Second Sunday after Christmas (B)
January 5, 2003
Understanding Our Position
Leads to Praise
Ephesians 1:3-14
Understanding our identity is vital to our eternal purpose — glorifying God. In our depravity, we’ve fooled ourselves into thinking that we’re autonomous, self-sufficient, free to do as we please. We see man at the center of the universe, and even many of our churches see man at the center of God’s purposes.
God has always been about His own fame and glory, and rightfully so, because He is the center of the universe. As John Piper suggests in The Pleasures of God, for Him to see anything as more important than Himself would be idolatry.
This doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love us. It’s quite the contrary. The scriptures say that God loved the world so much that He gave His only son. It is because God is the center of all things (Rom. 11:36) that relationship with Him is the best thing for us and a life of worship, the most appropriate response.
Human selfishness is a detrimental illusion. Discovering and believing in the reality of who God is and who we are in light of Him will drastically change our behavior.
This is evident in the very order of Paul’s epistle. The apostle begins with doctrine, and our response to the truths of God’s word overflow from the truth. This eulogy in verses 3-14 caught to move us to praise the most high God. Understanding our position leads to praise.
I. Praise God for Every Spiritual Blessing (v. 3)
Paul starts His letter with a glorious tribute to the triune God who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. Paul understood the purpose and extent of our salvation in Christ, and that led to this long sentence of praise.
Paul reveals that God the Father has chosen us in eternity past to the praise of the glory of His grace (vv. 4-6); God the Son has provided redemption in the historical past at the cross to the praise of His glory (vv. 7-12); and God the Spirit has sealed us in our personal past at the point of conversion (vv. 13-14) to the praise of His glory.
In the verses to follow, we observe some of those eternal, spiritual blessings.
II. Praise God for Election and Adoption (vv. 4-6)
We’ve been chosen by God and predestined to adoption as sons and daughters. God’s election was determined before the very foundation of the world was laid, and, therefore, was not dependant on “temporal circumstances or human merit”.1
III. Praise God for Redemption and Forgiveness (vv. 7-8a)
We’ve been redeemed — bought out of the marketplace of sin and rescued from slavery. Our sin is forgiven in Christ. The debt has been payed by the very blood of our Lord Jesus.
IV. Praise God for Revealing the Mystery (vv. 9-10)
The mystery is the cosmic reconciliation of Christ. There are both present (Col. 1:25-27) and future (Col. 1:19-20) elements of this reconciliation. As Gentiles, we can praise God that we were grafted into His glorious plan and can experience the blessing of being called His children.
V. Praise God for Assurance (vv. 11-13)
There is an inheritance awaiting us — the glory of the life to come, and the Holy Spirit has stamped His seal upon us. The idea of sealing is that of marking cattle (or even slaves). This marking brought both identification and protection.
As the elect we find our identity in Christ. We’ve been chosen by God and predestined to adoption as sons and daughters; Christ has redeemed and forgiven us; God has revealed to us His mystery of salvation; and we have assurance by the seal of His Spirit. As we focus on the reality of who God is to us in Christ, and understand our positions in Christ, may we overflow into praise. (Jonathan Kever)
1Peter T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians in The Pillar New Testament Commentary series (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1999), p. 100.
Baptism of the Lord (B)
January 12, 2003
Who is this Jesus?
Mark 1:4-11
There are many today who think the Bible is just a bunch of stories, and Jesus, just a good teacher. “It’s a good book that provides some good moral teaching, but it’s not historically trustworthy” they say, “… and Jesus is a good teacher, but he’s just a man.” Is the Bible just a book with helpful principles and Jesus just a teacher?
The Gospel writers would respond with a resounding “NO!”. Their writings testify to the truth of Jesus’ life and teachings. “Who is this Jesus?” they would ask, “He is the Christ, the Son of God.”
I. Testimony of the Author (v. 1)
The book of Mark opens with a bold proclamation. Mark gives testimony to the reality of Jesus’ position – He is the Christ, the Son of God. He begins by declaring this as the gospel. We get so used to hearing that word that we often forget the impact of its meaning. Mark’s testimony is good news!. This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God!
What is the good news? The Forgiver of sin has come to save those who place there trust in Him. We were not left to suffer the consequences of our own depravity. We were not left to pay the penalty for all eternity. No, those who trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, are saved!
II. Testimony of the God’s Word to Isaiah (vv. 2-3)
The author then turns to the prophets. God’s word to Isaiah reached it’s ultimate fulfillment in the coming of the messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. It was John the Baptist, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight'” (v. 3). Hundreds of years earlier Isaiah proclaimed the coming of the Lord and His messenger, and now God’s word through the prophet testified to the validity of the Messiah.
III. Testimony of John the Baptist (vv.4-8)
The third witness given by the author is that of John the Baptist. Notice the flow of Marks testimony. He begins with the proposition that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. He then turns back in time to the words of Isaiah the prophet for proof. Finally, Mark brings his readers to the present, to John the Baptist — the fulfillment of those words.
Here begins the narrative. John the Baptist is proclaiming to the nation a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The messiah was coming, and the Baptist was calling the people to prepare their hearts to receive Him. The author makes it clear that the Baptist wasn’t the Messiah; in fact he wasn’t even worthy to tie the straps of the Messiah’ sandals. His baptism wasn’t for salvation; it was only water; it symbolized an inward change of the heart. But there was one coming, and “… He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
IV. Testimony of the Father and Spirit (vv. 9-11)
In verse nine Jesus of Nazareth enters the scene. Jesus requested to be baptized by John, not as a symbol of personal repentance, but as an act of obedience to the Father and as a declaration of His position and public ministry.
Immediately after Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened. The Spirit descended upon Him and the Father spoke. Who is this Jesus? He is the Christ, the Son of God. The Father’s “beloved Son” with whom He was “well-pleased.”
In the first eleven verses of Mark’s gospel a strong case is made for the validity of Jesus as the Christ. Are you listening to the testimony? Can you see the fulfillment of the prophets message? Can you hear the cry of John the Baptist? Do you understand the testimony of the Father and Spirit in this glimpse of the holy trinity?
Who is this Jesus? He is the Christ, the Son of God. Have you placed your trust in Him for salvation? Are you living your life as a testimony to the good news? (Jonathan Kever)
Second Sunday after the Epiphany (B)
January 19, 2003
Live Accordingly!
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Addressing the sin of sexual immorality among the Corinthian believers Paul expressed a profoundly simple thought. Because all of the believer belongs entirely to God they must honor God with their bodies.
I. The Objection
Reading through this letter, it becomes clear the Corinthian congregation was a mess. They were divided into competing factions. Their gatherings for Communion were a joke of incredible misbehavior to the point of drunkenness! It seems that some were defining their “rights” to behave as they chose, including the freedom of sexual immorality.
That congregation would make even the most stout-hearted pastor wonder if I he Corinthian church was worth the work. Paul, however, had no such doubts. Firmly he reminded the believers who they were — God’s children. And, how they should live — as redeemed people to bring honor to God.
A portion of the Corinthian believers argued that everything was permissible for them! They raised such slogans as, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food!” They pointed to the mortal nature of the physical body. They seemed to believe that because the body was mortal and passing away, what they did physically had no bearing upon them spiritually. That which is sin will pass away with the body. It cannot stain one’s spirit. Therefore, everything was permissible for them because everything was passing away along with their bodies. Even sexual immorality was permissible.
You can imagine how this viewpoint was received in a seaport town. Corinth was a major port offering all the extra curricular activities of any large seaport city. In that pagan environment such a view-point would be very well received. How did Paul respond to such an argument?
II. God’s people belong entirely to God; spirit and body!
Paul responded to this argument with the thought that Jesus is Lord of both spirit and body. The Corinthian believers belonged to Jesus in their spirits and in their bodies. To that end Paul reminded the believers, “… The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord!, and the Lord for the body. By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also!” (vv. 13b-14).
It does matter what one does with his or her body because the Lord has redeemed believers spiritually and physically. Paul pointed to Jesus resurrection. God raised Jesus physically from the grave; His spirit and body were raised. So also believers shall be raised physically from death. Paul stressed the fact that the bodies of believers were important to God and were to be used in a manner which honored God.
The image which comes to my mind is that of objects set aside from common to sacred use in the temple. An incense burner, for example, designed and destined for use in the temple was no ordinary thing. It was not that it contained any magical properties. Rather, it was “holy” because it was set aside for sacred use in the temple.
In that sense the bodies of believers are likewise holy. Why? Because the fact of redemption transforms them, as it were, from ordinary to sacred use. That is, they are now returned to their original purpose — that of glorifying God. Therefore, believers must honor God with their bodies.
There were more than a few who believed that everything was permissible. Yet it is quite clear that not everything is beneficial. Not everything is beneficial, because not everything benefits the Lord and His kingdom.
Furthermore, Paul pointed out a great irony in their loose morals. Yes, they may think that everything is permissible for them. Yet those things in which these believers at first freely indulged may grow to dominate their minds, hearts and bodies. The irony is that their “freedom” may become their master, enslaving their lives and bodies.
III. What are we to do?
As God’s people we must understand that we do not belong to ourselves. For disciples of Jesus, life is not about what we want. Rather, our lives are about honoring God. For that reason we must seek to honor God with our bodies! Why? Because all of you belongs entirely to God! If Jesus is your Savior you belong body and spirit to God.
How do we honor God with our bodies? One grand way. We flee from immorality. It means we proclaim lovingly and loudly that sex is for marriage and no where else! We honor God with the one-flesh relationship of marriage. That is not a message our culture receives with joy. No matter. As God’s people we honor God in the one-flesh relationship of marriage. (Tim McQuade)
Third Sunday after the Epiphany (B)
January 26, 2003
A People Possessed!
Mark 1:14-20
Four men answered Jesus’ call to be His disciples. That call possessed their lives. Jesus issues that call to us. Will His call to discipleship possess your life?
I. This is more than a simple story
Jesus was not making a cold call upon these four men. I’m certain they knew about Jesus and who He was and had probably heard His preaching.
When Jesus called these men they walked away from everything to follow. “As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow Me,’ Jesus said, ‘And I will make you fishers of men!’ At once they left their nets and followed Him.” Amazing! Simon and Andrew dropped their livelihoods and followed Jesus. John and James did the same.
Think for a minute about what these people left behind. Nothing less than their livelihood. Fishing was not a hobby for these men. Fishing was their career, their vocation, their bread and butter. All four of these men had the potential for making a good living. They walked away from that good living and followed Jesus. Mark described their response as immediate and without any hesitation!
If you heard of someone doing this today you’d think him incredibly irresponsible, wouldn’t you? What would possess reasonable men to leave behind a livelihood and family businesses to follow Jesus? They have families to support. They have obligations. What possessed these men to walk away and follow Jesus?
II. An offer they couldn’t refuse is offered to us
I believe there are two specific reasons why these men walked away to follow Jesus. First, Jesus called them to participate in His ministry. He said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men!” Jesus would make them full participants in His ministry.
Second, Jesus also called them to be in His inner circle of students. A disciple followed his teacher and learned not simply through study but also by doing and living what they were taught. A disciple received closer instruction because they lived with the master. That was what Jesus offered these four men. He offered them an opportunity to share in His ministry and learn from Him as inside students.
We may read this account with some relief. We think, “What would I have done if Jesus called me like that?” When we realize that Jesus will never walk up to us as He did these four men we’re relieved. But Jesus does call you and me to be disciples. Jesus expects us to be a people possessed by the call to be His disciples just like these four men!
III. How do we live a life possessed?
How do we live a life possessed by discipleship? There is first an understanding, second a prayer. First, a life possessed by discipleship means understanding our livelihoods as our fields of discipleship. We tend to see life in terms of secular and sacred work. Ministers and clergy do sacred work. Policemen, teachers, salesmen do secular work. Clergy are the ones called by God to serve Him. Others simply work, right? Wrong!
For the disciple there is no such thing as secular work. All work is sacred work in the disciple’s hands. So Jesus asks us, “Will you be My disciple in sales? Will you be My disciple working with your hands? Will you be My disciple in the classroom? Will you be My disciple in the bank, in your business, in management? Come, follow Me.”
Second, living a life possessed by Jesus’ call means praying a certain prayer. Do not pray this prayer unless you’re serious about discipleship. God will answer it. “O Lord, I pray I would be where You want me to be, doing what You want me to do.”
God’s answer to your prayer may be subtle. Perhaps the church’s nominating committee will call on you. He may present new opportunities where you work. God’s answer may be less subtle. God may completely re-arrange your career and life. If you don’t want God to disturb your life, don’t pray that prayer! If you want to serve Him and live for Him; if you want to be a disciple; pray it with all your heart!
Jesus calls you to live a life possessed by discipleship. If you are serious at out being a disciple, pray that prayer: “O Lord, I pray I would be where You want me to be, doing what You want me to do. I pray this in the name of Jesus my Savior, Amen.” (Tim McQuade)
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany (B)
February 2, 2003
The Firm Foundation
Mark 1:21-28
I was recently on a plane returning home, and sitting next to me was a young college student. We struck up a conversation revolving around his major area of study. As the conversation progressed it became evident that this young man was not a Christian.
He spoke of his desire to be hired by a non-profit organization after college that would allow him the opportunity to provide help to those in need. He hopes to do this by getting involved in public policy.
I asked him what it was that sparked this flame of interest in bettering the world through politics. “I don’t know” he said, “I guess I just feel like it s the right thing to do, and helping others makes me feel good.”
As we continued in conversation, I asked him how he knew what the “right thing to do” was. I asked him what authority he used to determine right and wrong.
“That’s a good question” he responded. “I’ve never really thought about it. I guess whatever’s best for the whole community determines what’s right.”
His authority structure was basically non-existent. This young man attempted to build a moral structure on a sandy foundation. Determining morality on the basis of what’s best for the whole assumes a couple of things. First, it assumes that the whole is in a position to choose rightly. Second, it assumes they will. However, because of man’s depravity, people’s beliefs concerning morality shift like sand, and that is no way to determine right and wrong.
The only firm foundation, the only true authority on which to base decisions of morality is the Word of God. John tells us in his Gospel that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And in our text today, we may observe the authority of Jesus in both His teaching and His power over the spiritual realm.
I. Authority in teaching (vv. 21-22)
Jesus and His disciples entered Capernaum. There, on the Sabbath, Jesus attended a worship service in a Jewish synagogue. There He began to teach. The text says that He began teaching “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (v. 22).
The authority in Jesus’ teaching set him apart from all others. Mark notes this by contrasting Jesus’ teaching with that of the scribes.
II. Authority over the spiritual realm (vv. 23-26)
Following Mark’s comments on Jesus authority in teaching we observe Jesus’ authority over the Spiritual realm. A man, demon-possessed, entered the synagogue and challenged Jesus. Jesus rebuked the demons, casting them out of the man. Jesus authority was demonstrated in both His ability to expound the scriptures as well as His ability to control the spiritual world. This is indeed real authority!
III. The response to Jesus’ authority (vv. 27-28)
And what was the response of those gathered? Amazement! Imagine sitting in that synagogue and hearing truth from God’s word being taught in such an authoritative manner that there was no possible way to deny it. And imagine seeing the same authority found in that teaching being demonstrated in the spiritual realm. What other response could there be? Those present were so amazed and apparently confused that they began debating saying “‘What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him'” (v. 27).
What should our response be to Jesus’ authority? We need go no further than the words of Jesus leading up to our text today: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14). We must stand in awe of the authority of Jesus over sin and respond in faith. In faith we must build our lives on the firm foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the living Word, our true authority. (Jonathan Kever)
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (B)
February 9, 2003
Imitating Christ
Mark 1:35-39
How common it is for us to lose our passion for God and His work in this world. The phrase “burned out” is a very appropriate illustration of the what happens. A once strong and zealous flame dwindles down until finally there isn’t enough fuel to sustain it.
Bruce Wilkinson shares an experience of spiritual “burnout” in his book Secrets of the Vine. He says that at one point in his ministry it became evident to him that something was missing. He had a wonderful family, a vital ministry with a giant “to do” list, and his finances were in order — there was just something missing. He describes that loss of vitality like this: “By the time I walked into my office, I was in full-blown crisis…. The ministry that just yesterday had seemed so important, today tasted like sawdust.”1
What is it that brings us to such a crisis of faith? Wilkinson goes on to share that after realizing his burnout, he went to visit a leadership mentor he met several years earlier. When he arrived, his friend George asked him to tell his life story — from the very beginning. When he had nearly finished, George interrupted him to finish his story. George knew what was happening.
When Bruce was still young and zealous in his ministry, he had to depend on God for sustenance and strength. He turned to God for satisfaction and depended on Him for success in ministry. But as he grew, he became blinded by the illusion of self-sufficiency. As he gathered more attention from others for the things “he” was accomplishing, he turned less and less to God for fulfillment and more and more to his own competence. And so the flame began to dwindle and dwindle, until crisis struck.
Our Lord Jesus recognized the necessity of relying on the Father, especially in the midst of a vibrant ministry. Where better to learn how to live faithfully than from the Master. Imitating Christ requires relationship with God and resignation to His will.
I. Imitating Christ requires relationship with God (v. 35-37)
It seemed as if the whole city came to Jesus. He spent the whole night healing the ill and casting out demons.
In the early morning of the next day, even while it was still dark outside, Jesus arose to go and heal more people and continue His ministry of preaching because He was in such high demand, right? Isn’t that how the story goes? No! The text says that the next morning “Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there” (v. 35).
Jesus prioritized His relationship with the Father. He was in high demand, though, and the disciples came looking for Him. They even sound a little annoyed that Jesus wasn’t out meeting with His public. But Jesus understood the necessity of prayer and communion with the Father.
How many of us stand in the center of success in ministry and instead of going to our prayer closets, we attempt to create more success with our own competence?
II. Imitating Christ requires resignation to God’s will (v. 38-39)
Jesus understood the importance of maintaining the life-line of relationship with the Father. He understood where fulfillment was found and who determined success in ministry. It was because of this that Jesus could truly resign Himself to the will of the Father.
Responding to the disciples, Jesus said: “Let us go somewhere else to the towns nearby, so that I may preach there also; for that is what I came for” (v. 38). I’d like to make two observations about Jesus’ response: 1) In the midst of great popularity Jesus is going somewhere else; 2) Jesus is acutely aware of His purpose. And in verse 39 we’re told that Jesus left and began preaching throughout Galilee.
Where does our ability to resign ourselves to God’s purposes come from? An acute awareness of God’s will that is only discovered as we commune with God in prayer and in His Word. Are you imitating Christ in your life and ministry? (Jonathan Kever)
1Bruce Wilkinson, Secrets of the Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance (Sisters, Oregon: Multnomah Publishers, 2001), 89.
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (B)
February 16, 2003
Lay Hold of the Lord’s Willingness
Mark 1:40-45
Despite his notoriety, there isn’t a single quote of his contained anywhere in Scripture. We all know his name, but he never utters a single syllable. We really don’t know of anything he ever did. He didn’t travel to remote regions for the cause of Christ or risk his life with bold declarations in the synagogue or temple. The only thing we know of him is that he was a friend of Jesus and as a friend, Jesus was willing to raise him from the dead. Lazarus was an ordinary person just like you and me.
I. Ordinary people like you and me
Have you ever looked closely at the people who received the healing touch of Jesus? Have you considered what lesson there might be in the fact that they are identified almost anonymously? The widow’s son (raised from the dead); a man lowered through a roof; the daughter of Jairus; a man by a pool; a man blind from birth; Bartimeas, an exception because he is named, but does his name bring anything to mind? Is he known for great acts of faith, or is he another who enters and leaves the Biblical narrative almost unannounced?
The point is simply that Jesus used His power to heal the ordinary people of His day, ordinary people such as you and me.
A man with leprosy approaches Jesus. In His day, people suffering from leprosy were thought to be under God’s curse. His plea with Jesus reflects this understanding.
A man with leprosy came to Him and begged Him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40).
His plea clearly reflects: 1) Faith that Jesus can heal. 2) The lingering doubt that Jesus might not be willing to do so. Was Jesus willing?
II. Don’t treat God as if He’s unwilling
Why do we struggle with God’s willingness? Why do we continue to see ourselves as unworthy, and, therefore, that God is unwilling to act in our behalf? It’s not that we doubt God’s power or ability; it’s His willingness we fail to comprehend. We might even see ourselves as the spiritual lepers of the day.
He was willing, even eager, to help the ordinary people of His day. Incidents preserved in Scripture only as “A woman who suffered with bleeding for 12 years.” Or, “A man lying on a mat, an invalid for 38 years.” People who remain nameless and faceless, ordinary people such as you and me. Jesus is willing.
The January 6, 1992 issue of Newsweek reported that a researcher asked people to pray for cardiac patients at San Francisco General Hospital. Even though the patients didn’t know anyone was praying for them, they recovered (and survived) at a higher late than those in an identical control group who were not being prayed for! If that doesn’t boost your confidence in prayer, what will it take? Jesus is willing — we need to ask.
III. A proper response to His willingness
The final verses in the text reveal that the man was given a two-fold commission: 1) Don’t tell anyone about this. 2) Go show yourself to the priest in accordance with the Law and offer the sacrifices commanded.
Gratitude motivates us to worship. Once you have laid hold of the Lord’s willingness, be sure to respond accordingly. A word of praise shared with a friend does the trick. A brief testimony in church uplifts others and reminds them of the Lord’s willingness.
These are important responses because, unlike the leprous man, we have been told to go and tell everyone. Why is it that we sometimes act as if we were told, “Don’t tell anyone about this”?
I am the place where God shines through,
For he and I are one, not two.
I need not fret nor fear his plan,
He wants me where and as I am.
And if I am relaxed and free,
He’ll carry out his plan
through me.1
Jesus is willing. Whatever your need might be, lay hold of His willingness. (Dan Nicksich)
1Rilla Dunn, “Trusting God.”
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany (B)
February 23, 2003
Who but God alone?
Mark 2:1-12
The sign in the office read: “Looking for a change? Want to meet new people? Up for a new challenge? (Then in bold print at the bottom) Go ahead, just mess up one more time!”
Aren’t you glad that God never draws a line in the sand and says, “Go ahead, make my day”? God never says, “Just one more time and you’re out of the family!”
I. A startling claim
Notice the first thing Jesus says to the paralytic. It wasn’t, “Rise and walk.” It wasn’t, “What would you like Me to do for you?”
Here’s what He said, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
One of the incredible things about Jesus that we often take for granted is that He claimed, while walking on this earth, the ability to forgive sins. All sins, not just those committed against Him, but the sins committed against you or by you.
So what do you make of a man, Himself unrobbed and uninjured who forgives the person that wronged you? Yet this is precisely what Jesus did. It makes sense only if He really is the one whose laws have been broken and whose love is wounded with every sin. Spoken by anyone other than God, these words are truly unbelievable. Jesus, without hesitation, forgave people of their sins.
Jesus claimed the right to forgive sins. Notice the reaction of some:
II. Wise words from the teachers of the law!
This is one of the rare times you will hear from any pulpit that the teachers of the Law got something right. We typically expect that any interaction with the teachers of the Law, the Pharisee’s, or others, will reveal just how legalistic and theologically confused these supposed men of learning really were. But here, for a brief instance, the teachers of the Law got something right!
“Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Speaking in the absolute sense, in the sense of a complete and total pardon, only God can forgive sins.
The teachers of the Law got it right. Only God can forgive sins. Unfortunately, they went on to draw a wrong conclusion.
III. Right statement, wrong conclusion
To the ears of some of those gathered in the room, blasphemy of the worst sort had just been spoken.
Jesus claimed the right to forgive sins. Knowing this to be a claim to divinity, the teachers concluded that Jesus had blasphemed. These men of learning understood what Jesus was saying but missed the most important point. Right statement: Only God can forgive sins. Wrong conclusion: Jesus is guilty of blasphemy since He claimed to be God!
C.S. Lewis once said that when confronted with the claims of Jesus, we have one of three conclusions we can draw concerning the identity of Jesus: 1) He’s a lunatic (claiming to be God), 2) He’s a liar of the worst sorts, or 3) He’s Lord.
We cannot say we don’t know if He even existed, for there is too much historical evidence to think that. We cannot say He was merely a good teacher or philosopher for He claimed to be much more. He’s Lord, a lunatic or He’s a liar. Which is He to you?
IV. Indisputable proof
“Your sins are forgiven” stands out as the most important statement in the text.
Notice how Jesus handled the situation: “Which is easier to say, ‘Rise and walk or your sins are forgiven'”?
Obviously it would be easier to say your sins are forgiven since that’s something that cannot be seen. To say rise and walk would put you on the spot since everyone would instantly know whether or not you can do what you claimed. Verse 10 points out that Jesus performed the miracle to confirm his authority to forgive sins. The miracle confirmed His claim.
Jesus can say to you, as nobody else can, “Your sins are forgiven.”
D.L. Moody tells of a man who, supposing that he was going to die, expressed forgiveness to another from his death bed, but then he added, “Now, mind you, if I get well, the old grudge holds good.”
We chuckle at that because we know the struggle to forgive. Isn’t it wonderful to know the one who offers total, complete, unconditional forgiveness? (Dan Nicksich)
Sermon briefs in this issue are provided by: Tim McQuade, Pastor Highland Presbyterian Church, New Castle, TN; Dan Nicksich, Pastor, First Christian Church, Somerset, PA; and Jonathan Kever, Managing Editor, Preaching.
From the Lectionary
Proper 26 (A)
November 3, 2002
Leadership 101 from the Master Leader
Matthew 23:1-12
Jesus called His men together and instructed them on leadership and pointed to the Pharisees and scribes as the “how not to lead” leaders. He said, “The scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds” (Mat. 23:2b-3). Today we want to take a course in Leadership 101 from the Master Leader, Jesus Christ.
I. Leadership is Building the Community of Believers By Example
True leadership is not afraid to demonstrate the “pull up the sleeve” and work mentality. Often people tell us how to do something but are afraid to get their own hands dirty. The best of leadership gets down and works at the job himself. That kind of leadership does several things for others:
1) The leader example understands the problem that others are facing first hand. It’s not just theoretic, but practical, and the problem solving becomes practical.
2) The leader example understands that mentoring others is vital.
3) The leader example understands that he is energizing others to effectively do their best for the kingdom.
4) The leader example understands that he/she is entrusting others with responsibility. There are risks involved, but Jesus saw that he would invest his time with the twelve, but he was entrusting them with responsibility as well.
II. Leadership is Building the Community of Believers By Loving
Bill Hybels, pastor of the Willow Creek Community Church near Chicago, relates that in the early 1970’s he had a powerful experience that changed his life. He was a college student taking one of those required New Testament Studies courses to complete his major. He described it as a guaranteed “brain-numbing boring” experience that he was anticipating.
Staking out the back row seat and slouched down in a comfortable position he said, “I had no idea that a spiritual ambush awaited me.” His professor, Dr. Gilbert Bilezekian, had lectured for his allotted 45 minutes. Hybel thought he was wrapping it up, and so he was packing his bag and ready to go to the next class. Then something unexpected happened. The professor stepped out from behind the lectern and began baring his soul to a room full of unsuspecting twenty-year-olds.
What Dr. Bilezekian said to those college young people needs to be repeated in the church often.
He stated: “Students, there was once a community of believers that was so totally devoted to God that the believer’s lives together were charged with the Spirit’s power.
“In that band of Christ-followers, believers loved each other with a radical kind of love. They took off their masks and shred their lives with one another. They laughed and cried and prayed and sang and served together in authentic Christian fellowship. “Acts 2 tells us that this community of believers, this church, offered unbelievers a vision of life that was so beautiful it took their breath away. It was so bold, so creative, so dynamic that they couldn’t resist it.”1
What couldn’t they resist? The disciples newly energized love that came through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Leadership understands that technical methods are important, philosophy of leadership vital, but it will go nowhere unless Pentecostal love is blown into its very core. If a leader doesn’t love of what earthly good is he?
III. Leadership is Building the Community of Believers By Service
The idea of serving is giving oneself to others. Service is unlimited in its scope of giving oneself to the community in need. Service is unlimited in its scope of giving to those in need of the gospel. Service is unlimited in its scope of giving to those in need of spiritual equipping. Service is unlimited in its scope of giving to those in poverty materially. Service is unlimited in its scope of giving to those in isolation from the world.
IV. Leadership is Building the Community of Believers By a Humble Walk
Humility is the watchword and song of leadership. Dag Hammarskjold, former United Nations General Secretary, once said, “Be grateful as your deeds become less and less associated with your name, as your feet ever more lightly tread the earth.”2 (Derl Keefer)
1Bill Hybel, Courageous Leadership (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002), 17-18.
2Albert M. Wells, Jr., Inspiring Quotations (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1998), 91.
Proper 27 (A)
November 10, 2002
Jesus is Coming Again
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
The Thessalonians would have been happy to have sung the John Peterson song, “Jesus Is Coming Again.” I can just hear them now, “Marvelous message we bring; Glorious carol we sing! Wonderful word of the King: Jesus is coming again! Coming again, coming again! May be morning, may be noon, May be evening and may be soon! Coming again, coming again! O what a wonderful day it will be — Jesus is coming again!”1
After belting out that beautiful song somebody raised the question about his Uncle Josiah who had died recently. Would Uncle Josiah be left behind since he was already dead and in the ground? What would become of him and in fact what would happen to anyone who had died? This was a legitimate concern for the first generation Christians of that day.
Paul feels their genuine concern and answers them in this section of the letter. He tells all of the Thessalonians (and all Christians) not to worry, for when Jesus comes again, everyone — dead or alive — will be gloriously taken to be with their loving Jesus! The Lord led the way to the resurrected life, and for those who have accepted Him and live for Him, nothing can take away eternity with Him.
I. Christ’s Return Offers Courage to the Christian
We need not be afraid of death for it is the entrance into heaven. The early church understood death and constantly lived under the threat of martyrdom. Glenn Hinson comments that as costly and painful as the age of the martyrs was it “laid the foundations for Christian spirituality. Living under threat forced the faithful to strengthen and deepen their commitments to God.”2 Courage to live and courage to die is what Jesus gave them.
Charles Colson relates a story of a little know monk named Telemachus. While tending his garden one-day he felt God’s call to go to the city of Rome. He laid down his hoe and began the long trek to the distant city. Finally arriving after many days on his journey he was immediately swept away by a surge of the crowd on their way to the great Colosseum to enjoy a day of festivity. The little monk stopped at the very top row of the Colosseum as the other people filed into their seats. The sounds and sights were incredible for this quiet man. Suddenly trumpets sounded and he watched as armed men entered through the gates and stood before the emperor and in unison shouted, “We who are about to die salute you.”
Telemachus realized that these men were going to fight to the death just to entertain the motley crowd gathered to cheer and jeer. As they began their fight to the death he began to cry from the top of the Colosseum, “In the name of Christ, stop!” The noise of the crowd drowned out his pleas.
As the ritual of death began between the gladiators the monk became more agitated and began to shout louder. He pushed his way through the crowds to the front of the stadium and shouted, “In the name of Christ, stop.” Finding that he was being ignored he literally climbed over the wall and dropped down to the arena’s floor. The gladiators pushed his cries aside and kept on killing one another. At first the crowd thought Telemachus was part of the act, but then discovered he was not, and their laughter turned to anger.
Frustrated, the monk, decided the only way to stop this madness was to jump between the burly men who were determined to kill each other. As he jumped in between two gladiators he once again begged them, “In the name of Christ, stop.” One of the men plunged his sword into Telemachus’ body, and he fell to the floor bleeding and dying. His last words were, “In the name of Christ, stop!”
Colson writes, “Then a strange thing happened. The gladiators stood looking at the tiny figure lying there. A hush fell over the Colosseum. Way up in the upper rows, a man stood and made his way to the exit. Others began to follow. In dead silence everyone left the Colosseum.3
The year was A.D. 391, and because of the death of this courageous monk the Colosseum never again would witness men killing each other for the sake of entertaining a crowd. It was the last battle to the death between gladiators in the Roman Colosseum. One small voice that could hardly be heard above the crowd stopped the slaughter. One voice that defied death. Talk about courage n the face of death!
II. Christ’s Return Offers Love for the Christian
John 3:16 and other verses are constant reminders to us of how much God loves and cares for us. The return of Jesus is just the proverbial icing on the cake for Christians who have discovered His love throughout their lives.
III. Christ’s Return Offers Eternity for the Christian
The Thessalonians, like those of us today, probably could not grasp eternity very well. It staggers our minds, but they knew that it was a long, long, long time, and it would be with Jesus and their friends. The troubles that they faced here were but only momentary troubles in the light of eternity. Christ’s return offered them those eternal moments. Are you ready for Christ’s return? (Derl Keefer)
1Sing to the Lord Hymnal (Kansas City, Lillenas Publishing Company, 1993) 281.
2E. Glenn Hinson, The Early Church (Nashville: Abingdon, 1996) 158.
3Craig Brian Larson, Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1993), 43.
Proper 28 (A)
November 17, 2002
Staying Alert
I Thessalonians 5:1-11
People on the Titanic were enjoying their carefree evening when they felt a bump in the night. Thousands of pages have been written about that fateful night, and several movies have been made depicting the events and people on board. Many lives were lost, but it could have been avoided. Another vessel lay within a few miles capable of steaming to her rescue, but their radio officer decided to turn off his receiver and go to bed. Because he was not alert fathers and mothers lost their children, and children lost one or both parents, and husbands and wives were parted for life.
It is so important that we be alert. Paul writes to his friends that the day of the Lord, His return, will come like a thief in the night, and they need to always be on the alert.
I. Being Alert is Avoiding Extremes
There are those who constantly talk about the second coming. They produce maps, charts, and documents pointing to a time that Jesus will return. Speculation may be great for discussion and study, but it must not occupy all of our time and energy while the world dashes to the borders of hell. There are also those who pay no attention or don’t believe in the second coming of Jesus. His return is just a figment of our imagination, and talk concerning it should be avoided.
Both of these are extremes and should be avoided. Jesus is coming again according to the scriptures to take His followers to heaven, but we must not become so preoccupied that we miss opportunities to share Jesus in this life. The scriptures are very clear that Christ will literally come to take His people home to heaven, and to avoid conversation about it to others damages the opportunities to share Him with others for the afterlife.
II. Being Alert is Living Life to its Fullest
God has called Christians to be the salt of the earth. That means we give zest, flavor, and seasoning to a dull world.
Living life to its fullest includes living to please God. Jesus said to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness (Mat. 6:33). That ushers in prioritized living! The priority of living life to its fullest is following Jesus. The prerequisites for determining priorities are: a. Honesty before God; b. Sensitivity to circumstances; c. A willingness to pay whatever the price to fulfill God’s purposes; and d. Dependence upon the Holy Spirit to reveal the precedence of the priority.
Living life to its fullest includes a clean heart. The great Calvinist Augustus Toplady wrote these words in 1776, “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee. Let the water and the blood, From Thy wounded side which flowed. Be a sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure.”1 It was Charles Wesley who penned: “He breaks the power of cancelled sin — Blessed be the name of the Lord! His blood can make the foulest clean — Blessed be the name of the Lord!”2
Is your life clean before a holy God? Life can only be cleansed by God’s infilling Spirit. Oh, the joy of feeling right with God, it’s marvelous!
III. Being Alert is Living Life with a Heart
Evangelism is the heartbeat of the Christian. Sharing the wonderful news — the good news that Jesus will save anyone who asks should be the thrill of anyone who knows Christ as Savior.
Jim Cymbala points out that, “A lack of motivation to sacrifice for others is what holds back many ministries and churches from being greatly used of the Lord. Biblical truth is memorized by the mind, emotions are occasionally stirred by the things of God, but it all doesn’t go deep enough to transform our motive for living. Only the Holy spirit’s power can save us from the terrible plight of a self-centered, comfort-zone lifestyle while we sing hymns about the Christ who gave his life on Calvary … the acid test of spiritual growth is love, and love always means living for others.”3
Evangelism propels us into the arena of living for others, because it really sends the message that we care for eternity! (Derl Keefer)
1Sing to the Lord Hymnal (Kansas City: Lillenas Publishing Co., 1993) 445
2Ibid., 116.
3Jim Cymbala, The Church God Blesses (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002) 121-122.
Proper 29a
November 24, 2002
The Risk of Investment
Matthew 25:14-30
The movie, “Tin Cup,” is set in the world of golf. Kevin Costner’s character, for all his talent, is introduced to us as a failure on the circuit because he has not learned the ability to “lay up” on the safe side of the traps. Perhaps there is no stronger urge in me than to “play it safe.” It is not difficult to defend such a proclivity.
I grew up in a family where being a fiscal conservative took on the aura of a cardinal virtue. My parents had begun their marriage in the height of the Great Depression. So holding on to what you had and not taking a risk of losing it became a way of life. To this day, I think there is good spiritual wisdom in holding fast to what we have been given. The truth of this goes far beyond the economic realm, as we approach a national day of Thanksgiving. Beyond all our material blessings, Christians are reminded of the greatest cause for gratitude — the gospel with which we have been entrusted.
As good (and safe) a theme as that is, God’s Word often comes as a disturber of our peace. When we read or hear the parable in Matthew 25:1-30, our hope of playing it safe begins to fade. C. H. Dodd must have had such a parable in mind when he said, “It leaves the mind in sufficient doubt about its precise application to tease it into active thought.” At first we are comforted by the familiar ground of a master who entrusts us with talents. God is the giver of every good gift.
The “talent” of Jesus’ day was a measure of weight that had become a way of designating the monetary value of gold or silver. What is significant here it that the investment in each of the three servants is sizable and gracious.
Whether you take the talents to be amounts of money or capabilities, all such blessings or investments come from God. Everyone here today has been given a significant amount of material and spiritual talents. To deny this through “poor talk” or envious (and short sighted) comparison with others keeps us from the joy of thanksgiving and faithful stewardship of God’s blessings. We are so loved that God not only gave His only Son for our redemption, but talents for the building of God’s rule and reign.
All is of God, yet we are entrusted with the high privilege of building to God’s glory. In the economy of God, even the so called “one talent” person has abundant capability. George Buttrick says one has ability to draw the plans for the cathedral, another to compose music for its organ, some carve the stone, some build the road to the door and no one is without gifts essential to the building.
The first two servants in the story trust the master who entrusted them with the talents. This is seen in the land lord’s leaving and expecting a profit, and the servants taking a risk in employing means at their disposal to allow the talents to grow. The expected outcome of the story is to find that even the one talent is parlayed into glorious growth. But this is just the point where our mind “is teased into active thought.” For the third servant goes against the flow of the expected teaching.
We expected this trusted servant to also trust the master. Instead he plays it safe, buries the substance of the owner. The next surprise is that we see ourselves in just such an action. We are more afraid of failure than we are able to trust the Master. Even a little faith in response to the great love that God has entrusted to us will yield much in the Kingdom. We have seen it over and over again: a child’s meager lunch feeds a multitude, a black woman’s refusal to go to the back of the bus spawns a civil right’s revolution.
Yet, we are afraid. The third servant in the story says it is the harshness of the master that triggers his fear and the need to bury the talent. We recognize it as the fear of failure. In the end of the movie, “Tin Cup,” the less than perfect hero refuses to play it safe. No, he does not win the rich, televised golf tournament. Yes, he does keep faith with his better self and the gifts he has been given, because of the risk he takes. In golf, there may be times to lay up, to play it safe, but in the service of the gospel, taking the risk is the only way we show trust in the Master who did not play it safe, “but gave Himself for us.” (Gary D. Stratman)
First Sunday of Advent (B)
December 1, 2002
Stay Awake
Mark 13:24-37
Nobody has to shake children into watchfulness, as they are already fidgeting toward Christmas. But for many adults it is difficult to remember what we are awaiting! The pressure of being happy, the unexpected setbacks, the short tempers take their toll. Given this inevitable entropy we need most of all to hear the energizing word of Advent “Stay Awake!”
Such alertness is seen in the fabled Methodist minister whose vision of Christ coming to visit his church was so convincing that a call was hastily put in to the Bishop. “He’s coming today, what should I do?” the immediate reply was, “Look busy.”
There must be more to being expectant than being caught up in an endless round of activity. Today’s liberating message is that God chooses to come to us even in our worn down apathy or our strung out frenzy. God comes in history at Bethlehem, and God comes at the end of time. Because our lives are found between those events, we are to regard every moment as the moment of the Lord. God comes continually to us.
The Advent of Bethlehem was the living reminder that in the fullness of times, when the age is pregnant with despair and hope, God comes in history. It was the worst of times. Darkness draped the land. The land was ruled by Rome; the Voice of God seemed quiet; factionalism reigned. Yet less obviously it was the best of times. As Dr. James Stewart has pointed out, the earth was being prepared for good news that would change the world: the Pax Romana, the Roman Roads, etc. made it possible for the Good News to ring out in ways that would have been impossible a few years before.
God’s coming was not only in history, but through humanity. If God wills to complete history and redeem humanity, the reclamation process cannot be done by One who disdains the limits of time and flesh. Rather God fully enters into them so that they may be made new. Accordingly, Jesus came in flesh, blood, shape, size, weight; moreover temptation, loneliness, disappointment, pain, hope — He was human.
Those who were awake responded not only to One who came in the ebb and flow of history and the flesh of humanity but in the hiddenness which demands faith. When the Sovereign God comes to us it is not on our timetable; it is not in the way that “makes sense” to us. Even though it was the fullness of time, those who were to expect a Messiah were caught off guard.
Mark does not give us nativity scenes, angelic choruses, and light shows. He does give us the word that applies to God’s re-creative invasion into human history — “Suddenly.” Mark uses the word over and over again to show the birth, life, and death of Jesus, catching us off guard.
But it’s more than timing. It is the Incarnation, God dwelling with us, that proves God’s ways are not our ways. It is Kierkegaard’s “scandal of particularity” come to life: not a conquering hero with portfolio and entourage, but a bawling red-faced baby! God will come like that, watch out — you never know how and when that God will appear unannounced, uninvited.
The message of Advent is not only the way in which God came, but the way God will come. For here in Mark 13 the accent on Staying Awake is on the end. This misunderstood emphasis on the end of time has been maligned as unimportant, impractical, and highly implausible. It is none of these. It is crucial to our understanding of life as purposeful and not random, headed toward culmination and not meaningless extinction.
A cartoon shows a man carrying a placard with the familiar warning “the end is nigh.” The man says, “The horrible thing is that people don’t laugh at me any more.” We don’t laugh at the idea of the end of the world. Our text tells us that we are to be awake during the four watches of the night. Look for the coming of the Christ in the darkest watch of history, but not as a victim of the world’s insanity but as the Lord of History and the Prince of Peace. We are not given a blueprint of that coming, but we know the Lord of history will be the same one who came to us in the human Jesus.
The God who comes to us at the End is again hidden from our charts, graphs, and timetables. Three times in this passage Jesus says that no one will know the hour of culmination. The title “Son” (of God) as used here connotes obedience and faithfulness. Jesus acts out the way we are to respond to the final consummation: faith and obedience, not a secret understanding of when and how it will arrive.
Perhaps we can now begin to understand why the command to Stay Awake is so important. For if God can break into history at any unguarded moment at Bethlehem, if God can intervene in human history bringing it to an end at any moment, then no moment is unimportant. Every moment is potentially the moment of the Lord. But the power to live this moment, to give ourselves to the needs of others is possible because our moment is framed by the first and second advent. Thanks be to God. (Gary Stratman)
Second Sunday of Advent (B)
December 8, 2002
Your Warfare Has Ended
Isaiah 40:1-11
Veteran CBS newsman Howard K. Smith, in his book “Last Train From Berlin”, tells on the opening page of a remark attributed to Winston Churchill on the day Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. Bear in mind that from the fall of France in the Spring of 1940 until December 7, 1941 — the “day that will live in infamy” — Britain stood alone against Hitler and the Nazi onslaught.
President Roosevelt tried to do all he could to assist Britain, but his hands were tied constitutionally, and the sentiment of most Americans was to stay out of “another of Europe’s wars.” When the embattled Churchill heard of the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor, he knew this meant the USA would be entering the war as Britain’s ally. He is said to have uttered, “So, we have won.”
Years of fighting still lay before the Allies, fighting which would cost the lives of millions of people. But the day America entered the war, Churchill knew it was just a matter of time before the enemy was defeated.
In the 8th century B.C., God gave the prophet Isaiah wonderful messages and insights into the coming of the Messiah and the salvation which He would bring. Here in the 61st chapter, God is recorded as saying, “Speak kindly to my people. Tell Jerusalem that her warfare has ended.”
It would be hundreds of years before the Savior arrived. When He finally appeared, it would be to die on a Roman cross and receive burial in a borrowed tomb. Yet, from the eternal perspective of God in Heaven, it was all a done deal. The Almighty looked down the centuries and said, “The war is over. We have won.”
I. What war?
Man’s eternal battle against the devil, man’s constant warfare with other people, man’s unending conflicts within himself, and most of all, man’s rebellion against God. Man was born the rebel. But in Jesus Christ, the war is over and the good guys have won.
II. How did it end?
1) “Her iniquity has been removed” (v. 2). God went to the root of the problem, the sinful nature of man, and changed him here. We are washed in the blood of the Lamb.
Years ago, Ralph McGill, prize-winning editor of the Atlanta Constitution, noted that the Baptists of that state, in their annual meeting in Macon, had passed a resolution to the effect that the problems facing Georgia were not prejudice or racism or crime or poverty, but sin. McGill then waxed poetic on “those narrow-minded Baptists” who see sin as the cause of every problem. What the editor missed was the difference in cause and effect.
Sin is the problem and the effects are seen in the cruel ways man treats his neighbor. In order for God to “save” mankind, He has to go to the root of the problem.
2) “The glory of the Lord will be revealed” (v. 5). Hundreds of years earlier, Moses had cried, “Lord, show me Your glory” (Ex. 33:18). The time was not right, however, and Moses saw only a tiny portion of the Almighty. However, Jesus Christ is the incarnate glory of God. “We beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Whether He was lying as a newborn in a Bethlehem stable, or walking a dusty Galilean road, or bleeding from a cross outside Jerusalem, or radiant with the Shekinah glory in the clouds above the Mount of Olives, God’s glory was on display in Jesus. When God sent us a Savior, it was nothing less than God Himself coming for us.
3) “His arm (is) ruling for Him” (v. 10). Jesus came in the power of God with full authority. God did not send Jesus out to win a war without the necessary equipment. Only One with the “fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9) could take on the forces of darkness and defeat them (Isaiah 53:1 “the Arm of the Lord” is another title for the Messiah.).
4) “He shall tend His flock like a Shepherd” (v. 11). When the Savior came as Heaven’s champion to do battle with the enemy and liberate His people, He took back those who are His and watches over them as a shepherd does His flock — tending the flock, carrying the lambs and gently leading the nursing ewes. He keeps all those whom He saves. He is the consummate Savior.
On the day before Jesus went to the cross, He said, “My hour has come. What shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify thy name.” He then added, “Now judgment is upon this world. Now the ruler of this world shall be cast out. When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to Myself.” His last recorded words from the cross were, “It is finished.” The warfare was over.
There are still skirmishes to be fought. But the foe has been defeated, and we have entered into the victory which Jesus won by His death, burial, and resurrection. (Joe McKeever)
First Sunday of Advent (B)
December 15, 2002
Good News of Big Plans
Isaiah 61:1-11
God has a problem: how to tell people of limited understanding about the Savior and salvation. This must be like explaining nuclear physics to a colony of ants, or astronomy to barnyard animals. Yet, He persists in trying to get across to humanity all the mysteries of Jesus’ deity and the glories He has in store for those who put their trust in Him.
To accomplish this, God ransacks human language and exhausts earthly vocabularies. Every metaphor imaginable is employed in God’s effort to tell us who Jesus is and what He can do when people turn to Him in faith and trust Him. Throughout the Old Testament, God inspired prophets to write of the distant day when the Messiah would arrive from Heaven to win our salvation.
The book of Isaiah is saturated with these prophecies which thrill us to this day. Isaiah 61 is one such revelation from God. We know for many reasons that it applies to the Lord Jesus, but chiefly because Jesus said so Himself. Luke describes how Jesus read this passage in the synagogue in Nazareth and applied it to Himself (Luke 4). See how God describes the coming salvation to His people of limited understanding…
I. Those Who Will Welcome the Savior the Most Are Downtrodden and Neady
The self-sufficient and well-satisfied heard of Jesus’ ministry but had no time and no room and felt no need for a Savior. With the hurting and the hungry, it was a different story. When Jesus was reproached for spending too much time with sinners, He replied that those who are well do not need a doctor, that He had come to call sinners, not the righteous.
Many sophisticates in the first century and our world today have no time and no room for the Lord Jesus. Yet, we read “the common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:37). Paul looked at the membership of the Corinth church and remarked, “Not many mighty. Not many noble. God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Cor. 1:26-27).
II. Jesus Has Good News for Those Who Will Admit Their Need
The coming of the Savior was good news for the afflicted and healing for the broken-hearted; liberty for the captives and freedom for the prisoners; comfort for the mourners and garlands in place of ashes; a mantle of praise to replace the spirit of fainting; a double portion instead of shame, and a shout of joy in place of humiliation. There is no limit to all Jesus can do when people open themselves up to Him in trust.
We think of His question to the lame man by Bethesda’s pool, “Do you want to be well?” Not everyone does (John 5:6). We think of Jesus’ question to blind Bartimaeus, the beggar of Jericho who had upset the local officials by his constant calling for Jesus’ attention and begging for His mercy. Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Luke 18:41). We might say the man’s needs were obvious to Jesus as they were to everyone, but that’s not the point. The question is whether the man himself saw his true situation and would confess his need. “Lord, I want to receive my sight,” Bartimaeus said, and did.
III. Jesus Has Big Plans for All Who Receive His Good News
His people will be called oaks of righteousness (v. 3). These massive tree; stand strong and tall through the decades, giving beauty and shade to all who come near. The “tree planted by the waters” of Psalm 1 comes to mind — faithful, beautiful, and fruitful.
His people will be called priests of the Lord. (v. 6) A priest stands before God in prayer on behalf of the people, then goes to the people in witness on behalf of God. 1 Peter 2:9 calls the people of God “a chosen race, a royal priesthood.”
His people will be called ministers of God (v. 6). A minister or servant carries out the will of the Master. Jesus said, “I do always do the things that are pleasing to the Father” (John 8:29). That’s the standard. “What will you have me do?” were the opening words of Paul’s discipleship (Acts 22:10) and are to be ours every day of our lives. His people will be called offspring whom God has blessed. The very fact that we are the children of God is the greatest blessing of all (1 John 3:1). Without the constant inner witness of God’s Spirit that we are the children of the Almighty (Rom. 8:16), we could think ourselves presumptuous to make such a claim. Yet, this is what being a child of God means.
As oaks, standing tall and strong in a world where unfaithfulness is the rule; as priests, interceding with God for man and bearing witness to man for God; as servants, working that the will of God be done on earth; as children, bearing His name and inviting others into the family. No wonder people were so glad to see Jesus. He took the broken of society and turned them into giants and champions. He still does this today whenever we look to Him in faith. (Joe McKeever)
Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)
December 22, 2002
Glory Forever
Romans 16:25-27
As the day of Christmas approaches, and we celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus, I can think of no better response than that of Paul in Romans 16:25-27 — an overflow of praise. Though our hearts may be heavy with concerns, we can look to this season with great hope and encouragement. The Lord has come, and those who trust in Him have great security. For our God is able.
The apostle comes to the end of this great epistle to the Romans. He has made clear from the beginning that we were a desperate people apart from Christ. We were in debt with no possible escape by our own merit. But those who trust in Christ for salvation have that debt erased, for Christ satisfied the necessary payment with His life and death. And through Christ we have peace with God having been justified (Rom. 5:1). Because Christ came to this world and lived in perfect righteousness, those who trust Him escape the wrath of God and, instead, are adopted in His family and become recipients of His blessings.
This is reason to rejoice indeed. Our God has come to save us. To Him be glory forever!
I. To Him who is able to establish You (vv. 25-26)
In verses 17-20 Paul gives his audience a final warning. There are those who will cause dissensions and hindrances. Watch out for them; don’t listen to their foolish self-centered pursuits. What they have to say is contrary to God’s word. He is rejoicing over their obedience and exhorting them to be innocent of evil. And in his final Words he overflows with praise to the One who is able to establish them.
Paul knew that the source of the Gospel’s power rests in the sovereignty of God. He is able to establish you according to His Gospel. It is he who causes His word to not return void and changes the hearts of men through preaching. It is He who worked out history according to the counsel of His will commanding that the mystery of Christ’s salvation be revealed in the present age. And now, as he closes his letter, Paul lifts his eyes towards heaven and praises Him who is able to establish You.
II. To the only wise God (v. 27)
“To the only wise God” — we’ve heard Paul break out in praise over this already in Romans. In chapter 11 Paul writes: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to Him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
It was evident to Paul as he looked back over God’s sovereign plan that He contained a wisdom beyond comprehension and beyond comparison. It is to this God, the sovereign and wise savior, that Paul praises.
As we approach Christmas day, let us not forget our God in the midst of preparations and gift giving. For it is He who established you, the only wise God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Jonathan Kever)
First Sunday after Christmas (B)
December 29, 2002
No Longer Slaves But Sons
Galatians 4:4-7
Some friend of mine recently flew to Russia. They didn’t cross an ocean to vacation but to meet two orphans, a brother and sister, and do what was necessary to legally adopt them. They traveled a great distance to a foreign land at their own expense to remove these children from a desperate situation and give them a secure home with a loving family.
They chose to embark on this journey, not because they owed anyone in Russia a great debt, not because they were obligated to do so — they adopted these two children out of the overflow of their hearts. It was grace and love that motivated them, and the prospect of an opportunity to change the lives of two young children, to nurture and care for them, and love them with the love of God.
There were months of preparation involved, and uncertainty followed them even as they stepped off the plane onto Russian soil. They traveled this distance not knowing for sure if the court would grant them their request. But they went trusting the Lord. And He provided the necessary means for the adoption to go through.
We too have a Father who went to great lengths to adopt us. He owed us nothing, for we rejected Him in our sin. But out of the overflow of His love towards us, He sent His Son into this world that we might be removed from our desperate situation, redeemed out of the marketplace of sin, and adopted into His family. We’re no longer slaves, but sons.
I. We Are Redeemed in Christ (vv. 4-5a)
The text says that God chose the time when His Son would come into this world. God, in His perfect wisdom and foreknowledge, planned the exact moment when Christ would enter this world. Paul also points out that Christ was born of a woman stressing His humanity and stressing the fact that He was born under the law. He did so in order that we might be redeemed.
What an amazing God! Everything was in perfect order — the right time, the right place, under the right circumstances. Our God has redeemed us; He purchased us out of the marketplace of sin and broke the bonds of our slavery with the blood of His Son. Christ lived righteously on our behalf. He who knew no sin became sin. In Him we are no longer slaves to sin but to righteousness (Rom. 6:17-18).
II. We Are Sons and Heirs (vv. 5b-7)
And we are also Sons. The text says that God sent the Spirit into our hearts crying out “Abba! Father!”. “Abba” is a name small children would use to refer to their fathers. It’s much like our word “Daddy.” It implies intimacy in our relationship with God and trust and security. We, the undeserving, by grace through faith in Christ, have intimacy with God and security in Him.
We also carry full rights as sons. Verse 7 says we’re sons “and if a son, then an heir through God.” We’ve been rescued, declared righteous, and adopted into the family of the God of the universe. This is cause for great joy! For we are no longer slaves, but sons. (Jonathan Kever)
Sermon Briefs in this issue are provided by: Derl Keefer, Adult Ministries Coordinator, International Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, MO; Joe McKeever, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Kenner, LA; Gary D. Stratman, Pastor, First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, Springfield, MO; Jonathan Kever, Preaching.
From the Lectionary
Proper 17 (A)
September 1, 2002
After the Shouting
Romans 12:9-21
September is such a lovely time to get married. The weather often so perfect. There are always lots of anniversaries to celebrate in this month. I have a vivid memory of a stunning September wedding some years ago now. It was a Jewish-Protestant wedding in a synagogue. Everything about it was beautiful. The people, the setting, the words, music — all reminded me of Snow White and her prince on their wedding day.
The groom even crushed anything that might mar the beauty of their marriage by stomping on the wine glass. Then the final Hebrew blessing and English blessing and they were coming down the aisle beaming. Someone whispered quietly to me, “Well, it’s all over now, but the shouting!”
His sarcastic play on words started me out of my story book spell, back into the reality that we had just witnessed the last scene in Snow White’s tale. Our fairy tales never begin with the wedding. They always end there. Perhaps because people have felt for centuries that in a sense the most beautiful and exciting days of their lives end at that point. After that comes “the shouting”, or so they say.
When things get rough we say, “Well, the honeymoon’s over.” The time when love comes easily is passed. Then what? Then the story fades out. The movies and magazines just replay the story up to that point, again and again. We repeat over and over in our books and films and dramas the beautiful beginning of a love story and when the hero and heroine finally get together the love story ends!
Oh, some other story may go on, like the classic “I Love Lucy” shows or TV soap operas in which we see mainly struggles between the men and women; they’re trying to trick each other, be one up on the other, fighting, hurting, shouting at each other. Somehow all that shouting between Lucy and Ricky never seemed very funny to me. I always wondered why they couldn’t just get together and live in peace.
Paul said, in so far as it is in your control, live peaceably with all. As a child, I often wondered why married couples and the closest relatives and friends always seemed to be the ones on TV who were fighting with each other. I remember being amazed to learn as a child that most murders are committed within families. This is still true today. The people who are closest to each other have the strongest feelings about each other, both good and bad. We have wonderful ceremonies to celebrate the good feelings. But not a lot of help dealing with the bad ones. The divorce court is a lonely place.
I like weddings because they’re so full of hope. But the hope has to be in the kind of “working” love, that goes into action when the easy love’s prelude stops and the more “advanced” music comes on, for which we must labor to learn the difficult dance of patience, perseverence and prayer. The harmony of this more and more sophisticated music demands humility, nobility and grace under pressure. It requires that if someone steps on your foot, you don’t kick them; rather, you help them to learn the steps by continuing steadfast in them yourself. You teach them a lesson by reaching for the Spirit power of “second wind” and get your inspiration to act in grace, rather than in kind.
On the rare occasions when people ask me to do a reaffirmation of their wedding vows, after some years of marriage, I like that even more than weddings because I know that those people deserve a celebration much more than the so-easily loveable newlyweds.
The man and woman who stood before me recently to reaffirm their marriage of 10 years had literally been through hell together. They and their three children were all in tears of joy because they had made it through, with hope and grace still on their team, and they had too much of an investment in it now to ever turn back. Hallmark didn’t even know what to tell the couple celebrating their 70th Anniversary here last year. They were off the charts to make their witness in holding fast to what is good!
The time “after the shouting” is the time of maturity and true testing and best possibilities … in all relationships. Whatever persons we hold dearest should get the best of us, not the worst.
The wine glass broken in the Jewish wedding originally symbolized the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem. It’s there in the ceremony as a reminder that if the temple is to be rebuilt, it must happen now in temples of human beings, in our own lives, as we constantly pick up the pieces and make them stronger by letting grace find ways to fit them back together and build each other up again.
Everyone has troubles and some shouting. But may people envy us even our troubles, for how we face them. When Robert Browning whisked his beloved Elizabeth Barrett out of her troubled seclusion into marriage with him he began one of the greatest love stories of all time.
Inspired by the vision of their mature love, begun in the fullness of their years, he wrote: “Grow old along with me!/ The best is yet to be,/ The last of life, for which the first was made./ Our times are in his hand/ Who said, ‘A whole I planned.’/ Trust God, see all, nor be afraid.” The kind of love Paul calls us to is just this kind, sturdily grown up into the rich harvest of love’s labors fulfilled. (Kathy Peterson)
Proper 18 (A)
September 8, 2002
Working It Out
Matthew 18:15-20
Matthew is teaching us today that much more is required in committed relationships than passivity and endurance. He’s talking specifically about relationships in the church. But his advice applies to all significant, close relationships. He’s showing us that we cannot back away from problems, tiptoe around them or pretend they’re not there. We have to deal with them and work them out and in that process there is great possibility for positive growth and change.
This is one of two passages in the Gospels (both in Matthew, cf. 16:18) where the word “church” is used. Jesus had told them to shake the sand of any village that rejected them off of their sandals. Walk away.
But after His death, when His people gathered together in the church, how were they to deal with rejection and trouble makers then? Unrepentant sins against God and other church members could not be left behind in the dust then. The early church had to find a way to deal with this, something that the church has been struggling with ever since, with little attention to the process suggested here.
Did Matthew suggest that if a member of the church sinned against someone, they were to just quietly forgive them in their heart and say nothing? Not hardly! He gives a detailed process for actively coping with the problem. First go to the person and talk to them about it, one on one. If that doesn’t work, then (2) take one or two others with you, so that there can be witnesses. If the member still will not listen, (3) tell the whole church. If they still refuse, (4) exclude them from the church community. Shun that person.
1Corinthians 5:3-5, 9-13 and 2 Corinthians 13:1-3 show that Paul used excommunication with this process. The Ananaias/Sapphira incident in Acts 5:1-11 also shows this to be standard in many early churches.
Jesus, of course, sought out “Gentiles and tax collectors.” But the early church was trying to establish its identiy and keep that definition of itself clear. Jesus was seeking lost sheep. Paul was dealing with wolves mutilating his sheep “in house” and he took aggressive action to prevent that.
The second half of the passage is the powerful rationale for this aggressive action againt people who remain outside the defining identiy of Christians. If that were allowed to continue, the result would destroy the harmony and unity that makes the community of Christians so powerful. “If they agree, they can ask anything and God will grant it. If they gather in Christ’s Spirit, He will be there with them. The whole point of the church was to create and maintain harmony in love — to learn to love one another very well, indeed. So it was essential not to gloss over, but to deal with and work through problems in relationships because the harmony of right relationships was the basis for the new order.
To avoid any misunderstanding, in the very next verse Matthew records the 7 times 7 admoniton from Jesus on forgiveness. Forgiveness is not optional for the Christian. But forgiving someone does not mean that they can retain their church membership if they are not repentent. This is our eye into the early church realizing that not anyone or everyone will be able to be in their group, without creating chaos or even destroying its identity.
The modern church is allergic generally to confrontation. Everyone should just “be nice.” Ignore problems. The courage required to follow Matthew’s 4 Step program has the potential though to resolve the problem, one way or another. It’s goal is to bring the person back into harmony with the group. He doesn’t suggest forbearance, endurance, patience in accepting bad behavior. Quite the contrary.
I read recently that most people carry about 10 lbs. of waste material around that has gotten trapped in their colons, where it ferments and eventually causes serious illness. They wash on the outside, but are filthy on the inside, the author said.
This is just as true on the spiritual plane, where silent martyrdom can cause an accumulation of festering sores. But speaking the truth to each other in love clears the atmosphere for forgiveness and change. It wishes well to the offender by giving opportunity for better behavior, rather than passive observation of denigration of the self and the group.
Notice it’s the victim who is to initiate the action toward reconciliation. In Luke 17:3 Jesus says: “Be on your guard! If thy brother sins against you, you must rebuke the offender. This takes courage and enough good will to want the offender to do better.
Three of the four ways to deal with altering behavior that needs to change, involve people besides the victim. In native societies, whenever there is a dispute, a third person always appears on the scene as a witness and mediator. Often because of the balance of power, things cannot be worked out between just two people. Others or a whole community may well be needed to give the wisdom and counterbalance for a just and promising solution.
The present-day church is in much need of the advice here that could save it from the often rampant abuse of offenders in its midst who have free reign among its other members, who know no other resources for blatant unchristian behavior in their midst than niceness. This gives incredible power to those willing to resort to the worst behavior. There is an urgent need in our churches to reclaim the power offered to us in this passage. Our internal accountability and external identity depend upon it. (Kathy Peterson)
Proper 19 (A)
September 15, 2002
Disputable Matters
Romans 14:1-12
Did you hear about the church that achieved perfect harmony among their congregation? The church that was always 100% in tune with God’s will? The church that never experienced problems or controversy of any kind while carrying out a vibrant successful ministry for the Lord? If you would like to read their story, you can find it at any Christian bookstore on the fiction shelf!
I. Accepting the weaker brother
The “perfect” congregation doesn’t exist. Therefore, each of us needs to hear from the Apostle Paul this morning as he writes, “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.”
There are three things worth noting in this opening verse: 1) Some may have weaker faith than others. It might be demonstrated in how they handle what Paul calls “disputable matters.” How mature are you in your faith? Mature enough that you don’t always have to get your way?
2) There is a time to make or pass judgment. The injunction is not against ever passing judgment but simply against passing judgment about “disputable matters” which brings us to this: 3) Just as there are disputable matters, it follows that there are indisputable matters.
II. Disputable vs. Indisputable
For us, an indisputable matter is any matter on which the Bible clearly speaks. There is a bumper sticker that reads, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it.” A little boy pointed out that the middle line was unnecessary. In other words, it could actually read, “God said it, that settles it.”
It is of interest to note those matters which Paul described as the “disputable matters” of his day — what foods you can eat, specifically meat. While this probably is not an issue we deal with today within the church, there were those who felt it sinful to partake of meat. This vegetarian diet (definitely not for me!) may have been some distortion of the teaching in Acts 15 against partaking of blood or meat that still had its lifeblood within.
Paul brands this as weak faith yet with the next pen stroke says that those who partake are not to look down on those who do not (v. 3). Maturity in faith is just seen in how you view a particular issue, it’s how you view those who see it differently.
Certain days being considered holy versus those who see every day as alike. The surprising fact is that the New Testament never clearly spells this out for us. It is still a “disputable matter.” Some will say that every day is sacred to the Lord, every day is a day we are to live in his service. Sometimes we sing, “This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
We can sing that of each and every day, yet some view certain days, even this one (Sunday), as special to the Lord. Christmas, Good Friday, Easter are special days to some, and Paul says that each one should be fully convinced in his own mind (v. 5). The crux of the matter is this: How do you view those who see things a bit different?
III. Reactions within the pew
Don’t pass judgment, look down upon, criticize, attack or demean those who see “disputable matters” in a different light.
Ever hear of a church embroiled in controversy over the introduction of a new style of worship, the introduction of a “contemporary” service? A disputable matter!
Ever hear of those within a church who were unforgiving of one another? Who refused to follow the directive of “forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you” (Eph. 4:32)? A church where love for one another was lacking despite Jesus telling us that all men would know we are His disciples if we loved one another (John 13:34, 35)?
How tragic when because of some disputable matters, we fail to live up to the indisputable teachings of our faith!
Earlier in this same letter, Paul has said that we are to, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law” (Rom. 13:8). And that is something that’s indisputable! (Dan Nicksich)
Proper 20 (A)
September 22, 2002
Lest We Complain
Exodus 16:2-15
Bill had not been feeling well so he made an appointment with his Doctor. After the examination, the doctor asked to speak to Bill’s wife. He said something like this, “Mary, your husband has a rare, potentially terminal stress related disorder, and the cure will have to come from you. If Bill is to recover, you’ll have to create for him a totally stress free environment.
You need to be a loving, encouraging, affectionate wife. You should send him off to work each day with a hug and kiss. While he’s away, you should use your time to clean your house and make the atmosphere of your home as pleasant as you can. When Bill returns from work, greet him at the door with an affectionate kiss and have a hearty meal of his favorite dishes prepared. You must do everything possible to soothe and show affection to Bill. His life depends on it.”
As they were driving home, Bill asked Mary what the doctor said to her in their lengthy meeting. Mary was quiet for a moment and then said: “He says you’re going to die.” Isn’t it surprising how often God’s people will complain and discourage rather than praise and encourage?
I. Doubters in the desert (vv. 2-3)
These were people who had seen miracles but now they doubt. They watched as the Nile was turned to blood, as hailstones selectively singled out and killed Egyptian cattle.
They watched as frogs, gnats, boils and darkness infested the land of Egypt. God had struck down the firstborn of Egypt to free His people, yet now they doubt.
They’ve been saved from slavery, yet death as slaves seems preferable to freedom in the desert. And why? Because of food! Just imagine throwing away lasting freedom for a change in diet!
Isn’t it surprising how often we seek temporary pleasure at the expense of faith in the God who never fails to provide?
II. The God who is ever-present (vv. 4-10)
The people grumble, yet God gives His promise. There is no one like God when it comes to a gracious response to people who have failed Him. The God who is ever-present proves to be one who is also ever patient.
After strong words of rebuke through His prophet Malachi, pointing out that the people were robbing Him by their failure to tithe and give appropriate offerings, God gives this promise: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test Me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it” (Mal. 3:10).
Just bring the full tithe in, and you will be blessed. To those who were robbing Him, God gives His promise. Why would we ever doubt such a gracious, forgiving God?
You too can reap the blessings of the God who is ever-present.
III. Manna in the dew (vv. 11-15)
Did you know the word manna literally means, “What is it?” It was bread from heaven, yet their question was, “What is it?”
What is it? It was, for them, the continuing evidence of God’s providential care — manna in the dew and quail in the desert.
What is it? For us it can be blessings in yet unrecognizable form. Ephesians 1:3 says we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. We come to God seeking His blessings. At times, we grumble or complain. Perhaps our faith begins to waver.
What is it? A time of trial, yet God’s Word says to consider it a time of joy for He is working for our good.
What is it? Perhaps a time of need, yet God says to have faith, and He will provide.
What is it? It’s a time of challenge; a time to serve and work; a time to don the servants robe. The challenge is to do so without complaining or arguing lest we too seem to be doubters in the desert.
Philippians 2:14 puts it quite simply, “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” We each have a calling to fulfill, a means by which we serve the God who is ever-present. Will you do so without complaining or arguing? (Dan Nicksich)
Proper 21 (A)
October 6, 2002
The Magnificence of Humility
Philippians 2:1-13
“It’s a big wide and wonderful world. I am going to get all I can out of it.” She had just finished college, and her ambition was only limited by her imagination. Religion had always been a part of her life, and yet it was really more “user friendly” than anything else. People were expendable, especially if they could help her get where she wanted to go.
Just before she graduated she would go one last time to her Bible study, where her friends were nice. She might even gain some tips on how to achieve her fortune. Well, things didn’t go as she had planned. In fact, the verses under study had to do with humility. The great success story was slowed down and, you might say, spiritually throttled. Saint Paul and Jesus got in the way — big time. The more they studied Philippians 2:1-13 the more she began to question her motives.
I. Consider others better than myself? (vv. 1-4)
“Don’t I have right to be me? How dare anyone even suggest I shouldn’t exercise my ambition. Isn’t it God-given, and doesn’t He expect us to use our time, talent and energy? Of course I am going to look after my own interests, and that’s my business. Excuse me, it’s my life, and I will take charge of it! But wait, this is Holy Scripture. Christ died for my sins and arose from the dead for everyone. Better do some adjusted thinking. Maybe a little revision here and there and I can still have it all! Don’t remember reading these verses before. Well, maybe God is trying to tell me something.”
The question had really become very sobering. The “talking back” made her feel guilty because, after all, the Bible was the Bible. A healing chain reaction had begun. It was like watching dominoes slowly fall over and with little effort on anyone’s part. Those about her that evening could sense a major struggle was at hand. While they had some of her feelings of “having it all,” it wasn’t really to the extent she had. Deep down all were cheering for the healing chain reaction to complete itself, so all could benefit. She was visibly moved, and frustration was apparent. She had doubts about selfish self-realization.
II. Did Jesus really do that? (vv. 5-11)
Aren’t we Easter Christians, and don’t we put all the emphasis on Him conquering death? Jesus made Himself nothing? Yes, He was humble, and that’s fine but so what? He became victorious and nothing else matters all that much.
I get so sick and tired of all those pious people walking around like they are sick! Jesus was a servant. In a way we are supposed to be, too. But whoever said we were to be doormats? He was obedient to death. Yes, and we are told it was a terrible death on a cross. Maybe we had better place in our memory the permanence of all of this.
Now, they came to the passages they all wanted to take and hold dear. Emotions ran high, including hers, as they pondered that His name was above all names. It sounded like sooner or later all would bow before Him. God would see to that. Oh that was thrilling! Many tears were shed as the Holy Spirit moved among them.
Imagine every tongue confessing Jesus Christ is Lord. It had begun to dawn in a very forceful way that Jesus had done so much for all and especially everyone there that evening. Just maybe His self-realization was a lot more important to imitate than hers.
III. How practical is all of this? (vv. 12-13)
Good, fine and lovely! Now where do we go with all of this? Now that we have come down off cloud nine, it’s time for a reality check. Will this attitude toward life work in the every day world? That’s debatable, and common sense says we had better get the stars our of our eyes.
On the other hand, would the inspired Apostle Paul write to us about something that won’t work? I don’t think so. There has to be some common sense value in this. He speaks I about continuing to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. Better move from theory to practice.
By now most everyone had moved to consensus, including Ms. Jones or Smith. She, more than anyone else, was having her thinking revised. In fact, her heart was growing warmer to the prospect of a genuine humility that was truly magnificent.
It began to be a great feeling for her to know that there was, in fact, much beneficial power in all of this, and she could share in it. To live the Christian life at deeper levels was possible and a lot of it has to do with humbling oneself. The group traveled through serious but precious waters. Peace abided.
For all who call themselves Christians and have walked at deeper levels, we know about this magnificence. Only the Cross and the Crown working simultaneously in our souls can produce the spiritual formation that is the “pearl of great price.” Our Savior and Lord not only points the way, He shows us the way. Yes, He lived, died and lived again that we have no doubts about His ongoing and eternal supremacy. To be crucified with Him is to arise with Him. (Donald C. Lacy)
Proper 22 (A)
October 13, 2002
Judgment Comes
Matthew 21:33-46
He was a young man that God was wooing into the ordained ministry. Over the months different persons just seemed to happen into his life. All of them felt a sense of mission and his calling. None betrayed the spirit of Christ by trying to force the issue.
First this one and that one brought up the idea with him. There was always kindness and an attitude of thanksgiving. But he kept refusing, and in time his heart was hardened against it so completely that those about him became worried. He was at war with God and every messenger that was sent.
It is said Jesus came to him in a dream and invited him to become a member of the clergy. As the story goes, Jesus spoke of his strong sense of morality and the fact so much was right in his life. But that wasn’t enough. A place had been made for him among the ordained. Sadly — even tragically — his response was so negative and blunt that he no longer made a place for Jesus at all.
I. Consistent and persistent rejection is deadly (vv. 33-39)
Church history is punctuated by great men and women who sought to bring Christ to precious human beings. Some of them gave their lives. We cannot know their numbers in this life, but we may very well know in the next. They have worn various labels, as denominations go, and seem to have been treated the same. We cannot help wondering, for example, what might have happened had both Adolph Hitler and Joseph Stalin been obedient to early callings from the Spirit.
More pointed, what does this have to do with you and me. Frankly, I believe there is nothing by coincidence. Certain persons are placed in our paths and often for spiritual purposes. Most of us can cite experiences when the death angel came and there had been no indication of receiving Christ as Savior and Lord. We, too, can practice a kind of an approved rejection that seems harmless but over a period of time becomes deadly. May God be merciful!
II. Eventually God will not be denied (vv. 40-44)
Isn’t it amazing how stupid, in a spiritual sense, some people can be? At first that sounds like mere human judgment. Yet, read the signs and make careful observations. Our Bibles call upon us to do that. The stupidity comes about because there is a frame of mind that chooses to believe either God doesn’t care how we live, or He is not a God of justice. In both cases the Christian Faith from the beginning has said this is false. In our depths we know that God sooner or later has His way.
It is easy some days for us to question God’s will, especially in our own lives. We seem to believe that just maybe God is forgetful or amenable to our wills.
While He hears all prayers, that doesn’t mean we can sway what He ultimately has in mind. “Not my will but Thy will be done” is as true now as it was when Jesus prayed it centuries ago. Repentance and a strong desire for Him to have His way always helps and even may prevent a catastrophe.
III. Religious power structures can be demonic (vv. 45-46)
Some key leaders in Judaism had things the way they wanted them, so they bolted the door shut that led to revitalized religious practice. It seemed one breath of fresh air was entirely too many. A man like Jesus was beyond toleration. It’s like saying “it’s either him or us.” We need to keep in mind not all Jews wanted to get rid of Him. Actually, not only was our Lord a Jew, but so were most all of the earliest followers. But power was very important to some, and they insisted on keeping it.
You and I know about power, don’t we? There seems to be no corruption like the corruption found in some institutions. The finest of religious ideas and feelings are twisted and turned by the few until the Devil has a field day. Clergy who have been in the vineyards over the years know the temptations that come to us. Even exemplar clergy can become evil in a turf war. It is as though Jesus is no longer in their midst. He is standing to the side weeping.
Yes, long-standing rejection is deadly. In time God will not be denied, and demons can infiltrate even the churches. Judgment does come, but why bring it deliberately on ourselves? Pray humbly and sincerely; read the oly Scriptures with open minds, and live the Christian life clinging to Jesus the Christ. Then, if judgment comes, it will not be of our doing.
Our day and time cries out for those who kneel before whatever judgment God brings, to pray that it will lead to repentance and decisively changed lives. Judgment can bring reconciliation and purification. At all costs, we must never forsake our Savior and Lord. (Donald C. Lacy)
Proper 23 (A)
October 13, 2002
A Black Tie Affair
Matthew 22:1-14
Gerald Kennedy remembered when the students at Yale Divinity School were fussing with the faculty about what was appropriate clothing for ministerial students in classrooms. The faculty was on the side of dignified, business attire, and the students were pushing for more informal. The method of debate was proof texting from scriptures. The faculty would post on the bulletin board, “Awake, awake, put on your strength, put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem.” and the students would reply with “Therefore, be not anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on.” So we have to wonder why the man who said not to be anxious about what you put on would turn around and tell this story.
This parable of the King who gives a party, drags in the people off the street and then condemns one to eternal fire and brimstone because he does not have on the right clothes is a pretty strange story. When you take it apart and look at the pieces of it, it sounds very much like the plot of a very bad Stephen Segal movie: an opportunity for a lot of violence and bloodshed, but finding the meaning or the socially redemptive features are not very easy.
Maybe if we tried to tell this story with a more contemporary cast of characters and a possible time line, we might be able to get into it a little bitter. The number one mover and shaker in this whole town has a son who is talking about getting married. But he is very busy jetting back and forth all over the world, and he is not sure when he will have time to get married.
The place where they have talked about getting married has been damaged by the hurricanes, and the band they want has a couple of members who are sick, and they are not sure when they will be well enough to play, but the son and his girl friend would like to get married when they can work it in. So the number one mover and shaker just sends out invitations to all the other mover and shakers in the town and says, “Hey, get ready, I want you to know we are going to have a wedding.”
Suddenly, unexpectedly the carpenters get the place repaired and the band is well, and the two people discover that they have a whole week free, and so they decide to get married. The number one shaker and mover sends out announcements that the wedding is on Saturday. But all the other movers and shakers already have things to do, places to be, business to conduct, trips they have planned, ball games to go to.
They talk among themselves about how silly Mr. Big is to think that they sit around waiting, holding open a their social calendar just on the possibility that his family might be doing something. They smile and laugh at the arrogance of such a man. Some even beat on the messenger pretty good. One pushed a messenger down the stairs and he broke his neck. Another shot one of the messengers thinking he was an intruder. It was not a pretty picture for a beginning of a wedding feast.
So by Tuesday morning the Number one mover and shaker has rounded up an armed band of mercenaries, and he sends them out to show his outrage at the snub of his family. These thugs kill the people who have refused to come to the party and destroy the business and property of these people.
But what kind of party can you have with no guests? Wednesday the messengers are sent out into the community, walking up and down main street telling the people at the Little Hotel, telling the people at the Smoking Pit, telling the people at the court house, the people at the jail, wedding on Saturday. Number One mover and Shaker is having a party, and he has already killed about forty or fifty people who said no, so you all had better come.
Saturday dawns clear and mild, and the wedding has taken place and the reception is in high gear. All of the people who were told to come have come — the good and bad, the high and the low. The number one shaker and mover is moving through the crowd greeting his guests. And then there is that one man over there in his work clothes from Winn-Dixie. There is one man who is not dressed for a party.
How in the world could anybody, would anybody, be so stupid or so cocky or so out of it not to put on wedding clothes after all that has happened? The number one mover and shaker becomes so enraged that he grabs the man, and yells at him.
“How did you get in here without wedding clothes on?”
The man is speechless. He hasn’t an answer. He doesn’t even try to explain or defend himself. The Number One has him cast out of the party forever into eternal darkness.
There was a time I wondered how the Number one mover and shaker could expect the people to be ready for a wedding if they had been pulled in off the street, but somehow all the others managed to get appropriately attired. They found wedding garments. There is only one man who had not bothered with changing. “If he wants me there, he can take me like I am.” Not to have put on the black tie must have been an intentional decision. All the others off the street managed to come appropriately attired.
That is the flavor of this story and Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is like that. Can you imagine the tension, I the apprehension, the fear that would hang over that party? If you were at that party you would be very much aware that what you did there and how you acted was serious business?
Jesus is talking about the coming Kingdom of God and the people hearing His preaching are debating the matter as if the kingdom of God is some small matter like whether or not the Feds are going to raise or lower the prime interest rate. So Jesus tells us a story to remind us that the Kingdom of God is the central question of our lives.
We are invited to the party of the Kingdom of God and that invitation is the most important invitation, a life or death decision, a central question.
The story is right in reminding us that in the presence of the Holy God, fear is the beginning of all wisdom. And what we do with what we have been given is part of how we participate in the party. This story of the Kingdom of God has a way of bringing fear back as part of that kingdom to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to awaken the sense of obligation and responsibility for what we do and how we act in the kingdom, to be made aware that what we do matters at the party. (Rick Brand)
Proper 24 (A)
October 20, 2002
Our Spiritual Duty
Matthew 22:34-46
What is our spiritual responsibility as Christian believers? What are our two most important attitudes and loyalties?
Jesus answered these requests as recorded by Saint Matthew in this Gospel passage. We will discover an interesting spiritual insight when we hear this passage of scripture.
I. What Is Our Greatest Law Command from God?
This great commandment passage tells us that a lawyer questioned Jesus. “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” verse 36.
Jesus gave a dramatic answer to his question. We must love the Lord our God. Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 a basic statement of the Jewish faith text. 1) We are to love the Lord God with all our heart. 2) We are to love Him with all our soul. 3) We are to love Him with all our mind.
We are to give the Lord our complete first loyalty in our thoughts, emotions, spirit and activities. We must give God our total love and faith commitment.
II. What Is The Second Commandment?
Jesus’ answer to this passage is based on Leviticus 19:18. We must love People. We are not to look down on them or to hate them. We will recognize them as a part of the Father’s creation and those for whom Christ died on the cross, for their redemption and for ours. Loving people for whom Christ died is an indication of our devotion to God. We are to love God first and people second. Our devotion to God causes us to serve our fellowmen and women and children, including our faith sharing and missions.
I was converted when I was twelve years old, and baptized. When I was sixteen I was called to preach and licensed by my church. Fifty years ago I was ordained to the Gospel Ministry when I was a student at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. I have served ten churches in five states: Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina. I preached in seventeen states and in seven foreign countries in South America, Europe and Africa. This way I served people. I shared the Gospel, visited, baptized, conducted marriages and funerals for several hundred. I love the Lord and people, in obedience to Jesus’ command. My continued ministry is preaching, Bible study and visitation of the sick and shutins.
III. Who Is the Anointed One, the Christ, and God’s Messiah?
Verse 41, Jesus asked the Pharisees, “What do you think of the Christ?” They said “The son of David.” They thought that King David’s descendent would be a political leader (a prince or King of Israel) who would fight and defeat their enemies. They wanted him to drive the Roman rulers out of Israel. They thought the Messiah would be a national political and military leader.
Jesus was called the Son of David when He healed a blind man. Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, not simply a descendent of King David. He was not an earthly conqueror but a person of sacrificial divine love.
You will recall His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane where He prayed “Not My will, but Thy will be done” prior to His arrest and crucifixion on the cross north of Jerusalem.
This golden text teaches us that we are to love God first, and then we are to love people for whom Christ died. This is our spiritual focus. (Alton H. McEachern)
Proper 25a
October 27, 2002
Our Life’s Highest Level
1 Thessalonians 2:9-13
St. Paul made a missionary journey to Macedonia. This was the first Gospel introduction to Europe. Macedonia was the capital of the kingdom of King Alexander the Great. He conquered many areas and spread the Greek language and culture into a lot of nations. That must be why we got our New Testament written first in Greek, not in Hebrew or Latin.
Paul left Philippi with Silas and Timothy with him as Christian missionaries to Thessalonica the capital of Macedonia. It had a population of 2A000 people. St. Paul preached in the synagogue three times proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah and telling about His death and resurrection. Paul and his fellow missionaries converted some Jews and Greeks to Christianity, mainly Gentiles. Then he went to Athens and Corinth in Greece. Paul was there three weeks when Timothy came to visit him in Athens. Paul sent him back to Thessalonica.
St. Paul wrote two letters from Corinth to the new Christian congregation in the early 50s. This was his earliest letter in our New Testament. He expressed his joy and gratitude at their conversion and encouraged them in their faith.
I. Lead a Life Worthy of God.
Look at St. Paul’s introduction to his letter to the new church: “Paul an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”
He established this new congregation and had a continuing ministry with them when he was no longer there. He and his two fellow missionaries were righteous, blameless and faithful witnesses of Christ, encouraging the new Christian congregation.
II. Lead your fellow believers to be worthy in God.
The quality of our Christian life is Christ like. He told us “Follow Me” Matthew 4:19. We are to accept the Lord’s tasks for us, including calling us to ministry. We are also to live in fellowship with the Lord.
Like St Paul, we are to convert people to faith in Christ and encourage them in their new faith and quality of life. We are to inspire our fellow believers. We are to lead a life worthy of God who calls us into His kingdom and glory. Christian behavior makes us holy and righteous believers.
In Matthew 28:19-20 we receive Jesus’ Great Commission, to His eleven disciples and to us. He told us to “Go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We are also to teach them what Jesus taught us to observe and believe. We have Christian Churches in 130 nations of the world today, so we have been obedient to Jesus’ commission. He promised to be with us always, and promised us the gift of the Holy Spirit with spiritual power from on High. This is the revelation of God’s will, our calling and our task. We are to worship and share our faith with the unsaved. We witness to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
There are 150,000,000 Christian believers in the United States today. In 2000 they gave $30 billion to Christian ministry and missions.
III. Thank God.
In verse 13 Paul thanked God that they received the Word. It is not just the word of men, but it’s truth is the Word of God. Paul was grateful for their new faith in Christ the Messiah of God. They received the Gospel with their hearts. The word comes from God in the Holy Bible and through the witness and faith sharing of Christian believers to the unsaved. This passage reflects gratitude for the success of the Gospel ministry in Thessalonica, where they received the Word of God in a spiritual tansformation. Many scholars think those new Christians wrote St Paul a letter of gratitude earlier.
Lets share our faith with the unsaved and unchurched in our community and in missions in the world, as St Paul, Timothy and Silas did almost 2,000 years ago. (Alton H. McEachern)
Sermon briefs in this issue are provided by: Kathy Peterson, Pastor, Palos United Methodist Church, Palos Heights, IL; Dan Nicksich, Pastor, First Christian Church, Somerset, PA; Donald C. Lacy, Pastor, Yorktown United Methodist Church, Yorktown, IN; Rick Brand, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Henderson, NC; Alton H. McEachern, Retired Pastor, Sharpsburg, GA.
From the Lectionary
Proper 9 (A)
July 7, 2002
Singletary Intensity
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
Mike Singletary, former defensive star for the Chicago Bears pro football team, possessed a pair of eyes that brought fear and trembling to opposing quarterbacks. Often the TV cameras zoomed into the face of the all-pro player, and the sports fans would catch a glimpse of what the opposition saw and felt. His eyes burned so intently on the play in front of him, and he was ready to pounce on any player invading his territory.
The scriptures call for the same style of “Singletary Intensity” in life. Intensity, like wisdom, is proven right by her action.
I. “Singletary Intensity” Focuses Upon Jesus (v. 28a)
Many people today look for the answer to life in a kaleidoscope of myths.
The myth of all prevailing religion. Our society has been told that all religions lead to one eternal being who is God and that He comes in all shapes, forms, sizes and names. We strive to be religiously correct to the point that we have lost what is religiously correct.
The Bible correctly says that Jesus is the ONLY avenue to a God relationship. Jesus is far more than a philosopher or prophet of God. He is God in human skin. Jesus transcends theology into the rational relational. He is very rational when He says to all, “Come to Me.” He is also very relational when he speaks those same words, “Come to Me.”
The myth of all prevailing job. The workplace provides another avenue of insatiable intensity and has taken on a religious character. Many people worship at the foot of the computer instead of the cross. The computer symbolizes for our generation a lust for life. Anything you want to know and sometimes don’t want to know about life resides in cyberspace. Men and women alike look for life in the cyberspace of their work. These people do so much seeking that they neglect their spouses, children, friends and re-creation of sprit and body. They tend to say, “Give me one more hour to get this done and then I’ll play with you … help you … be with you.” We cannot get along without a job, but there needs to be a balance between a job and our relationship with people and God.
The myth of the all prevailing legalism. We bristle at the thought of phariseeism, a system of rules upon rules. We want people to see how holy we are, and we do it by counting the number of rules we keep. We say, “I’m more Christlike than my friend because I tithe more, teach a Sunday School class longer, sit on the church board, usher, don’t go here or there, etc.” The concept is so unlike Christ and is a myth of life.
The myth of the all prevailing “If they aren’t with us, they are against us.” Philip Yancey writes about his youth: “One church I attended during my formative years in Georgia of the 1960’s presented a hermetically sealed view of the world. A sign out front proudly proclaimed our identity with words radiating from a many pointed star: ‘New Testament, Blood-bought, Born-again, Premillennial, Dispensational, Fundamental …’ Our little group of two hundred people had a corner on the truth, God’s truth, and everyone who disagreed with us was surely teetering on the edge of hell.”
How does our church present itself? Do we think of ourselves as the one and only God ordained church? Do we act as if we believe that?
II. “Singletary Intensity” Focuses Upon Understanding (v. 29.)
The burdens and tasks seem insurmountable. They clearly stand before me and Jesus. I have to step back and grasp what Jesus wants from my life.
Two words stand out as we look at what Jesus desires for us to understand.
Gentleness. Gentleness means being equitable, fair and moderate. Greek writers used the word gentle to characterize a nanny with out-of-control children or a teacher with a misbehaved student. Jesus is saying, “I’ll teach you how to be fair and equitable even with people who are out of the rhythm of grace.
Humility. Humility means I understand that my importance is not who I am, but whose I am. I see myself through God’s eyes not my own self-centered eyes. If we can break through life’s obstacles to learning and understand, just those two concepts, we are on our way to the spiritual intensity called holiness.
III. “Singletary Intensity” Focuses Upon Life Shared
I can try harder and harder to accumulate more and more of everything and expend more energy all by myself, but it fails. God’s answer to all that wasted time and energy is sharing life. Who better to share life with than Jesus?
In a sermon preached to his congregation at the Reed City, Michigan Church of the Nazarene in 1998, Rev. Richard Osborne shared four practical thoughts on this passage about shared life.
1) Hard work and intense effort have value only when they are attached to a clear goal and are a part of the rhythm of work, rest and self nurture.
2) God has called us to be faithful, and He is ultimately in charge.
3) When I evaluate what is really happening in my life I can be more creative.
4) As I focus on Christ’s goals for my life the Holy Spirit illuminates my mind to even bigger challenges ahead.
Can I look into YOUR eyes? (Derl G. Keefer)
Proper 10 (A)
July 14, 2002
The Spirit of Life and Power
Romans 8:1-11
A half-century ago Dr. A.C. Dixon visited a granite quarry in North Carolina. The foreman related that his quarry was supplying the granite for the Municipal Building in New York City. The man boasted that his company could lift an acre of solid granite ten feet thick, to almost any height desired in order to move the granite from one place to another. It was done by air compression. Dr. Dixon gave the illustration new meaning when he said that the Holy Spirit has the power to lift a heart toward God, though that heavy heart was as hard as granite.
He further said that after he visited the quarry he went to the Municipal Building that was undergoing the construction. He watched as the great artists chiseled those solid granite pieces into symmetrical forms. He said that the instruments carved flowers from the solid pieces of granite as if it was a knife going through hot butter. He questioned the men as to how they could produce such beauty and again the answer was compressed air.
Guided by the genius of the artists, the compression driven instruments could shape anything from the hard granite. He then said, “Oh, that God, in the mighty power of His Holy Spirit, would not only lift us up, but chisel us into shape, the very form and image of Jesus Christ our Lord, after we have been born from above.”
Paul, in our text, deals with the way life can be formed and shaped by the Holy Spirit as we allow Him to take our hardened lives and compress them into the image of Jesus.
I. Shaped by the Spirit of Power
The apostle understood how weak we humans are in our carnal nature. This carnal nature reveals the weakness, impotence and sinfulness in humanity without God. Humanity wants its own way and will slash and bite and kick to get to where it wants to go. It does not care who it hurts or what it takes to get to the top. Paul also understood that there is a vulnerability to temptation, which leads to our ultimate rebellion against a holy God. Without God we are subjected to and dominated by our own sinfulness. Our sinfulness is revealed in multifaceted ways such as idolatry, hatred, theft, lying, spousal/child abuse, heresies, envy, mockery, bigotry, gossip, etc.
II. Victory by the Spirit of Power
We need the power of the Holy Spirit to rush in like a mighty wind and reveal how sinful humanity is. Only then can the forgiving Christ do His work in our lives! This divine spirit of God condemns, convicts and collects the sin in our lives and dumps it as far as the east is from the west. As we repent we are able to rejoice in a new victorious life! No longer do we have to live a defeated existence. The power of God will shape our lives in a Christ-like mold. No longer will we stand accused before a loving God nor condemned to an eternal hell.
J. Alistair Brown illustrates this well. He writes that he used to walk through a park where he passed a massive oak tree. A vine was growing up along its trunk. He said that over the years he watched the vine’s creepers cover the entire lower half of the tree. The mass of tiny feelers was so thick that the tree looked as though it had innumerable bird’s nests in it. He knew that the mighty oak was in danger of dying as the very life of it was being squeezed from it by the vine’s mass. Fortunately when the gardeners in that park sensed the danger they went quickly to work and severed the trunk of the vine.
Although the tangled mass of the vine’s branches clung tightly to the oak, the vine was dead. As the weeks passed the creepers began to fall away from the tree. Our lives can be the same way. Christ severs sin’s power and the Holy Spirit begins to take away the unwanted tentacles as we yield daily to Jesus and sins grip loosens and falls away.1
III. Alive by the Spirit of Power
Norman Shepherd wrote: “While the title to eternal life is given to us in our justification, the Lord leads us into the possession of eternal life along the way of holiness.”2 Our desire is to be fully alive both here and for eternity by the power of the Spirit.
A young father tucked his son into bed. Together they prayed for all the things that little boys pray for when the young child fell asleep, the father retired to his own bedroom for the night. A few hours later his son woke up screaming from a nightmare, and his daddy rushed upstairs to comfort him. Still, shadows on the wall and the pitch-blackness of the night kept the little boy shuddering in fright. As his poppa held the child close, he comforted him by saying, “Son, I have to leave you now. Go back to sleep and know that God will watch over you tonight. God is right here.”
As the father was leaving the little boy spoke up and said, “But Daddy. I want a God who’s got skin on.”
Paul communicates to his readers that the power of the Spirit is God with skin on who is Jesus the Nazarene. Certainly it feels wonderful to know that God understands our feelings, weaknesses and needs because He is a God with skin on. He has given life to all who want to be fully alive in Him.
I would challenge anyone who wants the power of the Spirit to invite Him into your life to take full control. A “yes” to God means the Spirit will no longer gently pull at your heartstrings but, rather, will power flush the sin from your heart and cleanse you from carnality. (Derl G. Keefer)
1Craig Brian Larson, Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1993), 257.
2Derl G. Keefer, Open Doors (Lima, Ohio: CSS Publishing, 2001), 68.
Proper 11 (A)
July 21, 2002
Talking To God
Genesis 28:10-19a
After the glitter and glamour of millennial appendages, after the night-shade of staid materialism, we are often awakened by the stressful dreams of promised blessings. As we journey on to the promised lands of promise, keep talking to God.
Perhaps Jacob had failed to talk to God when he departed from Beersheba on his way to Haran. Jacob was on his own now, and he did not have the cozy familiar comforts of his daddy’s house. Just before the sun was swallowed up in the gaping mouth of a dark and starless night, Jacob laid his head upon a stone. Alone and far away, Jacob fell asleep wondering where he would be in the days to come.
Sometime during the night, Jacob was unable to sleep restfully, yet he was completely and frightfully awakened by a startling dream. Soon, Jacob realized that his dream had given him the opportunity to bear witness to the awesomeness of God when he talked to God.
What, then, did Jacob realize when he talked to God?
Jacob realized that when he talked to God his incapacities became God’s capacities.
Jacob had received his daddy’s blessings, but his daddy’s blessings fell short of God’s promises. Jacob’s daddy’s blessings guided him favorably, but his daddy’s blessing could not bless and guide him eternally.
It is safe to say that stones will be thrown in our pathway on our faith journey. To whom and for whom we are is predicated upon how we examine the stones in our pathway. Some stones will roll away on their own. Other stones can and must be cast away with the love of God in our heart. Nonetheless, we are still blessed to know that God is still the stone maker of the stone thrower who needs his blessings too! The ultimate question comes to us: Are we stone throwers or stone lovers! Jacob had forgotten about the stones that were under his head while listening to God.
Some years ago, an adventurer decided he would walk across America. When he arrived back to his home country, he was asked what was his most irritable experience during his walk. He looked the person in the eye and said, “A lot of people yelled at me, I was almost run over several times, but in my boot a ‘little stone’ caused me much grief. I took it out and kept walking.” As Christians, we can remove the “little stone” in our lives and keep walking while we talk to God.
Then, we realize that Jacob helps us to understand that when we talk to God we do not have to worry about the blessing of the promises for our descendants, our nation, our cities, our homes, our hamlets and our future as we journey toward the places of promise. Jacob was comforted to know that he was not really alone while he was traveling to Haran, for God looked down from heaven and said, “I am with you Jacob and will keep you wherever you go”(v. 15).
When God comes near we are comforted to know that He is our living comforter When God comes near we are comforted to know that He will bring us to the promised land of His promises. We do believe that He will not leave us until He has done what He has promised!
Jacob’s talking to God helps us to realize that the people of God must recognize that we can meet God at and in the stony places of our lives.
Sometimes God will come to us in stony places of unexpectancy! Sometimes God will speak to us in disturbing dreams just to let us know that His word will not fail! Sometimes God will show us a midnight matinee of heaven in a dream just to remind us that this world is not our home! Sometimes when the storms flood our lives, God will show up from the waters of heaven just to see if we are still seaworthy shipmates to climb on up to heaven’s gate! (Sherman N. Shelton, Jr.)
Proper 12 (A)
July 28, 2002
Is God For Us?
Romans 8:26-39
Is there a day that does not go by when we are pursued by irritant concerns and our very own being in the context of our sufficiency and existence? Is there a day when we fail to see the faint and swift remorse of our humanity lying redolent upon the shores of an anxious perplexity? Is there a day when we are not convinced that God is for us? Paul had these concerns in his evangelical travels upon the land and the sea.
There was not a day in Paul’s life where the “thorns of oppression” did not press him more faithfully and courageously toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul had been shipwrecked and left for dead, holding to the splintered remains of the bowels of his ship. His comrades had forbade his landing, but Paul knew that the captain of his ship had landed him safely in the midst of dereliction and anxiety to be comforted by the safe arms of salvation’s glory. Paul had been pursed by the dark imaginings of his own insufficiency, yet there was a quickening grace that gave him an exacting confidence in forgetting that which he had left behind.
If we are to continue our faith journey toward the upward call of God, we must remember that God is for us. Why should we remember that God is for us?
First, we should remember that God is for us because God understands that there are moments in our lives when we dearly need Him. When our physical wells begin to dry up and we have no other alternatives in this life, God will show up with His blessings. When we are faltering and frail in the infirmities of conscience, God will bend low to touch us with a finger of love. When our picture of life becomes gloomy, God will cast us upon His canvass of love and set us in the hanging gardens of eternity. God will do this because He is for us.
Secondly, we must remember that God is for us because there are times in our life when we need His intercession. When humankind fails us, God steps in to lift us up. A few years ago, a mother and son had come to the home place of their deceased mother and grandmother. The mother and son had been weary and forlorn in the administration of an estate which had challenged them tremendously both financially and spiritually. As they packed the scattered remnants of a decaying house, receipts were found dating back to the late thirties. In a canning closet near a glass cabinet, an old pottery cookie jar was found. The mother began to sift through the tattered cookie jar and suddenly her wearied face leaped with joy as her hand pulled out a smooth one hundred dollar bill. I said, “Mom, God will provide for us because He is still with us.” We do not have to fear tomorrow because God holds all of our tomorrows in His hand.
God is able to speak to all of our deep needs when our words are languishing in shallow waters of despair. God is able to look through the corridors of our physical conditions and supply the necessary spiritual prescriptions so that we may continue our Christian missions. When we think that God is not near and with us, that is when God is closer to us and really with us.
Third, as Christians we are comforted to know that God is for us. However, we should always know that because God is for us we should never fail to remember that nothing must separate us from Him. We ought to have a testimony which convinces us that God is faithfully around us, above us and below us even when we fail to recognize that God has never failed to be with us and for us. He is our rose of Sharon on life’s dusty roads! He is our bright and shining star! He is our noon day song! Yes, God is for us! (Sherman N. Shelton, Jr.)
Proper 13 (A)
August 4, 2002
The Power of Jesus
Matthew 14:13-21
A child stands atop a branch of a tall tree. At least it’s tall in his mind. In fact, at that very moment, it seems the tallest tree in the world that he’s climbed, and now it seems entirely too tall to climb down.
The young boy’s father stands at the base of the tree telling his son to let go and jump into His arms. His young boy is grasping the tree with every ounce of strength he has. His knuckles are white from the pressure, and there are little sweat beads forming on his brow. The Father knows he can reach his son. He hardly has to raise his arms. The more difficult task is concealing his smile.
The child sees his father, and knows his father is strong, even strong enough to catch him if he were to fall, but fear has gripped him, and he only views the situation from the perspective of a little boy trapped in a tree.
How often we are like that little boy, caught in a tree, knowing there’s only one way down. We must trust in the strength of our Father and, by faith, leap into His arms. In our text today we’re reminded of the power of God made available to us in the Lord Jesus. And we’re reminded that it’s easy to lose perspective in the cloudiness of our immediate circumstances.
Verse 13 speaks of the Lord Jesus as having withdrawn to a place of seclusion. After hearing of the atrocious murder of John the Baptist, Jesus was no doubt mourning the loss. His solitude didn’t last long though, and He was soon found by the crowd waiting for Him as He came to shore
I can’t help but be reminded of my own selfishness when I read these verses. If I lost someone close to my heart, especially in the unjust manner of John’s execution, I would do good not to lose my temper all together. And I especially wouldn’t want to be bothered with people looking to me for miracles and other wonders!
But the text says that Jesus felt compassion for the crowd and began healing their sick. What a marvelous example of God-centered selflessness. Jesus put the needs of others before His own. And He always walked according to the will of His Father, seeking His pleasure and glory.
When dealing with the disappointments of life, we too must look to the Father for perspective and the strength to go on, the courage to continue to trust Him and consider others more important than ourselves.
In verse 15 we see that it’s getting late. The disciples come to Jesus to fill Him in on the situation (as though He needed to be “filled in”). They were a good distance out from the village. If these people were going to get some supper, they better get going.
OK … the disciples have the God of the universe in their presence – the creator of all things, the sustainer of life – and they’re thinking they’ve got to send these people back to the village for food?
You read these verses and wonder how these disciples who’d seen Jesus do amazing things on several occasions didn’t think of asking Jesus for another miracle. And then when Jesus tells them to feed the people, their immediate response is that they’ve only got five loaves of bread and two fish. How can they possibly feed five thousand people?
I wonder if there was a long pause between verses 17 and 18 – the disciples staring at Jesus with blank looks on their faces, and Jesus waiting for them to get a clue.
Then I think to myself that we, too, have the power of God available to us every day. The same power that divided these loaves and fish, the same power even that raised Jesus from the dead has irrupted into our lives and made us new creations by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
How often our response to life is much the same as the disciples. We have Jesus in our presence, yet we ignore His power. Why do we ever choose the passing pleasures of sin over the rich satisfaction that is found in knowing Christ Jesus our Lord? Because instead of trusting in the Bread of Life to feed our deepest longings, all we can see is our immediate circumstances, our five loaves and two fish.
May we look to Jesus for the power necessary to carry on, even in the midst of circumstances that seem impossible. (Jonathan Kever)
Proper 14 (A)
August 11, 2002
A Time for Faith
Matthew 14:22-33
What is it about fear that so grips our lives? When people think about situations beyond thier control, they’re often overwhelmed with feelings of fear and anxiety. “What will I do if I’m one of those laid off from work? I’ve got a family to care for.” “What if this operation doesn’t get rid of the tumor?” “What if my child doesn’t come to know the Lord?” And the list goes on.
We can think of a number of things in our lives that could easily overwhelm us if we aren’t constantly reminded of who Jesus is and our need to place our trust in Him. In our text today we see that the disciples, especially Peter, are also overwhelmed with a situation that is out of their control. If ever there was a time for faith, it was now …
I. A Time of Fear (vv. 22-26)
When we read of the disciples’ reactions, we’re often quick to point out how ridiculous these guys were. After all, they constantly had Jesus, the living God, with them right? What is there to be afraid of?
Well, before we’re too quick to pass judgement, allow me to set the stage for this scene in Matthew chapter 14.
After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus immediately makes the disciples get into their boat and leave while he goes up to the mountain to pray alone. We have to turn elsewhere to find the reason for the sudden dismissal of the disciples and the crowd by Jesus. John 6:15 tells us that the crowds, having decided He was truly the Prophet, would’ve attempted to take Jesus by force and make Him king if He hadn’t of disbanded the group and sent them on their way. And Jesus this wasn’t the Father’s plan.
While Jesus was up on the mountainside praying, the disciple’s boat was caught in a storm. Now, we’ve got to remember that the disciples weren’t a group with little or no experience on the water. For them to have been held back by the storm says much more about the significance of the storm than the ability of the disciples – this was some serious wind.
And to make things worse, while they were struggling with the storm, they saw something in the distance coming towards them, walking on water! Their immediate thought? It’s a ghost! If there was ever a time to be afraid, it was now. They were caught in a great wind, unable to get there boat to safety, and there appeared to be a ghost in the distance.
Though we probably will not have the experience of being caught in a great storm with a ghost chasing us, we do know what it’s like to be in a situation beyond our control. We know the desperation of having loved ones who have suddenly been diagnosed with an incurable disease. We know the fear of getting a phone call from the police that our child, sibling, parent or friend has been in a terrible accident. We know what it’s like to not have control, and in the midst of those situations, it’s not difficult to empathize with the desperation the disciples must’ve felt.
II. A Time for Faith (vv. 27-33)
“But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid'” (v. 27). And just as the storms of life seem to overtake us, Jesus reminds us that He is sovereign over our circumstances. There’s no storm He cannot handle, no situation beyond His control.
And Peter called out to Jesus saying “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (v. 28). Craig Blomberg in his commentary suggests that “if” is a bit misleading in its translation. “Since it is you … better captures the intent of Peter’s request. Matthew surely saw the “Lord” in the strongest sense here, as equivalent to Yahweh, whether or not Peter intended it that way.”1
As Peter responded to the Lord’s call to come, he began to lose focus. As he again realized the magnitude of the wind, he became frightened and started to sink. Do we not often respond the same way. We start towards Jesus in faith realizing that if ever there was a time to trust Him, it is now, and then we lose focus and return in anxiety to the circumstances before us.
As Peter cried out to Jesus to save him, Jesus stretched out His hand and pulled him up. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” was the rebuke Peter received. And these words ring true in our ears when we allow the storms of life to consume us instead of fixing our eyes on Jesus and trusting Him.
When Peter and Jesus got to the boat the disciples worshiped Jesus. May we look to the Lord in faith, trusting His sovereign hand to carry us through life’s difficult circumstances, and may we join these disciples in realizing that Jesus is worthy of our worship and adoration. (Jonathan Kever)
1Craig L. Blomberg, Matthew, in The New American Commentary, Vol. 22 (Broadman Press: Nashville, 1992) 235.
Proper 15 (A)
August 18, 2002
The Rock From Which We Are Cut
Isaiah 51:1-6
In times of crisis we naturally look back to our places of strength. Isaiah called his people to remember where they came from. The people of God learn that we must never wander far from our origins.
I. In Pursuing Righteousness, Stay Close to God
The prophet called his nation to pursue God by remembering where they came from. The entire exodus event was part of their history. It was their “quarry.” We came from God and are made for fellowship with Him.
One of our contemporaries found this out. On June 2, 1995 Air Force Captain Scott O’Grady was flying a mission over Bosnia and was shot down. He spent six days hiding before being rescued. We might expect that experience to have devastated him, but let me tell you the aftermath in O’Grady’s own words:
“While I didn’t bring a new person into the world, I underwent a rebirth of my own. Those six days in Bosnia became a religious retreat for me, a total spiritual renewal. I’m not recommending near-death experience for its own sake. It’s a ride I wouldn’t care to take again. But I will say that my time in Bosnia was completely positive – nothing bad has come out of it. From the instant that my plane blew up around me, I opened my heart to God’s love. That day, five miles up, with death at my front door, I found my key to life. It took a mighty big jolt to open my eyes, but it was worth it. I knew I’d never be lost again” (Scott O’Grady, Parade, Oct. 29, 1995, p. 5.).
He learned that his deepest need was met in relationship with God. He went back to his place of origin, the rock from which he was cut.
II. In Living Righteously, Pass On God’s Forgiveness
Isaiah gives the picture of a people who have been brought out of slavery, changed to be His own, and forgiven of their sin. Followers of Christ know themselves to be recipients of graceful forgiveness. One of our tasks is to pass that forgiveness on to others.
Forgiveness is not a simple task, either to request or to grant. But it is real. Forgiveness does change the pain of past events. Many people know about the killing of five missionaries in Ecuador in January of 1956. Members of the Auca Indians attacked the missionaries and killed them as the missionaries tried to tell the Aucas about Christ. Others finally managed to communicate with the Aucas and turned them to Christ.
What makes this story so incredible is that the son of the pilot who died that January day went back to that region a decade later and was baptized by the very men who murdered his father! After the baptism, Stephen Saint and the Aucas went to the cemetery where Stephen’s father, Nate Saint, along with Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, and Jim Elliot were buried. An Indian named Kimo prayed, “Father God, You know that the last time we came to this place we did wrong by killing these men. But now we know why they came here, and we know that one day we are going to meet these men in the sky whom we killed.”
Fifteen-year-old Stephen forgave the men who killed his father, and he himself was changed (Stephen Saint, as told to Dan Wooding, “Baptized by the Men Who Murdered My Father,” Decision, September 1986, pp. 14-5).
In times of stress and confusion, let us go back to the source of our strength and grace. God is that source. He restores and establishes us as we yield ourselves to Him. Is there any other source for your soul’s deepest needs? (Don Aycock)
Proper 16 (A)
August 25, 2002
God’s Plan For the Believing
Community
Romans 12:1-8
The church lives or dies according to its vision. If there is no vision, the church rocks along on inertia, seldom stretching itself or moving beyond its comfort zone. But if it has a vision of what God intends, it begins to act on faith and puts itself on the front line where things happen.
What does it take for a church to envision God’s plan for the believing community?
I. A Clear Motive
God’s mercy is the motive for all that we do and believe. Isn’t that true with you? If we know ourselves to be the recipients of the mercy from God, we act differently. We act as those who have received something wonderful, not as people who have arrogantly earned God’s favor. That favor – God’s mercy – gives us a motive for our work.
II. Genuine Spiritual Worship
Giving ourselves in worship is itself an act of worship. Worships styles take many forms, but all should point to exalting God and helping our focus on Him. That is why the motive for worship and service needs to be clear. If we worship simply to “make us feel good” then we have turned it into some sort of therapy instead of an act of worship. We remember that worship expresses the worth of God.
III. A Renewed Pattern
The church is populated with people who think differently from the world because their minds have been transformed – changed to fit a pattern of Christ. When that happens we look at life and its concerns differently.
I came across a statement written by a person with such a mind. I do not know who the author is.
“I’m part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed; my present makes sense; my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, cheap living and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity.
“I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, lift by prayer and labor by power. My face is set; my gait is fast; my goal is heaven; my road is narrow; my way rough; my companions few; my Guide reliable; my mission clear. I cannot be bought, I deluded or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me – my banner will be clear!”
IV. Proper Humility
The Christian life has no room for a celebrity syndrome. No one is higher or lower than others. When we keep that in mind, we can get along with each other. Humility keeps our egos in check and does not let us think of ourselves “more highly than we ought.”
V. Synchronized Service
The church is the place where people are synchronized into a well-honed functioning. No one has all the gifts to do everything. Instead, Paul mentions a group of spiritual gifts that build up the church. They include prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, leadership and mercy. When these, and the other New Testament gifts, are used together, the church is strengthened.
In all this God’s plan is to build His people as we understand the motive for our service, give ourselves in worship, renew our minds, maintain a humble attitude and use our gifts for Him. (Don Aycock)
Sermon Briefs in this issue are provided by: Derl G. Keefer, Adult Development Ministries Coordinator, International Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, MO; Sherman N. Shelton, Jr., Pastor, Worship Leader and Teacher, Plaza United Methodist Church, Charlotte, NC; Jonathan Kever, Preaching; Don Aycock, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Palatka, FL.
From the Lectionary
Sixth Sunday after Easter (A)
May 5, 2002
Groping After God
Acts 17, 22-21
Through the ages, people have invested great amounts of energy in trying to prove, or disprove, the existence of God. Paul seems to understand that this is really not the most important question. We all live in some kind of a relationship with that which is beyond us. Whether or not we know it, whether or not we know or choose to call that to which we are related “God,” we all live in some kind of a basic relationship that amounts to a relationship with God. The really important question is, “What is God like?” The answer we discover, or choose, for that question will shape our lives.
It would be hard to over estimate the importance of Athens as an intellectual and cultural center in the ancient world. Its influence is still with us. But when Paul spoke to the sophisticated intellectual leaders of the city, he started with the assumption that they were already “very religious people.” Picture him standing before a gathering of philosophers on an open terrace somewhere on the slopes of Mars Hill, with the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the cluster of other shrines, above them and the market place and the seaport below. He began by referring to the shrine dedicated to an unknown God. Then he told them about the God who was made known through Jesus Christ.
I. Do you know yourself as one who lives in a relationship with God?
Quite honestly, some will answer, “No.” If we look for the near end of a relationship with a God who is a particular separate person who lives in heaven, some of us will have to say that we have no real experience of that.
But look rather at that bigger relationship, that most basic of all relationships that is your relationship with life. Look at those experiences that you are referring to when you say things like: “Life has been good to me” or “Life can be tough.” Can you visualize God as one who is present and interacting with you everywhere that life touches you, either from without or from within? Can you visualize God as that greater reality “… in whom we live and move and have our being?”
II. If you have a consciousness of God, do you know what God is like?
Again, some will answer, “No.” Even some, who are familiar with the Christian teachings about God may never have thought of those teachings as having to do with that awesome greater reality that we bump up against every day in life.
Some of us experience God as a mysterious other, like a presence we are aware of in the darkness — or maybe like one with whom we are dancing or wrestling — in the darkness, one whose actions impact our lives but whose face we cannot see.
Many of us do indeed “grope after God” in the hope of finding Him and knowing Him.
III. Paul tells us that God can be known through Jesus Christ.
Realizing who God is will immediately require us to enlarge our concept of God. We can no longer think of God in terms of the little images we have created in our own likeness to justify certain things about ourselves or as a manageable little genie whom we can bribe through our practices of piety to make him do what we want done.
The God who is God is one who created all things and who gives us life. Knowing that we live daily in relationship with such a God will give each day of our lives a dimension of reverent awe.
But God has also made Himself known to us in our daily lives as one who loves us and is at work every day to save us unto wholeness and fullness of life.
In one of his own favorite hymns, “Come O Thou Traveler Unknown,” Charles Wesley described himself as one who, like Jacob, wrestled with God in the darkness. He knew well that someone was there, but he didn’t know who. His great question was, “Tell me thy name.” At last he receives his answer, and it changes everything. “Tis love. Tis love. Thou diedst for me…. Thy nature and thy name is love.”
What difference could it make in your life to know that the awesome other who relates to you in every moment of your life is one who loves you” (Jim Killen)
Ascension Sunday (A)
May 12, 2002
Ever Present, Always Happening
Acts 1:6-14
It seems that we Christians are always either preoccupied with thoughts about the end of time or forgetting about it all together. Recently, twenty-eight million people have read fictional novels based on one particular interpretation of the book of Revelation. That, combined with some cataclysmic events in our history, have provoked another time of preoccupation.
It may be that the disciples were suffering from a similar preoccupation when they came to the day of the ascension. When they saw the risen Christ for the last time, they asked, “Is this the time?” He said, “It is not for you to know the time.” Maybe He was saying, “Forget about that. I have something important for you to do.” Then He gave them a promise, “You shall receive power …” and a mission, “You shall be my witnesses …” and He was taken up out of their sight.
Two angels standing there said, in effect, “Don’t just stand there gazing into heaven. Jesus will come again when the time is right. Now you have something important to do.”
The things that happened next helped the disciples to put many things, including their concern about the last days, into perspective. Maybe they can do that for us too. They returned to the upper room where they could recover their memories of Jesus.
In the upper room, the disciples must have remembered Jesus feeding them and washing their feet and praying for them and saying to them things like, “I will always be with you. Abide in your relationship with Me. Love one another. If you love Me, keep My commandments. Now I am sending you into the world as the Father sent Me, to do His work” Understanding must have finally come. Understanding of the meaning of the ascension must finally have come also.
The ascension meant that Jesus went to be with God. We tend to visualize Jesus sitting beside God the Father in some distant Heaven. But God is really everywhere — and so is Jesus. God and Jesus are always right here with us in every moment of our lives and in every day of human history, not just watching, but actively involved in what is going on.
On the day of Pentecost, the disciples became even more aware of God’s active involvement in their lives.
Yes, God is moving our lives and our history toward some future fulfillment. But, in a real sense, Jesus comes into our lives every day, always offering us the possibility of fullness of life, always calling us to commit ourselves to the loving work that God is doing in our world, always enabling us to do what He calls us to do.
The future is in the hands of God. But the living God who was made known to us through the life of Jesus Christ is ever present. And the saving work of God is always happening.
What can all of that mean to us?
We can know that the coming “day of the Lord” is not just a catastrophe that is about to overtake us. It is a saving work that is always breaking in upon us, bringing new possibilities for us and for our world.
Instead of sinking into a fatalistic attitude that casts us in the role of helpless victims in a history controlled by evil powers, we can see ourselves as decisive participants in the work of a loving God who will ultimately be victorious.
The book of Revelation, far from being something meant to scare us, is a book meant to give hope and encouragement.
Let us not stand gazing into the heavens, either trembling in fear or despairing, wondering about the end times. Let us rather claim the promise of a living God who is ever present and whose saving work is always happening, and we should live daily in decisive service to God’s purpose, confident of the victory. (Jim Killen)
Pentecost Sunday (A)
May 19, 2002
Daybreak
John 20:19-23
It was now evening of the most incredible day that any of them had ever experienced. Huddled behind locked doors, Jesus’ disciples might understandably have felt like disembodied actors in a tragedy called “City of Insomniacs.” But as night fell on a third day of sequestration, their emotional exhaustion was being replaced by unexpected energy and excitement.
“Is it true? Could it be?,” they wondered aloud while puzzling over the day’s events. The resurrection report of the women at dawn had piqued the concern and curiosity of Peter and John, prompting them to take an early morning run to the tomb. The men discovered, just as the women described, that the tomb was empty. Then there was Mary Magdalene’s bold claim that she had actually talked to the Risen Lord, and that He had sent her to tell them that He was alive.
Now, late afternoon brought word from Cleopas that he and another disciple had also encountered the Risen Lord on the way to Emmaus. “But is it really true?” they wondered.
Anxious and fearful, with adrenaline flowing, the disciples’ query was suddenly quelled. The Risen Lord came and stood among His disciples giving them, and giving each of us, His peace, His purpose, and His power.
“Peace be with you!” (v. 19). In extending His peace (eirene, meaning “wholeness, well-being”) Christ offers both the peace of God and peace with God. First, the Risen Lord shares the peace of God through His words of reassurance, not rebuke; words of compassion, not condemnation. He then demonstrates how peace with God has been made by showing His wounds which are identifying marks of the suffering He endured and the salvation He has secured for all who believe and receive Him as Savior and Lord (v. 20). At this, the disciples are overjoyed.
“… A am sending you” (v. 21). Along with this new peace comes a new purpose. Just as God the Father sent His Son into the world, the Risen Christ now calls and commissions His disciples to go into all the world with the Good News. Just as Jesus did not remain in the glory of heaven and minister from afar, but humbled Himself and became a servant, so He calls us to grow to know and love those we seek to serve and witness to in His name.
However, John R. W. Stott observes that many Christians defer Christ’s call. Stott notes, “Sometimes we are like people who shout advice to drowning persons from the safety of the seashore. We do not dive in to rescue them. We are afraid of getting wet.” That first Easter night the Risen Christ called His disciples, past and present, to dive in and get wet. Their new purpose, and ours, must be to mirror the Incarnation, involved, in-person mission and ministry of Christ Himself.
“Receive the Holy Spirit” (v.22). Gifted with the Lord’s peace and given His purpose, the disciples are now granted the power to proclaim the Good News of salvation and the forgiveness of sin through faith in Christ alone (v. 23). Interestingly, just as God the Father breathed life into Adam at the time of creation (Gen. 2:7), God the Son breathes the new life and power of God the Holy Spirit into His disciples on this night of new creation and new commissioning.
Medical experts report that premature infants often struggle with underdeveloped lungs. In one study, neonatal intensive care physicians found that filling the lungs of critically-ill premature infants with oxygen-rich liquid actually enabled babies to breathe. For the Lord’s first disciples, and for us, we need the Spirit-rich breath of Christ to have life-giving power for His mission.
On that first Easter night the Spirit’s power came by Christ’s gentle breath, foreshadowing the mighty winds of the Spirit on Pentecost. On that first Easter night the Spirit’s power enabled the disciples to unlock the doors, and to go forth boldly sharing the Savior’s salvation without fear, foreshadowing the Spirit-filled lives of thousands on Pentecost.
Standing among them, the Risen Lord dispelled any doubt over “Is it true? Could it be?” That night He gave His disciples His peace, purpose, and power. They were overjoyed, for a new day had dawned. (Gary Bruland)
Trinity Sunday (A)
May 26, 2002
All Things Considered
Matthew 28:16-20
Excitement overcame exhaustion. Anticipation overtook anxiety. Given their rigorous 100K ultramarathon trek from Jerusalem to a mountainside in Galilee, we can hardly imagine the disciples’ joy as they saw the Risen Lord on the distant horizon. Fueled by sheer exhilaration and determination, they variously sprinted and stumbled over winding trail and rocky path to fall before their Master in joyful, tearful worship.
Theirs was a flood of thoughts and feelings beyond words: “Christ is risen! The women were right! He is alive! There He stands, as real as my parched throat and my swollen, stone-bruised feet!” Yet, in the spirit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, some doubted (v. 17).
After Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address,” a newspaper editor in Harrisburg was quite unimpressed. He opined, “We pass over the silly remarks of the President. For the credit of the nation we are willing that the veil of oblivion should be dropped over them.”
Sometimes doubters stand in the presence of greatness and miss it. Such was the case for any doubting disciple(s) that day in Galilee.
In considering this Great Commission, we note four truths: First, Christ has been given all authority. Second, Christ calls us to go to all nations. Third, Christ commands us to teach all things. Fourth, Christ will be with us always.
“All authority in heaven and on earth” (v. 18). The Risen Lord states that He has been given all authority (exousia, meaning “divine authorization,” “all ruling power”). John R.W. Stott calls the universal authority of Christ the basis of all Christian mission outreach. Given His victory over the evil one, Christ rules over all spiritual forces and powers in the heavenly realms. Given His victory over sin and death, Christ rules over all persons on earth who confess Him as Savior and Lord; and one day He will rule as the judge of all humankind. Stott notes, “Only because all authority on earth belongs to Christ dare we go to all nations. And only because all authority in heaven is His have we any hope of success.”
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (v. 19). Now the Risen Lord sends His followers to make disciples of all nations (ethna, meaning “all humankind,” “the whole world”). How? Through the preaching of God’s Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Persons from all nations will turn from sin and turn to the Living Christ as Savior and Lord.
In obedience to the Great Commission, James Montgomery Boice writes, “If we are following Jesus, we will go to others for whom He died. But a disobedient church that does not evangelize, begins to dry up, or even die.” Far from drying up, however, one evidence of evangelism and mission outreach, according to the Lord, is the celebration of baptism.
This outward and visible sign points to an inward and spiritual reality, and proclaims God’s love for all baptized as Creator, Redeemer, and Counselor.
“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (v. 20). Next the Risen Lord calls His disciples to teach all things (panta, meaning “completely,” “fully,” wholly”) that He has commanded. This teaching (didasko, from which we derive the word “didactic”) is to be based on the entire Word of God with the goal of making disciples (matheteuo, meaning “to disciple,” “discipling” learners and apprentices).
Christ envisioned an ever-expanding number of disciples evangelizing and discipling new believers to obey His commands, and so carry out His Great Commission. Among the Lord’s faithful disciples, John Wesley was one who inspired countless believers to obedient discipleship. Wesley proclaimed, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you can.”
“And surely, I am with you always” (v. 20). The Risen Lord reached out to His beloved disciples who had journeyed with Him during three years of ministry, and had now just trekked 100K to gather with Him on that mountainside in Galilee. There He reminds His first disciples, and us, that He is always with us.
Seven centuries before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah prophesied His coming as Immanuel (Mat. 1:23). Now, the Risen Lord Himself promises that He is with us. We have His never-ending presence and power as we seek to carry out His Great Commission. We are with Him together, forever. (Gary Bruland)
Proper 4 (A)
June 2, 2002
Just and the Justifier
Romans 3:21-31
The apostle leads up to our passage with a condemning statement: “… because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in [God’s] sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin” (v. 20). There is no escaping the reality of God’s wrath through the mustering up of good works. We stand condemned, and the Law of God points out our iniquity.
Martin Luther spent much of his life agonizing under the weight of this realization. He understood that God was righteous, and he was not. He knew there was no bridge of good works that he could possibly construct to cross the infinite chasm separating him from a just and holy God.
Let me emphasize that he was deathly accurate! And until his conversion, he bore the burden of that truth without realizing the good news — God is also the justifier. After embracing the goodness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Luther would share: “As this truth dawned, I felt I was born again, and was entering in at the gates of paradise itself. There and then the whole face of scripture changed. Just as much as I had hated the phrase ‘the righteousness of God,’ I now loved it — it seemed the sweetest and most joyous phrase ever written.”1
I. Righteousness Apart from the Law (v.21)
In verse 21 we encounter: “But now …” a phrase that sings peace to the anguished soul. “But now” points to a new era in redemptive history. In Christ the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the Law.
Like Luther, we are faced with the bitter reality that God is righteous, and we are not. And like Luther, we have the opportunity to cast off our burdens and lay them down at the feet of Jesus. Our justification is only possible in Him.
II. Righteousness without Distinction (vv. 22-24)
The text says “there is no distinction” (v. 22). ALL are in desperate need of justification. It doesn’t matter what social class you’re in, or what color you are, or what gender you are; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(v.23).
Justification comes by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus who bore the iniquity of the world and satisfied the requirement of justice for sin. There is no distinction as it relates to our depravity, and there is also no distinction as it relates to the free offer of justification. ALL who place there trust in Christ will be saved. What a blessed assurance for the tormented sinner!
III. Righteousness as a Demonstration (vv. 25-26)
Christ became a public display of the justifying power of a just God. Why did He do this? Primarily to demonstrate His righteousness — that God is both just and the justifier. The chief end of the cross was the glory of God.
Secondarily, God graciously “passed over sins previously committed,” and we who have placed our faith in Jesus benefit from His atoning sacrifice. This is a win/win situation. God is glorified, and we are justified.
Let us ponder the greatness and goodness of He who is both just and the justifier. And let us look deep into our souls and consider whether we are trying to earn righteousness and favor with God or are trusting Him for it. (Jonathan Kever)
1Mark Water, Compiler, The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000) p. 890.
Proper 5 (A)
June 9, 2002
The Great Physician
Matthew 9:9-13
For those of us who placed our trust in Christ at an early age, it’s sometimes difficult to recall just how great a miracle our salvation actually is. We quickly refer to those outside the fold as “those sinners,” forgetting that it was only by the grace of God that there is any distinction between us and them.
It does our hearts a great good to ponder how close we were to, and how deserving we are of God’s wrath. We were sick unto death — eternal death — and in desperate need of the Great Physician.
In his sermon entitled “A Man Named Matthew” Charles Spurgeon paints a picture of what it must’ve been like for Matthew as he paused to write our text today: “I can fancy him, with his pen in his hand, writing all the rest of this Gospel; but I can imagine that, when he came to this very personal passage, he laid the pen down a minute, and wiped his eyes. He was coming to a most memorable and pathetic incident in his own life, and he recorded it with tremulous emotion.”
The Lord Jesus did not come into this world to heal the healthy but to call sinners — sinners like you and I and the author of these verses, sinners with no where else to turn but to the mercy and grace and forgiveness of God.
I. Jesus Chooses Sinners (v. 9)
The first observation I’d like to make is that Jesus chooses sinners. Though tax-collecting may not strike contemporary hearers as a very scandalous and beguiling occupation, it was in Jesus day. Nobody likes a visit from the IRS, but these guys weren’t just collecting what was due, they were adding their own personal tax and making themselves wealthy at the expense of others.
I can only imagine the shock on the face of Matthew when Jesus called him. He was someone the religious leaders in his community despised, yet this rabbi saw something of value in Matthew, and He called him to follow Him.
I think we often consider our sins, or the sins of someone else too big for God to forgive. How dare we make little of the power of God to forgive us and save us. Matthew didn’t even give himself time to question Jesus or wallow in self-pity. The text says that he got up from his place of employment and left with Jesus.
II. Jesus Fellowships with Sinners (v. 10)
Matthew and his fellow tax-collectors didn’t make the most popular list among the Jews. The Pharisees especially hated these guys. And for Jesus to be seen eating at their table was a most dishonorable thing in the eyes of the Pharisees.
Our Lord wasn’t, and isn’t, known to be concerned with external appearances. He always does what glorifies the Father, and spending time with sinners in need of a savior glorifies the Father.
We often turn our heads and scoff at the wickedness of those around us. I wonder … if Jesus were here living among us today, where, and with whom would we find Him?
III. Jesus Heals Sinners (vv. 11-13)
When the Pharisees questioned the validity of Jesus’ ministry, He answer: with His usual perfection. Jesus responds by questioning the teachers of the Law about the Law. This would have deeply insulted them.
Let me make it clear that Jesus wasn’t declaring the Pharisees righteous with His question; He was simply pointing out what any teacher of the Law should have known — it’s not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.
Jesus came to heal sinners, to seek and save that which was lost. Those of us who have placed our trust in Christ should know better than any the truth of Jesus words. For we were once sick and have been made well. Let us spread the news with earnestness and great delight that the Great Physician is still choosing sinners; He’s still fellowshipping with them, and He’s still healing them. (Jonathan Kever)
Proper 6 (A)
June 16, 2002
How Sweet It Is! The Joy of Justification
Romans 5:1-8
John Wendel and his six sisters received a huge inheritance from their parents. They did all they could to keep their wealth for themselves. John went so far as to refuse to marry and convinced five of his sisters to do the same. They lived reclusively in the same house in New York City for 50 years. They never had a telephone, electricity, or an automobile. When the last sister died in 1931, the estate was worth more than $100,000,000 (that would be about 1.15 billion in today’s dollars)! This sister had only one dress; she had made it herself and had worn it for 25 years!
Truly, wealth was wasted on the Wendels. They had it, but by refusing to use and enjoy their riches, they lived in self-imposed poverty. Many Christians are doing the same thing. They have received God’s grace, but they continue to live as though life depended on merit. Consequently, there’s not much joy in their lives, and not much visible difference between them and the spiritually impoverished.
In this passage, Paul encourages us to take stock of our situation. He wants us to count our spiritual cash so that we can maximize its use and our enjoyment of it. Being rich is no good if you don’t know it. Paul points us to three aspects of our justification.
I. Peace with God (v.1)
Jonathan Edwards said, “You have offended [God] infinitely more than ever a stubborn rebel did his prince; and yet it is nothing but His hand that holds you from falling into the fire every moment. It is to be ascribed to nothing else, that you did not go to hell last night; that you were suffered to awake again in this world, after you closed your eyes to sleep. And there is no other reason to be given, why you have not dropped into hell since you arose in the morning, but that God’s hand has held you up.”
That sort of preaching is not popular, but it is absolutely biblical. We sinners can only reasonably expect one thing from God: His absolute wrath! BUT, “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” In Christ, we can raise the white flag of surrender and find mercy and warm fellowship with God Himself.
II. Sure Standing (v.2a)
Allow me to paraphrase: Christ has also brought us into a position of favor in the eyes of God which is firmly and permanently established. The verbs in this sentence are in the perfect tense. Our introduction into grace has been accomplished. Our standing in grace has been fixed. This is intrinsic to the whole concept of grace. “Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.” When looking upon His redeemed people, God is always pleased — not because they are good, but because they are a demonstration of His grace (see Eph. 1:5-6).
III. Persistent Optimism (vv.2b-5)
Our justification by faith also produces in us a confident expectation of future glory. Anyone who really understands the gospel can always exult in the future God has planned for us! Take a look at Ephesians 2:7. Our redemption will be the fireworks show of heaven, displaying “the surpassing riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”
Now, some might say that heaven is too distant to provide cause for exultation when life is hard. Not Paul. In fact, he claims that our exultation is only intensified under pressure. The Holy Spirit has put the loving character of Christ into us — in our very hearts. In hard times, that character is refined and revealed in such a way that our hope is reassured, not disillusioned.
If all of this seems too good to be true, just remember where it all comes from. Jesus’ death is our proof of grace (vv. 6-8). Eugene Peterson puts it like this, “God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to Him.”
Passages like this make me wonder why we Christians aren’t walking around with giddy grins on our faces all the time. The only explanation is that we are spiritual Wendels, either forgetting or ignoring the balance of our spiritual account. Go to Romans 5 and count your cash. (Doug Searle)
Proper 7 (A)
June 23, 2002
Can We Jump Back in the River Then?
Romans 6:1-11
“Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” According to Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones, “The true preaching of the gospel of salvation by grace alone always leads to the possibility of this charge being brought against it. There is no better test as to whether a man is really preaching the New Testament gospel of salvation than this, that some people might misunderstand it … to mean that … you can go on sinning as much as you like because it will redound all the more to the glory of grace” (quoted in Swindoll, Grace Awakening, 41). Although there is a certain logic to the argument, it also has a fatal flaw, so Paul strikes swiftly to dispel it. “Don’t be stupid!” is not a bad paraphrase of his opening shot.
I. We Died to Sin
To deal with this hypothetical objection, Paul continues to describe all that has taken place in a person’s conversion. He wants the reader to adopt an accurate self-concept: you were not only justified, you were re-created. Baptism provides the outward picture of an inward reality. By the work of the Holy Spirit, you are so immersed into Christ, that you are a full participant in His death and resurrection. That makes a new way of living available to us – like Christ’s, devoid of sin.
In fact, you are so united with Christ in the mind of God that your old sinner self was literally crucified with Christ. The whole purpose of that was to deliver you from the grip of sin, “that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.”
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t quit sinning. One way of describing the whole Christian life is by the progressive elimination of sin. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation,” “created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” That transformation is the point of our conversion.
In other words, God’s grace is so great that it is able to justify, sanctify, and transform even the worst of sinners; that’s what we mean when we say “grace abounds all the more.”
II. Do Your Bookkeeping
The proper response to these facts is a paradigm shift: “consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Typically, we use the phrase “consider yourself to be” to talk about something that’s not actually true, like “consider yourself one of us.” That means, you’re not really one of us, but go ahead and pretend you are. That is NOT the correct understanding of what Paul has written here.
The term he uses is a bookkeeping word for counting. Every month, you get a statement from your bank that tells you exactly how much money you have in your account. When you reconcile your records with the bank’s, you are considering yourself to have a certain number of dollars in the bank. You are bringing your thinking in line with actual fact.
That is what you are to do with the reality of your conversion. The actual fact is you are dead to sin and alive to God because of your identification with Christ and with His death and resurrection. The commandment here is that you consistently bear that fact in mind. Your old relationship with sin is broken.
III. What Are You Thinking?
Imagine a young woman who had fallen through the ice while skating. Her husband, at great personal risk, dives into the cold water and rescues her. As they recover by the warm fire, she expresses her gratitude, and he replies, “My love for you is so great that no matter how deeply you sank, I would still have come into the river to save you.”
Now imagine that young woman rising from her warm place by the fire and saying, “Well then, I shall jump back into the river and dive deeper this time, so that you can prove your love even more.”
If we remember the true nature of sin, and that we are no longer bound to it, we recognize a new opportunity, not to sin that grace may abound, but to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do according to His good purpose.” Why would you even think of engaging in the very thing you had to be rescued from? (Doug Searle)
Proper 8 (A)
June 30, 2002
Living in Freedom
Romans 6:11-23
Paul’s letter to the Romans has rightly been called the Constitution of the Christian Faith. Martin Luther wrote, “This Epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and the very purist Gospel, and is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. It can never be read or pondered too much, and the more it is dealt with the more precious it becomes, and the better it tastes.”
Having elaborated the basic nature of the gospel in chapters 1-5, the apostle begins in chapter 6 to outline the practical implications of the gospel for those who believe. In the first half of the chapter, we learned that because of our spiritual union with Christ, sin is utterly inconsistent with who we are. Building on that, we turn now to some guidelines for day to day living in freedom from sin.
I. Understand Your New Citizenship
The beginning point in progressively eliminating sin from our experience is to get our thinking straight. “We died to sin.” John Murray wrote, “If we view sin as a realm or sphere, then the believer no longer lives in that realm or sphere. And just as it is true with reference to life in the sphere of this world that the person who has died, ‘passed away, and lo, he was not; yea, I sought him, but he could not be found’ (Ps. 37:36), so it is with the sphere of sin; the believer is no longer there because he has died to sin …. The believer died to sin once, and he has be translated to another realm” (The New International Commentary on the New Testament, 213).
Our passage repeatedly reminds us to keep this change in mind (vv. 11, 14, 17-18). The fact that sin is not our master is the basis of our resistance. “Therefore,” Paul writes, “do not let sin reign.”
II. Reporting for Duty
You will notice the repetition of an important phrase in this passage: “present yourselves.” Since you are no longer a citizen of sin, you no longer have to show up for work at sin headquarters. Now you have a choice about where to report for duty. “Do not go on presenting [yourselves] to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead … as instruments of righteousness.”
The issue is availability. Since you are no longer a slave of sin, quit being available to sin. Instead, show up before God and make yourself available to do His work. Busy-ness in serving God is one of the keys to resisting sin’s appeal. The old saying about idle hands is true.
III. Choose Life
Paul uses the rest of the chapter to draw a stark motivational contrast. When Christians show up for work at the sin office, they fall back into an unnecessary slavery to impurity, to lawlessness, to the very way of death. “What is the benefit?” Paul asks in verse 21, “The outcome of those things is death.”
On the other hand, when you make yourself available to God, you are participating in the life Christ provided for you on the cross. “You derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”
Now we come to that famous verse, Romans 6:23. This verse is most often applied evangelistically, but that’s not really the context of Romans 6. Primarily it’s a reminder to believers. The old sinning way is the old dying way. Don’t go back there. Instead, because you are in Christ, you have an opportunity to experience day by day intimacy with the living God – eternal life. This decision is a no-brainer.
Where will you report for duty? (Doug Searle)
Sermon briefs in this issue provided by Jim Killen, Beaumont, TX; Gary Bruland, First Baptist Church, Howell, MI; Jonathan Kever, Preaching; Doug Searle, Community Bible Church, Nashville, TN.
From the Lectionary
Third Sunday in Lent (A)
March 3, 2002
The Justified Life Revealed
Romans 5:1-11
The teachings of the Keswick Christian Life Convention have played a significant role in my spiritual formation. From the outset of my Christian pilgrimage, I have been taught that the Christian life is the “Christ Life.” In the words of Hudson Taylor, it is “The Exchanged Life.”
The Christian life is more than deliverance from hell and assurance of heaven — as glorious as that is. Paul’s burden here is to take his reader beyond the fundamentals of salvation to the riches found in Christ.
In central Vermont, when a farmer sees a breaking out from the ledges of rock in his pasture with white or whitish veins, he at once thinks marble. It may be that his farm is but the covering of quarries that will make him rich. So he bores or blasts down into the earth to discover whether his conjectures are well founded. Some have found fortunes there lying in wait for the man who would discover them.
With the word “therefore” in 5:1, Paul begins introducing his reader to the deeper truths of the Christian life.
I. It Is a Life of Peace with God (v. 1)
The thought of peace is on every heart today. We live in a world filled with trouble and conflict. Christians everywhere are praying for peace. However, as important as it is for men to be at peace with each other, the greater concern is for men to be at peace with God.
Peace means cessation of conflict. The war is over. We have laid our weapons down. We can only experience peace of God after we are at peace with God.
II. It Is a Life of Access to God (v. 2a)
Think of it! We who were once strangers and foreigners (Eph. 2:19), now have access to God. We can freely enter His presence. The following story told by John Phillips, illustrates the life of access:
“A little boy once stood outside the gates of Buckingham palace in London. He wanted to talk to the king but was sternly repulsed by the guard at the gate. He rubbed a grimy hand to his cheek to wipe away a tear. Just then along came a well-dressed man who asked the little fellow to explain his trouble. When he heard the story, the man smiled and said, ‘Here, hold my hand, sonny. I’ll get you in. Just you never mind those soldiers.’ The little boy took the proffered hand and, to his surprise, saw the soldiers leap to attention and present arms as his new-found friend approached. Past the guard he was led, along carpeted halls, through wide-flung doors and on through a glittering throng right up to the throne of the king. He had taken the hand of the Prince of Wales, the king’s son! Through him he had gained access.”2
III. It Is a Life of Hope (v. 2b)
Our hope, our anticipation is that the glory of God which once characterized man before the Fall will once again be fully restored. One day His radiant splendor will be displayed in the lives of His redeemed and justified people.
IV. It Is a Life of Tribulation (vv. 3-4)
The justified life is not a life free of troubles and tribulation. Rather, it may be a life characterized by trials and tribulations.
A non-Christian faces life’s trials and tribulations with feelings of despair, anger, and resentment. The Christian faces his trials and troubles trusting that God is teaching him and conforming him more and more into the image of Christ. The Christian seeks benefit and gain from them. Paul say: that tribulation in the life of a Christian produces perseverance and character and hope.
V. It Is a Life of Love (vv. 5-8)
In times of hurt, sorrow, disappointment and loss, human nature tends to doubt the love of God. In similar circumstances the Christian finds solace and strength in the unchanging, unshakable love of God.
One of the greatest sources of security in the life of a child is an assurance that he is unconditionally loved by his parent. The same is true of a Christian’s relationship to his heavenly Father.
VI. It Is a Life of Complete Salvation (vv. 9-10)
Salvation includes more than deliverance from hell and assurance of heaven. We are in the process of being saved day by day and moment by moment by His Life.
VII. It Is a Reconciled Life (v. 11)
Here we have the picture of the Father receiving the prodigal son (Lk. 15:21-24). On the ground of the atoning work of the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:9) we who were once enemies of God have now been made friends with God! (Roger D. Wilmore)
1A.S. Hobart, Transplanted Truths From Romans (Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1919) p. 45.
2John Phillips, Exploring Romans (Chicago: Moody Press, 1969) p. 89.
Fourth Sunday in Lent (A)
March 10, 2002
Walking in Light
Ephesians 5:8-14
One of the most dramatic statements made by our Lord is found in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”
The fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden brought about a moral and spiritual darkness that characterizes our world to this day. Jesus said, “This is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (Jh. 3:19).
Two things stand out to me in the passage.
I. Remember the Former Life (v. 8)
“You were once in darkness ….” Paul was reminding his reader that they once lived in sin and separation from God. They, too, had walked in moral and spiritual darkness.
Our reflection upon our lives before we came to Christ should not be a morbid experience, nor should it be one that entices desire to return to the former life. It should be a healthy recollection of the emptiness, loneliness, and fear produced by darkness.
Paul may have also wanted the Ephesian Christians to maintain some recollection of what it was like to live in darkness in order to create a greater compassion for those among them who were still in darkness.
One of the dangers which occurs in the lives of those of us who have been Christian for a long time is that we are surrounded by people just like us, and we lose touch with those who really need the gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The danger in our losing touch with the non-Christian is that they are not exposed to the Light. Remember, Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a bucket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Mat. 5:14-15).
II. The Results of the Present Life (vv. 9-13)
Just as walking in the darkness produces negative results, walking in the light produces positive results.
Notice the characteristics of walking in the light that Paul lists in the verses before us: A Christian who walks in the light will bear good fruit (vv. 9-10).
There will be the fruit of goodness. Goodness means moral excellence. This person will take the high road rather than the low road. He will seek to be morally good, right, and pure. There will also be the fruit of righteousness. Righteousness simply means a right relationship with God and with man. This righteousness is revealed in a persons character and integrity.
There will be the fruit of truth. Paul had already admonished the Ephesian Christians to put away lying and speak truth (4:25). Truth means that there is no deception in what we say. The day in which we live is crying out for people of truth and honesty. In this area of life alone we could be a great light in a dark world.
Lastly, there will be fruit of obedience. “Find out what is acceptable to the Lord” (v. 10). Walking in the light results in a life that seeks to please God. There will be a disciplined determination to know what pleases God followed by a prompt action in doing it.
There are certain things that those who walk in light will do, but there are also certain things that they will not do.
First, they will not fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (v. 11a). Fellowship means to participate in the works of darkness. One of the downfalls in many Christian lives is their close association with the things of the world. When a Christian participates in the ways of the world his light of influence and testimony is extinguished.
However, fellowship with the Lord and His Word and His people will build up the Christian and make him stronger and brighter.
Secondly, the Christian who walks in the light will be a means by which sin and evil in others will be exposed. Does your Christian witness shine brightly enough to expose the evil where you live and work? As the people of God who have been delivered from darkness and given the Light of life, let us walk in the light that our lives will bring glory to Him. (Roger D. Wilmore)
Fifth Sunday in Lent (A)
March 17, 2002
God’s Glory
John 11:1-45
A lazy young boy went with his mom and aunt on a blueberry-picking hike into the woods. The boy got the smallest pail possible to pick the blueberries. While his mom and aunt picked blueberries, he lolled around throughout the morning. Finally his mom called out that it was about time to leave for home. Panic stricken the boy hurriedly filled his pail with moss and topped it off with a thin layer of berries. When his mother and aunt saw the pail full with what they thought were all blueberries they commended him for his fine work.
The next morning mom baked pies, and she made a special “saucersized” pie just for her son. The boy was so excited for blueberry pie was his favorite! His mother could bake pies so well. She made little hearts in the crust and the pie mixture oozed out the holes. His mouth watered as he thought about eating that delicious pie.
It finally cooled enough for him to have some. He plunged his fork into flaky crust, but something wasn’t right. Instead of a fork full of flaky crust and hot blueberry pie mix, he discovered the mixture was mostly moss! Moral: Most people want to experience the glory of God in their lives, but they are unwilling to work at glorifying Him.
The text’s story is about Lazarus’s death. His sisters, the disciples, and the mourning crowds all have something to say about poor Lazarus’s death, but Jesus helps them to understand that God’s glory will be poured out despite the situation.
I. God’s Glory Will Occur Regardless of Our Problems (vv. 1-16)
Lazarus’ close friendship with Jesus is evident from the words that his two sisters, Mary and Martha, communicate to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick” (v.3). This ailment was not inconsequential, but critical, even to the point of death.
Lazarus had a problem! His sisters had a problem! One would think that Jesus would rush to the aid of one of His closest friends, but that was not the case. The scripture tells us rather than hurrying to Bethany Jesus, “stayed where He was two more days” (v. 6). What a surprising, aggravating, and disillusioning response it must have been for Mary and Martha. The same for us when Jesus “fails” to do as we “think He should at the appropriate moment.”
The Bible describes Jesus’ delayed response; “… it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it” (v. 4). There are times that my problems seem insurmountable to me … almost to the point that I feel like I’m dying. I cannot see any benefit for the precarious predicament I find myself in, and I tell God so. However, often at these times my predicament is the vehicle through which God will perform a miracle and glorify His Son!
II. God’s Glory Will Occur through Our Compassion, (vv. 17-37)
It’s about a thirty-five minute walk from the outer border of Jerusalem to the little town of Bethany. The family trio of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had made many friends over the years. When a friend dies the natural compassionate outer expression is to come along side the one(s) that are left. In this case Mary and Martha were the center of attention as a great group of their Jewish friends gather at their home to give comfort and support in their time of grieving (vv 18-19).
Their closest friend, Jesus, arrived on the scene to bring a deeper sense of comfort and compassion to the sisters. There was a sense of relief, a bit of aggravation and at the same time a grasping faith permeating Martha’s response to Jesus’ visit in verses 21-22. The sense that Jesus had let both Mary and Martha down was a bit more intense in Mary’s response in verse 32, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” She was saying, “Jesus, if You really had cared about Lazarus as much as You say You did, You would have been here when we sent for You.”
Jesus’ response to Martha and Mary was interesting. To Martha He responded with an immediate and eternal comforting thought, “Your brother will rise again” (v. 23). To Mary His response was emotional…”When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews … He was deeply moved in spirit… Jesus wept” (vv.33, 35).
A great need for the world that we live in is our Christian compassion. L. B. Hicks is credited with saying, “The best exercise for strengthening the heart is reaching down and helping someone up.” That’s what Jesus did on a continual basis, and that’s what He expects His followers to do daily.
III. God’s Glory Will Occur through our Action (vv. 38-45)
Jesus didn’t just talk about the sorrow He felt; He did something about it. Christ stepped to the entrance of the cave and said, “Lazarus, come out! The dead man came out…” (vv.43-44). No longer was Lazarus dead!
People feel helpless and God has given us the ability to help. Our example is Jesus. He takes action. Who needs your help today? Don’t just cry about it. . . do something about it. The world is waiting for Christian action — your action! (Derl G. Keefer)
Palm Sunday (A)
March 24, 2002
Silly Sentimental Love
Matthew 21:1-11
The March, 1984 issue of Focus on the Family carried an article by Chuck Swindoll entitled, “What the World Needs Now Is Authentic Love.”
His article reminded us that Hal David and Burt Bacharach were familiar names to music lovers all over America in the 60s and 70s. He mentioned several of their pieces, but he said that the single tune that captured the heart of the country was “What the World Needs Now.” The song writer claimed that “Love, sweet love” is “the only thing that there’s just too little of.” He writes, “Do you believe that? Probably so. But the world doesn’t need phony love; or mushy, fickle, wimpy love; or conditional love that says ‘if you ______, then I’ll love you;’ or swap-meet love that says ‘Because you gave me this, I’ll swap you love in return.’ No. What the world needs now is authentic love.”1
As one reads the story of the Triumphant Entry, you have the feeling that the crowds who were shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David” (v. 9) had little love for Jesus. Rather, their love was the mushy, fickle, wimpy love that had the conditional sign that said, “If you______, then we will love you!”
Christ demands an authentic love from us as He has displayed and distributed His authentic love to us.
I. Authentic Love Is Expressed Love
When my son, Jeff, was 10 and my daughter, Julie, was 6 back in the early 1980’s, my wife and I were having our devotions together early in the morning. Our son was at the table with us, but his sister was still asleep.
The devotion for that day was taken from John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” Jeff was going through that stage in life when he was constantly picking on his sister. My wife asked Jeff to read the passage and expressed to him that the Bible meant for him to love his sister. He obediently read the scripture, but as he did he left the word “love” out each time he came to it. After a mother-son dialogue he reread the verse and inserted the word “love” each time!
Strange as it may seem, many adults have a hard time leaving the word “love” in the scripture as well. How is love expressed? By being the first to move to reconciliation in a disagreement. By attempting to understand the other side in a conflict. By giving attention to the needs of others. By communicating with one another. By forgiving when it isn’t easy to forgive. By being open to differences of opinion.
II. Authentic Love Is Tough Love
Dr. James Dobson wrote a book many years ago entitled Tough Love. The volume deals with obstinate children and the adult response to them. His premise states that tough love is not mushy, fickle, or wimpy love, but deals with obstinate behavior even if it means difficult decisions and discipline. There is nothing shallow about authentic love.
Swindoll in the Focus on the Family article says that tough love refuses to look for ways to run away, but works things through. “It doesn’t cop out because the sea gets stormy and rough. It’s fibrous and resilient. Who knows how many of us would’ve walked away from our commitment many long years ago if it hadn’t been for this powerful and essential ingredient deep down inside saying, ‘Put away that white flag. Do not quit. Don’t even tolerate the thought.’ While the world around us gives the opposite counsel, love stands firm.”
If the triumphant entry crowd would have stood firm on their love for Jesus on Good Friday, the outcome might have been different. God knew their fickle hearts, and the crucifixion went on as scheduled. How much love do you have for Jesus?
III. Authentic Love Is Heart Love
As Jesus rode down the hill from the Mount of Olives He was riding not into the kingship of the throne of the people of Israel, but into the kingship of their hearts. He came riding upon a donkey — a symbol of peace. When Jesus claimed to be a king His claim was that of peace. As someone wrote, “He showed that He came, not to destroy, but to love; not to condemn, but to help; not in the might of arms, but in the strength of love.”
Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door (of their heart), I will come in …” (Rev. 3:20, emphasis added).
Today, it is not some silly sentimental love that Jesus demonstrates to you. No, it is authentic love that He shows by standing outside your heart’s door knocking and waiting for you to let Him inside to lovingly change your life! Will you let Him? (Derl G. Keefer)
1Charles Swindoll, Focus on the Family Magazine, Colorado Springs, Colo. March,1984, p.5.
Easter Sunday (A)
March 31, 2002
Jesus Defeated the Enemy!
John 20:1-18
Wellington’s victory over Napoleon signified a momentous triumph for the British people. Word of that victory traveled overland toward London by a system of flag signals called semaphore. The semaphore on top of Winchester Cathedral began spelling out “W-e-l-l-i-n-g-t-o-n-D-e-f-e-a-t-e-d ….” Before he could finish, a fog rolled in on London and the citizens thought that Wellington had lost the battle. Their hearts were crushed. Finally the fog lifted and the semaphore continued his message: “W-e-l-l-i-n-g-t-o-n-D-e-f-e-a-t-e-d-t-h-e-E-n-e-m-y!” The preceding gloom changed to glorious hope! Like a prairie fire in Kansas, the joyful news spread across the city, and every Londoner was filled with gratitude and praise.
Our text today reveals a similar event only on a more cosmic spectrum and with eternal victory. Mary of Magdala comes to the tomb with her mind fogged over with the idea that Jesus is dead. The enemy has won. As she approaches the tomb she discovers that the stone has been removed and Jesus is no longer there! Mary becomes the human semaphore and spreads the news to Peter and John and then to the other disciples (v.18). J-e-s-u-s-D-e-f-e-a-t-e-d-t-h-e-E-n-e-m-y!
I. Jesus Defeated the Enemy and Opens the Doorway of Life (vv.1-2)
A large stone weighing approximately 2,000 pounds obstructed the entrance to the tomb. Matthew and Luke tell us that more ladies than just Mary arrived at the tomb that dark morning, but John focuses on Mary Magdalene and her response to the obstacle. Realizing that the stone had been removed from the entrance, astonishment and a sense of fogginess shrouded her mind. She rushed to the Peter and John to tell them that someone had taken the Lord, “and we don’t know where they have put Him!” At that moment the unthinkable had occurred. Mary supposed the enemies of Jesus had taken and hidden His body so that the disciples couldn’t get to Him and announce a resurrection had happened. First the stone and now a stolen body. There were too many obstacles for her to grasp the truth of the situation.
Today we have perspective on the textual events. We know the outcome of the story, but at that moment Mary did not. Many obstacles fog our perspective to life. They deter our progress and stand in the way of spiritual success. These obstacles have stolen our happiness and joy. The greatest obstacle, sin, has even robbed us of our place in heaven where eternal life exists. The good news is that God has given humankind an open doorway to life … the resurrection of Jesus.
II. Jesus Defeated the Enemy and Gives a New Perspective (vv.3-9)
Mary ran as fast as she could to inform Peter and John of the situation at the tomb. As they listened to her description of the circumstances both looked at each other and then began a footrace to the tomb. The younger John outran the older Peter and arrived at the place sooner, but startled by the sight he remained outside. The always brash and take-charge Peter rushed inside only to find “strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen” (vv.6-7). John cautiously enters. He assesses the situation, and according to verse eight, “He saw and believed.” Viewing the scene from the outside there was fear and doubt. Not until John got inside the tomb did belief and faith become reality!
Some people do not believe that the Bible personally means for them to come inside the empty tomb. They are filled with doubt, fears, and disbelief. Once we catch a glimpse of the empty tomb and have faith that Jesus is the resurrected Lord, we will receive salvation. The stone and the grave clothes of our lives will be shed, and meaningful life occurs. But it must be viewed from the inside looking out.
III. Jesus Defeated the Enemy and Gives Us a Time to Dance (vv.10-18)
Weeping Mary has made her way back to the tomb after telling Peter and John about the empty tomb. Her mind, still fogged by the events, believes that someone has taken the body of Jesus and hidden it. This time when she peers into the tomb something amazing happens: “… (she) saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been … and they asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?”‘(v.13). But the next event is even more amazing, for the risen Jesus asked her the same question and enters into intimate dialogue with her. As the conversation ends Mary literally dances back to the disciples and states, “I have seen the Lord!”
Gary Sivewright, chaplain and vice president for campus ministries at Mount Vernon Nazarene College in Ohio wrote an article entitled, “I’d Rather Dance” in Holiness Today. He wrote that several years ago he preached a revival at Nashville First Church of the Nazarene. During the song service, an elderly lady began to dance around the sanctuary with an imaginary partner. He wrote, “An outsider might have thought she was crazy, but those who knew her knew exactly what she was doing. Now, I’ve seen runners, and I’ve seen jumpers. I’ve seen yellers, and I’ve heard screamers. But that dear woman illustrated for me the best possible relationship with Almighty God: swaying in the rhythm of His love and mercy. For her, the Partner wasn’t imaginary at all.”
He continues by making his point, “I hope you understand by now that this is not a treatise on the two-step. It’s about a way to live in relationship with our Creator, who, through Christ, brings intimacy into our beings.”
What Mary found that Sunday morning was a new way to live. She discovered that Jesus brought spiritual intimacy with the living God into her very soul. After all, Jesus defeated the enemy! Is it any wonder that Mary danced her way back instead of crying her way back home that day? (Derl G. Keefer)
Second Sunday of Easter (A)
April 7, 2002
The Journey from Doubt to Faith
John 20:24-29
The New Testament writers make one thing perfectly clear: faith is essential for a person’s relationship with God. Without faith, there is no salvation (Eph. 2:8), nor is it possible to please God (Heb. 11:6). Richard Dawkins, an Oxford biology professor and an apologist of atheism, paints a different picture of faith. He writes, “It is fashionable to wax apocalyptic about the threat to humanity posed by the AIDS virus, ‘mad cow’ disease, and many others, but I think a case can be made that faith is one of the world’s great evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.”
Thomas’s demand for proof of Christ’s resurrection (v. 25) makes him, according to Dawkins, “the patron saint of scientists.”1 Having faith in Christ in a world in which naturalism reigns is difficult, but that has been the case ever since the first Easter.
Doubters for centuries have been dubbed “Doubting Thomases.” Yet, Thomas was not the only doubter. Matthew implies that there were other doubters (28:17), and even the other apostles at first thought that the resurrection was “nonsense.” (Lk. 24:11) Even though Thomas has for centuries born the epithet of “Doubting Thomas,” he can teach us several things.
I. We Can Cee Ourselves in Thomas
Thomas was called “Didymus,” the Greek word for “twin.” Though the New Testament never identifies his twin, many of us see ourselves in Thomas. We live in a society that has put a man on the moon, has extended peoples’ lifespans by several years through medical technology, and is in the process of mapping and sequencing the human genome. Such technological marvels can create a crisis of faith because they often cause people to question not only the need for God but also God’s existence.
We must be honest. Those people who express their doubts make us feel uncomfortable. Yet, even great persons of faith have had moments of doubt. Both John the Baptist (Lk. 7:18-19) and Martin Luther2 experienced moments of doubt just as Thomas did. Perhaps we are uncomfortable with Thomas because he is our spiritual twin and had the courage to express what we sometimes feel.
II. We Need Friends Who Will Come to Us to Help Us through Our Doubts
If we are to complete the journey from doubt to faith, we need friends who will accept us and help us through our doubts. Thomas separated himself from the other disciples when he needed them the most.
We need friends when we are discouraged and defeated. Thomas must have realized this because he eventually returned to his friends. When he returned, Thomas’s friends stuck with him and accepted him. There is no evidence that the other apostles berated him for his faithlessness. Instead, they continually spoke of their experiences with the risen Christ, (v. 25)
Thomas’ experience teaches us that we cannot conquer doubt by ourselves. We need others who will nurse us back to faith, not treat us like spiritual lepers.
III. We Need to Have a New, Personal Encounter with the Risen Christ
We need our friends, yet we also need to have a new, personal encounter with the risen Christ. The one who has been known for his doubting is also the one who gave the most powerful confession to Jesus.
Falling before Jesus, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (v. 28). The personal pronouns are important. The apostles had encountered the risen Christ. Thomas, however, needed his own experience with Christ, and we, too, must encounter the living Christ.
Today, in the midst of our doubts, we can experience Christ again through the preaching of the gospel, by participating in the Lord’s supper, by witnessing the baptism of new converts, through the studying of the Bible, by worshiping with the community of faith, and by the ministering of the Holy Spirit.
Thomas might be the “the patron saint of scientists.” Unlike many scientists, however, this patron saint journeyed from doubt to faith and fell down and worshiped the One who “devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from Him” (2 Sam. 14:14). (Keith Durso)
1Richard Dawkins, “Is Science a Religion?” The Humanist vol. 57 issue 1 (Jan/Feb 97) [journal online], accessed 7 October 2001 on http://www.humanist.net.
2See Ronald H. Bainton, Here I Stand (Nashville: Abingdon, 1950) 285-86.
Third Sunday of Easter
April 14, 2002
The Journey from Despair to Hope
Luke 24:13-35
Perhaps one of the longest journeys people must make is when they leave a loved one behind at the cemetary. The reality of death finally sets in. The deceased will soon be placed in the grave and covered with dirt. All that is left to do now is to reminisce about the life that she lived, what she accomplished, and perhaps what she left undone.
Slowly and with heavy hearts, the disciples in today’s text were reminiscing about Jesus’ life and death. Yet with Jesus, what began as merely a somber journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, ended as a journey from despair to hope.
I. Vanquished Hope
The disciples “had hoped that” Jesus “was the one to redeem Israel” (v. 21). We do not know exactly what Jesus’ disciples expected Him to do, but some Jews hoped for a Rambo-type Messiah who would liberate them from Roman oppression. This Messiah would be a destroyer, not a savior, of sinners.
For these and the other disciples, the cross was a failure. Moses wrote that “anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deut. 21:23). The disciples had followed Jesus and made great sacrifices for Him, and now they lived in despair. Life had been robbed of its meaning, and hope had been vanquished. When the Romans nailed Jesus to the cross, they nailed the disciples’ hope with Him.
II. An Unexpected Encounter
Amidst despair and the rubble of hope, Jesus approached the two disciples (v. 15). Jesus sought them out just as He sought the other disciples. As the disciples explained their sadness to their unknown companion, they were baffled because of His ignorance of the tragic events in Jerusalem (vv. 18-20). The irony of this conversation is that Jesus was painfully aware of what happened, and He alone knew the true meaning of what happened.
After allowing the disciples to articulate their grief, Jesus decided to continue His journey. At this point, the disciples made an important decision: they urged Jesus to stay with them. They made time for Him (vv. 28-29).
Had they not shown Him hospitality, Jesus would have left them in their despair. Even today He stands at the door of our lives and knocks (Rev. 3:20). We can invite Him into our lives or let Him go on His way. If we let Jesus go, however, we will continue the journey of despair.
III. Rekindled Hope
The two disciples could not rekindle their hope by themselves. God must always take the initiative. Notice that facts alone can never produce hope. The women’s proclamation of the empty tomb produced amazement, not hope. (vv. 22-24) Hope cannot be born or rekindled in us without divine revelation (v. 16; see Lk. 10:22; Matt. 16:17; 1 Cor. 2:6-16). The initiative always belongs God.
Jesus rekindled their hope first by opening the scriptures and by explaining to them the truth about the Messiah (v. 27). Throughout His ministry, many people wanted Jesus to be their Caesar. He, however, always resisted this temptation, choosing instead to be their suffering Christ.
Next, He opened the disciples’ eyes by blessing and breaking bread (v. 31). By that act the disciples experienced God’s amazing grace. Like the blind in John 9, they could proclaim, “We were blind, but now we see.” Like their savior, their hope had been resurrected.
As the two disciples traveled home on that first Easter evening, they never expected to be re-routed from the journey of despair to hope. An encounter with the risen Christ lit the fire of their hope once again. It is only by faith that our despair can be turned into “a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3). (Keith Durso)
Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 21, 2002
A Healthy Church
Acts 2:42-47
Nearly two thousand years after its inception, the church continues to flourish. Throughout the centuries God, in His goodness and grace, has seen fit to pour out His blessings upon the Body of Christ. And though the church is constructed with the lives of imperfect people, we proceed in growth. How is it that we’ve come this far?
In his book on church history Bruce Shelley remarks that Christians “have insisted that the death of Jesus on the cross, His resurrection from the grave, and the empowering mission of the Holy Spirit are the foundational realities of Christianity.”1 And we may observe in Acts, Luke’s account of the cultivation of these foundational realities from the very beginning.
In our text today we see the fruits of Peter’s Spirit-filled preaching at Pentecost and the foundations the apostles laid that would sustain the church to the present and throughout the ages. We see a local assembly full of life and proliferation. From this passage we can learn what a healthy church looks like?
I. A Healthy Church Is a Devoted Church (v. 42)
Occasionally Luke stops to give us a glimpse of the progress of the early church. Here is our first, and here we may observe the marks of a healthy church — both then and now.
A healthy church is devoted to teaching. The early church “continually devot[ed] themselves to the apostles teaching.” Their teaching was Christ-centered and biblically focused. There were thousands who placed there trust in Christ and desperately needed to understand more His nature and how their new relationship should affect their lives.
A healthy church is also devoted to fellowship. There was a real sense of community and shared values in this early gathering of believers. This wasn’t just a pot luck dinner; these early Christians shared true intimacy and depended on their fellow saints.
A healthy church is devoted to celebrating the Lord’s supper. A church that teaches Christ and lives Christ in community will long to remember His sacrifice.
A healthy church is devoted to prayer. This early assembly understood their dependance on God for all things. They knew the necessity of communing with the Giver and Sustainer of life.
II. A Healthy Church Is a Giving Church (vv. 43-45)
As the author goes on he mentions that these early believers were in awe of what was taking place. There were many miracles validating the message of the apostles. The greatest miracle was the changed lives of those who placed their trust in Christ.
Can you imagine the scene? These people were giving away their possessions according to the needs of their brothers and sisters in Christ. They were experiencing the blessings of a community of faith truly dependant on God. What they once considered theirs was now understood to be God’s.
I know I’d do anything for my physical parents or siblings, but would I have the attitude of these early Christians towards my spiritual family?
III. A Healthy Church Is a Joyously United Church (v. 45)
“Day by Day continuing with one mind ….” We could learn much from the unity exemplified here. This wasn’t grumbling submission to the majority; it was joyful fellowship with “gladness and sincerity of heart.”
IV. A Healthy Church Is a Worshiping Church (v. 46)
This fellowship of believers was intent on praising God. Christ was the focus and desire of their hearts. The text says that they had favor with all people. Jesus said that we will know we’re His disciples by our love for one another. And He taught that the greatest command is to love God with our whole being, and the second is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
This body worshiped God with their whole lives. They were devoted, giving, joyously united, and worshipers. By the grace of God we have a wonderful legacy. May we do our part to maintain that legacy by continuing to develop these qualities of a healthy church. (Jonathan Kever)
1Bruce L. Shelley, Church History in Plain Language, Updated 2nd Edition (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1995), p. 16.
Fifth Sunday of Easter
April 28, 2002
Vision of Glory
Acts 7:55-60
Having read of the horrible persecution that many believers in the early church endured, especially under the rule of Nero who used to light his garden in the evening with the torched bodies of Christians, I have often asked myself if I’d be willing to endure death for the sake of Christ. It’s easy to say “yes” having endured little more persecution than that of a junior high bully. And I certainly hope and pray that my answer would remain “yes” if the coziness middle-class America affords were suddenly removed.
It seems somewhat difficult to understand the impact of our text today having not experienced a great deal of opposition to my faith. However, in light of the recent attacks of September 11th by those determined to destroy our freedom, perhaps we can understand a bit more the fear inherent in persecution and the faith necessary to endure it.
One who did suffer to the point of death was Stephen. He answered with a resounding “yes!” to the call to preach Christ, and he did so in spite of the persecution he would endure.
The context of this tragedy is Stephen’s message to the Jews. Having been challenged by some of the religious leaders, he returned their arguments with this longest of messages in Acts. They were no match for the “wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking” (Acts 6:10).
Stephen not only defended the gospel, but he accused these leaders. He said of them: “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did” (v. 51). For this Stephen would become the first martyr.
I. Focus on Jesus’ Glory (vv. 55-56)
Even in the heat of argument and in danger of persecution, Stephen’s eyes remained fixed on Jesus. He saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right Hand. Usually in the scriptures Jesus is seated. His standing may be linked to Daniel’s vision of the Son of Man (Daniel 7:13-14) where He is standing before the Ancient of Days as a judge, or perhaps the Lord was standing to welcome Stephen. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that Stephen’s faith was in Christ and that God was providing for him.
We, too, can rely on God to provide us with strength and faith to endure any circumstance we’re facing. Perhaps our persecution doesn’t take this form, but the evil one is always prowling around like a lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We ought, as Stephen, to fix our eyes on Jesus in order that we might behold the greatness of the glory of God and ignore the temptation to give in.
II. Trust in Jesus’ Promise (vv. 57-60)
The religious leaders couldn’t even stand to listen to Stephen’s explanation of his vision. In their ears they heard blasphemy. For if what he said was true, then they stood condemned. They rushed at Stephen, drove him out of the city, and stoned him. What was his response? “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Was this not the same response of our Lord on the cross?
Stephen new his destiny. He trusted in the promise of Jesus. We, too, can trust in Jesus’ promise of eternal life when things fall apart around us. Our God is faithful, and in the midst of peril and distress He remains faithful. Let us focus on Him in good times and bad, and let us trust in His faithfulness always. (Jonathan Kever)
Sermon Briefs in this issue provided by: Roger D. Willmore, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Weaver, AL; Derl Keefer, Pastor, Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene, Three Rivers, MI; Keith Durso, Professor, Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC; Jonathan Kever, Managing Editor, Preaching.
From the Lectionary
Ephiphany of the Lord
January 6, 2002
Out of the Shadows
Isaiah 60:1-6
Light has a way of drawing people out of the darkness. The future light of Christ’s second coming will draw people out of their shadowy lives. The prophet Isaiah looks forward to that future day. In fact, of all the Hebrew prophets, Isaiah is the only one to use light as a significant metaphor.1 In Isaiah 60:1-6 we find four effects of the dawning of God’s saving light.
The first effect is that God’s glory will be recognizable (vv. 1-2). The prophet looks forward to a time when God’s light drives away the darkness that engulfs the earth. As this darkness is driven away, God’s glory will become clearly recognizable. At pre-sent, the Christian community labors in obedience to the Great Commission until this light finally dawns at Christ’s second coming. For now, we serve Christ in the midst of the darkness of sin and uncertainty, seeking to reflect the glory of God until that time when darkness is expelled.
Like moths instinctively drawn to a bright light, the dawning of God’s glory at the end of the age will mesmerize the nations to draw them near to Christ (v. 3). Suddenly political agendas, special interest groups and proposed legislation will dissolve, as the rulers of the world look at God’s saving light in amazement and wonder. The brightness of this dawn will bring both delight and terror, delight to the redeemed and terror to the rebellious.
As followers of Jesus seek to live obedient and fruitful lives, they are often frustrated by the way they feel marginalized in society. Yale law professor Stephen Carter is correct that our increasingly secularized culture views matters of faith and religion as more like a hobby than a way of life, relegating people of faith to the margins of society.2 Issues of faith are fit only for the private quarters of church and home in our culture today. Yet a time will come when these issues are catapulted to the top of every person’s priority list. Until that time comes, followers of Jesus can continue to serve God with assurance.
In addition to God’s glory recognized and the nations drawn, this day will bring together all of God’s people (vv. 4-5). An assembly will arise with God’s people coming from all four corners of the earth, joining together in heart throbbing joy. The divisions that have separated the people of God for so long, divisions of practice and heritage, divisions of taste and misunderstanding will be forever abolished. Churches once split over matters like music and program will be mended. Christians once separated by anger and bitterness will be reconciled. Truly, the people of God will look radiant, not merely to God, but to the nations around them.
It is hard for us to imagine this happening, in our time of fragmentation and disunity. But as we come together for the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that we are one body. That the way God sees His people will one day become a visible reality, when the dawn of God’s light finally dawns.
In imagery reminiscent of Solomon’s kingdom, the prophet looks forward to a time when the nations proclaim God’s praise with their gifts and their words (v. 6). The golden age of Solomon’s kingdom will seem like a dim foretaste of the light of Christ when He comes again. The nations will no longer be mere spectators of this dawning, but their own voices will resound in a great shout of praise to God.
This vision of the future, a future distant but sure, infuses our churches and our lives with a reality check. It gives us courage to come out of the shadows of our own fear, to embrace the light of Christ before it dawns to the rest of the world. It gives us boldness to share this light in a world that is content with darkness for now. (Timothy J. Peck)
1Alec Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary (Grand Rapids: Inter-Varsity Press, 1993), p. 494.
2Ibid.
Baptism of the Lord
January 13, 2002
Reaching Seekers
Acts 10:34-43
In 1995, Newsweek ran an article called “The Search for the Sacred.” That article chronicled the rise in spiritual hunger among Americans. This hunger leads people down some very strange paths. The challenge for Christians is reaching these seekers with the good news of Jesus Christ.
The apostle Peter was confronted with a similar situation. Through a remarkable sequence of events, God had led Peter to the household of Cornelius. Although Cornelius was not a Christian, he was clearly a seeker, a God fearer. As a good Roman, he had likely been raised believing in the traditional Greek and Roman gods. Yet during this time in Roman history, there was widespread disillusionment with these traditional beliefs.
Cornelius was also a Roman centurion. This would mean that Cornelius was a participant in the Imperial religion that worshiped the Roman emperor as a god. Yet, he was drawn to the God of Israel, clearly disillusioned with the standard answers he had been given.
Peter’s sermon to Cornelius gives us today a pattern for how to communicate the good news to modern day seekers. Specifically, in Peter’s sermon we find four strategies for communicating Christ to seekers.
Peter starts by admitting his own changing attitude toward seekers (vv. 34-35). God had to move in remarkable ways to teach Peter that lost people like Cornelius mattered to God. Peter now acknowledges that his attitude is changing.
As Christians today, we will find ourselves unable to effectively communicate the good news of Christ to present day seekers unless our attitudes change as well. Too often we view seekers the same way devout Jewish people of the first century viewed Gentiles: Defiled and undesirable. Then we wonder why these same people are not responsive to our message! Until we can actually begin to love (and like!) the seekers around us, we will find ourselves unable to effectively reach them for Christ.
Next Peter builds a bridge with his hearers (v. 36). He does this by describing Jesus as “the Lord of all.” This title does not occur in the Old Testament, but it was originally a common pagan title for deity.1 As a member of the Imperial cult, Cornelius had probably often declared his loyalty to the Emperor Claudius by saying, “Caesar is Lord of all.” By utilizing this common pagan phrase, Peter is building a bridge into Cornelius’ world.
The early church demonstrated great flexibility in the terminology they used to communicate the good news of Christ. Although they never altered the content of the message, they were creative in how they communicated this content. Our churches today need a similar Spirit-led creativity as we seek to communicate the good news to seekers.
Peter also begins with the level of knowledge Cornelius possesses (vv. 36-37). Twice Peter says, “you know …” as he shares the good news. He starts where Cornelius is, which is quite different from where a Jewish person would be. As a soldier in Palestine, Cornelius was somewhat familiar with the events surrounding Jesus, so this is where Peter begins.
Far too often we assume far more than seekers actually know. We refer to biblical characters like Daniel and David without explanation. We assume people understand what we mean when we use terms like “sin,” “salvation” and “justification.” Peter’s example challenges us to always begin where the seeker is, not necessarily where we think they should be.
Finally, Peter focuses on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus (vv. 39-43). Peter makes the central issues of the gospel the most important issue. He doesn’t speculate about philosophy or offer the four classical arguments for the existence of God. He simply bears witness to what he has seen in the life and resurrection of Jesus.
Far too often we think our job as Christians is to persuade seekers to believe. We need to be reminded that our role is that of a witness who testifies to Christ, not an attorney who persuades the jury or a salesperson who closes the deal.
In a time of spiritual seeking, our churches need to become havens for spiritual seekers. By looking at Peter’s example, we can find enduring strategies for effectively communicating the good news of Christ to seekers of any generation. (Timothy J. Peck)
1Richard Longenecker, “Acts” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Vol. 9 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1981), p. 393.
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
January 20, 2002
Thanks from Beginning to End
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
A local pastor asked me the question. “If you beat the sheep, and beat the sheep, and beat the sheep, do you know what you get?” I said, “No.” “A lot of bruised sheep!”
Perhaps no congregation more deserved bruising than the church at Corinth. In this letter Paul identifies multiple divisions in the Corinthian congregation. There were conflicts over allegiance to leaders, practices of the Lord’s Supper, immorality, spiritual gifts and more. And Paul speaks to these issues.
Yet immediately after the salutation Paul begins to address the Corinthians with “I always thank God for you ….” With such a conflicted congregation what a surprising transition!
A closer look reveals that Paul is thankful not for “the Corinthians” but is celebrating God’s working in them. For what is Paul thankful? 1. For what God has done (vv. 4-5). He has given His grace and has enriched them. 2. For what God is doing (v.7). He is giving His spiritual gifts to them. 3. For what God will do (v. 8). He will keep them strong until the end.
Why does Paul affirm his thankfulness with such strident conviction? Because the Corinthian people were deserving of it? No! Because the congregation was exemplary? No! Paul can affirm his thankfulness because “God … is faithful” (v. 9). The focus of this passage is on the overwhelming work of God. God is faithful. What a word of encouragement!
There are often struggles that arise in our congregation. And there are times it is most difficult to be thankful. But remember our thanks is for God’s faithfulness. And that’s also the triumphant word for the people to whom we deliver the message of God. In the midst of the troubling questions, doubts and trials of life, God is faithful. His promises are secure. We trust what God will do in us, for we know what God has done for us!
In the ebb and flow of the internal conflicts of the church Paul affirms his thankfulness to God for God’s faithfulness.
During my preparation for this sermon a young woman came to my office struggling with a major decision. As a Christian should she allow her boyfriend “to move in”? There were the typical “reasons.” Their committed relationship! The “testing” of the possibilities for a future together! Financial savings! I was tempted to “tell her what I thought she should do.” But I was also aware of this passage. Instead I asked her, “Where is God at work in your life right now?” She thought for a moment then said, “I know what God would want me to do. I think I know what I need to do.” And she made what I believe to be a most responsible decision. Yes, God is faithful. (Earl J. Nichols)
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
January 27, 2002
Many Divisions or a Single Vision?
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
A friend of mine pastors a large and growing church. I asked him about conflicts in the church. His quip? “If you keep the sheep with their noses pointed in the same direction they never bite each other!”
How heartbreaking it must have been for Paul to receive the report of internal divisions “from Chloe’s people.” Paul had become “the source” of one of the major divisions of the Corinthian church. “We owe our allegiance to Apollos.” “We are Cephas’ people.” “Christ’s?” “Paul’s?” How is Paul to respond to these divisions?
Paul remained focused on a single vision. Paul was a man with single-minded conviction. Hear him, “I preach the cross.” “I preach the cross without human wisdom.” “I preach the cross with the power of God.” “I preach the cross.”
I am fascinated that a man with the intellect, the burning desire, the godly ambitions of Paul could be so single minded (1 Cor. 1:17; 2:2). Paul says, “This one thing I do …” (Phil. 3:13). In this day of divided allegiances, with the conflicting demands of life, how are we to find that single-minded focus? We keep our eyes on the cross! We preach the cross! We constantly acknowledge that without that single-minded vision “the sheep bite each other.”
It is the same message for a divided life as it is for a divided congregation. At times we are “at war with ourselves.” We have divided impulses, instincts, desires, ambitions, and multiple allegiances. Our lives are in turmoil.
Imagine that you and I stand in the shadow of the cross. Where is our claim to superiority? Education? Political status? Earthly power? Color? Age? No! None of these nor any other!
In the shadow of the cross we face but two burning questions:
1) “Who am I in the sight of God?” All too often we view ourselves from the vantage point of the one who knows us least. We look in our own mirrors! We pridefully believe that our assessment is the most accurate one. In wanting to see ourselves at our best, how easily we deceive ourselves. But when we seek the heart of God and God’s assessment of us we have the awesome privilege of seeing ourselves from the view of One who truly knows us best. (Often uncomfortably so!)
2) “What has God done for me?” We must then acknowledge that we are the recipients of God’s grace. We have no claim to fame! God in infinite love has taken the initiative to “reach down to us.”
Where are we to find unity in our divided congregations? Where are we to find peace for our divided selves? First, to see ourselves as God sees us! And then to remember what God has done for us! We find wholeness in the power of the cross. (Earl J. Nichols)
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
February 3, 2002
The Heart of the Matter
Micah 6:1-8
In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress Christian and Faithful our journeying together on the road to the Celestial City. As they’re walking along the way they meet another sojourner named Talkative. Bunyan describes him as “a tall man, better looking at a distance than up close.”1 Faithful invites Talkative to join them, and Talkative is happy to be of company.
As they continue down the road, Faithful notices that Christian has distanced himself from the two. Wondering why, he walks over to Christian. Faithful, previously astonished by the pseudo piety of their new companion, discovers from Christian that Talkative is as his name suggests, just a talker.
Faithful decides to discuss true religion with Talkative who is, of course, happy to oblige. As their conversation digs beneath the surface and reaches the heart of Christianity, Talkative soon finds himself at a loss of words and ready to leave the two pilgrims. He was satisfied with pious words and exterior appearances but had no desire and no need, so he thought, of authentic humility and saving faith. When the level of conversation left the realm of ideas and pierced the soul, Talkative parted ways.
I wonder how many church-goers who call themselves Christians would find themselves siding with Talkative? Our text today has something to say to those avoiding the heart of the matter and trading comfort for conviction.
I. God’s Indictment (vv. 1-5)
This third section begins with God bringing His people before the court of the world. Israel, in her usual disobedience, discontentment and rebellion, has turned away from her God. Through His prophet, Micah, God calls upon the mountains, the hills and the very foundation of the earth to testify.
“What have I done?” is His question (v. 3). Like a child caught red-handed, Israel stands before her God guilty. And Like a father chastising his son, God cries out “How have I wearied you? Answer Me!” (v. 3)
Then comes the proof. God reminds Israel of the many blessings she has enjoyed — freedom from slavery, the Law through Moses, the priesthood through Aaron, and the list goes on. The Lord’s goodness and grace couldn’t be denied.
And before we join God in passing judgement, before we proclaim the foolishness of this people, before we scoff at their selfish whining, we ought to look deep into our own hearts. How quickly we choose the passing pleasures of sin over joyful obedience. How quickly we raise our fists at God in arrogance. How quickly we find other things to fill our time rather than the word and ways of God.
Let us also “hear now what the Lord is saying” (v. 1). For we, too, will find that there is a case against us.
II. Micah’s Response (vv. 6-8)
In verse 6 we find Micah speaking on behalf of the nation: “With what shall I come to the Lord?” What would appease a holy and gracious God who had showered blessings upon His people only to watch them be trampled on like dirt. Could the sacrifice of burnt offerings satisfy Him? Would the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil, even in the sacrifice of his first born?
Micah knew that it wasn’t exterior acts that God was interested in. For God looks at the hearts of men. In verse 8 Micah gives us the answer. In so doing, he’s not rejecting the sacrificial system commanded in the Law; he’s emphasizing that these sacrifices were meant to be outward expressions of an inward trust and desire for repentance and obedience.
“He has told you, O man, what is good and; And what does the Lord require of you, But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly With Your God” (v. 8). God desires changed hearts.
How many of us are guilty of the opposite? We concern ourselves with justice as it pertains to us. But that’s not what Micah says. We’re to be sure that we are just towards others. We complain that others are short with us or don’t see our needs. But we hear from the prophet that we’re to love kindness (This word for “kindness” suggests that we’re to meet the needs of others.). We try to take control of our lives and take center stage. But we learn that God desires humility.
Listen, “hear now what the Lord is saying.” Let us beware of superficial religiosity, for God sees our hearts. Let us adopt this attitude which our Lord Jesus possessed “who although He existed of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bondservant, and being made in the likeness of men…. He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:6-8). (Jonathan Kever)
1John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress, reprint (Nashville: Th. Nelson, Inc., 1999) p. 66.
Transfiguration Sunday
February 10, 2002
A Lamp in Darkness
2 Peter 1:16-21
John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, has recently begun a series of books on great men of the faith entitled The Swans Are Not Silent. In book one Piper has a chapter on John Calvin’s earnest desire to proclaim the greatness of God through the exposition of the scriptures.
Piper shares that “Calvin saw the majesty of God in His word — he believed with all his heart that the word of God was indeed the word of God, and that all of it was inspired and profitable and radiant with the light of the glory of God.”1
That has been the testimony of the saints throughout history. The word of God is indeed the word of God! Our passage today speaks of one who, in the earliest years of the Church, would attest to this. Peter gave testimony as an eyewitness to the grandeur of Christ and called fellow believers to look deep into the word of God for even greater testimony.
I. Testimony of an Eyewitness (vv. 16-18)
In verses 16-21 Peter is reminding his readers of the truth of their faith. He begins this section by recalling an event that changed his life forever, the transfiguration of Jesus Christ. In the midst of complacency and false teaching, Peter draws attention to Jesus’s position in the universe and our lives.
Peter had the blessed experience of seeing the radiance, majesty and glory of Jesus unveiled. He held this as a proof of the second coming of Jesus.
In our sophisticated and secularized culture, many are skeptical of the supernatural. There are even those who call themselves Christians that attempt to get around the reality that Jesus is the Son of God, and, in fact, God Himself. Peter saw the transfiguration as a preview of the second coming, and this supernatural experience testifies to the validity of his claims.
Peter is writing this letter with a sense of urgency because he knows his days are numbered (vv. 12-13). He was told by Jesus that he would be martyred, and even with this dreadful knowledge, Peter’s life was a display of the glory of Christ. His urgency to proclaim the magnificence of Jesus Christ is something that needs to be rekindled in the hearts of Christians today. Are we submitting to the lordship of our Savior and urgently pursuing the display of His glory in word and deed, or are we listening to the lies and empty promises the world whispers in our ears?
II. Testimony of the Scriptures (vv. 19-21)
Even more, we have the testimony of the scriptures. The word of God is a lamp in darkness. In His goodness God has given us His word to guide us to trust in Christ for salvation and sanctification. The word of God illumines the path of righteousness, driving the darkness of doubt away.
From the days of old the prophets testified to Christ, and we need but look back to the Old Testament to see the reality of this. God spoke then, and He continues to speak now, for the word of God is living and active. And those who have placed their trust in Christ have been given the Spirit of God to illumine His word.
Christ will indeed come again. And when He does, He will come like the morning star. Until then, we’ve been given the word of God to glorify Christ and guide us in all faith and obedience. Let us not neglect such revelation, for “all scripture is inspired by God … so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). (Jonathan Kever)
1John Piper, The Legacy of Sovereign Joy (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2000), p. 140.
First Sunday in Lent
February 17, 2002
Happiness Explained
Romans 5:12-17
“Happiness Explained: New science shows how to inject real joy into your life.” Sound amazing? That was the cover story of the September 3rd issue of U.S. News & World Report. The article went on to explain that psychology has taken a new and ex- citing turn in recent years. Instead of trying to repair all those bad brains, the new psychology, called “positive psychology,” is focusing on “humanity’s strengths, rather than its weaknesses, and seeks to help people move up in the continuum of happiness and fulfillment.”
And you’ll never guess by what means this astonishing feat was achieved — with brains and bucks. That’s right; “with millions of dollars in funding and over 60 scientists involved, the movement is showing real results…. Happiness can be learned and cultivated, researchers are finding.”1
I’m no psychologist, but I can with assurance let the scientific community know that they’ll never achieve happiness. Yes, they might reduce the amount of depression in our community and create a few more smiles, but they’ll never provide humanity with a panacea. They’ll never be able to bring true peace and joy to this world. The reason is that they’re operating under a false presupposition. It was evident in the first sentence I read. This new wave of psychology is focusing on “humanity’s strengths.” In other words, they’re banking on the good in all of us.
I. The Real Problem (vv. 12-14)
The real problem is that there is no good in any of us. The apostle explains that death has spread to all humanity because all have sinned. Adam acted as all of humanity’s federal head, and in Adam we all sinned and fall short.
The totality of our depravity is real and inescapable. Earlier in chapter 5 Paul refers to us as enemies of God apart from Christ, and in chapter 3 he quotes from the old testament stating that “there is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks God; all have turned aside …” (vv. 10-12). If true joy can only be given by God, then, left to ourselves, we’re in a despicable state and a hopeless predicament.
Paul goes on to explain that none are exempt, not even those after Adam who were before the Law of Moses. Though they may not have broken a specific given command, their hearts were evil and in need of redemption. The proof of this is in their death. For the wages of sin is death. And physical death wasn’t the only result of our sin, but spiritual death and eternal separation from God.
II. The Real Solution (vv. 15-17)
But the gift of God is eternal life! Paul goes on to contrast the transgression with the free gift. “For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many” (v. 15).
In the next verse the contrast continues. We are condemned in our sin, but the free gift provides justification. How could a just and holy God possibly save sinners? By the blood of Jesus who knew no sin. Those who place their trust in Jesus have His righteousness imputed to them. This is the only way to real happiness — peace with God (Rom. 5:1).
Verse 17 contrasts the death that came through Adam and has infected the human race with the life that comes by grace through faith in Christ. In Christ death was conquered! In Christ we are no longer hopeless slaves to sin!
It is only through Christ that we can truly find joy in a world filled with evil. He is the real solution to the real problem. (Jonathan Kever)
1Holly J. Morris, “Happiness Explained” in U.S. News & World Report, 3 September 2001: pp. 46, 48.
Second Sunday in Lent
February 24, 2002
Debt Free
Romans 4:1-5
God’s plan throughout redemptive history has never been to get people to work their ways back to Him. Yet many spend their lives trying to gain favor with God through good works.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, though they use Christian jargon in their teachings and even speak of grace, have adopted a works theology. Ron Rhodes, in his book on cults, exposes this teaching taken from their own literature. Rhodes states: “Although Jehovah’s Witnesses often speak of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, in reality they believe in a works-oriented salvation. Salvation is impossible apart from total obedience to the Watchtower and vigorous participation in its various programs…. The Watchtower says that ‘to get one’s name written in that Book of Life will depend upon one’s works.'”1
We may disagree about a variety of things and remain Christians, but we must guard against those that would seek to manipulate and even change the very gospel of grace we hold dear.
I. Nothing to Brag About (vv. 1-3)
Chapter 4 opens with a rhetorical question given by the apostle: “What shall we say?” Paul is questioning the popular Jewish teaching of his day that Abraham had a surplus of merits built up, and those works were even available to his decedents.1
Though he agrees that Abraham might have something to boast about before men, there’s no way he could boast before God who is perfect in righteousness and infinite in holiness. We all inherited the sin nature, and there are none righteous apart from faith, not even Abraham.
The apostle then appeals to the scriptures to evidence that works aren’t a means to righteousness: “For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” We’ve all fallen short of the glory of God, and that is the standard. No matter how hard we work, we’ll never be able to pay our own debt.
II. Something to Rejoice About (vv. 4-5)
“But … to the one who believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (v. 5). Just as it wasn’t by works that Abraham’s righteousness was credited to him, neither is it with us.
We aren’t called, as some religions teach, to try and make up for our mistakes by living righteously. In fact, that’s not even possible apart from Christ. As verse 4 explains, a worker gets what he deserves. If I go to my job and work 5 hours for 10 dollars an hour, I earn 50 dollars; I deserve 50 dollars. And as Paul states in Romans 6:23, the wages of sin is death. I earned and deserve death eternally.
It is only by the righteousness of Jesus Christ that I am justified. The righteousness of Jesus is credited to me by grace through faith alone. This crediting isn’t like a card that requires interest and that I’m indebted to. Salvation is a free gift and is given to all who believe. My debt is payed in full through the blood of Jesus.
Let us not live as though we can earn favor with God. We’re no longer slaves to sin and have been freed to live a life of faithful obedience to God in Christ Jesus. (Jonathan Kever)
1Ron Rhodes, The Challenge of the Cults, (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2001), p. 90.
Contributors in this issue include: Timothy J. Peck, Pastor, Life Bible Fellowship, Upland, CA; Earl J. Nichols, Pastor, Garden Community Church, Bradenton, FL; Jonathan Kever, Preaching.
From the Lectionary
All Saints Day
November 4, 2001
To Seek And Save the Lost
Luke 19:1-10
This summer I led a study group on prayer at church. Arriving early one night, I found myself alone in a quiet empty church. I walked over t a table that contained free literature and started thumbing through some of the material. I noticed one pamphlet concerning prayer, and since I was leading a study group on prayer, it caught my attention, and I began reading through it.
The pamphlet asked Christians to lift up in prayer specific individuals in positions of influence around the world. It listed various world leaders, heads of state, government officials and people in high profile positions in the media industry.
The pamphlet had a picture of each individual, and it gave a brief synopsis of how that person influenced world affairs followed by suggestions on how to pray for that person. One picture I immediately recognized, and it aroused my interest. It was a picture of Osama bin Laden — a face we see and a name we hear often in the news. He’s the suspected mastermind of several terrorist attacks against the United States.
When I saw the picture, I must confess that my first thought wasn’t to pray for his well being but for his destruction. I don’t reveal my initial thoughts with any pride or joy. I know that thought runs counter to the Gospel I preach. It wasn’t a thought grounded in love but in vengeance. The Gospel message is one where God seeks sinners for salvation.
In the Bible I know of no story that better illustrates the purpose of Jesus Christ’s coming than the account of a man named Zacchaeus. It illustrates how Christ came to seek and save sinners.
In the 19th chapter of Luke we meet Zacchaeus. It’s a short story — only 10 verses long. But it’s a powerful message deserving our attention.
If you’re like me and have children who grew up in Sunday School, the first thing that might come to mind about Zacchaeus is a son. It starts out with the line: “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he.” I like that first line. It immediately endears me to Zacchaeus. I guess it’s because I love a story where Jesus seeks and saves a short guy.
The 19th chapter begins by telling us that Jesus entered the city of Jericho. Zacchaeus lived in Jericho and Luke tells us he was a chief tax collector which wasn’t at all popular with the people. Being a short man, Zacchaeus couldn’t see over the crowd so he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed up into a tree for a better view. When Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was, He looked up and said: “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your hose today” (v. 5). Zacchaeus immediately responded by coming down and gladly welcoming Jesus into his home.
The reaction of the crowd was shock. They couldn’t believe that Jesus would associate with someone like Zacchaeus. They couldn’t believe that He would enter the home of a sinner, but He did. And because He did, an amazing thing occurred.
We don’t know how long Jesus spent with Zacchaeus, but when their meeting was just about over he stood up and made an amazing statement: “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (v. 8).
Jesus responded by saying: “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (vv. 9-10).
That final verse in the story may very well rank as one of the most important verses in the entire Bible. If I were put on the spot and allowed only one sentence to describe who Jesus was and why He came, I might very well have chosen verse 10.
Does Jesus need to come to your house to seek and save a lost sinner? Salvation can only come if Jesus comes. There is no other way.
The good news is that He wants to come. He wants to come because you have value. He wants to come because He loves you.
Your life needs a transformation that only Jesus can accomplish. Jesus came to seek and save lost sinners. The only open question is: Will you walk away or will you gladly invite Him into your house? (Michael Watkins)
Proper 27
November 11, 2001
The Big Question
Luke 20:27-40
I recently had a conversation with a young self-proclaimed pluralist. We sat at a small wrought iron table outside a coffee shop discussing life. He boasted of his ability to think freely about the universe, and he tenaciously opposed the possibility that truth was anything other than relative to the individual.
As the conversation progressed, my pluralist friend began constructing a theory that he’d been working on for a while. On one end of the table a lighter represented birth, and on the other end, a pack of cigarettes represented death. They were connected by a straw symbolizing the “ideal” way. The zig-zags in the mesh frame of the tabletop stood for the many roads one might take through life.
Though they didn’t always stay in line with the “ideal” way, they often crossed paths, and they all led from birth to death. None of them were evil or wrong, just different. The ideal way wasn’t the “right” way either, it was simply the road one would take if there were no friction in life.
According to his theory, no one could know what came before the lighter or what comes after the cigarettes because no one can remember what it was like before birth, and no one has come back from the dead to explain the hereafter.
At this point I interjected with a question: “What if someone who was both before birth and after death became one of us in order that He might tell us truths from eternity?” I then shared with him that the Christian worldview offers such hope. His name is Jesus, the Word who was in the beginning and who was resurrected from the dead.
My pluralist friend couldn’t accept this though. “I just can’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that I’m held accountable for my sin. Some people need religion; I don’t,” he said. He was comfortable with his theories, and refused to believe that there was just one religion with the truth, especially a religion that spoke of sin and judgement, a religion that believed in the resurrection and the afterlife, a religion that replaced autonomy with a desperate need for saving grace.
In our text today we meet another group with similar beliefs, and like my pluralist friend, they just can’t believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
I. Hypothetical Deception (vv. 27-33)
The Sadducees, a group of free-thinking philosophers who denied the possibility of a resurrection, or anything supernatural, come to meet Jesus. This group, normally at odds with the Pharisees concerning doctrine, set there differences aside for a more important cause — the extermination of Jesus. They came to set Jesus up, to bring a riddle that could not be answered, and, therefore, to prove themselves right and Jesus wrong, or so they thought.
Knowing that the Law of Moses made provision for a man who died without an heir by having his unmarried brother marry the deceased man’s widow, they brought to Jesus a hypothetical designed to distort the truth.
Apart from Christ, we, too, stand in opposition to Jesus. Our hostility may take various shapes, but it reveals the same arrogance and rebellion that existed in the hearts of the Sadducees. When the holiness of Jesus stands in contrast to the hypocrisy of the depraved only two things happen — rejection or repentance.
We live in the midst of postmodern “free” thinkers. Plurality is favored, and no one is allowed to claim absolute truth. Our culture is still in the business of exterminating the One it most desperately need. Praise God that though “we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Rom. 5:10).
II. The Answer is in Him (vv. 34-40)
Jesus responded by turning back to the Law of Moses. The Sadducees brought this supposed problem to Jesus under the assumption that the Law didn’t teach a resurrection. Jesus explained to them that there is neither marriage nor birth in the afterlife. And there is no death because, like the angels, we will be immortal. Jesus turned back to the law stating that God is the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He isn’t the God of the dead but of the living.
Those listening to Jesus were silenced. And they didn’t have the courage to bring any more tricks or questions. Jesus had the answer, and Jesus is our answer.
Whether we’re at work, talking with our neighbor or sitting outside a coffee house discussing life, death and the universe, Jesus is our answer. His Word makes sense of the beginning, the present and the end, for He is the Alpha and the Omega. (Jonathan Kever)
Proper 28
November 18, 2001
Window of Opportunity
Luke 21:5-19
In our text today Peter, James and John ask three questions: 1) When will the temple be destroyed? 2) What will be the sign of His coming? 3) What will be the end of the age? Our Lord’s reply is what we today call “The Olivet Discourse” and is expanded in Matthew 24 and 25.
Shakespeare said, “There are sermons in stones,” and rightly so, for our Lord used such common place things as a little boy’s lunch and a farmer’s seed to teach the deep truths of His Word. As believers, we should always be sensitive to the world around us because God is constantly giving everyday opportunities to share His love. To see the windows of opportunity we must:
I. Deal with the fact of tradition
In biblical times three temples were built on the same site: Solomon’s, Zerubbabel’s and Herod’s. Solomon built the temple on the east side of Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, “where the Lord had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite” (1 Chron. 21:28; 2 Chron. 3:1).
The temple took 46 years to complete, and even then more work was done until 64 A.D., 6 years before its destruction by the Romans. It was a splendid sight, built of white marble and covered with heavy plates of gold in front rising high above its marble, cloistered courts.
Yet the beauty of the building couldn’t hide the hatred and hypocrisy within the hearts of those inside. This is made evident in verse 1 when Christ pays honor to the heart of the giver and not the amount being given. Eventually Christ would correct the practices of the temple by teaching His disciples the real meaning of worship: “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth …” (John 4:23).
II. Deal with the fear of destruction
Verse six speaks not of some far in the future prophetic event, and it would see its fulfillment just forty years later. The Roman General Titus brought his army in the fall of A.D. 68, but because of a harsh winter and low supplies, he had to withdraw and didn’t return until A.D. 70. The Christians in Jerusalem remembered Christ’s warning and fled the city while the arrogant remained and considered Titus so discouraged that he wouldn’t return.
III. Listen to the prophecy
There must be faith in the word of our Lord. The disciples asked when these things would occur not if they would occur. They asked what to expect and didn’t debate with Jesus on why there should be exceptions or exemptions.
IV. Have faith in the midst of opposition.
In verse 12 Christ speaks of times of persecution for His sake, and He even warns us to beware when all men speak well of us. This will lead to great opportunities to testify on behalf of Jesus’ great name. He told the disciples that the wisdom they needed during these times would be provided.
Jesus then goes on to explain more concerning this desperate time in verses 16-17, yet the Lord would protect them. There faith was in the Lord, as our faith should be in the Lord when difficult days arise. (Jeff LaBorg)
Christ The King
November 25, 2001
Remember Who You Know
Colossians 1:12-20
Have you grown accustomed to knowing Jesus? The opening verse of our passage reveals that knowing and following Jesus is intended to be a life of continuous and joyful thanks — as though one just can’t get over it and constantly collapses to his knees in overwhelming gratitude. The attentive Christian can restore that sort of joy to life by simply remembering what God has done: 1) “[He] has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light, (2) He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and (3) transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, (4) in whom we have redemption, (5) the forgiveness of sins.” The reason a Christian has such a superior standing is because Christ Himself is the Supreme Being. Paul describes four basic aspects of Christ’s supremacy.
I. Image of the Invisible God
First, “He is the image of the invisible God.” “These words assert that the glorified Son sets forth, to those who behold Him, the nature and grandeur of the Eternal Father. The image includes the glorified manhood in which the Eternal Son presents, in created and visible form, the mental and moral nature of God. Men knew the Father because they had seen the Incarnate Son (John 14:9).”1 Paul repeats and magnifies the idea in verse 19: “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” All there is of God is in Christ.
II. Firstborn Over All Creation
This is further demonstrated in Christ’s relationship to creation. “He is the firstborn over all creation.” Firstborn does not imply that Jesus is a created being; rather it is a statement of His position relative to cre-ated things: He preceded Creation, and He is Sovereign over Creation. For example, in referring to things “visible and invisible”, Paul alludes to the world of angels, making it clear that they are subordinate to Christ because He created them.
“All things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” All things, all things, all things — the phrase is repeated four times. Everything is subject to Christ because “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being (John 1:3). Christ is the Eternal One; in the beginning He was already there.
III. Head of the Body — Firstborn from the Dead
Thirdly, Christ is supreme in relation to the Church. He is it’s Head and it’s Beginning, and the firstborn from the dead. Christ has authority over the Body. He led the way in resurrection. As Hebrews puts it, He is the Captain of our Salvation. Thus, “He is preeminent. The same eternal Logos (John 1:1) who ‘became flesh’ (John 1:14) and ‘humbled Himself’ (Phil. 2:8) is now ‘exalted’ by God the Father ‘to the highest place’ and has been given ‘the name that is above every name’ (Phil. 2:9).”2
IV. Peacemaker
Finally, the supremacy of Christ is in His work of reconciliation. In verse 20, we find that Christ is the agent by which all things are reconciled to God the Father. By sin, mankind put things out of sync with God — even the natural universe (see Rom. 8:19-22). By His death, Christ has “made peace;” He sets everything back to unity with God.
Remember what a great and glorious thing it is to be associated with the Lord Jesus Christ! Knowing Him is the highest knowledge, for He is the Supreme Being. Yes, He is God himself, and He is God’s chosen instrument for setting things straight — you included — which He did by taking on a body, dying in your place, and rising again. God Himself has revealed this perfect knowledge of Christ to you. We will keep the joyful and thankful perspective God intends if we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us” (2 Cor. 1:20). (Doug Searle)
1J. A. Beet, Exposition of the Epistle to the Colossians
2Norman L. Geisler, “Colossians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary
December 2, 2001
First Sunday of Advent
The Preparations of Advent
Romans 13:11-14
We cannot imagine entering the Christmas season with little or no preparation. We would not try to run a marathon, for example, without building up to it. So it is with Advent. It is a time for preparation, a season of buildup.
In writing to the Romans, the apostle Paul reminded them that the time for slumber was past. What does it mean to take seriously the preparations for Advent?
I. Remember that we live in a world of responsibilities
The Bible tells about the connected nature of life. We do not exist in isolation. We live together where the good of everyone is more important that individual wants. To remember that is part of our Advent preparation. God is part of the heritage of the United States. It appears that God will always maintain that role.
For the first time since 1976, the U.S. Mint is issuing quarters with a new design. Fifty new quarters will eventually be released honoring each state in the order in which it came into the union. The Delaware quarters were the first out of the mold since Delaware was the first state to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787. Other quarters will be released in order. The “heads” side of each of the new coins will retain the portrait of George Washington, but it will be smaller to accommodate some of the wording that used to be on the back of the coin. The words “In God We Trust” still appear on the front of the coin.
We’ve heard all our lives that church and state are two separate institutions. Yet, they seem to become intertwined in many situations, as evidenced by our nation’s coinage. Produced by the government, our money still bears the statement, “In God We Trust.” Perhaps this statement on our money can help us remember that God expects us to be good citizens of the church and good citizens of the state. We may not always agree with the words politicians use or the way elected officials vote to spend our taxes, but we are still to be model citizens of our towns, states and country. As you begin to notice the new quarters making their way into circulation, be reminded every time you spend one to remember God’s expectation of how we can be responsible citizens.
II. Moral alertness helps make Advent real
Advent is a time for preparations. One such preparation is a moral checkup. While much of the world seems to be heading toward destruction, the Christian is called on to “clothe yourselves” with the Lord. That is a way of saying, “Wake up morally and live spiritually responsible lives.” This is difficult to do.
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is a Republican from Miami. She attended President Bill Clinton’s State of the Union address in 1999 with her 11-year-old daughter, Patricia. In the proceeding weeks, Representative Ros-Lehtinen had voted to impeach the president, but that didn’t stop her from asking President Clinton to pose for a photograph with her daughter following the address. As for the irony of seeking a photo op with a man she helped impeach, Ros-Lehtinen said, “My daughter knows I voted for the articles of impeachment. But what we were there to celebrate was the spirit of democracy and our institutions that we cherish. It’s not whether we like Bill Clinton or dislike him. It’s about the office of the presidency and the awesome responsibility that accompanies that constitutionally mandated position. So I’m proud to celebrate democracy with my daughter.”
Advent comes alive when we live a God-ordered life. God is pleased to dwell among us. (Don Aycock)
December 9, 2001
Second Sunday of Advent
The Message of the Baptist
Matthew 3:1-12
Do you know what is the most difficult instrument to play in life’s orchestra? It is “second fiddle.” Most people want to play first chair. Nothing else seems worthwhile to some people. Yet what would an orchestra sound like if every instrument played the same notes? The rich texture of melody, counter melody and harmony would be lost. The same can be said of life in general and church life in particular.
Meet John the Baptist. He was a man who had his ego in check. John’s life had balance. He neither had to be first in everything, nor was he afraid to stand up and speak his mind. John purposely accepted a role secondary to Jesus. Why did John do so? Simply put, John knew he had a mission in life. His mission was not to build his reputation but that of another. A person with a mission is a person of force and persuasion.
Listen to the message of the Baptist.
I. Repentance and the Kingdom of Heaven (vv. 1-2)
John came “preaching in the wilderness.” Preaching in the Old Testament came from the prophets who heralded God’s messages against the sins of the people. The earliest preaching in the New Testament was the proclamation of God’s revelation. After Jesus was crucified preaching centered on Him and His atoning work.
The preaching of John the Baptist had two major themes. The first was repentance. To repent literally means to change one’s mind and direction in life. To repent is to realize the nature of the problem, namely, that a person has rebelled against God. After the realization comes a basic change in life direction.
The urgency of John’s message is summed up in the proclamation that the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In all of this we see that John called on the Jews to repent of their sins, to change the way they thought about God and their relationship to Him. His kingdom was at hand. It was among them if they would accept it.
II. The Necessity of Genuine Repentance (vv. 7-10)
Not everyone who went to John was welcomed. Two groups of people were rejected by John. One group was the Pharisees. They emphasized the oral traditions of their law meant to help Jews know how to keep the law. Those oral traditions developed over generations and almost became a noose around the necks of people. The Sadducees we a priestly sect who found power and prestige associated with the Temple. They accepted only the first five books of what we call the Old Testament (the Pentateuch) and rejected many of the core beliefs held by the Pharisees.
When members of these two groups went out to John they were severely criticized. He called them a “brood of vipers.” John asked, “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” The implication was that they were seeking baptism for dishonest reasons. John discerned that they were simply trying to save themselves from the coming wrath of the Messiah. They were like snakes trying to escape a burning field.
John caught onto the “game” of the religious leaders but did not play along. God knows the truth about us. He can see what is in our heart. No one can fool God. A life that is committed to Christ will be a repentant life. Spiritual fruit will grow from such a life. It might be faked in church for a while, but sooner or later the truth will emerge. The warning in verse 10 is real and should be a warning to everyone that God is not to be trifled with. A spiritual heritage can be a powerful force to lead a person to Christ. But heritage alone is not enough.
III. Focus On The One Who Was To Come (vv. 11-12)
John continued his reply to the Pharisees and Sadducees. They came to him for baptism, but John explained the difference between what he offered and what the One coming after him, the Messiah, offered. John baptized in “water for repentance.” The word “for” here means “on the basis of.” John’s baptism was given on the basis of a person’s repentance. The members of the two groups did not repent so he would not baptize them.
The One coming later would baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The One who could baptize with the Spirit was therefore the Messiah. He would also use “fire,” a symbol here of judgment. The baptism of Jesus would be the purging of fire. John made clear the fact that when the Messiah came the time would be momentous. It would not be a picnic. John changed the image again but stayed with the idea of judgment. The Messiah would sift people with a “winnowing fork.” Grain was thrown into the air with this kind of fork. The wind blew away the chaff while the grain fell back to earth. That image is used of the Messiah’s judgment. A time of separation was coming between the true followers of the Messiah and those who merely pretended to follow.
The “chaff” would be burned with “unquenchable fire.” This image of separation and judgment is powerful and graphic. In all of this John portrayed himself as merely the herald of the Messiah. He was not “even fit to remove His sandals.” That was his way of humbling himself before Christ.
The message of John the Baptist is one of repentance and refocusing upon the Messiah. When you think of it, that’s not a bad description of Advent. (Don Aycock)
Third Sunday of Advent
December 16, 2001
Old Bricks for a New Path
Isaiah 35:1-10
Digging in the garden exhilarates me. My wife has beautiful flowerbeds around the house and wanted something to outline them. Looking for the right materials to enhance the charm of those flowerbeds I discovered bricks. The new bricks are fine, but nothing gives a better appeal then old bricks to either a flower garden or a garden path. I especially like the irregular size of the bricks or ones that have a name of the company engraved on it. The irregular dimension of the bricks adds to the charm of the project, but it also makes fitting everything together more of a challenge.
The Better Homes and Garden web page gave instructions on building a new path out of old bricks. The instructions were simple: 1) Lay out the path with PVC pipe to form the pattern for the path. Marking the path’s width with orange paint. 2) Dig the base. The depth should be the brick’s thickness plus four inches for the sand base. 3) Add the sand once the path is cleared. 4) Leveling and tamping the sand to create a firm and even underlayment is important. Use a level device for accuracy. 5) Set the bricks, but if using old bricks from a building be sure to chip away the old mortar. 6) Lastly, fill the cracks with sand and brush away the excess.
As I read Isaiah’s thoughts on a highway for the redeemed called the “Way of Holiness,” I realized that God has provided a path for those walking on it. The walkway never varies from its direction, but as we walk we will be led through different settings. Some days the path will lead us through hard times physically and emotionally. Other days may find us dealing with family issues, financial stress and many more, but God’s path has some non-variables to it.
Let’s examine how God builds the path of holiness in our lives.
I. Holiness is laying out the path.
The path of holy living is not an option, but a necessity. If we choose to follow Jesus then we choose to follow a holy lifestyle that embodies Christ. John Knight paraphrases Romans 12:1-2 as, “Do not allow yourself to be overcome by the schemes, aims, impulses, goals, drives, urges, purposes, aspirations and secularism of the world.”1
As God lays out the path to holy living He designs it as a personal relationship to Himself, His Son and the Holy Spirit. As God lays out the path to holy living He designs it as ethical in nature and character. As God lays out the path to holy living He designs it as a momentary decision of consent with a continual transformation of daily renewal.
II. Holiness is digging the base.
The path of holy living is separation of unholy things that negatively affects our lives to holy objectives that positively affects our lives.
As God digs the base we are set apart for service that gives us a holy zeal for kingdom work. As God digs the base we are radically empowered by the Holy Spirit for acts of kindness and unconditional love. As God digs the base we are given a sense of compassion that outstrips the world’s understanding of concern to a godly understanding and compassion that empathizes with the hurts and disillusionment that accompanies life.
III. Holiness is creating a firm base.
As God adds the firm base He does so by His holy grace. His unmerited favor of loving us — totally!
As God adds the firm base He does so by His holy mercy. We are no longer God’s enemies, but His friends. Through our sinfulness we offended Him, but through His forgiveness and cleansing He refrained from punishing us for our sins. This is undeserved mercy from a loving God.
As God adds the firm base He does so by His holy security. God’s Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we are His possessions. Skevington Wood wrote, “To produce a perfect chord of music two notes are necessary. They must be attuned to each other. Unless there is such adjustment when they are struck, instead of one faultless chord there will be a jarring dissonance. So the witness of God’s Spirit with our spirit can only be perfectly harmonious when our wills are aligned to His.”2
IV. Holiness is setting the life and filling in the cracks.
As God sets our course He will fill in the open spaces as we commit ourselves to Him. His part is the cleansing and baptizing with His Spirit, but our part is availability and consecration to His desires. As life progresses we come to Him to make it meaningful. A lifestyle dedicated to holy living allows us to walk on the path marked “Way of Holiness.”
Let God help you on your new path live a life that is transformed by His craftsmanship! (Derl G. Keefer)
1John Knight, The Holiness Pilgrimage (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1973), 12
2Harold Bonner, Proclaiming The Spirit (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 1975), 61.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 23, 2001
God With Us!
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew’s gospel narrative about the birth of Jesus gives glimpses of His parents. Joseph is a man of compassion, courage and character. Sweet Mary is portrayed as an obedient servant, of pure innocence and a holy integrity. The truth is that as important as they are to the story the two of them are not the centerpieces.
Matthew makes it crystal clear Christmas correctly centers on Christ No figure of the Christmas story should ever replace or overshadow the person of Jesus. The author presents in two different spots what Joseph and Mary are to call their infant son. The first is found in Matthew 1:21, “… and you will call Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” The second place is Matthew 1:23, “and they will call Him Immanuel — which means, ‘God with us.'”
In retrospect we understand how Jesus will truly become the savior and lead all people from their sins. It is the meaning of the name “Immanuel” that we will focus on today.
I. God with us.
The concept that an infinite being exists throws many people into a quandary. Where is this being? What does God look like? When did He/She/It begin? How does God reveal Himself to humankind? Why does God allow suffering?
The Bible never begins with these questions; it simply takes for granted the existence of God. The Holy Scriptures reveals God as a spiritual being with freedom, intelligence and purpose. This God has an absolute perfection in all areas of existence including the moral and ethical standards. God can be described as pure love, faithful, powerful, complete nourishment, strength, and comfort. The attributes of God consists of omni-presence, changelessness, immensity, eternity, infinity and spirituality. God fills every fiber of our existence and every place so that there is no room for any other. Is it any wonder that we acknowledge His majesty! Christians believe that encased within the human body of the infant Jesus of Nazareth was this Spirit-God of the universe come to earth for one eternal purpose — our redemption.
II. God with us.
Matthew’s concept proposes that Jesus has brought God alongside us. He has come to be our companion, friend and associate. God has come in the form of Jesus to shoulder our problems, lift our spirits to greater heights and forgive our spiritual failures. God does not do that from a distance, but within us. God is not a lofty idea, but rather has a personal presence with us because of Jesus taking on human form.
God with us in unadulterated love. Karl Barth, famed theologian, was once asked by a friend, “Karl, what is the greatest thought you ever had?” His immediate response was, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
God with us in mercy. Chuck Swindoll quotes J. Dwight Pentecost, “Mercy is God’s ministry to the miserable.” Swindoll then comments, “It is both intensely personal and immensely practical. For when I am treated unfairly, God’s mercy relieves my bitterness. When I grieve over loss, it relieves my self-pity. When I endure physical pain, it relieves my hopelessness. When I deal with being sinful, it relieves my guilt.”1
God with us in consistency. God will never leave us or forsake us! He is always there in good times and in bad times.
August 16, 1968, I married Karen Hodges of Brookfield, Missouri. Together we started our lives with one another. These past thirty-three years have seen a lot of changes, but we have been with each other through it all. The years have seen the excitement of us both graduating from college … me from seminary … experienced moves to a pastorate in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and now Missouri as an administrator for my denomination … the joy that accompanies the birth of two children … fire … near death experience for me when I was accidentally poisoned … members of our family divorced … a church split …. All of the with experiences that go along with life.
“God with us” isn’t a glib statement on Matthew’s part. He understood life’s ups and downs and was overjoyed to know that God was going to be with him throughout life! Aren’t you excited, too, that in all of your life God stands next to you?
III. God with us.
That is a collective statement. “Us” is the plural form of me. So we can easily say, “God with me.” Now that is exciting for me to think that the God of the universe comes alongside of Derl Keefer! I’m unique. There aren’t too many Derl’s in the world. I only know of seven who spell their names like mine. Even if you are a Mary Jones or a John Smith and have thousands with the same name, God knows you. You are unique in your own right. God comes along side of you and me with our own personalities, quirks and sin. He knows the number of hair on the top of our heads! Awesome! He nestles close to us and refuses to move away. If we backslide it is because we move away from Him and not Him moving away from us. Why? Because His love is for me personally. That’s what John 3:16 is all about. God loving Derl Gene Keefer enough to send Jesus as an infant into an unholy world to redeem me before I ever knew His name of His love.
This Christmas let us shout it from the rooftops, proclaim it in the streets, whisper it in the ears of the lost, tell it to our children, celebrate it in the church … God is with us! (Derl Keefer)
First Sunday after Christmas
December 30, 2001
He Had to Be One of Us
Hebrews 2:10-18
Puppies for Sale,” the sign said, and a young boy came to inquire. “I’d like to buy one,” he said, “if they don’t cost too much.” “Well, son, they’re $25.” The boy was crushed. “I’ve only got two dollars and five cents …. Could I see them anyway?” “Of course,” said the man. The lad’s eyes danced at the sight of five little balls of fur. “I heard that one has a bad leg,” he said. “Yes, I’m afraid she’ll be crippled for life.” “Well, that’s the puppy I want. Could I pay for her a little at a time?” “But she’ll always have a limp,” the man responded. Smiling bravely, the boy pulled up one pant leg, revealing a brace. “I don’t walk good either.” Then, looking at the puppy, he continued, “I guess she’ll need a lot of love and help. I sure did. It’s not so easy being crippled.” “Here, take her,” said the man. “I know you’ll give her a good home. And just forget the money.” (from Our Daily Bread)
Anyone would feel sorry for her, but this boy would have a special ability to love and care for the puppy. He knows … firsthand.
The book of Hebrews is all about the supremacy of Christ, but here in the second chapter, we have a remarkable and ironic argument: Jesus “was made for a little while lower than the angels.” This allusion to Psalm 8:5 is a poetic way to say “He became a man.” And in this tightly packed paragraph, the glory of His humility is unfolded. Why did the Son of God become the Son of Man? How does that demonstrate His greatness?
I. To Be the Captain of Our Salvation
God cannot tell us how to rescue ourselves. Self-rescue is impossible. We need someone to make a way for us and to lead us in it. We are not able to break through the barriers of sin and death that obstruct the path to glory. We are stuck in the grip of Satan, enslaved by our fear of death.
Only by becoming one of us could Christ make a way for us, and the way is “through death.” F. F. Bruce wrote: “His death has transformed the meaning of death for [those He saves]. To them His death means not judgment, but blessing; not bondage, but liberation. And their own death, when it comes takes its character from His death. If, then, death itself cannot separate the people of Christ from God’s love which has been revealed in Him, it can not longer be held over their heads by the devil or any other malign power as a means of intimidation.”
Jesus is the first-born from the dead, the trail blazing Captain of our salvation. Because He is one of us, He is willing to regard us as brothers and to lead us in singing praise to the Father. He proclaims the name of God to us. In sacrificing His life, He shows us how to trust God with ours. To lead us, He had to be one of us.
II. To Be the Great High Priest
This is one of the great themes of Hebrews: Jesus is the High Priest to end all high priests. As our Captain, Jesus leads us to God. As our High Priest, He represents us before God, whose righteousness demands perfection. Such perfect righteousness can only respond to sin with wrath. Jesus brings His own life to the altar, and Justice is satisfied. To do this Jesus had to have a life to give. To die for us, He had to be one of us.
III. To Be a Present Help in Trouble
We’re told here that Jesus “was tempted in that which He suffered.” That phrase refers not only to enticements to sin, but also to the daily test of living in a sin-filled world. Jesus, in His perfection must have experienced the pain of broken humanity in the most acute way. He did not observe our plight from a distance; He has been in the mire Himself. He knows firsthand. Thus “He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Let us imitate the courage of our Captain. Let us rejoice in the atonement of our High Priest. Let us experience His peace and joy in a troubled world. (Doug Searle)
Contributors in this issue include: Michael Watkins, Dexter, MO; Jonathan Kever, Preaching; Jeff LaBorg, Savannah, TN; Doug Searle, Community Bible Church, Nashville, TN; Don Aycock, First Baptist Church, Palatka, FL; Derl Keefer, International Church of the Nazarene, Kansas City, MO.
From the Lectionary
Proper 17
September 2, 2001
Save my Seat!
Luke 14:7-11
Pride — is there a more dangerous and subtle sin? It’s a sin that we often overlook in our self-righteousness. In our eyes it pales in comparison to the more “detestable” sins — drunkenness, drug addiction, fornication, adultery, murder. Yet pride is the root of all sin.
Some may respond to this by saying: “At least I’m not a thief,” yet they steal the joy of those around them with there legalistic standards. Others may say “At least I’m not a murder,” yet they destroy the lives of their loved ones, cutting them with words in order to feel better about themselves. Still others may say “At least I’m not an adulterer,” yet they play the harlot, seeking satisfaction from there possessions and achievements.
To them the apostle James shares some words: “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? … Submit therefore to God …. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”
I once heard it said that “Our job is to humble ourselves, and God’s job is to exalt us. If we start doing His job, He’ll start doing ours.” Jesus said it like this: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (v. 11).
God can see beyond our exteriors. He sees when we’re attempting to puff ourselves up instead of finding significance and satisfaction in Him. Pride says to God and man: “I know better than you, because I am better than you.” And it’s reflected in our self-inflating pursuits, just as it was in the actions of the guests that Jesus spoke to in our text today.
I. Musical chairs (v. 7)
When I was a child we often played musical chairs. To play this game a number of chairs — one less than the participants — are placed in a circle racing outward. Everyone begins walking around the chairs while music is played. The object of the game is to find yourself a chair as soon as the music stops because the one left standing is out of the game. It’s everyone for himself in this game which usually ends up becoming a full-contact sport.
When I read this verse, I can almost imagine the guests playing musical chairs. Except this time the object of the game is to find the best seat before the feast begins. Because in their eyes, the one not sitting in a place of prominence is out! So as soon as they get there, they scramble to the head table to sit next to the host. In this culture the closer the invited guests were to the host, the more prominent their position.
Jesus noticed this disturbing behavior and began sharing with the guests.
II. Don’t think too highly of yourselves (vv. 8-9)
Often after a first read through a text like this, I step back and think to myself, how could they be so foolish? But it’s usually not long before the Spirit brings to mind instances in my life that are very similar to those I read about. So it was with these verses.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve attempted to inflate my position before God and men. Even in ministry it’s easy to tell ourselves that we’re a great asset to God, and it would definitely be to His advantage to place us in the lime light.
Oh how the words of Jesus cut to the heart. It’s better that we listen when we read than to learn when we’re disciplined for our disobedience. In His parable, Jesus reminds the guests that they might not be as important as they think, and they ought not be quick to puff themselves up. Because if they do, the host may have to put them back in their places. We, too, shouldn’t think more highly of ourselves than God does, for “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
III. God does the exalting — not us (vv. 10-11)
Jesus goes on telling the guests “But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place” (v. 10).
“The last place! What do you mean, the last place?” That’s what I imagine the response to be of many listening to Jesus then and now.
Do you ever hear compliments to others subtly interrupted by another listening in who thinks he or she didn’t get due credit? “Yeah, Joe did a great job didn’t he? He asked me what I thought he should do and we came up with this together.” How we despise the thought of others getting recognition we think we deserve.
Why is that? It’s because our significance isn’t found in God. Instead we look to success or other people to tell us how fantastic we are. But God’s ways are so much higher than ours. And He can lift us higher than anyone or anything! Our job is to humble ourselves because humility reveals to us who we really are. Humility brings to our attention our desperate need for God to live in and through us.
When we humble ourselves God becomes very big in our eyes. He then becomes very big in our prayers and in our faith. God exalts us because He loves to bless His children, and because we can handle and enjoy the exaltation as He intended. In turn, our lives exalt the Exalter. (Jonathan Kever)
Proper 18
September 9, 2001
The Choice Is Up To You
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Have you ever noticed a word can lose its meaning due to overuse? For instance, the word awesome. For a while it seemed that anything remotely pleasant was “awesome.” “This pizza’s awesome!” or “That car’s awesome!” or “This is an awesome movie!” Perhaps a word with such intense meaning ought to be reserved for a more fitting subject. Yes, a word loses meaning when in almost the same breath we can say pizza is awesome and sing that God is awesome.
And awesome isn’t the only word that has fallen prey to popularity. I can think of another word that’s probably even more overused and wrongly used. The word is love. In fact, you could replace the word awesome with the word love in the phrases I spoke of earlier, and it would be generally understood and socially acceptable: “I love Pizza!” “I love that car!” “I love that movie!” And in almost the same breath we say “I love you” to our God, spouses, children and close friends.
A word that defines our response to the greatest command of scripture is a word that shouldn’t be allowed to lose its meaning so easily. Our text today speaks of love. Not a love that is characterized by warm fuzzy feelings or a moment of infatuation. Not a word that is spoken nonchalantly, but love as God intended it.
I. Love God, choose life (vv. 15-16)
Moses brings a challenge to the people of Israel in this passage, a challenge to live according to the covenant God established with His elect. He commands the people to “love the Lord … to walk in His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgements” (v. 16).
This isn’t the kind of love we’re used to hearing about on TV. It isn’t simply an emotion that God desires from His people; it’s an action, a decision. It’s a choice to walk in His ways and obey Him.
We live in a day where feeling is a necessity for lasting relationships, at least according to the world. If I don’t feel the warm fuzzies than I’ll just pack my bags and try to regain that feeling elsewhere. If I don’t feel God’s presence, then what’s the use of wasting my mornings spending time in His word and in prayer?
Moses reminded Israel that there is a cost involved in loving God; really it’s more of an investment. Because as the people listened and chose love they were promised that they would live and multiply and that the Lord would bless them.
Do you want an abundant life, a life filled with blessing? Then choose love!
II. Love gods, choose death (vv. 17-18)
Following his challenge, Moses gives the people of Israel a warning. If their hearts turn away to other gods, he says they “shall surely perish” (v. 18). At the heart of covenant faith is the worship of God alone. Moses made the consequences clear and the choice simple, but that didn’t make it easy.
There is real sacrifice involved in commitment to God. When we worship Him alone, we’re saying “no” to everyone and everything in this world that might take His place. Not that we aren’t to enjoy relationships with people and things that we possess, but we’re to be careful never to let those things take the place of God. For then it is no longer simply enjoying the blessings but committing idolatry.
As God’s elect we, too, must face consequences when we choose other people and things in place of God. The author of Hebrews reminds us that God disciplines those He loves, and that discipline doesn’t feel good. But we ought to learn from it, allowing it to yield the fruit of righteousness in our lives.
III. Heaven and earth as my witness (vv. 19-20)
Moses uses legal terms to sum up this passage. He calls heaven and earth as his witness. Eugene H. Merrill explains why in his commentary on these verses: “In similar ancient Near Eastern legal transactions the witnesses usually were gods of the respective litigants, but the monotheism of Israel’s faith dictated that such appeal be to creation, to heaven and earth, for only it would endure into future ages.”1
Moses pleads with the people: “choose life in order that you may live, you and your decedents” (v. 19). God is pleading with us today to choose life abundant, to love Him by “obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him” (v. 20). The choice is up to you. (Jonathan Kever)
1Eugene H. Merrill, Deuteronomy, in The New American Commentary, Vol. 4. (Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1994), 393.
Proper 19
September 16, 2001
Every Christian Has A Testimony
1 Timothy 1:12-17
My wife Monica grew up as a very religious person. She grew up a very strict catholic in Guatemala City. She didn’t drink, smoke or curse. She went to mass on a regular basis, and she was faithful to pray as the Church had taught her. She had one problem though — she was lost. She was on her way to hell even though she lived a good moral and religious life.
She came to the United States as an exchange student, and about one year later she recognized her need for a Savior. She was gloriously saved at age nineteen, and here life has not been the same since. The change was so obvious that it could only be explained by her new life in Jesus.
I have just briefly told you about the testimony of my wife and how Jesus Christ has changed her life. I want you to understand one thing today: Every Christian has a testimony!
We understand from our text that Paul was not always a Christian. In verse 13 he states, “although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
This reminds me of a recent event in my life. On August 5th of this year, I boarded a plane from Atlanta to Amsterdam. I was leading a group of men from our church on a mission trip to the Ukraine. As I boarded the plane, I sat in my preassigned window seat that I had requested. There was one empty seat next to me, and I was wondering whom would sit there.
Eventually a man from Atlanta came and sat down by me. He seemed very pleasant, and in my mind I was relieved. After he found out that I was a minister, he began to tell me about himself. He told me how he was a man of great faith and how nothing in this life controlled him. He also told me that he followed the teachings of Jesus Christ, but he believed all paths lead to heaven including Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. He told me one statement that will stick in my life for as long as I live. He said, “I have so much faith, I dare Satan to try and tempt me.” I thought to myself as he made this statement, “He’s already got you.”
Like Paul, this man was in need of a Savior. Before we come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, we are all lost in our sins no matter how bad or how good we may appear in the eyes of the world.
Again let me say, every Christian has a testimony. As Christians we should all be able to look back and see how our life was before we met Christ. Also as Christians, we should all be able to look back and point to the time when we came to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. In 1 Timothy 1:14-15 notice how Paul tells us about his salvation experience. He writes, “and the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Paul was on his way to persecute Christians when Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Even though he was a persecutor of the church, Jesus reached out to him with forgiveness and saved him.
I can vividly remember the day that Christ saved me. I was nineteen years old, and my best friend called me on the telephone to tell me about Christ. He had lived a life of sin, but Jesus had turned his life around. As he shared about the transformation that had occurred in his life, I became thoroughly convicted of the sin in my life. I got on my knees and prayed for God to forgive me of my sins and save me. You know what? He is faithful, and He saved me that very moment.
Verse twelve of the text shows us how God changed Paul after salvation. He went from persecuting the church to leading the church. I would call that a transformation. It was evident to all those around him that he had changed after he met Jesus.
I had two friends in high school named Mike and Chad. They were brothers, and they were anything but Christian examples. They were both saved about two years ago, and their lives have been completely transformed. If you’re around them for any length of time, it’ll be evident that Jesus is the priority of their lives.
I went on a mission trip to Peru with Mike, and I went on a mission trip to South Africa with Chad. Looking back at all of us in high school, none of us ever would have dreamed that we would be going on a mission trip together. Though I should not be, I am still surprised at how God changes lives. It’s easy for us to think that a certain person will never change, but Jesus Christ is in the life-changing business. When people meet Him, they change.
If you are a Christian, you have a testimony about how Jesus Christ saved you from your sins and changed your life forever.
Do you remember your life before you came to know Him as Savior? Do you remember a time when you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and save you? Can you look back and see a dramatic change in your life since salvation? I hope you can answer all of these questions with a yes. If you can’t, you may realize at this moment that you have just been living a life of empty religion. You may see that you’re just a sinner in need of a Savior. Jesus Christ will welcome you with open arms and give you a brand new life. He’ll take you just as you are and give you a new life in Him. You can leave here with a clear testimony about how Jesus saved you. (Scot Farris)
Proper 20
September 23, 2001
Calloused Knees Change the World
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Have you been to a bookstore lately? It never ceases to amaze me how many books are printed on any given subject. If you were to enter a bookstore of any size, you would find a section titled “Religion.” In this area you will find Bibles in just about every shape, color, size and style imaginable. Next to it you might find the Koran. And on the shelves below or next to these two books one might find literally hundreds of books on prayer.
Some are written from the Christian perspective, but others are written from other religious perspectives. I would even venture to say that each of us could look on our bookshelves and find several books dealing with the topic of prayer. With this in mind it simply amazes me that Paul deals with the topic of prayer in just seven verses in 1 Timothy chapter two.
In these verses Paul instructs Timothy concerning the church’s role in the ministry of prayer. In these seven verses Paul answers four basic questions that books on prayer attempt to answer. The first questions is, “Who should we pray for?”
Beginning in verse one Paul says, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men.”
Paul begins by saying “pray for everyone!” This includes the bum on the street, your neighbor, the abortion doctor, and even the grumpy person in your church that is against everything. This is probably one of the more difficult instructions offered in the New Testament. It becomes increasingly more difficult with the next phrase in verse two, which instructs us to pray especially for our leaders.
Not only does Paul tell us who to pray for, but he also instructs us on why we pray for those people. Look with me in the second part of verse two and going on into verse three, “so that we may led a tranquil life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
What is the American dream? Is it not to have 2.5 kids, a nice home with a 2-car garage and everything going our way? I don’t think this is exactly what Paul had in mind, but it certainly is a good starting point. Paul instructs us on the importance of things being in order and under control.
Why are we so amazed at the direction our society is headed when our leaders are not bridled by morality This is why Paul says pray for everyone, and pray especially for your leaders.
Paul tells us who to pray for, why to pray for them, and then in verse 4 he tells us what to pray for: “(God) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
We must be praying for the lost people of this world and even for those who are saved, that they might come to a more complete understanding of the truth! Why is it that even in our churches today people subscribe to ideas such as universalism and moral relativism? It’s simply because they do not understand the truth!
Paul deals with yet another commonly raised question concerning prayer. In verses five and six he tells us how to pray for them: “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”
I went to high school with a girl who was quite active in her church’s youth ministry. After graduation we lost contact for a couple of years. Then one day we ran into each other. She was passing out religious literature from her newfound faith. Basically, this group believed that truth exists in all religions. Mary Beth was deluded and didn’t understand that there is but one way to God: by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
It’s quite sad that many people today are disillusioned concerning God. The simplest of all decisions is that of salvation, yet so many are blind to the certainty and truth of Jesus’ identity.
Are we going to change the world through prayer? I hope so! God’s word is faithful and true and it promises us that we have the ability and opportunity to do just that. What greater example than that of Christ who uttered the precious words of prayer to the Father leading to our salvation, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” (Frankie Bowling)
Proper 21
September 30, 2001
Money Matters And the Man of God
1 Timothy 6:6-19
1 Timothy is a letter from the apostle Paul to his spiritual son, the younger pastor, Timothy. The letter is stocked full of instructions and advice for a pastor on how to minister and how to do church. It also contains several warnings and admonitions for the.
In our text for today Paul instructs Timothy on the dangers of loving money and how to avoid the temptations and traps that the love of money can bring. Paul teaches that the man of God finds genuine contentment in the things of God, not money. This is an area that every man and woman of God needs to pay close attention to. For you know as well as I do that Satan wants to bring you down, to hold you down and to keep you down!
Paul gives us three things to help us deal with the temptations of loving money and to help us find genuine contentment. We must know what to run from, what to run after and what to stand and fight for.
I. We must know what to run from
In the first part of verse eleven Paul tells us to “flee these things.” What things? Traps and temptations that the love of money can cause us to fall into. We are to run from these things like a fugitive that doesn’t want to be caught!
As you know, it isn’t money that is the root of all evil, it’s the love of money. When you love something you pursue it, but there are some things that will hurt and harm you if you run after them. You can chase a skunk, but you will come out stinking. The same thing will happen if you chase after money.
You see, we live in a world that says “the richer you are, the happier you are.” We live in a world where values are distorted by sin. Have you ever heard of “The Great Chicago Fire?”1 On the night of October 8, 1871, Mrs. O’Leary’s cow kicked a burning lantern and started a fire that spread through Chicago and killed 250 people. This fire has gone down in our nation’s history as one of the great disasters.
On the same night, though, there was a fire in Peshtigo, Wisconsin that killed nearly 1200 people — almost five times as many people died in Peshtigo than in Chicago. The fire in Chicago received more attention because it was a boom town! “It had become an important rail and financial center.”2 When we elevate the loss of money greater than the loss of life, something is wrong.
II. We must know what to run after
Righteousness. We have already been made right by the righteousness of Christ. So this word is not referring to our standing in Christ. It’s referring to our doing what is right in this life. We are faced with choices daily that tempt us to do the wrong thing.
Godliness. The best definition that I have heard for Godliness is “godliness is being oriented to and by the things of God.”4 We are to run from the riches of the world to the riches of God.
Faith. Faith simply means believing and trusting God for everything. Too often we rely upon the world’s resources for God’s work. Men of God are to be men of faith.
Love. The kind of love that we are to pursue is agape love. It is loving as God loves, unconditionally. It’s loving when it isn’t deserved. The only way we can love like this is by letting God love through us.
Patience. The next thing that we are to run after is patience or endurance. Patience is a word that is often used in conjunction with persecution or tribulation (cf. 2 Thes. 1:4). We face trials, temptations, peer pressure, problems and troubles, and we must remain faithful to God through all of these.
Meekness. The final item that Paul names in the things that we are to run after is meekness. Meekness means to be gentle, tender, kind and humble. It doesn’t mean that we have to be weak and timid.
With these qualities in our lives we can have contentment! However, Paul goes on to tell us that there is one more thing that we must know.
III. We must know what to stand and fight for
There is a time to flee, and there is a time to pursue. There is also a time to stand and fight for what we believe in! In verse 12 we are told to get a grip on what really matters, which is eternal life, and we’re to fight for the things of the faith. The word fight means to agonize. So we’re to literally agonize over the things of the faith.
Do you have genuine and Godly contentment, or do you think that you would be more content if you had the riches of the world?
Proper 22
October 7, 2001
There is No Fear For Those in Christ
2 Timothy 1:1-14
The Apostle Paul is writing to Timothy, his young protege, to encourage him in the midst of trial. Paul, a man who had given up his life as a result of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, reminds Timothy that God has given power, love and sound mind to believers and not a spirit of fear. The message that Paul writes speaks to us today by proclaiming three very important promises that God has given to those who place their faith in Jesus Christ.
First, there is no fear for those in Christ because of our divine calling. Verse nine tells us that not only has God saved us, but “called us with a holy calling.” This calling is not our calling, but comes from a much higher place. Isaiah 43:1 says “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are Mine.” A holy, pure God has called us personally by name and nothing can come against that calling.
Several years ago, there were a couple of teenage boys that had been attending our church, but they would not get involved outside of the Sunday morning service. I decided that I was going to do whatever was necessary to reach out to these boys. They were different from most of the kids within our church because they always wore black and their hair would change colors every week.
One Sunday after church I asked if they would like to go to lunch sometime. They looked at me as if I was joking and just walked on out of the doors. This continued every Sunday for about a month, and just when I was ready to throw in the towel, one Sunday Tim hands me a note and says, “10 o’clock, Friday night, wear black!” Well, I was not sure what I was about to get into, but I decided to go anyway.
The address on the note led me to the construction site of a new building, and just as I arrived, about a dozen fifteen-year-old boys arrived on bikes. One of them handed me a backpack and told me to jump the fence. Fearing what was in the bag, I quickly unzipped it to find about twenty tennis balls. We were about to play tennis ball war. I was older than these boys and even intimidated by their appearance, but I didn’t let a whole life of baseball go for nothing. I wore those kids out! I was pounding them left and right with tennis balls.
That summer, we were preparing to take a mission trip to Mexico with our youth. Brent and Tim approached me and said they would like to attend. I just knew that these boys couldn’t go. There look just wouldn’t be appropriate I thought; besides, what parent would want their kid to go with those guys? So I told them the trip was very expensive. Tim explained that his uncle was a Christian and would take care of the expense for both of the boys.
I then preceded to tell them the only room we had left was for interpreters, thinking I had them then. With that, they started to speak to each other fluently in Spanish. I was stuck! I had no legitimate reason why these boys could not attend, so off we went.
After nights of endless worrying, God revealed His plan to me. While we were in Mexico I assigned Brent to be my interpreter so I could keep a close eye on him. I was sharing the Gospel to a lady and Brent was translating and He turned to me and said, “I want to do that! I want to ask Jesus in my heart!” Right there, He accepted Christ and went back to the hotel and led Tim to Christ also! I thought I knew who was worthy of God. I was trying to make armchair assessments for eternal rewards. It didn’t matter what I thought because those boys had a divine calling, and nothing I could do would keep the ordained appointment from occurring.
Secondly, there is no fear because we are equipped for that which we are called. We have a divine calling. In verse 6, Paul reminds Timothy to “stir up the gift of God.” He did not tell him to make his skills better or to use his own power, but to have faith in the gift that God had given him. See, the equipping is void unless accompanied by faith, for without faith in Him who called and equipped you, you will rely on your own power and fail every time.
Finally, Paul tells us that there is no fear because our inheritance is indestructible. Verse 12 states, “… I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I’ve committed to Him until that Day.” This world can throw many things our way and sometimes we may feel like we will never rise out of the valley that we find ourselves in, but the Christian’s hope is found in the promised inheritance. There is no fear because no matter what happens in life, if your faith is laid upon the Rock of Ages, your reward is coming.
Paul knew Timothy would be facing adversity, and he sounds it from the mountain top that God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has divinely called us, equipped us for the call and given us an inheritance out of this world. Now what is there to fear when you know that? (Steven L. Kyle)
Proper 23
October 14, 2001
Prepared to Suffer
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
I know a man named Angel Colmenares who lives in Sullana, Peru. If you saw this man somewhere, it’s not likely that he would grab your attention. He’s a short, somewhat large, bald men. Yet this man has been pastoring and planting churches in northern Peru for over 35 years. Over the course of those 35 years, he and those who have worked with him have planted over 600 churches and have seen thousands of people come to know Christ. I have heard him share miraculous testimony after testimony of people being saved. I’ve also heard him share testimonies about how he and those who work with him have been threatened, beaten, stoned, mocked and ridiculed.
I believe that we can learn a very powerful lesson from Brother Colmenares. For the gospel to be preached, we must be prepared to suffer. Paul speaks to this same issue in 2 Timothy 2:8-15. In this passage, we see the suffering of three people or groups of people for the sake of the gospel.
In verse 8, we observe that Christ had to suffer to make the gospel a reality. In his admonition to Timothy to suffer for the gospel, Paul begins by exhorting him to remember Christ, who did not seek to avoid the pain, humiliation, suffering and death that He would have to suffer for the gospel. Rather, Christ embraced the suffering because He recognized that it was only through His suffering that the gospel would become a reality and that he would obtain greater joy (cf. Heb. 12:1-3). As John Stott puts it in his commentary on 2nd Timothy, he recognized that “suffering is the path to glory,” and that “death is the gateway to life.”1
Next, in verses 9-10, Paul points to his own experience as testimony to the fact that one must suffer for the preaching of the gospel. In verse 9 we understand that Paul is imprisoned for the preaching of the gospel. We also see a connection between his suffering and the going forth of the Word of God. It is through his suffering that God’s Word has been preached effectively.
In verse 10, we see that the Apostle is willing to suffer all of this because he understands that it is necessary in order for the gospel to be preached. He understands that people are being saved through his suffering, and that through his suffering they are receiving “eternal glory.” This is not to say that Paul’s sufferings have any redemptive value either for himself or for those who have heard him preach. Rather, they are saved through the preaching of the Word of God (cf. Rom. 10:17) and in order for them to hear the Word of God, Paul has had to suffer.
Finally in verses 11-15, we understand that every Christian, including us, must suffer for the gospel. Verses 11-13 were probably a Christian hymn. In verse 11 we see the idea that the Christian must suffer and die to self in order to find true life. As Christians we must die to our selfish desires, and we must recognize that this principle of suffering for the gospel is true for us as well. We must also recognize the importance of preaching the gospel.
In verse 15, we see Paul’s admonition to Timothy to present himself to God as one who is approved, who handles accurately the word of truth. I think that we see here one way in which we must suffer for the sake of the gospel. Here we see that for those of us who are preachers, our greatest task is the preaching and teaching of God’s Word accurately and truthfully. This will cost us. We will have to sacrifice time and perhaps other activities. It may cost us friendships, reputation, monetary gain, comfort, even our lives.
It is true that in the United States there are not many people in danger of losing their lives for the sake of the gospel. But it certainly is happening in other parts of the world. Christians are suffering all over the world. Are we ready to suffer with them? Are you willing to sacrifice time, comfort and monetary gain for the gospel? Are you willing to give up any and everything for the sake of the gospel and the Glory of God?
I would like to close with a quote from my mentor, Paul Washer, who is a missionary to Peru.
“The world is such a large place and there are so many people that have yet to be reached with the Gospel. There is so much to be done and so much that can be accomplished. Will the church take advantage of her opportunity to see God’s glory among the nations? Will you hear the call to lay aside your life and become part of something much bigger than yourself? What will you do? Can you think of any greater thing to which you could possibly give your life than the preaching of the gospel to those who have yet to hear? It is not a time to think about careers, but about a Kingdom. Why would we want fame, when God promises us glory? Why would we be seeking the wealth of the world when the wealth of heaven is ours? Why would we run for a crown that will perish with time, when we are called to win a crown that is imperishable? My dear friend let us run to the battle so that we might stand with Him on that Great Day of Victory!”2 (Brad White)
1John Stott, The Message of 2 Timothy, (Downer’s Grove: IVP, 1973), 62.
2Paul Washer, HeartCry Missionary Society Magazine (Metropolis, 11: HeartCry Missionary Society, 1999), 5.
Proper 24
October 21, 2001
Timeless Truths for Days of Darkness and Deception
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
(Hold up $20 bill) Can you tell me whether this $20 bill is counterfeit or the real thing? A recent news article in the Commercial Appeal stated that it’s getting harder and harder to identify counterfeit from the real thing due to the advanced computers and printers.
In this passage Paul is warning Timothy about the seducers, the liars and deceivers of the gospel who bring deception and false doctrine into the church. He is warning Timothy of the cults and false teachers who will cause things to go from bad to worse in these last days when millions of people will not recognize the difference in the counterfeit and the real thing. What did Paul command Timothy to do in these last days? What are we to do in these last days of deception, desertion and darkness?
I. Persist in the timeless truths (vv.14-17)
Timothy is urged to “keep on keeping on” in the scriptures which he had been taught from his childhood. The Word of God had been instilled in his heart by his mother and grandmother.
Today, this world is filled with so much anti-family and anti-God. Our young people are taught to deny the authority of their parents, as well as the Word of God.
So often, I hear parents say, “I don’t know what went wrong with my son or my daughter.” “I don’t understand why they are so rebellious.” Yet they will say they do not want to force moral values or the truths of God’s Word on them. Parents, you had better start teaching your children moral values at an early age, or somebody else will capture their minds and hearts before you even realize what happened.
Paul is telling Timothy, “Remember what you have learned.” Timothy was to remain firmly rooted in the Holy Scriptures. The Holy Spirit would give him the confidence and trust needed in the coming days. We must abide in the truth as the moral character of our daily lives. We must walk in the truth as the moral conduct of our daily lives.
These timeless truths will give us faith and hope, even when the storms of life come, bringing the winds of adversity. But thanks be to God who gives victory through the Lord Jesus. Therefore, we stand upon the solid rock of Zion which is Jesus who never moves and always gives us the power to withstand the tests of time. And we must faithfully build on this firm foundation which is Christ Jesus with every truth as a guard or reinforcement.
II. Proclaim the Savior (vv. 4:1-5)
As a Christian, you will stand in the presence of the Jesus as the Divine Judge. Are you looking forward to that day when Jesus will come again, when we will fall at His feet and worship Him as Savior and Lord? Will He be able to say to you, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant?” and not, “Depart from Me I never knew you?” When you stand before Jesus, will He be your Savior or your judge?
There are some of you sitting in this room who have heard and know the truth about how Jesus died for you sins, and He is calling you to turn from your sins and come to Him. But you have refused to listen and with itching ears have chosen to turn from the truth and believe a lie. It is heartbreaking to see those who know the truth and have chose to believe a lie.
It is not always going to be easy to speak for Jesus. We must be willing to endure the afflictions and hardships which may come our way, as we spread the good news of the gospel and bring others to Christ. We must have the burning desire to speak the truth that others may be delivered from the cunning craftiness of men who are lying ready to deceive. As we do, we will demonstrate the ministry which God has called you to do with honor and glory to His name. (James G. Moore)
Proper 25
October 28, 2001
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Luke 18:9-14
Have you ever noticed someone who is constantly bringing attention to himself? No matter what story he is telling it always ends with him being the hero. And if you’re telling the story, he always seem to have one better or more important to tell.
Everyone knows someone like this, if you don’t, you may want to take a closer look at yourself. We have an example of someone like this in the Bible. Jesus tells us a story of a Pharisee who even in his prayer is continually exalting himself.
In the first few verses we see the example of the Pharisee and his self-righteous prayer. He seems to be giving more of a self-eulogy than a prayer. In his prayer there are a few things that we need to make sure we pay attention to. Notice that there is no thanks to God, but rather there is a long list of personal achievements. We can see this in the text by noticing all of the “I’s.” The Pharisee had no sense of being a servant.
It seems as though he didn’t go to pray at all. The text says he prayed “to himself.” A true prayer is offered to God and to God alone. He was really giving himself a testimony before God. He wanted everyone within an earshot’s distance to know how good he was.
The Pharisee actually believed he had done more than God required. He had kept the law perfectly and had also fasted twice a week, and he even tithed on all he purchased, not just what he earned. His attitude was easy to see. It was one that was common in Pharisaism. The Pharisee’s attitude was clear, and it represented the attitude of the people. He knew nothing of God’s perfection and holiness, or of his sinfulness.
In contrast to this we have a great example of a humble, selfless prayer. Everything in this prayer demonstrates the tax collector’s attitude. His stance in verse 13 shows how he felt unworthy, so unworthy he could not even stand near the sanctuary. He could not look up to heaven, illustrating again the shame he felt for his sins. He beat his breast, as a sign of his grief for sin. His prayer sought God’s mercy and forgiveness like David in Psalm 51:1: “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.”
From these two prayers we learn three things. The first one is that no man who is proud can pray. One must first humble himself before coming to God in prayer. The second is that in prayer we do not lift ourselves above our fellow man. The third is that we are to set ourselves beside the life of God. We need to remember that no matter how good we are, the question does not change. The question is not, “Am I as good as my fellow man?” The question is, “Am I as good as God?”
When I was getting married I learned a few things about diamonds. I learned that when your looking at diamonds you don’t just compare what your looking at to the one’s around it, you also compare it to the test set. When I picked out the diamond I wanted to buy I thought it was great. Then the salesman pulled out the test set to show me the flaws in my diamond. The set helped me see the discoloration in the diamond I picked out. It also helped me see that I wanted to get a different diamond.
The first one looked great beside the others, but dingy compared to the test set. If we compare ourselves to those around us we may shine brighter than all the others, but when compared to the test set, God, we are as dingy as all the rest. We need to make sure we are asking the right questions.
Jesus doesn’t say the tax collector is a good person. He’s a sinner. His realistic assessment of his own wretchedness, his acknowledgement of his shortcomings and his need for forgiveness is something we ought to learn from.
In the final verse of this passage we see Jesus responding to the two prayers. He responds saying that the tax collector will be justified. This means more than just being forgiven of his sins; it involves the gift of a new standing before God.
This justification is due to God’s mercy alone. There is no room for boasting. Justification comes only when the humble repent and believe. He also responds saying the self-righteous will be humbled, but the humble will be exalted.
There’s a story about a girl in college who was invited to the home of Beethoven. When she entered she noticed a rope around Beethoven’s piano, so she slipped under and began playing. She said to the one in charge, “I suppose every musician who comes here wants to play this piano.” He explained to her that recently the great Paderewski was visiting there and someone asked him to play that piano. He replied, “No, I do not feel worthy to play the great master’s piano.” We need to understand like Paderewski and like the tax collector that we are not worthy, but God wants us anyway. He wants us to humble ourselves and come to Him. (Cory Cain)
Sermon briefs in this issue are provided by: Jonathan Kever, Preaching; Scot Farris, Cherokee, AL; Frankie Bowling, Adamsville, TN; Benny W. Taylor, Savannah, TN; Steven L. Kyle, Corinth, MS; Brad White, Jackson, TN; James G. Moore, Lake Cormorant, MS.