STILLNESS
I. The Command
Psalm 46:10 – “Be still and know that I am God”
The Problem - We struggle as individuals and as a culture to be still
Goal – search out ways to break into a life of stillness
II. Ways to Practice Stillness
1. Time in Solitude - Spending time alone with God
A. JESUS’ EXAMPLE - Luke 5:16 – “So He Himself (Jesus) often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.”
(1). Jesus embraced stillness because he knew it brought…
1. Clarity - Be centered on His will
2. Find Peace and Rest
3. Easier to carry God in our hearts when we are with others
(2). Jesus calls disciples into solitude
Mark 6:31-32 - “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place
IF THEY NEED IT WE NEED IT
B. HOW TO START BREAKS OF SOLITUDE
(1). Find a place
a. Get away from distractions
(2). Limit your words
a. Resist the temptation to bring things with you
b. Think about how you spend time with a good friend/spouse
- You don’t usually bring things
- Instead you…
1. Explore new ideas together
2. Talk about future plans
3. Reaffirm our love for each other
- Solitude with God is similar –build intimacy
c. Remember Don’t just talk - Listen too
(3). Rest in God’s presence
2. DEEP LISTENING - Meditation
A. Jesus opened Scripture to His disciples
Luke 24:32 - “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
B. The Command to Meditate on Scripture
Joshua 1:8 –meditate on the Word day and night
Psalm 77:11-12 – I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember you wonders of old, I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds
C. Why Meditate on the Word?
-We are “nourished on the words of the faith” (1 Timothy 4:6)…because…”man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4)
D. Definition of Christian Meditation - “listening for God to speak to our unique situations through words and phrases in a passage”
E. HOW TO MEDITATE ON SCRIPTURE
1. Select a passage
a. Preferably one of current study or teaching
b. Pray for God to speak
2. Read the passage Slowly
a. Aloud – ensures solitude
b. Let sink in – listen for the phrase that touches you most
3. Spend a few minutes in silence
- Ponder the word or phrase
- If you wander refocus
- Notice what your emotions (Joy? Sadness?)
- Tell God your feeling and listen again
- God speaks both intellectually and emotionally
4. Repeat the Process - Goal is to be in God’s presence, not achieve breakthrough
- Be vulnerable to God’s will
3. A CAUTION FOR BEING STILL
A. Luke 11:27-28 (true stillness before God)
(1). Woman Interrupts Jesus’ teaching to shout out her own wisdom
a. We need to be careful that we don’t call out in our time of stillness to share our own wisdom, especially when God is trying to share with us His wisdom
b. We need to be sure we stay still long enough for God to give us the right direction
(2). Jesus confronts her immediately
a. The woman was lucky enough to have Jesus directly there to confront her
b. We need to return in stillness into Christ’s presence, where he will then through pray and the word, show us our direction
Closing:
Through finding a place for solitude and meditating on God’s word, we can bring clarity into our lives and learn the direction God wants us to be moving in. We need to be careful that they we don’t become restless and try to create our wisdom for our situations, but to rely on God’s direction and teaching. When we learn this practice of being still, the peace and rest of God will fill our lives.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Safe Place Series "Spiritual Friends"
Eccl. 4:9-10 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Jr. High Illustration
We need people to pick us up C.S. Lewis said Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You, too? I thought I was the only one."
I believe that the Bible teaches at least four practices for being a spiritual friend. I think that we don’t experience these friendships because we do not posses these characteristics in our own lives.
The Golden rule, basic principle that is so difficult to live up to.
Before we get into the four practices we must come to the conclusion that if we live out the Golden rule when it comes to friendships, we are doing our part and hopefully it will inspire others to follow that example.
1. A Spiritual friend is honest with their friend even if when it hurts Pro 27:6
Rom 15:14, Col. 3:16, admonish, exhort (counsel against something), or correcting someone when they are wrong. There is a risk in friendship when you do that. James 5:16 confess, I wronged you
Confrontation Paul confronted Peter in Antioch because he was being a hypocrite and had such a great influence on others. Galatians 2:11-12
A small boy defined a friend as "Someone who knows all about you and likes you just the same.", things about you bother me but you are still my friend.
2. A Spiritual friend is loyal no matter the circumstances David and Jonathan Saul’s Son 1 Sam. 20 Tell story
Author George Eliot, said
Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but to pour them all out just as they are, chaff and grain together knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
We desire to have someone we can be real with, but we need to be real before them.
1. Rom. 12:15 rejoice, weep,
2. Rom: 15:7 Receive to take in
3. A Spiritual Friend should be able to work through conflict Pr 27:17 Iron sharpens Sparks fly
1. Mutual respect, Eph. 4:32
2. Forgiving (from grace) Col. 3:13
Someone once said Prosperity brings friends, Conflict proves them.
There is something wrong with you if you switch friends all the time, They did this to me…
Sometimes as Christians it is appropriate to agree to disagree Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas go their separate ways in a conflict over John Mark
4. A Spiritual friend lays down their life No Greater Love John 15:13
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Going out of your way for others is like laying down your life, As a spiritual friend you are actually giving your life to meet others needs.
· John 13:34, 15:12 Loving them
• Gal. 5:13 Serving them
• Eph. 4:2 bearing burdens to hold up Col 3:13
• Eph 5:21 submitting (I will listen and follow you)
• 1 Thess. 4:18 comfort to aid, encourage Heb. 3:13. (Take time)
• 1 Thess. 5:11 building them up. (Take thoughtfulness)
• Heb 10:24 considering them observing & noticing their needs
• James 5:16 praying for them
All these things take time, effort and going out of your way. In some senses “Laying down your life”
John 15:14-15 Jesus said “you are my friends if you do what I command”.
GOSPEL
There is actually a three fold blessing for being a spiritual friend
1 We walk close with Jesus.
2. People may return the favor
3. We are an example to others of the love that Jesus has for us.
“Jesus said that others will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another”.
New Jersey is one of the least churched states at 15 percent church attendance and only 4 percent are of those people attend churches that believe that the Bible is the only authority.
Developing the characteristics of a spiritual friend will have a great impact for the Gospel in a spiritually dark place.
We need people to pick us up C.S. Lewis said Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You, too? I thought I was the only one."
I believe that the Bible teaches at least four practices for being a spiritual friend. I think that we don’t experience these friendships because we do not posses these characteristics in our own lives.
The Golden rule, basic principle that is so difficult to live up to.
Before we get into the four practices we must come to the conclusion that if we live out the Golden rule when it comes to friendships, we are doing our part and hopefully it will inspire others to follow that example.
1. A Spiritual friend is honest with their friend even if when it hurts Pro 27:6
Rom 15:14, Col. 3:16, admonish, exhort (counsel against something), or correcting someone when they are wrong. There is a risk in friendship when you do that. James 5:16 confess, I wronged you
Confrontation Paul confronted Peter in Antioch because he was being a hypocrite and had such a great influence on others. Galatians 2:11-12
A small boy defined a friend as "Someone who knows all about you and likes you just the same.", things about you bother me but you are still my friend.
2. A Spiritual friend is loyal no matter the circumstances David and Jonathan Saul’s Son 1 Sam. 20 Tell story
Author George Eliot, said
Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts, nor measure words, but to pour them all out just as they are, chaff and grain together knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness blow the rest away.
We desire to have someone we can be real with, but we need to be real before them.
1. Rom. 12:15 rejoice, weep,
2. Rom: 15:7 Receive to take in
3. A Spiritual Friend should be able to work through conflict Pr 27:17 Iron sharpens Sparks fly
1. Mutual respect, Eph. 4:32
2. Forgiving (from grace) Col. 3:13
Someone once said Prosperity brings friends, Conflict proves them.
There is something wrong with you if you switch friends all the time, They did this to me…
Sometimes as Christians it is appropriate to agree to disagree Acts 15:36-41 Paul and Barnabas go their separate ways in a conflict over John Mark
4. A Spiritual friend lays down their life No Greater Love John 15:13
"A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
Going out of your way for others is like laying down your life, As a spiritual friend you are actually giving your life to meet others needs.
· John 13:34, 15:12 Loving them
• Gal. 5:13 Serving them
• Eph. 4:2 bearing burdens to hold up Col 3:13
• Eph 5:21 submitting (I will listen and follow you)
• 1 Thess. 4:18 comfort to aid, encourage Heb. 3:13. (Take time)
• 1 Thess. 5:11 building them up. (Take thoughtfulness)
• Heb 10:24 considering them observing & noticing their needs
• James 5:16 praying for them
All these things take time, effort and going out of your way. In some senses “Laying down your life”
John 15:14-15 Jesus said “you are my friends if you do what I command”.
GOSPEL
There is actually a three fold blessing for being a spiritual friend
1 We walk close with Jesus.
2. People may return the favor
3. We are an example to others of the love that Jesus has for us.
“Jesus said that others will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another”.
New Jersey is one of the least churched states at 15 percent church attendance and only 4 percent are of those people attend churches that believe that the Bible is the only authority.
Developing the characteristics of a spiritual friend will have a great impact for the Gospel in a spiritually dark place.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
A Safe Place Series: "The Flesh Cycle"
Lets look at what Galatians 5:13-21 says about living in Spiritual community
Vrs 13-15 Free in Christ, Love and serve one another, if you live according to the flesh you will ruin one another.
An issue that will stand in the way of spiritual community is living by the flesh rather then the Spirit.
Define Flesh- In the New Testament, flesh is used to denote the sinful element of human nature as opposed to the "Spirit" (Rom. 6:19; Matt. 16:17).
Two usages of the Flesh in the NT.
Being "in the flesh" means being un-renewed (Rom. 7:5; 8:8, 9), GOSPEL
To live "according to the flesh" is to live and act sinfully (Rom. 8:4, 5, 7, 12). As a Christian
Vrs 16-18 The flesh and the Spirit are contrary to one another and the flesh is actually what keeps us from “doing the things we wish”
As a believer in Christ through the Spirit we have new desires that would fall in line with the Spirit.
Ex. -When you have a lack of desire to commit sins that you used to.
-When you read God’s Word and you feel guilty or bad about what you are doing
-When you hear or read about a person that has godly characteristics and you wish you had those
-When you feel convicted about what your sin
1 Peter 2:11 Abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against your soul
Rips us apart
Vrs 19-21 List the works of the flesh, Go to power point with works
When we are living by a “works of the flesh” I am going to call “The Flesh Cycle” James 1:14-15 Explain the flesh cycle with power point.
Desire-power, to be heard, to have something, to be something etc
Sin-The offense
Death-Sin always kills something in our character, in our relationships- friendships, family, marriages, in our finances, in our job, in our personal lives
(During blank text slide)
Common responses to flesh cycle
-Indifference “I don’t care”, Check if you are a Christian???
-Confidence Phil 3:4-14 “This works for me”
-Hopelessness- “I can’t stop” Paul Romans 7
But there is hope in the Spirit
The needed response REPENTANCE (Change of mind) and inserting fruits of the Spirit into our lives
Gal. 5:22-24 Go through Slides
So we get stuck in a “Flesh Cycle” and we need to get into the “Spirit Cycle”
One way is to set up relationships in our lives that help interrupt the “Flesh Cycle” and remind you of the fruit of the Spirit, the only way you are going to have that is if you let people into your life that way.
Heb 10:24 “Let us consider how we may encourage one another to love and good deeds”
We complain to people who will agree with us to validate our flesh instead of opening up to people that will challenge us to will live according to the Spirit.
Community Groups, for the next 2 weeks we are going have opportunities for you to sign up to join a community group. We have 2 that are currently meeting and 5 new ones starting.
All Community Group leaders please stand $10
Next week we are going to learn how to be Spiritual Friend that interrupts the “Flesh Cycle” in your friends life.
Vrs 13-15 Free in Christ, Love and serve one another, if you live according to the flesh you will ruin one another.
An issue that will stand in the way of spiritual community is living by the flesh rather then the Spirit.
Define Flesh- In the New Testament, flesh is used to denote the sinful element of human nature as opposed to the "Spirit" (Rom. 6:19; Matt. 16:17).
Two usages of the Flesh in the NT.
Being "in the flesh" means being un-renewed (Rom. 7:5; 8:8, 9), GOSPEL
To live "according to the flesh" is to live and act sinfully (Rom. 8:4, 5, 7, 12). As a Christian
Vrs 16-18 The flesh and the Spirit are contrary to one another and the flesh is actually what keeps us from “doing the things we wish”
As a believer in Christ through the Spirit we have new desires that would fall in line with the Spirit.
Ex. -When you have a lack of desire to commit sins that you used to.
-When you read God’s Word and you feel guilty or bad about what you are doing
-When you hear or read about a person that has godly characteristics and you wish you had those
-When you feel convicted about what your sin
1 Peter 2:11 Abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against your soul
Rips us apart
Vrs 19-21 List the works of the flesh, Go to power point with works
When we are living by a “works of the flesh” I am going to call “The Flesh Cycle” James 1:14-15 Explain the flesh cycle with power point.
Desire-power, to be heard, to have something, to be something etc
Sin-The offense
Death-Sin always kills something in our character, in our relationships- friendships, family, marriages, in our finances, in our job, in our personal lives
(During blank text slide)
Common responses to flesh cycle
-Indifference “I don’t care”, Check if you are a Christian???
-Confidence Phil 3:4-14 “This works for me”
-Hopelessness- “I can’t stop” Paul Romans 7
But there is hope in the Spirit
The needed response REPENTANCE (Change of mind) and inserting fruits of the Spirit into our lives
Gal. 5:22-24 Go through Slides
So we get stuck in a “Flesh Cycle” and we need to get into the “Spirit Cycle”
One way is to set up relationships in our lives that help interrupt the “Flesh Cycle” and remind you of the fruit of the Spirit, the only way you are going to have that is if you let people into your life that way.
Heb 10:24 “Let us consider how we may encourage one another to love and good deeds”
We complain to people who will agree with us to validate our flesh instead of opening up to people that will challenge us to will live according to the Spirit.
Community Groups, for the next 2 weeks we are going have opportunities for you to sign up to join a community group. We have 2 that are currently meeting and 5 new ones starting.
All Community Group leaders please stand $10
Next week we are going to learn how to be Spiritual Friend that interrupts the “Flesh Cycle” in your friends life.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A Safe Place Series: "Spiritual Community"
Define community…. a social, religious, or other group sharing common characteristics or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as distinct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists
1986 study, McMillan and Chavis identify four elements of "sense of community": 1)belonging, 2) influence, 3) fulfillment of needs, 4) shared emotional connection.
1. Why is community so important? Back to Genesis the only thing that was not good was for “Man to be alone” People are wired for community
Recent studies say that people want to be part of something bigger they want identity.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
There is strength in numbers and we can accomplish many things together.
Problem: People look outside the spiritual community in order to have a sense of community needs met. Teams, clubs, social groups. And in some cases it works. But when real needs surface they fail
This is not necessarily their fault but it can be the fault of the spiritual community because they are being unspiritual and not fulfilling the deepest needs that God has equipped us to fulfill.
2. What is the function of a spiritual community?
Acts 2:42-47 Background for the church, because they were in community it compelled others to enter into that community but more importantly they entered into a relationship with Jesus in His community.
3. So how do we build a spiritual community that pleases God and meets the needs of the people? On a broad level there is much to do. But those are not things that each person here will need to think about. For the next couple of weeks we will talk about the personal level and it is not necessarily what you need to do but more of who each of us need to become.
This is how feel people feel
A group therapist that plays a game called Top Secret with his therapy sessions says the top 2 responses. 1. I feel worthless, why would someone want me and 2. I don’t love others the way I should.
A healthy Spiritual community should teach people to love and be the place where people feel and know that despite their shortcomings they are accepted and loved
Two obstacles to true community
1. We don’t want to share our brokenness
2. We don’t want to accept others for their brokenness.
In The Different Drum: Community-Making and Peace, Scott Peck four stages.
1. Pseudo-community: Where participants are "nice with each other",
2. Chaos: When people move beyond the in-authenticity of pseudo-community and feel safe enough to present their "shadow" selves.
3. Emptiness: When all people become capable of acknowledging their own woundedness and brokenness, common to us all as human beings. Out of this emptiness comes
4. True community: the process of deep respect and true listening for the needs of the other people in this community.
Peck’s basic premise is unless people let down their “shadow” self and show their real self which is a broken wounded person they cannot be a part of a true community.
The example of God in the Trinity- in community, in harmony, in equality, with specific purposes.
God in His Trinitarian community allowed you in when you accepted what Jesus did for you GOSPEL, why would you not let others in when they have accepted His grace as well.
So the spiritual community is based upon individuals admitting they are broken and being accepted in their brokenness and then doing the same for people around them.
Unspiritual community-appears to welcome people but really has some stipulations on the acceptance of the person. James speaks of this.
James 2:1-10 many times we only look to people for what they can bring to the table or add to our church or spiritual community.
Spiritual community accepts and heals
Acts 3:1-10 A place of healing for your soul, the problem is everyone soul has this sin condition and need for community but they try to take care of their sin by doing good works (Religion covers sin concept)
We are wired to live in spiritual community that not only teaches Jesus but lives like Jesus and accepts the people around us regardless of their brokenness.
1986 study, McMillan and Chavis identify four elements of "sense of community": 1)belonging, 2) influence, 3) fulfillment of needs, 4) shared emotional connection.
1. Why is community so important? Back to Genesis the only thing that was not good was for “Man to be alone” People are wired for community
Recent studies say that people want to be part of something bigger they want identity.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
There is strength in numbers and we can accomplish many things together.
Problem: People look outside the spiritual community in order to have a sense of community needs met. Teams, clubs, social groups. And in some cases it works. But when real needs surface they fail
This is not necessarily their fault but it can be the fault of the spiritual community because they are being unspiritual and not fulfilling the deepest needs that God has equipped us to fulfill.
2. What is the function of a spiritual community?
Acts 2:42-47 Background for the church, because they were in community it compelled others to enter into that community but more importantly they entered into a relationship with Jesus in His community.
3. So how do we build a spiritual community that pleases God and meets the needs of the people? On a broad level there is much to do. But those are not things that each person here will need to think about. For the next couple of weeks we will talk about the personal level and it is not necessarily what you need to do but more of who each of us need to become.
This is how feel people feel
A group therapist that plays a game called Top Secret with his therapy sessions says the top 2 responses. 1. I feel worthless, why would someone want me and 2. I don’t love others the way I should.
A healthy Spiritual community should teach people to love and be the place where people feel and know that despite their shortcomings they are accepted and loved
Two obstacles to true community
1. We don’t want to share our brokenness
2. We don’t want to accept others for their brokenness.
In The Different Drum: Community-Making and Peace, Scott Peck four stages.
1. Pseudo-community: Where participants are "nice with each other",
2. Chaos: When people move beyond the in-authenticity of pseudo-community and feel safe enough to present their "shadow" selves.
3. Emptiness: When all people become capable of acknowledging their own woundedness and brokenness, common to us all as human beings. Out of this emptiness comes
4. True community: the process of deep respect and true listening for the needs of the other people in this community.
Peck’s basic premise is unless people let down their “shadow” self and show their real self which is a broken wounded person they cannot be a part of a true community.
The example of God in the Trinity- in community, in harmony, in equality, with specific purposes.
God in His Trinitarian community allowed you in when you accepted what Jesus did for you GOSPEL, why would you not let others in when they have accepted His grace as well.
So the spiritual community is based upon individuals admitting they are broken and being accepted in their brokenness and then doing the same for people around them.
Unspiritual community-appears to welcome people but really has some stipulations on the acceptance of the person. James speaks of this.
James 2:1-10 many times we only look to people for what they can bring to the table or add to our church or spiritual community.
Spiritual community accepts and heals
Acts 3:1-10 A place of healing for your soul, the problem is everyone soul has this sin condition and need for community but they try to take care of their sin by doing good works (Religion covers sin concept)
We are wired to live in spiritual community that not only teaches Jesus but lives like Jesus and accepts the people around us regardless of their brokenness.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Do you ever wonder why you have doubts?
James 1:6 for the person who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
Main issues that come up when people doubt their personal faith, or doubt the claims of Jesus and discount faith in Jesus
Doubt 1-Bad example of other Christians, crusades, tv preachers, fallen Christians judgmental
3 Reponses
-Look to Jesus they stink Jesus doesn’t
-As a believer we should make a daily effort to live for Jesus
-That’s why we need Jesus, because we are sinners GOSPEL
Doubt 2 -Suffering in this world, If there is a good God everything should be good, so therefore there must not be a good God. This thought ignores the fact that we live in a sin affected world and God does not will for evil and bad to happen but allows it for a time. There are various reasons taught in Scripture of why message in July 07
Bottom line is that suffering does not disprove God but actually makes Him more evident. CS Lewis “My argument against God was that the universe seemed cruel and unjust but how had I gotten the idea of just and unjust”
Doubt 3-Unanswered questions/lack of knowledge 2 Tim 3:16-17
Sometimes the accusations on Christianity are just ignorant
The more you learn the less you doubt. I would say don’t wait till the questions come up from others, research on your own.
Doubt 4-Unanswered prayer-Matthew 21:20-22 This is not a promise that you will get anything you ask for but it is a comparison on what Faith does for you rather then Religion. No fruit in religion but there is the excitement and possibility that with God all things are possible.
Doubt 5- The unexplained/miracles Because there is scientific conflict people doubt biblical accounts because of the unexplained. If this were something that was man made wouldn’t they leave all that type of stuff out?
Lets look at what Jesus said when His disciples doubted His resurrection Luke 24:36-40
-Research His claims
Doubt 6 Fear, Matthew14:30-32 when we take our focus off Jesus we become afraid. We worry about things like. Who will I marry, what am I gonna do with my life, where am I gonna work, I need more money, will my kids be safe, will my parents be safe,
-We start to worry about all these things and it takes a toll on our faith
Fear causes us to not Trust Jesus and doubt that He can take care of our problems
Unfortunately doubt can take over and never allow people trust God Matt 28:16-20
What to do in times of doubt? Remember Ephesians 6:10-12
Main issues that come up when people doubt their personal faith, or doubt the claims of Jesus and discount faith in Jesus
Doubt 1-Bad example of other Christians, crusades, tv preachers, fallen Christians judgmental
3 Reponses
-Look to Jesus they stink Jesus doesn’t
-As a believer we should make a daily effort to live for Jesus
-That’s why we need Jesus, because we are sinners GOSPEL
Doubt 2 -Suffering in this world, If there is a good God everything should be good, so therefore there must not be a good God. This thought ignores the fact that we live in a sin affected world and God does not will for evil and bad to happen but allows it for a time. There are various reasons taught in Scripture of why message in July 07
Bottom line is that suffering does not disprove God but actually makes Him more evident. CS Lewis “My argument against God was that the universe seemed cruel and unjust but how had I gotten the idea of just and unjust”
Doubt 3-Unanswered questions/lack of knowledge 2 Tim 3:16-17
Sometimes the accusations on Christianity are just ignorant
The more you learn the less you doubt. I would say don’t wait till the questions come up from others, research on your own.
Doubt 4-Unanswered prayer-Matthew 21:20-22 This is not a promise that you will get anything you ask for but it is a comparison on what Faith does for you rather then Religion. No fruit in religion but there is the excitement and possibility that with God all things are possible.
Doubt 5- The unexplained/miracles Because there is scientific conflict people doubt biblical accounts because of the unexplained. If this were something that was man made wouldn’t they leave all that type of stuff out?
Lets look at what Jesus said when His disciples doubted His resurrection Luke 24:36-40
-Research His claims
Doubt 6 Fear, Matthew14:30-32 when we take our focus off Jesus we become afraid. We worry about things like. Who will I marry, what am I gonna do with my life, where am I gonna work, I need more money, will my kids be safe, will my parents be safe,
-We start to worry about all these things and it takes a toll on our faith
Fear causes us to not Trust Jesus and doubt that He can take care of our problems
Unfortunately doubt can take over and never allow people trust God Matt 28:16-20
What to do in times of doubt? Remember Ephesians 6:10-12
Do you ever wonder why Jesus had a profound impact on history?
Christmas Eve Service
H.G. Wells historian said that “Jesus was the most dominant figure of history”
Tonight we are honoring the eve of the most important person to ever walk this earth
Luke 2 simple account, 30 years as a carpenter 3 years of ministry
Legacy is the most profound BC AD Ano domini (the year of our Lord)
Tonight billions of people are celebrating His birth into a simple and obscure life.
Jesus had such a profound impact on history because He inspired many people, not by force but by love
Jesus inspired people
1. Regarding children- in a day where abandonment was common and the average child only lived till they were 8yrs old-Jesus welcomed children- Joseph was his adoptive father, early days of the church Christians adopted children to save them from having no place to go, Adoption is a metaphor of what God did for us
Wherever Christianity is spread adoption and care for children also spread.
2. Regarding women-in a day where women were known as personal property of their husband and there was no legal recourse if they were mistreated. Some of Jesus closest friends were women, he included women in His ministry, He taught women which was not heard of in that day Jesus elevated the dignity and respect of women
Wherever Christianity was spread the respect and dignity of women would also spread
3. Education from the time the pilgrims landed in what we now call America, it was Christians who labored for education and literacy Harvard, Yale, Princton, Cambridge
Where Christianity spread so does education. Christians teach literacy so they can teach God’s Word.
4. Regarding Freedom & Equality Our nation understands the Rule of Law, because that is what Jesus taught, equality and justice He was not exclusive but inclusive to all people and Christianity to this day does not have a certain tribe or clan. Foundation of our nation was based upon freedom to worship Jesus.
Communism was birth out of Atheism and Freedom is inspired by Jesus, so where Christianity is spread so is freedom.
5. Regaurding Mercy & Compassion
Care of the sick, dying and elderly and poor, Jesus cared for those who were sick, poor and downtrodden Jesus was known as the great physician
At the Council of Nicea the early church fathers decided if there was a church there should be a hospital.
Red Cross Christian who signed up so that if people passed they would have people who told them the good news
6. Jesus inspired creativity More books have been written about him, paintings painted of Him and songs sung and written about Him then any other person The arts Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael music, Handel, Bach, Chicofski, Books, Lewis, Tolken & Lew Wallace, former Atheist set out to disprove the claims of Christ, then trusted in him and wrote the novel Ben Hur, which is a famous novel set in Christ’s time about redemption
7. Jesus inspires generosity Jesus was generous with us He was willing to give Himself so that we may live. Christians actually poor and working class are the biggest givers in recent studies. Wherever Christianity spreads so does goodwill toward people
The power of Jesus knows no boundary of time or space.
Jesus lived a simple life but has a profound legacy
The real question is has Jesus made a profound impact on your history?
When I was 18 years old GOSPEL
If He has then your future will be profoundly impacted.
H.G. Wells historian said that “Jesus was the most dominant figure of history”
Tonight we are honoring the eve of the most important person to ever walk this earth
Luke 2 simple account, 30 years as a carpenter 3 years of ministry
Legacy is the most profound BC AD Ano domini (the year of our Lord)
Tonight billions of people are celebrating His birth into a simple and obscure life.
Jesus had such a profound impact on history because He inspired many people, not by force but by love
Jesus inspired people
1. Regarding children- in a day where abandonment was common and the average child only lived till they were 8yrs old-Jesus welcomed children- Joseph was his adoptive father, early days of the church Christians adopted children to save them from having no place to go, Adoption is a metaphor of what God did for us
Wherever Christianity is spread adoption and care for children also spread.
2. Regarding women-in a day where women were known as personal property of their husband and there was no legal recourse if they were mistreated. Some of Jesus closest friends were women, he included women in His ministry, He taught women which was not heard of in that day Jesus elevated the dignity and respect of women
Wherever Christianity was spread the respect and dignity of women would also spread
3. Education from the time the pilgrims landed in what we now call America, it was Christians who labored for education and literacy Harvard, Yale, Princton, Cambridge
Where Christianity spread so does education. Christians teach literacy so they can teach God’s Word.
4. Regarding Freedom & Equality Our nation understands the Rule of Law, because that is what Jesus taught, equality and justice He was not exclusive but inclusive to all people and Christianity to this day does not have a certain tribe or clan. Foundation of our nation was based upon freedom to worship Jesus.
Communism was birth out of Atheism and Freedom is inspired by Jesus, so where Christianity is spread so is freedom.
5. Regaurding Mercy & Compassion
Care of the sick, dying and elderly and poor, Jesus cared for those who were sick, poor and downtrodden Jesus was known as the great physician
At the Council of Nicea the early church fathers decided if there was a church there should be a hospital.
Red Cross Christian who signed up so that if people passed they would have people who told them the good news
6. Jesus inspired creativity More books have been written about him, paintings painted of Him and songs sung and written about Him then any other person The arts Michaelangelo, Da Vinci, Raphael music, Handel, Bach, Chicofski, Books, Lewis, Tolken & Lew Wallace, former Atheist set out to disprove the claims of Christ, then trusted in him and wrote the novel Ben Hur, which is a famous novel set in Christ’s time about redemption
7. Jesus inspires generosity Jesus was generous with us He was willing to give Himself so that we may live. Christians actually poor and working class are the biggest givers in recent studies. Wherever Christianity spreads so does goodwill toward people
The power of Jesus knows no boundary of time or space.
Jesus lived a simple life but has a profound legacy
The real question is has Jesus made a profound impact on your history?
When I was 18 years old GOSPEL
If He has then your future will be profoundly impacted.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Why do people go to church?
Tonight we are going to talk about the question of practice, why do people go to church?
There is huge misconception about church and it stems from the concept of religion. The concept of religion is that we try to cover sin with religion, by doing good things, this is called a “Works based salvation” meaning you please God and He accepts you because of what you do.
What the Jesus teaches actually threatens religion its called GRACE = ill deserved favor from God. That means that Jesus is willing to not give us what we deserve. GOSPEL The reason why GRACE is a threat is to religion is because it is Jesus saying that He does the work, religion is that I do all the work.
Religion builds up pride, GRACE humbles us, Religion says I can do it, GRACE says I can’t do it,
Christianity is considered a religion so why do Christians religiously go to church, or why should they. I am just going to talk going to church on Sunday’s, actually after the new year I am going to spend a few weeks exploring what the Bible says about being a part of a church is all about.
Unfortunately many Christians feel that going to church is not a necessity.
I feel that in order to understand why we go to church, is to look at the ten commandments
1st three commands focus on God and last six commands focus our relationship to others, but command four is what I like to call the hinge commandment. Ex 20:8, Hebrews 10:24-25
Sabbath-1.time to stop and worship and hear from God 2. a time to rest
Interestingly enough people had to be commanded to rest J
Sunday church services have two general functions
1. Worship God… song, prayer, giving, communion, testimony, scripture readings, listening to The Word
2. Refocuses us to relate to others- hear the Word, reminded of the gospel which reminds us of grace and grace is what we need to relate to others, connect with others
Rest, relax and refreshment
1. A day of rest changes our perspective.
***The time of rest helps to reevaluate, how have I been living, who am I trusting, how am I treating the people around me. How does my schedule need to look this week to bring glory to God?
2. A day of rest helps us to find enjoyment in life.
***God created this world for our enjoyment and the only way we can fully enjoy those things is if we are willing to take a break.
So I have two challenges now that you know why we need church, in the new year don’t be a secret service agent, make a commitment to hinging your week on a day of rest, refocus and worship.
There is huge misconception about church and it stems from the concept of religion. The concept of religion is that we try to cover sin with religion, by doing good things, this is called a “Works based salvation” meaning you please God and He accepts you because of what you do.
What the Jesus teaches actually threatens religion its called GRACE = ill deserved favor from God. That means that Jesus is willing to not give us what we deserve. GOSPEL The reason why GRACE is a threat is to religion is because it is Jesus saying that He does the work, religion is that I do all the work.
Religion builds up pride, GRACE humbles us, Religion says I can do it, GRACE says I can’t do it,
Christianity is considered a religion so why do Christians religiously go to church, or why should they. I am just going to talk going to church on Sunday’s, actually after the new year I am going to spend a few weeks exploring what the Bible says about being a part of a church is all about.
Unfortunately many Christians feel that going to church is not a necessity.
I feel that in order to understand why we go to church, is to look at the ten commandments
1st three commands focus on God and last six commands focus our relationship to others, but command four is what I like to call the hinge commandment. Ex 20:8, Hebrews 10:24-25
Sabbath-1.time to stop and worship and hear from God 2. a time to rest
Interestingly enough people had to be commanded to rest J
Sunday church services have two general functions
1. Worship God… song, prayer, giving, communion, testimony, scripture readings, listening to The Word
2. Refocuses us to relate to others- hear the Word, reminded of the gospel which reminds us of grace and grace is what we need to relate to others, connect with others
Rest, relax and refreshment
1. A day of rest changes our perspective.
***The time of rest helps to reevaluate, how have I been living, who am I trusting, how am I treating the people around me. How does my schedule need to look this week to bring glory to God?
2. A day of rest helps us to find enjoyment in life.
***God created this world for our enjoyment and the only way we can fully enjoy those things is if we are willing to take a break.
So I have two challenges now that you know why we need church, in the new year don’t be a secret service agent, make a commitment to hinging your week on a day of rest, refocus and worship.
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