’t understand grace.
A proper understanding of grace should lead you away from sin, not towards it.
Maybe you’ve heard this excuse before. It’s actually been used by prominent Pastors who have had moral failures and then say something like this, “I know it’s wrong. I am God’s child and I am under grace and He will forgive me.” The error here is in thinking that one’s freedom is unshackled and it minimizes the fact that sin is extremely powerful and will pull you deeper and enslave you further.
This thinking is deadly.
To be enslaved is to be controlled. Now here’s the thing…we are all slaves to something or someone including ourselves. That is to say, we are slaves to our own flesh. The apostle Paul was keenly aware of this and that’s why he begins his letter to the Romans describing himself in this way…
"Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” Romans 1:1
The Greek word for servant is doulos and it literally means to be owned by someone for a lifetime. Paul understood that everybody serves someone. He also knew what it meant to live a life serving unrighteousness. It leads to death.
Let’s understand how deceitful a master sin is. It will make you think you are free when in fact you are in the hands of a destroyer. Remember the story of Pinocchio, Geppetto’s wooden puppet who longs to be a “real boy”? One night, his wish was granted, but on his way to school, he was lured by the wily fox, Honest John, who promises Pinocchio stardom as a “live puppet without strings.” Sadly however, Pinocchio finds himself locked up and enslaved by the fox. He is freed by his friend but shortly thereafter he’s lured again to Pleasure Island where he can live as he wants. There he learns that his new life of freedom will quickly turn him into a donkey. In one very pointed scene you can see the terrified look on the little boy’s face as he’s trying to run away but it’s too late. Pinoccian is being transformed into an animal. It’s creepy, sad and profound.
The theme of the fairy tale is that we must be on guard for ways that look like freedom but actually lead to enslavement and death. This story isn’t just for children. It is a creative illustration of sin’s enticement leading to bondage and a diminishment of one's humanity. Obedience to Jesus is the key to our liberation and true freedom.
The message this Sunday is for all those who feel trapped in destructive habits. It is for those who have been living in a cycle of sin, confess, sin, confess, over and over again. It is for those who feel stuck and wonder if thier Christian life will ever move forward. It is also for those who ask, "What did Jesus ever do for me?"
The apostle Paul has been writing about the grace of God in Romans chapter 5. He’s been telling us that God’s grace covers every one of our sins. As often as we sin, there is grace to cover it. Like the waves of an ocean, one rolling in after another, God’s grace does not come to an end. He concludes chapter 5 in this way…
Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21
In other words, the law, or God’s moral commands, shows us clearly that we are sinners because they are spelled out in black and white, there is no gray column. We have no excuse and cannot say, “Well, I don’t know what God expects from me!” So in this sense having the law increases sin. Paul goes on to say that where sin increases, grace abounds all the more. Why? The more we sin, the more grace is required to cover that sin.
Paul is a brilliant thinker. He anticipates a question in light of this and it’s found in the very next verse.
What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? Romans 6:1
If God has to supply more grace to cover our many sins then why not make God look more and more gracious by sinning more and more. His answer is a resounding NO!!
By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Romans 6:2
What he says next is the cure for your sin cycle. It begins with a specific knowledge found in verses 3 and 4.
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
To be baptised is to identify with something or somoene. So if you want to live the victorious Christian life then what you understand about your salvation identity is terribly important. There’s a simple and profound truth here...
We function according to our identity. You see, Jesus was raised so that we can be given new life. Our old life was in Adam with his death and as a result we were stuck and buried in sin. However, our new life is in Jesus with his death and resurrection. The old life (identity) in Adam is gone, the new life (identity) in Christ has arrived. Therefore Paul concludes this section with a resounding conclusion…
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14 This is prevention theology. Our identity in Christ prevents us from being under sin’s rule!
Sunday’s passage in Romans is widely accepted as one of great significance and also one of the most challenging. Our task is to make it simple but not to simplify it. Sin came into the world through one man, says Paul. That man is Adam. Paul believed Adam was a real human (and so did Jesus.) Paul reaches back to the Garden of Eden when God said to the man, “Just one restriction, don’t eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” And what happened? Adam ate. Then came the result: death was spread through sin. Since death is the result of sin and because we are descended from Adam, death will get each one of us. Once the sin principle came to dwell in Adam, he would then pass it on to all of his procreation. In other words, if the source of the stream is polluted, everything downstream will be polluted also. I recently read about a man who owns a mortuary and he ends his communication with this,"Eventually yours,” In other words, one day you will need his services. Paul explains how Adam is a type of Jesus not because they are similar but because they are dissimilar. Adam’s actions brought a degenerative power that leads to death, but Jesus’ actions brought a regenerative power that leads to eternal life. It’s like when you go to the store and the person adding up your items makes an error. In order to make it right they have to call a manager. Adam made a critical error and only Jesus has the power and authority to override it. Why did Jesus do so? It was God’s love on display. The only thing that is more powerful in the heart of God than his hatred of sin is his love of the sinner.
Romans chapter five contains the famous passage commonly referred to as “the chain of salvation.” Imagine Paul linking together five amazing blessings that come into your life as a result of trusting in Jesus.
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2
First, we have peace with God. What does it mean to have peace with God? What is the opposite of peace? War. The believer was once an enemy of God and under his wrath. We can be thankful that one of the names of Jesus is, “Prince of Peace.” At the birth announcement of Jesus we read this in Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
People are desperately searching for peace of mind today. Here are some current headlines: From the CDC, May, 2023: "One in four Americans has received mental health treatment in the last four months." Statista, July, 2023: "We now have the highest number of adults seeking mental health help ever recorded at almost 48 million."
Let’s talk about our kids: American Psychological Association, January, 2022: "Children’s Mental Health Is In Crisis." Updated: June, 2023: "Child Psychologists are sounding the alarm bell saying they are overwhelmed by the number of counseling needs for ages 8-15." New York Times, May, 2022: "Anxiety is filling our kids."
What Paul highlights is what the world needs. We wrestle with what others think of us. Social media can be a platform feeding narcissistic tendencies. We struggle to live in a world filled with uncertainties. There is division caused by the many polarizing viewpoints which lead to family and friendship separation. There is very little civility in this world. Meanwhile Jesus says, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” It’s a beautiful invitation. The peace Jesus brings doesn’t have to do with your feelings, rather it has to do with your relationship.
Here is where your peaceful rest begins...
Your greatest problem has already been solved. You were at war with God but you didn’t know it. But Jesus has brought you peace with God. Once you have peace with God then you can be at peace with others even though they might continue to be hostile toward you.
Let’s not be naive. When you are no longer at war with God you do take on a couple of new wars. There is a war against your flesh and there is a war against the powers of darkness. God’s Spirit and His Word and His people are the weapons we use to fight against these new enemies.
"That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,” Romans 4:16
What exactly is the faith of Abraham? Paul explains…
In hope he believed against hope, (that’s another way of describing a seemingly impossible situation) that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. Romans 4:18-19
Paul is describing the strength of Abraham’s faith in light of the massive challenges to what God promised. Centenarians don’t have children. Abraham says to himself, “My body is as good as dead. Not capable of reproduction. And my wife, well her womb is also barren.” The Greek word for barren is nekro and literally means dead. It’s the same Greek root word used to describe Abraham’s body. They are way beyond child bearing years, but his faith in God is strong and he believed that God can bring dead things to life. Abraham weighed the impossibility of him and Sarah producing a child together and the impossibility of God breaking his promise and the result is that his faith grew.
This is a massive concept: Our faith is only as good as the object in which we place it.
Do you think Abraham really believe this was possible? Or was it just talk? He really did believe. Here’s how we know…Abraham would have a son named Isaac. Later, when the boy is about 13 years old God tells Abraham to sacrifice the boy. It’s a test of his faith, and a big one. There had been no recorded resurrection at this time in history. God promised a son and the son was delivered and now God says, “Take his life.” But if he takes Isaac’s life then what about the promise? Abraham has the knife in hand and what was going through his mind? The author of Hebrews tells you…
He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. Hebrews 11:19
In other words, in Abraham’s mind the death of his son was a foregone conclusion and yet he believed that God had the power to bring Isaac back from the dead in order to keep his promise. Just before the act, God stops Abraham and provides an alternative sacrifice. This is all a foreshadow of Jesus’ own sacrificial death. You see, in order to save the world God would do with his own son what he asked Abraham to do and yet God would follow through to the end.
But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification Romans 4:23-25
It’s pretty cool because what Paul says is that we share the same faith Abraham had. We also believe God has the power to raise a man from the dead and that man is Jesus.
How do you perceive the object of your faith? The challenge is that we say we have faith and then we rely mostly on what we can do ourselves. A good measure of your faith in God is to ask yourself this question - How long is my list of anxieties and worries and where is my distrust in Him?
There is one central theme to Romans chapter 4 and it is this: Salvation comes by faith and not works. This is a timely message for today because there are millions of people practicing some form of religion or self actualization that teaches one must earn his or her way to enlightenment or heaven. Most believe if your good outweighs your bad then God smiles on you and the gates of heaven will be thrown open. Paul shatters this idea by using just two examples from the Old Testament. He eagerly probes at the roots of this issue by asking the question... What can be learned about salvation by looking at the relationship between God and Abraham? If Abraham’s relationship with God was made acceptable by his good deeds then Abraham would have something to brag about. Why? Because there was a time when God asked him to do the work of sacrificing his son. This was a test of his faith and Abraham was willing to go there. You see, if God accepted us based on our good deeds then Abraham is our winner. He defeats everyone because he was willing to do the impossible. But it doesn’t work that way. Well then what saved him? Paul explains by qouting from the original text: For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:3.) Paul’s point is that Abraham believed God before Isaac was born and therefore he was justified by faith before he did any of his great works for which he is so famous. Paul uses King David as another example. David broke three of the Ten Commandments and according to the Old Testament sacrificial system the penalty was death. This is why David cried, "For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Psalm 51:16-17 In other words, he says there is no work he can do in order to atone for his sins. Instead, David throws himself upon the mercy of God and receives grace and forgiveness. Paul uses Israel's greatest patriarch in Abraham and Israel's greatest king in David to show there is nothing you and I can do to pay for our wrongs. Our only hope is this…
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. Romans 3:21 Countless millions firmly trust in some other form of religious ceremony or activity to make them right with God. What does all this mean to you and me? Take a deep breath and let it out Christian. That’s a sigh of relief. Paul could not be any clearer, your eternal destiny does not depend on you working your way toward God through acts or rituals in hope that it is enough; it’s about having faith in Jesus as the one who declares you justified because of his righteousness!
We’ve got something special for you church family!
This Sunday we will be stepping out of our study in Romans and bringing you something very important. For the last several months we have been planning a refocus of our priorities and purpose as a church. Our mission was made clear by Jesus when he said this in Matthew 28:19-20…
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Jesus set forth several commands explaining exactly what it means to be his disciple. We’ll explore these together and then we’ll be challenged to answer the call - especially for those who are ready to become disciple makers.
Pastor Steve and his team have been leading the charge and I couldn’t be more enthusiastic to share this with you.
Here are a few words from him…
We’re excited to unveil DISCIPLESHIFT this coming Sunday. What is it? It’s our vision and plan to create a culture of discipleship at Illuminate – to see an environment developed where we can forge deep, authentic relationships in which we can be fully known and experience the grace and transforming power of Jesus Christ, and then follow Him in every area of our life.
Discipleshift is built around one simple truth: Jesus makes you a new person with a new family on a new mission. It represents our vision of the kind of disciple that we want to be and to make as a church. Sunday morning, we will be unleashing Discipleshift in order to equip you to follow Jesus with passion and purpose in all of life. Discipleshift is a journey that starts with the Gospel, and leads us through 12 key biblical dynamics of discipleship. Discipleshift is designed to help you press into these dynamics to become more of who Jesus wants you to be – like Him. More to come on Sunday...
This is a rich sentence my friends...
For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. Romans 3:22-24
All are sinners. You might be familiar with the scene of ancient archers drawing back their bows and letting the arrows fly toward the target. If they missed the bullseye the crowd yelled, “Sinner!” To sin is to miss the mark. God has a standard of conduct and none can live up to it with any kind of consistency. We miss the mark every day and the fact is, on our own, we will never hit it.
Therefore, Paul tells us that our justification is by God’s grace offered as a gift. While the gift comes to you freely it is not without cost to the gift giver. God gave his Son in exchange for your guilt. God put forward Jesus to be the propitiation, which is a big word that simply means payment. Paul reminds us that the wages of sin is death. Your wage was received by Jesus. His blood was shed in place of yours. Why blood? Because the life of a creature is in its blood. Once a year the sins of the people were absolved by the blood of an animal. But no more. Jesus died once for all.
This atoning work of Christ is received by faith, not by works.
Many religions make this critical error. Even those who claim to trust in Jesus. For example Mormon and Jehovah’s Witness doctrine teach that Jesus’ death was essential… in getting things started. Now you must finish. Far from you is the cross of Christ and in between there is a path down which you must drag yourself. Hopefully, through your own efforts, you can grab ahold of that cross and say, “I made it! God, will you validate my eternal life ticket? My knees are bloody but I have attained salvation!”
Paul shreds this in two words: “grace" and “gift." The nature of a gift is that it is to be freely received. Imagine getting a birthday present. You open it and inside is the gift you’ve always wanted. Along with it is the receipt. You laugh and say, “You left the receipt with the gift!” But then the person giving the gift says you owe them that amount. If you’re paying for it, it’s no longer a gift. How many different ways can Paul explain that salvation is free - but you must accept it. You can choose not to, but why would you turn it down?
There’s a YouTuber who crashes fashion shows by dressing up unknown elderly people in the most ridiculous costumes. The funny part is that he is able to convince everyone in charge that he is a real designer and that these geriatrics are real fashion models. Sometimes he actually gets them on the runways. The crowd can be seen applauding, taking pictures, asking for interviews and writing reviews...until someone says, “That’s my grandpa who retired from the post office!” Suddenly the mask is taken off and everyone gets a good laugh at the expense of those who claim to set the standards.
It’s like the fable of the emperor who has no clothes. He commissioned the finest designers to fashion for himself the most beautiful outfit in the world. But the designers conned him. They said the clothes were made of a very special invisible fabric that only the pure in heart could see. After many delays and much money the emperor sent his advisor to check the work. The designers could be observed weaving the invisible fabric and the advisor himself, not wanting to be seen as having an impure heart, reports back, “The work is stunning!”
Finally, the day arrives and the emperor is presented with his invisible wardrobe. He strips off his clothes and the designers come forward and place the imaginary cloak upon his bare shoulders. The emperor begins walking among his people, and everyone, for fear of being seen as having corrupted hearts, lifts up their praises. The truth is revealed when an innocent little child points, laughs and shouts, “The emperor has no clothes!” In this moment the hypocritical pretense of an entire nation is revealed.
Meanwhile, our world remains silent while falsehoods are being promoted and everyone is signing on, carrying the mantra of those in authority because we do not want to be seen as fools. And yet we are fools for ignoring what we know to be true and right. This is the challenge Paul brings to all humanity. God’s Word strips away our own self-deceit. However good some might appear to be, the Bible tells us the whole world has fallen short and our best human efforts won’t save us. We’ve all been made bare. Thankfully, God arranged someone who could clothe us in His perfect righteousness.
For the last couple of weeks we’ve been reading from Romans chapter one. The apostle Paul paints a bleak but realistic portrait of what happens when people reject God. There is a very predictable trajectory that leads to dark places and practices including idolatry and sexual perversion. However, in chapter two he makes an abrupt, unexpected, and shocking turn. It only makes sense if you understand what he’s written at the end of chapter one... And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Romans 1:28-32
Paul understands his letter is going to be read in front of the entire congregation. So you can imagine many in the church shaking their heads saying, “Those pitiful, awful idolaters, sexual perverts and wicked sinners - May God have mercy on them!” Paul confronts these people in the very next verse by saying, “You who sit there and pass judgment on others, you are also guilty.”
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. Romans 2:1
Paul has everyone’s attention now. It is human nature to look down on others. This is a result of our own insecurities and deep desire to perceive ourselves as better than the people around us. Church-goers tend to be especially competent at this. It’s as if Paul says, “Hey, you religious people, you Bible-believing, Bible-obeying folks, looking at all these awful pagans out there rolling in the streets together in their drunkenness and their orgies, you’re feeling superior to them but guess what - You’re doing the same thing!”
Now you might ask, “How is this possible? Religious folks are not actually bowing down to man-made idols and indulging in orgies.” No, they may not be doing that, but you must understand that rebellion takes many different forms. Jesus tells a story about two prodigal sons. Both use their father, but in very different ways. The younger tells dad, “I want my inheritance now!” Which is another way of saying, “I wish you were dead.” Remarkably, the father does it. He gives the son his share. The boy goes off and spends it all, living wildly. Eventually, he is face down in the mud with pigs. Not where good Jewish boys ought to be. He comes to his senses and goes back to his father. Dad welcomes him and all is forgiven with a huge party to follow. Meanwhile, the older son is watching and growing angry. You think he would be happy but in fact, the nature of his heart is revealed. He says to dad, “You never gave me a party and I’ve been with you this whole time!” Both boys were using their father, one by being bad...the other by being good. Dad was gracious to these young men and yet both took advantage of his kindness. Paul comments on the kindness of God as a corrective influence in our own lives... Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 To presume on God’s kindness is the Christian who willfully and knowingly chooses to sin and in the back of his or her mind is thinking, “I can always come back to God.” God’s kindness should not be leading you toward sin, it should be leading you away from it.
Three times in this passage Paul uses the phrase, “God gave them up”. So what does this mean? Simply put: God will allow men and women to go as far down the path of destruction as they desire. If one continues to deny God then what follows is all kinds of perversion. For example, one of the most popular genres of porn today is incest. Paul tells us there are consequences to depravity. These reverberations reveal God’s truth. We reap what we sow. In 2022 the top five infectious diseases amongst teenagers were: Cold, flu, strep throat, mono, gonorrhea and syphilis. According to the CDC there are 20 million new cases of STDs diagnosed each year, and half of those are among teens and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
Now let me be quick to say that everything Paul has mentioned in the text is not a sickness but a sin. And sin can be overcome. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, the same author writes this: "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Paul speaks of what he knows. He calls himself, “the worst of sinners.” He sought to kill Christians before becoming one. God’s grace washed Paul clean.
There is one further dimension of decline that Paul speaks of in verse 32. "Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:32
The final ending point of a culture that has ignored God is this: People give approval, encourage and even celebrate sin. These are perhaps even more degraded than the one doing the actual sin. I’ll give you an example from Paul’s own time. Which is worse? The Emperor who puts the slave in the Roman colosseum to be devoured by lions or the crowd who keeps cheering the emperor on by screaming, “More!” Those committing the depravity were supremely guilty but perhaps those who were watching, applauding and encouraging were even more wretched.
Does this not describe our own society? Celebrating and encouraging sin is, according to the Bible, the ultimate form of darkness within the human mind and heart.
Christians, we are not immune from this. What are you going along with? What are you laughing at? What are you viewing? What is it that you think you would never do? Your defenses are down. Be careful and remember you have an adversary who knows your temptations well. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the one who washes and sanctifies.
The apostle Paul minces no words in proclaiming his attitude toward the work of Jesus on the cross…
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Can you say the same?
There is power in the gospel because it brings salvation to all who believe. And yet, many don’t believe. In fact, some don’t believe there is a creator God. How does this happen? Paul explains...
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 8:21
Rejecting God ends in idolatry. Notice the progression…"They knew God but they did not honor him as God…” One of the ways we stop honoring God is to withhold giving thanks to Him. When you stop acknowledging God you become futile in your thoughts. You begin to say things like, “We evolved from nothing!" You begin to act like there is no one there to hold you accountable for your self-centered and destructive actions; so you do whatever you feel. The light, that is the goodness potential of your heart, goes dark when you dismiss God. The sad thing is when you attempt to close the vast gap between you and God you fool no one but yourself. You think you’ve got it all figured out.
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Romans 1:22-23
Rather than worship God, they worshiped something else. This is because we were made to worship. They began with idols that look like humans, but then things digress into birds and animals and then eventually they end up worshiping slithery things. The end result is that man places himself under the authority of lizards and snakes. (Interesting that Satan appears in the garden as a snake.) It will always be man’s tendency to close the vast space between God and himself. Any attempt to do this apart from Jesus leads to some form of foolish idolatry. Remember, idolatry is the elevation of anything or anyone to the place of ultimate worth above God. Even good things can become idols. So beware.
Have you been suppressing the truth about God because of your sinful actions? If so, you will be under God’s wrath. But his wrath (unlike human anger) is measured and controlled and balanced with love. This is why Paul is eager to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ because it has the power to save!
It is with great excitement that I write this update to you! Beginning this Sunday, we start a new verse by verse study in the book of Romans. This is one of the most life-changing letters in the entire Bible. We will be swimming in the deep end of the spiritual pool. If you come each week I promise you will understand God more and your faith will significantly increase.
It was Romans that brought about the conversion of Augustine in 386 AD. Many years later in 1515 it was Romans that brought Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, to a proper understanding of what it means to be in a right relationship with God. He stated, “This letter is the chief book of the New Testament, the purest Gospel. It deserves not only to be known word for word by every Christian, but to be the subject of his meditation day by day, the daily bread of his soul." Theologian John Calvin said, "When anyone understands this letter, he has a passage opened to him to the understandings of the whole scriptures.” More than any other book in the Bible, Romans is used to explain who man is, who God is and what a proper relationship between the two looks like. Biblical scholars are virtually unanimous on the towering significance and contribution of this writing.
One of the major themes is grace. We are going to hear the apostle Paul use this word a lot. Let’s understand what it means…grace is God’s unmerited favor toward you. In other words, God did not choose you to be on his team because he saw something special in you. He didn’t say, “Because you are so likable, I’ll assign you to be on my side." There was nothing in us that caused God to draw us to himself. Rather, just as God did with Paul, he chose to call us in the midst of our rebellion.
When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair pay for his or her time, that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for the performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award—yet receives such a gift anyway—that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Paul was a saint just like you. According to the Bible, a saint is one who has placed his or her faith in Christ. This has big implications because we function based on how we identify. Paul explains, in chapter 1 and verse 5 “...we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith.” Notice the identity of sainthood brings about the function of obedience to Jesus. This is our true identity brothers and sisters, so let’s walk accordingly!
This Sunday we bring our series on heaven and hell to a close. Perhaps the best way to do this is to hear from Jesus as he tells us what we can do here and now in order to prepare ourselves for the day we see Him face to face. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus says this...
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
In the words of an old pastor, ‘You never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.’
Notice the reason for storing up these treasures in heaven: they last. These are things no one can take from you. I have had valuables lost and stolen. I have had things taken from my car and my home. This never happens with what is kept in heaven. Additionally, by thinking eternally with what we have been entrusted temporally, the things of this earth remain in their proper place.
A funny thing happens in life…
The more things we have, the more our things seem to have us. We start to organize our lives around possessions and spend time and money to protect and maintain them because we fear their loss. Hoarding is a form of idolatry too. It puts something other than God at the center of our lives.
We should recognize that storing up treasures in heaven is not limited to our finances. For example, Jesus said this in Matthew 10:42…"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.” We serve Jesus by serving the body of Christ and as a result, we gain what we cannot lose. Even seemingly small acts of service when done with the right motive do not go unnoticed by God. If you serve coffee, put away chairs, give a sandwich to the homeless, empty the trash, introduce yourself to someone new, invite a friend or teach a child you are filling the hands of God with what will be returned one hundredfold.
Jesus assumes that our hearts will place value on whatever we find. His point is that our hearts must treasure the right things and keep them in their proper place because what we treasure most matters in eternity.
This Sunday we’ll discover a person and a force that is entirely devoted to keeping people from entering heaven. If you paid attention in World History class you remember that as Hitler’s appetite for power and territory grew, his army began to march across Europe. In some cases, the fight could hardly be called a battle. The German army rapidly advanced, with its tanks and technologically advanced weapons. In some of the underdeveloped nations, their armies made a futile effort to resist the aggression, fighting back with spears and even rocks. It was no contest at all, because these nations were not equipped for the battle.
The same could be said of many Christians. They are totally unprepared or even unaware of the spiritual battle that goes on around them and the eternal consequences of these battles. Our fight is against Satan and the powers of darkness, or other fallen angels, which he controls. Many of Satan’s victims do not even know there is a war going on and because of this, they make easy prey.
One of my mentors often said, “One of the most disbelieved verses in all of Scripture is found in Ephesians 6:12.” I think he’s right.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
These forces have been at work since God created man and woman. In the opening pages of the Bible it is apparent that Satan is the enemy of God, and that he actively seeks to oppose God, his purposes, and his people. However, we have been equipped by God to fight this enemy and win. I’m reminded of William Wallace (Mel Gibson) from the movie Braveheart who stood tall and stoic as the enemy rapidly advanced directly toward him and his men. Calmly, then forcefully he said, “Steady, hold, hold, hold, NOOOOOW!!!!” At that moment the Scotts picked up hidden weapons and immediately began to take down their English opposition. Or perhaps you remember the words of Maximus from the movie Gladiator when he told his General, “On my command, unleash hell.” We have something far more powerful than hell. We have the power of God’s throne in heaven. On God’s command, we unleash heaven!
Three distinct weapons are in your arsenal Christian. Are you using them?
- Prayer - prayer engages God’s power against Satan.
- Worship - when we worship we do the exact opposite of what Satan did. He practiced self-love and had thoughts of exaltation fueled by pride. He wanted to be on God’s throne; we bow down before it.
- God’s Word - The Bible is described as a sword that cuts through the lies and replaces them with truth. Satan is allergic to the truth and this is why he left Jesus alone after He kept breathing the Scriptures into Satan’s face.
We are nearing the end of our series on eternity (eternity lasts forever and this series will not) so this Sunday we read a remarkable parable from Jesus. Think of a parable as a short story that leaves a profound impact. It’s found in Matthew chapter 25 and it reveals the goal for every Christian. The goal is hearing Jesus say, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master (the one who rules and owns everything)!” So how exactly do we receive this welcome?
We receive it by making the most of every opportunity.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16
The author Daniel Pink wrote a book about regrets. He conducted a worldwide survey and discovered that regrets of omission outnumbered regrets of commission 3 to 1. In other words, most regrets occur because people did not take action when they had the opportunity. They did not travel, pursue a career change or a new relationship and now the opportunities are gone and they are left with remorse.
The parable in Matthew 25 is also about missed opportunities. It comes in response to a question the disciples have been asking Jesus, "When are you coming again?”He gives them a few signs but he does not give them a specific date. Why doesn’t he give them what they ask for? Because he wants his followers to live in anticipation of his coming so that they are in a constant state of readiness.
While we wait, we work.
The parable contains three servants. Two are proven faithful and get busy with what they have been given. They are not idle. The third (one talent servant) is lazy. He kicks a hole in the ground burying what he’s been given. With responsibility comes accountability. The owner returns and each receives according to the opportunities taken or wasted.
In all of history, perhaps the man who wasted the greatest opportunity was Judas. Remember him? He lived with Jesus and the other disciples for three years and yet his life is a sobering reminder that one can be so near yet so far. Are there people in church like this? Well, Judas lived with Jesus and do you know what his job was? He was the treasurer and…he was stealing. His heart was that of the one talent servant.
What do you do with what you have been given? Have you given the Lord a whole life of service in return for that? What would it take for you to hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master.”
“There is a preacher of the old school but he speaks as boldly as ever. He is not popular, though the world is his parish and he travels every part of the globe and speaks in every language. He visits the poor, calls upon the rich, preaches to people of every religion and no religion, and the subject of his sermon is always the same. He is an eloquent preacher, often stirring feelings which no other preacher could, and bringing tears to eyes that never weep. His arguments none are able to refute, nor is there any heart that has remained unmoved by the force of his appeals. He shatters life with his message. Most people hate him; everyone fears him. His name? Death. Every tombstone is his pulpit, every newspaper prints his text, and someday every one of you will be his sermon.” -Unknown Author In fifth grade, my teacher loved to remind us as 10-year-olds that you only have to do two things in life, pay your taxes and die. I’m not sure why she felt the need to repeat this day after day, but she was right. Death is inevitable, and trying to explain or draw meaning from death is the point of every worldview and religion. However, it is only in Christianity that the Gospel of Jesus Christ confronts death head-on in the middle of history. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul states that it is the resurrection of Jesus that gives us hope in the face of death. He goes on to make the claim that because Jesus has resurrected from the dead, we can have faith that someday we will be resurrected with him. Paul directly links his boldness for Christ in this life with his hope in the resurrection in the life to come. It is important to note that for Paul, an eternal existence for a human being is an embodied one. We will be specifically looking at 1 Corinthians 15:35-49, where Paul describes what these resurrected bodies will be like. For now, we will leave it at; our resurrected bodies will be superior to our earthly bodies in every way.
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) You are the crown of God’s creation! He has taken great care in uniquely designing you. And the way in which God has crafted you determines what He intends for you to do. You have been created in Jesus with purpose and significance in His Kingdom, to do good works every day for His glory. And this Sunday, we will see that Scripture tells us those everyday good works have consequences in the kingdom to come. What we do, how we do it, and why we do it are all going to be considered by God on a day when we, as Christians, will stand before Him. The New Testament is clear that a day is coming when you and me and all believers must all appear before the “Bema” – what many call the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor 5:10). In New Testament times, the bema was a raised platform used by the judges in the Greek games. Athletes would “appear” before the bema after completing their events, where the judges would ensure they competed according to the rules and then award the prizes for winning. The issue at the Bema of Christ will not be our eternal destiny. That’s been settled by the death of Jesus on the cross for your sins. As Paul says in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Again, in Ephesians 1, he makes it clear that, “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” This is not a judgment which will determine whether we get into heaven or not. So, what’s at stake? The good works we have done as Christians. It will be an assessment (not a judgment in the way we normally think) of our stewardship for Jesus. When we stand before the Bema of Christ, our faithful service to Him will be evaluated and rewarded. Jesus will assess our every thought, motive, and action. And then He will reward us for all that we have done for His glory. Most likely, you’ve never heard of the Bema of Jesus. The thought of being “judged” certainly seems unsettling. On Sunday, we’ll unpack it and see that it’s really more like the celebration at a graduation, complete with rewards. Until then, be the light so others will see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven!
Our eternal residence is described as having streets paved with gold, gates of pearl, life without pain, sorrow, temptation or loss. Hard to imagine that kind of existence. However, that’s not the best part. The beautiful and peaceful environment is secondary to the person because we will be in the very presence of God almighty. Let me give you an illustration to help you understand what this means. Suppose that someone you love is a prisoner of war, held captive for many years. You know this person (your husband, wife, son, daughter or best friend) is alive and you hope to see them again. Finally, after many false hopes and setbacks, an agreement was negotiated with the enemy and the release of your loved one is at hand. The government has made arrangements for you to meet your beloved in Hawaii, where you would be with them for two weeks before returning home. Hawaii is a beautiful place and I am sure most of us would love to go there right now. But for you in that moment of reunion, the place is secondary to the person. If you were to meet in Gila Bend, it would be no disappointment to you whatsoever. While the place of heaven is unimaginably beautiful, the presence of God will be our greatest joy. So what does our eternal home mean for our current and temporary realities? Paul explains in Romans chapter 8.
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." Romans 8:18
There is no greater glory than God himself. Fix your mind and heart on this my friend and always remember - whatever pain you face today will one day be alleviated forever, therefore we live accordingly... "Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness." 2 Peter 3:11000
This Sunday we’ll be looking at the words of Jesus as he speaks about a place called Gehenna. I mentioned it last Sunday and again some have asked, “Do we really have to talk about this?” Well, it seems like everyone is talking about eternal places except for Christians. For example, those who don’t know Jesus use the word “hell” all the time; and shouldn’t we be talking about the things Jesus talked about? Surprisingly to some, he talked about a place of torment quite a bit. So to ignore this is to miss an important subject according to Jesus.
At the same time I understand this is not a conversation anyone enjoys. I think there is a tendency to put this out of our minds as Christians because the thought of everlasting suffering seems cruel and not at all congruent with a loving God. A lot could be said here but let me briefly state two things…One, humans have free will; meaning they can choose to accept God’s salvation or they can dismiss it. So God isn’t sending people, moreso people are choosing to reject God’s gracious offer of deliverance. Second, the Bible clearly states that God desires that none should perish, this is His heart...
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. -2 Peter 3:9
Salvation is precious and you can’t fully appreciate your salvation until you know what you’ve been saved from. The message from Jesus is this: "I can deliver you from a place of eternal and conscious torment." Consider this…
“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell (Gehenna); yes, I tell you, fear Him!” -Luke 12:4-5
Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” -Matthew 25:45-46
It’s popular to say that Jesus saves you from a purposeless life, or from a destructive lifestyle. Those things are true but they fall short. According to Jesus, what you are ultimately saved from is an eternal separation from God in a place of punishment. Jesus used the word "Gehenna” (often translated as hell) to describe this place. Perhaps you’ve heard of this as the location of a smoldering dump just outside of ancient Jerusalem. As we’ll discover, this place might not be what you think. In fact, the "Gehenna" Jesus speaks of is worse than you know.
The teaching of a literal eternal hell has been challenged in recent times and we’ll talk about this. More importantly, we will look at what the Bible actually says. In fact, the person who talks most about God’s righteous judgement is none other than Jesus himself.
I can appreciate what R.C. Sproul said, "Every time we preach hell we do so with a tear in our eye.” It’s a tear of both sorrow and gratitude.
I often hear people say, “I never hear sermons about heaven and hell and what happens when you die.” Okay, let’s do it. Beginning this Sunday, we’ll start a nine week series asking and answering common questions...
Are heaven and hell real places, and if so, what are they? How can you reconcile hell with a loving God? Will we be rewarded in heaven? Will we have "heavenly” bodies, and if so, how exactly does that work? What does Jesus have to say about these things?
We’ll start with a parable from Jesus about a rich man who is unnamed and a poor man who is named Lazarus. On this side of eternity, the rich man has it all while poor Lazarus struggles to survive. However, upon death, there is a remarkable reversal of circumstances that cannot be undone. There is a sobering realization that decisions made before death remain after death. The main decision is this - what do I believe about Jesus?
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
-Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus says his yoke is easy and his burden is light because he bears it with us. On our own, the burdens feel unbearable, but with Jesus it can be easy and light. And the yoke which joins you to him is made especially for you. The English word easy is from the Greek word chrestos, which can mean "well-fitting.” In Palestine, ox-yokes were made of wood and each was carefully adjusted so that it would fit the animal well. Not too tight and not too loose but crafted perfect to fit the neck. It was tailor-made for each ox.
Having this understanding let me be clear in saying the following...
Be very careful who you get yoked to because what lies in them will lay itself on you and you will feel that weight.
This is very important. Those of you in the business world know this. In your friendships this is certainly true and moreso if you are in Junior or Senior High. Of course it is supremely important in marriage because the quality of that which unites two people will determine the quality of the relationship. If you say, "I married her because she was perfectly pretty." Physical attraction is a good thing, but beauty’s perfection fades. “I married him because he said he would take care of me.” That’s not wrong, but resentment often sets in when one is taking care of another…then what?
What are you attaching yourself to and why? This will determine not only the labor and heavy laden burdens you bear but also the quality of your entire life.
Notice Jesus does not say, “Throw off every yoke you have!” Why? Because this is impossible. By nature every one of us is attached to something or someone, even if that someone is ourselves, our own hearts. Jesus never said, “Follow your heart.” Because the heart is deceptive. Instead, he said, “Follow me.” He never said, “Do what you feel.” The way a person feels is often detached from reality. Jesus never said, “Be yourself.” Rather he gave proper encouragement, “Be who God created you to be.”
Coming to Christ is not a passive experience or some kind of spiritual side hustle. This isn’t a call to a lazy or indulgent life. There is still a yoke to bear and burden to carry. Yet with and in Jesus, the burdens are lightened. Jesus’ yoke is easy, not because it makes less demands, but because it represents entering into a disciple relationship. So if your yoke is hard and your burden is heavy then we can say that it isn’t His yoke or His burden and you are not letting him bear it with you. Jesus makes a sweet invitation, "Come to me, all who are burdened and heavy ladened and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” This is a promise and Jesus always keeps his word!
Matthew chapter 10 contains preparation for what is to come. If you are boldly speaking the name of Jesus you need assurances in the face of opposition. God gives you three.
Assurance #1 The opposition is no judge. God is.
"So have no fear of them for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”
-Matthew 10:26
Man’s approval or condemnation is not what counts. His opinions will not matter on the day of judgment. They won’t even be heard. Everything that everyone does, including our actions and our persecutors’ actions, will be evaluated by God. His judgment will be perfect and absolute. For there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Every action, every word, every thought, every intent, every choice. It all will be laid bare before God. It all will be made known. Nothing is or will be concealed or hidden from His sight. Therefore you and I are to live in such a way that we will not be ashamed at His return.
“Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming.”
-1 John 2:28
Assurance #2 When you encounter opposition don’t respond with misplaced fear, instead respond with proper fear: Not in man but in God who has all the power.
Jesus tells his disciples not to waste their concern on those in authority who can only kill their bodies but cannot kill their souls. Instead, they should reserve their fear for the one who can kill both body and soul in hell. Beginning in June I want to bring a series of messages on heaven and hell but for now we must understand that God alone has the power over everyone’s eternal destination. Man may kill the body but he cannot destroy your soul which lives forever.
Jesus is describing what the Old Testament often calls the "fear of the Lord." This is not intended to be abject terror, or panic. Rather, this is the healthy kind of "fear" for which you would have for a weapon. If you’ve ever fired a shotgun, rifle or handgun you understand and respect its capabilities and you don’t take it lightly. A while ago I bought a filet knife to trim brisket. This thing is so sharp I have to think carefully about how I handle it. I move slowly with it in my hand. Godly fear involves great and profound respect and, at the same time, it demands we acknowledge that God can utterly destroy those who are against Him. This is a right and proper fear.
There’s a simple principle in life - a greater fear will drive out a lesser fear. Jesus insists that death should not be avoided at all costs. The death of the body is not the ultimate loss. The death of body and soul together in hell is the ultimate loss. The message His apostles preach of salvation through faith in Jesus will bring the promise of eternal life in body and soul to many people, as well as to themselves.
Assurance #3 God is with you and He is for you.
Now what Jesus says next is comforting. He balances proper fear with the truth that this same powerful God also cares deeply for His own people.
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
-Matthew 10:29-31
So be bold Christian and take up a position on top of the roof. In doing so, you will be acknowledged by Jesus himself!
This Sunday is Mother's Day and for some it’s much like Father’s Day in the sense that it can be difficult. The parent child relationship is a dynamic that is felt both positively and negatively over the course of one’s life. Of course parenting is one of, if not the most rewarding, exhausting, joy and tear-filled relationships a human can experience on earth. Being a Mother is a sacred thing because parenting is a sacred role. Moms have the future in their hands. Discipleship training starts in the home and what makes it so incredibly challenging is that like us, those little creatures have their own sinful free wills! Every good parent wants to be great at helping mold their child into a well-functioning human, but for the Christian parent there is more. We want to lead our children straight into God’s kingdom. So this Sunday we turn our attention to what lies closest to a Mother’s heart - a child.
In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus speaks with his disciples about greatness. For several chapters Jesus has been proclaiming the kingdom of heaven. He’s been revealing principles and virtues that are different from this earthly kingdom in which we live. To sum it up is to say that the kingdom of heaven is pure and righteous and the kingdom of earth is corrupt and broken. One day we will experience the fullness of the heavenly kingdom when we are there, but until then we can actually bring a taste of the heavenly kingdom to the earth through our Christ-like words and actions.
As Jesus is explaining things, the disciples start to think about what it’s going to be like for them in that day. Unfortunately, their attitudes become earthly while thinking about what is heavenly. They understand that every kingdom has a king and every king has a court so each wonders, “Where will I be in that chain of command? Will Jesus select me to be his most trusted advisor? Who will be the greatest?"
Jesus’ response is shocking. He calls to himself a little kid, places him in their midst and says, “The one who displays the humility of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” What is the meaning of this? Well, a child is not worried about climbing the social ladder or befriending only those in power and influence. A toddler is not concerned about where he or she stands in the social hierarchy of humanity. They are completely unaware of these things. So if you want to be great, be little, like a child.
I was talking with a friend this week about how the most terrifying stage with kids is when they learn to say “no.” He followed that up by expressing how his kids would typically say “no” about either seemingly irrelevant things or just super dangerous things. When he would ask them, “Please do not walk into the street,” his toddler would respond with a resounding, “No,” and would then dive headfirst into traffic. We laughed, and then we cried because it was too true.
Unfortunately, for many of us, our desire to say “no” to authority does not go away after our toddler years. Most people, myself included, do not like submitting to authority. I believe that it is our inability to submit to an authority that actually has us worn down and tired all the time.
In Matthew 12:1-7, Jesus makes one of His most scandalous claims in all the scriptures. “For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” This comes after the Pharisees rebuke his disciples for plucking heads of grain to eat on the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is a very important commandment and a commandment that God cares deeply about. By Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had taken this commandment and added so many rules and regulations to it that it completely missed God’s original intention for giving it. God’s heart behind the Sabbath law was that of mercy, rest, and worship.
Jesus did not come to revert us back to a more original version of the Sabbath law, He came to bring a new Sabbath reality that all started on that Sunday morning when the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was found empty!
Because of the work of Jesus, we do not have to wait 6 days every week for the opportunity to enjoy God’s Sabbath rest. As Christians filled with the Holy Spirit, we have access to Sabbath rest, all day, every day. However, our biggest roadblock to enjoying this rest is our own desire to control our lives. This week let us take Jesus’ words seriously and acknowledge that He alone has authority over our lives, so we can rest, trusting that He is ultimately in control.
Jesus is so good. He always gives us what we need to accomplish what he has called us to do. Sometimes the provision includes a warning. That’s exactly what we get in Matthew chapter 10. Jesus has called us to make disciples and according to him the road will not be easy. Consider these words...
"Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” -Matthew 10:21-22
This hatred stems from division brought by truth delivered in grace and it’s not easy; especially when division comes into your home. Be faithful, knowing that the one who is warning you is also committed to you. Read the last half of verse 22 again…"But the one who endures to the end will be saved."
In Acts chapter 14 we see Paul and Barnabus in the city of Iconium. The city has rallied against them and how do they respond? Do they say, “Oh no, opposition, we better quiet down!” No, instead this happened, “So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly.” -Acts 14:13
The Apostle Paul understood the warning and affirmation. Imprisoned and soon to die, he writes a letter to his own disciple. The young man is Timothy. In this writing Paul says there was a man named Alexander who was adamantly opposed to him and caused a great deal of harm. He says this about the conflict…“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” -2 Timothy 4:17-18. Notice the presence of God in the face of danger. Paul says the Lord stood near and strengthened him so that others might hear the message.
If you always back off whenever you face opposition, you will never accomplish anything for God because Satan will always oppose any step you take in faith. Some have never faced any opposition because they don’t believe it’s necessary to share the message. Remember Christian, if you really believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive people of their sins and thereby usher in eternity with God - then there’s no other option! Remember, if God is for us, who is against us?
Jesus met people in their moments of need. Perhaps the most remarkable, humbling and dignified thing about it is this: Jesus wants our help in spreading God’s compassion to those who are hurting.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
-Matthew 9:37-38
The harvest could very well represent the Old Testament concept of judgment. The Bible is clear in stating that one day God is going to make all things right. That’s a problem for humanity because we do wrong. We need to spared from what is to come. How does that happen? We must be told about Jesus. Therefore, Jesus tells us to pray for laborers who will enter into God's harvesting of souls.
This command has greatly affected my prayer life. Many times I have said, “God, soften their hearts” or, “God, bring them to their knees.” These requests are good, and I still speak them but what must be included is this: “God bring someone who will tell them about Jesus. God send those laborers!" You know what happens when I bow and offer this prayer? God begins to say to me, "What about you? What is stopping you from being one of those laborers?”
Jesus heals a man with a demon. His life is radically changed and he begs to become disciple number thirteen. Jesus’ reply is unexpected. He says, “No, I’ve got something else for you.” The man became an answer to Jesus’ prayer...
As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.
-Mark 5:18-20
Once again we read the words, “Go and tell.” You and I are the laborers for which Jesus prayed. People are praying for you and the relationship you have with someone they love. You are the answer to their prayers if you will open your mouth and tell them about Jesus. Give them your story. Speak about what Jesus has done for you and enter into the harvest of God!
In Matthew chapter 7 Jesus brings the Sermon On The Mount to an end. Previously he has spoken of two gates. One is narrow and the other is wide. The narrow gate is restrictive (only one way and few enter) but it leads to life. You can’t earn your way through and you certainly don’t deserve what’s on the other side, but by God's grace he opens it for you through Jesus. The wide gate is broad and easy to enter, however, it leads to destruction. As we learned two weeks ago, the wide gate represents man’s vain attempt to gain heaven through his own efforts.
Now there are some who stand at the crossroads of these two gates and want to help you make a decision. They want to direct you toward the wide gate. This is not in your best interest. They stand there like a crosswalk guard holding up a “GO!” sign and escorting you through uninterrupted. Jesus describes them in this way...
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
-Matthew 7:15-20
This is a stern warning. These people lead others to hell and cause disunity within the church. It’s interesting that the warning is not: “Beware of the cults, the culture, the atheists or the government." Instead, Jesus says we should be looking for people in the church who appear as servants. In reality, they are using us and they know exactly what they are doing. In other words, the greatest threat to the church is not from without but from within. Jesus gives us what we need to identify and respond to the wolves in sheep’s clothing.
For several hundred years the church has spent the Sunday before Easter observing the triumphal entry of Jesus. He arrives in Jerusalem during Passover week on the back of a donkey. This event is commonly referred to as Palm Sunday. Luke chooses not to record the actual waving of palm branches but Matthew does. This is the kind of praise fit for a monarch. When a victorious king rode into town on his warhorse the people used palm branches to signal their loyalty and respect. But when Jesus rides into town he’s making a statement that was lost on many. He’s saying, “I am the true king, and not the kind you expect.” You see, when we examine the details of this event, we find some things that are very unusual. It turns out that Jesus is a king unlike any other.
The religious zealots in the crowd are watching the arrival. They don’t like this donkey ride. Donkeys implied peace so they would much rather see him on a white stallion ready to lead the rebellion against Rome. They didn’t understand Jesus’ purpose. In fact, very few did. If Jesus came riding a white horse, wielding a sword and chopping up Romans - what good is that? Instead, he says, “No I’m not coming in human power, I’m coming in divine humility and my kingdom will have a greater impact than you can imagine. It will not be established by force. I’m a different kind of king. I am a King of love and power.” This was proven a short time earlier when he raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus is not like the kings of this world. He is the humble King who comes to serve and to die for the people.
The history of human kings isn’t a great one. The world has been led astray by those who have said, “Give me the power and I will make decisions for you!” This doesn’t end well. The only king that won’t oppress you is Jesus because he died for you and he will liberate you - from yourself. How do we know this? Because Jesus comes riding not on a warhorse but a donkey.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
This Sunday we’re going to look at what might be the most controversial statement spoken by Jesus. It’s the very thing that had him killed. If you ask people living in the Valley what they think about Jesus, most will tell you they like him. From what they understand, Jesus seemed to be peaceful, loving and kind. This was his message to others so the world could use a little more Jesus - right? The Doobie Brothers speak for many - “Jesus is just alright with me.” (That dated me.)
If this is the case, then why did the people in Jesus’ day crucify him? There have been many famous leaders who preach the message of love and kindness but they didn’t end up nailed to a cross. Why Jesus? I submit to you that if Jesus was walking the earth today as he did 2000 years ago, many people would dismiss him fast. Why? Because of the claims he made about himself.
Perhaps no statement is more confrontational than what he spoke in John 14:6. I use the word confrontational because that’s exactly what it is. Jesus did not leave any safe middle ground. In other words, his posture was, “You will either have to crown me or you will have to kill me, but you can’t simply say that I’m just a good person. This notion that I’m some kind of safe middle ground is not an option. You either accept me for who I say I am or you’ll have to say that I am the world’s greatest liar or I’m some kind of crazy person.”
Some say Jesus is being too exclusive. Let me give you a different perspective…
Christianity is the most inclusive thing in the world and here’s why…Many believe that only the good find God. As long as your good outweighs your bad, then you’re in the heaven club. This is the basis for all the world’s religions - earn your way to God by doing good things. Do you not see how incredibly exclusive this is? No one is consistently good. If we projected all of your secret and private thoughts on the big screen over the course of just the last 24 hours you would be horrified. You would die inside. Only the good find God; no, that’s way too exclusive for me. I prefer this: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. It’s not just the good people that can have eternal life, it’s “whoever believes.”
When we follow Him in “the way,” we can be assured of following Him all the way to heaven!
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
-Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus is concluding this amazing sermon on the Galilean hillside. He speaks of two very different gates. What does it mean? Context is important. All throughout this sermon Jesus has been calling out the religious leaders for their hypocrisy. If you imitate them thinking you will find life, you couldn't’ be more wrong. The religious leaders were actually going through the wide gate which signifies a dependence on ourselves. They attempted to obtain their own self-righteousness and salvation through trying to do things outwardly to impress others rather than total dependence upon God and faith in Jesus.
Many think the narrow gate means that one must follow the laws of God, attend church, tithe and pray. But this is what the religious leaders did and with the wrong motives. Therefore, they were far from God. They gave and prayed in public to be acknowledged by others. Outwardly they did all the right things but in the wrong way. So the narrow gate is not what most think.
Instead, the narrow gate represents the gospel of grace that is found in Jesus. This is far more radical than you know. The narrow gate has a person saying, “I can’t be good enough to get through any gate that leads to God!” Many hope the gate is wide enough for all of their human efforts to gain God’s approval. The truth is, your good efforts don’t even come close so you actually need something narrow. You need only one thing - the grace of Jesus.
When we enter through his grace we then live in that grace and the world opens up to us. Jesus says, “Enter the gate first, and then you live your life.” You don’t have to try and live a good life and then at the end of the road hope the gate will be open to you. Herein lies the difference between Christianity and all other faiths. Christianity says that Jesus has unlocked the gate for you so come on in. Other faiths tell you that you must earn your own keys. Broad minded people say, “All good people get into heaven!" and what this means is you are saved by what you do. So in reality this is extremely narrow because you would have to be perfect and totally sinless. Narrow minded people say, “I don’t have a chance to get in on my own, only by the grace of God through Jesus do I get in.” Do you see the difference? Narrow is wide and wide is narrow.
For you personally, here’s what it means….It means not wasting any more time and energy trying to appear outwardly in a way to be accepted by the culture, but rather asking the Holy Spirit to live in you, to change your heart, and transform you into the person God made you to be. God sees the inward appearance of the heart.
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. -Matthew 7:1-6One of the primary reasons why people reject Christianity is found in these verses. Gandhi commented, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Sometimes Christians condemn and judge motives and they do so without mercy. There are those who no longer attend church because of this. Their faith has been shipwrecked on the rocks of harsh and condemning attitudes. Perhaps you know of some. Even well meaning followers of Christ don’t always get it right. However, there is an alternative. When loving correction is given, lives are transformed.So what exactly does Jesus mean, when he says, “Judge not.” The word judge has a rather large bandwidth of meanings. For example a sharpshooter misses his mark and says, "I didn’t judge the wind correctly." What’s he really saying? He made a mistake in is evaluation. The Bible says that God will one day judge the world. This judgment involves God’s wrath and will consume and destroy the planet.What’s the difference between these two judgements? One judgment is characterized by evaluation; the other judgment is characterized by condemnation. Here’s the point - Our responsibility is to evaluate, not to condemn. Only God has the ability to judge and condemn. It is our duty to judge and evaluate using discernment. A discerning spirit is constructive. A critical spirit is destructive. How do you become good at this? You must first evaluate your own life before you speak into the lives of others. Once again, Jesus is there to help.
Not long ago, over a thousand Americans were asked to identify their anxiety triggers and this is the list of common answers…• family and relationship problems• work stress or job change• change in living arrangements • major emotional shock following a stressful or traumatic event • verbal, sexual, physical or emotional abuse or trauma• death or loss of a loved one• pregnancyPerhaps you can relate to one or more of the above. The Bible tells us not to worry or be anxious. It seems impossible. Jesus himself experienced a very intense moment in the Garden of Gethsemane when his sweat became like drops of blood. Whether you take that figuratively or literally, either way it was not a pleasant time. In the sermon on the mount Jesus gives a message about worry. The context has him talking about the anxiety you might feel over physical objects - what you eat and drink, having clothes. He says, "Seek God’s kingdom first and God will provide what you need.” There’s a difference between needs and wants. You need not be naked and you need to be fed. Seek God first and he will provide these things for you. But what about all the other things that cause anxiety? The apostle Paul offers his Spirit inspired words…...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6Paul doesn’t simply say, “Don’t be anxious about anything.” He tells you how not to be anxious about anything. You see, the key to reducing your anxiety is this: in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. We are called to pray and make our desires known to God and make all our requests with thanksgiving. What does this mean? It looks like this... You pray and ask God for something to change and at the same time you thank him for whatever response he gives. Whether he brings it into your life or he doesn’t bring it into your life, you thank him in advance because he knows what you don’t. He knows what he’s doing. If it's the wrong thing and you don’t get it, thank him for that. If he gives you the opposite of what you ask, thank him for that. You don’t have to pretend that you're not let down, but you can still be thankful. Listen to the result of thankful prayer…And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7The opposite of anxiety is peace. Peace comes from being confident in God’s sovereign control over everything, including your life. Once you go to God the Father in prayer to ask for his help to handle a serious problem or situation, then his peace will be able to start to flow into you. And once his peace starts to flow into you, then you will feel his peace starting to calm you down – even in the middle of the worst kind of storm cloud you could imagine yourself falling into.As Max Lucado says, “Sometimes God calms the storm and sometimes he doesn’t. But he is always there to calm his children in the midst of the storm.”
For the last several weeks we’ve been looking at the words of Jesus in the most famous of all sermons - the sermon on the mount. It’s here that we see Jesus set the highest ethic of all time. You won’t find it anywhere else and I’ll prove it to you in one statement. Jesus said, “Love your enemies.” No one has lived up to this with any kind of consistency except for Jesus himself. In the world’s major religious systems you will commonly find the charge to love your brothers and sisters and people who share the same faith. You will be told to treat all people with respect and kindness but nowhere will you find so explicitly to love your enemy as told by Jesus. If love is the greatest thing, then loving your enemies is the greatest thing love can do.To be one who lives according to the kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of this earth is in a word: supernatural. This is the one act that sums up what it means to be a Christian and sets us apart. In Matthew 5:47 Jesus says this, “What more are you doing than others?” He’s asking, “What makes you different Christian?” Unless you live according to a heavenly kingdom ethic, you will be just like everyone else. You love people who love you, okay, everyone does that because it’s natural. Jesus is calling you to supernaturally love. The highest human ethic falls short of what Jesus is telling us. So don’t take your cues from the people around you. Don’t get trapped and confined by that. There’s something greater and higher for us!
For the last several weeks we’ve been reading the words of Jesus as he gives an incredible sermon on the side of a hill north of the Sea of Galilee. He’s been talking about what it means to live a righteous life. The word righteous means to live right. It is to think, act, speak and do as God desires. Jesus’ topics include purity, loving others, reconciliation, and speaking the truth. When a person knows and applies these things there comes a new temptation. Arrogant hearts that say, “Look at all the wonderful things I’m doing. I'm such good person!" Or conversely, “Look at me and all the bad things I don’t do!” Either way, it’s a matter of pride. It's using good deeds to draw attention to yourself. So it makes perfect sense for Jesus to address this new temptation and once again he uses the religious leaders as an example. “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:1-4When I was a younger pastor I struggled a lot with this. I cared too much about how people perceived me. Even when I prayed in front of others I would wonder what they were thinking. It’s a smaller issue for me today because I’ve experienced the highs and the lows of living for the approval of others. The approval of man does not last long. The temperature of any crowd can quickly turn against you. At the beginning of the Passion Week the multitudes shouted at Jesus, “Hosanna!” Which means “Save us!” Jesus had something else in mind. He did come to save them but not in the way they expected. They wanted a political and national savior, instead Jesus came to save them from themselves. For this the people turned on him and at the end of the week they shouted, “Crucify him!”Jesus uses two specific words to describe the person who falls into the trap of human approval... "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them…Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Matthew 6:1-2The Greek word for seen is pronounced, "thay-ath-oh-nye" from which we get our english word theater. In verse two he uses the word hypocrites. The Greek pronunciation, "hoo-pah-kri-tayce" which means “one who wears the mask.” In other words, this person’s religion is nothing but an act. It’s a show. They are on the stage wearing a mask projecting someone they are not. Their good deeds are done for the applause of the people who watch. According to Jesus, our lives are to be lived for an audience of one who sees in secret and will reward us.
Perhaps you’ve heard the saying, "Revenge is a dish best served cold.” What I think this means is that if you wait to pay it back, the wound will be deeper.The message this Sunday is for anyone who has ever held a grudge. It is for anyone who has wanted to get revenge on another person. It is for those who have been mistreated and wanted to settle the score. In other words, this message is for every one of us.The message is also for anyone who has felt the pain of a broken and damaged relationship that is yet to be restored. You see, the thing that ultimately destroys every relationship is the inability to forgive. It actually isn’t the offense, it's the withholding of forgiveness that causes the long term damage in your life. Fact #1: In this life you will be wounded and wronged and you will do this to others. Fact #2: In the church we will not always get a long with each other. Jesus talked about these things…a lot. He said in this world you will have tribulation because the world is fallen and broken and filled with imperfect people. The US has more lawyers per capita than any other nation - over one million. Roughly one lawyer for every 300 people. That’s a lot of litigation from people who don’t trust each other.In the Bible there are several examples of Christians having to be reconciled to one another. In fact there’s an entire letter, Philemon, that is meant to promote unity between two Christian brothers that are divided. Paul asks this question to Christians living in the city of Corinth 2000 years ago: "Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers?”Forgiveness should be normal amongst God’s people.Why is this important? Because it’s the way we deal with these offenses that determines the nature of our relationships. It’s true in your marriage, your friendships and in the church. When we withhold forgiveness, there grows a root of bitterness within us. Forgiveness has much to do with your own well-being. If you don’t forgive, then you will become angry and retaliate. This is human nature. Your heart will be filled with thoughts of revenge and this isn’t good for your soul. Jesus speaks directly to your hurt because he cares for you. He knows it well himself: forgiveness frees you to enjoy relationships and live with peace in your heart.
This Sunday we arrive at a command from Jesus that applies to all of us because we all speak. We all make promises and commit ourselves to things, places, and times. As a result, people are counting on us to do what we say. In general, humanity is not very good at keeping its word. Isn’t this the reason we have legal contracts? Because we are prone to breaking our promises we must get the weight of law involved…or else!Some people are very good at using language to get themselves out of a sticky situation. For example, I heard a Christian apologist talk about the instructions you’re given before the plane takes off the runway. If you recall, there are specific words used to describe what you cannot do to the smoke detector in the lavatory. “It is a federal offense to knowingly move, deface, damage, destroy, render inoperable or otherwise improperly tamper with any smoke detector.” Why can’t they simply say, “Don’t touch the smoke detector.” Here’s why - because some crafty person has said, “I didn’t touch it, but I did damage it with this screwdriver.” Or, "I didn’t damage it, but I did disable it and you never told me I couldn’t do that!” The idea is simple - don’t do anything that would cause the detector to stop working properly. I learned they had to incorporate the words "render inoperable" because some smokers were taking wet paper towels and covering the lavatory detectors. However, they did not destroy or damage it. To do this is a federal offense and so is first degree murder! People find ways to get out of their promises and why legal contracts can be very lengthy. We have to make sure every loophole is closed so that things cannot be manipulated. A verbal agreement does not matter, we must have ink on paper with witnesses for an agreement that can be legally enforceable. Why? Because we humans can be very good at intentionally deceiving each other. But there’s more. When God’s people say one thing and do another, it brings great harm to their Christian witness. This is why Jesus speaks directly to it. Let’s remember that the words of Jesus bring life. So we would expect our lives to improve when we do what he commands. Our words shape who we are. The promises we make and break directly affect our reputations and therefore influence the strength or weakness of our relationships. So join us for more wisdom as we hear from Jesus as he preaches on the side of a hill just above the Sea of Galilee.
"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart."-Matthew 5:27-28We live in an age where you can see more naked bodies in five minutes than your ancestors could see in five lifetimes. Technology has promoted lust in ways that could never have been imagined. Today’s accessibility of seductive images is unparalleled in human history. You have porn in your pocket and you take it everywhere you go. As a result there is more temptation to lust than any previous generation. Everyone can recall an early time in his or her life when they were exposed to the seduction of the lens. This widespread saturation means that everyone has been affected - either from addiction after compulsively watching or the person who has been shaped by false body images and ideas of what sex should be. The simple fact is, there isn’t one longitudinal study that suggests watching porn makes your relationships better. There is an ever-growing body of research, and it can no longer be denied, that repeated porn exposure has a tangible effect on consumers and is connected to declining relationship satisfaction, not to mention all the various forms of exploitation. So if you’re going down the wrong path and you have become what you subject yourself to, then it’s going to take some drastic measures to get on the right path. This is why Jesus uses hyperbole to get the point across beginning in Matthew 5:29-30."If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away."Jesus is not speaking literally because if you were to remove one eye, your other eye would be used to feed your brain damaging images. You can access the keyboard with just one hand. The point is this - We must be drastic with ourselves in how we remove and avoid the temptation. Most of us make very half-hearted efforts. The desire might be there, but the self-control and reliance on God’s Spirit is not present. There is something more fundamental lurking behind your lust.You are not alone and there is freedom. We want to help you take thoughtful steps to remove what gives you guilt and takes your purity. Jesus gives words of life!
If you’ve ever had conflict in your life, then Sunday’s message is for you. We’ve all been in situations where our feelings have been hurt. We have been wronged or mistreated and this causes stress and anxiety. The hard truth of the matter is that we also have been on the other side of that equation. We have been the one hurting others. This might be a stranger, neighbor, classmate, coworker, probably a family member or spouse. It could be the person sitting next to you at church this week. The opportunities for strife come when we are in close proximity with one another. So go ahead and think of the person’s name... If the relationship is going to be made whole, then it will require something from you and it will not be easy. Some people run from conflict and avoid it entirely, others run toward it and make it worse. The words we read from Jesus today will help. They give clarity for what you should do next and how to do it. If it requires you to speak to the person, then you’ll know how to do that in a way that honors them and God at the same time.When Jesus was here on earth He talked a lot about the Kingdom of God. In fact, that was His whole mission while among humanity. He said the Kingdom of God is at hand and blessed are the peacemakers. His Kingdom is one of peace and it begins with reconciliation between us and our creator God. If the kingdom of God is at hand that means it is here right now. If we are going to get a sample of God’s kingdom brought to earth, then we must live as Jesus did. What a blessing to give a taste of heaven to those around us!
In John 10:10, Jesus said that he came to give people abundant life. I think people desire this now more than ever. There are many modern voices giving advice and yet so many are stuck and confused. Certainly Jesus is worth hearing. After all, he is themost influential man who has ever lived. Let me forewarn you by saying that Jesus is the master at disrupting people’s lives in the best possible way
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus paints a picture of what it looks like to be different in a world that is full of the same
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 5:13-16
Let me give you a bit of context…in the first 12 verses of Matthew chapter 5, Jesus explains two very different value systems. There exists an earthly kingdom and a heavenly kingdom. They are not the same. For example, the kingdom of heaven values gentleness over authoritarian power. It values humility over pride. God’s way values peacemaking over aggression and purity over self-indulgence. When one practices things like purity, humility, gentleness and peacemaking, there is real positive influence in this world. Additionally, you become an example for others to follow.
Next, Jesus gives a word picture and a helpful analogy. He uses two metaphors to describe the influence Christians have in this world: salt and light. And here’s what Jesus is going to say...Salt and light are not meant to be contained, they are used as agents for good. Jesus was the master at using metaphors to capture attention. Every household had both salt and light, so this was easy for people to envision. Themeaning here is deeper than what you might think because of the implications both salt and light had in the time of Jesus. Salt was used primarily as a preservative. In our time we use it mainly to enhance flavor, but back in the day there was no refrigeration as we know it today. Meat was kept from spoiling by rubbing salt on it. Salt delays the decay.
This is the implication to the world...
The world is decaying because of sin and darkness. There’s a beautiful line in theChristmas classic, Oh Holy Night. It goes like this…”long lay the world in sin and error pining...” The word pining means to waste away. Since the fall, the world has been wasting away under the weight of human sin and error. “...til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” When Jesus arrived, the human soul knew its value because Jesus was willing to die for the sins and errors of all people. Not all would accept Jesus and instead they would stay in their sinful state. The pining continues. Theworld seems to get darker by the minute. What’s good is evil and what’s evil is good. But doesn’t the light shine brightest where it’s darkest? The world is decaying. Jesus sent us into the world to delay the decay by proclaiming the gospel!
Jim Rohn famously said that you are a composite of the five people you hang out with the most. “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” Well that might have been true 50 years ago but the age of social media has completely changed this. Today, we are influenced by algorithms based on our preferences. Consequently, we imitate people we have never met. The breadth of influence upon us is enormous and yet we are influenced most by the company we keep.For example, Christakis and Fowler conducted a survey and found that if you have friends who smoke, then you are 61 percent more likely to be a smoker yourself. If a friend of a friend smokes you are still 29 times more likely to smoke. This can be applied to most every metric including happiness and depression. Your friends really are your future and this is why the concept of friend auditing has become pervasive. The implication is that you need to examine your entire social network and its influence on your life. If not, you might become the person you don’t want to be.What’s particularly devastating is when people follow the crowd for no other reason than to gain an identity. I heard a prominent philosopher say that in his opinion the biggest threat society faces is from the narcissistic virtue signaler. These are people who adopt opinions and postures solely to garner praise and sympathy or whose good deeds are tainted by their need for everyone to see just how selfless they are. If virtue signaling can be tied to victimhood it makes for a very powerful voice. This is what makes much of social media a firestorm. If only victimhood gives a person the right to comment then there’s tremendous motivation to be a victim if you want to be heard. This isn’t to say there aren't legitimate victims who have reasonable voices, but for many, the temptation is all too common.So whose voice is most important to you? In other words, who are you following? Can I give you an alternative voice? It’s a far better calling and it comes from Jesus himself. “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19When Jesus wanted to recruit world changers he chose people who were not highly qualified or influential in society. These guys are simple fishermen. It reminds me of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:26, "For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth."This should be encouraging to everyone. I have heard people say things like, “I am not qualified”, ”I do not have the skills to talk about Jesus”, ”I haven’t gone to Bible College”, ”I'm afraid I will make mistakes”, “I don’t have what it takes” and so on. It is not our qualification that makes us worthy to be a follower of Jesus, it is his calling. Jesus said this in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.”I love this quote: "No one is destroyed by obeying Jesus and there is no one who has prospered by disobeying Him." Jesus is calling you right now to follow him. Will you do it?
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." -Matthew 4:17For a good part of 2023, we will be looking at the words of Jesus. Specifically, the things he tells people they should or should not be doing. Now I realize this might not be popular because no one likes being told what to do. At the same time, people are desperately searching for meaning, hope, help and direction. Before Jesus speaks a word there is a surprise introduction. It comes in the form of his cousin John. You might know him as John the baptizer. He called people to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. This was a new concept for the Jews. Only Gentiles were baptized as they converted to Judaism. But now John is calling everyone to be baptized in recognition that they have a sin problem. John’s ministry was preparation for Jesus and when Jesus arrives he continues the message of John. In fact, the first words recorded by Matthew are these...From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” -Matthew 4:17Jesus mimics the words of John but he also adds the motivation - “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus often contrasted the heavenly kingdom with the earthly kingdom. The heavenly kingdom is spiritual, eternal and pure. The earthly kingdom is physical, temporary and corrupt. Jesus is inaugurating the heavenly kingdom and if you want to be identified with it, then it begins with repentance. This is the central message that we see all throughout the gospels. It is summarized here in one short, simple verse. Jesus came to preach and his first word recorded by Matthew is, “repent."Repent literally means, "to change your thinking." Jesus is asking everyone to change their thinking about what is right and what is wrong and what is good and what is evil. Change your thinking about what will give you life and how you get to heaven. Change your thinking about who you are. Repentance begins in the mind but it doesn’t end there. Later, Jesus says this to the religious rulers, "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance." (Matthew 3:8.) In other words, he calls all people to turn from their hypocritical and self-righteous ways. This is the essence of Jesus’ message to you, me, and everyone on earth.Turn away.Turn from your sin, turn from yourself, turn from all your attempts to earn your way to God. Turn from your attempts to find fulfillment and turn in all ways from sin, self, and even your good deeds. Do this because the kingdom of God has been brought to earth by Jesus and he is the true king!
"The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Matthew 6:14 It surprises people to know that the story of Jesus’ birth contains two opposite images: darkness and light. Both are essential to understanding the truth about Christmas. Timothy Keller captures it well... “Christmas, therefore, is the most unsentimental, realistic way of looking at life. It does not say, “Cheer up! If we all pull together we can make the world a better place.” The Bible never counsels indifference to the forces of darkness, only resistance, but it supports no illusions that we can defeat them ourselves. Christianity does not agree with the optimistic thinkers who say, “We can fix things if we try hard enough.” Nor does it agree with the pessimists who see only a dystopian future. The message of Christianity is, instead, “Things really are this bad, and we can’t heal or save ourselves. Things really are this dark—nevertheless, there is hope.” The Christmas message is that “on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Notice that it doesn’t say from the world a light has sprung, but upon the world a light has dawned. It has come from outside. There is light outside of this world, and Jesus has brought that light to save us; indeed, he is the Light.” Timothy J. Keller, Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ
Joseph and Mary were required to travel to their ancestral homeland to be counted for the census. They were from the line of David so this meant a four or five day trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem (known as the city of David). Do you realize the prophet Micah foretold the birthplace of Jesus 500 years before Jesus was born? "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” -Micah 5:2 Think about this young couple. As God fearing Hebrews they know Micah's prophecy. Did they also know that the messiah would be born of a virgin? I think so."Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” -Isaiah 7:14 On the way to Bethlehem perhaps they were thinking, “Wow, we are two for two!!” It must have been truly amazing from their perspective to see these events unfold - especially for Mary the pregnant virgin. Moreso, Mary gets a visit from an angel with a very special message in advance.And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy - the Son of God. -Luke 1:31-35Mary knew she was giving birth to the Son of God. You would think things would be easy going from here; but no. When arriving in Bethlehem the anxiety builds.And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. -Luke 2:6-7 Max Lucado calls the birthplace of Jesus, "majesty in the midst of the mundane." A manger is a wooden structure from which animals are fed. Why would God have his son born into the sights, sounds and smells of farm animals? Because God is revealing that Jesus is for everyone. Jesus was not born in an intimidating palace behind a massive gate that keeps people out. Instead, Jesus could be found in a lowly stable accessible to all; just as the angel proclaimed to common shepherds.And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:10-11Upon hearing the announcement of Jesus’ birth a chorus of angels begin to sing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” -Luke 2:14Let’s not forget the words surrounding the birth of Jesus - great joy, peace, do not fear, reign, never ending kingdom, Immanuel. It all began in that little town of Bethlehem.
The Bible never ceases to amaze me. We find our faith’s inspiration from the real-life accounts of the men and women who have gone before us. Jacob is old and dying. His last work is to pass God’s promises of land and family to an unlikely pair of what some have called, "half-breed" grandchildren. Jacob will adopt Mannaseh and Ephraim as his own sons. One of them will have a descendant who will bring forth the Messiah, the forever king.
Both boys are brought before Jacob. Certainly, the greatest privilege will fall upon Mannaseh, the older son who is placed under Jacob’s right hand of blessing. But no. Jacob crosses his hands and once again we see the younger take precedent over the older.
The crossing of hands tells us that God’s grace arrives in surprising ways. There may be some desire in your life that you want to put forward under God’s right hand and you are displeased because the right-hand passes over that onto something or someone else. It’s not that God doesn't understand, but rather he refuses to bless that which you will covet. He will give you all you need and the grace to live without what you most earnestly desire so you must be content to trust him.
God’s grace cannot be tamed. The shocking truth is that these boys are not even fully Hebrew and the younger will have the place of preeminence. God has his own principles that cannot be confined to conventional human wisdom. It took Jacob a lifetime to learn this lesson.
Joseph’s own faith was being tested. This meant that his sons were never going to live the high life of a noble position in Egypt. They are now placed into a lowly Hebrew shepherding family and have no chance of any great future as Egyptian royalty. What Joseph and Jacob could not fully see was the dramatic work God was going to do through these two young men. But Jacob and Joseph had faith to see it through and this is why they are listed in Hebrews chapter eleven as examples for us.
Finally, the moment arrives. Father and son reunited after 20 years. What a sight for both. Joseph arrives in style. He would have been wearing the white linen of aristocracy, surrounded by an entourage while riding in one of his personal chariots.
It’s an emotional reunion…As soon as Joseph appears before Jacob, the son throws his arms around his father and he weeps for a long time. Jacob said to Joseph, “Now I am ready to die, since I have seen for myself that you are still alive.” -Genesis 46:29-30
It’s been a long, long time, so naturally the tears flow. The family looks on in amazement and joy. Both men are much older and both have had terrible pain and suffering. However, in this moment it all disappears and there is enough joy for dad to proclaim, “It doesn’t get any better than this, I can die right now a peaceful and happy man.” They will in fact have 17 years together. Jacob embraces Joseph not just as his son, but also as the one who has brought the entire family salvation from the famine.
Genesis points to Jesus.
Joseph’s story is a foreshadow of the salvation that is to come. Jesus was rejected by his own, just like Joseph. Jesus was sold for money, just like Joseph. Joseph would save his family and all of Egypt. Jesus will save the world. Jesus is a better Joseph.
The story of Jacob and his son Joseph is one of difficulties. But the steady underlying presence of God working in and through their lives has brought it to a beautiful conclusion. Rest assured; everything that comes to us in this life, whether we regard it as good or evil, is meant to prosper us. Those who regard God’s word as truth will ultimately prevail and experience blessing. Until then, let’s continue to take courage from those who have gone before us and remember Paul’s words in Romans 15:4.
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
This week we will take a brief pause from our series in Genesis to reflect on the theme of thankfulness. Thanksgiving Day means different things for different people, but what I hope it allows us all to do is spend a few moments reflecting on our lives and all that we have to be thankful for. When Pastor Jason asked me to speak on this topic, I began to think about our church, and my mind instantaneously went to Philippians 1:3-8.
In this passage, we find the apostle Paul in rare form. He is not trying to convince the church of profound doctrine through beautiful greek rhetoric, but rather, is expressing his heartfelt love and gratitude for the Philippian church.
We find that the core of Paul’s thankfulness stems from the Philippians' partnership with him in the Gospel. Paul had an incredible resolve for the mission and life that God had called him to, which was taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Though Paul could have been content doing it all by himself, in Philippians 1:3-8, we see a tired, old, and beaten up Paul getting emotional over how nice it is to have a church family partnering alongside him.
When I reflect on the last year, I can relate to Paul. It has been a privilege to partner alongside this Illuminate Community Church family as we continue through the grace of God to take ground for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I know that the holidays bring a bag of mixed emotions with all the different family dynamics that exist throughout our congregation. I hope that through the Word of God being preached, our hearts are stirred toward thankfulness for our church family, and our eyes are raised to exalt and glorify the head of the church body, Jesus Christ.
Trauma can be devastating. Everything within us wants to avoid the pain of going back to those hurtful memories and experiences. In our text this Sunday, Joseph is confronted with the reminder of abuse at the hands of his own brothers. Time has passed but deep wounds don't easily heal. Twenty years later these wounds quickly summon strong emotions that haven’t changed. However, Joseph's knowledge of God has dramatically changed. He knows that every event is naturally brought about by a supernatural God to fulfill His larger purposes - not the least of which is the reconciliation of his family. Two things brought healing… 1. The brother’s confession and sorrow over their wrongdoing and 2. Joseph’s ability to forgive, which was enabled by his knowledge of God’s providential care.
In a painful conversation and for the first time Joseph hears how his brothers explained his absence to their father. They lied. "Wild animals tore him apart dad!" At the same time he sees a change of heart. Judah is now willingly volunteering his own life in deference to his father’s favoritism for the sons born to him by another woman. Judah will not leave Benjamin. Instead, Judah offers himself as replacement in order to spare his father the grief of another loss. Judah’s heartfelt expression melts the heart of Joseph.
Then Joseph could not control himself before all those who stood by him. He cried, “Make everyone go out from me.” So no one stayed with him when Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, so that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard it. -Genesis 45:1-2
Some wounds heal only because of the grace that comes directly from God. Even with the brother’s repentance, it still required Joseph to forgive. Without forgiveness there can be no reconciliation. On this side of the cross we can be reconciled to others because God reconciled us to himself through Jesus.
All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. -2 Corinthians 5:18-21
Could there be any greater ministry for our world today? To my fellow ambassadors…let us share the ministry of God’s reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Let us represent the foundation of our kingdom home as we forgive others.
When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy more food, he had no idea what was in store for the family. He did, however, ask God for a special measure of mercy upon them…and they needed it. The oldest son tried to make a power grab over his dad, the next two sons murdered an entire tribe out of hateful revenge and all of the boys were guilty of abusing their little brother Joseph. This family needs mercy.
Mercy is not getting what you rightly deserve.
So you can understand the wisdom in dad’s prayer for his fractured family. Do you believe God answers prayer? Jacob's prayer was many years in the making and an untold number of family heartaches and pains were along the way. There’s no pain like family pain. God responds and the unity that will come about is unrivaled. Because of his faith in God, Joseph is said to have, "warm compassion” for the brothers who severely mistreated him. “Warm compassion” literally means “hot mercy.”
Friends, don’t give up on your prayers for family restoration. You might feel that things are out of your control. They probably are. But one thing is within your power - God’s power to change anything and everything for his glory. It begins by recognizing the mercy you have received. From beginning to end, this chapter is drenched in kindness, compassion and forgiveness. I love how it points us to Jesus. He was the ultimate example of mercy. In Luke 23:34, He cries out from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
Who needs mercy from you? Maybe it’s someone that others find difficult. Maybe you need to value the relationship over that person’s false and unbiblical ideologies. There’s every possibility that mercy needs to flow from you toward someone who has wronged or offended you. This is exactly what flowed from Jesus to you.
What a crazy plot twist!!! After 13 years, Joseph will see his estranged brothers (and they will bow), yet they do not recognize him.
A lot has happened. God has placed Joseph in a position of tremendous power. He could easily have his brothers killed for their abuse. What stops him? Joseph understands where his power comes from. When he interpreted Pharaoh's dream, he was quick to say, “Hey! Don’t give me credit, God is the one who gave me the ability to do this.” When dealing with his brothers, he comes right out and says it, “I fear God!” He doesn’t want to do God wrong by taking revenge. The first step toward the misuse of power is to forget the source from which your power comes and to overlook the responsibility it brings upon you.
He puts the brothers to the test... Is Joseph toying with his brothers now? Is he the cat to their mouse? I don’t think so. I think he wants to find out if they have changed, so he turns up the heat. Additionally - who is not with them? Benjamin, the youngest. Joseph wants to know if they mistreated him too. They respond in fear saying they are eleven brothers and the youngest is at home with dad. Joseph replies, “If it is true, bring the youngest to me.” This conversation is happening through a translator. The brothers speak Hebrew and Joseph is speaking Egyptian as part of his disguise.
On the third day Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God: if you are honest men, let one of your brothers remain confined where you are in custody, and let the rest go and carry grain for the famine of your households, and bring your youngest brother to me. So your words will be verified, and you shall not die.” And they did so. Then they said to one another, “In truth we are guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the distress of his soul, when he begged us and we did not listen. That is why this distress has come upon us.” And Reuben answered them, “Did I not tell you not to sin against the boy? But you did not listen. So now there comes a reckoning for his blood.” They did not know that Joseph understood them, for there was an interpreter between them. Then he turned away from them and wept. And he returned to them and spoke to them. And he took Simeon from them and bound him before their eyes. And Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, and to replace every man's money in his sack, and to give them provisions for the journey. This was done for them. -Genesis 42:18-25
Remember, these brothers are hardened men. They know murder and adultery. But now something is happening in their hearts. You can’t bury your sins forever. The brothers make a confession that is tinged with sorrow. Joseph, understanding every word of it, is moved to emotion that he cannot control. This is a cry that remembers the pain.
He is hearing an apology.
They no longer call him “the dreamer.” They call him their brother and say, “We shouldn’t have done that to our brother. He was begging us to stop, and yet we continued to abuse him. We were wrong.” Joseph turns away and uncontrollably weeps.
The admission that you have wronged another person is a crucial step in helping that person heal. It will also help you heal from the guilt you carry. Joseph will cry three more times in the next three chapters. His brothers display Godly fear and Godly sorrow. How do we know? Because it brings about Godly restoration.
I’m reminded of the two thieves on either side of Jesus. One orders Jesus to act and prove himself by screaming, “Save us!” Jesus actually was saving them, but not in the way he expected. The other thief confesses his wrongdoing and says to Jesus, “Wherever you are going, take me with you.” Which one is saved? The one who is repentant. There is a healthy form of guilt that invites God’s grace. This text is a great reminder of how our own guilt is covered by the grace of God through Jesus. Do you need to own a Godly sorrow that leads you to the discovery of God’s grace and mercy? If so, give in.
This week we pick up where we left off in Genesis. If you remember, we were looking at the life of a young man named Joseph. He was the second youngest of twelve brothers. His father favored him and gave him a special coat to let everyone know. As a result, this made his brothers jealous. Further, when Joseph was just a teenager, he had a couple of dreams in which his family bows down to him. Little do they know this will actually take place years later, but for now the brothers are tired of him and sell the young man into slavery. By God’s design, Joseph ends up in the house of an influential man named Potiphar. While there, Potiphar's wife tries to seduce young Joseph but he refuses. She gets mad and falsely accuses him of sexual assault. Joseph is put in prison. It’s a riches to rags story. Joseph has done the right thing and now he’s in a dungeon. You might think he would become bitter after this experience. Instead, there is a tenderness within his heart. How is this possible? Well, during this ordeal with Potiphar’s wife, four times it is mentioned that God is with him.
When you are doing the right thing, you can have assurance that God is with you - even when you suffer for doing what is right.
I am reminded of the most famous of all Psalms. Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s leading in our lives. He leads us through the dark valleys. It doesn’t say God leads us around them. There’s a big difference between "through" and “around." Why not around? One reason is because people are watching. They are watching to see what kind of impact God has on the lives of those who fully trust in him. The truest test is when a person suffers for doing what is right. Or when suddenly your life takes a dramatic turn. You’ve been downsized from your job, the cancer has returned, you have a family member that started on the right path, but has since taken a detour. These are the moments of crisis that show the world what kind of relationship God and his people have. Joseph’s young life has taken many spiritual twists and turns. With this most recent circumstance, his spiritual strength is about to tower over the other patriarchs we have read so far. There are huge challenges ahead for him. But Joseph has a clear sense that God is with him and in fact, God is preparing him for future greatness. What a great reminder for us!
Matthew 25 holds a story about you, me, and our future together. It is a parable told by Jesus about making the most of every spiritual opportunity God has given us. Now, it’s obvious that the master is Jesus. The long journey is his time in heaven where he is now seated at the right hand of the father, but one day he will return. Christians are the servants and we are now in upper management. Each of us has been handed a bag of coins. It was John Calvin who began to popularize the idea that the talent included your skills, gifts, abilities, wealth, all that you are and all that you have.
We are not all the same.
Some have opportunities not available to others. We don’t all have the exact same intelligence and we don’t all have the exact same skills. Some have a very deep understanding of the Bible because of their training. Others have had no formal Biblical training, yet they know the simplicity of the gospel. All of this is by God’s design and control. It is perfectly acceptable to be a one talent servant. It’s ok to be two, it’s ok to be five. God designates it and this is a picture of spiritual capacities and opportunities.
So what has God placed in your hands?
Every time you read the Word or sit under solid Biblical preaching, you’ve just received a coin. Many people attending Illuminate can give a Biblical sermon better than many pastors I’ve met. God has given us money, intelligence, skills and experiences. He has given us his Spirit and his Word. We have been given things that most in this world do not have. Why is that? The parable tells us why - so that we can take what we have been given by God, turn it around and give it right back to him. He has entrusted to you what you are capable of managing. God is not giving a one talent person five talents. He is not giving a five person talent one talent. He gives what you are capable of because he knows you. What does Jesus want us to learn from this story? It’s pretty simple really: with responsibility comes accountability. Each of us will be held accountable for what we have been given. In the end, we want to hear from Jesus, “Well done good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your master!” This Sunday we’ll explore what it means to hear these words from our Savior.
I have a few trees in my backyard that have been there for a long time. I know this because I planted them myself 21 years ago. For the first couple of years, they didn’t seem to make much progress. But the consistent water, fertilizer, and sunlight have made them my favorite places to relax for one simple reason - shade from the heat. I often think of Illuminate in this way. We are the generation that has the unique opportunity to establish shade in the Valley of the Sun for many years to come - a work that will provide spiritual shade to those in need. Paul used a similar illustration to describe his ministry...
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. -1 Corinthians 3:6-8
Notice there are resources needed for this work: tree, water, laborers. God takes these resources and gives the gospel its growth.
Resources don’t always come free. The New Testament contains a letter from Paul to the church in Philippi. Paul planted, watered, and fed this church by bringing the gospel and making disciples. No doubt he personally led many of its attendees to Jesus. He’s writing from prison and he owns next to nothing. The church members heard about Paul’s condition, took a generous offering and sent it by way of a man named Epaphroditus. Paul was grateful and writes back, sending his heartfelt appreciation. The reason we have this New Testament letter is because of the financial generosity of the Philippian church.
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:10
Let’s focus on a key word here. Do you have a guess as to what it might be? Content
Please don’t miss the point Paul is making – generosity comes through contentment. I’m convinced that we are very bad at being content and it’s not easy because we are bombarded by messages telling us that we don’t yet possess what it takes to be happy. Coveting is a serious and pervasive human tendency that God specifically addresses in the Ten Commandments. The real danger of coveting is that it misdirects money toward things that God never intended for you to have. Instead, we are instructed to be "rich in good deeds” and to “lay up treasure in heaven that nothing can destroy.” This week we will be challenged to consider how we can continue to plant, water, and feed the work of God that is Illuminate Community Church.
Last week I shared about Illuminate’s humble beginnings, “Only God” moments, and where He is leading us into the future. We use three words to describe this.
Bigger, Smaller, Deeper
Bigger refers to what Jesus said in Matthew 16:18, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." In John chapter 12, Jesus gives us the method for growing His church.
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” - John 12:32
We lift up Jesus at Illuminate - therefore, we expect the church to grow and by God’s grace, He is doing just that.
As we grow larger in number, we want to grow smaller in community by connecting people to life-changing groups. This is the place where you can know others and be known. As things get bigger, it's easier to remain anonymous. We don’t want that for you, so we encourage everyone to take the leap of faith and join a smaller gathering. The ultimate goal was given to us by Jesus. We are to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, that is - a disciple. This is what it means to go "deeper."
Now, it should be clearly stated that the reason for all of this is because people matter to God. We know this because Jesus came to the earth and died for humanity. Jesus paid a high price, which means people have the utmost value. If anyone claims to have the heartbeat of Jesus, then he or she must understand Jesus' purpose for coming to the earth. He lays it out for everyone to make it crystal clear.
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." - Luke 19:10
The lost refers to those who don’t yet have a relationship with God. To be spiritually lost means not being a part of the family of God. A spiritually lost person has no personal relationship with God, no forgiveness of sins, and no grounding in spiritual truth. There is an innate spiritual longing in every human, but those who live apart from God are going to empty wells in order to meet this thirst. It’s like they are wandering the desert looking for water that will satisfy, but in the end, they are aimless. Jesus tells a series of parables about lost and found items to illustrate this point. This is the heart behind why we do what we do at Illuminate. People are important to God!
We often repeat a couple of phrases at Illuminate…”Only God!” and “Where God guides, He provides.” This has been the history of our church; from our small beginnings in my living room six years ago, to serving over 2000 people each week in person and online today. Yet I believe the best is yet to come because God wants to do more than we could ask or think. Let’s have our faith expanded by the way Paul ends his prayer for the church in Ephesus.
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." -Ephesians 3:20-21
You can almost feel the spontaneous break out in praise. This is driven by Paul’s understanding of God’s soveriegnty. There is no limit to what God can do in response to our prayers because his capability goes far above and beyond anything we could ever ask, dream or comprehend. We have been blown away by what God has done in our midst and we are so thankful.
I’ll be stepping out of our Genesis series for a few weeks and bringing a special update. Last year at this time we rolled out the future vision of the church with three simple words: Bigger, Smaller, Deeper. “Bigger" means we want to fulfill Jesus’ words as he said, "I will build my church”, therefore we expect the church to grow. At the same time we want to grow “smaller" through personal gatherings that promote spiritual depth. This is what it means to go “deeper." Becoming a disciple of Jesus is the ultimate goal.
I have been thinking a lot about family recently. I have family members in other states getting older that I want to spend more time with. I have cousins and siblings moving to incredible cities around the country that I’d love to visit and support. My wife has family on opposite sides of the country and in different cities than all of my family. We have college friends who have moved back to their hometowns or have moved to different countries, to pursue their goals and dreams.
I realize that my relationships with these people, though I want them to flourish, will never be what I would like them to be, simply due to proximity. Sure, FaceTime is great, and sharing memes over social media is a band-aid for almost anything, but at the end of the day, the deepest bonds come from physical proximity.
The reality that proximity breeds relationships is the wonderful news of our text in Genesis this week. In Genesis chapter 39, we pick back up with the story of Joseph. Through chapters 37 and 39, Joseph goes from being daddy’s favorite, to being beaten up and thrown into a pit by his brothers, to being bought as a slave to living in a penthouse in charge of a wealthy man's estate, and finally, being lied about, falsely charged, and thrown in prison. Through this roller coaster of events, we learn something very important about God’s character. He is a God who keeps close proximity to His people.
This becomes even more evident through the person and work of Jesus.
Matthew 1:21-23 - “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).
Illuminate family, it is good news that whether we face trial, tragedy, or triumph, Jesus, our Lord and Savior, is with us. That is our hope and confidence in this life!
If you have been listening to the Genesis sermons and reading the Bible for the first time, you are probably shocked by what you experience in chapter 38. Will the family dysfunction ever come to an end? After being introduced to Joseph last week, chapter 38 turns to his older brother, Judah, and Judah’s daughter-in-law, Tamar. What a sordid relationship we have here. However, it leads to an unexpected conclusion.
Tamar is a childless widow who has become pregnant…and the baby daddy is Judah. Yes, her father-in-law. Judah is unaware of what he’s done to her, because when they were together, Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute. Judah never cared much for Tamar and when he is told she is now unmarried and with child, he sees his opportunity to get rid of her. The penalty for adultery was death. As she is being led out to her punishment, the plot twist is uncovered - Judah himself is the father! He is forced to own up to it because she has all the evidence. Judah proclaims, “She is more righteous than me.” He mistreated her and he believes she was justified in what she did in return. He is humbled and Tamar is exalted. Judah publicly admits his failure. This marks a change in Judah's life. He is an example for us.
You and I will never achieve sinless perfection. However, it’s what we do and how we respond when faced with our sin that matters most. How quick is your repentance? Judah, to his credit, doesn’t play it off. He doesn’t act the victim. He owns it. This event matures him. In fact, he will become a sacrificial and humble spokesman for his brothers when they meet Joseph once again. By God’s grace, Judah will become the man and by God’s grace, Tamar will become the woman who takes the first female place in the genealogy of Jesus.
Matthew 1:1-3 - "The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar"
It was rare for an ancient genealogy to contain the name of a woman, and it was extraordinarily rare to contain the name of a woman with a sordid story. And yet, there’s Tamar, listed as a direct ancestor of Jesus. In fact, there are five women named in this list and each has a nefarious marital union. Why is this? Well, in part it’s to set the stage for the birth of Jesus. Mary is pregnant with the Messiah and unwed. How can that be??? Have you read the stories of Jesus’ foremothers? You’ll see God working his sovereign will in the midst of whispers of scandal. So it should come as no surprise that Jesus is born to a virgin. But there’s more...
Tamar is a Canaanite and the other women named in Jesus’ line are Gentiles. This sends a very strong message - Jesus is for everyone, not just the Hebrews, but for all people everywhere. When Jesus was a young boy he was taken to the temple and Simeon says, “This boy is going to be a light for all nations." Just as God promised in Genesis 3, there would be a savior born of a woman who would crush the destructive work of Satan and be a blessing to all people. That promise was given to Abraham, then Isaac, then Jacob and fulfilled through the most unlikely person - Tamar.
Our God is that big. His hidden hand is always working through history and always surprising us; doing the unexpected in the hearts of his people for their good. So with respect and reverence for God’s sovereignty, let’s submit ourselves to him believing that we will change and that an unending amount of grace lies ahead for us!
This Sunday we are introduced to another key figure in the Genesis narrative. He is a teenager named Joseph. His life is by far the longest and most masterful account in the entire book. The story is famous enough to launch Andrew Lloyd Weber’s big musical hit, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. But I can assure you that the real life story of Joseph is far more entertaining and has an underlying subtle theological depth that is unmatched. The grand theme of Joseph’s life as I see it is this:
God is working his will through the everyday events of your life and very often in ways that are yet to be seen.
There are no miracles here. God does not upend the physical laws he created in order to get things done. Rather, there is a hidden but sure hand of God moving and arranging everything without one highly visible, supernatural event. It is perhaps the second greatest story about how God takes the evil intentions of men and women and uses them for good. (The life of Jesus would be at the top of this list.)
Joseph is the favored child of his father and it shows. Naturally, this means he is despised by his siblings. He doesn’t do anything to improve family relations. In fact, he makes it worse by his lack of self-awareness. So they beat him up, sell him as a slave and destroy the very thing that represents how much of a spoiled little brat he has become: his famous coat. One could ask, “Where is God in all this?”
We all carry wounds. Like Joseph, some of those wounds are self-inflicted and like Joseph some of those wounds are given to us by others. It doesn’t take much for those wounds to reopen. Today’s pop culture, with its encouragement toward victimhood, doesn't help. Joseph’s story teaches us that life is unfair, hard, full of inequities and injustice, and yet God works in the manure of every human life to form compost from which something beautiful can grow. But you have to surrender and give everything to him. This includes the bitterness, the anger, the resentment, the lifestyle, the attitudes - the things that are not congruent with what God wants for you. When this happens, you are set free. And one day you can say as Joseph did, “What others meant for evil, God meant for good.”
Finally! We get to the part where Jacob is in full surrender to God!
In Genesis chapter 35 God tells Jacob to go back to the very spot where he first spoke to him 30 years earlier. If you remember from Chapter 28, Bethel is the place where God began speaking to him through a vision of a stairway extending from earth to heaven. It symbolized God’s ongoing presence in his life. Like many of us, it took Jacob several years to live fully in God’s presence. God was always with Jacob, but Jacob wasn’t always with God. After Jacob receives the vision he proclaims this in chapter 28:20-22.
“If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
He is returning to his father’s house. For the last ten years, he’s been doing whatever he wants. As a result, he has the drama of multiple wives, his daughter is sexually assaulted, his boys murder an entire tribe and no one seems to respect Jacob. The family is fragmented. Earlier, God told him to go to Bethel but instead, he went halfway and stopped. Partial obedience made his life a living hell. But God did not abandon Jacob. Good said again, “Go back to Bethel” and this time Jacob obeys fully. Now you need to know this is a religious pilgrimage. Bethel was in the heart of Canaanite country. The intent here is to drive a stake in the heartland of idolatrous Canaanite worship and to establish Yahweh as the one true and living God.
Jacob is proving to be the leader his family needs. His boys massacred the people of Shechem and took all their stuff including their idols. So Jacob says, “It’s time this family does what is right. Get rid of the idols!” He steps up as a father and leads well. His boys are grown men but it will always be a parent’s right to instruct their kids between what is good and evil. They may or may not listen, but it is mom and dad’s obligation. Jacob tells his household to put away the foreign gods and to cleanse themselves and put on new garments. This purification ritual symbolized the turning of a new page. It’s the transition from one state to another. This reminds me of Christian baptism. Burying the old life with the death of Christ and raised to a new life through his resurrection.
Along the journey to Bethel God protects Jacob from his enemies. Jacob is wealthy and owns a lot of livestock. He travels with a massive entourage and people can’t help but pay attention. He is a foreigner surrounded by hostiles. Easy for him to draw heavy fire. But God causes the Canaanites to fear him. This is supernatural terror that falls on those who might want to do him harm. I like to say, “The man or the woman of God doing the will of God is invincible until God calls him or her home.” Jacob is doing the will of God and God has his back. The same is true for you and me. This is why we want to be obedient in whatever God asks us to do and be. If God is for us, who can be against us?
Genesis chapter 34 contains one of the darkest events recorded in the Bible. The Scriptures do not hide the fact that evil is real. The story goes like this...One day Jacob's daughter Dinah has gone to the city to socialize with the women in the nearby town of Shechem. A man named Hamor (a prince with great influence and wealth) has a son, also called Shechem. He sees Dinah, grabs her and sexually assaults her. The language of the text makes it clear this was not seduction or something consensual. Afterward and perversely, Shechem says he loves Dinah and wants her for his wife. He demands that his father Hamor make that happen. This guy is a spoiled brat and a textbook abuser.
This ignites a firestorm of events involving cruel revenge and murder brought by two of Dinah’s brothers, Simeon and Levi. In the end, an entire tribe was no more.
Perhaps the thing that fueled the brother's rage in the first place was dad’s indifference to the crime. They fervently plead with Jacob, “Should they treat our sister like a prostitute?” Jacob shows little concern in this moment. Could it be that Jacob has lost his moral voice in the lives of his kids simply because he was known for his own manipulation? His compromise weakened the influence he had on his children. “Try talking to God about your own sin before you talk to us about ours, dad!” This event would hang over the entire family for the rest of their lives. On Jacob’s deathbed, he would denounce Simeon and Levi as cruel and angry men. Jacob dies before they are reconciled. What precipitated this downfall?
Partial obedience.
Earlier God told Jacob to go to Bethel, another 20 miles to the south. Instead, he stayed near the prosperous city of Shechem and this would be catastrophic, leading to sexual assault and genocide. We never fully see the consequences of our half obedience. This is why in God’s eyes, nothing is more important than full obedience.
Why is full obedience so hard for us and why is partial obedience so easy?
We live in the Valley. A sun-soaked, leisure-oriented, laid-back, low commitment, do what you want, luxurious culture. Do you think that culture might affect our Christianity? We attend church as long as it’s convenient. We even give money, as long as it doesn’t pinch our lifestyle too much. We serve when we have extra time. Can we ask ourselves - are these the hidden definitions of partial obedience in our lives? If so, let’s see it for what it is, confess and live fully.
Perhaps you’ve read the famous story of Jacob wrestling with God. I’m not convinced my Sunday school teacher gave me all the details. For example, the text says Jacob’s hip was put out of joint with a touch. I’ve always pictured it being something like a solitary finger placed on the joint to dislocate. However, the Hebrew words translated as socket and hip are actually used to describe flesh and meat. At the very least this would be the fleshy part of the inner thy including the groin. Not at all a simple touch but rather a force hard enough to dislocate the hip socket. One more thing about this area of the man’s body - it was considered the place of family blessing. More on that in a minute, but let’s read about the fight scene...
Then he (the angel) said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” -Genesis 32:26-28
Fascinating that the angel says to Jacob, “...you have prevailed.” In other words, Jacob never tapped out, he persisted. He continued the fight because he strongly desired a blessing for himself... and God gave it to him.
So what’s the message for us? I think it fits the larger relationship between God and humans. God has a desire to bless. We have a desire to be blessed, but rather than wait on God to provide the blessing we try and make it happen. Jacob didn’t have to scheme and lie and manipulate, he simply needed to trust God as the gift giver.
Essentially, God says to him, “You don’t believe that I can give you a blessing apart from you helping yourself? Then here’s what I’m going to do, I’m going to wound you in the part of the body where you can generate your own blessing.” God wounds and heals us so we can receive what he wants to give us. Jacob, aka "Israel" will limp the rest of his days. The name Israel means, "one who struggles with God.” Is this not the story of the nation of Israel as God’s people from Exodus through Kings? God’s people struggle because they do not trust in Him alone to provide the blessings.
I think it’s really cool how God doesn’t give up on this guy. It’s like God wounds him so that he won’t wound other people. God gives him a new identity as a result of this one on one battle. Jacob is fully aware of God’s presence in his life. You will never know who you really are, that is to say you won’t know your true purpose nor will your life be what you want it to be without acknowledging God.
For the last few weeks, we’ve been reading about the life of a man named Jacob. He is the third generation recipient of God’s specific promises spoken to his grandfather Abraham. Jacob began his young life living up to his name which means “deceiver.” He deceived his father and stole a blessing from his brother Esau. This caused Esau to be violent with anger so Jacob fled. The family is torn apart. Jacob travels many miles away and finds a wife. However, his father-in-law double-crosses him. The man whose name means deceived gets deceived. He gets a taste of his own medicine. However, through this pain we begin to see glimmers of spiritual progress. You see there was a time when he referred to God as being the God of his father but not his own. That changes over time.
Kids raised in Christian homes must make their own faith decisions. These choices cannot be made for them. Good parents guide and set an example, but everyone must make his or her own decision to follow God or not. If you have a child and you’ve raised him or her in a God-centered home and they have chosen to walk away, know that the final chapters have yet to be written. It took Jacob decades to say, “God is my God.” And this happened as a result of much pain and heartache.
Let’s remember where Jacob has come from. He lied, betrayed and stole from his own family. He is on the run from a murderous brother and far from home. God is changing his character though his failures. There are no more lies and deceit. Jacob has moved from poverty to wealth and he has a family with whom he is returning home. Certainly God has done much for Jacob!
Yet this is a mere shadow compared to what Jesus has done for us.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? -Romans 8:28-32
God, "graciously gives us all things," not the least of which is eternal life!
Genesis chapter 30 could be titled, “Birth Wars.” It’s the story of Rachel and Leah in competition. Each wants what the other has. Rachel was gorgeous but struggled to bear children. Leah was ordinary but fertile. She struggled to be loved. Leah has the upper hand at first, but after getting what she wants, she is still not satisfied. This is the true human condition. In the writings of Augustine we read this famous line:
“You stir man to take pleasure in praising You, because You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You.”
Augustine is pointing out the fact that apart from knowing God through his son Jesus Christ, there will be a restlessness in your life. It is that God shaped void we try to fill with the things of the world. Your life is a series of choices that either move you toward God or away from God. When you make decisions that move you toward God you find that much needed rest. But for so long we’ve attached ourselves to things we think will satisfy…they don’t. Yet we are afraid to give them up. We live in a society that wants you to believe you are always a victim and never a conqueror. For many this has become their identity. The problem with a victim mentality is that people are not challenged to overcome their obstacles. Don’t think of giving up, think of giving over and be prepared for God to do something you never dreamed.
Consider Rachel, she had everything in her young life. Dreams of love surrounded her but that began to change when she realized, “I’m barren.” “How could this happen to me??” Have you ever faced this reality? “My spouse is cheating, my kids are a train wreck, my job is over, I have cancer, I’m addicted, I’m in jail. Me?”
Whether you are beautiful like Rachel or plain like Leah, we all have our problems. So here’s a lesson - Stop looking at others and set your eyes on what God is doing in your life. I would assume that Rachel probably needed some humility in order for her to be sympathetic to others. At first, she was the apple of her husband’s eye. But then that apple started to sour and her sister started to sweeten. Humans are fickle and fragile. Remember friends, there is an unconditional love God has already given you through his son Jesus.
“What goes around, comes around.” That’s a fitting title for our text. A few chapters ago we saw Jacob deceive his father. He tricked him as his father’s eye sight was failing and in the end Jacob received a family blessing intended for his brother. Jacob lives up to his name which literally means, “heel grabber.” When the twin boys were born Esau arrived first but Jacob was grabbing his foot as if to hold him back so that he could be the first born.
As a result of Jacob’s trickery toward his older brother he must leave his home and escape the murderous anger of his sibling. At the suggestion of his mother, Jacob travels to the land of her ancestors. It’s a long journey but he is told he will find a wife in this place. In fact, this is where he will get a taste of his own medicine from his uncle Laban. The deceiver will get deceived. Jacob will see himself in the man who manipulates him. As a result Jacob will change.
You probably have difficult people in your life - Laban type people. They are harsh, judgmental, deceitful, arrogant and manipulative. You cry out for relief but it just might be that through them we take a closer look at ourselves. Perhaps some of those undesirable traits are in us. Could this be God’s way of helping us see and refine what is in our own hearts? Do you see that God is working in all of life’s circumstances and relationships. He works through ALL things for our good and for this we have to trust him.
When Jacob deceived his father by bringing him some food in the way of Esau, Isaac asked, “How did you kill and prepare the game so quickly?” Jacob, acting as Esau said, “Your God gave me favor,” He doesn’t say “our God” or “my God.” Why? Because at this point Isaac’s God is not Jacob’s God. Jacob didn’t know God personally. You see, Jacob was a religious man, but he didn’t have a relationship with God. He knew about God because of his father’s faith but he didn’t know God himself. However, all this is about to change while on the run from his angry brother. Jacob is alone and isolated; a victim of his own deceit. Eventually, he gets tired, lays his head on a rock and begins to dream...
He sees a stairway bridging heaven to earth. Angels are traveling back and forth. God himself is orchestrating their movement. This is a sign to Jacob that God will be with him wherever he goes in spite of his failures. Jacob names the place Bethel, “The House of God."
We are all Jacobs in our own way. We find ourselves in flight because of our sins. But in our solitary places God ministers to us. There is a stairway that extends between heaven and earth for us today. God controls every step of it and the gate of heaven opens from the inside. Jesus entered first which means he allows entrance to those who believe in Him. This is the ultimate expression of God’s grace.
Are you at a place where you are guilty over your past, confused in the present, or anxious and uncertain about your future? Then maybe you’re at a place where God can break through and into your life. He won’t give you magical, instant solutions, but He will begin to work when you come to the end of yourself and admit, “God, I have a need or a circumstance I can’t deal with on my own. I need You!” That’s the place where grace—God’s unmerited favor—can take effect. The fact is, the house of God is anywhere his people need him to be.
Rebekah and Jacob develop a plan to steal the blessing from Esau and have it pronounced on Jacob. But there’s some intense deceit involved. They must take advantage of old dad’s failing senses. Jacob is smooth-skinned and Esau is hairy. Jacob will feel, smell and sound like Esau if they are successful. Jacob is not convinced of the plan, but not because he doesn’t want it, instead, he thinks it could backfire. He worries their deception will be discovered and dad will curse him. Mom says, “No, my favored son, we are making this happen and I will take responsibility!” The plan is enormously successful. But it also has unintended consequences. Esau is raging with anger and will not be satisfied until he takes revenge. However, Esau must take responsibility for his own misguided actions. See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears. -Hebrews 12:15-17
This is an incredibly insightful commentary from the author of Hebrews. What’s being said is this - it was Esau’s love for himself that created his anger. You see, anger is always tied to that which you love. Now that may sound strange to you but it’s true. Anger is always an outgrowth of love. The more intense the anger, the more your true love is revealed. Think about it, when you read of an innocent person being falsely imprisoned, or alternatively someone who is guilty yet they escape justice - you might say, “Well that shouldn’t be happening, that’s wrong.” Your next thought is, “What do I want for lunch?” But when the boss calls you in to work on a Saturday you seethe with rage for hours or even days. Don’t you see the cause of your anger is what you love the most - and that’s you, your time, your freedom, your stuff. Thankfully, God’s Word gives us a threefold strategy. 1. Be aware of your anger, 2. Bring it before the throne of God and 3. Consider the grace of God in your life.
What if you could directly ask Jesus one question, face to face, right now? What would it be? My guess is an overwhelming amount of people might ask Him, why am I here, or what am I supposed to do? There is an instance in Scripture where a man comes and asks Jesus a question like this. His goal was actually to discredit Jesus, as he didn't believe He was the Messiah. But, in typical Jesus fashion, He gave this questioning lawyer more than he bargained for. Just a few simple directions. These simple directions have made their way into almost every Bible-believing church that exists, but perhaps the most difficult aspect of these truths is how to put them into practice.
This Sunday, we jump a bit ahead of Genesis for a moment and walk through the direct words of Jesus. As a church family, let’s look into the teachings of Jesus, the Great Commandment, and ask ourselves do we have these commands written on our hearts? Bring a friend, let’s explore collectively.
“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”
(Psalm 139:7-8)
As we come to Genesis 26, we find what amounts to a short narrative of Isaac’s life. It’s interesting that, even though Isaac lived longer than any of the other patriarchs (180 years), less is recorded about him than any other. Genesis 26 is really the only chapter dedicated to his life.
Isaac's story in the first part of the chapter reminds us eerily of Abraham's "adventure" in Genesis 20. Both faced a famine, both traveled to the land of the Philistines, both lied about their wife, and both had to deal with Abimelech (who might be a particular king, or simply the title of the king of the Philistines at the time).
But Genesis 26 is not a simple repeat. What jumps off the text are the two visits from Yahweh Himself, the reiteration of the blessing promised to his father, Abraham, now upon Isaac and his offspring, and most of all, the praise and reality of God’s presence throughout Isaac’s ups and downs. Three times God makes it clear – He will be with Isaac in the future (vs. 3), He is now with him (vs. 24), and He has already been with him in the past (vs. 28).
We don’t talk about it a lot, but the reality is that, like with Isaac, God has, is, and always will be with you in every moment and in every situation to protect, bless, and help you. And how you respond to His presence has everything to do with how you will live your life. On Sunday, we’ll see how God’s presence changed Isaac’s life, and how it can change yours!
Until then, be encouraged with these words from the Psalmist:
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
I have loved this series in Genesis because we have looked carefully at the origin story behind God’s plan to redeem and restore all of creation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. What has been most shocking to me is how the all-powerful God of the cosmos chose a family to start His plan of redemption. As I get older, I become more aware that one thing is true about every family….they are all dysfunctional. Now, this fact is no surprise to the Biblical authors. We have seen some incredibly dysfunctional family dynamics so far in Genesis. This week, the dysfunction continues.
Genesis 25:19-34 begins by moving the narrative forward. Now, it is Abraham’s son, Isaac’s, turn to trust in God for the promise He made to his father. Isaac’s story begins similarly to his father's, Isaac’s wife Rebekah is barren. After forty years of praying to God, Rebekah conceived. This pregnancy was unusually difficult, so she sought a word from God, which foreshadows all that is to come….
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples from within you shall be divided;
the one shall be stronger than the other,
the older shall serve the younger.”
This prophecy would come true in many ways. Rebekah gave birth to twin boys and these brothers were opposed to each other in every way. The plot comes to a head when Esau comes in from the field and begs Jacob for some stew. Esau begs as he believes he is on the verge of death. Jacob takes advantage of the situation and makes a deal with his starving brother, your birthright for my stew. Esau takes this horrible deal, and the author of Genesis gives a short commentary, “Thus Esau despised his birthright.”
In this event, Jacob is given the rights of the first born and becomes the heir to the promise that God made to Abraham. We learn in the following chapters that Jacob is renamed Israel and his immediate descendants become the twelve tribes of Israel.
This story becomes a pillar for understanding God’s sovereignty in remaining faithful to His promise to Abraham and how that promise became the hope for our salvation today. We can stand firm in times of trouble because we serve a God who is faithful to His promises.
This theological understanding of God should lead to practical application in every believer's life. How much more can we persevere in holiness and in the spiritual battle, knowing that the victory is ours and that the end is already written?
Genesis chapter 22 contains one of the most well known stories in all of ancient narrative. Abraham’s willingness to make an offering of his son is the crescendo moment of Abraham’s faith. How did he get here? What was it that caused Abraham to embark on this journey with God in the first place? The author of Hebrews tells us…
By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Hebrews 11:9-10 Abraham went out because he was searching for a foundation. After you’ve been a Christian for a little while you believe in principle that God is foundational. But then things happen in your life that tests this belief. Difficulties come your way and you begin to wonder - Is God really on my side? It sure doesn’t feel like it. Hard to imagine the quiet moments between father and son as they walked up the hill together. The boy is genuinely curious about how and when the sacrificial lamb will be provided. Abraham moreso. How do you know your faith is strong? You don’t know until it is tested. Remember, Satan tempts, but God tests. So what is the difference? Satan tempts to weaken you, God tests to strengthen you. The late Elisabeth Elliot, told about a time years ago while visiting friends who owned a sheep ranch in Northern Wales. One day she saw a shepherd pick up a sheep and take it to a sheep dip which is a large vat of liquid insecticide and fungicide, and put the sheep into the vat, and the sheep frantically fought for air. Then the shepherd pushed the head down, but the sheep kept fighting and coming up, and the shepherd kept pushing it down because all of its surface had to be coated with the solution to keep it from getting ill. Elisabeth said, “I wondered what it’s like to feel like your shepherd is trying to kill you? Then she remembered the death of her missionary husband at the hands of the very people he served and said, “Oh, I remember.” If this story of Abraham tells us anything it tells us that sometimes your shepherd, who is trying to save you, will feel to you like he is trying to kill you. And that is a dark time indeed. I don’t know what it looks like for you, but I know this: Every human being in history has walked through some sort of dark time. But one day, one day the “third day” will come. It came for Abraham. The Lord provided.
To get a view of Isaac you need to understand Jesus. Consider the parallels: both were only sons, both offered on a mountain, both traveled with donkeys, two men accompanied them, both carried wood on their backs. The ram was stuck by thorns and then sacrificed, Jesus was also stuck by thorns and sacrificed.
You see, the story of Isaac points to Jesus. God never intended to sacrifice Isaac’s life. His life was a giant neon sign pointing to the cross. We see ourselves in Isaac. Bound for death but saved by another. Only the cross makes sense of this story. Because the Lord did provide.
Our text this week starts off on a high note. A specific promise from God to Abraham and Sarah is being fulfilled. Let’s just say it’s a big one that will change the course of human history...
The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. -Genesis 21:1-2
Can you imagine attending this baby shower? Sarah is 90 years old at this time. I can hear someone say, “Congratulations Sarah! Now enjoy this stroller for the baby…and here's a walker for you." God wanted there to be no doubt he was the one making this happen. He will be faithful to his word. This is stressed three times in the first two verses so we don’t miss it. Remember my friends, God still keeps his word today and every bit of it. You see our problem is with the timing. Don’t fall victim to your timeline. Wait on God to do what he says he will do. With this baby, Abraham and Sarah know that God is faithful in every detail of his promises. The birth of Isaac was the undisputable empirical data validating God’s voice. Therefore Jesus declares this...
"For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." -Matthew 5:18
An iota is the smallest letter of the Greek alphabet and a dot is a tiny stroke of the pen. We would say today, “Make sure you dot every i and cross every t.” Because Jesus is God in the flesh we can trust and rely upon his words too. Jesus Himself is the greatest evidence of God keeping his promises because everything God said in the Old Testament about a forthcoming prophet was fulfilled in Jesus. If you ask me, “What is the Christian life?” I would say the Christian life is lived in faith upon every word that God speaks.
Once again we find our man Abraham sliding into his old ways. Familiar sins die hardest. We’ve said several times throughout our study that the Bible portrays its heroes as real people. They have moments of great success and moments of great failure. Makes them relatable. Shows us that in spite of our failures God doesn’t abandon us and his love is not conditioned on our performance. It also reminds us that faith is a journey from immaturity to maturity as we grow in our understanding of who God is.
There’s an incredibly honest statement made by the apostle Paul in Romans 7:15,
"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”
This is the man who encountered the resurrected Jesus, planted many churches, faced countless dangers, and gave us much of the New Testament. Yet he has an inner struggle between the desires of his flesh and the desires of God working in him. When we sin, our sinful nature crawls back into the driver's seat and steers us away from God. We know what this is like. We have new life in Christ and we want to serve God well and know him more. We want to spend time in the Word and attend church every Sunday morning. We also have an old nature that dies hard and wants to sleep in. It’s a war between the flesh and the Spirit. This war will never come to an end until we die and enter heaven.
So what is the answer? Where do we find help? Paul spends a great deal of time in Romans talking about God’s grace. Simply explained, grace is God's unmerited favor towards you and me. In spite of all the wrongs we do, God does not give up on us. Therefore, only God’s grace can transform and redeem a stubborn, rebellious heart, and only Jesus can conquer sin in one’s life. This is why Paul concludes the chapter by writing this in Romans 7:25,
“Who will set me free from the body of this death?” The answer: “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
The good news is that we will no longer see Abraham faltering like this again. He presses on to maturity. He is learning he can trust God in all things. Finally, his fear of God is stronger than his fear of man and this brings him to new heights in his faith.
It doesn’t get much stranger than the account of Lot and his two daughters. In fact, it’s probably one of the darkest accounts in the Bible. Go ahead and read the text and then come back and you’ll quickly understand for yourself. Lot is a complicated man. On the one hand, he is considered righteous (2 Peter 2) and on the other hand, he is a man with many faults. In this text, he is used by others, and at the same time, he is a victim of his own lifestyle and actions. While living in Sodom, Lot’s daughters knew what wine could do to a person. Deception was practiced by everyone in the city. Lot was distressed by it, but not enough to have any kind of noticeable impact for God in his new hometown. Certainly, if he spoke against the depravity it would have been the end of his political career and to his high standing position. It seems to me that Lot was a chameleon. Additionally, the girls learned how to look out for themselves because that’s what their father did. We saw this last week when he went so far as to offer his daughters to an angry mob in an effort to protect his interests. Now in a crazy twist of events, the girls use him to get what they want. Where do you think they learned that?
Now understand that while Lot was drunk he was also responsible for what he did. He wasn’t passed out drunk. He couldn’t remember what happened in the morning but that does not excuse his participation. The Bible doesn’t forbid alcohol, however, it repeatedly warns about its abuse. This story reminds us of Noah’s alcohol-induced drama when he steps off the boat. Even after God spares these men from the worldliness around them, we find the pre-flood world is still in Noah and the city of Sodom is still in Lot. Causes us to consider what part of our old life is still in us? You can take out the trash but that doesn’t mean every fly stops buzzing around the can. There is an ongoing cleaning needed and only God can do it. "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” David, Psalm 51:7
Genesis chapter 19 tells the story of the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. They are known for God’s judgment upon their wickedness. Now I understand that the judgment of God doesn’t sit well with modern people. In fact, there was a time when it was an uncomfortable topic for me. However, I have changed significantly and here’s why... I do not want to serve a God that turns a blind eye to the evil we see and experience in this world. Let me ask you - What do you do when you hear about a child that has been molested? What if it was your child? What kind of God dismisses that kind of abuse? I want a God who brings justice once and for all in a final event that rids the world of it entirely.
Sodom and Gomorrah became famous for sexual deviancy. Sexual sin, as many will attest to, is a unique stronghold and the apostle Paul explains why in 1 Corinthians chapter 6. He is writing to a church that existed in the city of Corinth, one of the most sexually charged cities in the first century AD.
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18
One commentator gave an insightful description of Paul’s surroundings. "In the Greco-Roman, idol-worshiping culture of Paul's day, sex of all kinds had been normalized for nearly everyone. That included prostitution, adultery, pedophilia, homosexuality, and so forth. Growing up in this environment, it's not surprising to think some of the Christians in Corinth had trouble seeing sex outside of marriage as a big deal. Paul shows that sexual immorality is different from other kinds of sin because it's a form of self-harm. We might commit other sins with our bodies, but sexual immorality unites us sinfully with another person. This happens on a deeply physical and spiritual level. We will experience the natural consequences of that sin at that deep level, as well."
It's important to note that Paul is not telling us that sexual immorality is the worst of all sins, as we sometimes conclude. Instead, he is combatting the casual attitude toward sexual sin carried by some Christians in hyper-sexualized cultures. In addition to hurting others, sexual immorality contributes to our own deep pain. It's no more or less a sin than any other, but human cultures throughout history, including our own, tend to treat it more casually than other offenses. The main point of the story is not the graphic sins involved. The main point is that God is just and righteous. Once again we see a foreshadowing of the Jesus story. Our sin was placed on Christ and our punishment fell upon him. The justice of God was satisfied. In return, we became that righteousness of Christ! Therefore, Paul writes: For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
When I was in elementary school, there was a special reward for well-behaved kids. One week, I was chosen. One week. The reward was eating lunch with the Principal at his table. This is the guy who is in charge. He has all the power. Even the teachers seem to bow down to him. This was a very special honor in my little 8-year-old mind. Of course, when you get to Junior High, sitting with the Principal is the last thing you want to do. You get beat up for things like this.
So imagine Abram’s delight when he gets to sit with God for a meal. Here’s how it happens... the sun is high and Abram is relaxing in the shade. The morning chores are done and the workers are in their own tents resting in the afternoon before going back to work. Maybe Abram is starting to nod off a little bit when suddenly he sees three strangers standing in front of him. He hadn’t seen them coming, they just kind of appeared out of nowhere.
Abram rushes to serve them because there is something majestic about their presence. We know what he does not. This is God and two of his angels. To eat dinner with another was to say, “We are friends, what’s mine is yours and you have my protection.” What an honor for Abram!
Two thousand years later, Jesus does something similar. He uses himself as a metaphor for spiritual food. Jesus has become very popular at this point in his ministry. He has been feeding large groups of people at a time when many were existing from meal to meal. Therefore, Jesus is providing something valuable. Some are following Him for no other reason than to be fed. So Jesus begins talking about the kind of food that feeds one's soul.
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." John 6:35
Jesus is the spiritual bread that brings us eternal life. When we obey the words of Jesus we are sitting at his table. Are you eating this spiritual bread? If your spiritual life is anemic, consider your diet and consume more bread of life!
Our text this week includes the story of two mothers, Hagar and Sarai. Each has her moments of triumph and tragedy. The tragedy is in part due to the relational conflict between husband and wife. As a result, pregnant Hagar is on the run. This happens because Sarai becomes impatient and decides to help God accomplish his will. God doesn’t need our help to fulfill his promises. We can relate. You and I become impatient waiting for God to act as if he is obligated to our timelines. We say, “This is God’s will but things are taking too long!" So we take matters into our own hands thinking we need to help move Him along. These actions create complicated problems and complicated problems don’t just go away. There is grace of course, but there are consequences that result in much pain. Best to wait on God. It’s been said that the gears of God’s sovereignty grind slow, but they always grind exceedingly fine. I’ve been saying throughout our study that faith is built through obedience. But this passage reveals more. Add to your obedience, patience. Are you waiting on God? Does it feel like things are stuck? Be assured, God is always working behind the scenes until the big reveal. So patiently wait for Him my friend and your faith will grow!
"Doubting does not prove that a man has no faith, but only that his faith is small. And even when our faith is small, the Lord is ready to help us." J.C. Ryle
Doubts. At times we all have them. It might surprise you to know that God wants to speak directly to our lack of faith. In fact, when we doubt He is ready and able to give us what we need. This was certainly true in the life of Abram.
"After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” Genesis 15:1
God speaks to people in many different ways. In this moment he uses a vision. Note carefully the first thing God acknowledges is Abram’s anxiety, "Do not fear." This is the most often repeated command in the Bible and for good reason. Humans are fearful creatures. A few of us might be adventurous thrill-seekers willing to risk our lives for the adrenaline rush but let’s be honest; there are fears common to us all. The fear of being unloved, failure and rejection to name a few. Can you relate? Fear is a very powerful motivator. There are healthy God-given fears such as when you are in a situation where you or someone you love might be harmed. This fear should be used for self-preservation. That’s not what is being spoken of by God. This is fear that causes you to doubt Him. This is fear that undermines your faith in what God says. Anytime we are afraid of taking God at His word, we are acting irrational.
God speaks directly to what Abram is experiencing in his life by saying, “I am your shield.” This is exactly what Abram needed. Last week we saw Abram defeating a much larger army made up of a partnership of four kings. Abram needed a shield because there could be retribution at any time. God also tells him, “I will reward you.” He needed reward because he had denied himself great wealth offered from the king of Sodom. Abram did what he believed was right and that came at personal cost. Therefore, God lets Abram know He saw and He will provide and protect. Don’t for a moment think God doesn’t know what’s happening with you and your fears. He wants to speak to them.
So Abram went up from Egypt, he and his wife and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the Negeb. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. Genesis 13:1-2
This is the first time wealth is mentioned in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t view wealth as inherently good or evil, rather it is neutral. What makes it good or bad is the way it is used and its effects upon you and others. Contrary to popular belief, money is not "the root of all evil.” However, "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,” (1 Timothy 6:10). This proves to be true in Lot’s life. When he and Abram part ways, Lot will choose for himself and his livestock the prime parts of the land. Abram gets the leftovers but he trusts that God will provide what he needs. Lot’s selfish decision is the best possible way to grow his net worth…so he thinks. However, Lot’s value system proves disastrous. It puts him in close proximity with those who will eventually take him as a prisoner of war. This separation proves to be a good thing for Abram, but for Lot it was bad. There are healthy separations in life.
Uncle Abram steps in to clean up the mess. (After graciously deferring to Lot over the land deal.) He leads a team of soldiers to free Lot and his family. Sometimes you have to bring a righteous fight to bring peace. The Christian philosopher Francis Schaeffer said, “For a Christian to be a pacifist in a fallen and broken world means that we would desert the people who need our help the most.” Abram and his men get the job done.
We should value what God values which are things not of this world. These are things of eternal consequence. After a few bad decisions, we see Abram trusting God more and more. We see his faith growing. The example is for us.
He is Risen!!!
The single most important event in human history is the resurrection of Jesus Christ and here’s a few reasons why…
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Jesus’ resurrection means that all who believe in him will also be resurrected to eternal life.
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It proves Jesus is to be trusted and believed.
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It demonstrates God’s love in rescuing us from sin's penalty of death.
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The empty tomb gives us hope! Humans need to have hopes and dreams and when they are taken from us we are reduced to nothing. Viktor Frankl was a holocaust survivor and psychologist. As a result of his experiences he wrote a fascinating and insightful book called, “Man’s Search For Meaning.” He was captured by Nazis and transported to different camps. Of his family, only he and his sister survived after two and a half years. In the book, Viktor tells his story and what he learned from it. He focused on how people dealt with the horror of being in the camp. Concentration camps mean that people are forced into concentrated losses. Most people experience loss over the course of time, but in the camp you lose everything immediately - your job, home, health, family. Some believed they would never leave and they became like zombies. They gave up until their bodies died. Others were certain they would be freed in six months or less. But with each passing month they lost hope. So who were those who survived over the years? The common denominator of survivors were those who had kept hope. They were able to find a way to see current events as having a greater end or purpose. God’s purpose and plan for the world turned out to be extraordinary. The future of the universe and humanity is now redefined. The resurrection is not just a historical event. It gives you present hope for today and eternal hope for the future. This changes your whole outlook on life. You are a new kind of human. You have a new perspective. You see the world in a different way and you are changed. The resurrection reminds us that there is more to come. There is a city that awaits us and it is indescribably beautiful and without sin and best of all in the presence of God who supplies its’ light. The world needs this hope doesn't it? We wake up and we see division, war and violence and trauma. Jesus came to heal all of that but it requires belief on our part. It’s easy to believe in someone who demonstrated his love to the extreme. So let’s celebrate together and remember: hopelessness went out with the resurrection!
My favorite character in the movie Shrek is Donkey. You can’t help but love and cheer for him. He’s affable, likable, self-reflective and the portrait of humility. You may know that during times of war ancient kings rode horses but during times of peace they rode donkeys. Jesus is communicating something with his choice of transportation. This is not a messiah warrior mounted on a massive white stallion, but rather a humble messiah slowly approaching on something common. This is the picture of a humble sin-bearer. Needless to say, this figure was not dominant with the Jews of Jesus’ day. They were looking for a political champion who would free them from Roman rule. Certainly, the religious leaders thought this was all a big joke. It was blasphemy to have a supposed Jewish king suggesting peace. They wanted to kill him for it. It’s been said that sin comes about when the servant puts himself or herself in the place of the king. Salvation comes when the king puts himself in the place of a servant. What kind of a king does that? One that thoughtfully chooses his ride. Christianity is unique because it promotes a salvation through humility. Not everyone in the crowd understood Jesus. Many of the people waving palm branches embraced him for the wrong reasons. They were thinking of the temporal benefits he would provide. They thought he would usher in an age of peace and prosperity. Even his own disciples wanted this. They wanted a political savior and as a result, their faith was shaken when he was crucified. Only afterward did they become emboldened when they experienced his resurrection. The application here is this – if you follow Jesus only for what he can give you in terms of financial prosperity, good health and other temporal benefits then your faith will be shaken and perhaps even destroyed. What happens when trials hit you? What happens when you get sick or when you suffer financial loss? If Jesus exists only for your earthly happiness then you are in trouble. Jesus could have very easily put an end to Rome’s rule and replaced it with Jewish freedom. He had that kind of power. But that was not going to give people freedom from their sins. So why do you follow Jesus? Some say, “I am following Jesus because I want to be a better person.” Ok, that’s fine but Jesus didn’t come to make you a better person. Others say, “I follow Jesus because I want Him to give me a Godly marriage.” That’s a legitimate request that he can supply but that’s not why he came to the earth. Many have said, “I follow Jesus because I have deep emotional hurts from my past, and I want Him to heal me.” Again, he can do that, but that is not his primary purpose in your life. The reason we follow Jesus is because of who He is: God’s Anointed One, the rightful King over every heart and life. He died for your sins, arose from the grave, and is coming back in power and glory to reign over all. Until then, whether you struggle with tribulation, distress, persecution, poverty, health issues, or death itself, you can overwhelmingly conquer if your faith is in Him as your Lord and Savior.
Abram sells out his wife… Have you ever been confronted with a threat that causes you to go into preservation mode? Abram has entered Egypt but he has a unique challenge. He realizes that the beauty of his wife will appeal to the Egyptians and they will kill him to get her. He starts the conversation with his bride something like this…”You know Sarai, you are stunning. You are more beautiful than all these Egyptian women.” Good words so far. She is liking this. He continues, “You are the most beautiful woman in the entire country…and that’s gonna be a problem for me…so I have a plan that involves telling a half truth and you becoming Pharaoh's wife.” Things just got awkward between them. So the plan is to tell Pharaoh that Sarai is his sister which is kind of true because in chapter 20 we learn they have the same father but not the same mother. So that’s strange but the DNA lines may have been more pure at this early date. Later God will give marriage restrictions but for now they hide the wife part and focus on the sister part. (Now I don’t know if ancient Egyptian men had a thing for older women because Sarai is 65 years old. It’s been said that Semitic women don’t fade early.) Abram is trying to protect himself and in doing so he puts his wife in a very vulnerable situation. When we sin, we don’t sin alone. It always effects those around us. We saw this with Adam when the entire race was infected by his disobedience. Every account of sin in the Bible includes with it the damage done to others. As a result of this lie Abram becomes rich. Pharaoh gives him a large dowery and takes Sarai for himself. For awhile Abram must have thought, “My plan worked better than expected. I’m being blessed, look at all this stuff!” Material blessing does not mean you are in God’s will. Isn’t it easy to find reasons to do something wrong and afterward find justification in every direction? Ideally Abram would have believed God’s promises and said, “God promised me children, Sarai is my wife and though she is barren God will somehow keep his promise and we will be kept safe.” Abram has forgotten God in all this. No communication with Him through prayer or worship. God understood the special place Abram and Sarai would have in his redemptive plan and no king or ruler was going to stop it. If Pharaoh keeps Sarai then how is she going to have a child with Abram? God intervenes to keep his word. God is capable of moving heaven and earth to fullfill his promises. Failure is never fatal with God. Abram will get back on track in the next chapter. I have failed God in my testimony but God keeps loving me. Sometimes it’s like three steps forward and two steps back. Over time, Abram will come to see the faithfulness of God in his life even as he doubts. Be encouraged and take the test and make it your test-imony of faith in God!
A couple of weeks ago I talked about the meaning of the word genesis. As you can see, it contains the word gene. Essentially these mean the same thing. So there’s no surprise when the first three verses of chapter 12 give us a major piece of DNA code unlocking the entire Bible. Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3 God gives Abram his calling in life. He also makes a promise to Abram and forms it into a covenant between the two of them. It actually turns out to be a one-sided covenant because God uses himself as collateral. Notice that God blesses Abram and then tells him that he will be a blessing to others. The call of God on one’s life means you will influence others because it gives your life mission. You are changed so others can be changed by you. You ask, “How can I be a blessing?” God says the same thing to you as he said to Abram, "Go forth!" Get out of your security and comfort zones. The place where you feel most uncomfortable is the place where you will feel most useful. You have people in your life who need you to tell them about Jesus and you are afraid. You don’t want to be criticized, or made to look bad, so therefore you are not a blessing to them. You’ve been asked to participate in a community group but you think that talking to others about your life just isn’t your thing. You won’t receive the blessing of being known and you won’t be a blessing if you continue to play it safe. We have many opportunities to serve inside and outside our walls. But that takes time and effort. To the degree that you are willing to get uncomfortable, it is to that degree you will experience the blessings of being a Godly influence. Paul talks about Abraham (Abram) often when explaining what it means to be a Christian. Greek and Romans were coming to Christ, but the very first Christians were Jews and they thought it best if the Greeks and Romans became Jewish Christians. Paul tells them they have it wrong. There are no Greek Christians or Roman Christians or Jewish Christians. There are Christians who are Jewish, there are Christians who are Greek, there are Christians who are Romans. God is the God of all races and cultures. This was a revolutionary idea in its day.
So being a Christian actually means that all identities are subjected to your identity in Christ. This includes our gender, our sexuality and our birth places. We cannot be Americans first and then Christians, or white or black or brown first, and then Christian. The call of God says you can be a blessing to all people, when you are a Christian first. Christians don’t abandon their cultures, they gain an even stronger identity in Christ. This identity is our true calling. We are blessed to be a blessing!
“Science and technology have replaced natural selection in the process of evolution. Thereby bringing the greatest revolution in the history of humanity. History began when humans invented gods and history will end when humans become gods.” - Dr. Yuval Noah Harari
Transhumanism is a socio-political movement amongst intellectuals who believe that the next great leap in the advancement of humanity will come through technology. It has become the religion of Silicon Valley. The goal is to become post-human wherein technology driven by artificial intelligence frees us from our fundamental human limitations. No need for education or cultural refinement any longer. Instead the powerful algorithms of AI will educate us and we will be made happier and smarter than imaginable. Sounds too crazy to be true until you realize that the leading voices in technology are in fact Transhumanist practitioners.
What could go wrong?
There’s nothing new under the sun.
The ancient people of earth attempted to reach God for themselves by building a tower in the city of Babel whose head would reach the heavens. From there, they would attain God-like status and build a name for themselves…apart from God.
Similarly, some of the loudest influencers today talk about unity, harmony, and achieving paradise or utopia by human invention, science, technology, or even systems of government. The Tower of Babel gives the outcome. We can see how these plans have not nor will they work in the future apart from God. Transhumanism is a revival of the same ideas that inspired the architects of Babel. It's the same story but in a different time. Man has always wanted to be like God. Remember, this was the original temptation from Satan in the garden. “You shall be like God…" Humans are inherently broken and sinful as a result of the Fall. The effects of sin cannot be overcome by human innovation or effort, only the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Once again, Genesis speaks loudly to our time.
Last week we saw God's man Noah step off the boat with his family. This post flood world was different in many ways. The heart of man however would remain the same. Therefore, in God’s goodness he brought forth a series of commands that were meant to restrain what comes natural to us all; including revenge.
When I was a student at ASU, one of my professors read these verses from Leviticus 24:19-21. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him. Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death. In an effort to show how ridiculous this is, the teacher quoted Gandhi who said, “If everyone practices an eye for an eye then the whole world will be blind.” Sounds good, right? Like maybe Gandhi has a better understanding of morality than God. Here’s what Gandhi and my professor missed... Back in the day, without rules and laws, the world operated from the standpoint of revenge. For example, a few chapters earlier we read about one of Cain’s descendants, a man named Lamech. He brags about how a young man slapped him and in return Lamech killed him. So God’s command exists to restrain man's desire for taking things too far. “You bust out my tooth, I’ll kill you!” No, that’s not how this is going to go. The consequence will be in proportion to the offense. Additionally, the New Testament adds this in Romans 13:1-5. Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
Human authority is established by God. This includes law enforcement. Another way of saying it is that the police officer is ordained by God. Does this mean every officer is noble? Of course not. Neither is every politician, plumber or pastor…or at times perhaps you. Additionally, all human authority should be held accountable. However, to remove what is ordained by God is a big mistake. As Jordan Peterson says, “Be careful what you deconstruct when you have nothing to take its place.”
God is doing something else with these early commands to Noah. He is establishing rules that when followed, lead to a well ordered and healthy society. Take the Ten Commandments for example. Don’t carelessly take another person’s life. That’s good for society. Don’t pursue your neighbor's wife. Another great practice for maintaining healthy relationships around the neighborhood. Don’t take what belongs to your neighbor. That’s his or her property and not yours. That seems reasonable. Pre-flood mankind was a theater of violence therefore proving the need for humane laws. In God’s goodness he begins to give them to Noah as soon as he steps off the boat. Because man is made in the image of God, his life is inherently precious and cannot be taken without giving account to God.
Noah was the first to see the majesty of the rainbow. The rainbow is God’s way of reminding himself that he will never flood the earth again. For us, it is a beautiful reminder of God’s promises and that ALL of his words are true and his commands are right.
Last week we were reminded that the flood is not primarily about Noah, a big boat, deep water or even judgment. The narrative is about what it takes to be saved. When God gave Noah the ark’s blueprints he specifically said to place a door on the side. This door would be the means through which salvation came. Can you hear the sound of that massive wooden structure closing, just as the final animals entered? Noah and his sons carefully covered the seams with pitch. When and where would that door be opened and to what kind of world? No indication that God spoke to Noah on this journey which lasted for over a year until finally God said, "Go out from the ark…". Go through that door! Until that day, Noah had to wait in faith. If Noah could wait upon the Lord, we who live under fuller revelation can as well.
Doors in the Bible are an interesting study. There was one door on the ark through which 8 people were rescued. Under Egyptian rule only those whose doors had blood over the post would be spared from death. Solomon’s temple had two doors through which the very presence of God was accessed by only one person, the high priest. These doors would provide the passage by which people would be saved. So it makes perfect sense for Jesus to declare of himself:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep." John 10:7
This world offers you many doors to choose from but only one leads to eternal life!
Many are at least somewhat familiar with Noah. We can thank Russell Crow, Emma Watson and director Darren Aronofsky for bringing their version to the big screen in 2014. (Although not very accurate.) Most would remember there was a large boat and judgment along with a flood. But none of these things are the point of the narrative. This account is about how men and women are saved. Jesus compared his return by using the flood as an example. He said we should not be caught unaware like the people of Noah’s time.
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. -Matthew 24:37-39
Noah lived by faith and walked with God. His decisions and actions pleased the one he served. He believed what God said was true.
Noah had more faith than you know.
God gave him specific building plans for the ark. But a couple of important things were missing. Where are the instructions for the rudder and helm? Noah had to trust God thinking, “God, you will have to take care of the sailing and the landing!” God would be the sponsor of this cruise and he is the captain of this boat. Think about this - Noah was not given the understanding as to how God was going to create this flood. There’s no indication that water had fallen from the sky before. While Noah built at day he preached at night..for 120 years! No doubt those around him mocked and attempted to make him feel very small. The culture labeled him a loser and religious fanatic. But with that first drop of rain Noah’s witness was proven right. Some of you feel like giving up. You are walking with God and there’s not one cloud in the sky...yet. There’s rejection and discouragement and at times you wonder if God is real. Do not give up and do not quit and you might have to wait for a long time but the time will come when God makes everything crystal clear. If you are walking with God make no mistake about it, there will be a specific day when it is made evident to everyone that God is walking with you!
Last week we looked into the lives of two brothers who lived long ago. Their names are Cain and Abel. Their relationship was cut short because one killed the other. Family dysfunction within the first family to walk the earth. Cain doesn’t show remorse and has no interest in doing the right thing or in doing what God desires. God gives him the opportunity to make things right but he doesn’t take it. As a consequence God tells Cain he will be a wanderer on the earth. In the last half of Genesis chapter 4 this is exactly what we see. Cain is a nomad but if you remember from last week it didn’t have to be this way. He could have turned things around. He could have changed but instead he remained defiant. He settles into a new life and has a family. But his descendants turn out to be just like him and worse. In fact, Cain has a great great great grandson named Lamech and he brags about how wicked he is by claiming to be ten times more violent than his ancestor. The world is filled with people who constantly think evil thoughts and always take evil action.
But it gets much worse…
In Genesis chapter 6 we learn that demons are inhabiting men and having sex with women. All of this paints a picture of the height of human depravity and the condition which God mercifully brings to an end by a flood. There is one righteous man (not perfect) whom God selects to do a new work: Noah. For over a hundred years he will preach a message of hope but none will listen. All the while he’s building a massive boat. Then one day begins just like any other. People are going about their lives and the sky opens, water falls and it doesn’t stop. People are caught unaware.
Jesus placed a high value on the flood story. (That’s how we know it’s true.)
For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Matthew 24:37-39
His point is simple. He said his return would be just like the flood. Some will not be ready. You see, one day God’s patience will come to an end. His justice will be brought to the earth by his son. The way of rescue is through him. We make ourselves ready by being obedient to God. Here’s the recipe: Love God + love others = prepared.
This Sunday we come to Genesis chapter 4. It contains a story of family dysfunction involving worship, pride and murder. This is the first killing of one human by another. It doesn’t take long to see more results of the fall. At the brith of Cain there was pain but there was also joy and wonder at what Adam and Eve created together. There is work and there is worship and there are little boys running around. As the boys get older, one begins working with animals and the other works with the ground. Both are good occupations. Both men know that God is to be worshiped and worship involves sacrifice so there is a giving of what they produce.
Cain brings something and Abel brings something. God accepts one and rejects the other. Why? Some say Abel gave an animal and that was better because it was a blood sacrifice. The text says that Abel brought the best of his flock and there’s no clear indication that Cain brought his best. Whatever the specifics, we do know exactly how God felt about it… "but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell." Cain’s response holds the clue to what’s really happening here. If his heart was in the right place he would have said, “God, somehow I missed it, how can I do this in a way that is pleasing to you?” But instead, his head is down, his lips are tightened and there’s no sense that he wants to please God. In fact, he’s flippant and obstinate. The problem was not the sacrifice itself, it was Cain’s heart. Worship is always about the heart.
In his most famous sermon, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of worship by saying we should not offer a sacrifice while we have not made things right with those we have offended. In other words, we should not be in church raising our hands if we are living a lie outside its walls. He’s telling us to make amends - especially with our church family. Once we’ve made it right, then come back because God wants a real connection with us, not one that is superficial or hypocritical.
I’ve been saying Genesis points forward to Jesus. Listen to the author of Hebrews as he describes the blood of Abel and the blood of Jesus…And to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:24) Abel’s blood said, “Give me justice!” But Jesus’ blood said, “You are forgiven!” The blood that judges the unrepentant sinner also pardons the repentant saint. Let’s remember how good it is to know the gracious love of God. Meanwhile, when we are confronted with our wrongs let us be quick to repent rather than make excuses.
“One of the clearest marks of sin is our almost innate desire to excuse ourselves and complain if we are judged in any way.” James Boice
As you probably already know, nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. Satan loves to take what is sacred and turn it into something disastrous. He was present with the first married couple and that’s where his diabolic attacks began. His game however can be undone.
Marriage is a journey. In order to be successful on the journey we need God’s wisdom. Remember, marriage was an early creation act by God and it was good. Apart from God, human efforts to fix things always fail. Some couples say, “We’ll just live together first to see if we’re compatible and then get married.” Statistics show that cohabitation actually increases the likelihood of divorce.
In God’s goodness he has given us the blueprints for successful marriage. But be forewarned…for both the husband and the wife some of these roles will seem like sandpaper. It should be stated upfront: No one’s worth resides in his or her role. God regards us all as having ultimate worth as co heirs of Jesus Christ.
Roles bring order to where there would otherwise be chaos.
We are called to serve one another. Marriage is all about subordination for both the husband and the wife. Christ-like subordination over time builds Godly character. If you are in a marriage for no other reason than individual, personal self-fulfillment then your marriage will be doomed because that’s not always going to happen. That puts tremendous pressure on a marriage. What you’re saying is, “My marriage should always make me happy.” You don’t marry so you can be made happy, you marry so you can be made holy. When a husband and wife fulfill their Biblical roles each has a unique place in imitating the self sacrificing life of Jesus Christ.
A word about singleness. Singleness reminds married couples not to idolize marriage. Jesus was single and fulfilled. He is awaiting his bride, the church, with a big banquet that takes place in heaven. Society tells you in order to fit in you must be attached to someone. That’s a lie. A Christian’s first and highest attachment is to Jesus. By God’s grace, each believer is to reflect the glory of God in all circumstances.
There they are. Adam and Eve are crouching behind a tree, attempting to hide from God while wearing a scratchy fig leaf. They look ridiculous. The whole scene is sad. What went wrong?
Satan came with a one-two temptation punch for Eve (and us today).
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Doubt God’s goodness.
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Doubt sin’s badness.
Adam’s eyes were wide open the whole time when he and Eve responded to Satan’s offer of “take and eat." Immediately the air becomes different, things are no longer care free, there are new feelings of anxiety and fear. They run for cover. But God graciously pursues as a parent who loves his children. Of course there must be consequences. In an instant, the original couple passed from life to death, from sinlessness to sin, from harmony to alienation, from trust to distrust, from ease to dis-ease. It did not take a day. It took a millisecond! Adam and Eve as our genetic parents represent us all starring in the reality show, “Paradise Lost." The party is over and the blaming begins. But God has yet to reveal just how loving and gracious he is. Within God’s appointed consequences there is an astounding gospel promise of hope. One day, the works of Satan and death will be destroyed once and for all. From here the story takes an amazing plot twist that works its way through the rest of the Bible.
God will take the punishment deserved by humans and place that punishment on his son, Jesus Christ. This is grace.
Jesus, during the last supper, will take the bread and he will repeat some familiar words… “Take and eat”…but his words, unlike Satan’s, will lead to life. However, Jesus will have to die in order for man to live. That’s grace. Have you received this grace? We’re all under the same judgments as Adam and Eve you know. Those things haven’t changed. The question is: have you grasped God’s gracious way out through Jesus?
And the LORD God commanded him, “You may eat freely from every tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17
Originally, God created all things perfectly and he did not intend for any of his creatures to die, suffer, be in poverty, go hungry, get sick, or be in any kind of danger. God made it very clear that there would be an unwanted consequence to Adam’s rebellion. Now what’s interesting is that Adam did not drop dead on that day. However, the relationship between God and Adam was immediately broken. So the consequence of sin was both physical and spiritual. It’s interesting and I’m speculating a bit here…but it seems Adam was not fully aware of what death was until after this when God kills an animal to clothe Adam. Death became an immediate reality and for Adam in that moment it must have been shocking to see the life of the animal drained. Something he had never experienced before. He now understands better that his own physical existence would come to an end.
Note that Adam had an invitation to eat from the tree of life. But there was no temptation in that because he already had life. It seems we humans always want what we don't have even if it costs us. So the temptation for Adam was this: to seek wisdom apart from the word of God. Let me repeat that...
The temptation for Adam was to seek wisdom apart from the word of God.
Moral autonomy leads to death. Adam and Eve tried to sidestep God’s wisdom. They usurped God’s role in determining what was right and wrong. Whenever man does this it always leads to his or her pain and heartache.
In contrast to Adam we have Jesus, the second Adam. He too was tempted to live apart from God’s word and God’s wisdom. Satan came to Jesus in the wilderness. Consider this in Matthew chapter 4: Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. And the tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Do you see the game Satan plays? He’s been at it for a long time. This lie is his main source of destruction, “Don’t rely on God, rely on yourself!” Adam got his wisdom his way and it killed him. In contrast, Jesus would spend his entire life submitting to God’s word. The result? For those who believe in Jesus the curse of death that Adam brought has been undone and eternal life is given. What you do with the word of God is everything. The great temptation for both Adam and Jesus is still the great temptation for us today. Especially for us as we live in a postmodern context where truth is what you make it. Or truth is how you feel. And the choice remains - every day you are faced with eating from the tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. We know how the story ends. The tree of life shows up again when the garden is recreated and at this point in time it will have been well established that God’s wisdom gives life!
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27
So what does it mean that man is created in God’s image? It means that man is different from every other created being because He has God as his pattern. This means though we are biologically similar to certain animals, we are distinct in our moral, intellectual, and spiritual capabilities. This means we are also different from angels. Nowhere are we told that angels are made in the image of God, therefore angels cannot have the same kind of relationship that we have with God. This also means the incarnation was truly possible. It shows us that deity and humanity are not exactly the same, but they are compatible.
This also means all human life has intrinsic value unlike any other form of life.
We cannot determine the value of a human on any other quality than the simple fact that the human alone was created in the image of God. If you visit Iceland you’ll notice there are virtually no people living with Down Syndrome because those babies are terminated during pregnancy. Believe it - individuals with Down Syndrome reflect the image of God in their own unique way. Those with special needs have a special reflection of the image of God.
Now in the next verse (27), the concept of man being created in the image of God is repeated to give emphasis. Additionally, God’s creation of man in God’s image also includes a unique pairing: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. This has implications for the time in which we live. The Bible is both straightforward and gracious in everything. So any conversation about sex and gender must also do the same. There are many asking sincere questions about how they feel and the experiences they’ve had. The church should be the one place where people can expect to engage with the truth in compassionate, authentic and life-giving conversations and that’s what we plan to begin this Sunday.
Last week we gave an overview of the book of Genesis and we said that it is much more than a narrative about creation. It is, as the title specifies, about beginnings. Most importantly, the beginning of God’s relationship with man. This Sunday we’re going to take a deeper dive into the opening lines. We’ll see the carefully crafted narrative starts with God’s introduction of himself. And what an amazing introduction it is. If you were in a room full of people and they asked you to introduce yourself, you would give your name and perhaps talk a bit about your family or what you do for a living. So consider how God introduces himself in the opening line of the Bible…
In the beginning, (that is the beginning of time) God (the Hebrew word is Elohim and it appears 35 times in chapter one catching the reader’s eye again and again) created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
In other words, it’s as if God says, “Let me introduce myself. Look around you. Do you see the beauty, order, design, complexity, power and purposefulness in nature and the universe? I did all of it.” This is helpful. Right from the start God wants to answer the most basic question any human can ask. Where did all this come from and where did I come from?
The philosopher Jean-Paul Sarte stated the essential problem of philosophy: there is something, instead of nothing. Why? Everything else in our life flows from the answer to this question. God wants us to understand that the world did not create itself nor did it come about by chance. Rather, God introduces himself as the creator in the fashion of someone who takes a lump of clay and begins to form it into something extraordinary.
If you believe God created the heavens and the earth and the universe then he can remake you as well. He can bring a Genesis into your life. One of his first creation acts was to bring light where there was darkness. He still performs this today. As we will see, Genesis is about God’s grace and mercy toward people who get themselves into all kinds of trouble. The solution is Jesus!
If you asked me for one writing that appeals to all people including the scientist, engineer, philosopher, teacher, laborer, housewife and child; I would have to say it’s the book of Genesis. It answers the three basic questions everyone is asking.
Where did I come from?
Why am I here?
Where am I going?
And if there was ever a time our world needed to bring clarity of purpose, meaning and direction it is now. Psychology Today posted an article titled: Welcome To The Age of Confusion: Existential Confusion Runs Rampant in the US. The author gives a list of challenges: Mass shootings, skyrocketing suicides, depression and anxiety, dramatic increase of drug use, culture of victimhood, racial tensions, troubled educational system, uncertain economic patterns, climate crisis, diametrically opposed political views, a damaging 24/7 polarizing news and social media cycle, ever changing definitions of sexuality, gender and personhood. Overwhelmingly people in America believe we are headed in the wrong direction.
What is the answer? The author goes on to say that the Christian worldview is impossibly outdated. He also states that the progressive view does not embrace the reality of the human existence. What’s fascinating is that the book of Genesis, while antiquated to some, speaks directly to the today’s source of and answer for the world’s confusion. In other words, it points to the realities of the human existence and what has gone wrong and how God intends to fix it. For this reason also Genesis is about Jesus Christ. Jesus quoted from it himself many times. The book has been termed the “seed” message because in it we see the genesis of sin, grace, forgiveness, redemption and restoration.
So Genesis is not just about creation, it is about order, design, purpose and meaning. The very things our world is desperately searching for. For this reason, this series is for everyone. However, it is especially for those who are 30 and under and even more so for Generation Z. I hope you will commit to attending faithfully each week and be transformed by this incredible book.
2021 is almost in the record books and 2022 is right around the corner. What will this upcoming year bring for you? Joy, sorrow, pain, pleasure and sometimes all in the same day. Many of us will make a new start. We’ll put forth the effort to change things in our lives..at least that’s our intention. However, some things never change like our desire to be in meaningful relationships. It’s the desire to be loved and love others. This longing is at the heart of Christianity. Many think Christianity is little more than a self-imposed code of conduct. Not so. The Bible describes Christianity as a relationship with Jesus. It might surprise some to know that Jesus wants to be your friend. Now if you think about it, this raises an interesting question – How in the world does one be a friend to the co-creator of the universe? Well the answer is found in John chapter 15. The author was one of Jesus’ best friends. We know this because Jesus asked John to take care of his mom as he was dying on the cross. But there’s more here than meets the eye because Jesus was demonstrating his love for John at that very moment.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
Jesus was laying down his life for John…and me…and you.
Friendships are built on the pillars of respect, trust and communication. Of these three, I think perhaps the one we struggle with the most is trust. In my life the greatest hindrance to developing a close friendship with Jesus is my bent to live my life in my own strength, to rely on my own insight, to think that I know what God wants me to do. I can easily distance myself from Jesus by trusting my feelings and my inclinations.
Remember your friend group from High School? You shared a similar appearance, listened to the same music and probably got into the same trouble. In other words there were identifying characteristics that connected you as friends. The same is true with Jesus. His original group certainly didn’t start this way but overtime you could see them praying, choosing self-control, resisting anger, showing love to all and serving others. These are the marks of Jesus’ friends. We should never forget that Jesus was the one who initiated the love himself through his death on the cross. No better compliment can be had than to be called the friend of Jesus.
We really need Christ in our Christmas this year.
Don’t you agree? Silent Night and Peace On Earth sound pretty good too. How about some Joy To The World? Seems to be a lot of shouting right now but it’s not the sound of joy. Lines are drawn. Hostilities, dissension, anger, violence are at the top of our social media feeds and on every news broadcast…every single day. We need the hope of Jesus who is the Christ. The name Jesus means “the Lord is our salvation.” The title Christ means messiah. Christmas is the celebration of God’s promised messiah born to save us.
I’m always amazed at the way God works. The sights and sounds and smells of a stable were the first sensations of the new born king. An improbable cast of characters surround him. A teenage virgin and her betrothed who has only been shaving his face for a few years. This is majesty in the midst of the mundane. God in a barn. Jesus emptied himself of his rights and privileges as deity and arrived to the earth in humility so that he might taste death for us all.
We need to be saved.
Saved from guilt, shame, sin and death. Saved from the many false messiahs we think will save us. We need something that will unite us. We need the manger and everything it represents - light, freedom, forgiveness, mercy, grace and love. Think about this…if Jesus was willing to show up in a stable, then what place could possibly be off limits for him? No place is too dark.
Max Lucado tells the story of Father Josef Mohr who pastored the small church of Arnsdorf near Salzburg, Austria. The congregation, like the village, was comprised of simple people. They were farmers and woodworkers. There was more poverty than affluence. They worked long hours and endured harsh winters. Christmas was one of their few respites. The pastor did his best to make the holiday service special for his flock. But this year, 1818, he had a problem. The organ had become unfit for use. It was old. Mice had eaten at the bellows. The church needed a new one. But they didn’t have the money. Father Mohr went to his organist and expressed his chagrin, “We must have something special for midnight mass.” What is Christmas, they wondered, without music? On the day before Christmas Eve, the Father was called to administer last rites to a dying woman. By the time he returned to Arnsdorf, the hour was late. The valley and the village lay in darkness. The priest paused on a height overlooking the town. The events had left him sad: the useless organ, the death of a parishioner, the cold night and long journey. His heart, like the valley, was lost in shadows. But then he saw a faint light of a distant home. Against the black curtain of night, it shone even brighter. The priest pondered the light, then thought to himself: It must have been something like this–that silent, holy night in Bethlehem.
Suddenly inspired, he hurried home, sat over his desk and wrote:
Silent Night, Holy Night, All is dark, save the light, Yonder where they sweet vigils keep, O’er the Babe, who, in silent sleep, Rests in heavenly peace, Rests in heavenly peace. Silent night, peaceful night, Darkness flies, all is light; Shepherds hear the angels sing. Alleluia! Hail the King, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
Upon arising the next morning, he took his lyrics to Franz Gruber, his organist. Within moments, Gruber imagined the perfect melody. When he sang the song to his wife, she told him, “We will die, you and I, but this song will live.”
The song lives on because the world still exists in shadows and we hold hope to the promise that light has entered and still shines.
Merry Christmas Illuminate Family!!! Don’t forget to share the Christmas Eve invite with your friends and family. Let’s pray that many will hear and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ.
What gifts will you enjoy this year? Can I remind you of the gift already given to you from Jesus? I love the stories of people receiving what Jesus offers. One of my favorites is the woman at the well. Jesus said this to her...
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14 For many years in the eastern world water has been a metaphor for life. We Phoenicians understand this better than anyone because we live in the desert. If you are dying of thirst you will be tempted to drink anything, including that which is poison. So how does Jesus' water satisfy? Here’s how - you have needs.
You have a need for purpose. You are not here on accident. God has a will for your life, get to know your creator and you will discover that will. You have a need to be loved. You need a father that is perfectly patient, committed to your growth, all wise and accepting you always. This is what God does for you. No one but God can give you this perfectly. You have a need to be forgiven. Otherwise you are going to carry a lot of guilt. Jesus removes the guilt and replaces it with forgiveness. You need to know where you’re headed. The water of Jesus’ life gives you this assurance. That’s what the resurrection is all about. Jesus having power over death and extending that power to you! Notice the water Jesus gives is spring water. There were two main sources of water in the desert. A cistern and a spring. A cistern was built to catch and hold rainwater. But they would often dry up. Jesus does not describe himself as a cistern, instead he describes himself as the spring. Springs are persistent. They are continuously bubbling up. You try and cover up a spring and what happens? It pushes forth, it finds a way out. This is the Christian life. The more freely that spring water flows the more it cleans out the pollution in your life!
Last night I went over to my in-law’s house to watch the Christmas movie, Elf. This is a tradition in our family that signals the Christmas season is officially upon us! One of the things I love most about this time of year is holiday traditions. One of the longest-running traditions in my home growing up was reading the story of Jesus’ birth in the Bible before opening gifts. When reading from the account in Matthew, we would often start at Matthew 1:18. Now, if you have younger kids I would recommend starting there as well, but starting at Matthew 1:18, is actually missing one of the most important aspects of Jesus’ birth. Part of the significance of Jesus’ birth is rooted in a promise that came hundreds of years prior to King David.
2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.”
Israel suffered as a nation under the evil and wicked leadership of one king after another. Their only hope was the promised Messianic King who would come from the line of David. The genealogy in Matthew 1:1-17 makes it clear that Jesus comes from David’s kingly line.
Throughout Jesus’ ministry, people realized that Jesus was the long-awaited king of Israel and on a few occasions tried to forcibly make him king. The problem was that the Jews were not ready for how Jesus would earn his title as King. They expected him to earn it by overthrowing the oppressive Roman government that ruled in Israel. Hebrews 1:3 and Philippians 2:8-11 paint a different picture. We find out in these passages that Jesus earned the title King not by taking a crown of jewels, but by taking a crown of thorns. Though Jesus subjected himself to death for the sins of the world, He was exalted by the Father, earning the title King of Kings. Jesus is not only the King above every other King, but He is a King worth following.
The reason that Advent season is so sweet, is because we do not just look back at Jesus’ first coming, but we wait in anticipation for His return. Jesus may have come the first time on a donkey, but when He returns He will be on a white horse with a sword in His hand. When He returns, He will defeat death and evil once and for all. This is why we celebrate Advent, to pause and remember our King is returning.
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18
Jesus’ birth brought more to the world than you can imagine. The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is a priest in the service of God. The Old Testament high priest would offer animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of the people’s sins. Why? Because the Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. Sin is destructive, sin is a disregard for God’s laws which give life. Imagine if everyone lived the Ten Commandments. How much safer, joyful, meaningful; how different the world would be.
Jesus did away with the old covenant sacrificial system by shedding his own blood. No longer is there a need for the blood of animals. He is so much better. He is our merciful and faithful High Priest who gives us help when we are tempted. (Don’t you just love sympathy when you are hurting?) A Jewish priest was and still is, someone you go to for help. The best help comes from those who understand you. You face spiritual temptation. Jesus understands. He faced temptation directly from Satan. You face the temptation to make yourself look good, obtain power over others. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of this world. Even physically at his most vulnerable and after a 40 day fast he was offered bread if he would forsake God’s authority.
No one can ever say, “Jesus you just don’t know what it’s like to live in a fallen world and to be tempted by sin.” Jesus responds, “Actually my friend, I do know what it’s like to be tempted - by Satan himself.” He knows what it’s like to lose a loved one. He wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. When most Jewish men were married with kids, Jesus knew what it was like to be single, homeless and a virgin. He experienced betrayal and rejection by his closest friends. He knows what it’s like to be stabbed in the back by someone he loved. He knew discouragement in ministry when the disciples just wouldn’t get it. When you go through pain and you want to talk to someone who went through it all, talk to Jesus.
For many, tomorrow will be a special day of eating and football. Personally, I plan to be at the youth Turkey Bowl. The arm strength is gone, but the mind strength is…kinda still there?
Anyway, Advent is upon us. The word “advent” means arrival so this is why Christians celebrate the first coming of Jesus and what it means for us today. In Jesus' time not everyone agreed as to who he was but there was no doubt Jesus was extraordinary. The people said, “When he speaks he has authority.” At his arrest the soldiers fell back. When Old Testament prophets spoke, they spoke as mere men—weak and frail men standing side by side with the people pointing them to God. Jesus, even in his humanity stood above men and said, “Look to me, believe in me I am the prophet who gives you direct access to God."
One of the unique things about ancient prophets is that he or she spoke of future events. They foretold of wars, famine, elections and many other things. They also foretold of the Messiah. Some of these prophecies related to his supernatural arrival. For example, Isaiah said the messiah would be born of a virgin. Other prophecies were obscure, yet detailed. Things like the place of his birth in the small town of Bethlehem or that he would arrive in Jerusalem on a donkey. There were dozens of very specific prophecies. Since Jesus himself was a prophet he too foretold of future events, but he did so in a unique way. The greatest example of this is that he predicted his own death and resurrection.
Matthew 16:21 “From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
If you are the most ardent skeptic, I want you to think about this - who could predict his own death at the hands of others…with pinpoint accuracy? Who could predict that he would rise from the dead…and then do it? Sounds ridiculous, right? But to predict—and accurately so—that is not of this world. You see Jesus not only MADE prophetic predictions, he FULFILLED them. He is the ultimate prophet sent by God. Prophets spoke on behalf of God and Jesus proved he came from God by his own resurrection power. So then, we should listen to what the prophet has to say!
Are you ready for Thanksgiving next week?! I will exercise an additional 15 minutes and the sweat pants are already laid out!
Perhaps above all else, we should take time to thank God for our salvation. Peter gives us a starting point…
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
Peter is writing to Christians who he terms as, ”strangers in the world.” You will be a stranger in the world if you choose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus because the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world are very different. The kingdom of this world says to look out for number 1. The kingdom of God tells you to think of others as more important than yourself. The kingdom of this world tells you to live in unrestrained passions; the kingdom of God tells you to exhibit self-control. The kingdom of this world is ruled by Satan, the kingdom of heaven is ruled by God. A good question to ask yourself is this – Does this world seem strange to me? If not, then perhaps you have bought into it a little too much.
Notice the reason for our hope according to Peter. It is because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Why is there hope in that? His resurrection (the historical evidence for this is overwhelming) leads to your resurrection. Jesus has the power to raise you from the dead unto eternal life. This is what sets Jesus apart from all other religious leaders. You can visit the graves of Mohammed and Confucious; you can see the ashes of the Buddha, but you cannot unearth the bones of Jesus because they are not here.
But there’s more...When a person places their faith and trust in Jesus, they are destined to receive an inheritance. I don’t know if you have ever received an inheritance but the inheritance that Jesus has secured for you is unlike any other because it will never perish. It’s already there, waiting for you. So what is the Christian response to all of this? The answer is found in verses 6-8.
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
Peter has been forthright in telling us we will face trials that cause us to grieve. He also says this suffering is necessary because it makes our faith stronger if we allow God to do his work in our hearts. Best yet, there is praise and honor to be received when we see Jesus face to face. So we can be thankful for our salvation and our suffering. Let’s let both have their proper place in our lives during this season of gratitude.
I am so thankful for the unity we have as a church family.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Many tables will be fully reunited this year and yet there’s a good chance that you might be facing some family drama. There remains at least a few things in the world that continue to divide. This is supposed to be the occasion when we look forward to family time but what if things are a bit dysfunctional right now?
Maybe you’ve noticed that some Christians bring the worst of the world into the church. Social media might carry some blame?? We find ourselves getting irritated at what others have to say. They push our buttons and rub us the wrong way. As a Christian, you think to yourself, “God, I know I’m supposed to love others but can we please make an exception? This person is just not lovable! “How am I supposed to love someone I feel like ignoring? How do I get along with someone who doesn’t get along with me?”
What if these people attend your church?
So when Jesus prayed for future believers in John 17 isn’t it interesting that he said this…“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21
Do you see the point of Christians loving Christians? Jesus says there is a powerful result. Unity creates belief. How will the world believe that Jesus was sent by God? Not if we solve every controversy. Not if we are unanimous on each vote. Not if we never make a doctrinal error. When we love one another the results are worth every bit of sacrifice.
But how do we do create unity? See the answer below…
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Philippians 3:8
There’s a five-ingredient recipe here for you to serve unity on this year’s holiday table: truth, sympathy, love, compassion and humility.
Our church family has many reasons to show our gratitude for what God has done. We celebrated our largest outreach event at Treat Street, we’ve added over 200 people in small groups, over 100 Sunday and midweek volunteers joined the team, and beginning Saturday, the opportunity to serve our city through Serve Week. Oh yeah, and we have a permanent church home through your generosity! It’s been a time of spiritual transformation for Illuminate through Bigger, Smaller, Deeper. There is an excitement and a joy every time we gather together and it continues this Sunday with baptisms and baby dedications. At the same time we should remember that we have an adversary and he wants to steal the light of our joy.
The light of our joy can be stolen by the powers of darkness who fight against us.
So Illuminate, how do we keep “shining like the stars in the sky” as Paul says. He further explains that you and I shine in this world filled with darkness by holding fast to the word that gives life. Holding fast means “to fix one’s attention.” The “word of life” is another way of emphasizing the gospel. It is the word of “life” because it is there that we find truth regarding where life may be found, namely, in Christ.
The Word: explain it, embrace it, protect it, offer it to others by making it known, and focus upon it with dedication and devotion.
Let me say this with as much clarity and sincerity as I can. The one thing that will prevent your light from being snuffed out by the darkness of this world is holding fast the word of life. The one thing that will protect you from becoming crooked and twisted like the world around you is holding fast to the word of life. The one thing that will guard your heart and ward off the confused influence of a society such as ours is holding fast the word of life.
This Sunday marks an important day in the life of Illuminate. That little commitment card you received over the last two Sundays represents the work of God in our hearts. We are anticipating great things from the Illuminate family as we prayerfully consider what we will offer above and beyond our regular giving. The Bigger, Smaller, Deeper vision will be yet another, “Only God!” moment for us. As always, for His glory!
I am reminded of a beautiful prayer found in 1 Chronicles 29. It might surprise you to know the inspiration behind it. King David was getting old. He lived in a palace and yet God had no house of his own for the people to gather and worship. Before his death, he wanted to make this right. So he began by leading the way himself. He gave of his own resources and then the leaders gave afterward. This gave birth to excitement and a joy that fueled the people to give as well. The total amount for God’s house of worship - the temple, was raised in one day!
This causes David to break out in prayer…
“Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you. For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. O Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand and is all your own. 1 Chronicles 29:10-16
Notice that David emphasizes more than once, “God, it all belongs to you.” Throughout this Bigger, Smaller, Deeper sermon series I’ve been trying to impress upon you this one fact: Giving is not about money, it’s never about money. It’s certainly not about what numbers you write on your commitment card. It’s not about building new space for kids, students, visitors and the expansion of outreach. It’s about your heart, your faith and your relationship with God. It’s about our commitment to the work of God in the Valley and even throughout the world. If we have trouble with our giving, it’s probably because we’ve never figured out that everything comes from God. We don’t own a thing. It’s all loaned to us and someday God will take it all back.
I read the story of a pastor who gave a powerful sermon titled, “God’s Ownership” and it rubbed a wealthy congregant the wrong way. The wealthy man invited the pastor to visit his house and then walked him through his palatial estate and said, “Now are you going to tell me,” he demanded when the tour was completed, “that all this land does not belong to me?” The pastor smiled and replied, “Ask me that same question a hundred years from now.”
If everything belongs to God and if he owns it all then there is no need for you to worry about your stuff, because it is not your stuff. It is all his stuff. You will find real contentment and real satisfaction, both in God and in life, when you finally realize that God owns everything, controls everything, and provides everything.
By now you’ve probably heard me say several times, "Illuminate’s desire is to be a gift to our city,” and “We want to make disciples and take as many people to heaven with us as possible!” This Saturday night we are praying for our biggest outreach event yet at Treat Street. Only God can make this happen. Likewise, our Bigger, Smaller, Deeper future vision is God-sized. To make this happen we need to be on our knees in prayer and we need to understand that we are stewards. A steward is the "ward" of what belongs to someone else.
A wise pastor put it this way: "Stewardship is not about occasional acts of generosity, or now and then making contributions to good causes. It's not even about money - it goes deeper than that. The core of stewardship is seeing things differently . . . seeing everything with new eyes."
It's not complicated. In fact, Jesus tells a story about it in Matthew 25. The point is this: We must realize that everything we have - our existence, our life, our goods no matter how we got them - all come from God and belong to God, and we are stewards of these things. Once we see it this way, we live it this way. We administer well God's goods on behalf of God. That's what stewardship is.
When we die, God will ask us, "Well, how did you do in administering everything I gave you?" Imagine how off-base it would be if it turns out we spent our whole life thinking all these things belonged to us. You can count on it; God will not reward us for being misers.
Christians should be generous…and more.
It's an interesting word, “generosity." It comes from the Latin word "birth," and at its root it means "someone of noble birth". It can, without us intending it, carry the implication of bestowing some of our own riches on other people. Now that is not all bad, but what we need to do is move beyond generosity - as though we were giving away what rightfully belongs to us by birth or however we got it. What we all need to do is go beyond generosity and arrive at stewardship - the realization that it all belongs to God, no matter how we got it, and we are administering it on God's behalf.
In the end, we want to hear from Jesus, “Well done good and faithful steward, enter into the joy of your master!”
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21
It’s not like Jesus needs money. It’s not like he’s poor and has to take out a loan. The truth is, the money is already his because he is God and God owns everything.
Jesus gave several powerful sermons and parables about giving and generosity and never once did he say to his disciples: "Now pass the plate.” He’s not after the money, he’s after your heart and your money is the quickest way to your heart. We know this to be true in our own lives. We spend money on what we value and what we’re passionate about. Our heart follows our money and our money follows our heart. So when we are intentional about giving to God what we’re saying is, “Our hearts are following you God, just look at where our money goes." It goes not to the temporary happiness of yet another purchase, but toward that which has eternal consequence.
When we started our Bigger, Smaller, Deeper vision series I began by saying this will be a journey of transformation. No better way to have your heart transformed than to evaluate its' affections. Those affections are made tangible by following the money.
Thankfully, we have the example of a generous first century church in the city of Philippi. Yes it’s true, words like “joy" and "cheerful” are the consequences of giving to the God whom you cannot possibly outgive. Think of God’s generosity toward you by sending his son to give you eternal life! The Illuminate family has all we need to accomplish the future vision of the church. That’s the good news. So there remains a challenge for each of us to speak with God and ask him, “What is my part?"
Shortly after WWII came to a close, Europe began picking up the pieces. Much of the old country had been ravaged by war and was in ruins. Perhaps the saddest sight of all was that of orphaned children starving in the streets. Boys and girls walking around in the bitter cold searching for food after losing their parents. Early one chilly morning a US soldier was making his way back to the barracks in London. As he turned the corner in his Jeep, he spotted a little boy with his nose pressed against the window of a pastry shop. Inside the cook was making a fresh batch of dough for the doughnuts. The hungry boy stared there in silence, watching every move. The soldier pulled his Jeep to the curb, got out and walked quietly over to the little guy was standing. Through the steamed up window he could see these mouth watering doughnuts, piping hot, coming out of the oven. The boy salivated and released a slight grown as he watched the cook place them on the counter. “Son, would you like some of those?” The boy was startled. “Oh yeah, I would!” The soldier walked inside and bought a dozen and stuffed them in a bag. He walked up to the boy and with a big smile said, “Here you go.” As he walked away he felt a tug on his coat, the boy looked up at him and said, “Are you God?”
We are never more like God than we selflessly serve another person. Read the words of Jesus as he explains his purpose for coming to the earth...
"...even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28. His purpose is our purpose…
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
Serving others is good work. This is the reason why God created us, gifted us, and saved us so that we can be a blessing to others. Serving gives you life here and now and God will reward you in the life to come. The question is - What are you going to do about it? If you’re not serving others, then it’s simply a matter of not following God’s plan for your life. By his grace, God continues to draw people to Illuminate. This means we have many opportunities for you to bless others. So, if you’ve been on the bench it’s time to get in the game. We won’t be all that we can be without you!
The heart of Illuminate from day one has been to serve our community and beyond. Five years ago my garage was the drop off center as we collected basic necessities for orphans and refugees.
Today we have nine local outreach partners and seven international outreach partners. The Illuminate family has provided a mobile kitchen to feed and minister to the homeless and also a bus for Teen Challenge which among other things, they use to join us for services. We do this because anyone who claims the name of Jesus must have the heart of Jesus and he came not to be served but to serve. He is our leader and our example in all things. But there’s something more going on than what you might realize. According to Jesus, when you show moral kindness to others, especially your fellow Christians, it’s like showing kindness to Jesus himself. In Matthew chapter 25 Jesus speaks of a future judgement of the nations. And here’s what he says...
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:31-40
Did you notice this judgment is based solely on one’s moral kindness toward those in need? There’s at least three things to take away from Jesus’ words…
- We cannot afford to be indifferent towards Jesus and His return.
- We can’t afford to be indifferent towards the resources that God gives us.
- We can’t afford to be indifferent towards the needy people all around us.
We have a really big goal ahead of us church. What if we sent 500 Jesus ambassadors from Illuminate to serve our city in one week? That’s what we want during Illuminate Serve Week November 6-13. Together, we’ve been praying, “God what do you want to do IN me and what do you want to do THROUGH me?” Serving our city is part of the answer!
Over the last two Sundays I have shared the future vision of Illuminate with three simple words: Bigger, Smaller, Deeper. We read about the promise of Jesus to build His church. Because of this, we want to accommodate all those He brings through our doors. As Jesus grows his church the challenge is to stay connected to each other. This is why we want to grow smaller. This was the model Jesus himself used. Yes, Jesus was in a small group. Small groups are the lifeblood of the church. It’s where the “one another’s” of the Christian life take place. Smaller gatherings allow our spiritual roots to deepen so that we can become disciples. “Deeper" is all about becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” -Matthew 28:19-20
Simply put, a disciple is a learner of someone else. The Greek word used in the New Testament is mathetas and it describes someone who follows in the footsteps of another. Ancient Rabbis said that a good disciple is covered by the dust of his teacher. This is why God put you on this planet. The fact is, we are all followers of someone, even if that someone is yourself. However, when we are covered in the dust of our Rabbi Jesus, our lives will never be the same. We’ve been asking God this simple question: “God, what do you want to do IN us and THROUGH us?” The answer begins with becoming a disciple!
Five years ago, when the church began to meet, we needed a name. We knew we wanted to have something that stated who we are and what we do. I’ve always loved the many metaphors of light that are used all throughout the Bible. The word "Illuminate" means to make something visible by shining the light on it: Illuminate Community Church. Community describes a group of people that have something in common. Of course, we have the greatest foundation upon which community is built. The sacrificial death of Jesus.
This is why we want to grow smaller, because smaller is about building community. I find that a lot of Christians will talk about what you need to know, not who you need to be with. We’re too often concerned only with conversion and information download, and we fail to participate in the life of community and relationship-based discipleship. You see, if we get the relationships right, the information will follow. If we connect people in smaller, gospel-centered communities, they will grow spiritually. When we preach the gospel to one another in close-knit community, there is spiritual growth that changes us individually and as a whole. This change gives us an outward focus and encourages gospel transformation in places beyond our walls. This was the pattern of the early church…
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:46-47
I’ll admit, years ago I was the guy who didn’t see the need for community. For a long time I did not participate. And then I realized that Jesus was in a small group. Why? Because the Bible says it’s not good for us to be alone. Jesus is the example in all things. Genesis tells the story of God creating the world and everything in it and declares it all good. He creates Adam and then we hear God say, “It is not good...for man to be alone.” And Eve is created. However, many have mistakenly believed that if we are really mature, we don’t need anyone, we can be totally self-feeding and not dependent on others. Only the weak need somebody. That’s not true. Jesus had close friends, in fact three of these were very close. Jesus shared the most challenging moment of his life with Peter, James, and John in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus needed another to carry his cross. He spent all of his ministry life with a small group. Don’t you think that if it was the pattern of his life it should be the pattern for you too?
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18
This verse forms the foundation for the future vision of Illuminate. We should never forget that Jesus has made this a promise. In other words, the church will be built because Jesus has all authority. Notice carefully who does the building. It rests solely upon Jesus himself. It is ultimately dependent on the power and wisdom and faithfulness of the risen and living Christ to keep this promise: "I will build my church." Not, "You will build my church." Or, "Missionaries will build my church." Or, "Pastors will build my church." But, "I will build my church."
I don’t think a church can follow the command of Christ to make disciples without a growth mindset. At Illuminate, we value people and we lift up Jesus. Because of this, people will be attracted to us. As the church grows the culture is transformed. Growth keeps us from being inwardly focused. Growth gives more people the opportunity to serve God. Growth increases our influence in our city and beyond. This week we begin a five-week look into the future of Illuminate Community Church. We have three words we use to describe this: Bigger (greater influence for Christ) Smaller (moving from attending to engaging) and Deeper (becoming a disciple). Join me on this journey of spiritual transformation as we ask God - "What do you want to do IN and THROUGH me?"
It all comes down to this. Paul has had three separate trials with not one guilty verdict because he is innocent. Yet the powers that be don’t want to offend the Jews. So another trial is offered in the hostile city of Jerusalem. Paul avoids this by appealing to Caesar. In case you’re wondering, that would be the infamous Emperor Nero. One of the all-time preeminent killers of Christians. So why would Paul make this deal? From a human perspective Paul made a mistake. If only he wouldn’t have appealed to Caesar he would have been set free. Paul knew exactly what he was doing. A couple years earlier, Jesus told him this:
“Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Acts 23:11
In the Roman court of Caesar, Paul will have the opportunity to preach to the most powerful man in the world at this time. Indeed, as Jesus told him earlier, “You will be my witness to Kings.” In Acts chapters 24 and 25 there are no converts in Paul’s preaching. Paul was told to be a witness, he was not told to make Christians. Christians are born through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I was thinking about how each church has its own personality. Each church has something they are known for. I think one thing people would say about Illuminate is that we teach the Bible and we love others. In all of our ministries throughout the church I know this is true. So we will attract people who want to know what the Bible says and that’s a really good thing. But there is a warning for a church like ours.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22
Paul’s trials remind us of our calling. You see, every one of us is called to be a witness. We do that through our lifestyle and our words. It’s our testimony accompanied with the fact of the resurrection.
We are about to embark on an amazing journey together as a church family. Beginning Sunday, September 12th, I’ll be rolling out what this looks like as I share the future vision of the church. We refer to it as "Illuminate 2.0." Our first five years gave us the opportunity to grow and discover our personality and now is the time to mature by having the entire church family put our collective personality into practice. We’re not just hearers of the Word, we are doers!
Paul has finished his missionary journeys and is now in Jerusalem. Everything he has tried to do since he came to Jerusalem has ended in a riot. He tried to satisfy the Jewish Christians by purifying himself in the temple and paying the expenses of four men who had taken a vow; that ended in a riot. He tried to share the story of what God had done in his life to the Jewish crowd in the temple court, and that ended in a riot. He tried to testify before the Jewish Council, the Sanhedrin, and that ended in a riot. Now in Acts 23-24, we find that Paul is under Roman protective custody – almost a prisoner. The Jews are putting together a plot to assassinate him, and he’ll soon end up defending himself before the evil Antonius Felix – for two years! But God will, once again as he has several times before, in His providence protect Paul.
The events of Acts 23-24 highlight God’s “providence.” The actual word is not found in the Bible, but the doctrine of providence is very biblical. The term means: "the universal sovereign rule of God." It is God’s preserving and governing of all His creatures and all their actions. One scholar puts it this way: “This is our Father’s world, and the affairs of men and nations, in the final analysis, are in His hands.”
It doesn’t look too good for Paul in human terms. But God wants Paul and us to rest in His providence. That’s why Jesus comes to “stand by” Paul and encourage him in Acts 23:11. Paul gets the message and later on, in Romans 8:28-39, Paul gives us one of the most awesome statements ever made on providence (please read it before Sunday).
One of the oldest sayings of the ancient church summarizes the essence of God’s providence: Deus pro nobis. It means “God for us.” That is what it is all about. It is God’s being for His people. “What then shall we say to these things?” Paul asks. “If God is for us, who can be against us, and who can separate us from the love of Christ?” Can an angry Jewish mob? Can an evil provincial governor? Can COVID? Can the loss of a job? Can unforeseen illness or tragedy? Can a broken relationship with your spouse or child separate you from God’s providential care? The answer may be clear to us. How He wants us to respond in the midst those circumstances is revealed through our passage.
“Death used to be an executioner, but the gospel makes him just a gardener.” George Herbert
The apostle Paul continues to inspire. His final missionary journey will culminate in his arrest. It will be one life threatening situation after another for the rest of Paul’s life. Yet he doesn’t stop. He’s a man of tremendous courage. Courage is not a lack of fear, it's being afraid and doing the right thing. Where does this come from and how do we get it?
Christian, you are going to need courage in this life.
Every once in a while a friend will alert me to a YouTube comment someone makes about me. More recently someone said that I sound like the actor Ray Romano. Then another person commented that I looked like him. I’m not saying Ray is unattractive but he’s certainly no George Clooney. Online commenters can be like snipers hiding in the shadows. This is a very small thing. The larger things occur when I get called out for wrong actions and attitudes. See, that’s where my pride comes in. So I begin to think of what Paul has to say to me. I’m reminded that Christians have a unique way of looking at themselves and their surroundings.
Paul had an impressive Jewish resume. That’s what he outlines in Acts chapter 22. Certainly it was a point of pride before he met Christ. "I am superior to others,” he would selfishly proclaim. By the way, people who live in shame and guilt can be just as self-absorbed because all they're doing is focusing on themselves. So superiority and inferiority are both misguided. Paul says that he needed to be washed clean. He wasn’t as great as he thought he was. In fact, he was wrong and misguided and needed to be brought low. When Paul was brought low he discovered Jesus loved him in spite of his self absorption. So then he found himself in the right balance. He had a joyful humility. Therefore he had the courage to do what God called him to do because he was no longer looking at himself. Instead, he looked to Jesus; and often when facing death. Even in death you win Christian. You gain eternal life. Courage is all about keeping your eyes on Jesus.
Whatever you fear keeps you in bondage. Some fears however are healthy. You have experienced this. There’s a strange sound coming from somewhere in your house late at night. You are motivated to investigate when looking out for the safety of those you love. In other words, a lesser fear (harm to yourself) is driven out by a greater fear (harm to your family).
But we’ve all experienced unhealthy fear as well. This comes from pleasing people rather than God. This is the source of many world problems today. The fear of man can immobilize us when we should take action, and it silences us when we should speak. Human fears feel powerful, but its' power is deceptive. That’s why the Bible tells us, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” (Proverbs 29:25). The Hebrew word for “snare” refers to traps hunters used to catch animals or birds. Snares are dangerous. If we get caught in the snare of fear, we must do whatever it takes to free ourselves.
The apostle Paul is an inspiration. In Acts chapters 20 and 21 he shows little concern for his life…but for the right reason. He wants to tell all people about Jesus. Now I would love to tell you that Paul and his buddies simply manned up. But that’s the wrong way to say it. As if they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and beat their chests. They didn’t man up, they faithed up. Do you think Paul was at all afraid? Yes, because he was human. You can’t have courage without facing a fear. Karl Barth is regarded by many as the greatest Protestant theologian of the 20th century and he said this, “Courage is simply fear that has said its prayers.” In other words, we take our fears and bring them to the throne of the only sovereign and powerful God who loves us and we do the difficult thing entrusting the results and our lives to Him. This is what gives us courage to face hardships, unwanted circumstances, and of course the fear of man. Remember, brothers and sisters, when we do the will of God we are invincible until God calls us home!
"About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way.” Acts 19:23
The first Christians were described by the world as, “the Way.” Jesus said, “I am the way.” From the earliest days, Christians made no apology for boldly proclaiming that Jesus was the only way to God. He was not a way, but the way. The culture did not like this because it was filled with idols. This is especially true in the city of Ephesus which was the patron city of the God Artemis, also known as Diana. She ruled the wild animals and governed childbirth. She was also a crowd favorite. In Ephesus, there was a massive temple built in her honor. It was the biggest temple in the Mediterranean region. Four times larger than the Parthenon in Rome. It took 120 years to construct and was one of the seven wonders of the world. Thousands of pilgrims would make the journey from all over the known world to worship Artemis in Ephesus. So then we understand what unfolds next...
The gospel provoked the religious climate of the city.
When Christianity is brought into any city it will pose a threat to that city’s idols. In Ephesus it was the cult of Artemis. A goddess carved in stone. The people bowed down and made sacrifices to her and we modern people think, “How unsophisticated. Certainly we are well educated beyond giving our devotion to something that is made by human hands." Or are we? Our city has its' own covert gods and they are nevertheless appealing.
There is an identifiable language to idolatry that you can recognize in yourself. You might say, “Well I have God but if I could just get that thing, then I’d really be happy. If I could just achieve this then I’d be somebody, then I’d be secure.” If so, then you are loving those things more than God. Even good things can become idols. In fact the most powerful idols are good things we turn into little gods. Perhaps the thing we idolize most is some earthly relationship. However, if you make a person your god, they will constantly disappoint you with their imperfections and you will constantly disappoint them with your expectations. Even the best human relationships end in death.
So how do we free ourselves from this? We don’t stop loving the people who are close to us. We don’t love them less. We love God more. How? By seeing Jesus on the cross. He died for you. So go ahead and put your highest devotion upon him!
Can you believe "American Idol" has been on the air for almost 20 years? But you might already know that. People love to cheer for their favorites and indeed it seems every year there is one special underdog with a gripping and emotional human interest story. For those watching, the show is a simple escape from the pressures of everyday life.
We don’t often realize that our personal idols actually create those pressures. The root of our problems come when we worship the wrong things or people. Truly there is nothing new under the sun. Paul encountered this 2000 years ago when he entered the famed city of Athens. Known for its philosophical and religious influence the city was drowning in idols. Paul is moved with compassion and shares the gospel.
We were made to worship.
The focus of our worship will determine the meaning of our lives. Sometimes our idols are not so easy to identify. Good things can become idols when elevated to first importance in your life. This includes your spouse, your children, career and personal goals. All are good things but things that were never meant to receive your worship. And here’s why - they can never be satisfied. When Jesus uttered on the cross, “It is finished,” He meant all of it is finished, your striving for perfection, your search for meaning, your questions about eternal life.
Everybody worships something.
How do you know what it is for you? Here’s the question... What is it in my life; if I lost that thing it would cause me to say, “My life is no longer worth living.” Whatever that thing is, it has just been exposed as the deepest desire of your heart. The gospel of Jesus invites you to make an exchange. Exchange whatever you're worshiping for the worship of a God who loves you and sacrificed immeasurably for you. Do you know what happens when you make this exchange? You begin to enjoy the good things in ways you never have before because they are no longer the best things. They no longer own your emotional and psychological well being. Giving your highest devotion to Jesus moves you from enslavement to freedom!
“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also…"
Astronaut Jim Lovell was one of the first three humans to fly to and orbit the Moon. He also commanded the 1970 Apollo 13 lunar mission which, after a critical failure en route, circled around the Moon and returned safely to Earth through the collaborative efforts of his crew and mission control. In looking back on his success, he quoted what has become a familiar phrase: “There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.” Jim Lovell was a man who made things happen!
In Acts 17, we find two more men who made things happen - Paul and Silas. Verse six tell us that these men “turned the world upside down.” How is that these two could have such an affect on their culture that their enemies would claim that they have turned the world upside down? And in just a few short weeks in just a few places?
As a result of coming to know Jesus Christ personally, Paul said that he would do anything for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:23). He would go deeper, saying “I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” (Acts 20:24). Nothing was more important to him in life. He and Silas got beat up in Philippi for preaching the gospel, and rather than taking a break, they traveled 100 miles to Thessalonica, went into the synagogue, and began declaring once again that Jesus is the Christ. When they were forced to leave Thessalonica, they moved on to Berea and did the same thing! They were unstoppable in their commitment to preach the gospel of Christ!
How did they do it? What kept them going? And what would it take today to turn the world upside down for Christ? I think the answer to these questions is the same. To turn the world upside down for Christ we must, like Paul and Silas, be determined to share the gospel no matter what! We need to be people who make things happen for Christ and His kingdom.
What is required for salvation? This isn’t a new question. Very early within the Christian movement there was something present that had the potential to make it like all other religions. All other religions at this time, before and since have you working to please God. There is some burden that is placed on you. What’s missing is grace. Jesus spoke to this directly when addressing the religious leaders of his day.
And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers." -Luke 11:46
The gospel of Jesus is not burdensome and yet some were teaching falsely, “Gentiles, you must carry this burden of circumcision in order to be saved.” So what is the proper response to this? Peter makes it clear.
But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will. -Acts 15:11
In other words, there is no fear of living up to standards, no fear of worrying if you’ve done the right things or if you’ve done enough right things. The burden of expectations is gone. You’re not defined by what others think of you. You’re not defined by your job. You’re not defined by what you have. You’re not defined by relationships. Those things will crush you in an endless pursuit. Place everything on Jesus including your own efforts. Christianity is freedom in every way. You know what happens when a church loses sight of grace? It becomes legalistic. Legalism creates prideful people. It seems Christians are always surrendering their freedoms in the wrong way.
In Acts chapter 16, two remarkable women serve as examples of what grace looks like. Both women experience Jesus in a very different way. One in a luxurious home with a polite conversation around a charcuterie board. The other, on the streets with a confrontation of the power of Jesus' name. The message is clear. No matter who we are, what we do, no matter our past or present, we need the grace of Jesus and nothing else.
There is more suffering in the Christian life than you ever thought you could handle but there is also more joy than you ever thought possible.
It is necessary to understand the religious climate of the cities in which Paul visited. It’s now believed that the cult of Caesar was the dominant religion of Paul’s time in much of the Roman world. Caesar was deified and worshipped as a god in the flesh. It’s been argued that this is why Rome had such success in ruling much of the known world because the people willingly swore their allegiance to the god Emperor. They even offered sacrifices to him. Who needs an army to control the population when you have the people worshipping you and believing that you are a gift from the heavens? This is especially true in the cities where Paul has been preaching, particularly Antioch and Iconium. In both places there has been discovered imperial temples that were created for the worship of Caesar. A good example of this deification of Caesar can be seen in an inscription carved into an ancient government building. It speaks of Caesar Augustus who ruled the Roman Empire at the time of Jesus. Here’s what the inscription says…
Since Providence, which has ordered all things and is deeply interested in our lives, has set in most perfect order by giving us Augustus, whom she filled with virtue that he might benefit humankind, sending him as a savior, both for us and for our descendants, that he might end war and arrange all things, and since he, Caesar, by his appearance (excelled even our anticipations), surpassing all previous benefactors, and not even leaving to posterity any hope of surpassing what he has done, and since the birthday of the god Augustus was the beginning of the gospel for the world that came by reason of him.
Paul’s world the main “gospel” was the news of, or the celebration of Caesar. When Paul speaks and uses the word gospel he’s not inventing a new concept. He’s not saying "I’m here to give you a new religion.” Rather, Paul was using a word from his time but he was focusing it on a different person. He takes the word “gospel” and applies it to Jesus. It’s as if he says, “Everyone under Roman influence knows about the gospel of Caesar, but I’m here to tell you about the gospel of Jesus. My good news does not have Caesar at the center of worship, but rather it has Jesus as the center of worship. Jesus is the true king, not Caesar!” So Paul’s gospel is a direct challenge to the gospel of Rome. This is a bold and inflammatory statement. And one that does not go unnoticed, after all, this is the reason why Paul gets run out of town. (Acts 17:6-8)
Early believers were prepared for a life of hardship because their loyalty was to a different king. Obedience to this king will set you at odds with the kings of culture. Paul was not content to simply say, “Jesus is one of many gospels alongside Caesar", he said the gospel of Jesus is the only true gospel there is. It’s as true today as it was then, if you are heralding the gospel of Jesus, understand that the larger culture in which you live will view you as belonging to a subversive little group. However, from the standpoint of God, you are setting your face toward His kingdom. Absolutely incredible!
Over the course of history, human beings have tried to rival God. The first sin we see in the Bible occurs in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve think they could become like God, disobey Him and eat the forbidden fruit. In Genesis 11, the people of the earth band together to build a tower that could reach the heavens. Their pride and arrogance led to a desire to be seen as gods. The Biblical story does not get any better when it comes to man's pursuit to rival God. In the end, every great ruler and every great nation falls to the hand of the one true God. History repeats itself as today, nations, politicians, and even celebrities, take their shots at trying to rival God. From early 2000’s Kanye West, to communist dictators, everyone has tried and failed at rivaling the one true King of the world and the only God.
This is good news not only for us today, but for the church in Acts 12. The church here is facing a really dark time. Having just mourned the loss of James, the son of Zebedee, they now get news that Peter has been arrested and sentenced to death. In that moment, the church teaches us a valuable lesson. Faithful prayers prepare and engage our hearts for battle. While the church is up all night praying for Peter, an angel of the Lord appears and breaks Peter out of jail. Even Herod's gate opens on its own accord for Peter to leave unharmed. The gates of hell, nor Herod’s gate, can prevail against God’s church.
Acts makes it clear that we are to join God in his mission of spreading the Gospel. The mission is clear, but that does not make the battle any easier. For many of us, the last year took us out of the battle and out of living on mission for God. This week, whether you’ve been out of the battle or fighting on the front lines, we will all be challenged to take the next step towards taking back ground for the Gospel. We are getting ‘Battle Ready’. We do all this with confidence, knowing that no person and no situation is too great for our God!
Have you had a spiritual check-up recently? What goes in to making a healthy Christian? Early Christians had three necessary life ingredients along with one secret sauce. Here they are…
- They received the Word of God.
- They were filled with the Spirit of God.
- They prayed constantly to God. (Secret Sauce: They encouraged one another.)
Let’s talk about the secret sauce for a moment. Jesus told us that we should be known as His disciples by the love we show one another. This is why Christians need face to face interaction by regularly attending the gathering of the church body. A digital smiley face just doesn’t have the same encouraging effect.😀 Yeah, the real thing is much better. Physical proximity translates into relational connectedness. As you know, much is communicated nonverbally. Truth is verbal, love is nonverbal. It’s the look in your eye, it’s the tone of your voice, it’s your facial expressions, it’s the hand on the shoulder, these things reveal your heart for others. An emoji will never take the place of your God given face. When Jesus came to the earth he arrived in the flesh and dwelt with man. He did not arrive via video or chat or social media platform. He chose a time when it was nothing but “live.” Jesus’ physical presence was an encouragement to those who received him.
In the early church there was a man named Barnabas and he was really good at encouraging others. In fact, he had this special ministry that put fuel into the engine of individual Christians. He had the ability to speak with warmth and strength. I haven’t met too many people who were naturally good at this. It might not have been natural for Barnabas either. I say this because we are told that he was a man “filled with God’s Spirit.” This supernatural filling produced the fruit of love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You and I have this same Spirit within us but are we yielding to him? It’s a moment by moment choice to exchange what is natural for the supernatural.
“God fill us with your Spirit now so that we can be the encouragement others need.”
"What God has cleansed you must not call common!” Acts 10:15
There’s a moment in church history that makes the sound of a thunderclap. It’s found in Acts chapter 10. Peter has been given the keys to unlocking the future of the church. God’s picture of the future is not something Peter anticipated. In fact God had to prepare him for it. Peter had many prejudices that needed to be torn down. God begins this process with a dream that includes unkosher animals. “Arise and eat!” he’s told. He says, “Never!” In his mind the animals before him are dirty, unclean and forbidden. It will take the consistent voice of God to convince Peter, and yet this vision is preparation for something bigger.
Gentiles should not be regarded as dirty, unclean and forbidden.
Gentiles and Jews did not mix. They had genuine hatred for each other. One viewed the other as nothing more than slave material and the other was perceived as immoral and profane. Could God really be uniting these two into one family? Yes and the proof comes when God tells Peter to visit a Gentile named Cornelius. Cornelius has questions about God and Peter is answering by telling him of Jesus. And then it happens. Cornelius believes and the Holy Spirit comes upon this Gentile and all who are with him. It cannot be denied. God’s family is all-inclusive.
God could have used an angel to bring the message to Cornelius but he didn’t. He used one of his own. Why do you think God does it this way? My dad was a mechanic and auto body repair guy. That’s what he did for a living. When I was little and he was working on a car I would look over his shoulder and wait for him to give me instructions. “Okay Jason, grab the pliers” or, “Hand me the screwdriver.” I remember feeling like a big kid because my dad and I were working together. So I did the same with my kids when they were little. At times there would be a bolt that was so tight I couldn't loosen it on my own. I needed the help of a strong four year old. So I would grab the wrench and then place that little hand on top of mine and together we would move the bolt. “We did it!” That little face would light up and so would mine. This is the joy that God gets when one of his children works alongside him. God had done all the preparation and Peter simply spoke the words. Let’s enter into joy of partnering with God by relying on the power he supplies!
Acts chapter nine records the most significant event in the history of the church since the coming of the Holy Spirit. The apostles' teaching that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah has blistered and enraged Jewish leadership. A short while ago, a man named Stephen preached Jesus to this stiff necked crowd. The mob is unable to refute his logic and they murder him under the authority of the Sanhedrin. There is one notable man present. A Pharisee-trained young man from Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia. He kept watch over the event and became inspired. He won the chief priests' permission to hunt Jesus-followers in Jerusalem. He imprisoned them, voted that they be executed, and tried to force them to blaspheme. In response, the Jesus-followers fled Jerusalem, scattering over Judea, Samaria, and as far as Syrian Antioch, not too far from Tarsus. Along the way, they discovered that God's salvation is for more than the Jews. The Holy Spirit came on Samaritans and an Ethiopian government official who worshiped the Jewish God…and he was a eunuch. Formerly, these men were excluded from the worship of God. Not anymore. Truly, Jesus is for everyone.
The young Pharisee would become famous by writers referring to him as Paul. He personally encountered the resurrected Jesus and was forever changed. He would go on to become the most successful church planter of all time. The hunter has become the hunted. His peers want him dead. He is after all, a traitor. But Paul would use his zeal for Jesus. In other words, he became a sanctified version of himself. He didn’t change his “foot on the gas" ways. He simply turned the car in a new direction. How about you? Are you thinking you have to be someone you’re not. No one can be you better than you. So be yourself for God’s glory and you’ll discover what you were truly designed to do.
God has many beautiful attributes. The one I’ve been thinking about most is His sovereignty. This means not one thing escapes His notice. Not one thing in your life or in the life of this world catches God by surprise. He controls it all in the palm of his hand. Practically speaking, what does this mean for us? Oftentimes we experience the unexpected and unwelcome. God is in control and when our minds begin to drift toward fear, his sovereignty brings us back.
God’s sovereignty extends to salvation also. If you’ve ever wondered how God could reach the farthest person then look no further than Acts chapter eight. It’s here we see the unexpected conversion of an Ethiopian eunuch. God is opening the gospel door wider than anyone expected. Now included: those who were previously excluded from the worship of God. Maybe, just maybe God would choose to save the Samaritans because they had some Jewish blood in them, but a eunuch was categorized as “unfit." Yes, it’s happening. Jesus is for everybody. Also with this conversion we will see the gospel taken to the ends of the earth. It’s just remarkable to see this progression. Through human history God sovereignly works to get his message to those sincerely seeking to know the Savior. But here’s the thing…when God works, he works through men and women. People like you and me. This is an incredible honor and privilege we’ve been given. There’s no joy like seeing someone receive salvation. Have you experienced this? You and I don’t know exactly how God is working behind the scenes. But he’s always preparing people for the words he will give us. Let’s pray for the moment, take the opportunity and rejoice in God’s sovereign plan of salvation!
The early Christian author Tertullion said, “The seeds of the gospel have been sewn with the blood of the saints." The life and death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr proves this to be true. Stephen’s death teaches us to expect suffering if we follow our Savior. But we also can expect His faithful presence with us and His welcome into heaven when we leave this life. So let’s entrust our souls to Jesus and do what is right. It’s not always easy. We have an enemy trying to beat us down. Are you feeling a bit weary trying to maintain your witness for Him? Remember this: Jesus always uses the suffering of His saints for His greater purpose and glory.
No one suffers for Christ in vain. The persecution that arose against the church scattered the seeds of the gospel. Watching Stephen die had a profound and unforgettable effect on Saul. (Also known as Paul.) He continued fighting against Jesus by fighting His followers, but finally, the Lord powerfully saved him. Stephen’s sermon and his courageous, calm death softened the soil of Saul’s heart, preparing him for that later conversion. Paul later wrote, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).
The Lord is mindful of your service for Him, and He will duly reward even a cup of cold water given in His name. You were created for this my friends. There are no useless parts in the body of Christ. Whatever you or I do for His name’s sake counts in eternity. Keeping this in mind helps us defeat discouragement and we do not lose heart in the battle. Keep fighting the good fight until He calls you home. Jesus will be welcoming you!
Would it surprise you to know that one of the top three reasons people leave their church is because of interpersonal conflict? (Number 1 answer - not being fed spiritually.) Acts chapter 6 describes these growing pains and the leadership’s response. You see, the early church had two different groups under one roof. Although both groups were Jewish, one spoke Greek and the other Aramaic. Funny how the smallest things can divide people. Greek speakers were feeling neglected by Aramaic speakers. Their basic food needs were not being met. When the apostles learn this they appoint seven men to take charge of dispersing the food to meet everyone’s need. In other words, it’s important that we bear one another’s burdens. I believe this environment made the church irresistible then and perhaps even more so in our world today - a world that is eating its own.
One of the seven men chosen to help was Stephen. He will be the first martyr. Listen to this description of him…
"And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people." Acts 6:8.
He was full of grace and power. That’s an interesting combination. As it turns out, these are essential characteristics for furthering the Gospel. Power by itself can overwhelm and intimidate. Grace will soften even the hardest heart. I get the feeling that Stephen understood the power was not in himself, but rather it was God’s power through him. Therefore he could not take credit because it was all by God’s grace. That same power and grace enables us to build the Christian community in love!
Acts chapter 5 contains one of the more sobering accounts in the New Testament. A man and woman receive judgement from God and both die in the midst of the church assembly. What’s going on? They wanted to appear generous without being generous. The church is the bride of Christ and He will protect her from corruption. Since then, God has given the church authority to watch over herself. Jesus gave us specific guidelines in Matthew 18.
Purity is important.
This amazing story reveals that when two things are combined there will be real change in the world: personal purity + the gospel of Jesus. Purity gave the church her power. Nothing robs the church of her influence more than when our words and actions are incongruent. Show me a church that’s pure and I’ll show you a church of influence.
Where there’s influence there’s opposition.
The lives of the apostles inspire me. Their dedication is remarkable. The attitude of the apostles is part of the reason why they were able to do what they did for the Lord. They are rearrested and told, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your words about Jesus.”
Have we filled the Valley with our words of Jesus? Do people in our area – our friends, neighbors and relatives know about Jesus? Do they know about his love and forgiveness and grace? If we are going to make a difference in the world we have to preach Jesus. We must have the attitude that, no matter what, we will tell others about him. Our purity and integrity is an open invitation giving us the ability to speak into the lives of others. Opposition will tempt us to be silent. So let’s remember the words of the Apostles, “We must obey God, rather than men!"
I’m mindful of the tender heart of Jesus in Luke chapter 13:34, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!" Jesus compares his heart to the heart of a compassionate mom. This heart would give its own life for the early church.
At first, things seemed to be going so well. The church was birthed out of a passion and devotion for God and his people. Whenever the Kingdom of God advances we should expect a push back. Up until this point the church has been in favor with all the people. That’s about to change. Peter has been preaching Jesus on the temple grounds. The religious leaders (Sadducees) begin to take notice and they do not like what they see and hear. This is the first instance of opposition. You would think that it would come from Godless men but instead it will come in the form of the most religious people in the city.
What could cause such backlash? Peter has been proclaiming that the dead will rise in the name of Jesus. The Sadducees did not want this name being said. Remember, this is the same group of religious elites that delivered up Jesus to be crucified. They thought they had pulled out that little thorn. But now they are hearing his name again and again...
"...for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20
How about you? Can you say the same? Let me put it this way - How often are you outside of your spiritual comfort zone? Are you known by those around you as a follower of Jesus Christ? It might be time to get out of the boat and start walking on the water. You were saved for a purpose and part of that purpose does not involve selfishly holding on to what you have. Instead, we share it with others trusting the Holy Spirit for the results. If resistance comes, know you’re in good company!
“Ten thousand pounds of suffering is more preferable than one ounce of sin.” -Charles Spurgeon
The lame man found in Acts chapter 3 was a familiar figure in his day. He has been in the same spot begging for years. God worshiping Jews know his twisted frame as a fixture of the Temple landscape. Most walk by without pause. But this day is different. Peter and John speak to him. The expectation causes his heart to race. They might actually be willing to help meet his need. Like us, he doesn’t really know what his true need is. He’s expecting silver or gold coins. These are the things that will make him happy, right? We all know better than that. How many times have you said, “If I only get this…then I will be satisfied!” or, “If this would change in my life…then I will be happy!” If only he had silver or gold, then his life would be better...
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” Acts 3:6
Do you need to look deeper? What is your misplaced desire (silver or gold). We are all lame because sin cripples the entire human race. Jesus is the only one who brings the help we need. No doctor, no self-help book or life coach, no religious advisor could give the man what he truly needed. There was nothing he personally could do. Perhaps the biggest barrier there is for many of us is the idea that we can get to God on our own merits." Look at me run, look how good I am. I don’t need much of Jesus, I’ve got two strong legs!"
Peter explicitly says it was, "Jesus Christ of Nazareth" that healed. Nazareth was a backwater town of no significance. You don’t claim this with any pride. Instead, it is meant to show that this Jesus is God’s man to bring salvation and the restoration of all things (vs. 19-21). Times of restoration and times of refreshment; don’t we all want that?
Perhaps best of all is the man’s response to the news that Jesus is the Christ - the messiah sent to forgive sins. He can’t stop leaping. Consider anew that your spiritual need has been met and in the end this far outweighs the physical.
Let’s go back to where it all started. The city of Jerusalem is packed with Jews celebrating the festival Pentecost. Peter takes his place and delivers a stunning sermon about Jesus being God’s Messiah who was rejected by the people. There is massive conviction upon the listeners and Christianity spreads from a couple hundred to three thousand responding in faith. The church is born.
What happens next gives us insight into what made the church special. It was unified unlike anything anyone had ever experienced. What made it so? There were four specific elements that created a special cohesiveness in the group. They are being unified in their beliefs, as they all receive teaching from the apostles Jesus trained. They spend their spare time and meals together, sharing everything they own with gladness and sincerity of heart. And their prayer unites them before God as they present their needs.
Some of the details of the early church in Jerusalem are unique to its' time and place. God's call for churches to be unified is not. We receive different spiritual gifts, but we are called to serve each other in the church (Ephesians 4:1–16) "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2–3). Whatever specific forms the church of today looks like, it is still called to have the same heart as the first church in Jerusalem.
I’m a self-confessed sermon junkie. For me, a great sermon is like a work of art. Of course the greatest sermon of all time was given by Jesus. We know it as the Sermon on the Mount. Next to this, Peter delivers a masterpiece of his own, inspired by the Holy Spirit and found in Acts chapter 2. The response is overwhelming. Christianity expands from about 200 to over 3000 followers in one day.
Preaching is important.
We are constantly receiving “sermons” from social media, television, movies, politicians, celebrities and even bumper stickers. They all have a message they want us to literally ‘buy’ into. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Who has our best interest?”
God does.
Peter steps up, speaks out and tells the truth about Jesus, the human heart, and the destiny of man. The crowd is captivated. More than this they are convicted. They’ve heard that God’s judgement comes upon those who reject Jesus. And yet there is an escape.
Believe, repent and be baptized.
Have you been wanting something better? This is where real and lasting change begins. So can I encourage you to first preach to your own heart from God’s Word? Don’t allow the message of others to guide you. In the end, you’ll be looking for something that only Jesus can provide.
Have you ever wondered how Christianity spread from just a handful to many millions? Or what about this movement called the church? What’s the purpose of that? We have answers. There’s a “Part 2” in the Jesus story and it picks up immediately following the empty tomb. The events are investigated by a physician named Luke and written in the book of Acts.
It may surprise some to know Jesus’ final words were not spoken while hanging on the cross. They were said during a span of 40 days when he made “convincing proof” of his resurrection. He then left the earth so he could leave another - the Holy Spirit.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus tells his disciples to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes to empower them to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. "Witnessing” is something more than a spiritual discipline. It is the very essence of who we are as Christians. But what does that mean? And how exactly are we to speak about Jesus?
A few verses later Luke gives us one of the keys in telling others about Jesus. Not only do we talk about all that He said and did, but we must focus on the resurrection. In other words, we don’t speak merely of a God who is loving, a Christ who forgives sins, or a salvation that provides second chances. These gospel messages truncate the full gospel and miss the power of Christ’s Lordship. Jesus is not a forgiver who happens to be Lord; he is the Lord who died to secure forgiveness through his death and resurrection. The book of Acts puts emphasis on his resurrection and we should too. The Holy Spirit provides the power, the resurrection is the proof, and your personal testimony makes it real.
The significance of Easter is all about victory over death. Jesus’ resurrection was the confirmation of all that he said and did. It gave undeniable proof that he was the Son of God. But there’s more. His resurrection means eternal life is granted to all who believe in Him. Now that’s reason to celebrate!
“It is finished.” – Jesus
So many things in life seem to go unfinished. So what do these final words from Jesus actually mean? He wasn’t simply referring to the end of his pain and suffering. It means the plan of God to redeem man has been completed. There is nothing left to do. (Read that last sentence again.) When Jesus finished his work on the cross your work was done also. You can stop trying to earn your way to God. Jesus did the work for you. Now you see why these are the three most important words ever spoken. “It is finished.”
Our Palm Sunday message this year comes from Hebrews chapter 12. After reading the text you might be thinking it’s an unlikely place. As you know, the world is tumultuous and things are always changing. Circumstances, careers and relationships are often not what we want them to be. As you get older the challenges seem to come at you daily. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that first day of the week the crowd was whipped into a frenzy. They had problems like we do and they thought Jesus was going to remove all those problems. The thing they missed was the real problem. The real problem is that they were separated from God because of their sins. The people wanted Jesus to restore their national pride. Jesus was going to lead the revolution! Instead, he came to lead a revolution of the heart. The people were not buying it and in their disappointment some of these same people in just a few days will be screaming,
"Crucify him!"
A few decades after this, our author is writing to a group of believers that have had their faith shaken and they are ready to throw in the towel. They are living in tents because their homes were plundered and some are in prison. The author writes in an effort to strengthen them and encourage them not to give up. He wants to help them stand solid when everything around them is crumbling. Perhaps that’s exactly how you feel. You’ve got things happening in your life and you feel like the rug is being pulled right out from underneath you and you have no idea how you are going to land. From your viewpoint it doesn’t look good.
Your point of view is determined by where you are looking.
“Look to Jesus,” says the preacher. Through Jesus we have access to God like never before. The ancient Israelites approached God with “fear and trembling” but we come with confidence. We are reminded that the blood of Abel cries out, “Revenge!” The blood of Jesus cries out, “Forgiven!” When approaching God we are made small in the best possible way. That is to say, we are exposed for who we really are. At the same time God makes us big because in spite of our of mistakes, failures and self absorbing tendencies; we are his joy!
Jesus takes his place...
There's a small detail included in Hebrews chapter 8 and verse 1, but it has huge implications. Let's see if you can spot it..
Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
I'll give you a clue. It has to do with the posture of Jesus. Yes, he is seated. That's key.
One of the things that makes this book difficult to understand is that you and I don’t have the mindset of a first century Jew. One of my Jewish friends always enlightens me when we talk, being from a Jewish home and far more familiar with the Jewish mindset than me.
So let me help you understand what’s being said here because it is a statement with enormous consequences. If this New Covenant is going to be better, it must have a superior priest. How do we know Jesus is superior? Because of this phrase: “one who is seated.” Seems innocuous doesn’t it? But the author is saying this - of all the things we have said about priesthood this is the sum. It’s as if he’s saying we’ve talked a lot about priests, we’ve said a lot of important things, but here’s the most important feature about Jesus as a priest – he is sitting down. The highest proof of his superiority is that Jesus pulls up a chair. Why is that? Because priests never sat down. Listen to Hebrews 10:11-12...
And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,
You see the priest never finished his work. He could never sit down because the job was never done. He just had to keep offering more and more sacrifices because the sacrifice was only good until your next act of sin. And it just kept going and going and the priest never took a break. The tabernacle was the place where these priests offered sacrifices and there were no seats in it.
How does this relate to you and me? These believers were facing the temptation to turn away from Jesus and to turn toward familiar acts to gain God’s favor. The author says, “That old life is not where it’s at. Jesus makes all things new. Why would you go back to the old? Look at what Jesus has done for you. He’s built an indestructible bridge between you and God and that bridge is labeled: forgiven. He did his work and sat down. There’s nothing for you to do either. You can’t earn your salvation. Jesus is the one who said, 'It is finished!'” So it’s not about this constant striving to attain God, rather it’s about seeing the beauty of what Jesus did for you and embracing that. He took a seat because his work of atonement was done forever!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:1-2
Keeping faith is an ongoing and daily struggle. Trusting God and His promises, abiding in Jesus, dealing with temptation and sin, being anxious for nothing, doing everything for the glory of God – it's like an endless battle. Actually, it’s more like a marathon. That’s how the Apostle saw the life of faith – as a race. At the beginning of this ministry, he saw what was ahead as a race…"I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course (a race course, track) and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24) When he was called on to defend his ongoing ministry, he painted the picture as a marathon…"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly…But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others myself should be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). And when he knew his earthly life was coming to an end, he looked back on his race of faith and proclaimed… “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Paul didn’t understand what it meant to “coast” in the Christian life. He never saw faith as anything but like running a marathon – one that requires discipline and endurance. The author of Hebrews tells us in the first verse of chapter 12, that we’re all in this race. The question is, are you running? Are you coasting? Are you sitting on the sidelines? Are you tired? Are you ready to quit? No matter where you find yourself, you can get back into the race and run to win with the help of the words in Hebrews 12. What do you win? Jesus! Forever! John Piper sums it up perfectly:
"The race of faith is life’s journey for the Christian. Imagine what would happen if we looked to Jesus every day. Every weight would fall off and every sin would untangle from us. Each look at Jesus would strengthen us to endure and finish well. He waits for us on the other side. He is our crown, and we will be with him forever. Every huff, every twinge of pain, and every prolonged day on earth is worth patiently enduring the journey to get to the finish line — to get to Jesus.”
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls. Hebrews 10:32-39
Imagine these words written to the Illuminate body. We are not losing our property because of our faith nor are we being imprisoned. We must not miss this teachable moment though. The author of Hebrews is commending them because they chose compassion over consumption. They chose Godliness and it cost them their possessions in this world. Why did they do this? Because they knew something. They knew their real and lasting possessions are not on this earth. So they helped the brothers in prison perhaps bringing them food and blankets. As a result of that help they lost their homes, their businesses, their jobs.
And this happens today.
Christian voices and businesses are being cancelled and mocked. Perhaps the church will soon follow. That’s ok, we're in good company. They cancelled Jesus but he did have and will have the last word. And then there are the countless stories from the Middle East of entire Christian families being hunted by gunshot and forced to leave their Christian villages.
The remarkable thing about those first-century believers is that they accepted mistreatment joyfully. It doesn’t make any sense to the world. But their thinking was not worldly. Instead, the author tells you what they were thinking. They believed they had something better and permanent awaiting them in heaven. The author reminds them of what they already knew: God rewards those who seek him. So remember that former time when you were completely sold out for Christ; you were putting everything on the line. That’s the kind of faith you need now. When once you’ve looked back, then look forward. (Verse 36-39.)
I find this really helpful. He doesn’t say focus on your current circumstances. Instead he says, “Remember the past when your faith was strong and remember your glorious future.” He doesn’t tell them to think about right now. He says look beyond the now and put your hope in the faithful promises of God. That might be the message for you today. I know in my own life this is so true. By focusing on the current problem, it grows and grows and crowds out my faith. Instead, I need to remember former times of faith and I need to remember the promise from God of my glorious future so I can keep the faith.
Growing up I took pride in the fact that I did not need glasses. My three siblings, as well as my mom and dad, all wore glasses, and I viewed them as inferior. I didn’t realize any problem with my vision until I started driving. I wondered why it was so difficult to read street signs, but I just assumed that everyone had the same problem. It wasn’t until someone pointed out how timid of a driver I was at night, that I realized other people did not have the same issues I did. Turns out I was more like my family than I thought, I needed glasses. However, once I got glasses the whole world opened up to me. I could drive at night with so much more confidence. Being able to see clearly what was in front of me made all the difference in my driving.
In Hebrews 11, we are given the testimonies of men and women from the Old Testament, who were commended by God because of their faith. What the author of Hebrews points out, is that all of these great people of faith, died having greeted the promise of God from afar (Hebrews 11:13). Though they could not see it at the time, the promise they were waiting for, was Jesus. If they could have faith in God while not being able to see the promise, how much more confidence can we have while we are living on this side of the cross? This confidence in God’s faithfulness works itself out through our daily obedience to God.
God is constantly calling us to and from things. These could be big things, like career moves, or family decisions, or these may be smaller everyday practices and habits. To mature in Jesus is to respond in obedience with faith to God’s Word.
I was spending time the other day with friends who have toddlers. Little kids can be so darn funny and cute. I think it's because of their immaturity. They say and do whatever comes to mind with little regard for the consequences. There are parallels in our spiritual lives. We start our journey with Jesus as spiritual babies. We may not know much, and we may ask simple questions, but we are drinking the milk of foundational things. This is really good. Soon we are ready for a wider diet leading to healthy growth. But what if we decide to stop growing? What's the big deal? Does it really matter?
Yes.
Immature faith will make you unsure of your salvation. It will make you sluggish and as we read last week, lazy. Those who turn away from the basics of the faith, in response to doubts or disobedience, are beyond any rational arguments. Those who do not move beyond the basics of the faith risk straying from the truth, which is disastrous. The ancient Israelites are an example of what happens when disobedience and doubt replace obedience and trust. The author of Hebrews refers to this as unproductive land that must be burnt in order to be restored.
Here's the thing - you have something amazing awaiting you! The promises of God. A future that is unlike what you can imagine. The creator of the universe has prepared a place for you and it is amazing. The best part is not the environment, the best part is being in the presence of the one who died for you to make it all possible. So let's hold fast to Jesus who is described as the "anchor of our souls." Isn't that the perfect description? It tells you that life will have storms and the ship that is your life will be tossed around without a stable hold. So hold on my brothers and sisters, your glorious final destination awaits!
You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 I grew up drinking a lot of milk. The good stuff. Whole. Milk is necessary and good - especially for babies. But a constant diet of milk will inhibit growth. The author of Hebrews tells us mature Christians put the word of God into practice constantly and therefore they discern between what is right and wrong. Immature believers have the words go in one ear and out the other. There’s no stopping in the heart and mind. Most of your daily decisions are not spoken to explicitly in the Bible. Should you have chicken or tuna for lunch? Should you wear a jacket or a sweater? There are however many moments in your day when you will be faced with moral decisions. What programming should I watch? What should I say about this person? How should I spend my money? Sometimes people don't understand weightier things because they have a hard time discerning right from wrong. No need to discuss how the sovereignty of God and the free will of man interact until we discuss how your anger is tearing your family apart. We need some self-evaluation. Has your hearing become dull? If we were to put spiritual lenses on, what would be revealed as your spiritual age, your maturity? Once again, the author of Hebrews refuses to leave us where we are.
I feel so much better if I get eight hours of sleep. The thing is, it just doesn't happen. We can forsake our rest because of packed schedules or worries about our families, jobs, finances, ministries and just about everything else. These are areas in which God desires to lead us to rest, rather than leave us to trust in futile works of the flesh. You see, God's rest is more than physical.
It gives rest to the soul.
The promise that still stands is the promise of salvation through God’s provision—Jesus Christ. He alone can provide the eternal rest of salvation through His blood shed on the cross for the remission of sins. God’s rest is special. It is in the spiritual realm, the rest of salvation. Faith, the author of Hebrews goes on to assert, is the key to entering God’s rest. The Hebrews had the gospel preached to them. However, just as the Israelites knew the truth about God the messages were of “no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith” (Hebrews 4:2). Some had heard the good news of Christ, but they rejected it for lack of faith.
So let us learn from their error. Let us rest in Him, who has done all the work for our salvation and sanctification, and who promises to lead us to eternal rest!
"Look to Jesus," "fix your eyes on Jesus," "see Jesus." The author of Hebrews is attempting to emphasize something. The only way to thrive in this life is to focus on Jesus. The second chapter of his sermon contains a vision that will change the way you live - See Jesus as your "merciful and sympathetic high priest."
Back in the day, a Jewish priest was someone you went to for help. So let me explain this to you by virtue of what Jesus experienced as the Son of God - He faced temptation directly from Satan. Therefore no one can say to him, “Jesus you just don’t understand what it’s like to live in a fallen world and to be tempted by sin.” Jesus' response: “No, actually I do know what it’s like to be tempted by Satan himself.” Jesus got hungry, tired, fatigued and wearied. This is why the gospel writers tell us that Jesus would often go to a solitary place and pray. He knows what it’s like to lose a loved one. He wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. When most Jewish men his age were married with a family a home and a career; Jesus knew what it was to be single, a virgin and homeless. He experienced betrayal and rejection by his closest friends. He knows what it’s like to be stabbed in the back by someone he loved. He had close personal relationships disrupted and left unresolved. He knew discouragement in ministry when the disciples just wouldn’t get it. When you go through pain and you want to talk to someone who went through it all, talk to Jesus. He understands.
The book of Hebrews is a Christological masterpiece. There might be no higher view of Jesus found in the Bible. And that's exactly what early Christians needed. You see, like us at times, they were asking the question – If God loves us why is our life so hard? The answer – the Christian life is a journey from weariness to rest, it’s a journey that started with being alienated from God to being in the presence of God. And here’s how you make it; you’ve got to fix your eyes on Jesus. Through Jesus’ words and actions we hear and see what matters most to every human being—that God the Father loves us unconditionally.
"God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Even at our worst, God loves us...
John continues, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (verse 17). The Father sent Jesus out of his love and his commitment to save us. And when Jesus completed this act of love, he sat down in a place of prominence, at the right hand of God.
There's another big question in the world today. What is God like? The author of Hebrews tells us the answer: Jesus reveals who God is because he is the exact imprint and reflection of the character of God. The reason why Jesus is the exact reflection of God is because they share the exact same nature. I hope you see how personal God has become. By taking on flesh and blood he's telling you this, "I really want to be in your life."
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
The Bible is unique. No other book has been attacked like it, scrutinized like it or criticized like it. Neither has there ever been another book that has stood its ground like the Bible. The critics have passed on through the centuries, but the Bible stands as strong today as ever. It is an amazing book.
When we say the Bible is authoritative what we're really saying is that God is authoritative because it contains His words. So why is there so much hatred against the Bible? Perhaps we can see part of the reason in a statement Jesus made: "And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil" (John 3:19). Jesus was referring to Himself as the light coming into the world. The Bible represents the words of Christ. If people hated Him, they also hate His words. This is because His word exposes evil and shines light upon the sinful activities of mankind. People who love their sin will despise the Bible.
The Bible still stands.
Regardless of all the hatred manifested toward it through the ages, it is still here to be reckoned with. This fact alone ought to make us think about the importance of the Bible. Have you ever thought about the Bible in this way: If a book were to be given to us by God, then we should expect that it endures. And this is exactly what God promises. 700 years later Peter preached the same words...for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you!
Last Sunday we talked about the massive changes that have occurred as a result of 2020. One thing is for sure, things will continue to change and that change is going to come faster and faster and some of these changes are going to shock us and some will encourage us but if you know the unchanging God you are ready for whatever happens. The story is told of Lloyd Douglas, author of, "The Robe". When he was a university student, he lived in a boarding house. Downstairs on the first floor of that boarding house was an elderly retired music teacher. He was very infirm and could not leave his apartment. Douglas took a liking to this man and every morning they had a ritual they would go through together. Lloyd Douglas would come downstairs and he would open the man's door and ask him, "Well, sir, what's the good news today"? And the old man would pick up his tuning fork and tap it on the side of his wheelchair and hold it up and say, "That's middle C. It was middle C yesterday, it will be middle C tomorrow, and it will be middle C 1000 years from now. The tenor upstairs sings flat, the piano across the hall is out of tune but, my friend, this is middle C and that's the good news for today". Christian, Jesus Christ is your middle C. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The world in which we live is out of tune. The prognosticators got it all wrong. Everything we look at seems messed up but we take our tuning fork and we thrust it against a hard surface and we remind ourselves, "God is our middle C". We serve and love an unchanging God.
2020 has taken a lot from us. Suddenly, we realized how quickly things can change. Some have lost freedoms, jobs, family interaction and even personal relationships. You need to be reminded that some things never change. For example, God's love for you never comes to an end. And yet, many don't live in this love. Instead they continue loving that which can so easily be taken away and are therefore discouraged.
So why would we anyone ignore God's love? I’ll tell you why. Because we are very adept and misplacing our affections in this world. The pursuit of “hook ups” has become normative. For many, social media is little more than a love affair with attention. What’s fueling this? People trying desperately to have these questions answered: Am I lovable? Will someone find me attractive? What will cure my loneliness? "If I can just find the answer to that then I’ll be ok."
There’s a story in the Old Testament that illustrates this well. It has as much drama as any "reality show" today. A man named Jacob falls in love with a beautiful woman named Rachel. The Bible describes her as being beautiful in both form and face. In other words, she was very attractive. Jacob falls hard for her. He asks her father Laban for her hand in marriage. He agrees but only after working for him for seven years. But Jacob is so smitten he says, "No problem, she’s worth every minute of the wait." Finally, the day comes and Jacob ends up getting a taste of his own medicine. This plot twist is one for the ages. You see Rachel's father duped Jacob' in the exact same way Jacob cheated his own father Isaac. Jacob loved the place of prominence. He loved a woman for her attractiveness. Misplaced love caused Jacob a lot of heartache in life. It also disrupted the lives of those around him. His life is a testimony to the difference between misplaced love lost and true love found.
As human beings, we need things in our future that give us excitement and optimism. I actually believe God implanted within each one of us this innate need. Of course the ultimate fulfillment of this is the hope of heaven. The Christmas story reminds us that heaven is attainable through faith in Jesus. Therefore hope and faith are inseparable. The author of Hebrews explains.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
Additionally, we have hope in this life here and now. The Scriptures invite us to come to Jesus and confidently ask for help in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 tells us, “to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
Things that leave us feeling powerless and hopeless come in many forms. With Christ’s strength you can overcome life's biggest obstacles, and faith in Jesus gives hope and help to overcome:
“and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
Have you ever faced a giant in life only to think it's too big and you can't handle it? We do not need some kind of "God supplement" to our own strength, rather, we need His strength in us to do what we need to do. And he always gives it.
2 Corithians 12:9 says, “My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Seeing our weakness as the entry point of God’s strength gives access to His power!
When we put our faith and hope in Jesus, it not only gives us help, strength, and power for today, but it also gives us hope for life after death. It is a confident expectation of the ultimate “tomorrow.” Have you been feeling hopeless? All you need to do is ask God for what he has already made possible.
“May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
What's the most important thing? This question was put to Jesus. His answer seems rather simple - Love God and love people.
And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:37-39
Loving God and loving others are intertwined. In other words, you can't love God without loving those around you - especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus explains the importance of this...
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Christmas gives you the motivation because the birth of Jesus reveals God's love for you.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Illuminate, you have a done an amazing job of loving others. As your pastor, I am so very proud of you. This Sunday we celebrate all the love you've shown through your generosity and faithfulness in 2020!
Do you sometimes find it hard to fall asleep at night because of the things racing through your mind? Thoughts that are angry, fearful and anxious often accompany our last and first moments when our heads are on the pillow. Perhaps personal resentment is the biggest taker of mind space. What do you do with all this? Jesus reminds believers to make an exchange.
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
A yoke is an instrument used to attach two working animals together. Where one goes, so goes the other. Notice Jesus doesn't simply say, "Take off all your yokes." As if to say, "Be free!" Instead, he says, "Take off whatever it is that is currently leading you and exchange it for my leadership." In other words, we are all led by something that isn't giving us what we truly desire. Is this true for you Christian? Are you still wearing the yoke of social media's opinion of you? What about the yoke of the culture's demands? How about the yoke of salvation by works?
Give up your desire to live life on your terms and let Jesus lead you and you’ll find the rest you’ve been looking for. I know this sounds crazy in this modern world. Because we’re constantly being told, “Don’t give away your authority! Let no one control you!” Jesus says, if you want inner freedom then give up your freedom. If you want to find your life, lose it. Take my yoke, I will lead you. You don’t have to prove yourself, you don’t have to carry the burden of guilt, or pain alone.
I was thinking about this Christmas season and its potential for greater impact than many others. The reason is simple - we are a world and a country that continues to be filled with anxiety. What is the cure? The cure came 2000 years ago but not in the way anyone anticipated. A world changer would be expected to come from behind palace walls and certainly from a family of great influence. Instead, Jesus was born in a lowly stable and placed in a manger and his parents were unwed and poor teenagers. The baby would grow to be a man and that man had the most significant impact of anyone who has ever walked the earth. Lest we forget - Christmas holds the word “Christ.”
Jesus came to bring what we want in this world and what we need right now. Soon you will be receiving Christmas cards and letters that have a peaceful theme and we will sing songs that speak of "peace on earth." But you know I’ve found that the concept of peace means different things to different people. We find ancient distractions to relieve ourselves of our modern pain. Spend money, have a few more drinks, go all out and indulge in something you know you'll really regret. Meanwhile, there is a peace that lasts...
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:13-14
The word 'multitude' describes a huge number...like hundreds of thousands. It seems each angel in heaven could not contain his enthusiasm. So as we enter this season, let's remind ourselves of where lasting peace is found. Look inside that lowly stable and stare into the worn-out manger in the little town of Bethlehem. Doesn't the simplicity of it all tell you something? Your peace has arrived.
No other faith crosses more social, racial, ethnic, and geographic borders than Christianity. In all of our diversity there is a powerful thread of unity. Do you know what the word “university” means? It's a compound word meaning unity in diversity. The same idea is printed on American currency, E Pluribus Unum "out of the many, one." Now, let me ask you, what is the one thing that brings unity in the midst of diversity?
The Truth.
Ironically, this is the one thing secular universities tend to deny.
Peter says there ought to be harmony amongst believers because we have the truth. Jesus himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” His truth has us in the same band and his truth has us all marching in the same direction. How good is that? We have the main ingredient upon which harmony is built!
Having the truth is the foundation. But unity can be difficult to maintain. You've probably noticed that over the last six months. Peter gives us four action points to maintain the witness Jesus wants for his followers...and they are good ones. Sympathy, love, compassion and humility keep the unity flames burning. In so doing, we prove ourselves to be the people of God.
I think we all understand that obey is not a welcomed concept today. This four-letter word is rejected by most unless it’s the idea that one would obey only himself. Let’s face it – it’s cool to be rebellious. This is why many of us as teenagers disagreed with authority. I seriously doubt if anyone woke up this morning and said, “God teach me to obey. I pray that my boss would give me lots of things to obey.” Kids don’t wake up in the morning and say, “I can’t wait to be obedient to mom and dad!” You know what kind of conversation never happens? The one that goes like this – “What do you love?" "I love to obey! I’m such an obedient person and I just can’t wait to be told what to do. I study all the verses on obedience because they are my favorites!”
Now those who have taken a Bible class or two may be thinking – “I wonder what the word obey means in the Greek? It can’t simply mean do what you’re told!” They are right. It actually means to keep your mouth shut and do what you’re told…sorry about that. Pretty sure that's not what most want to hear. Indeed, this is a bitter pill for us all to swallow and here’s why – we think we are smarter than everyone else. We think we are better than everyone and we think we see ourselves more clearly than they see themselves. Social psychologists call this the “self-serving bias" and it states that we all walk around thinking that we are better than we really are. There are a number of humorous studies that expose this. For example, when asked, 85% of Americans think they are better looking than average. Now statistically speaking this is problematic. It gets better. When Americans are told about the self-serving bias, over 90% say that it’s true for other people, but not them.
This is the reason we need to listen to those who care for us in love. It starts with God's voice. His instruction gives direction. It’s also important to surround yourself with people who will tell you what’s happening in your life as they observe it. One of the negative impacts of quarantine is that some folks are no longer in community. When you’re not in community there’s no accountability in your life. We complain, argue and grumble because we lose sight of the things that are most important. Isn't it great that we always have a guide to get us where we need to be? The path forward is through obedience to God's Word.
As I was preparing the message this Sunday, I was reminded of a meeting I had several years ago. I was asked to visit someone in the hospital. It was a friend of a friend and someone I did not know; a man in his mid-forties who had terminal cancer. As I entered the room I introduced myself and you know how you get the sense that people don’t want you around? That was me. The atmosphere turned cold. He did not want to talk about God or heaven or eternal things even though he was in the last few days of his life on earth. My heart really broke for this man. It's not uncommon to find this response in people simply because our entire lives are spent trying to avoid death and some never come to embrace its reality. It ought not to be this way for the believer in Jesus Christ. In fact, it should be the opposite. Life should be one concentrated effort to prepare for what awaits us. For this reason, I am thankful for eternity but until that day Christian, you and I have purpose and meaning here and now. The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11
Peter does not want us to be caught unaware having wasted our time, resources, and gifts. So because we are living on the edge of eternity we must be sober-minded and think and act according to God’s Word. This means that we persevere in our love for each other and one of the ways we demonstrate our love for each other is in showing hospitality. This involves giving ourselves away so that others can be blessed. And finally, in these last days, we are to use our gifts in serving one another. This is what it means to live today in light of eternity!
In 1620, after a treacherous trip, the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower from England and dropped anchor near Cape Cod. Not long after their arrival they were greeted by Native Americans who taught them how to grow corn. Their first growing season was a success and in appreciation they invited the Native Americans to join them in a three-day long festival we now know as Thanksgiving. This marks our current season of gratitude and of all people, Christians have the most to be thankful for. One of Jesus’ early disciples explains why...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
Wow! There's a lot here to unpack...
We have received God's mercy! We have been born again! We have hope through the resurrection of Jesus! We have an eternal inheritance! We are guarded by God!
Will you pray this with me? "Father, what can we say? You are the giver of all good things and it begins with the gift of your Son. We live and breathe in your goodness now even as we look forward to all that awaits us in the life to come. THANK YOU!"
I grew up saying the pledge of allegiance in elementary school. The word allegiance refers to one’s loyalty. Of course, a Christian’s ultimate loyalty is to Jesus and his example. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom of God through his life, death and resurrection, and God’s people are to be a picture and a taste of that heavenly kingdom. God’s kingdom has not been fully and finally established and won’t be until the return of Christ. So for now we wait for something more. Until then, God’s kingdom isn’t simply American or western. His kingdom is composed of people from all tribes, tongues and nations. One of the sweetest Christian experiences you can have is worshiping God alongside brothers and sisters who speak a different language than you. You are reminded that Jesus came to make all people everywhere foreigners in their own land and ambassadors of his kingdom.
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. 1 Peter 2:11
While God dwells with His people now by power and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are still waiting for the kingdom to be consummated when Jesus returns. Until then, we live as strangers in a foreign land. While we are certainly called to honor, obey and influence the laws of the land, America is not our home. It is not “the Promised Land,” but in more and more ways actually resembles the famed Babylon of old. Yet we do have many blessings in these United States. I read about a poor man from India who said that his dream was to live in America. When asked why, he said, “I want to live in a country where even the poorest people are overweight.” We have abundance but we are still living in exile. We are very much “east of Eden" and at the same time, we have a very direct mandate from the place to which we call our true home. Let’s read Peter’s words again and add the next verse...
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12
No matter who wins or loses in any election season, we have an allegiance to one who is far greater. We are the people of God. As your pastor, I'm going to ask you to commit to the ethics of God's kingdom. In this way, we will be presenting our good deeds for those who haven't yet been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light.
Psalm 130 is a hidden little gem. I have several commentaries on the Psalms and none of them devote more than a couple of pages to it, but then I was introduced to John Owen's work. The Puritan and vice-chancellor of Oxford wrote a 400 page commentary on these 8 verses! 400 pages and still more can be said. It takes you from the depths to the heights. It is in many ways the gospel found in the Old Testament. It asks the question: How can I get right with God? And it gives the answer: Forgiveness comes through grace and not human merit. It is simple in that it contains only 8 verses, but its depth is profound. It begins with an intense cry for help from a dark place...
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!"
The fiery British Preacher Charles Spurgeon said this: “It matters little where we are if we can pray; but prayer is never more real and acceptable than when it rises out of the worst places. Deep places beget deep devotion. Everyone prays; but very few ‘cry.’ But of those who do ‘cry to God,’ the majority would say, ‘I owe it to the depths. I learned it there.’” It’s true. God uses dark moments to help us see the brightness of his light. The Psalmist has sinned, found himself lost and in need of God's mercy.
How do you see yourself?
The entire condition of the world is represented in Jesus' story about a Pharisee and a tax collector. (Luke 18:9-18) One man says, “I know who I am. I’m not evil. I’m a good person. I only need to compare myself to others and see that God is more pleased with me.” The other simply says, “God, I need your mercy.” "Which man had a right relationship with God?" asks Jesus.
C. S. Lewis: “When a man is getting better, he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still in him. When a man is getting worse, he understands his own badness less and less.” Low thoughts of God accompany low thoughts of sin. Because God cares about people he cares about sin. He cared so much that he sent his son to die for them. The cross was God’s judgment of your sins placed on Jesus so that mercy would be made available. The Psalmist simply says, “What other plea can I make? I’m guilty.” God meets this confession with mercy.
Throughout history philosophers have asked many questions. You've asked them too. What is the meaning of life? Where did I come from? What happens when I die? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why does evil exist? Why do I struggle to do good? In addition to these "big" questions, the Bible gives much practical advice in areas such as: What do I look for in a mate? How can I have a healthy marriage? How can I be a good friend? How can I be a good parent? What is success and how do I achieve it? How can I change? What really matters in life? How can I live so that I do not look back with regret? What do I do with my guilt? How can I overcome the unfair circumstances and bad events of life? To each of these questions there is in answer found in the Bible. Why? Because it is God's word to mankind; helping us know how to live life. However, it's not just understanding that God's word brings. Consider this...
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Psalm 119:1
There it is again...that word blessed. Literally, it means, happy. The Word of God brings happiness into your life because it brings freedom. You can be free from the culture as it pressures you into its shape like plastic molding. How about spending at least 15 minutes a day in the Word? You can do it. It's a matter of priority really. Spend the time in God's book and experience understanding, happiness, and freedom. You will not be disappointed!
Like many Psalms, number 72 is a prayer. It has a specific person in view - the king. It describes the kind of king that rules well by bringing the kingdom of God to earth.
Nothing is quicker to divide than politics. Christians do not fit perfectly into a two-party system. Every four years many long-term relationships are tested. Sometimes to the breaking point. These relationships are not at a distance. Oftentimes they are under our own roof. What is the Christian's obligation? (A noun describing an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.)
Does the Bible speak to such things? Yes, to say otherwise is to infer that the Bible does not apply to ALL of life. So what does it say? It says Jesus is our example. He was full of grace and truth. Contrary to what many believe, truth by nature is divisive. It's far more important to rally around truth than be divided by error. So Christians must speak truth and at the same time demonstrate love. Grace is what makes truth acceptable. Grace gives our gospel-centered voices an audience.
The words of Psalm 91 are some of the most beautiful words in the Bible.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2
They have been the source of comfort for God's people for more than 2000 years. They describe God's protection in detail. We see some of the verses quoted in the New Testament...by Satan. What?? Yes, at the temptation of Jesus, Satan reads from the Bible. Observe for yourself my friend.
And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written,
“‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’
“‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” Luke 4:10-11 (Satan quoting Psalm 91:11-12)
Why would Satan quote from Psalm 91? Because he's tempting Jesus with a pain free life and if Jesus pursued a pain free life then he would not have died on the cross for our sins. If we believe that our lives will be made safe by coming to Christ then we will be let down when tragedy enters. We will question the goodness of God. We will say, "I thought it was supposed to be different!" Remember, God uses all things to work together for the good (Romans 8:28). Not all things are good but God uses all things together for the good. There are many stories of deliverance in the Bible and yet in the end, every hero dies. The Psalmist tells us that there will be an ultimate deliverance for the one who takes shelter in God.
What or where is your current hiding place and what would it look like for you to dwell in God’s shelter?
"Where did the time go?" When I was young I thought a lot about the future, but as I get older I think a lot about the past. Jill and I often say to each other, "Remember when..." Psalm 90 tells us that our lives are ever so brief and it also tells us why. It is the result of God’s just judgment on us. Moses reminds us that we do in fact incur the anger of a just God. But we have the good work of Jesus as our advocate. Additionally we are reminded that life is full of toil and trouble. Should these things not make us long for heaven?
In light of these realities we are instructed, somewhat paradoxically, both to “number our days” and “be glad all our days.” How is this possible? Ultimately Psalm 90 points us to the God who out of his “steadfast love” has done something for his people that reverses the judgment and enables us to live with an abiding, in fact an eternal, joy.
Moses concludes the Psalm with this request: "establish the work of our hands." He's asking God to help us as we partner with him in that which has eternal consequence. There are no meaningless tasks for the Christian. Every act of kindness, every moment of care, every blessing given away is the preparation for what awaits us!
Psalm 73 contains the heartfelt and raw emotion of a Godly person who has carefully observed life. It comes from a man named Asaph and he's tormented because the world is influencing him. He is jealous of what other people have. What's worse is that these people don't walk with God and yet they seem so blessed. They're healthy and wealthy, and they don't seem to be struggling with the same problems that God's people do. So he's thinking out loud...
"Is it worth it to walk with God?"
He's questioning. Can't we all relate to this? I know I've been there. He continues his observation until it comes full circle. It may look like these other people who despise God have it all, but they don't. They really have nothing, and what they seem to have won't last. By worldly standards Asaph doesn't have a lot but he realizes he's the one with everything because he has God. He can confidently say, "Nothing in this life is as good as that taste of belonging to the Lord."
There was a change in his heart because there was a change in his head as he looked at God. He moved his focus off of them and onto Him. If we get our eyes off ourselves, our problems, our wants and lacks, and off of what everyone else seems to have, we realize how blessed we really are just for having Him.
The Psalm ends with a view toward eternity and that makes all the difference.
"For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." vs. 27-28
When we hear the word "broken" we don't immediately think of something positive. The word implies that something is not right, needs fixed or is not working. When applied to our hearts it refers to the deepest kind of pain - brokenhearted. Our painful emotions are stirred for reasons that at times seem to have no clear meaning. Have you ever thought that God could be the reason for this? What if our brokenness is meant to bring about change? Is it possible that brokenness could actually be a gift?
I believe so.
David was a broken man more than once yet he became a better leader, a stronger man, and more passionate for God. The secret is repentance. Most of us think we know how to repent so we don't need to learn anything. You know how it goes. We say a quick prayer asking for forgiveness and try to do better.
Repeat.
But let me ask you - does your repentance lead you to sing songs of joy? It did for David. So maybe there's something we're missing. Join us this Sunday to discover the best kind of broken from David's example in Psalm 51.
Spiritual dryness is a common problem in the church today. Over the last five months many Christians have experienced a disconnect from God. For many this disconnect has not come as a result of personal sin but instead the circumstances of pandemic, social unrest, and politics have formed the perfect storm.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?" Psalm 42:5a
The psalmist is right there with you. He's honest with his feelings as he talks to himself. Yes, he's talking to himself. You see there's a big difference between listening to yourself and talking to yourself. If we listen to our hearts in times of discouragement we will always be anxious. So instead we talk to our hearts. To put it another way - we preach to ourselves. There is no better voice to end the pity party than your own. Spiritual dryness is overcome by telling your heart what is true. Notice what immediately follows the question - why?
"Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." Psalm 42:5b
The focus is now on God's grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, acceptance...and the glorious future that awaits. It's as if the Psalmist says, "My soul is cast down therefore I will remember my God." Additionally he recalls a time when his soul was alive.
"These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise, a multitude keeping festival." Psalm 42:4
He's remembering a time when he was celebrating and worshiping with God's people. But no more. He's in a distant land far from the Temple. He misses the community because it gave him life. Can you relate? Individual study, individual prayer and individual worship cannot replace the corporate gathering where the church (meaning "assembly") gathers. The family of God is what waters our dry souls.
We all experience failure in one way or another. When put in a spiritual context, it can be very debilitating. But the Bible is clear, failure is not the end, it is the thing that reveals our deep need for God's rescue.
Recently I read this from a young person in the church.
"I am a terrible Christian.
I sin on a daily basis in many more ways than I even realize, failing often. I don’t always give to the homeless when they ask and I have money. As a teacher in a poor inner-city environment, I’ll make dark jokes about the school system that I probably shouldn’t. I gossip about the latest person that offended me or angered me, or whose ideas I don’t deem “woke” enough, all the time.
I curse all the time without even thinking about it. I don’t listen enough. I care too much about money and reputation. I’ve been losing it more and more in my impatience with people who I think are wrong about the world and wrong about my family. I don’t pray nearly as much as I should.
And I say I do all these things in acceptance that I am a terrible person, a Christian that is by no means holy, someone who constantly falls short of the standard of Jesus Christ. In so many things I do, I put success, money, approval, and accomplishments over God.
The truth is I’m a hypocrite, and I fall short so often, and the labor that comes with falling short and failing is much more of an emotional toll than being successful.
But it is the story of Peter that gives us a lesson on how to proceed as Christians, even when we fail to be saints. Peter told Jesus at one point “though [everyone else will] fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” Peter thought he was the perfect disciple. Peter thought he could never fail as a follower.
And then he did, when he denied Jesus three times in the Garden of Gethsemane when he failed to ever to acknowledge he knew Jesus at all to save his own behind. If the story ended there, Peter would have won the award for least valuable player in the Bible.
But the story didn’t end there."
This young man is correct. Jesus restored Peter and established him as a pillar of the church. It's not just the story of Peter but of many others including Israel's greatest leader - David. Psalm 34 is the confession of David's embarrassing failure. The worst kind. However, it is turned into triumph when it is given to God. In the end we learn that our failures reveal our need for God's help.
I have a confession. I like to watch those shows about missing persons, unsolved murders and crime stuff in general. Not sure why this is but I think it has something to do with the satisfaction of having a mystery solved. So I've seen plenty of courtroom appearances by those who are on trial for their lives. I've tried to imagine what's going through the mind of someone who has just been declared guilty and then given a death sentence. And here's where the story takes a plot twist...that person is me...and it's also you. Our sin causes a lot more than physical deterioration and mental anguish. It creates spiritual death as we are separated from God. Psalm 32 outlines this problematic episode in our lives but it also gives a surprise ending.
Our courtroom appearance has us declared guilty and what follows is the final sentence. But then another turn...we are set free. We walk out because Jesus walks in and the judge has declared that our death sentence has been fulfilled by another. How can this be? 1 John 1:9 explains.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Notice that God is faithful and he is JUST and this is the basis for our forgiveness. A just God cannot try us twice when the crime's punishment has already been fulfilled. This is too good to be true. But it is. It is grace. It is mercy. So let's live in this truth and be people of grace and mercy to those around us.
Psalm 23 is one of the most recognizable chapters in the entire Bible. You've probably heard it at least a dozen times if you attended Sunday school. It's a go-to for funeral programs and Hobby Lobby has made money selling its' lines on faded pieces of wood. Even those who do not attend church have likely heard this psalm before.
When verses and chapters become familiar, we tend to not pay close attention to them. When we see it in our Bibles, it can be tempting to think, Oh, I know what this says already. Why read it again? My challenge to you is to read it and then ask yourself these questions...
Who or what is leading me?
Am I setting up my tent in the valley?
Have I lost sight of God's overwhelming provisions for me?
Like sheep, we are all being driven by something or someone - even if that someone is us. The psalmist King David vividly puts things in perspective when he describes God's ability to lead us to the place we really want to be. It's not that our lives are free from enemies, it's that God's power protects us from those enemies. It's not like we will ever be free from dark valleys, it's that God's wisdom guides us through the darkness. Truly he is the good shepherd. Why would we follow another?
Over the past four months, the entire world has experienced a happiness drain. One headline after another steals our joy. Many wonder if it's even possible to find lasting happiness anymore. And what does the Bible have to say about this? It says a lot. Jesus gives an entire sermon about being happy. It's called the "Sermon on the Mount." You know the one that says,"Blessed are the..." over and over. Did you know the word for blessed literally means happy? So often we focus on Christian holiness and we forget that when we live lives of obedience and service and when we live out the uniqueness of who God has made us to be…there is joy. There is happiness.
We see this again in the very first word of the very first Psalm. It too begins with the word "blessed" and in the Hebrew language, this word also means happy. Although the Psalmist uses the word happy, the things he tells us will make us happy are not traditionally thought of as happy things. In fact, there is a contradiction. Many of the things we think bring us happiness actually rob us of holiness. This is important to recognize because when we are holy we will be truly happy. Isn't that the way of the cross…and the way of Jesus…yes, and I think that is the key to understanding happiness as a Christian.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." Our current time reminds me of this opening line to Dicken's classic work. Admittedly, it feels more like the worst of times as we look into the future. But we must not forget that the God of history, the present and the future sits on the throne. The question has been asked - What will the future of the church look like? Church online is a blessing for many during this season and yet I wonder if it isn't adding to what many have already viewed as a convenience rather than a necessity. What will be the trajectory of relationships if the body does not habitually come together? The results are predictable because the fact is, we were not created to do life this way. (Remember the first "not good" of creation was that man was alone.) We cannot lose our dependance on one another because this will lead to a loss of relationship. I have seen lifelong friendships come to an end over one social media post. The devil horns we see above each other's heads tend to grow when we lose face to face interaction.
Tucked away in the New Testament is a short and intensely personal letter. It's not packed with theology and you won't find it at the top of most preaching lists. It is however, one of my favorites - Philemon. It reminds us that life is about relationships. First and foremost there is your relationship with God. If you get this right then all other relationships can be made right. Made right doesn't mean made easy but when Jesus enters our lives everything about us is radically changed. Philemon's story tells us how to restore and maintain what we were created for - relationship.
My friend told me he wanted to know everything Jesus taught. I said it might surprise you to know that one-fourth of the time he spoke about money. He said, "Really? What else did he talk about?" One of the effects of the gospel going deeper into our souls is that it frees our fingers to loosen their grasp on our stuff. Generosity is one of the great evidences of truly being a disciple of Jesus Christ. But for the Christian, the issue is not just that we give, but how...
“God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Christian generosity happily finds its' motivation from Jesus himself — our Savior, Lord and greatest treasure — demonstrated the ultimate in generosity in coming to save us...
“Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” 2 Corinthians 8:9.
If Jesus is in us, then increasingly such an open-handed tendency will be in us as well. We don't own anything. Instead we steward what we've been given. This leads to freedom.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
Since our treasures reveal our hearts and our hearts are idol making machines then money reveals our idols. So we need help. Paul gives it to us in two simple paragraphs as he concludes his letter to the Philippian church. Contentment, needs vs wants, and the sacrifice of Jesus compel all believers to be generous stewards. Remember, the theme of the book of Philippians is joy and joy comes when you share with others!
There have only been a few times in my life when I've been far away from any city lights. When this happens there is one thing that cannot be ignored. One thing that screams for my attention. So I stare into the night sky filled with stars. It's awesome. The vastness of just that little slice of God's universe is an overwhelming thought. From our position on earth, there is one star perfectly placed by God that holds special significance. We call it Polaris, the North Star. Before the compass or sexton sailors used that fixed point to determine direction. Now more than ever we need a North Star in life. Of course, God has given it to us in his son Jesus Christ. I love what C.S. Lewis said...
“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”
Our exhortation from the Apostle Paul this week is a great one. Every single one of life's challenges is to be seen from a cosmic perspective. In other words, look up to the sky and remember that from heaven we await a savior who will transform our bodies. We will be in a place that is unbroken and untouched by sin's weariness. So let's put our earthly circumstances into that eternal perspective and find the path to joy on earth.
Last week, we read about Paul's desire in Philippians Chapter 3 to know Christ by stating that He counted all as a loss for the value of knowing Jesus. He stressed that his supreme goal was to have righteousness, which only comes through faith in Jesus. In other words, Paul exchanged his work for the work of Jesus on the cross. He also said he wanted to know the power of His resurrection and to share His sufferings, even in His death. This is Christian maturity.
Our past can be a weapon. It can make us think that our future is determined by our former failures. Paul’s attitude toward pressing on to a goal is humble in that he does not consider himself perfect. He said that it was wise for him to forget things that are behind and reach forward for the prize that lies ahead, which is a divine call of God through His son, Jesus Christ. Paul also stressed the need for those who were mature to have the same mind and follow his example.
Can you see the tears streaming down Paul's face as he sends a heartfelt warning to those who do not walk properly by setting their minds on earthly things and making greed their god? He reminded the church at Philippi that a Christian’s true citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. As a matter of fact, Paul said, Jesus Christ will transform our bodies to conform to His glorious body upon His second coming.
Christian, your past does not determine your future. Stop feeding the monster that believes this. Every Biblical hero except Jesus was formerly rebellious to God in some way. Every human heart is crooked but in God's hands the crooked heart is made to draw straight lines!
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith. Philippians 3:8-9
Sometimes it's hard to believe God accepts us as we are. We put in the work of salvation in hopes that God will put a smile on his face. Or perhaps we work so that he can be in our debt. Many people will say, "If I'm basically a good person then God will be duty-bound to throw open the gates of heaven for me!" Sometimes we make the relationship with our creator feel more like an employee to an employer. The challenge is that success is a moving target. How do we know if we've really been good enough? How do we know for sure that we have put a smile on God's face? This is a recipe for an anxious life of uncertainty. In the end, what we've done is put our hope in ourselves only to be devastated and worn out. We take our deep habit to gain approval from others and we apply it to the God who created us. This proves to be a fickle faith.
So let's take a breath and remember Paul's words above. There is a righteousness that has already been secured on our behalf. Jesus did it on the cross. All of the work that Paul put in as a religious zealot counted as nothing when it comes to earning God's favor. No longer did Paul want a righteousness of his own. This could also be called self-righteous. Instead, God wanted a pure heart that is dependent upon faith in Jesus. The pressure is off. The love is on. We now find our motivation to please God because of Christ's sacrificial work on our behalf.
Last week, we received Paul's exhortation to think of others as more important than ourselves. This could not come at a better time. The injustices we've seen in our country have shaken our silos. God's people must lead the way by searching our own hearts, bearing one another's burdens and bringing the Gospel message of repentance, reconciliation and restoration. Paul reminds us that humility is the key to unity. We need help in the form of an example and of course, we have it in Jesus. Can you imagine what the world would be like if everyone modeled His heart? There's a simple Greek word Paul uses to describe Jesus's selfless action and it packs a punch - kenosis.
We often think about what Jesus gave up to come to earth. He had all the rights and privileges of deity and he set them aside and was born in a stable. But Jesus didn't just leave things behind. He also added. Jesus added to His divine nature a human nature as He humbled Himself for us. Jesus went from being the glory of glories in heaven to being a human being who was put to death on the cross.
“Taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” In the ultimate act of humility, the God of the universe became a human being and died for His creation. Philippians 2:7-8
Jesus took on human nature with all of its limitations, except with no sin. In humility he died for us, so we can live for him. His obedience to God's plan inspires us. Let's be honest. Sometimes we Christians are whiners. We have forgotten the unfathomable good will shown to us through our savior's obedience to the Father. Our obedience causes us to shine for others says Paul. This implies that people need to be shown the way. People are watching you Christian. Perhaps now more than ever they are asking questions – Does Jesus make a difference? Is Jesus real? Does he change anybody? What does a faithful Jesus follower look like and how does he or she influence culture? Paul says that when it comes to following God, "Please shine like stars!" Show them how Jesus lights our path and can light theirs too.
Memorial Day has reminded us of sacrifice. We are thankful for those who have given their all for the country and people they love. Sacrifice never comes easy and that is why Paul's letter to the Philippians holds what might be the two most challenging verses for fallen humans. What do you think?
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
We are called to find ways to serve and bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. According to Paul this is the secret sauce to a healthy and thriving church. Simply put, humility creates unity. The church can be a fragile thing. Pride and arrogance on the part of a few can undermine what takes years to build and mature. So how do you get the resources to pursue the unity that comes from humility? Every one of those resources comes from Jesus. You can't be humble without contentment. Jesus gives us contentment. You can't be humble while being insecure. Jesus gives us security. You can't be humble without having a model. Jesus is our model.
Jesus prayed for you and me. He prayed for those who would come to know him. Of all the requests he could make on our behalf, he asks this of the Father...
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:20-21
You can't be humble without experiencing humility from others. Jesus will humble himself all the way to the cross so that you can believe he was sent by God!
It's been said that all of man's life is one long attempt to avoid death. But then someone you love dies. You attend the service honoring his or her life. Depending on your age, you might think for longer than a minute about your own memorial and then you push it aside. Still, someday people will be talking about you in the past tense. The apostle Paul was faced with this thought time and again. Perhaps now more than ever because he is a prisoner of Rome and that usually doesn't end well. Especially for a Christian living under the reign of Nero. Paul reveals his attitude...
"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."Philippians 1:21
In other words, he's saying, "It doesn’t matter if I live or die, either way, I win." Paul's worldview allowed him to face anything. His circumstances didn't define him, rather his faith defined his circumstances. You see Paul has answered the question, “What am I doing here? Why am I on this planet?” His outlook was both realistic and hopeful as if to say, "Death is not bothersome and yes life is hard, but I don’t want you to be discouraged because of me. I'm doing fine; I know why I'm here and I know where I'm going!" This is a cause for a great celebration my friends. Jesus has answered life's most pressing questions for you and me!
I'm very excited to announce "Joy Unchained" is the new series beginning this Sunday. It's a study in the book of Philippians which is written by the apostle Paul while a prisoner of Rome. What would he want to tell us while wearing the chains? The message is simply this: there is joy in adversity. I don't remember much about the early years of my public school education. I do remember feeling anxious. I also remember not fully trusting my parents when they said the experience would be good for me. "Yeah right, how could being around kids I've never met and in a new environment be good for me??" Eventually I gave in and it worked. I made a lot of new friends. Have you noticed this spiritual principle? God often has to "shake us up" to move us beyond where we are in life. As the country begins to reopen we find a variety of (and oftentimes heated) opinions regarding safety, security and sanitization. There were big challenges as we entered quarantine but there might be bigger ones as we re-engage. It seems that everyone is in one of two places. We are either entering adversity or we are coming out of adversity but either way we can know that this is not the last adversity we will ever face. So what is the secret to finding joy in adversity? Paul gives us the answer and it's not found in something but in someone.
Esther's story is a great one. She is taken from total obscurity to national prominence as Queen of the Persian empire. But there's a twist. She's a Jew and Jews were about to fall on hard times because of a racist scoundrel named Haman. For now, Esther has kept her ethnicity a secret. However, she will be asked to take a risk to save her people. She doesn't want to do it because she's interested in maintaining her palace lifestyle. What would compel Esther to take a stand? The grace of God. Her cousin Mordecai gives a simple but compelling speech. This changes Esther's perception of the world and her place in it. He says, "And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” This phrase is in the passive tense. Literally, it means, "brought about by another." Esther's position as queen was a door opened for her by God. When God is in it, there is no risk. She used her position to save her people. Does this sound familiar? Jesus would use his position to offer salvation to all people. Esther lived, but Jesus would die. Christian, do you fear taking risks for God? The grace of Jesus toward you and me dispels that risk. So perhaps now more than ever God is giving you open doors of opportunity to reflect the image of his son Jesus Christ - for such a time as this!
The story of Daniel and the lion's den is a Sunday school favorite. But it's not just for kids. The faith of Daniel is for every Christian who wants to please God in all circumstances. Have you ever thought about why God allows the lions in our lives? The answer is found in the outcome of the story. Through the witness of Daniel, his faith, and the faithfulness and power of God, an entire nation came to know and revere the Lord. The Persian king himself proclaims, “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.” Daniel's entire life reminds me of what Jesus said about being different. Jesus said his followers should be like salt. What does salt do? It enhances the taste of food. Christians should be people who enhance every environment they enter. However, in ancient times they didn’t have salt shakers, instead, they used salt as a preservative. Salt keeps things from decaying and it prevents food from spoiling. This is the ministry of every Christian. We go out as little salt shakers. What comes out of us inhibits the decay of sin in others because we carry the gospel. This is what Jesus did. He reached out to everyone. Now, this is easier said than done because salt goes where things are falling apart; salt enters what is decaying. The world is coming apart. Our current circumstances are creating new and amplifying old pains. Daniel's life is a strong reminder that faithfulness is the key. What lions are you facing today? There is only one way to be saved from those lions and that is through faith in God. We are also reminded that Jesus was placed into the den of death and came out alive; and because of that every lion’s den we encounter has already been dealt with!
The story of Daniel is the story of worship. In our lives today, there is a constant battle for our worship's attention. King Nebuchadnezzar commanded all people in his kingdom, including those in high and low esteem, to bow down and worship the golden image when they heard the sound of the musical instruments being played. The strategy of the enemy is at all costs to get us to look away from the Lord to a “golden image” of our circumstances, and be ensnared in the “sound” which creates an atmosphere of fear, panic and confusion around us. Daniel and his friends had determined to look upon God and tune out the sounds. "We will not bow down!" This would come with a great threat. The king was angered, the furnace's fires were made hotter and Daniel's friends were tossed in. But God can take the fires of the enemy and turn them against himself. Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth man walking in the flames alongside these young men. He describes him like this, "looking like a son of a god." Isn't that interesting? This is the way the gospel writers describe Jesus: the God-man. Jesus always walks with us in our fiery trials. His presence will make the fire of our trials something supernatural and situations will turn around from hopeless to hope-filled and beyond! This is why we worship Him, for He alone is worthy!
Most change brings pressure. Christians know what God does with pressure. He turns ordinary stones into gems. This is the history of God's people. There was pressure on Abraham as he left his homeland. There was pressure on the nation of Israel under Egyptian rule. Daniel felt the pain of leaving his home overnight and being squeezed into Babylonian culture. Esther's pressure revealed that she was created, "for such a time as this." Christian, you need to be reminded of this right now. There's a word frequently used to describe current worldwide events: unprecedented. I would like to reframe this word. These are unprecedented times for the gospel. Christianity was built for this moment because we have what the world is longing for. For the next four weeks, we'll be looking at the lives of several faithful saints who have gone before us. We'll walk in the shoes of these men and women and discover what it takes to be a life-giving force in a pressure-filled world that his hurting. For such a time as this!
Long before World War II newspaper headlines proclaimed, "Victory!" there was a much bigger battle fought and won. The stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. The apostle Paul sums it up... “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? "O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:54-56
It's been said that all of man's life is one long attempt to avoid death. Death is separation, a dividing of things that ought to be united. Fundamentally, it is separation from God. Death also marks the separation of the soul from the body. Not only did Jesus bear the wrath of God on our behalf; he endured death, the separation of his soul from his body. And let's not forget what Jesus did upon his death. The Saturday event is very important. Following his death for sin, Jesus journeys to Hades, to the City of Death, and rips its gates off the hinges. He liberates Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, John the Baptist, and the rest of the Old Testament saints, ransoming them from the power of Sheol.
As the old gospel song proclaims, "Because there was no grave that was going to hold his body down, there won't be any grave that's going to hold your body down." On that resurrection Sunday one thing for certain was proven. There is no fear that the resurrection cannot conquer. So let's proclaim it together church family...
The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!