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Ablaze Church
Our purpose at Ablaze is to love God, love others, follow Jesus and to tell others. If you are looking for a church home in the Tulsa area we’d love to have you join us for worship on Saturdays at 6:30 PM or Sundays an 10:30 AM. We are located just north of 51st street on Lynn Lane in Broken Arrow. For more information, please check out our website at ablazechurch.org
The book of Esther is a beautiful portrayal of courage in the face of danger and the triumph of good in the face of powerful sinister forces. This weekend we follow a beautiful young Jewish virgin who becomes the queen of a pagan Persian empire. God has a plan and Esther will play an important role in saving her Judean people from destruction.
God used Esther, a Jewish exile, as His instrument in setting her people free from annihilation and fromthe hatred of others in the land of Persia. The book of Esther never mentions God’s name, yet God clearly orchestrates every event in the book. We find Him in the faith of Mordecai, in thedetermination of Esther, and in the One to whom the Israelites earnestly turn to in prayer andfasting for three days.
Paul is facing death so he impresses upon young Timothy the importance of carrying on where Paul will leave off, preaching the Word of God faithfully. Paul talks about how people with itching ears will want their leaders to talk about only what they want to hear. Paul encourages Timothy to be sober-minded, to endure suffering, to do the work of an evangelist, thus fulfilling his ministry to teach sound doctrine.
Paul writes about temptation that specifically attacks the leaders of a church. The temptation clearly also applies to all Christians. Paul mentions two men of the Old Testament who were corrupt and opposed God’s Word. Today we must be very careful because there are those who oppose the truth found in the Bible. That is why Paul clearly states that, “All of Scripture is breathed out by God.”
Using many comparisons like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer, Paul encourages Timothy to find faithful men who are willing to share in the work of serving the Lord by teaching others the Word of God. He warns them not to get bogged down in quarrels or to give into temptations of the flesh, but to be generous and kind to all
Paul’s last letter that he ever wrote was to young Timothy who was Paul’s replacement and representative to the churches of Asia Minor. Despite that Paul was facing the end of his ministry because of his imprisonment and persecution, he managed to send a letter that encouraged Timothy in his ministry and Christian hurches to show boldness, endurance, and faithfulness in the face of false teachings.
Paul describes fighting the good fight as an act of faith. A Christian is always engaged in an ongoing contest in which sound doctrine advances against the forces of darkness and evil in our world. This fight of faith does not earn us salvation, but because we know the prize earned by Jesus for us, we fight on in good faith taking hold of eternal life.
Today we celebrate Trinity Sunday. We confess and believe in our God who is three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. On this Sunday, as on all Sundays, we confess the great mystery of the Holy Trinity. We will also take a close look at Paul’s instructions for the Church of Ephesus.
God daily and richly provides us with all that we need. Paul teaches to reject God’s good gifts or to receive them without thanksgiving is a sin against God’s graciousness. Paul prepares his listeners to contend against false teachers and silly myths. Paul shares that the reading of Scripture is the key to combat falsehoods and disinformation.
Paul offers a summary of prayer in the life of the worshipping community. Prayer is strongly encouraged for all people, emphasizing especially prayer for those who exercise authority over us. Along with emphasis on prayer, Paul gives proper qualifications for service within the Christian church and spiritual leadership.
We begin a new series this weekend called, “Paul’s Word to Timothy.” Timothy was, in every way, Paul’s spiritual son. Young but gifted, Timothy had been assigned to lead the church at Ephesus. The congregation that gathered in Ephesus needed order in worship as well as doctrinal correction. It was also plagued with false teachers. This letter from Paul guided and counseled young Timothy in his duties.
In Chapter Four, Jonah came to realize that God was going to spare Nineveh from destruction. Several days had elapsed since Jonah had begun preaching that Nineveh would be overturned if they did not repent. When Nineveh repented, Jonah became very angry. His anger is mentioned several times by God. In contrast, God is “slow to anger and abounds in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression of sin” (Ex. 34:6-7).
The people of Nineveh hardly seem like prospects for responding to God’s Word because they were not Jewish, yet they did turn from their sin, fasted, and put on sackcloth. Upon seeing their turn from evil, God relented from sending disaster. We thank God that His Word bore the fruit of repentance in Nineveh and in our lives.
Have you ever asked, “How low can you (or I) go?” It is just a figure of speech, but it definitely has a scary meaning behind it. In our reading from Jonah Chapter 2, we will see how low a prophet of God is allowed to go. Some might say, “You can’t get any lower than Jonah.” God wanted Jonah to go to Ninevah, but he ended up below sea level. The good news is, that after three days in the belly of a great fish, Jonah finally reconsidered going to Ninevah.
We begin a post-Easter new series, based on the Old Testament book of Jonah. This is one of the most compelling and well-known stories in the Bible. It is full of drama, action, human interest, and practical lessons for Christians and for the Church today as it teaches us to remain true to our calling and mission. When we drift away from it, God may intervene dramatically to get us back on track.
Easter is not merely a one-day celebration, it is a fifty-day season from the Day of the Resurrection of our Lord to the Day of Pentecost. During the Easter Season, we have a tradition to greet one another with a special Easter greeting and response, “Alleluia Christ is Risen!” “He is risen indeed! Alleluia!”
Beginning with Chapter 14 of Mark we learn about how desperate the Jewish leaders were to find a way to execute Jesus quickly and quietly before He gained full support for His mission. Yet, God is at work even in these events using the opposition of His enemies for the fulfillment of His plan of salvation for mankind. The Lord is likewise at work in the events of our lives today bringing about good even amid suffering. We must trust that He has a plan for all that happens in our lives.
Rather than being an external regimented, dry list of rules, Jesus describes the commandments as being centered on loving God and our neighbor. We are told that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our being; that is, with all our heart, soul, and mind. This Jesus calls the most important commandment. Then Jesus shares what is the second most important commandment, which is to love our neighbors as ourselves. These two commandments Jesus sees and explains as the heart of the Old Testament, revealed by the law and the prophets.
Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem is the place He openly accepted messianic titles and at the same time fulfilled many Old Testament messianic prophecies. The disciples and the crowds expected Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom. The express purpose of Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem was to usher in God’s plan of salvation for mankind. Jesus entered Jerusalem in humility to fulfill the plan of salvation by laying down His life for sinners.
The transfiguration was an event where Jesus showed the light of His heavenly divinity. Jesus was metamorphosized before three of the disciples to display His divine glory and to prepareHis disciples for His death and resurrection. At this historical event, two Old Testament figuresappeared, Moses and Elijah, to verify who Jesus was and what was to happen to Him.The glory of Jesus reminds us that He freely chose death and resurrection for our sakes. Thisshould make us all the more want to listen to Him.
The Pharisees were that Jewish sect or part which laid utmost stress on the strictest outward observances of the law, including the traditions of man. In fact, many Pharisees and Scribes held traditional law over and above God’s law. Jesus exposes their self-righteousness as arrant hypocrites. The Pharisees and Scribes expected the disciples and Jesus to follow their ritual practices. Jesus quotes Isaiah to rebuke their hypocrisy and then gives them a concrete example of their false piety. He describes how they fail to follow the fourth commandment, “to honor your father and mother” so they can follow man-made observances.
John the Baptist was beheaded by King Herod Antipas. According to the New Testament, Herod Antipas was ruler of Galilee under the Roman Empire. He had imprisoned John because he had publicly reproved Herod for divorcing his first wife and unlawfully taking his sister-in-law as his second wife. Her name was Herodias. She had a grudge against John for speaking against the marriage.
In the reading for this week, Jesus comes upon a man who has many unclean spirits within him. When asked his name, he said, “My name is Legion.” This man called Legion treats Jesus with more respect and honor than the Jewish people who live in the nearby country. From this historical account of Jesus casting out many demons from this man, we learn that Jesus has power over demons; yet, the people who saw the miracle wanted Jesus to leave and they wanted nothing to do with Him. The people begged Jesus to leave, while the healed man begged Jesus to go with him.
As far as we know, the first parable spoken by Jesus is the one about the sower. The parable is typical of the Palestine region where the grain is sown by hand. Jesus calls for close attention to the meaning of this parable, for it reveals a “secret” of the Kingdom of God. A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The lesson or mystery Jesus reveals is for His followers – not for those who do not believe. The exposition for this parable is revealed by Jesus in Chapter 4 of Mark.
Jesus asks a very important question in Mark Chapter 3, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” He answers the question by pointing out that people who do the will of God are His, “brother and sister and mother” (Mark 3:35). This weekend we will take a close look at the crowds that follow Jesus and what they say about Him. Included in these crowds are His physical mother and half brothers.
In Mark Chapter 2, Jesus outrages His critics called the Pharisees by calling Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. Furthermore, Jesus then eats with Matthew and other equally “defiled” people according to the Pharisees. This story invites us to reflect on whether we are more like the “defiled” people of this story, or like those who criticized Jesus. Thankfully we will read about Jesus who brings healing and forgiveness to all, even well-known sinners and smug hypocrites. In Chapter Two of Mark, we learn of Jesus’ authority over sickness, sin, and critics.
It is believed Mark wrote his Gospel for the benefit of gentile readers. Important issues for gentiles are carefully inserted into his Gospel. That is why the Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and why he seldom refers to the Old Testament. This weekend at Ablaze, we will look at Mark, Chapter 1, verses 29-40. Jesus heals many who were sick and casts out demons. He preaches in Galilee and casts out demons, and He cleanses a leper.
The Gospel of Mark emphasizes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. In addition to Jesus, Mark features three main groups of people: the disciples, the crowds, and the religious leaders of the time whom all misunderstood Jesus. It is believed that the writer of the Gospel of Mark was a close associate of Peter the apostle, and he may have based much of his Gospel on Peter’s preaching as well as his personal eyewitness of the events of the time.
Jesus celebrated “First Fruits” in the most appropriate manner by rising from the dead on that day. Easter represents the whole point of Christianity as Christ rose from the dead, so shall we. He is our, “First Fruits” proof of God’s promise to bring us back from the dead, “So it is with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (1 Cor. 15:42).
Ever since that fateful day in Eden, temptation has been the primary factor that leads men and women away from God. Temptation affects everyone. It does not matter who you are, how strong, how knowledgeable, how Biblical, or how respectful you are; temptation is out to get you. Temptation is the lure of attraction, the pull toward pleasure, the seduction of the will to abandon what we know is right and to indulge in the act of the moment that seems immediately satisfying. Temptation is attractive; otherwise, it would not be tempting. It is also very dangerous and deadly.
Solomon wanted to be able to discern between good and evil so he could act in obedience to God’s will. Such discernment required a mind capable of analytical judgments. Solomon knew a heart that listens to the Lord could supply the basis for making correct decisions. His desire wasto conform to the Lord’s way and for the willpower to act accordingly. That is why Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). Along with Solomon, this week we will learn how to overcome confusion with wisdom from God.
May we never forget that we, through faith, have been integrated into the body of Christ that we may help, encourage, and move into action, as a body of believers rather than as individuals. To grow faith that dispels fear, we need other people of faith. This is the power of symbiosis among Christians, a mutual beneficial relationship between people of faith.
The peace that Jesus offers us is not a promise to remove the pain and difficulties in our lives. Those troubles are always a part of daily living. Someday when Jesus returns, all our troubles will be gone; until then, He offers a peace that is calm, unafraid, unruffled, and confident because we place our lives in His hands. When we trust the Lord, nothing can harm our innermost being, nothing can shake us from the intimate connection we have with the Lord. Through our saving faith, despite external circumstances, we have a peace that cannot be destroyed and is beyond our understanding.
There really is no limit to what evil the human heart can conceive. So before we try to confront the evil outside of us, we need to examine the evil within every heart. It is Jesus who pulls no punches when describing the evil that comes out of the human heart. The bad news is that we all have evil inside of us. The good news is that Jesus Christ, in His goodness and mercy, overcame that evil for us by dying on the cross and then offering us His righteousness as a free gift that can only be received by faith. Through the gift of faith our hearts can overcome the evil within. All glory, for overcoming evil, be to Him!
The prophet Habakkuk is a prophet of comfort and strength to a very weak nation. Because of the peoples’ sins, the land that they inhabit will be taken away from them. Habakkuk calls the people to find strength in the Lord, their God, and trust Him with a steadfast faith. Habakkuk questions why evil existed and why the Lord permitted evil to afflict His people. The Lord’s answer may not completely satisfy our sense of fairness or goodness. Through Habakkuk we too are called to steadfast faith when we are going through difficult times and weaknesses in life. We find His strength in knowing the Lord works through evil circumstances for our good, just as He worked through Jesus’ suffering and death for our salvation. No matter what opposes you, take joy in the God of your salvation who is your strength.
The phrase “David and Goliath” has taken on a more popular meaning denoting an underdog situation, a contest where a smaller, weaker opponent faces a much bigger, stronger adversary and wins. Most people are led to believe the smaller weaker one was David, the shepherd boy, and the stronger was the giant named Goliath. Actually, the smaller, weaker opponent was Goliath who faced the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the creator of the heavens and the earth. Goliath faced a bigger opponent and did not even realize it. He defied the armies of the living God, and in doing this, Goliath sealed his fate. God almighty enabled a little shepherd boy to enjoy the victory, but the battle was won by the Almighty.
One day a lawyer asked Jesus a question in order to trap Him and make Him look bad. The lawyer, who was an expert in religious laws of the Jews, asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” (Matt. 22:36) God did give the Israelites a great variety of laws including moral, ceremonial, and civil laws. In fact, the Jews had 613 laws that they proclaimed as important.
The firstborn of both man and beast within the nation of Israel belonged to the Lord. This type of consecration was a formidable challenge for the people. It meant that they had to first yield their lives to the Lord. There was a special case when it came to a donkey. The donkey was not acceptable as a sacrifice. The people were to redeem the firstborn male donkey by sacrificing a lamb or by breaking the donkey’s neck, thus killing it without spilling blood.
In Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, we have a prayer that Jesus prays to the Father in Heaven on behalf of the Church. He asks that His disciples would be united in being sent into the world to show to the world that Jesus is the Savior of the world. The goal is not to unify all churches, but to populate heaven. Jesus wants people of the world to see the witness Christians make of the truth about Jesus. Whenever Christians ignore God’s Word, they foster divisions within the Church and diminish their witness. But Jesus is the truth that will unite His Church, glorify the Heavenly Father, and enable His people to fulfill their calling in a troubled world.
In Chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, we have the longest prayer of Jesus ever recorded called, “The High Priestly Prayer”. This prayer is rich in theological insight as to what the Lord wants His Church to be doing. In the first part of the prayer, Jesus asks that the Father be glorified through the Son and that those who know the Father, through the Son, would also glorify the Father and that they would keep His Words.
We all have the same number of hours in each day; yet our use of these hours can be so different. We all have the ability to prioritize; yet what we think should be first may not even make it on a list for others. Effective life management is putting things first moment-by-moment, day-by-day, while fellowship with Christ is allowing Him to decide what “first things” are!
It’s that time again to celebrate. Let’s be sure we keep Jesus as the focus of the season and celebration. Decorations, gifts, and family gatherings are wonderful, but pale in comparison with the best gift the world has ever been offered. Will be it received? Will it be opened up and used?
St. Paul writes to the Philippians about a Peace that passes understanding, and to the Romans the fact that since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By nature, we sinners are at odds with God. But by grace we are no longer enemies, but cherished children and friends. The grace of God delivers pardon for the soul’s disturbance, and replaces that with the peace that his pardon provides. Peace is God’s Christmas gift to the world, but it’s not just for Christmas. It keeps on giving year-round. Let’s not let the gift remain unwrapped and not experienced.
Christmas is just around the corner. Christmas is not just the presents, lights, food and traditions. It was Jesus. Feelings don’t last. Jesus does. In fact, one of the Royal Titles that Isaiah 9:6 mentions about the Messiah is “Everlasting Father.” Jesus lasts. Forever. He is eternally one with the Father and has eternally committed Himself to our salvation. His presence doesn’t just come and go. It lasts.
The "Mighty God" title puts Jesus in a class all by himself. He is not just some spiritual superstar or exalted avatar. He is God. Every attribute of God applies to Jesus. He is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, the second person of the Holy Trinity. Only He has the qualifications to be the Savior of the world. His coming into the world is the most profound miracle of all. The impossible has happened, God became man yet remained fully God.
Do you need counsel and direction in your life? In Jesus, we have a Wonderful Counselor. He is willing to wisely direct our lives, forgive and correct our errors, and lead us into an abundant life. It begins when we admit, or confess, that we have problems and need Someone much wiser than we are. Then we go to His Word for biblical wisdom to guide and empower us.
THe Bible story follows Jesus in Luke 17, when there were 10 men afflicted with dreaded leprosy. Jesus did for them what Jesus typically does: He heals them. Their lives are restored! How joyful they must be and how eager to get back to normal life. But 9 of the 10 forgot something. They forgot to thank Jesus. We are close to a Day of National Thanksgiving, a summons issued by the United States government to do more than eat turkey and enjoy the blessings we have here. It is a call to give thanks, remembering all the blessings we have and where theyh came from. Most people can articulate what they are thankful for. At the same time not that many will articulate who they are thankful to.
The word Apocalypse brings several things to mind. Its actual meaning is a revealing or disclosure. The last book of the New Testament is frequently called The Apocalypse. It reveals some features of the final struggle and the second coming of Jesus.In popular culture, it implies global catastrophic destruction. Several Hollywood movies include “Apocalpyse” in their titles and plots include doomsday ranging from a destructive asteroid headed for the earth to overwhelming swarms of zombies threatening the collapse of society.Want the real story? It’s in the Bible.
Paul wrote that we should always be alert and aware. The Father of Lies is never far off and always looks for where we are vulnerable to deceptions. In an age that tells us there is no real or objective universal truth, we keep our focus on Jesus, who is the truth, and the Bible, which is God’s Word of Truth to us.
The Protestant Reformation was launched by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517 by posting 95 theses for debate on the community bulletin board, the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Saxony, Germany. These documents went viral and in a short time nearly everyone was aware that something was happening that would change everything. The rest is history. This action by Luther began a process that restored attention to the completed work of Jesus for us in the Cross and Resurrection, and underlined the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone. This is the issue on which the Church stands or falls. It is the core of what we preach and teach at Ablaze Church.
The Protestant Reformation was launched by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517 by posting 95 theses for debate on the community bulletin board, the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Saxony, Germany. These documents went viral and in a short time nearly everyone was aware that something was happening that would change everything. The rest is history. This action by Luther began a process that restored attention to the completed work of Jesus for us in the Cross and Resurrection, and underlined the biblical teaching of salvation by grace through faith alone. This is the issue on which the Church stands or falls. It is the core of what we preach and teach at Ablaze Church.
How do disciples reproduce? They do what Jesus did. Jesus chose people to disciple. He trained them by spending time with them. They observed everything he did. They listened to everything he said. Then Jesus told them, “Now you go and do the same.” They did what Jesus did; they told what Jesus said. Then they gathered others and trained them just as Jesus had trained his disciples. The result was multiplication of disciples. It worked then and it works now.
How can you know something if you aren’t told? Part of what we are emphasizing this month is how to share this Good News with others. How can you tell? Prayerfully look around you and ask God to lead you to people who will be receptive. Look for people with hurts, and point them to Jesus so He can heal them. Look for the lonely and let them know that a best friend is available in Jesus. It’s all around us!
When Jesus fulfilled his redeeming work on the cross, ratified in his resurrection, He ascended into heaven and sent the Holy Spirit and set about establishing what He had promised when he said “I will build my church.” He redeemed and set apart for himself a people so closely connected to him and each other it would be designated, “The Body of Christ.” That Body is intended to present Christ to the world. Its very existence bears witness to the very existence and redeeming love of Christ. Jesus gave that Body, the Church, the commission to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins, and to follow that with making disciples.
Christians have discovered what God has revealed in Jesus Christ: that God loves the sinner and is passionate about bringing the ultimate solution for what’s wrong. The provision is Jesus, who came into our broken world to fix it with a cross. He offers forgiveness and reconciliation, to restore us into a relationship with God. It’s a better world when Jesus finds entry into despairing hearts with hope and restoration. We need to be telling that Good News of Jesus that can turn our upside down world right side up.
Following Jesus in every aspect of our lives can be more than challenging. It actually requires more than the strengths and resources we bring to it. The discipleship summons involves every facet of our lives and every arena where we exist. That would include our personal life, our vocational life, our church live, and our family life. Every area of life needs divine empowerment. Every marriage certainly needs it. Empowerment flows from God’s Word and his sacraments, especially in the community of the church. We all need the empowering Holy Spirit to flow in every aspect of our lives.
Jesus gives warnings about the risks of discipleship. He warned the disciples that to follow him they would be persecuted, rejected, and might even lose their own lives on his account. And that is what happened. But note that Jesus did not say that it was at “their own” risk. We never are alone when we are living in Jesus. He took the big risk and paid the big price. That was the cross. So we need not fear the dangers or inconvenience that can accompany discipleship. Jesus promised “I am with you,” and accompanies us even to the ends of the earth.
When you “sign on” to be a follower of Jesus, things begin to change, like your focus in life. Instead of self-focused, your life’s point of reference becomes Jesus Christ. That’s what just naturally (better yet SUPERnaturally) happens because when Jesus comes, the Holy Spirit comes along. The Four Gospels give us vivid word pictures of the “before and after.” Look at the transformation of the disciples, for instance. A tax collector who keeps the books of his collection accounts becomes one who writes a different kind of book we know as the Gospel of Matthew. Commercial fishermen are taught by their Master how to catch people. And it’s not “catch and release,’ but catch and keep, retain and retrain. Paul also had a transformation from a bitter opponent of Christ to proclaimer and promoter of Christ. How is your life’s focus and mission developing?
Jesus had a mission in mind, and chose a band of followers to mentor and then empower to carry on his work as a team. The call was simple. Jesus just said “Follow me.” The notable thing is that this call was so powerful that fishermen left their nets, a tax collector left his booth, a radical political zealot traded in his cause for a better cause. They followed Jesus. The call is from God. It’s not our call to accept or refuse or ignore. The right choice is to follow and experience the fulfillment of what God had in mind when he created us.
Does prayer make a difference? According to the Bible, it does. There are many examples in the Bible and in history, even recent history, where people prayed, God heard, and God changed the course of events away from disaster. Our nation, and all the nations of the world, are in great need of prayer. Left to itself, history seeks the lowest level, following the inclination of the lower impulses of human nature. Sin has brought devastation and will continue to do so unless God intervenes. As we pray for our nation, God hears and God answers. He delights in acting upon the intercessions of his children brought in the name of Jesus.
We all need to continually learn the lessons of prayer. One day the disciples of Jesus asked Him, “Teach us to pray.” Jesus responded to the request of the disciples with the words that are almost universally familiar, starting with “Our Father.” This prayer significantly addresses God in the most touching and familiar of terms, “Father.”
“What is Prayer?” That question has been answered in a lot of ways from the simple “Conversation with God,” to more theologically nuanced complex descriptions that try to say everything and end up saying nothing. Yes, it is conversation with God, and behind that, it’s all about a relationship. Conversations don’t happen in a vacuum, but flow out of relationships. God’s Word tells us to come with confidence to the throne of grace, to relate to Almighty God as our loving Father, to come through the name of Jesus. We are told that we will there find grace and help in all time of need.
There is hope for the church. Sure, the outward institutions can sometimes be threatened. Maybe that’s even a good thing. But the real Church that vigorously responds to the Word of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, will grow and flourish until Jesus comes again.
For more infomration or to supper Rev. Dr. Tiews and his family go to https://lcms.org/tiews
Is there hope for the Church? For nearly 2,000 years the Church has been in existence in fulfillment of the words of Jesus. The church has the powerful media of Word and Sacrament, through which God supernaturally creates and builds faith. As we remain faithful to God’s plan, purposes and power, and in prayer seek wisdom on how to carry out our mission, we can be strong and healthy. God has spoken future history about His Church which overcomes all devices to derail it, and He grants us a glimpse of hope for the Church Universal, Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
People can find themselves stuck in a spot they can’t seem to break free from. It doesn’t have to be drugs, alcohol, sadness, physical disabilities, or relational dysfunctions, though these are typical ways people can feel like they are prisoners. Every day seems to bring another element of stress rushing at us to demotivate and inhibit, extending a prison sentence. Can there be hope when we’re there? Focus on the promises of God. They are promises of deliverance. When all seems helpless and we’re without hope, we look to the promises of God and are now Prisoners of Hope, in a protective fortress where sun shines on the cloudiest of days.
The world offers much but delivers little. False hopes can be attractive. They may temporarily entertain but do not sustain. They may give pleasure but are devoid of permanent purpose. Saint Paul wrote to recent converts in ancient Ephesus about what their life was like before Christ, “having no HOPE and without God in the world.”
The Great News of Jesus is that we have an evidence-based ground for hope. Maybe not everything in our circumstances will change for the better, but our hearts and minds can change through Jesus Christ so that we can more confidently face the future. In addition, we are given a Hope of Glory, which is “Christ in you,” said Saint Paul. This hope is eternal, founded on the fact that through what Jesus has done for us on the cross and by his resurrection, we will share the glory of heaven with him.
Before us, spiritually vigorous people invested a huge amount of spiritual capital to form Christian families, build and populate churches, and maintain a high public moral integrity. Internal weakening of America’s moral fiber is happening through secularization of our society, huge decreases in attendance at houses of worship, removal of Christian voices and values from the public square, unashamed vulgarity and obscenity in the media, political corruption and polarization, and frightening violence. There is hope. But the solution is spiritual, not political . Jesus Christ is still on the throne, and we need not waste time or emotional resource in anxiety over the direction of our society. But, spend time and effort in prayer. There is hope for America if we allow yourselves to be used as channels of that hope.
The Bible is a book full of conflict. Cain killed his brother Abel. Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him and, instead, sold him as a slave. The Bible is a bloody book, with murders, wars, revenge and deep bitterness. The Bible not only reveals God, it reveals humankind and at the deepest level informs us about the core of the problem: sin. God did not take the attitude, “Just let them fight it out.” Jesus came to the rescue to clean up the bloody mess with his purifying precious blood. Placing trust in him transforms the self-centered ego toward the perfect life of Jesus Christ.
A Bible gives us examples of father failures as well as effective fathers who paved the way for the succeeding generations. Joshua’s famous statement “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:14) gives a eautiful example of a dad’s spiritual leadership and influence. We need more Joshuas in the world today.
Who your God is, is not a trivial matter. It is the most significant factor in your character in this life and your location in the world to come. The alternatives to the Triune God are quite pitiful, whether it’s New Age spirituality, nature religions, neo-paganism, ancient Egyptian, Greek, or Canaanite cults. The truth about those gods is that they are vindictive, envious, lustful - just to name a few of their more common attributes. People tend to become like their gods. That’s why we are blessed to know the Holy Trinity. He is the One True God. He is the source of our existence and the only one who can save us from sin and death.
Red is the color of fire. We celebrate Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit to create and empower the New Testament people of God, the Church. It’s the 50th day of Easter, and the resurrected Christ fulfills his promise, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He comes to make us ABLAZE with spiritual fire. We cannot be a robust or effective church without depending on the Holy Spirit. Let’s do more than wear red, let’s be filled with the Spirit and be active with love, joy and peace, the fruit of the Spirit. Let the gifts and actions of the Holy Spirit stream joyfully out of us and our beloved church, which is Ablaze.
Sometimes things go horribly wrong in a household. Conflict, envy, abuse, even violence can happen in a home, and the Bible is not a stranger to these dysfunctions. The household of Isaac and Rebekah had its share of these things. The result was that each parent favored a different child in the Esau and Jacob twin set. These brothers did not trust each other and Esau wanted to kill his brother. Our family dysfunctions may not be so dramatic, but unhealthy tensions can diminish the blessings and joys God wants for our households. He has answers in his Word that help us regain more stability and household health.
We get an occasional peek into a biblical household. One such household is the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus Even though they experienced heartache and loss they were a strong and Godly household. Join us this weekend as we talk about imperfect households who experience healing of real life hurts thorough the Resurrection and the Life.
There was a couple that had such a godly household. Zechariah and Elizabeth, contemporaries of Jesus, had a well-run home and they were faithful to each other, to God and to the community. But they were unable to have children. The unfulfilled desire for children did not prevent them from living a full life and fulfilling the plan God had for them. There may have been an empty space in their hearts they were praying about, but there was no “God-gap.” God had a plan for them that took its proper time in unfolding. Their prayers about having a child were heard and God promised them a son who became one of the most important men of his time, John the Baptist, the promised forerunner and way-preparer for the Messiah. He was to call sinners to repentance and open their hearts to Jesus the Savior.
God had a great plan for families. It started off with two perfect people, Adam and Eve. They walked with God, they loved each other completely, their home was a place of harmony and filled with joy. Listening to the voice of temptation that offered them something better, they disobeyed God and then everything started to unravel. Ever since then, there has been no perfect household.
Households aren’t just people living under the same roof, mostly related. God has a household as well, called “Church.” There are brothers and sisters. There are brothers and sister who get along and who don’t. There is unity and disunity. There is harmony and there is drama. The Church is a bunch of real people who live in the real world. At the same time, the Church is holy, redeemed, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Though frequently failing, it has the highest vision and accomplishes the impossible when under the control of the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.
We hear that “Seeing is Believing.” That’s often true but not always. Many people saw miracles Jesus did and still refused to believe and put their trust in him. The gateway to faith is by the power of the Spirit through the Word, which can be heard and seen. We don’t have the privilege of physical sight of Jesus, but we get to encounter the Risen Christ just as certainly as the disciples, through the Word. The Holy Spirit enlightens our eyes and brings us into a living relationship with our Living Lord.
At the core of the Christian faith are the companion features the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If either of them is missing, there is no meaning in life and no purpose of our existence. That’s why we go flat out and wide open for Easter. Its not just the decorations, dressing our kids in their best, hiding the eggs and goodies, and having a grand family dinner. It is lifting our hearts in unrestrained joy. “Death is defeated, the King is Alive!” Nothing can top Easter and nothing can stop Easter. Its life-giving, life-changing power is as great in 2022 as it was way back then.
You personally have a Savior. You are not rejected Love took a hit! But in a week that love takes a bow!
Touch is a strong Love Language. God speaks that language to us. Jesus was God bringing physical touch into our world. Just about everything he did involved touch. He embraced the children. He touched the lepers, the deaf and the blind – even the deceased. The Risen Christ invited the disciples to touch him and be assured that what they saw was real. Jesus was in touch with the world, and he keeps in touch. His touch comes to us today as well. The sacraments are real time experiences where God Himself brings a physical touch of his grace into our lives. His presence with us is palpable. We “feel” it. We experience relief, joy in our hearts, peace that passes nderstanding.
God expresses his love for us through Acts of Service. Jesus is the ultimate servant. His whole life on earth was focused on serving. He said that he came not to be served, but to serve. He is the one who did the duties of the lowest of ancient household slaves by washing the feet of his disciples.
For many people, gifts is their primary love language. If someone gives them a gift, it feels a lot like love. When they want to express love to another, they give a gift, especially one that is carefully selected according to the likes of the recipient. You may be a good giver, but God is the greatest giver who has given the greatest gift to meet the greatest need of humanity. The gift is Jesus – you know, “For God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son.” Within that gift there are so many facets, like all our physical and material needs, our emotional and relational needs, and our spiritual needs. Our spiritual needs include salvation, forgiveness of sins, reconciliation, restoration, the Holy Spirit and eternal life. All of those are found in Jesus.
For many people, receiving quality time from others is experienced as an expression of love. Their love tank doesn’t get filled without that. God know that because it is one way that he shows his love. God is not only almighty, transcending everything, he is relational. Though he is invisible spirit, the Timeless One literally spends time with his human creation. Think of God and Moses on Mount Sinai. 40 days of conversation. Think of Jesus being close full time with the twelve disciples for three years. The parting promise of Jesus was “I am with you always. "Think of St. Paul and his several years of being taught in the desert by God.
God IS love. That being true, it follows then that God loves us. How does he love us? Sure, we know that he always loves us and cares for us, forgives us, accepts his naughty children, etc. But how does he love us, personally? What language does he use to communicate that to us?
What does God want more of from you? More service? More money? More effort? More time? The answer is simple. He wants a closer personal relationship with you. With the separation and alienation of sin nailed with Jesus to the cross, the way was opened for reconciliation and a restored closer relationship. He wants more of you. He loves each of us so much that he desires fellowship and union. The Bible often speaks of it. Christ in you. Vine and branches. United with Christ. The list is long. Put him first in all things, just as he put us first by sending his Son into the world to suffer death on the cross and pay the price of the penalty of all our sin, and to bridge the gap that existed.
There is a calling that goes deep to the core. It is the call by God to become a believer in Jesus. He reaches out to us with the good news of Jesus and the free offer of grace that brings forgiveness and eternal life. Within that new relationship, God has a role, a calling, a vocation for serving Him and serving others. It is a divine assignment. Do you know your assignment? Pray about it and assess your abilities, your passions and your opportunities. You may discover more fully what He had in mind all along when He first thought of you. It is an exciting and joyful journey.
When the Christian Church first got started after Pentecost, the Fire of Pentecost didn’t go out. Acts 2 tells us that immediately a community of believers spontaneously sprang up and the new movement caught fire. When one had a need, everyone pitched in with their time and their funds. As a result, the church grew. Ablaze’s Vision is that the characteristics of those early Christians would show up strongly among us.
Adam and Eve had the perfect life, the perfect marriage, the perfect job. Then everything suddenly “went south,” by the presence of sin and its devastation. Adam and Evve went the wrong direction, running from God and hiding. Their priority became themselves, forbidden fruit and the chance to “be like gods.” They and all their descendants needed a new creation. That is provided in the “seed of the woman,” Jesus Christ. They needed a new direction, running toward God and reaching toward others. That chance was provided in Jesus. They needed new priorities with God first, others next, and self last. That is given in Jesus because in Him the old has passed away and the new has come.
God calls us to freedom to become his willing servants, serving Him and serving others. It sounds like a contradiction, doesn’t it? But in actuality, self-serving is the greatest tyranny. Jesus came to free us to follow Him and to be his servants.
We are to reflect God’s character in our lives and that would include giving. A devoted follower of Jesus will be, by definition, a giver. Everything we have already belongs to Him and giving back to Him acknowledges that truth and is an expression of grateful hearts.
If you are a Christian today, it is because: 1. God loves you and is passionate to restore fellowship with you. 2. God provided a plan and means to save us through Jesus Christ. 3. God asked one or more people to intersect your life with the Good News about Jesus. 4. Those people obeyed what God called them to do. These facts lead us all to consider our place in God’s plan to reach the world with His free offer of salvation. We are positioned in our world as witnesses to Jesus Christ. We are messengers of the Best News the world has ever heard. If we don’t tell, who will?
An athlete keeps working at improving and moving to next levels. If it is important in athletics, it certainly is more important is the most important pursuit in life – our relationship with God. That involves our personal time with Him, our connectedness with Him in his Word, our witness, our giving and our serving.
In 2022 expect to experience what the power of that fire is all about as we seek God’s will and His path for this journey of ministry.
There is life after Christmas and God never wastes time or years. If God’s ultimate desire is to draw close to us, as Christmas declares, He was working on that all year long. Even the strains we experienced can be pathways into greater intimacy with our Creator and Savior. There is nothing that ever happens that God cannot ultimately use for our good and to enhance our relationship with Him. Consider Romans 8:28, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose."
Let’s thank God as we say farewell to 2021 and welcome 2022.
Jesus, the fruit of Jesse’s tree, brings the fruit of salvation into our lives. The container holds the fruit of salvation, forgiveness, love, joy to the world, peace on earth. God and man are reconciled.
John the Baptist strikingly proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand. What brings the Kingdom? It happens when the King is present and reigns. One day the King, concealed in ordinary human garb, stands at the Jordan River requesting baptism from John. In this act Jesus takes his place among us all. Though He needed no baptism, we need his baptism. He did not need the water, the water needed Him. When He emerges from the water the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, descends on Jesus. Jesus now enters his ministry of giving that life to others and for others. “I am the Life,” He says. “I have come that they [his sheep] may have life, and have it abundantly.” He will give fullness of life to all who will receive. That life has the power to change our lives. He is the Life of Jesse’s Tree.
Genealogies are recorded in several books of the Bible. One can trace things all the way back to the Garden of Eden Of special note is the genealogy of Jesus. As we follow God’s story of salvation, the roots are important because they are wrapped around the promises God gave, already at the beginning. But there were times when it appeared that the roots were about to chopped out and the tree’s promise cut off. Our theme this season is the “Jesse Tree.” It appeared as though the promise of the Jesse Tree might not make it to fulfillment. God’s plans always seemed to have vulnerability and impossibility. There were times when God’s chosen people had to walk in faith and not by sight.
The season of preparation seems to be more stress and panic than quiet reflection, prayer, and worship. 2000 years ago in the weeks before the birth of Jesus people were also busy doing what was required to survive in the moment. For some it was struggling against hunger, with concerns of personal safety and survival. For others it was all about their wealth and ease. But God had waited for the right moment in history to send his Son as Savior for the world that had gone wrong already with the first two humans. Now comes the hero of a rescue mission, not in the flashing speed and blaze of a superhero, but in the humblest form of a baby in a barn. This Advent, in reflective preparation for our celebration of the Christ Child, we will meditate on the theme of the Jesse Tree, the seed, the root and the fruit. When it seemed all hope was cut off, God’s hidden plan is progressively made known through prophecy and promise. There is hope and joy on the way. Let hearts believe and eagerly receive.
This weekend we continue on the Lost and Found theme with a parable by Jesus about a son who is lost. It’s not that he is in a forested mountainous wilderness with no cell phone service to call for rescue, he’s “lost” in terms of relationship, his relationship to his family. He wandered off and soon found himself lost in the consequences of a series of very bad choices. The young man sick of home is now homesick and has no graceful way of getting back home. But when he turns his heart toward home his first encounter with his waiting father, he is met with grace that reconciles the alienated son with his father. That’s really about God and us, where He embraces his rebellious children with reconciling, forgiving love. I want you not only to know about it, but to experience it.
“Lost” is a rather scary word. “I lost my phone,” is a thought that sends a dreadful sensation through me. The same with a wallet or some prized or “essential” possession. Losing something valuable begins a frantic search. Remember the great feeling of relief when the lost was found. Not only that, but you feel like celebrating and you want to share your joy. More distressing than losing something is being lost. When any person, a cherished creation of God, is lost or estranged in relation to God, God searches. He listens for the cry of distress. When He finds us trapped in our hiding places, He offers rescue and release. He offers relationship and redemption. When we are restored to the place God’s has for us, He rejoices and invites the angels to celebrate with Him. Can you imagine the joy in heaven as that happens?
The current pandemic has a way of revealing underlying issues in people’s lives. The epidemic of drug abuse and suicide leading to these being much more significant causes of death than previously, indicates that so many do not value their lives. What is YOUR life worth? Every life is individually created by God and loved by God, with the intention of fellowship with Him lasting through eternity. He further demonstrated the worth of each of us by paying the highest price ever paid for anything in human history. That price is not measured in dollar signs, but in the sign of the cross. God offered himself in human flesh of Jesus, God the Son. That the price paid to redeem us from sin, death and the power of the devil.
Everything great began as something small. Jesus told the parable of the mustard seed, where the small and seemingly insignificant seed became a great shrub, capable of providing food and shelter for the birds. He told us that this is like the Kingdom of God. Do not despise the small things because they can be a seed which, if planted, can bring results in the Kingdom of God. Think of simple prayers, acts of charity, or a witness given about the grace of God. Think of faithful service, love expressed to others, and a life example that impacts others.
According to the biblical writer Paul, Christ is to have preeminence, first place, gold medal, in everything. The universal human tendency is to even put ourselves above Jesus himself; that’s why there is a First Commandment. It has to do with the sin of dethroning the King of the universe. He is God and we are not. There are many ways to diminish or down play the glory of Christ.
According to the biblical writer Paul, Christ is to have preeminence, first place, gold medal, in everything. The universal human tendency is to even put ourselves above Jesus himself; that’s why there is a First Commandment. It has to do with the sin of dethroning the King of the universe.. He is God and we are not. There are many ways to diminish or down play the glory of Christ.
To build a lasting structure you need a secure, permanent foundation. That’s what the New Testament teaches about. It is built on a foundation anchored by three piers. The first is Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus showed those apostolic church-builders that he really had risen from the dead. He even showed his pierced hands and feet. He met with them over a 40-day period. So convincing was this, that many of the apostles died as martyrs. The second pier us the teaching of those apostles of Jesus, who fearlessly spoke and wrote the truths Jesus taught them. The third is power of the Holy Spirit who always accompanied and animated the teaching of the apostles. They were empowered to do the impossible. The church is not only build on this foundation, it is formed for something – a great mission. The mission is to tell others of the Savior and make disciples. The Holy Spirit is still available and eager to do this through the church today.
Most of the people of Israel were expecting a conquering king who would rid them of the Romans and make Israel great again. When He enters Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he is hailed as king but it’s clear he is a different kind of king; his kingdom is “not of this world." He sought to conquer the heart by bringing salvation through a cross. Here is a king born to die. That was the plan from eternity. His death on a cross is the only act that could save us from our sins. As the sinless Son of God, he is the only one qualified to be our Savior. When he comes again in the clouds of glory, he will decisively defeat every power that sets itself up against God, including Satan. Then he will unveil for us the perfect world believers will enjoy forever, apart from all sin and suffering, in his presence.
Jesus was eager to sit at table with any who would welcome Him. The Pharisees had a “stay away” philosophy regarding anyone who did not measure up. Jesus had a “you can’t keep me away” attitude and welcomed sinners, tax collectors, and other outcasts. He actually sought them out and hung out with them. His mission was to “seek and save the lost.” That includes us. We start out as lost sinners. Jesus seeks and finds us, reaching out his welcoming arms that once hung on a cross, through the Good News of the Gospel. He is willing to sit at table with us, inviting us to partake of the fellowship of his Holy Supper.
To accomplish the mission of bringing salvation to the world, Jesus had to go through the desert training camp and then face the showdown, at his weakest physical time – which would make him mission ready. If Jesus, the Son of God, had to rely on the Word and Spirit, how much more must we, to be successful against the temptations of Satan!
Lives without purpose are wasted. Do you know your purpose? Are you intentionally living for the glory of God and the mission of making disciples? We are continually tempted to merely exist, or to become apathetic toward our divinely-given mission. Don’t attempt this on your own. The Giver of purpose is the Giver of power. When Jesus sent out his disciples on mission, he gave them authority. The Holy Spirit is more than willing to empower all who seek to serve God and others.
Feelings of insecurity are quite common and most likely everyone encounters at least a fleeting feeling like that every day. Others live with insecurity as a way of life. It ranges from food insecurity, social anxiety, financial insecurity and concerns over physical safety. These experiences are part of what it is to live in a sin-fractured world. The Good Shepherd addresses the insecurities of his flock and brings is answers. His assuring voice beings a reassuring message of a committed love relationship. He holds his sheep securely so that there is no force that is able to snatch them (meaning us) out of his hand. He then asks us to follow the path of safety where he leads us. He give us counsel and comfort.
The Good Shepherd’s voice is Jesus’ voice. The sound of that voice is the soothing sound of a relationship. The Shepherd knows his sheep. The sheep hear and recognize his voice. There are many “voices” out there beckoning us and offering benefits. But all these voices except one are deceiving voices. Like the hissing voice of a snake in the Garden of Eden that offered everything and delivered only misery. Learn to recognize the unique voice of the Good Shepherd. That voice offers security, stability, safety and salvation. Do you recognize that voice? Can you distinguish it from the others? Listen to the sound of his voice in the Word. “Faith comes by hearing.”
In his teaching, Jesus gave us some compelling word pictures. One of the most enduring is the Good Shepherd. This picture is painted in high contrast between the Good Shepherd and a bad shepherd, who is merely a hired hand who cares more about his pay than about the sheep. So, when threatening danger comes the hired hand abandons the sheep and flees for his life. Contrast that with Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who faced the enemy of the soul head-on and laid down his life for the sheep. The sheep are his and he will do whatever it takes to save them, even to the point of laying down his own life.
For so many, life itself feels purposeless, futile, and empty. Not everyone can even answer the question “What do you want most in life?” The Christian wants everything that God has put into life. Jesus said that He came to give life, and to give it abundantly… to the fullest. Yet so many are disillusioned with life and disappointed with their outcomes. Jesus claimed to be the portal into the best life. This is a life that has forgiveness and acceptance at the base and then goes into purpose, joy, meaning, and solid relationships. Because of who Jesus is and what He has done, all of this and more is available to all who come to Him.
There is an intimate relationship between a shepherd and his sheep. There is a close and intimate relationship between Jesus and his followers. Sheep listen for the voice of their shepherd, and he calls them by name. Jesus, our Good Shepherd calls us by name and leads us through life. To make our way through life we need to know the right leader. Only Jesus qualifies. He knows us better than we know ourselves, he is wiser and stronger than we are, and he loves us even more than we love ourselves. Because of that, He is the Shepherd who laid down his life for us.
Rejection can be devastating and can erode self-esteem and self-confidence. Yet all of us face it at times. How can we regain our confidence? What does God have to say about it?
When Jesus healed two blind men He asked them a penetrating question, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” Their simple answer, “Yes, Lord!” Their faith was vindicated as Jesus came through and he opened their eyes. Spiritual sight preceded physical sight. We live in the midst of a dark spiritual world where there are dark forces trying to keep us from seeing the brilliant light of the glory of God. But Jesus comes to open our eyes. We are called to live our lives in complete faith that He is able to bring the light of his glory into our lives.
Everyone longs for something. People are hungry for many things. One day near the shores of the Sea of Galilee, people got hungry for regular, physical food. They’d been following and listening to Jesus all day and by now they were starting to feel starved. But the place is remote with no stores or markets around, so how can they be fed? Just five loaves and two fish that a boy had with him. “What’s that among so many?” is the limited perspective of the disciples. What to do when your resources are inadequate? Just place them into the hands of Jesus and let him bless and multiply. That’s what happened that day and 5000 men and their families were fed and filled. Human longings go deeper than surface hunger for food. People hunger for meaning, validation of their worth, and acceptance just to name a few. What to do? Place the need in the hands of Jesus for him to bless.
People can appear to live in free and unfettered liberty, doing whatever they choose whenever and however, while in a deep spiritual bondage. Real freedom is to do not as you feel you want, but as you ought. For the Christian, doing the will of God becomes the greatest pleasure and freedom. Human freedom was hijacked by Satan in the Garden of Eden. The classic event of bondage in the gospels is where a man is under the domination of Satan and in a bizarre behavioral state where his humanity is severely distorted. Jesus confronts the demons in him and sets him free to be an active witness to his community of the power of Jesus to liberate.
Once a preacher said that the opposite of faith is not doubt, but fear. One day as Jesus and the disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee a huge storm arose that threatened to swamp their boat. They are terrified, which is only natural in these circumstances. Not only that, but Jesus is asleep in the boat as if everything was ok. That’s because everything was ok. Awakened by their panic Jesus simply says a word of rebuke to the storm and all is calm. Then Jesus asked them, “Where is your faith?” Jesus is in the same boat with us in life’s troubles. He’s completely calm, at rest, unworried. There is nothing He cannot handle. All he asks is that we trust Him.
Something happens when people meet up with Jesus. He provokes a passion. People are either strongly attracted or repelled. Casual acquaintance is not one of the options. In this message we’ll meet a woman, a notorious sinner in the community, who crashed a party where Jesus was a guest and anointed his feet with a precious ointment. She had a long record of failure and shame. When she met Jesus, she was given the offer of forgiveness and a place in his presence. She joyfully and gratefully embraced the gift. She was like a lost sheep who was found. Her heart was changed and her behavior followed. Jesus is the One Life that Transforms.
Jesus is the ultimate party crasher. The gospels tell of three funerals he crashed and totally disrupted. There was Lazarus’ funeral, the daughter of Jairus’ and a young man of Nain’s funeral. Jesus and death don’t belong together. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus and despair are not compatible; he crashes through and transforms it into joy and victory. All that applies personally to us, both in this present state of life, and the life of the world to come. Paul said that we are raised with Christ and are already seated in the heavenlies. He has transformed our physical death into a portal giving us access to complete life forever in his in-person presence. Jesus is the One Life that Transforms our lives.
An encounter with Jesus truly changed lives and the four biographies of Jesus (Gospels) show it and again. Four encounters, ranging from stormy seas to a funeral show the involvement of Jesus in real life circumstances. These were situations needing not merely a minor adjustment, but quite literally, a transformation of the magnitude that could come only from the powerful intervention of God Himself. First is the powerful effect of forgiveness that paves the way for a paralyzed man’s for even a physical restoration. This applies to those times for us when life leaves us limp and we cannot go forward on our own. Discover anew the restoring power of God that flows from forgiveness.
The one and only true God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He passionately desires a personal relationship with people. He detests any other pretender to be God because none of them can deliver like He can as the Almighty eternal source of all that exists. The worship of anyone or anything other than the real God only brings harm, both temporal and eternal. Because God has such a great way for saving the world through Jesus Christ, He put together a system called the Church to deliver that plan to the world. We are God’s delivery system for getting the Good News out to people. Jesus tells us to “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 obey all that I have commanded you.”
There was a special red “fire” that fell on the disciples. They had been promised the Holy Spirit and they remained in faithful prayer until that promise was fulfilled. The very presence, person and power of God Himself was resting on them and living in them. That power enabled them to bring the news of the risen and living Jesus to countless souls and it transformed their way of life. The difference in their lives was not only discernable, it was obvious. It was a transforming power for those early followers of Jesus. The great news is that this gift is meant for everyone in God’s Church for all time. But it’s easy to settle for far less.
God is infinite power and the source of all spiritual power that exists. We were created to live in a vital connection with that power. Sin and self-absorption unplug us from that power, much like the severing of a branch from the vine. He’s the vine, the source of life-power, we are the branches who bear much fruit as we remain in vital connection with
A lame man begging at the temple gate was hoping for a little and, instead got a lot. Peter and John saw him in his misery and spoke the mighty Word of the Risen Jesus Christ, telling him to get up and walk. He was expecting some coins and, instead, got the riches of God’s grace which restored him to wholeness. The risen Jesus was active and working through his Body, the Church. Peter and John did not make the lame man walk, the living Jesus did it. Sometimes we don’t recognize or access the presence and power of the risen and living Jesus, who indwells His Body with the Spirit. There is more available to us than we ordinarily expect.
The first Christians were dispirited and discouraged. At first everything was going so well. They were so excited about the resurrection of Jesus and the Holy Spirit came mightily upon them. New believers were added every day to the church and miracles were happening at the hands of the apostles. But Peter and John suddenly landed in prison for preaching the resurrection of Jesus. When they were released, they were forbidden to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. Should they just shut up or should they go on telling about Jesus? They did the right thing. Before they did anything else they went to the Lord in prayer. They knew that on their own they could not solve the issue. When they prayed, the Holy Spirit came with power, and in that power they “continued to speak the Word of God with boldness.” This is the power to tell others about Jesus. It worked for them then, and it works for us now.
Faith is powerful! Jesus often commends faith and connects it to the bestowal of divine blessings. For example, “Your faith has saved you.” Faith can even move mountains. Faith and righteousness are linked together. The classic summary of the Gospel, Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are you saved, through faith.” Faith is the hand that accesses and appropriates the promised blessings. But faith is not a human work nor a self-help positive attitude that pushes moods upward so we can function at our best. Faith is humble reliance upon God. Faith is a gift that enables us to receive God’s gifts. The power to believe does not reside in our broken human sin nature; it resides in the Holy Spirit who works through the Word to enlighten the human mind and move the will to gladly receive salvation.
Jesus had given a heads up to the disciples that He would be ascending back into heaven to rule His church at the right hand of God the Father. So, between the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord, He was preparing them to receive the Project, the ongoing Presence, and he Power. The project? We know it as the Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20. It is to make disciples, baptizing and teaching obedience. Luke quotes Jesus “You shall be my witnesses,” and John quotes Him “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” That’s the project, which we weekly review in our Mission, which includes “Tell others” and as our Vision Statement expresses our passion to lead people to become “Fully devoted followers of Jesus.” For this project, Jesus promises his presence, ”I am with you always,” and the power, “When the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”
Easter 2021 is now history. This year was quite different from Easter 2020 when we only had services online. Even though in so many ways it did not feel like Easter, it was anyway. And it still is Easter, every day, because the resurrection of Jesus was not temporary, it is forever. Each day is meant to be filled with the effects of Easter. Hope, joy, peace, forgiveness, encouragement… everything positive you can think of. And, it does not end there. It finds its culmination in heaven and our own experience of resurrection from the dead. On the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24) on the first Easter Day, there were two very disappointed and despondent disciples of Jesus. They assumed Jesus was still dead and would stay dead. Imagine their joy when the living, resurrected Jesus encounters them! Life has purpose and hope again. Every life that has the presence of Jesus is a life of victory that overcomes fear, discouragement and despair.
Easter is the key event in human history, where One Life Changes It All! The Apostle Paul got it right when he wrote to the Corinthian Christians almost 2000 years ago (and it is still right), that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, we are still in our sins, unforgiven and objects of a righteous punishment. He also said that if the resurrection is not true, we would be most miserable. But it happened, and ever since then Christians have had the most joyful of annual celebrations. This is the event that changes our world here in time, and for eternity.
For many centuries Christians have chosen Holy Week as a time to focus attention on the final events of the week leading up to the crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus. Embedded in this are the core events necessary for Jesus to fulfill the plan in the heart and mind of the Holy Trinity, the plan that saves the world from the wages of sin and the resulting wrath of God. We observe Palm Sunday and in some small way experience the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. We’ll hear the reading of the event from Scripture and do a kids’ parade with palms, singing Hosannas. Then we transition to a more quiet and solemn time and join others beneath the Cross. There we observe the Passion of Jesus and hear His seven cries as he suffered to save us. “It is Finished!”
That we leave is inevitable. How we leave is up to us. What kind of legacy will we leave behind? What benefit will our lives have served when this phase of our existence ends? What will we have done with what God has given us? Will we have seized upon the opportunities for service, witness or generosity? Will we have valued the relationships given us by God? This weekend we will have the final message in our One Month to Live series. It will have to do with how we live so we are prepared to leave. The nature of your legacy will be directly connected to the convictions you hold. What we experience here on earth is our preparation for heaven. Life here is short, heaven is forever. In the meantime, in this short period, each of us can contribute our lives for the sake of the Gospel and others.
Learning requires humility, an admission that we don’t know everything. Learning is not limited to formal classrooms. Kids can learn a lot through sports. The truth is that they learn as much through games lost as through games won. Loss do not need to humiliate, but they can humble, because “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5. Instead of trying to anesthetize ourselves from the pains of life, we should be open to what God may be teaching us in those situations. The first thing it should teach us is to run to God and find our peace and strength in Him. When we seek God’s help through His Word, we will not be disappointed.
We need to learn how to "Love Completely." That order is a lot taller than we are, so if that is to become a reality we have to lean on Jesus. His love was complete, leaving no one and no situation out. He knew that Judas would betray him, that Peter would deny him, and that the rest would run when danger arrived. They would not have his back, but all along he had theirs. He did not hate or reject Judas for what he was going to do. Jesus still offered the customary sign of fellowship with him. Jesus did not kick Peter out of the club but did what it took to restore him. Jesus even forgave the worst of the lot, the enemies who crucified him. When Jesus had said “Love your enemies,” he was not mouthing a platitude. He suffered the pain that forgiveness required. That’s shocking, crazy love.
Life can get totally busy. The calendar can be crowded. All of that can bring more stress and less joy and fulfillment. Then it’s so easy to just go through the motions, trying to get it all in. Life gets stuffed, but life may not be lived very intentionally or with enthusiastic passion and fire. There’s an event in the Old Testament where one man’s passion for God led to many thousands turning their hearts and lives away from idols to the true God. Fire both literally and figuratively fell from heaven. His name? Elijah. He not only spoke for God, he lived for God. And the fire was not just on the altar of sacrifice, the fire was in his belly. In case you’ve let your passion for life in Christ grow cold, get fired up and learn to live passionately for things that really matter.
This weekend we are launching the One Month To Live challenge, The goal is to transform the trajectory of our lives and of our church by sharpening our focus on the Word of God and how it shapes our lives. We will imagine what might change if we had just one month left in our earthly existence. What would we do? Or, what would we not do? Or say? How would we handle out relationships? Would we love less or more? Would we turn our hearts and attention more to God? As we thus inventory our lives and let our imagination create sharper images, we are drawn to ask, “Why wait until someday to do this?” Why not now? In our One Month To Live challenge we’ll experience a refresher on how to live the Christian life more fully and joyfully.