Romans 5:12 – 21
Reality Check
Paul puts two ideas together by using two illustrations.
1. Adam = “trespass” and death.
2. Christ = “gift” and eternal life.
Each one acted as the common father/representation of their spiritual line.
– What the representative did, we did
– ADAM = we failed.
– CHRIST = we are righteous.
From these tow we see three effects.
1. The reality of sin and its effects.
2. The reality of grace and its effects.
3. The reality of victory through Christ Jesus.
I. The reality of sin and its effects.
A. Definitions of sin. (From words used in Scripture for sin. Not a complete list!)
1. “Transgression” means to step over a line.
2. “Iniquity” means something that is naturally wrong weather it is expressly forbidden or not. (e.g. not doing the good we know to do.... “to do nothing is to be part of the problem.”
3. “Error” means to depart from what is right.
4. “Sin” means to miss the mark (technical language), or failure to meet a standard.
5. Willful defiance of God.
6. “Unbelief” means the failure to believe (sometimes in the face of overwhelming evidence, such as creation).
7. “Perverse” means to be bent.
B. How did sin get here?
1. [v 12] “through one man.”
a. Adam sinned as a deliberate act of the will (Eve was tricked, see 2 Corinthians 11:3).
b. Sin is “unnatural” to God’s design.
c. Sin is an intruder breaking our relationship with God.
2. Universal death was the result.
a. Death is the pay check for sin [see Romans 6:23].
b. Death is the divine verdict on us all = “consequences.”
1.) Physical death = separation from loved ones.
2.) Spiritual death = separation from God.
3.) Eternal death = eternal hell is the permanent separation from both. It was never intended for humans.
c. Physical death is the proof of the problem.
d. There is cause and effect. Sin causes death.
3. Two ways we are “sinners.”
a. We are sinners by “nature.”
1.) We inherited it like we inherit other genetic traits, only this is spiritually inherited.
2.) It is “universal” (no one is exempt) and bring God’s wrath and condemnation.
3.) Theological terms include “depraved” which means we are helpless.
b. We are sinners by “action.”
1.) We sin with knowledge and will (sometimes we seem ignorant, but we are not).
2.) We commit acts of sin because by nature we are “bent” towards committing these acts. (Like why a dog acts like a dog and not a cow or a cat.)
3.) We need a “double cure.”
Simple effect of the reality of sin:
– We start life as a sinner?
– As a sinner that means we are spiritually dead.
– Unless something else takes effect we are dead in our sins.
– We need God’s grace because we are unable, by our own strength and work to restore or gain a right relationship with God.
II. The reality of grace and its effects.
A. Definition of grace.
1. Grace is undeserved favor or kindness.
2. Grace comes from an is dependent on the desire of the One giving it.
FACT: God “wants too!”
B. The major contrast between sin and grace:
1. Disobedience.
a. Adam’s sin was a violation of God’s command. (What Adam did was wrong because it was forbidden.)
b. The poison of sin (willful disobedience) spread to all of Adam’s descendants.
c. We were “made sinners.” This is a legal term that means declared (tried and found guilty) sinners by due course of the law.
3. Obedience.
a. Jesus provided a gift.
1.) “Salvation” from the reign of sin and death.
2.) “Righteousness” means were are made right before God.
b. [v 19] “many will be made righteous” This is a legal term which means to be declared free from the penalty. (Justification.)
(Ill.) In a civil trial a defendant can be guilt and have to pay $1. In other words, they may have violated the law but in the eyes of the Judge they were justified.
C. This grace is an “abundant provision” [v 17 ].
1. Consider these things:
a. The power of sin to infect everyone.
b. The power of guilt over us.
c. The power of a single offense.
2. God’s grace exceeds all this!
a. It does not matter how bad you think you are... God’s “want too” (grace) can cover it.
b. It does not matter how good you think you are... You still need God’s grace.
III. The reality of victory through Christ Jesus.
(Go ahead, make your own list of what this does or could mean to you.)
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
A “short” course on Spiritual Warfare
(Please note, I was on vacation last Sunday. This is last (and this) Sunday nights' brief outline. You must look up the verses or you will missunderstand. WARNING: due to the nature of the material, if you are NOT a believer in Jesus or ARE spiritually or emotionally immature please do not read this section of the blog! This is a very deep and heavy subject and this post is a very, very, very, brief sketch of two sermons. In other words, you need a solid biblical and theological foundation to understand the material.]
1. There is an enemy. [1 Peter 5:8]
***** This is the common enemy of humanity. Historically, the enemy’s goal has been to “steal and kill and destroy” [John 10:10] through sin [Genesis 4:7] *****
FALSE: Satan has no power over the Christian.
TRUE: Satan has no power that God does not allow. [Job 1:12] In other words, God may allow the believer to be attacked and tormented, as Job was.
FALSE: Satan is the cause of many of our problems.
TRUE: Satan can pressure us, BUT our choices decide the outcome, consequences, and results. [James 4:7] The myth allows us to pass on our personal responsibility.
FALSE: Satan has nothing to offer.
TRUE: Sin has its pleasure for a season. [Hebrews 11:25]
FALSE: Satan is easily beaten by the “name of Jesus” or being covered “by the blood of Jesus.”
TRUE: The things that overcome Satan are: the blood of Jesus, testimony, and the sacrifice of our lives. [Revelation 12:11] In other words, our victory is eternal not for the present moment.
2. People are not the enemy. [Ephesians 6:12]
***** When people attack us, we take it personally and miss the point of spiritual warfare. [John 15:18] Since sin is slavery, slaves are under someone else’s control. If you have a problem with someone, you are having a problem with the person’s master. *****
3. The enemy attacks with ideas. [2 Corinthians 10:5]
***** Mental images can be completely irrational and separated from reality. Opinions are formed before information is collected and facts are interpreted. [see Ephesians 6:11] *****
4. We have “weapons.” [2 Corinthians 10:5 and Ephesians 6:14 – 18]
***** Humans expose their ignorance and own sin when we interpret others. This can only be done by projecting our attitudes and motivations onto the other person. Jesus taught us to pray for those who persecute [Matthew 5:44] and mistreat [Luke 6:28 ] us, bless those who curse us [Luke 6:28], go the extra mile [Matthew 5:41], turn the other cheek [Matthew 5:39], love them [Matthew 5:44]. *****
5. We are the ones who are on the attack. [Matthew 16:18]
***** Gates are not an offensive weapon. Gates are used by those under siege. *****
6. It is God’s will that we face battle.
a. Adam and Eve [Genesis 3]
b. Job [Job 1 :8]
c. Paul’s thorn [2 Corinthians 12:7]
d. Jesus in the wilderness [Matthew 4:11]
7. What to expect in battle:
a. “Satisfy the physical.” [This is an appeal to passion. Notice that a legitimate physical need can become a battle ground. “Sell out.”]
b. “Do your job.” [This is an appeal to pride. Satan is suggesting that Jesus take the easy way. “Show off.”]
c. “Enjoy the benefit.” [This is an appeal to possessions. “Step up.”]
8. Strategies on hand to hand combat: (as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4)
a. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit. The bottom line of spiritual warfare is “who will control your life?”
b. Use God’s Word. Every temptation was met with the truth of Scripture. That implies that we must know the Bible and use it correctly.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7]
(Please note, I was on vacation last Sunday. This is last (and this) Sunday nights' brief outline. You must look up the verses or you will missunderstand. WARNING: due to the nature of the material, if you are NOT a believer in Jesus or ARE spiritually or emotionally immature please do not read this section of the blog! This is a very deep and heavy subject and this post is a very, very, very, brief sketch of two sermons. In other words, you need a solid biblical and theological foundation to understand the material.]
1. There is an enemy. [1 Peter 5:8]
***** This is the common enemy of humanity. Historically, the enemy’s goal has been to “steal and kill and destroy” [John 10:10] through sin [Genesis 4:7] *****
FALSE: Satan has no power over the Christian.
TRUE: Satan has no power that God does not allow. [Job 1:12] In other words, God may allow the believer to be attacked and tormented, as Job was.
FALSE: Satan is the cause of many of our problems.
TRUE: Satan can pressure us, BUT our choices decide the outcome, consequences, and results. [James 4:7] The myth allows us to pass on our personal responsibility.
FALSE: Satan has nothing to offer.
TRUE: Sin has its pleasure for a season. [Hebrews 11:25]
FALSE: Satan is easily beaten by the “name of Jesus” or being covered “by the blood of Jesus.”
TRUE: The things that overcome Satan are: the blood of Jesus, testimony, and the sacrifice of our lives. [Revelation 12:11] In other words, our victory is eternal not for the present moment.
2. People are not the enemy. [Ephesians 6:12]
***** When people attack us, we take it personally and miss the point of spiritual warfare. [John 15:18] Since sin is slavery, slaves are under someone else’s control. If you have a problem with someone, you are having a problem with the person’s master. *****
3. The enemy attacks with ideas. [2 Corinthians 10:5]
***** Mental images can be completely irrational and separated from reality. Opinions are formed before information is collected and facts are interpreted. [see Ephesians 6:11] *****
4. We have “weapons.” [2 Corinthians 10:5 and Ephesians 6:14 – 18]
***** Humans expose their ignorance and own sin when we interpret others. This can only be done by projecting our attitudes and motivations onto the other person. Jesus taught us to pray for those who persecute [Matthew 5:44] and mistreat [Luke 6:28 ] us, bless those who curse us [Luke 6:28], go the extra mile [Matthew 5:41], turn the other cheek [Matthew 5:39], love them [Matthew 5:44]. *****
5. We are the ones who are on the attack. [Matthew 16:18]
***** Gates are not an offensive weapon. Gates are used by those under siege. *****
6. It is God’s will that we face battle.
a. Adam and Eve [Genesis 3]
b. Job [Job 1 :8]
c. Paul’s thorn [2 Corinthians 12:7]
d. Jesus in the wilderness [Matthew 4:11]
7. What to expect in battle:
a. “Satisfy the physical.” [This is an appeal to passion. Notice that a legitimate physical need can become a battle ground. “Sell out.”]
b. “Do your job.” [This is an appeal to pride. Satan is suggesting that Jesus take the easy way. “Show off.”]
c. “Enjoy the benefit.” [This is an appeal to possessions. “Step up.”]
8. Strategies on hand to hand combat: (as modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4)
a. Be obedient to the Holy Spirit. The bottom line of spiritual warfare is “who will control your life?”
b. Use God’s Word. Every temptation was met with the truth of Scripture. That implies that we must know the Bible and use it correctly.
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” [James 4:7]
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Romans 5:1 – 11
Holy Discontent
“God is not content with merely justifying a person by faith, but wants that original faith to produce results.”
I. God intends to produce results.
A. They come in three forms.
1. The PAST is put at peace [v 1].
a. Sin breeds unrest and puts barriers between us and God.
b. Jesus died to reconcile us to God.
2. The PRESENT is lived through access [v 2].
a. The idea here is “to be brought into” or introduction.
b. Through Jesus we have full access to God the Father.
3. The future is defined by hope [v 3].
a. We “stand” = a place of dignity/honor in the presence of God.
b. Hope makes eternity the immediate context of our lives.
B. The human problem seems incurable.
1. Malcom Gladwell (“The Tipping Point”) talks about the Darley and Batson study.
a. We are not influenced by the CONVICTION of our heart [what we believe].
b. We are not influenced by the CONTENT of our minds [what we know].
c. We are influence by most by the immediate CONTEXT.
***** The effect is that the immediate context has the ability “of turning someone, in that particular moment, into a different person. *****
2. The Christian’s CONTEXT is different.
a. The Christian’s immediate context is eternity [we are already in it].
b. The Christian’s immediate company is God [before whom we now stand].
II. God intends to move us closer [to Himself].
A. Why did God justify us?
1. There is a reason.
a. The reason is His, not ours.
b. What motivates God is not what motivates us.
2. There is a purpose.
a. The purpose is His, not ours.
b. God’s work is not for our benefit – it’s for others and ultimately His.
3. There is a plan.
a. The plan is His not ours.
b. We plan but God directs our steps.
B. The closer we are to God the less immediate context effects us.
1. It happens in relationships.
a. The closer you are to someone the more their opinion matters (and others do not).
b. Spiritually it is not a matter of the will, it is a matter of love (John Wesley).
2. God wants to move us away from:
a. The things that do not matter in eternity.
b. The things that can drag us back in unrest and separation from God.
III. God intends to move us to significance.
A. Reconciled people rejoice.
1. Reconciled people rejoice in suffering [v 3].
a. This is so contrary to “immediate context.”
b. If we get stuck in the immediate we never move through the process and the storms we go through are wasted.
2. Reconciled people rejoice in what we have [v 4].
a. There is an unmistakable awe in what Jesus has done.
b. There is an “unhidable” enthusiasm for something better that anything else we’ve ever experienced. [Possibly we are not enthusiastic because we have never experienced it.]
B. In what ways?
1. We learn to rejoice because:
a. We know circumstances are temporary.
b. We believe Jesus is forever.
2. We learn to love back.
a. We open ourselves to accept God’s acts of kindness.
b. We understand God’s unconditional love toward us.
1.) We are not innocent (righteous) or useful (good man) [v 7].
2.) We are powerless, ungodly [v 6] and sinners [v 8].
IV. God intends to move us past ourselves.
A. Human nature:
1. We see our actions as consequences of other’s actions (Swann study).
2. We others actions as the cause of what happens (Swann study).
3. We also remember selectively, the more invested, the more selectively.
B. Storms are the means God uses to bring the Christian to maturity.
1. Suffering is to produce perseverance.
a. It can produce stability [profitable].
b. It can produce pity [wasted].
2. Perseverance is to produce character.
a. This can produce consistency and ethical behavior [profitable].
b. It can produce arrogance [wasted].
3. Character produces hope.
a. This can bring our lives and dreams into line with Jesus.
b. Or it can produce a “success syndrome.”
“Hope is the fabric that holds life together.”
“Disappointment is the edge of discontent.”
Which will you chose to live in?
Holy Discontent
“God is not content with merely justifying a person by faith, but wants that original faith to produce results.”
I. God intends to produce results.
A. They come in three forms.
1. The PAST is put at peace [v 1].
a. Sin breeds unrest and puts barriers between us and God.
b. Jesus died to reconcile us to God.
2. The PRESENT is lived through access [v 2].
a. The idea here is “to be brought into” or introduction.
b. Through Jesus we have full access to God the Father.
3. The future is defined by hope [v 3].
a. We “stand” = a place of dignity/honor in the presence of God.
b. Hope makes eternity the immediate context of our lives.
B. The human problem seems incurable.
1. Malcom Gladwell (“The Tipping Point”) talks about the Darley and Batson study.
a. We are not influenced by the CONVICTION of our heart [what we believe].
b. We are not influenced by the CONTENT of our minds [what we know].
c. We are influence by most by the immediate CONTEXT.
***** The effect is that the immediate context has the ability “of turning someone, in that particular moment, into a different person. *****
2. The Christian’s CONTEXT is different.
a. The Christian’s immediate context is eternity [we are already in it].
b. The Christian’s immediate company is God [before whom we now stand].
II. God intends to move us closer [to Himself].
A. Why did God justify us?
1. There is a reason.
a. The reason is His, not ours.
b. What motivates God is not what motivates us.
2. There is a purpose.
a. The purpose is His, not ours.
b. God’s work is not for our benefit – it’s for others and ultimately His.
3. There is a plan.
a. The plan is His not ours.
b. We plan but God directs our steps.
B. The closer we are to God the less immediate context effects us.
1. It happens in relationships.
a. The closer you are to someone the more their opinion matters (and others do not).
b. Spiritually it is not a matter of the will, it is a matter of love (John Wesley).
2. God wants to move us away from:
a. The things that do not matter in eternity.
b. The things that can drag us back in unrest and separation from God.
III. God intends to move us to significance.
A. Reconciled people rejoice.
1. Reconciled people rejoice in suffering [v 3].
a. This is so contrary to “immediate context.”
b. If we get stuck in the immediate we never move through the process and the storms we go through are wasted.
2. Reconciled people rejoice in what we have [v 4].
a. There is an unmistakable awe in what Jesus has done.
b. There is an “unhidable” enthusiasm for something better that anything else we’ve ever experienced. [Possibly we are not enthusiastic because we have never experienced it.]
B. In what ways?
1. We learn to rejoice because:
a. We know circumstances are temporary.
b. We believe Jesus is forever.
2. We learn to love back.
a. We open ourselves to accept God’s acts of kindness.
b. We understand God’s unconditional love toward us.
1.) We are not innocent (righteous) or useful (good man) [v 7].
2.) We are powerless, ungodly [v 6] and sinners [v 8].
IV. God intends to move us past ourselves.
A. Human nature:
1. We see our actions as consequences of other’s actions (Swann study).
2. We others actions as the cause of what happens (Swann study).
3. We also remember selectively, the more invested, the more selectively.
B. Storms are the means God uses to bring the Christian to maturity.
1. Suffering is to produce perseverance.
a. It can produce stability [profitable].
b. It can produce pity [wasted].
2. Perseverance is to produce character.
a. This can produce consistency and ethical behavior [profitable].
b. It can produce arrogance [wasted].
3. Character produces hope.
a. This can bring our lives and dreams into line with Jesus.
b. Or it can produce a “success syndrome.”
“Hope is the fabric that holds life together.”
“Disappointment is the edge of discontent.”
Which will you chose to live in?
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Romans 4
Faith, Works, and Keeping Score
“Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” [Romans 4:8]
I. Does God keep score? [v 8]
A. Sometimes life seems more like Calvinball than chess.
1. Chess is an orderly/complex game with pieces that move the same way for everyone every time.
2. Calvinball is a chaotic game where nothing is the same more than once.
3. Clash of cultures (modernism/chess or postmodernism/Calvinball).
B. We experience life as a struggle.
1. Take Abraham as an example.
a. He was told to leave family and go to an unknown place.
(He was still going there when he died. See Hebrews 11.)
b. He was told he would have a child (promised by God).
(Sarah’s idea was to have him marry Hagar – Ishmael.)
c. He was told to take Isaac, the son God promised, and sacrifice him.
(Sometimes our dreams, even the ones’ God gives us, have to be let go/handed over.)
d. Abraham was not the only one. Take Noah for example.
2. How about us?
a. We struggle to make sense of things we cannot explain.
b. We suspect spiritual dynamics beyond our control.
c. We wonder if God is keeping score, and if He’s being fair.
II. How does God keep score?
A. There are two possible ways (according to theology).
1. The obvious one is by what we do.
a. Judgement is by works (Romans 2:6).
b. We already know that works = wrath (Romans 2:5).
c. Unfortunately we keep score this way (generally against others).
2. The unbelievable one is by a gift.
a. God makes a promise = “covenant.”
b. A contract is something that BOTH sides have to do.
c. A promise/covenant is something that only one side has to do.
B. It is frustrating if:
1. We do not understand the rules and scoring system.
a. Let’s say you saw a chess game were one player was correctly playing a sacrifice. You might think they were losing if you did not see their idea and the next move.
b. We look at life, at times it seems out of control and we don’t understand.
2. We do not improve.
a. We start our spiritual walk, we do what we are told to are the correct things to do BUT we make mistakes, nothing seems to make a difference.
b. Abraham made three distinct mistakes that looked like he did not trust God.
***** The problem is that eventually a suspicion sets in and we ask... *****
III. Is God cheating us?
A. Let’s look at this again.
1. We know that work = wages (v 4) and trust = gift (vv 4, 5)
a. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23) That means spiritual death – eternal hell.
b. The Bible says “...BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
2. We know that the sign/seal comes AFTER (v 11).
a. In other words, the promise comes before the down payment/fulfillment.
b. But “faith has no value and the promise is worthless” (v 14) if we try to work for it.
c. Growth, fruit, and blessing is the natural result of being in right relationship with God THROUGH the promise/faith.
B. It is encouraging when this “clicks.”
1. It means that it doesn’t matter if life seems like orderly chess or chaotic Calvinball.
a. Some things will not make sense – but they don’t have to.
b. Some things are out of our control – but they don’t have to be in our control.
(Imagine the next time you fly... deciding you should fly the plane instead of the pilot. Imagine someone else wanting to fly the plane. We want to do it personally and we do it in the church.)
2. A simple truth begins to set in: God is at work for His promise and pleasure not ours.
***** Some may then ask.... *****
IV. Is God on our side?
A. There is an answer to that question: Jesus (v 25).
1. Jesus was delivered, handed over to die...
2. BECAUSE of our sins.
a. The only one keeping score against the believer is the devil.
b. Jesus died to erase, permanently, all those marks against us.
3. Jesus was raised to life FOR our justification.
a. As the Message puts it, “conditions were equally hopeless.”
b. There is no difference/margin that the blood of Jesus does not beat.
B. So how do we know? (The same way Abraham knew.)
1. Against all hope (v 18).
a. Sometimes things look bad an hopeless.
b. It’s an opportunity for God to work. Why? So we cannot say that we did it.
2. Face the fact (v 19).
a. We, in our own strength, are seriously messed up.
b. You cannot find a flawless person. They don’t exist. What you can find is a person who is persistent in their faith.
3. Do not decide by unbelief (v 20).
a. In this world we have lots of reasons to waver.
b. However, there is one reason to not waver: nothing else will work.
4. Be fully persuaded (v 21).
a. That God has the ability to do what he’s promised.
b. That is “trust.”
Faith, Works, and Keeping Score
“Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” [Romans 4:8]
I. Does God keep score? [v 8]
A. Sometimes life seems more like Calvinball than chess.
1. Chess is an orderly/complex game with pieces that move the same way for everyone every time.
2. Calvinball is a chaotic game where nothing is the same more than once.
3. Clash of cultures (modernism/chess or postmodernism/Calvinball).
B. We experience life as a struggle.
1. Take Abraham as an example.
a. He was told to leave family and go to an unknown place.
(He was still going there when he died. See Hebrews 11.)
b. He was told he would have a child (promised by God).
(Sarah’s idea was to have him marry Hagar – Ishmael.)
c. He was told to take Isaac, the son God promised, and sacrifice him.
(Sometimes our dreams, even the ones’ God gives us, have to be let go/handed over.)
d. Abraham was not the only one. Take Noah for example.
2. How about us?
a. We struggle to make sense of things we cannot explain.
b. We suspect spiritual dynamics beyond our control.
c. We wonder if God is keeping score, and if He’s being fair.
II. How does God keep score?
A. There are two possible ways (according to theology).
1. The obvious one is by what we do.
a. Judgement is by works (Romans 2:6).
b. We already know that works = wrath (Romans 2:5).
c. Unfortunately we keep score this way (generally against others).
2. The unbelievable one is by a gift.
a. God makes a promise = “covenant.”
b. A contract is something that BOTH sides have to do.
c. A promise/covenant is something that only one side has to do.
B. It is frustrating if:
1. We do not understand the rules and scoring system.
a. Let’s say you saw a chess game were one player was correctly playing a sacrifice. You might think they were losing if you did not see their idea and the next move.
b. We look at life, at times it seems out of control and we don’t understand.
2. We do not improve.
a. We start our spiritual walk, we do what we are told to are the correct things to do BUT we make mistakes, nothing seems to make a difference.
b. Abraham made three distinct mistakes that looked like he did not trust God.
***** The problem is that eventually a suspicion sets in and we ask... *****
III. Is God cheating us?
A. Let’s look at this again.
1. We know that work = wages (v 4) and trust = gift (vv 4, 5)
a. The Bible says “The wages of sin is death...” (Romans 6:23) That means spiritual death – eternal hell.
b. The Bible says “...BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
2. We know that the sign/seal comes AFTER (v 11).
a. In other words, the promise comes before the down payment/fulfillment.
b. But “faith has no value and the promise is worthless” (v 14) if we try to work for it.
c. Growth, fruit, and blessing is the natural result of being in right relationship with God THROUGH the promise/faith.
B. It is encouraging when this “clicks.”
1. It means that it doesn’t matter if life seems like orderly chess or chaotic Calvinball.
a. Some things will not make sense – but they don’t have to.
b. Some things are out of our control – but they don’t have to be in our control.
(Imagine the next time you fly... deciding you should fly the plane instead of the pilot. Imagine someone else wanting to fly the plane. We want to do it personally and we do it in the church.)
2. A simple truth begins to set in: God is at work for His promise and pleasure not ours.
***** Some may then ask.... *****
IV. Is God on our side?
A. There is an answer to that question: Jesus (v 25).
1. Jesus was delivered, handed over to die...
2. BECAUSE of our sins.
a. The only one keeping score against the believer is the devil.
b. Jesus died to erase, permanently, all those marks against us.
3. Jesus was raised to life FOR our justification.
a. As the Message puts it, “conditions were equally hopeless.”
b. There is no difference/margin that the blood of Jesus does not beat.
B. So how do we know? (The same way Abraham knew.)
1. Against all hope (v 18).
a. Sometimes things look bad an hopeless.
b. It’s an opportunity for God to work. Why? So we cannot say that we did it.
2. Face the fact (v 19).
a. We, in our own strength, are seriously messed up.
b. You cannot find a flawless person. They don’t exist. What you can find is a person who is persistent in their faith.
3. Do not decide by unbelief (v 20).
a. In this world we have lots of reasons to waver.
b. However, there is one reason to not waver: nothing else will work.
4. Be fully persuaded (v 21).
a. That God has the ability to do what he’s promised.
b. That is “trust.”
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Romans 3
“Justified Freely”
I. Everyone is under sin. This means HELPLESS [Romans 3:9 – 20].
A. Two truths come with this fact.
1. Sin has consequences.
a. For the believer, it means God’s discipline.
b. For the one who is not a believer it means condemnation and wrath. It will result in eternal hell if the person does not repent and believe in Jesus.
2. Sin is not open to human interpretation.
a. God has defined “sin.” The church has not defined sin, a preacher has not defined sin, the individual can not define sin.
(Ill.) That was part of the temptation in the Garden of Eden. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." [The devil speaking to Eve in Genesis 3:5] The lie was that they already KNEW good (obeying God) and evil (disobeying God). The lie was that we could define good and evil.
b. The interpretation of sin is not subject to what the culture or society says.
***** Right is right if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. *****
B. Religious/Ethnic affiliation is irrelevant (does not matter).
1. [v 10] Fact: No religious practice works (to save).
a. “Righteousness” apart from Jesus is impossible.
b. Isaiah 64:6 “our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
2. [v 11] Fact: There is no true seeking God.
a. People APPEAR to seek after God, but not on God’s terms. What happens is we create God in our own image.
b. The Bible says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12]
3. [v 12] Fact: There are no good works that save.
a. People do a lot of good things (hospitals, police, schools, etc...) but we are talking about spiritual matters. In other words, from the view of EARNING salvation, it’s all meaningless.
b. Our good works are tainted because we can never truly be obedient to God in our own understanding and power.
***** As Americans it is too easy for us to believe that we earn or deserve what we have. Historically, we have worked hard. You might say we have been driven. We value the driven. Which makes it hard for us to understand that spiritually it does not work that way. *****
C. All are accountable to God. [“all have sinned...” Romans 3:23]
1. [Romans 1:20] We are all without excuse.
a. Even the “pagans.”
b. Even those ignorant (never heard) of the truth.
2. [Romans 2:1 – 5] Our polished philosophies are worthless.
a. The Greeks saw themselves as “moral” and distinguished themselves from the barbarians.
b. The Romans had the rule of law and their culture to separate themselves from others.
c. These things are incomplete without Jesus.
3. [Romans 3:1 – 3] Our religious ritual and practice is empty.
a. The Jews had the Scriptures, the temple and the sacrificial system.
b. They could quote Scripture and all the scholars, but they missed Jesus.
***** It is impossible for anyone, under any conditions or circumstances to be declared righteous EXCEPT FOR THE BLOOD OF JESUS. The trouble is that as American we do not want to be accountable to anyone except ourselves (as individuals, not society or a group). *****
II. Since we are helpless under sin, God stepped into the situation [Romans 3:21 – 31].
A. God provides a righteousness apart from the law [v 21].
1. [v 22] Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
a. Romans 1:17 tells us it is a “gift.”
b. This righteousness is based on God’s character [Romans 3:5, 25, 27].
2. [v 24] Justification (being declared free from God’s wrath) comes freely by God’s grace (through Jesus).
a. This is the state of being accounted righteous before God.
b. The problem is that if this is true than we are no different than anyone else. If you work for something (earn it) it distinguishes you from others. If it is a gift then anyone and everyone has the right to it (even those we may want to fear and hate).
3. What do you have to do to get a gift?
a. Nothing.
b. You do have to receive it.
***** Freedom from the eternal consequences and present control and guilty of sin is through Jesus. *****
(Ill.) The hymn “Solid Rock” says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.”
B. God provides a sacrifice of atonement (covering, payment, satisfaction).
1. [v 25] Thus, we have salvation through faith in Jesus’ blood (the payment to cover our sins and satisfy the wrath of God).
2. [v 25] There is the issue of “justice” (fairness). God demonstrated justice by:
a. Allowing Jesus to die in our place. [Sound fair? Not for someone (Jesus) who is innocent.]
b. Allowing Jesus to go to hell in our place. [Sound fair? Not for someone (Jesus) who is innocent.]
The Bible says: “...the punishment that brought us peace was upon him...” [Isaiah 53:5]
3. [v 25] There is the issue of “forbearance” (patience).
a. God withheld justice.
b. The Bible says: “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” [Psalm 103:10]
c. The Bible says: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” [1 Peter 3:9]
III. The choice is now your, you must respond.
A. If you think you heard this sermon say “God is good, you are not, try harder” you have missed the point.
1. There is no try in “faith.”
2. There is only trust.
B. [v 28] Be justified by faith.
1. [v 24] The idea of “freely” emphasizes the absence of any cause or action in the person who is the object of the action. That’s the core of “grace.” God WANTS TO do this for those who are helpless, undeserving, etc...
2. Faith means trust. It means to trust what Jesus has done for you.
a. It is an absolute trust.
b. It is an absolute dependence on God.
3. This means you will have to stop trusting yourself and the things you do.
C. Believe Jesus.
1. Accept that gift... open it. Make it the principle that you live your life by.
2. Now celebrate! God’s grace, Jesus’ blood makes all the difference in the world... in eternity.
“Justified Freely”
I. Everyone is under sin. This means HELPLESS [Romans 3:9 – 20].
A. Two truths come with this fact.
1. Sin has consequences.
a. For the believer, it means God’s discipline.
b. For the one who is not a believer it means condemnation and wrath. It will result in eternal hell if the person does not repent and believe in Jesus.
2. Sin is not open to human interpretation.
a. God has defined “sin.” The church has not defined sin, a preacher has not defined sin, the individual can not define sin.
(Ill.) That was part of the temptation in the Garden of Eden. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." [The devil speaking to Eve in Genesis 3:5] The lie was that they already KNEW good (obeying God) and evil (disobeying God). The lie was that we could define good and evil.
b. The interpretation of sin is not subject to what the culture or society says.
***** Right is right if no one is doing it. Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. *****
B. Religious/Ethnic affiliation is irrelevant (does not matter).
1. [v 10] Fact: No religious practice works (to save).
a. “Righteousness” apart from Jesus is impossible.
b. Isaiah 64:6 “our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
2. [v 11] Fact: There is no true seeking God.
a. People APPEAR to seek after God, but not on God’s terms. What happens is we create God in our own image.
b. The Bible says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12]
3. [v 12] Fact: There are no good works that save.
a. People do a lot of good things (hospitals, police, schools, etc...) but we are talking about spiritual matters. In other words, from the view of EARNING salvation, it’s all meaningless.
b. Our good works are tainted because we can never truly be obedient to God in our own understanding and power.
***** As Americans it is too easy for us to believe that we earn or deserve what we have. Historically, we have worked hard. You might say we have been driven. We value the driven. Which makes it hard for us to understand that spiritually it does not work that way. *****
C. All are accountable to God. [“all have sinned...” Romans 3:23]
1. [Romans 1:20] We are all without excuse.
a. Even the “pagans.”
b. Even those ignorant (never heard) of the truth.
2. [Romans 2:1 – 5] Our polished philosophies are worthless.
a. The Greeks saw themselves as “moral” and distinguished themselves from the barbarians.
b. The Romans had the rule of law and their culture to separate themselves from others.
c. These things are incomplete without Jesus.
3. [Romans 3:1 – 3] Our religious ritual and practice is empty.
a. The Jews had the Scriptures, the temple and the sacrificial system.
b. They could quote Scripture and all the scholars, but they missed Jesus.
***** It is impossible for anyone, under any conditions or circumstances to be declared righteous EXCEPT FOR THE BLOOD OF JESUS. The trouble is that as American we do not want to be accountable to anyone except ourselves (as individuals, not society or a group). *****
II. Since we are helpless under sin, God stepped into the situation [Romans 3:21 – 31].
A. God provides a righteousness apart from the law [v 21].
1. [v 22] Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
a. Romans 1:17 tells us it is a “gift.”
b. This righteousness is based on God’s character [Romans 3:5, 25, 27].
2. [v 24] Justification (being declared free from God’s wrath) comes freely by God’s grace (through Jesus).
a. This is the state of being accounted righteous before God.
b. The problem is that if this is true than we are no different than anyone else. If you work for something (earn it) it distinguishes you from others. If it is a gift then anyone and everyone has the right to it (even those we may want to fear and hate).
3. What do you have to do to get a gift?
a. Nothing.
b. You do have to receive it.
***** Freedom from the eternal consequences and present control and guilty of sin is through Jesus. *****
(Ill.) The hymn “Solid Rock” says, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name.”
B. God provides a sacrifice of atonement (covering, payment, satisfaction).
1. [v 25] Thus, we have salvation through faith in Jesus’ blood (the payment to cover our sins and satisfy the wrath of God).
2. [v 25] There is the issue of “justice” (fairness). God demonstrated justice by:
a. Allowing Jesus to die in our place. [Sound fair? Not for someone (Jesus) who is innocent.]
b. Allowing Jesus to go to hell in our place. [Sound fair? Not for someone (Jesus) who is innocent.]
The Bible says: “...the punishment that brought us peace was upon him...” [Isaiah 53:5]
3. [v 25] There is the issue of “forbearance” (patience).
a. God withheld justice.
b. The Bible says: “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.” [Psalm 103:10]
c. The Bible says: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” [1 Peter 3:9]
III. The choice is now your, you must respond.
A. If you think you heard this sermon say “God is good, you are not, try harder” you have missed the point.
1. There is no try in “faith.”
2. There is only trust.
B. [v 28] Be justified by faith.
1. [v 24] The idea of “freely” emphasizes the absence of any cause or action in the person who is the object of the action. That’s the core of “grace.” God WANTS TO do this for those who are helpless, undeserving, etc...
2. Faith means trust. It means to trust what Jesus has done for you.
a. It is an absolute trust.
b. It is an absolute dependence on God.
3. This means you will have to stop trusting yourself and the things you do.
C. Believe Jesus.
1. Accept that gift... open it. Make it the principle that you live your life by.
2. Now celebrate! God’s grace, Jesus’ blood makes all the difference in the world... in eternity.
Friday, July 14, 2006
July 14, 2006 Note to readers
My ISP has been down this week, which has made it difficult to post. Please excuse the inconvenience. Hopefully things will be up and running on schedule next week. I have finally managed to post last week's sermon. Thank you for being patient.
Roman’s 2:17 – 21
Circumcision of the Heart.
[From Wesley’s sermon #17]
I. The current situation.
A. The spiritual-state of reality.
1. If someone preachers on a basic or essential duty it is misunderstood.
2. It is hard for people to accept the difference between the spirit of the world and the Spirit of Christ.
3. REALITY CHECK: If you are in Christ and if Christ is risen, you OUGHT to die to the world and live wholly for God.
B. The “natural” – vs – The spiritual.
1. The “natural” (meaning those who are still in their sin) person is “alive” to the world but “dead” to God.
2. Spiritual things are perceivable only by a spiritual sense that the natural does not have BECAUSE the natural is not awakened.
(Ill.) A person who is asleep... the alarm goes off, someone nudges them awake. There is for some (those who are not morning people) that moment of not being awake and not being asleep. They are conscious but not yet moving. If they do not get moving they go back to sleep.
This is a spiritual illustration. When we are in our natural state we are asleep, unaware of God and unable to respond to God. The Holy Spirit awakens us. Now we can choose to wake up or go back to sleep.
3. The “natural” rejects both the wisdom and power of God.
C. Three distinguishing marks of a true follower of Christ:
1. There is a state of acceptance with God. They accept what God has done for them through the blood of Jesus.
2. They have the “mind of Christ” and are being renewed in the image of God (see Romans 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:16).
3. They have the “circumcision of the heart.”
II. What is it and what does it do?
A. Definition:
1. Wesley: “that habitual disposition of soul... termed holiness, and which directly implies being cleansed from sin.”
2. Implies – humility, faith, hope, and charity.
a. Humility – a right judgement of ourselves.
1.) This is not a “hung-dog” attitude.
2.) It recognizes all sin and pride and understands that confusion, ignorance, and error reign over understanding.
b. Wesley: “unreasonable, earthly, sensual, devilish passions usurp authority over our will.”
c. Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing but add sin to sin.
B. The effect:
1. “Self-esteem” supposes some excellency in us and that is a fatal error.
2. The circumcision of the heart does not desire or value these (the things of the world) things.
3. The goal is to follow Jesus’ example.
4. The “strongholds” are torn down.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” [2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV]
KJV “casting down “casting down imaginations.”
– prejudices of corrupt reason.
– false maxims.
– evil customs and habits.
– dead works.
5. There is a strong hope.
a. Hope is an anchor in the midst of the waves of this troubled world.
b. Hope is the good soldier that endures hardship and finds courage in impossible circumstances.
There is deep humility, steadfast faith, lively hope, cleansing of the heart, and...
6. Love
a. Love for God implies love for others.
b. Love for God does NOT forbid taking pleasure in anything but God. Joy and pleasure are found in the one who knows God.
II. What does this mean to us now?
A. You can not praise God until you have a proper perspective of yourself.
1. True praise is the result of believing that someone other than yourself is “God.”
2. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.
3. We err when we base ideas on “fitness” and “excellence.”
B. You are not led by the Spirit unless the Spirit bears witness.
1. There is joy (along side of the other fruit).
2. There is certainty.
“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” [1 Corinthians 9:26 NIV]
Circumcision of the Heart.
[From Wesley’s sermon #17]
I. The current situation.
A. The spiritual-state of reality.
1. If someone preachers on a basic or essential duty it is misunderstood.
2. It is hard for people to accept the difference between the spirit of the world and the Spirit of Christ.
3. REALITY CHECK: If you are in Christ and if Christ is risen, you OUGHT to die to the world and live wholly for God.
B. The “natural” – vs – The spiritual.
1. The “natural” (meaning those who are still in their sin) person is “alive” to the world but “dead” to God.
2. Spiritual things are perceivable only by a spiritual sense that the natural does not have BECAUSE the natural is not awakened.
(Ill.) A person who is asleep... the alarm goes off, someone nudges them awake. There is for some (those who are not morning people) that moment of not being awake and not being asleep. They are conscious but not yet moving. If they do not get moving they go back to sleep.
This is a spiritual illustration. When we are in our natural state we are asleep, unaware of God and unable to respond to God. The Holy Spirit awakens us. Now we can choose to wake up or go back to sleep.
3. The “natural” rejects both the wisdom and power of God.
C. Three distinguishing marks of a true follower of Christ:
1. There is a state of acceptance with God. They accept what God has done for them through the blood of Jesus.
2. They have the “mind of Christ” and are being renewed in the image of God (see Romans 12:2 and 1 Corinthians 2:16).
3. They have the “circumcision of the heart.”
II. What is it and what does it do?
A. Definition:
1. Wesley: “that habitual disposition of soul... termed holiness, and which directly implies being cleansed from sin.”
2. Implies – humility, faith, hope, and charity.
a. Humility – a right judgement of ourselves.
1.) This is not a “hung-dog” attitude.
2.) It recognizes all sin and pride and understands that confusion, ignorance, and error reign over understanding.
b. Wesley: “unreasonable, earthly, sensual, devilish passions usurp authority over our will.”
c. Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing but add sin to sin.
B. The effect:
1. “Self-esteem” supposes some excellency in us and that is a fatal error.
2. The circumcision of the heart does not desire or value these (the things of the world) things.
3. The goal is to follow Jesus’ example.
4. The “strongholds” are torn down.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” [2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV]
KJV “casting down “casting down imaginations.”
– prejudices of corrupt reason.
– false maxims.
– evil customs and habits.
– dead works.
5. There is a strong hope.
a. Hope is an anchor in the midst of the waves of this troubled world.
b. Hope is the good soldier that endures hardship and finds courage in impossible circumstances.
There is deep humility, steadfast faith, lively hope, cleansing of the heart, and...
6. Love
a. Love for God implies love for others.
b. Love for God does NOT forbid taking pleasure in anything but God. Joy and pleasure are found in the one who knows God.
II. What does this mean to us now?
A. You can not praise God until you have a proper perspective of yourself.
1. True praise is the result of believing that someone other than yourself is “God.”
2. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father.
3. We err when we base ideas on “fitness” and “excellence.”
B. You are not led by the Spirit unless the Spirit bears witness.
1. There is joy (along side of the other fruit).
2. There is certainty.
“Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” [1 Corinthians 9:26 NIV]
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
What God has Done for America
Psalm 33:12
[Please note that the historical information is from secondary sources.]
A Brief history of Christianity in America:
***** Jamestown, Virginia’s first community building was a church.
***** Puritans first act at Plymouth Rock was to kneel, praise and dedicate the new colony. The purpose of their journey was religious freedom.
***** Roger Williams (Baptist minister) founded Rhode Island.
***** Lord Baltimore held church service in establishing Maryland.
***** William Penn founded Pennsylvania seeking a safe haven for Quakers.
Historical Perspective of Christianity in America:
***** Twelve of the original 13 colonies incorporated the entire Ten Commandments into their civil and criminal codes.
***** President John Adams stated, "The law given from Sinai was a civil and municipal code as well as a moral and religious code. These are laws essential to the existence of men in society and most of which have been enacted by every Nation which ever professed any code of laws. Vain indeed would be the search among the writings of secular history to find so broad, so complete and so solid a basis of morality as the Ten Commandments lay down."
***** The American Bible Society was started by an act of Congress. John Adams, our second president, served as its first leader.
***** Supreme Court building, built 1935, features a Moses and Ten Commandments.
***** In the House of Representatives, across from the speakers’ seat, is a sculpture of Moses.
***** William Penn, in writing government policies for Pennsylvania, made sure “all treasurers, judges, and all elected officials professed faith in Christ.”
***** President George Washington said, "It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters."
***** 1/3 of George Washington’s inaugural address was dedicated to asking God for help.
***** Henry Laurens, fourth president of the Continental Congress, stated, "I had the honor of being one who framed the Constitution. In order effectually to accomplish these great constitutional ends, it is especially the duty of those who bear rule to promote and encourage respect for God and virtue."
***** Patrick Henry, first governor of Virginia and a member of the Continental Congress, stated, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
***** French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”
***** Our nation’s motto: “In God we trust”
Christianity in the courts:
***** In 1853 a group petitioned congress for the separation of Christian principles from government, a “separation of church and state.” For nearly one year the Senate and House Judiciary committees reviewed and studied the petition to see if it would be possible to separate Christian principles from our civil government. Both returned almost identical reports.
The House Judiciary Committee report on March 27, 1854, said, "Had the (founding fathers), during the revolution, a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle.... At the time of the adoption of the constitution and its amendments, the universal sentiment was that Christianity should be encouraged, but not any one sect (denomination)."
It also said, "In this age, there is no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants."
Two months later, the Senate Judiciary Committee added this declaration, "The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrine and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
***** At one point the Supreme Court ruled that America was a Christian nation.
***** In 1878 in a case called Reynolds vs. the United States, a group tried to take Jefferson’s “separation of church and state” statement to prove a separation of Christianity and government. In it’s response, the court quoted a lengthy section of the Jefferson letter and used it as a basis to prove that it was permissible to retain Christian values, practices and principles as official policies of the government. Jefferson’s letter was used to prove the inclusion of Christian practice and religion in government. When these debates had been settled the letter went basically unused for the next 75 years until 1947.
***** In the case of Everson vs. the Board of Education the court, for the first time, did not sight Jefferson’s letter in its entirety but instead they selected eight words from the Jefferson letter, "a wall of separation between church and state" and then declared “that wall must kept high and impregnable,” and used it, for the first time, against Christianity.
This started a redefinition of what “church” meant. It became common to think that "separation of Church and State" applied to any religious activity. This definition is now assumed, without attempting to understand the shift in meaning. Dr. William James (father of modern psychology and father of modern education), echoing Carl Marx might explain it this way: "there is nothing so absurd but that if you repeat it often enough people will believe it"
***** It got so bad that in 1958 in a case called Baer vs. Kolmorgen a dissenting judge warned that continuing to talk about the "Separation of church and state" would make people think it was part of the constitution.
***** In June 25, 1962 the case, Engel vs. Vitale was based on the misrepresentation of that phrase, the Supreme Court for the first time separated Christian principles from education when it struck down a prayer in schools. [The prayer was: “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country.”]
The court went so far as to determine what percent of the population believed in God. The court itself reported that 97% of the nation believed in religion and in God. Only 3% did not, in effect they made the philosophy of the few the binding (and blinding) guide for the many.
A brief history of Christianity in Education:
***** The New England Primer was the first textbook ever printed in America. It was introduced in Boston in 1690, and for the next 210 years it was THE textbook in our schools. If you went to school in America, you learned to read from the New England Primer.
It was a simple book that taught alphabet, and after the alphabet was learned it went back and attached sentences to those letters to be memorized. These are the phrases that were memorized in our schools for over 200 years.
A - A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
B - Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith
C - Come unto Christ all ye that labor and are heavy laden and He will give you rest.
D - Do not the abominable thing which I hate saith the Lord.
etc...
[Did you notice these are all from the bible?]
***** In 1782, the U.S. Congress voted in favor of a resolution recommending and approving the Bible for use in the schools.
A History lesson from Judah:
[32] The people of Israel and Judah have provoked me by all the evil they have done--they, their kings and officials, their priests and prophets, the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem. [33] They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. [34] They set up their abominable idols in the house that bears my Name and defiled it. [35] They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin. [Jeremiah 32:32 – 35]
What was the worship of Baal:
Baal is geographically identified with Palestine. He is the local god. Archaeological evidence puts Baal worship predating Abraham. Literary evidence both in the Bible and in outside sources indicate that Baal worship has been around “indefinitely.” The modern word Belezebub, a synonym for Satan or the Devil, is actually a form of Baal-zebub.
It was believed that Baal died every winter and then was born every spring. With his birth comes the spring harvest and blossoms. Then he thrives through summer and ages in fall only to die in winter. It was believed that public and perverted sex would bring his rebirth every spring. Baal worship included female and male prostitutes along with homosexual acts.
Baal worship also emphasized the environment. Many tenants of modern environmentalism trace back to the worship of Baal.
Baal was tangible. One could taste the crops yielded. People could feel the pleasure of sex. It felt like the right thing to do.
What was the worship of Molech:
He is probably Phoenicians. You’ll remember the Phoenicians from your world history because of their two famous wars. The Trojan wars with Greece and three wars with Rome. The great military strategists Hannibal was from Phoenicia. Their great city was named Carthage.
The Romans hated the worship of Molech. Most of our information about Molech comes from them. The name of Molech appears early in the Bible. He is in the book of Leviticus as worship to him is strictly forbidden. This means that he was in Canaan before the Exodus. Molech was a fire god who demanded human sacrifice. Moloch had a human shape with a bull’s head. His arms were outstretched and a fire was built within the idol to a great heat. Then the parents would come with their baby and place the baby on the outstretched arms of Moloch and watch: they had to watch without emotion or tear to convince this angry demon god that sacrificing their baby was voluntary.
The worship of Molech, in the valley of Hinnom included priest that tossed infants back and forth across fires until the children roasted to death. It was the same valley Jesus referred to as a picture of hell. It is suspected that these two false gods were once considered the same god.
The real problem was that they were worshiped along-side of the one true God. In other words, the same people that indulged in sexual orgies and sacrificed their children in fires would also observe in Passover.
Conclusion:
Ask yourself, could this be happening today? We would like to think not... Why do 1/3 of all children in America die in abortion chambers? Is that not a sacrifice for our own benefit? Why is suicide and homicide leading causes of death among America’s children?
Can we not find, even in a small town like ours awful sexual perversions? If you don’t believe me walk down Ashmun street toward Portage avenue. Do you know were our city has set up a real idol? I’ll give you a hint, it’s beside the locks.
What about our church? Do we have idols such as control and gossip? Do we try to hold on to the things of God and the things of this world.
There is a scene in the film “Master and Commander” where the captain proposes a toast. He holds his glass in the air and says with all appropriate seriousness, “To our wives and our sweethearts.” All the men at the table, the officers say dutifully, “here, here.” Then Crowe says, “may they never meet!” Possibly we also have divided our love between the world and the Lord. Possibly we hope that one will not interfere with the other.
Today we have a choice. On one side is the blessing of Almighty God, while on the other side judgement. It pains us to see our country sliding into moral chaos and into a religious free fall. Some say we do not need a Savior but God hears the cries of need every day. Will we begin to see our lives and our world through our proclaimed Heavenly Father’s eyes? All that needed to happen for Judah to slide down it’s path was for true believers to be silent, to NOT bear witness, to NOT be involved. Each day, by its own behavior, our country forges it’s chains of tyranny and slavery to sin.
Psalm 33:12
[Please note that the historical information is from secondary sources.]
A Brief history of Christianity in America:
***** Jamestown, Virginia’s first community building was a church.
***** Puritans first act at Plymouth Rock was to kneel, praise and dedicate the new colony. The purpose of their journey was religious freedom.
***** Roger Williams (Baptist minister) founded Rhode Island.
***** Lord Baltimore held church service in establishing Maryland.
***** William Penn founded Pennsylvania seeking a safe haven for Quakers.
Historical Perspective of Christianity in America:
***** Twelve of the original 13 colonies incorporated the entire Ten Commandments into their civil and criminal codes.
***** President John Adams stated, "The law given from Sinai was a civil and municipal code as well as a moral and religious code. These are laws essential to the existence of men in society and most of which have been enacted by every Nation which ever professed any code of laws. Vain indeed would be the search among the writings of secular history to find so broad, so complete and so solid a basis of morality as the Ten Commandments lay down."
***** The American Bible Society was started by an act of Congress. John Adams, our second president, served as its first leader.
***** Supreme Court building, built 1935, features a Moses and Ten Commandments.
***** In the House of Representatives, across from the speakers’ seat, is a sculpture of Moses.
***** William Penn, in writing government policies for Pennsylvania, made sure “all treasurers, judges, and all elected officials professed faith in Christ.”
***** President George Washington said, "It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are indispensable supporters."
***** 1/3 of George Washington’s inaugural address was dedicated to asking God for help.
***** Henry Laurens, fourth president of the Continental Congress, stated, "I had the honor of being one who framed the Constitution. In order effectually to accomplish these great constitutional ends, it is especially the duty of those who bear rule to promote and encourage respect for God and virtue."
***** Patrick Henry, first governor of Virginia and a member of the Continental Congress, stated, "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
***** French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests--and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning--and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution--and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”
***** Our nation’s motto: “In God we trust”
Christianity in the courts:
***** In 1853 a group petitioned congress for the separation of Christian principles from government, a “separation of church and state.” For nearly one year the Senate and House Judiciary committees reviewed and studied the petition to see if it would be possible to separate Christian principles from our civil government. Both returned almost identical reports.
The House Judiciary Committee report on March 27, 1854, said, "Had the (founding fathers), during the revolution, a suspicion of any attempt to war against Christianity, that Revolution would have been strangled in its cradle.... At the time of the adoption of the constitution and its amendments, the universal sentiment was that Christianity should be encouraged, but not any one sect (denomination)."
It also said, "In this age, there is no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants."
Two months later, the Senate Judiciary Committee added this declaration, "The great vital and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrine and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
***** At one point the Supreme Court ruled that America was a Christian nation.
***** In 1878 in a case called Reynolds vs. the United States, a group tried to take Jefferson’s “separation of church and state” statement to prove a separation of Christianity and government. In it’s response, the court quoted a lengthy section of the Jefferson letter and used it as a basis to prove that it was permissible to retain Christian values, practices and principles as official policies of the government. Jefferson’s letter was used to prove the inclusion of Christian practice and religion in government. When these debates had been settled the letter went basically unused for the next 75 years until 1947.
***** In the case of Everson vs. the Board of Education the court, for the first time, did not sight Jefferson’s letter in its entirety but instead they selected eight words from the Jefferson letter, "a wall of separation between church and state" and then declared “that wall must kept high and impregnable,” and used it, for the first time, against Christianity.
This started a redefinition of what “church” meant. It became common to think that "separation of Church and State" applied to any religious activity. This definition is now assumed, without attempting to understand the shift in meaning. Dr. William James (father of modern psychology and father of modern education), echoing Carl Marx might explain it this way: "there is nothing so absurd but that if you repeat it often enough people will believe it"
***** It got so bad that in 1958 in a case called Baer vs. Kolmorgen a dissenting judge warned that continuing to talk about the "Separation of church and state" would make people think it was part of the constitution.
***** In June 25, 1962 the case, Engel vs. Vitale was based on the misrepresentation of that phrase, the Supreme Court for the first time separated Christian principles from education when it struck down a prayer in schools. [The prayer was: “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers, and our country.”]
The court went so far as to determine what percent of the population believed in God. The court itself reported that 97% of the nation believed in religion and in God. Only 3% did not, in effect they made the philosophy of the few the binding (and blinding) guide for the many.
A brief history of Christianity in Education:
***** The New England Primer was the first textbook ever printed in America. It was introduced in Boston in 1690, and for the next 210 years it was THE textbook in our schools. If you went to school in America, you learned to read from the New England Primer.
It was a simple book that taught alphabet, and after the alphabet was learned it went back and attached sentences to those letters to be memorized. These are the phrases that were memorized in our schools for over 200 years.
A - A wise son maketh a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.
B - Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith
C - Come unto Christ all ye that labor and are heavy laden and He will give you rest.
D - Do not the abominable thing which I hate saith the Lord.
etc...
[Did you notice these are all from the bible?]
***** In 1782, the U.S. Congress voted in favor of a resolution recommending and approving the Bible for use in the schools.
A History lesson from Judah:
[32] The people of Israel and Judah have provoked me by all the evil they have done--they, their kings and officials, their priests and prophets, the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem. [33] They turned their backs to me and not their faces; though I taught them again and again, they would not listen or respond to discipline. [34] They set up their abominable idols in the house that bears my Name and defiled it. [35] They built high places for Baal in the Valley of Ben Hinnom to sacrifice their sons and daughters to Molech, though I never commanded, nor did it enter my mind, that they should do such a detestable thing and so make Judah sin. [Jeremiah 32:32 – 35]
What was the worship of Baal:
Baal is geographically identified with Palestine. He is the local god. Archaeological evidence puts Baal worship predating Abraham. Literary evidence both in the Bible and in outside sources indicate that Baal worship has been around “indefinitely.” The modern word Belezebub, a synonym for Satan or the Devil, is actually a form of Baal-zebub.
It was believed that Baal died every winter and then was born every spring. With his birth comes the spring harvest and blossoms. Then he thrives through summer and ages in fall only to die in winter. It was believed that public and perverted sex would bring his rebirth every spring. Baal worship included female and male prostitutes along with homosexual acts.
Baal worship also emphasized the environment. Many tenants of modern environmentalism trace back to the worship of Baal.
Baal was tangible. One could taste the crops yielded. People could feel the pleasure of sex. It felt like the right thing to do.
What was the worship of Molech:
He is probably Phoenicians. You’ll remember the Phoenicians from your world history because of their two famous wars. The Trojan wars with Greece and three wars with Rome. The great military strategists Hannibal was from Phoenicia. Their great city was named Carthage.
The Romans hated the worship of Molech. Most of our information about Molech comes from them. The name of Molech appears early in the Bible. He is in the book of Leviticus as worship to him is strictly forbidden. This means that he was in Canaan before the Exodus. Molech was a fire god who demanded human sacrifice. Moloch had a human shape with a bull’s head. His arms were outstretched and a fire was built within the idol to a great heat. Then the parents would come with their baby and place the baby on the outstretched arms of Moloch and watch: they had to watch without emotion or tear to convince this angry demon god that sacrificing their baby was voluntary.
The worship of Molech, in the valley of Hinnom included priest that tossed infants back and forth across fires until the children roasted to death. It was the same valley Jesus referred to as a picture of hell. It is suspected that these two false gods were once considered the same god.
The real problem was that they were worshiped along-side of the one true God. In other words, the same people that indulged in sexual orgies and sacrificed their children in fires would also observe in Passover.
Conclusion:
Ask yourself, could this be happening today? We would like to think not... Why do 1/3 of all children in America die in abortion chambers? Is that not a sacrifice for our own benefit? Why is suicide and homicide leading causes of death among America’s children?
Can we not find, even in a small town like ours awful sexual perversions? If you don’t believe me walk down Ashmun street toward Portage avenue. Do you know were our city has set up a real idol? I’ll give you a hint, it’s beside the locks.
What about our church? Do we have idols such as control and gossip? Do we try to hold on to the things of God and the things of this world.
There is a scene in the film “Master and Commander” where the captain proposes a toast. He holds his glass in the air and says with all appropriate seriousness, “To our wives and our sweethearts.” All the men at the table, the officers say dutifully, “here, here.” Then Crowe says, “may they never meet!” Possibly we also have divided our love between the world and the Lord. Possibly we hope that one will not interfere with the other.
Today we have a choice. On one side is the blessing of Almighty God, while on the other side judgement. It pains us to see our country sliding into moral chaos and into a religious free fall. Some say we do not need a Savior but God hears the cries of need every day. Will we begin to see our lives and our world through our proclaimed Heavenly Father’s eyes? All that needed to happen for Judah to slide down it’s path was for true believers to be silent, to NOT bear witness, to NOT be involved. Each day, by its own behavior, our country forges it’s chains of tyranny and slavery to sin.
The Judgement of God
Romans 2:1 – 16
What is the basis for God’s judgement?
It is according to the truth, to mercy, to works, to the Law, to the gospel.
“Judgement gives value to life.”
– It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgement – Hebrews 9:27
I. According to the truth [vv 1 – 3].
A. As opposed to our hypocrisy.
1. You judge others for certain things. Ever wonder why you notice the things you notice? It is called “projection” where you read yourself into the things other people do.
2. You do the same things.... We judge others by our sins.
3. You condemn yourself and are without excuse. Condemnation is different than judgement.
B. Based on actuality.
1. God is the one worthy to judge. It is not our place.
2. God judges on truth not on a projection/interpretation.
C. Application.
1. V 3 is an rhetorical question, it implies an emphatic negative answer.
2. Jesus said, “BUT if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father WILL NOT forgive your sins.” [Matthew 6:15, emphasis is mine]
II. According to mercy [vv 4 – 5].
A. God’s design for us is based on His riches – abundance – magnitude.
1. It is called goodness (which includes forbearance and longsuffering).
2. It is called kindness (which includes our idea of patience).
“despise” – to underestimate the significance of something; scorn; contemp.
B. It’s purpose.
1. [v 4] “not knowing” – failure to understand/realize is inexcusable because God’s goodness was so patience with us.
2. [v 5] wrath and punishment (righteous judgement) reflects on the kindness, tolerance, and patience of God.
C. It’s key is repentance.
1. Repentance means to change the mind – transformation of where our lives, minds, and feelings turn from sin and God.
2. Repentance means to change the behavior – transformation of how our lives are lived and our feelings are used.
III. According to works [vv 6 – 11].
***** There is certainty (“will render”), universality (“to each one”), criteria (“works”) of judgement.
A. OF THE RIGHTEOUS... [v 7]
1. Those who seek “glory.”
a. “glory” refers to the believer’s expectation.
b. “glory” points to the transformation that is effected when believers are conformed to the image of God’s son.
2. Those who seek “honor.”
a. This is the reward God gives believers.
b. Not talking about selfish things.
3. Those who seek “immortality” (KJV = “incorruption”)
a. This is the eternal life God promised.
b. This is finalized at the resurrection. (Matthew 24:13, Hebrews 3:14)
***** Works without redemption is dead: redemption without follow through is presumption.
B. OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS... [v 8]
1. Those who are contentious (self-seeking).
a. This is active rebellion against God.
b. Contention comes from pride. [see Proverbs 13:10]
2. Those who choose unrighteousness (see 1:18 )
a. This is active disobedience in unbelief.
b. Unrighteousness comes from the deliberate rejection of truth.
3. Wrath and indignation/anger is the result.
a. The difference between “punish” and “retribution:”
1.) Punishment involves correction.
2.) Retribution is “pay back” (no redemptive/corrective value).
IV. According to the Law [vv 12 – 15]
A. The Law’s presence:
1. It demands good works. [v 13]
a. “doers shall be justified.” (Paul has already stated that the just shall live by faith.)
b. The criteria is DOING not HEARING (or saying).
2. Obviously this is impossible, which is why we need the gospel (see chapter 3).
B. The Law’s absence: (the Law/Old Testament was “special revelation.”)
1. God is not a respecter of persons (all will be judged equally). [v 11]
2. Judgment is exercised according what knowledge/law is possessed. [v 14]
a. Knowledge of the law is NOT a precondition to sin. [v 12]
b. Those “ignorant” sinners will perish just like enlightened/educated sinners will. [v 12]
3. Nature (internal as contrasted to external sources) demand obedience to God.
a. Man is a “law unto himself.” (Moral code = v 14]
b. The law (moral code) is written in their hearts. [v 15]
c. The conscience of the person functions in the area of moral discrimination (it is a witness of the law in the heart).
V. According to the gospel.
***** How can Paul teach a judgement according to works that is compatible with salvation by grace? *****
A. Judgement outside “special revelation.” must be according to works.
1. There is a universal knowledge of God [1:20].
2. When a person acts correctly, they are a law unto themselves [vv 14, 15].
3. Thus, they prove there is something within their hearts.
4. At issue us the existence of conscious (internal moral compass). Yet all these add up to a “guilty” verdict.
B. Judgement of those who have the special revelation.
1. There is a universal law.
2. There is a special law (Old Testament).
3. There is the gospel (New Testament).
C. What’s the answer?
1. The idea that if we are judged by works then we will be saved by works is contrary to the gospel Paul preached. No work/s is good enough or possible to gain salvation (see Romans 3:10, 23).
2. Believers are justified through FAITH alone, and saved by GRACE alone.
a. We are never justified by a faith that is empty, a grace that is cheap, a profession that has no life change.
b. Salvation itself means we are saved TO as well as saved FROM.
3. “Good works” are the natural progression of faith (and proof of faith).
Romans 2:1 – 16
What is the basis for God’s judgement?
It is according to the truth, to mercy, to works, to the Law, to the gospel.
“Judgement gives value to life.”
– It is appointed unto man once to die, but after this the judgement – Hebrews 9:27
I. According to the truth [vv 1 – 3].
A. As opposed to our hypocrisy.
1. You judge others for certain things. Ever wonder why you notice the things you notice? It is called “projection” where you read yourself into the things other people do.
2. You do the same things.... We judge others by our sins.
3. You condemn yourself and are without excuse. Condemnation is different than judgement.
B. Based on actuality.
1. God is the one worthy to judge. It is not our place.
2. God judges on truth not on a projection/interpretation.
C. Application.
1. V 3 is an rhetorical question, it implies an emphatic negative answer.
2. Jesus said, “BUT if you do not forgive men their sins, you Father WILL NOT forgive your sins.” [Matthew 6:15, emphasis is mine]
II. According to mercy [vv 4 – 5].
A. God’s design for us is based on His riches – abundance – magnitude.
1. It is called goodness (which includes forbearance and longsuffering).
2. It is called kindness (which includes our idea of patience).
“despise” – to underestimate the significance of something; scorn; contemp.
B. It’s purpose.
1. [v 4] “not knowing” – failure to understand/realize is inexcusable because God’s goodness was so patience with us.
2. [v 5] wrath and punishment (righteous judgement) reflects on the kindness, tolerance, and patience of God.
C. It’s key is repentance.
1. Repentance means to change the mind – transformation of where our lives, minds, and feelings turn from sin and God.
2. Repentance means to change the behavior – transformation of how our lives are lived and our feelings are used.
III. According to works [vv 6 – 11].
***** There is certainty (“will render”), universality (“to each one”), criteria (“works”) of judgement.
A. OF THE RIGHTEOUS... [v 7]
1. Those who seek “glory.”
a. “glory” refers to the believer’s expectation.
b. “glory” points to the transformation that is effected when believers are conformed to the image of God’s son.
2. Those who seek “honor.”
a. This is the reward God gives believers.
b. Not talking about selfish things.
3. Those who seek “immortality” (KJV = “incorruption”)
a. This is the eternal life God promised.
b. This is finalized at the resurrection. (Matthew 24:13, Hebrews 3:14)
***** Works without redemption is dead: redemption without follow through is presumption.
B. OF THE UNRIGHTEOUS... [v 8]
1. Those who are contentious (self-seeking).
a. This is active rebellion against God.
b. Contention comes from pride. [see Proverbs 13:10]
2. Those who choose unrighteousness (see 1:18 )
a. This is active disobedience in unbelief.
b. Unrighteousness comes from the deliberate rejection of truth.
3. Wrath and indignation/anger is the result.
a. The difference between “punish” and “retribution:”
1.) Punishment involves correction.
2.) Retribution is “pay back” (no redemptive/corrective value).
IV. According to the Law [vv 12 – 15]
A. The Law’s presence:
1. It demands good works. [v 13]
a. “doers shall be justified.” (Paul has already stated that the just shall live by faith.)
b. The criteria is DOING not HEARING (or saying).
2. Obviously this is impossible, which is why we need the gospel (see chapter 3).
B. The Law’s absence: (the Law/Old Testament was “special revelation.”)
1. God is not a respecter of persons (all will be judged equally). [v 11]
2. Judgment is exercised according what knowledge/law is possessed. [v 14]
a. Knowledge of the law is NOT a precondition to sin. [v 12]
b. Those “ignorant” sinners will perish just like enlightened/educated sinners will. [v 12]
3. Nature (internal as contrasted to external sources) demand obedience to God.
a. Man is a “law unto himself.” (Moral code = v 14]
b. The law (moral code) is written in their hearts. [v 15]
c. The conscience of the person functions in the area of moral discrimination (it is a witness of the law in the heart).
V. According to the gospel.
***** How can Paul teach a judgement according to works that is compatible with salvation by grace? *****
A. Judgement outside “special revelation.” must be according to works.
1. There is a universal knowledge of God [1:20].
2. When a person acts correctly, they are a law unto themselves [vv 14, 15].
3. Thus, they prove there is something within their hearts.
4. At issue us the existence of conscious (internal moral compass). Yet all these add up to a “guilty” verdict.
B. Judgement of those who have the special revelation.
1. There is a universal law.
2. There is a special law (Old Testament).
3. There is the gospel (New Testament).
C. What’s the answer?
1. The idea that if we are judged by works then we will be saved by works is contrary to the gospel Paul preached. No work/s is good enough or possible to gain salvation (see Romans 3:10, 23).
2. Believers are justified through FAITH alone, and saved by GRACE alone.
a. We are never justified by a faith that is empty, a grace that is cheap, a profession that has no life change.
b. Salvation itself means we are saved TO as well as saved FROM.
3. “Good works” are the natural progression of faith (and proof of faith).
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Hebrews 11:11 – 19
Faith of a Father
The official Father’s day flower is the dandelion – the more it gets trampled the better it grows!
I. The promise of faith.
A. It was “impossible.”
1. In other words, it was beyond possible.
a. Abraham was “past age.” [v 11] (100 years old)
b. Sarah was “barren.” [v 11] (90 years old)
2. Abraham was “as good as dead.” [v 12]
B. The key to faith.
1. God is faithful. (It depends on God not you.)
a. God promised Abraham.
1.) God promised that Abraham would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. [Genesis 15:5]
2.) These descendants would be from Sarah not Hagar. [Genesis 17:19]
b. Abraham had already seen...
1.) His call to leave country, people, and family. [Genesis 12:1 – 4]
2.) His defeat of the conquering kings, when he rescued Lot. [Genesis 14]
3.) His covenant with God. [Genesis 15]
4.) The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and his attempt to intercede for those cities. [Genesis 18]
5.) God’s continual protection and blessing.
2 THE promise was through Isaac.
a. Abraham considered/reckoned that God was/is faithful, that God would do what He said.
b. Abraham was willing to trust God for “impossible” things.
***** Faith looks at who God is – not at the situation. Faith sees God as faithful – not situations as “impossible.” Faith holds to the promise of God.
II. What is faith?
A. What it does.
1. Faith carries us through life.
a. It is permanent – it doesn’t just come and go.
b. Wesley’s concept of “assurance of salvation.” (Absolute certainty.)
2. Faith shows us a vision.
a. They saw what the did not have.
1.) They were “never” disappointed they didn’t have it.
2.) The “always” remained faithful to the vision.
(Reality, as humans we struggle.)
b. They welcomed it from a distance. [v 13]
1.) They understood/accepted that they would not see these things in the natural frame of life.
2.) The looked beyond the boundaries of life to what God says is real.
3. Faith removes the madness.
a. They admitted they were aliens. [v 13]
1.) James Dobson’s “5 lies of the 60's” (which built our society.)
a.) “God is dead.” (The rest of the quote: “for we have killed him.”
b.) “Drugs are a legitimate form of entertainment.”
c.) “Pre/extra/perverted sexual freedom.”
d.) “Divorce is an acceptable/easy way out.”
e.) “Man is ok, we can fix ourselves.”
2.) We are not condemned to be part of this madness.
b. They lived as strangers on earth. [v 13]
1.) EVERYTHING we stand for and believe, the world opposes/hates.
2.) They had opportunity to return but they did not.
B. God’s role in faith.
1. He is not ashamed to be called their God. [v 16]
2. He is p preparing a city for them (the same one He’s preparing for us). [v 16]
***** Faith carries us through life and shows us what God can, wants to, and will do in our lives. Faith challenges us with the vision to look at God and be satisfied with the heavenly vision – knowing that God will work in His time. Faith allows us to go beyond the madness and not get trapped in what will destroy us. *****
III. Faith will ALWAYS be tested.
A. Faith is action not thought.
1. Action reinforces knowledge.
2. Faith is the practical outcome of knowledge.
3. Faith gives us a chance to know God’s faithfulness.
B. Abraham’s trial: [v 17 – 19]
1. Abraham had a promise
2. Abraham was told to take the promise and sacrifice it... give it up.
C. Abraham “reasoned” (“considered”)...
1. That God could raise the dead.
2. Abraham held to the promise.
3. Abraham held to the faithfulness of God.
***** What “impossible” thing do you face today? The great part about “impossible” is the only way it will happen is because God does something special. How about trusting God in the “little” or “easy” things as well? *****
Faith of a Father
The official Father’s day flower is the dandelion – the more it gets trampled the better it grows!
I. The promise of faith.
A. It was “impossible.”
1. In other words, it was beyond possible.
a. Abraham was “past age.” [v 11] (100 years old)
b. Sarah was “barren.” [v 11] (90 years old)
2. Abraham was “as good as dead.” [v 12]
B. The key to faith.
1. God is faithful. (It depends on God not you.)
a. God promised Abraham.
1.) God promised that Abraham would have descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky. [Genesis 15:5]
2.) These descendants would be from Sarah not Hagar. [Genesis 17:19]
b. Abraham had already seen...
1.) His call to leave country, people, and family. [Genesis 12:1 – 4]
2.) His defeat of the conquering kings, when he rescued Lot. [Genesis 14]
3.) His covenant with God. [Genesis 15]
4.) The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and his attempt to intercede for those cities. [Genesis 18]
5.) God’s continual protection and blessing.
2 THE promise was through Isaac.
a. Abraham considered/reckoned that God was/is faithful, that God would do what He said.
b. Abraham was willing to trust God for “impossible” things.
***** Faith looks at who God is – not at the situation. Faith sees God as faithful – not situations as “impossible.” Faith holds to the promise of God.
II. What is faith?
A. What it does.
1. Faith carries us through life.
a. It is permanent – it doesn’t just come and go.
b. Wesley’s concept of “assurance of salvation.” (Absolute certainty.)
2. Faith shows us a vision.
a. They saw what the did not have.
1.) They were “never” disappointed they didn’t have it.
2.) The “always” remained faithful to the vision.
(Reality, as humans we struggle.)
b. They welcomed it from a distance. [v 13]
1.) They understood/accepted that they would not see these things in the natural frame of life.
2.) The looked beyond the boundaries of life to what God says is real.
3. Faith removes the madness.
a. They admitted they were aliens. [v 13]
1.) James Dobson’s “5 lies of the 60's” (which built our society.)
a.) “God is dead.” (The rest of the quote: “for we have killed him.”
b.) “Drugs are a legitimate form of entertainment.”
c.) “Pre/extra/perverted sexual freedom.”
d.) “Divorce is an acceptable/easy way out.”
e.) “Man is ok, we can fix ourselves.”
2.) We are not condemned to be part of this madness.
b. They lived as strangers on earth. [v 13]
1.) EVERYTHING we stand for and believe, the world opposes/hates.
2.) They had opportunity to return but they did not.
B. God’s role in faith.
1. He is not ashamed to be called their God. [v 16]
2. He is p preparing a city for them (the same one He’s preparing for us). [v 16]
***** Faith carries us through life and shows us what God can, wants to, and will do in our lives. Faith challenges us with the vision to look at God and be satisfied with the heavenly vision – knowing that God will work in His time. Faith allows us to go beyond the madness and not get trapped in what will destroy us. *****
III. Faith will ALWAYS be tested.
A. Faith is action not thought.
1. Action reinforces knowledge.
2. Faith is the practical outcome of knowledge.
3. Faith gives us a chance to know God’s faithfulness.
B. Abraham’s trial: [v 17 – 19]
1. Abraham had a promise
2. Abraham was told to take the promise and sacrifice it... give it up.
C. Abraham “reasoned” (“considered”)...
1. That God could raise the dead.
2. Abraham held to the promise.
3. Abraham held to the faithfulness of God.
***** What “impossible” thing do you face today? The great part about “impossible” is the only way it will happen is because God does something special. How about trusting God in the “little” or “easy” things as well? *****
Friday, June 09, 2006
June 4, 2006
Romans 1:18 – 32
The “I”s of sin.
The core of sIn is “I.” Paul lists the “slippery slope of sin” in this section and explains how humans descend into the absolute corruption of sin. In essence, “God gave them over.” However, we are “without excuse” because at the root we have “suppressed the truth.” Let’s look at the steps of our decline.
I. Idle worship (doing nothing).
A. Idle in worship... [v 12]
1. “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God..”
a. “glorify” means to worship/honor, give credit too...
b. When we stop the basic things like church attendance, daily prayer, and daily personal Bible study, we are in trouble.
2. “For although they knew God, ... nor gave thanks to Him.”
a. The lack of thankfulness is symptom of pride. [see Deuteronomy 8]
b. When we are not thankful, we rebel and complain. [see Hebrews 3:7 – 19]
3. The result of becoming idle in worship is: “their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
***** This is possibly the most dangerous of the steps of the “I”s of sin because there is no pain. Yet it is the most critical step toward becoming ultimately selfish and uncontrollably sinful. *****
II. Idol worship.
A. Exchange God for stuff.
1. In a modern world (America) we cannot understand how anyone would worship a rock, piece of wood, etc...
2. However, we can exchange God for stuff.
a. “And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.” [v 23]
b. The verse is about EXCHANGING not about the specific image.
3. We have images of stuff (TV adds create desire), we have the pursuit of stuff (desire that is acted upon at the cost of important things), we desire the tangible (easy to believe).
B. Exchange the truth for a lie.
“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.” [v 25]
1. Notice that this exchange results in bondage/slavery.
2. The lie is
a. That worship is easy/feel good. (This comes from a perverted image of God... that God is our servant.)
b. That service is fruitful at our whim. (This comes from humanism.)
c. That self-sacrifice is unnecessary. (This comes from survival of the fittest mentality.)
d. That Christianity is possible without Christ. (This comes from political correctness.)
III. Immorality (worship of the flesh)
A. Notice the role of “sinful desire.”
1. “God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts...” [v 24] “God gave them over to shameful lusts.” [v 26] “He gave them over to a depraved mind... [v 28]
a. Desire can be a real problem when it controls us.
“But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” [James 1:14 – 15]
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world--the CRAVINGS OF SINFUL MAN, THE LUST OF HIS EYES AND THE BOASTING OF WHAT HE HAS AND DOES--comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” [1 John 2:15 – 17] (EMPHASIS mine)
b. We would never admit to “lust” (KJV) but the reality is that our desires are out of control.
2. Notice it was the individual’s desire! (God did not cause this to happen.)
a. The direction of thought.
b. The direction of affections/heart.
c. The direction of the spiritual momentum.
B. Notice the degrading of their bodies.
1. It reduces the person to an object/victim.
2. It reduces the user to the used/victim.
“For the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread...” Proverbs 6:26a (A loaf of bread was the price of a prostitute. When a man paid that price, he was reducing his self-worth/image to that price. When a man buys anything for sexual gratification, that is the price he puts on himself.)
3. Today, we still sell ourselves...
a. ...pornography, abortion, commercialism
b. Our marketing creates dissatisfaction, generates desires, reduces you to a price.
IV. Ignominy (celebrating the disgraceful/shameful)
A. Here is the idea of exchange again: “exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.” [v 26b], “abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.” [v 27b]
1. The “natural” is exchanged for the “unnatural.”
2. There is a redefinition of the words “good” and “natural” in our society.
3. Strong social an political pressure is put on those who do not go along with these new definitions.
a. Nasty name calling... “hatemonger” etc...
b. Unconstitutional laws... “hate speech” laws.
B. Unfortunately the target is missed by those stereotypers and ill-conceived laws.
1. The real problem is not the social/political/emotional. (a.k.a. people)
a. It is physical: “Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”
1.) AIDS/HIV is not new (even though it was “discovered” in the 1980's).
2.) Other physical ramifications...
b. It is emotional.
1.) Psychologists used to talk about “self-hatred” among the homosexual population.
2.) Average life expectancy of a male homosexual in the USA is 41 with suicide being a huge problem.
c. It is spiritual:
1.) Anyone who lives outside the laws of God (not just this subject) are subject to “the wrath of God.”
2.) Everyone (including this subject) is invited, through Jesus, into a right relationship with God.
2. The difficult part is that all sexual sins are against the persons own body.
a. In other words, the sinner becomes the emotional, physical, and spiritual victim of their own action.
b. God does not want anyone to suffer the eternal consequences of their sin! [2 Peter 3:9] That is why Jesus paid the price for our sins, so we could be forgiven and healed. So we could escape the slavery of sin (whatever its name).
3. Irony: some issues make the one who loathes the sin as ugly of a monster as they perceive the sinner to be.... (Wesley said, “We sin under the guise of merely hating sin.”)
V. Insanity (KJV = “reprobate” NIV = “depraved”)
(Ill.) The idea is “rejected.” Take King Saul. When he was rejected and the spirit of the Lord left him, he was afflicted by an “evil” spirit... went insane.
A. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.” [v 29]
1. Not with good things... with very painful things.
2. NOTICE THAT “envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; [31] they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” [vv 29 – 31] IS THE NEXT STEP DOWN. Not at the top of the list but the BOTTOM of the slippery slope.
a. As destructive and perverted as some may try to paint homosexuality, the progression in the text is clear. Things such as gossip and disobedience to parents (so natural in our culture) are much more destructive.
b. Caution about creating a “sin hierarchy” where some things are “worse” spiritually. There is no such thing. All sin is sin (equal in guilt and consequences, separating us from God). However, some things have more devastating social consequences.
3. The pursuit of sin becomes so intense that we have to “invent ways of doing evil.” [see v 30]
a. There is a reason: sin only has pleasure for a season/short time. [see Hebrews 11:25]
b. We are obliged to run from sin to sin to anesthetize the pain.
c. In other words, sin is the ultimate boredom with no lasting satisfaction or fulfillment.
B. “They are senseless.”
1. The goal of evil is not just to corrupt and destroy... it is to make us stupid.
a. (ill) Beer commercials featuring people acting in stupid ways are ironically truthful at this point.
b. Sin does the same thing to us. We become stupid... senseless... not understanding what we do.
2. Another goal of evil is to reproduce itself.
a. We set up a cheering section. Any sin you can imagine has its encouragers.
b. “They not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” [v 32b]
Conclusion: Much of the track into the dirges of sin traces back the power of desire. What should our response to unbridled desire be and how do we avoid the slipper slope of sin?
1. Be disciplined, live holy lives: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” [1 Peter 1:13 – 15]
2. Be disciplined, be ruthless in abstention: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” [1 Peter 2:11]
3. Be disciplined, live for the will of God: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” [1 Peter 4:2]
4. Be disciplined, but the power of God at work in our lives: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” [2 Peter 1:3 - 4]
The “I”s of sin.
The core of sIn is “I.” Paul lists the “slippery slope of sin” in this section and explains how humans descend into the absolute corruption of sin. In essence, “God gave them over.” However, we are “without excuse” because at the root we have “suppressed the truth.” Let’s look at the steps of our decline.
I. Idle worship (doing nothing).
A. Idle in worship... [v 12]
1. “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God..”
a. “glorify” means to worship/honor, give credit too...
b. When we stop the basic things like church attendance, daily prayer, and daily personal Bible study, we are in trouble.
2. “For although they knew God, ... nor gave thanks to Him.”
a. The lack of thankfulness is symptom of pride. [see Deuteronomy 8]
b. When we are not thankful, we rebel and complain. [see Hebrews 3:7 – 19]
3. The result of becoming idle in worship is: “their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
***** This is possibly the most dangerous of the steps of the “I”s of sin because there is no pain. Yet it is the most critical step toward becoming ultimately selfish and uncontrollably sinful. *****
II. Idol worship.
A. Exchange God for stuff.
1. In a modern world (America) we cannot understand how anyone would worship a rock, piece of wood, etc...
2. However, we can exchange God for stuff.
a. “And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.” [v 23]
b. The verse is about EXCHANGING not about the specific image.
3. We have images of stuff (TV adds create desire), we have the pursuit of stuff (desire that is acted upon at the cost of important things), we desire the tangible (easy to believe).
B. Exchange the truth for a lie.
“They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.” [v 25]
1. Notice that this exchange results in bondage/slavery.
2. The lie is
a. That worship is easy/feel good. (This comes from a perverted image of God... that God is our servant.)
b. That service is fruitful at our whim. (This comes from humanism.)
c. That self-sacrifice is unnecessary. (This comes from survival of the fittest mentality.)
d. That Christianity is possible without Christ. (This comes from political correctness.)
III. Immorality (worship of the flesh)
A. Notice the role of “sinful desire.”
1. “God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts...” [v 24] “God gave them over to shameful lusts.” [v 26] “He gave them over to a depraved mind... [v 28]
a. Desire can be a real problem when it controls us.
“But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” [James 1:14 – 15]
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For everything in the world--the CRAVINGS OF SINFUL MAN, THE LUST OF HIS EYES AND THE BOASTING OF WHAT HE HAS AND DOES--comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” [1 John 2:15 – 17] (EMPHASIS mine)
b. We would never admit to “lust” (KJV) but the reality is that our desires are out of control.
2. Notice it was the individual’s desire! (God did not cause this to happen.)
a. The direction of thought.
b. The direction of affections/heart.
c. The direction of the spiritual momentum.
B. Notice the degrading of their bodies.
1. It reduces the person to an object/victim.
2. It reduces the user to the used/victim.
“For the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread...” Proverbs 6:26a (A loaf of bread was the price of a prostitute. When a man paid that price, he was reducing his self-worth/image to that price. When a man buys anything for sexual gratification, that is the price he puts on himself.)
3. Today, we still sell ourselves...
a. ...pornography, abortion, commercialism
b. Our marketing creates dissatisfaction, generates desires, reduces you to a price.
IV. Ignominy (celebrating the disgraceful/shameful)
A. Here is the idea of exchange again: “exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.” [v 26b], “abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another.” [v 27b]
1. The “natural” is exchanged for the “unnatural.”
2. There is a redefinition of the words “good” and “natural” in our society.
3. Strong social an political pressure is put on those who do not go along with these new definitions.
a. Nasty name calling... “hatemonger” etc...
b. Unconstitutional laws... “hate speech” laws.
B. Unfortunately the target is missed by those stereotypers and ill-conceived laws.
1. The real problem is not the social/political/emotional. (a.k.a. people)
a. It is physical: “Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.”
1.) AIDS/HIV is not new (even though it was “discovered” in the 1980's).
2.) Other physical ramifications...
b. It is emotional.
1.) Psychologists used to talk about “self-hatred” among the homosexual population.
2.) Average life expectancy of a male homosexual in the USA is 41 with suicide being a huge problem.
c. It is spiritual:
1.) Anyone who lives outside the laws of God (not just this subject) are subject to “the wrath of God.”
2.) Everyone (including this subject) is invited, through Jesus, into a right relationship with God.
2. The difficult part is that all sexual sins are against the persons own body.
a. In other words, the sinner becomes the emotional, physical, and spiritual victim of their own action.
b. God does not want anyone to suffer the eternal consequences of their sin! [2 Peter 3:9] That is why Jesus paid the price for our sins, so we could be forgiven and healed. So we could escape the slavery of sin (whatever its name).
3. Irony: some issues make the one who loathes the sin as ugly of a monster as they perceive the sinner to be.... (Wesley said, “We sin under the guise of merely hating sin.”)
V. Insanity (KJV = “reprobate” NIV = “depraved”)
(Ill.) The idea is “rejected.” Take King Saul. When he was rejected and the spirit of the Lord left him, he was afflicted by an “evil” spirit... went insane.
A. “They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity.” [v 29]
1. Not with good things... with very painful things.
2. NOTICE THAT “envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, [30] slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; [31] they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless.” [vv 29 – 31] IS THE NEXT STEP DOWN. Not at the top of the list but the BOTTOM of the slippery slope.
a. As destructive and perverted as some may try to paint homosexuality, the progression in the text is clear. Things such as gossip and disobedience to parents (so natural in our culture) are much more destructive.
b. Caution about creating a “sin hierarchy” where some things are “worse” spiritually. There is no such thing. All sin is sin (equal in guilt and consequences, separating us from God). However, some things have more devastating social consequences.
3. The pursuit of sin becomes so intense that we have to “invent ways of doing evil.” [see v 30]
a. There is a reason: sin only has pleasure for a season/short time. [see Hebrews 11:25]
b. We are obliged to run from sin to sin to anesthetize the pain.
c. In other words, sin is the ultimate boredom with no lasting satisfaction or fulfillment.
B. “They are senseless.”
1. The goal of evil is not just to corrupt and destroy... it is to make us stupid.
a. (ill) Beer commercials featuring people acting in stupid ways are ironically truthful at this point.
b. Sin does the same thing to us. We become stupid... senseless... not understanding what we do.
2. Another goal of evil is to reproduce itself.
a. We set up a cheering section. Any sin you can imagine has its encouragers.
b. “They not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” [v 32b]
Conclusion: Much of the track into the dirges of sin traces back the power of desire. What should our response to unbridled desire be and how do we avoid the slipper slope of sin?
1. Be disciplined, live holy lives: “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. [14] As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. [15] But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” [1 Peter 1:13 – 15]
2. Be disciplined, be ruthless in abstention: “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” [1 Peter 2:11]
3. Be disciplined, live for the will of God: “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.” [1 Peter 4:2]
4. Be disciplined, but the power of God at work in our lives: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. [4] Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” [2 Peter 1:3 - 4]
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
May 21, 2006
Romans 1:8 – 17
“Impact Faith”
Paul is impressed by the Roman church. He says [v 8] that their faith is reported all over the world. This is “impact faith.” It is a faith that makes a difference. The root of this kind of faith is in the gospel.
What is this gospel that causes Christians to have “impact faith.”
I. Its source of life changing power is God.
A. The gospel is God’s chosen METHOD.
1. It is spoken.
a. The Bible says, “How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” [Romans 10:14]
b. The Bible says, “Consequently, faith comes from HEARING the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” [Romans 10:17]
***** If someone speaks then you must listen. Problem, we attach to much importance to the person and the delivery method... when we should be listening to the message. *****
2. It must be accepted.
a. The Bible says, “Yet to all who RECEIVED him, to those who BELIEVED in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” [John 1:10]
b. The Bible says, “He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.” [Acts 16:30 – 31]
B. The gospel is God’s chosen ABILITY of change.
1. It works:
a.Without God intervening in human history, we would be hopelessly lost.
b. Without God’s power at work, life would be staggering because of the weight and consequences of sin.
2. It frees:
a. It frees the believer from the consequences of sin: eternal damnation/hell.
b. It frees the believer from the dominion of sin: we don’t have to be slaves to sin anymore.
C. The gospel is God’s chosen PURPOSE of change.
1. We need powerful and effective help to deal with the problem of sin. Because we can not free ourselves.
2. The PURPOSE is “for salvation.”
3. “We are equally miserable without a savior, equally welcome to the Savior.”
4. Notice salvation is NOT unconditional or universal. There is a condition.... It is “TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES.”
II. Its source of life changing righteous is God.
A. If the product of sin in misery and damnation then salvation must get us out of sin.
1. This makes no sense until we admit that we are totally, completely, helplessly, lost.
2. The product of salvation is righteousness (a state of being “right” before God and growing in knowledge and obedience).
3. We tend to think/preach: God is good, people are not, try harder.
B. This is “righteousness FROM God is revealed.”
1. In other words, this righteousness is independent of our efforts. It is GIVEN to everyone who believes.
2. “Awakening” is an old Holiness expression. The image of a person being dead in sin, unable to respond. The Bible says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” [Ephesians 2:1]
a. The Holy Spirit “wakes” the person...
b. ...so that the person can respond.
The Bible says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. [Ephesians 2:4 – 5]
The Bible says, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.” [Colossians 2:13]
3. Righteousness is divine property given to sustain us in a close relationship with God.
a. It meets God’s requirements.
b. It meets God’s expectations.
III. The key concept is “faith.”
A. Faith is both a noun and a verb. (Something we have and something we do.)
1. Faith is the expected reaction and outcome to grace.
a. The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.” [Ephesians 2:8 – 9]
b. It begins in the heart and works outwardly and constantly.
c. In other words, It is not a momentary break through, it is a continual response to God’s grace.
2. God is at work.
a. Salvation is offered by has no reality or validity apart from faith.
b. Faith is the link between us and God. It accepts the gift of God’s grace.
B. Faith produces “fruit.”
1. Fruit is the proof of the relationship, the Bible tells us, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” [Luke 3:8]
b. Fruit is the result of the relationship, the Bible says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
c. Fruit is the result of continuing in that relationship, the Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” [Galatians 5:22 – 24]
2. Faith change the individual.
a. If you have not been changed....
b. If you have are not different than the world...
IV. The result is a “lifestyle.”
A. “The righteous will live by faith.”
1. The Bible says, “We live by faith, not by sight.” [2 Corinthians 5:7]
2. The Bible says, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” [1 John 2:6]
3. The Bible says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” [Galatians 5:25]
B. Faith is the beginning and the fuel of a life long process.
1. The “dirty” word is obedience.
a. You walk by faith when you obey when everything indicates your actions do not make sense.
b. You walk by faith when you obey when you want to do your own thing.
c. Living this way, you will not make sense to people who do not have faith.
2. Obedience ultimately comes from trust.
a. If yo do not trust someone, you will not listen to or obey them.
b. It is why children don’t obey their parents, and churches obey their pastors (see Hebrews 13:17). It’s your internal/spiritual problem not the other persons...
***** If you can not place yourself under the authority God has given you, which you can see, then you can not place yourself under His authority (you can not see God). *****
Conclusion:
1. Have you ever experienced the life changing power of God? You know you have if you share the gospel with others.
2. Have you experienced a righteousness that is not yours? You know you have when you say “no” to what you want and “yes” to what you know God wants you to do.
3. Have you experienced faith? You know you have when you are willing to do what is not comfortable to do what God wants you to do.
“Impact Faith”
Paul is impressed by the Roman church. He says [v 8] that their faith is reported all over the world. This is “impact faith.” It is a faith that makes a difference. The root of this kind of faith is in the gospel.
What is this gospel that causes Christians to have “impact faith.”
I. Its source of life changing power is God.
A. The gospel is God’s chosen METHOD.
1. It is spoken.
a. The Bible says, “How then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” [Romans 10:14]
b. The Bible says, “Consequently, faith comes from HEARING the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.” [Romans 10:17]
***** If someone speaks then you must listen. Problem, we attach to much importance to the person and the delivery method... when we should be listening to the message. *****
2. It must be accepted.
a. The Bible says, “Yet to all who RECEIVED him, to those who BELIEVED in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” [John 1:10]
b. The Bible says, “He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.” [Acts 16:30 – 31]
B. The gospel is God’s chosen ABILITY of change.
1. It works:
a.Without God intervening in human history, we would be hopelessly lost.
b. Without God’s power at work, life would be staggering because of the weight and consequences of sin.
2. It frees:
a. It frees the believer from the consequences of sin: eternal damnation/hell.
b. It frees the believer from the dominion of sin: we don’t have to be slaves to sin anymore.
C. The gospel is God’s chosen PURPOSE of change.
1. We need powerful and effective help to deal with the problem of sin. Because we can not free ourselves.
2. The PURPOSE is “for salvation.”
3. “We are equally miserable without a savior, equally welcome to the Savior.”
4. Notice salvation is NOT unconditional or universal. There is a condition.... It is “TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES.”
II. Its source of life changing righteous is God.
A. If the product of sin in misery and damnation then salvation must get us out of sin.
1. This makes no sense until we admit that we are totally, completely, helplessly, lost.
2. The product of salvation is righteousness (a state of being “right” before God and growing in knowledge and obedience).
3. We tend to think/preach: God is good, people are not, try harder.
B. This is “righteousness FROM God is revealed.”
1. In other words, this righteousness is independent of our efforts. It is GIVEN to everyone who believes.
2. “Awakening” is an old Holiness expression. The image of a person being dead in sin, unable to respond. The Bible says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.” [Ephesians 2:1]
a. The Holy Spirit “wakes” the person...
b. ...so that the person can respond.
The Bible says, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. [Ephesians 2:4 – 5]
The Bible says, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins.” [Colossians 2:13]
3. Righteousness is divine property given to sustain us in a close relationship with God.
a. It meets God’s requirements.
b. It meets God’s expectations.
III. The key concept is “faith.”
A. Faith is both a noun and a verb. (Something we have and something we do.)
1. Faith is the expected reaction and outcome to grace.
a. The Bible says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.” [Ephesians 2:8 – 9]
b. It begins in the heart and works outwardly and constantly.
c. In other words, It is not a momentary break through, it is a continual response to God’s grace.
2. God is at work.
a. Salvation is offered by has no reality or validity apart from faith.
b. Faith is the link between us and God. It accepts the gift of God’s grace.
B. Faith produces “fruit.”
1. Fruit is the proof of the relationship, the Bible tells us, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” [Luke 3:8]
b. Fruit is the result of the relationship, the Bible says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:4
c. Fruit is the result of continuing in that relationship, the Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. [24] Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” [Galatians 5:22 – 24]
2. Faith change the individual.
a. If you have not been changed....
b. If you have are not different than the world...
IV. The result is a “lifestyle.”
A. “The righteous will live by faith.”
1. The Bible says, “We live by faith, not by sight.” [2 Corinthians 5:7]
2. The Bible says, “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” [1 John 2:6]
3. The Bible says, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” [Galatians 5:25]
B. Faith is the beginning and the fuel of a life long process.
1. The “dirty” word is obedience.
a. You walk by faith when you obey when everything indicates your actions do not make sense.
b. You walk by faith when you obey when you want to do your own thing.
c. Living this way, you will not make sense to people who do not have faith.
2. Obedience ultimately comes from trust.
a. If yo do not trust someone, you will not listen to or obey them.
b. It is why children don’t obey their parents, and churches obey their pastors (see Hebrews 13:17). It’s your internal/spiritual problem not the other persons...
***** If you can not place yourself under the authority God has given you, which you can see, then you can not place yourself under His authority (you can not see God). *****
Conclusion:
1. Have you ever experienced the life changing power of God? You know you have if you share the gospel with others.
2. Have you experienced a righteousness that is not yours? You know you have when you say “no” to what you want and “yes” to what you know God wants you to do.
3. Have you experienced faith? You know you have when you are willing to do what is not comfortable to do what God wants you to do.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Mother's Day, 2006
2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15
A Mother’s Solution
Today’s world has left women in dire straits. Divorce rates continue to rise, leaving an unprecedented number of women and children in poverty. Violence against women seems to be rocketing out of control. Women are being reduced to objects due to pornography and the sex industry. Evidence is surfacing that an alarming number of women are being trafficked as slaves around the world.
Even the church seems to be caught in this pandemonium. It is said that the divorce rate inside the church is as high as it is outside the church. Recent studies have shown this is not the fact. These studies are showing a remarkable utopia for women who live outside the garbage dump of sin. Socially it can be proven that God’s ways are the best ways.
(Ill.) Susannah Wesley is said to have prayed one hour every day for her children. She was strict. But she was unselfishly faithful. She had six rules for teaching her children the priority of the Savior:
1. Subdue self-will in a child.2. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak.3. Give him nothing he cries for, and only what is good for him when he asks politely.4. Punish no fault confessed, but let no sinful act to go unnoticed.5. Reward good behavior.6. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
Yet in the free-fall of sin, women face many pressures and fears. This morning lets look a few of them.
I. The fear that the children will not grow up right.
A. Men tend to take credit while women take blame.
1. Proverbs 10:1 “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.”
(Ill.) Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Well, on one Mother’s Day, Calvin is pictured standing by his mother’s bed. "Hey, Mom! Wake up. I made you a Mother’s Day card." "My, how sweet of you." she says. "I did it all by myself. Go ahead and read it."
She begins to read: "I was going to buy a card with hearts of pink and red. But then I thought I’d rather spend the money on me instead. It’s awfully hard to buy things when one’s allowance is so small. So I guess you’re pretty lucky I got you anything at all. Happy Mother’s Day. There, I’ve said it. Now I’m done. So how about getting out of bed and fixing breakfast for your son." Signed, "Calvin."
"I’m deeply moved." said his mother.
"Did you notice the part about my allowance?" He asks.
a. Ever hear, “that’s my child...”? It is generally in the context of taking credit, being rightfully proud.
b. Ever hear, “your child...”? It is generally in the context of assigning blame when the child does something unacceptable.
2. Somehow the foolishness of a child effects Mom deeply, while Dad seems to continue without much regrets.
a. It seems that women are “hard-wired” to emotionally attach themselves personally to their children.
b. It may be a nurturing instinct. When the child acts foolishly the Mom accepts blame while the Dad figures that the child made their own decision.
3. Accept credit and blame CAREFULLY!
a. You are not the only influence. In fact your good influence may be the only one the child has. (Spoken like a man...)
b. The love of a Mother is extremely powerful but there may be some things it can not overcome.
B. Matthew 15:21 – 28 tells this story:
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." [24] He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." [25] The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. [26] He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." [27] "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." [28] Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
1. The daughter was suffering from an outside influence: “My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”
a. This shattered the loving heart of a Mom.
b. It drove her to desperation...
2. Faith is easier when there are no alternatives.
a. “Beggars can’t be choosy.” Crumbs would be enough!
b. Yet this woman is rewarded with two things:
1.) Her daughter is healed.
2.) Jesus sums up her character in four words, “you have great faith!” (As opposed to the disciples who had “little faith.”)
II. The fear of being a single Mom.
A. With the climbing divorce rate, more women are becoming single Moms.
1. Some think that being a single Mom is better than the alternative.
a. Then they must be coming out of very bad situations.
b. Possibly this may be an excuse (self-justification) for making the choice.
c. Fact is that many times the situation is forced on the woman. Society allows women to become the victim again... of our “no fault” divorce laws.
2. Married women can be “single” Moms too... It’s called an emotionally distant father. [the following is from the 2006 May/June issue of Light and Life, pp 15 – 17]
a. Father’s don’t necessarily connect with children.
b. Father’s just want to have fun... (Ever see a man with children? He becomes one himself! It’s cute for a baby sitter but useless for a father.)
(Ill.) By the time a child reaches 18, a mother has had to handle some extra 18,000 hours of child-generated work. In fact, women who never have children enjoy the equivalent of an extra three months a year in leisure time!
c. Father’s can suffer from domestic life burnout. (Men do not place as high a value on family as women do... generally speaking.)
(Ill.) Aparently, Billy Graham says his favorite story is of a husband who was not very attentive to his wife. But one day he started feeling guilty about that, and decided to change. So on his way home from work he bought a box of candy and some flowers to surprise his wife.He walks up to the door and rings the doorbell. She opens it, and there he stands, candy in one hand, flowers in the other, singing, "I love you truly, truly, Dear." Instantly she starts crying, big old tears just gushing out of her eyes. She sobs, "Oh, Harry! Everything went wrong today. We had a leak in the plumbing. The kids were terrible. The house is a wreck. And now you come home drunk!"
d. Ultimately it may be a problem with our theology of children... (that they are not fully human)
(Ill.) Mothers are the first to get up in the morning, and often the last to get to sleep due to restless children that won’t take bed time seriously….
Moms are the ones who wake the children, feed the children, clothe the children, keep the children occupied, run the children every place they need to go, feed the children again, try to get a least one task accomplished in spite of the children, bathe the children, settle down the children and try to get the children to fall asleep, only to start the process again the next day.
Mothers are the ones who are charged with making their children happy, their husband happy, (if they work outside the home) bosses happy, and if there’s any time left then and only then can they be happy…
Mothers are the ones who are excellent first aid givers. When dad says “you’ll live” mom grabs the Band-Aid for non-existent scrape, and with a simple hug and kiss is always able to make the pain go away….
Mothers are the ones put up with what seems like everyone telling them that they aren’t doing it right, that they should be doing something else, and that, even though their children are well-adjusted, content, and happy, if they don’t change today, their children will become juvenile hoodlums….
Mothers are the ones who, although they’ve completed high school and maybe some college, find their vocabulary slipping away from with short phrases like, “Let mommy fix the boo-boo.” and find themselves repeated phrases constantly like “Don’t do that!” “I said no.” “Get back here.” Get over here.” “Get out of there.” and the like…
Mothers also know a lovely arrangement of Barney, Bob the Builder, Sesame Street, and Clifford the Big Red Dog tunes replacing anything that had learnt previous to motherhood that may be more sophisticated. [Greg Buchner]
B. Genesis 21:14 – 19 tells the story of a single Mom:
Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba.
GE 21:15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. [16] Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.
GE 21:17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. [18] Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
GE 21:19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
1. This situation was forced on Hagar by “the other woman.” (From Hagar’s perspective.)
a. Sarah suggested the arrangement that Abraham take Hagar as a wife.
b. Hagar and Sarah did not get along prompting intense jealousy after Isaac was born.
c. “Irreconcilable differences.” [Good people can be in conflict that turns ugly... e.g. Paul and Barnabas.]
2. Even though Isaac is the child of the promise, God is still concerned about the life and welfare of Hagar and Ishmael.
a. God is still deeply concerned about the life and welfare of the single Mom and her children.
b. Does it seem like the church isn’t?
III. The fear of having to let go.
A. Reality: we are not “raising children” we are raising adults.
1. You do not want you child to age and remain a child.
a. Our society has correctly identified childish behavior in adults as being unacceptable (or ill).
b. The key issue to raising a health adult is the ability to recognize things from a view point that is not their own.
1.) Selfishness and self-centered behavior causes trouble and bring hurt.
2.) The ability to recognize and admit our mistakes is mature behavior.
3.) The key to all this is to train the child to understand they are not the center of the universe.
2. Other-centered adults are focused on service.
a. There is a balance where a certain amount of our time, energy, resources must be focused on others.
b. The most important other-centered focus is on God. [God asks for a tenth (tithe) of our resources and a seventh of our time (sabbath)].
3. The hardest thing maybe to let go and give the child to the Lord!
B. 1 Samuel 1:24 – 28 tells of a Mom who was able to let go...
After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. [25] When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, [26] and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. [27] I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. [28] So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
1. At one point (before Samuel’s birth) she made a promise.
a. She was still involved in Samuel’s life...
b. BUT there was a critical point where she had to let go.
2. At one point almost every Christian Mom (and Dad) has promised their child to the Lord (baptism or dedication).
a. There is only one way to do this: SET AN EXAMPLE!
(Ill.) A California mother of 10 with the 11th child on the way. One day her 3 year old son was making even the simplest chores difficult to accomplish as she said, "Len . . . was on my heals no matter where I went. Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around, I would trip over him." Several times she patiently suggested he find fun things to do until he said, "Oh, that’s alright Mommy, I’d rather be in here with you." After several other frustrating incidents she asked him why he was acting this way. She said, ". . . he looked up at me with green eyes and said, ‘Well, Mommy, in Primary my teacher told me to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. But I can’t see Him, so I’m walking in yours.’" [Unknown]
b. Trust God.
3. At some point it is time to for the child to pack up and make a life of their own.
IV. So how should women face these fears and pressures? [2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15]
A. Point your children to Jesus.
B. Teach your children Scripture.
C. Encourage you children to service.
A Mother’s Solution
Today’s world has left women in dire straits. Divorce rates continue to rise, leaving an unprecedented number of women and children in poverty. Violence against women seems to be rocketing out of control. Women are being reduced to objects due to pornography and the sex industry. Evidence is surfacing that an alarming number of women are being trafficked as slaves around the world.
Even the church seems to be caught in this pandemonium. It is said that the divorce rate inside the church is as high as it is outside the church. Recent studies have shown this is not the fact. These studies are showing a remarkable utopia for women who live outside the garbage dump of sin. Socially it can be proven that God’s ways are the best ways.
(Ill.) Susannah Wesley is said to have prayed one hour every day for her children. She was strict. But she was unselfishly faithful. She had six rules for teaching her children the priority of the Savior:
1. Subdue self-will in a child.2. Teach him to pray as soon as he can speak.3. Give him nothing he cries for, and only what is good for him when he asks politely.4. Punish no fault confessed, but let no sinful act to go unnoticed.5. Reward good behavior.6. Strictly observe all promises you have made to your child.
Yet in the free-fall of sin, women face many pressures and fears. This morning lets look a few of them.
I. The fear that the children will not grow up right.
A. Men tend to take credit while women take blame.
1. Proverbs 10:1 “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.”
(Ill.) Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. Well, on one Mother’s Day, Calvin is pictured standing by his mother’s bed. "Hey, Mom! Wake up. I made you a Mother’s Day card." "My, how sweet of you." she says. "I did it all by myself. Go ahead and read it."
She begins to read: "I was going to buy a card with hearts of pink and red. But then I thought I’d rather spend the money on me instead. It’s awfully hard to buy things when one’s allowance is so small. So I guess you’re pretty lucky I got you anything at all. Happy Mother’s Day. There, I’ve said it. Now I’m done. So how about getting out of bed and fixing breakfast for your son." Signed, "Calvin."
"I’m deeply moved." said his mother.
"Did you notice the part about my allowance?" He asks.
a. Ever hear, “that’s my child...”? It is generally in the context of taking credit, being rightfully proud.
b. Ever hear, “your child...”? It is generally in the context of assigning blame when the child does something unacceptable.
2. Somehow the foolishness of a child effects Mom deeply, while Dad seems to continue without much regrets.
a. It seems that women are “hard-wired” to emotionally attach themselves personally to their children.
b. It may be a nurturing instinct. When the child acts foolishly the Mom accepts blame while the Dad figures that the child made their own decision.
3. Accept credit and blame CAREFULLY!
a. You are not the only influence. In fact your good influence may be the only one the child has. (Spoken like a man...)
b. The love of a Mother is extremely powerful but there may be some things it can not overcome.
B. Matthew 15:21 – 28 tells this story:
Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. [22] A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession." [23] Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us." [24] He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel." [25] The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said. [26] He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs." [27] "Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." [28] Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
1. The daughter was suffering from an outside influence: “My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession.”
a. This shattered the loving heart of a Mom.
b. It drove her to desperation...
2. Faith is easier when there are no alternatives.
a. “Beggars can’t be choosy.” Crumbs would be enough!
b. Yet this woman is rewarded with two things:
1.) Her daughter is healed.
2.) Jesus sums up her character in four words, “you have great faith!” (As opposed to the disciples who had “little faith.”)
II. The fear of being a single Mom.
A. With the climbing divorce rate, more women are becoming single Moms.
1. Some think that being a single Mom is better than the alternative.
a. Then they must be coming out of very bad situations.
b. Possibly this may be an excuse (self-justification) for making the choice.
c. Fact is that many times the situation is forced on the woman. Society allows women to become the victim again... of our “no fault” divorce laws.
2. Married women can be “single” Moms too... It’s called an emotionally distant father. [the following is from the 2006 May/June issue of Light and Life, pp 15 – 17]
a. Father’s don’t necessarily connect with children.
b. Father’s just want to have fun... (Ever see a man with children? He becomes one himself! It’s cute for a baby sitter but useless for a father.)
(Ill.) By the time a child reaches 18, a mother has had to handle some extra 18,000 hours of child-generated work. In fact, women who never have children enjoy the equivalent of an extra three months a year in leisure time!
c. Father’s can suffer from domestic life burnout. (Men do not place as high a value on family as women do... generally speaking.)
(Ill.) Aparently, Billy Graham says his favorite story is of a husband who was not very attentive to his wife. But one day he started feeling guilty about that, and decided to change. So on his way home from work he bought a box of candy and some flowers to surprise his wife.He walks up to the door and rings the doorbell. She opens it, and there he stands, candy in one hand, flowers in the other, singing, "I love you truly, truly, Dear." Instantly she starts crying, big old tears just gushing out of her eyes. She sobs, "Oh, Harry! Everything went wrong today. We had a leak in the plumbing. The kids were terrible. The house is a wreck. And now you come home drunk!"
d. Ultimately it may be a problem with our theology of children... (that they are not fully human)
(Ill.) Mothers are the first to get up in the morning, and often the last to get to sleep due to restless children that won’t take bed time seriously….
Moms are the ones who wake the children, feed the children, clothe the children, keep the children occupied, run the children every place they need to go, feed the children again, try to get a least one task accomplished in spite of the children, bathe the children, settle down the children and try to get the children to fall asleep, only to start the process again the next day.
Mothers are the ones who are charged with making their children happy, their husband happy, (if they work outside the home) bosses happy, and if there’s any time left then and only then can they be happy…
Mothers are the ones who are excellent first aid givers. When dad says “you’ll live” mom grabs the Band-Aid for non-existent scrape, and with a simple hug and kiss is always able to make the pain go away….
Mothers are the ones put up with what seems like everyone telling them that they aren’t doing it right, that they should be doing something else, and that, even though their children are well-adjusted, content, and happy, if they don’t change today, their children will become juvenile hoodlums….
Mothers are the ones who, although they’ve completed high school and maybe some college, find their vocabulary slipping away from with short phrases like, “Let mommy fix the boo-boo.” and find themselves repeated phrases constantly like “Don’t do that!” “I said no.” “Get back here.” Get over here.” “Get out of there.” and the like…
Mothers also know a lovely arrangement of Barney, Bob the Builder, Sesame Street, and Clifford the Big Red Dog tunes replacing anything that had learnt previous to motherhood that may be more sophisticated. [Greg Buchner]
B. Genesis 21:14 – 19 tells the story of a single Mom:
Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba.
GE 21:15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. [16] Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.
GE 21:17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. [18] Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."
GE 21:19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
1. This situation was forced on Hagar by “the other woman.” (From Hagar’s perspective.)
a. Sarah suggested the arrangement that Abraham take Hagar as a wife.
b. Hagar and Sarah did not get along prompting intense jealousy after Isaac was born.
c. “Irreconcilable differences.” [Good people can be in conflict that turns ugly... e.g. Paul and Barnabas.]
2. Even though Isaac is the child of the promise, God is still concerned about the life and welfare of Hagar and Ishmael.
a. God is still deeply concerned about the life and welfare of the single Mom and her children.
b. Does it seem like the church isn’t?
III. The fear of having to let go.
A. Reality: we are not “raising children” we are raising adults.
1. You do not want you child to age and remain a child.
a. Our society has correctly identified childish behavior in adults as being unacceptable (or ill).
b. The key issue to raising a health adult is the ability to recognize things from a view point that is not their own.
1.) Selfishness and self-centered behavior causes trouble and bring hurt.
2.) The ability to recognize and admit our mistakes is mature behavior.
3.) The key to all this is to train the child to understand they are not the center of the universe.
2. Other-centered adults are focused on service.
a. There is a balance where a certain amount of our time, energy, resources must be focused on others.
b. The most important other-centered focus is on God. [God asks for a tenth (tithe) of our resources and a seventh of our time (sabbath)].
3. The hardest thing maybe to let go and give the child to the Lord!
B. 1 Samuel 1:24 – 28 tells of a Mom who was able to let go...
After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. [25] When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli, [26] and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. [27] I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. [28] So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
1. At one point (before Samuel’s birth) she made a promise.
a. She was still involved in Samuel’s life...
b. BUT there was a critical point where she had to let go.
2. At one point almost every Christian Mom (and Dad) has promised their child to the Lord (baptism or dedication).
a. There is only one way to do this: SET AN EXAMPLE!
(Ill.) A California mother of 10 with the 11th child on the way. One day her 3 year old son was making even the simplest chores difficult to accomplish as she said, "Len . . . was on my heals no matter where I went. Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around, I would trip over him." Several times she patiently suggested he find fun things to do until he said, "Oh, that’s alright Mommy, I’d rather be in here with you." After several other frustrating incidents she asked him why he was acting this way. She said, ". . . he looked up at me with green eyes and said, ‘Well, Mommy, in Primary my teacher told me to walk in Jesus’ footsteps. But I can’t see Him, so I’m walking in yours.’" [Unknown]
b. Trust God.
3. At some point it is time to for the child to pack up and make a life of their own.
IV. So how should women face these fears and pressures? [2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15]
A. Point your children to Jesus.
B. Teach your children Scripture.
C. Encourage you children to service.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
April 30, 2006
Romans 1:1 – 7
Really?
Wayne Harbor from Bedford IA challenged “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” for 26 years at least once a day to disprove Ripley. When Ripley found out, he asked for proof. Mr. Harbor sent him 100 scrap books with letters, weighing 773 pounds. None of Ripley’s claims were proven wrong.
Imagine having a track record like that? Well the Bible has one even better, stronger, with more proof. Paul begins the book of Romans with his “proofs.” Paul begins with who he is and why he is doing and saying what he is about to teach us. Paul continues with Jesus and the reasons for faith. Paul is even going to describe the Romans.
We are starting an adventure that will challenge us to the very core of what we think we believe in contrast to our culture and in light of the truth of Scripture.
I. What animates Paul?
A. Paul sees himself as a “servant.” [v 1]
1. “Servant” literally means “slave.” There is an illustration of this from the Old Testament.
"But if the servant declares, `I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' [6] then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life. [Exodus 21:5 – 6]
a. As a servant, Paul acted in another’s interests, not his own.
b. As a servant, Paul spoke the message given to him, not his own ideas.
***** One reason the world and some people inside the church no longer take the message seriously is because they don’t believe the messenger is under orders or serving the King of Kings. *****
2. Jesus set the example of being a “servant leader.”
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [John 13:5]
The greatest among you will be your servant. [Matthew 23:11]
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." [Mark 9:35]
Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. [25] Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. [26] But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. [27] For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. [Luke 22:24 – 27]
B. Paul sees himself as “called.” [v 1]
1. Paul understood that God had chosen him to do something specific.
a. It was not Paul’s choice. No true minister of God has ever chosen be one.
b. It was Paul’s choice to be obedient, available, and willing.
2. Paul understood himself to be a “sent one” (the literal meaning of “apostle”).
a. Paul was on a mission, with appropriate authority and power to accomplish the mission.
b. Paul understood that he was “set apart” from everything else to focus on one thing: “for the gospel of God.”
***** Another reason the world and some people inside the church no longer take the message seriously is because they don’t believe the messenger is “called” into the service of the King of Kings. Even many messengers do not believe in the “call.” *****
II. What is the appeal of the Gospel?
A. The Gospel (‘good news’) is about Jesus.
1. God kept His promise in Jesus. [“promised beforehand” v 2]
2. Unique to world religions is the historical precedent set by prophecy in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
3. “According to Scripture” has become both a means of speaking truth and referring to prophecy.
***** It seems that some would like to reduce the Bible to human-made words equal with all other human words. The problem with this reasoning is that it does not account for how the various writers of the Bible knew and described in great detail future events. It could not have come out of the human imagination or evolution in religious belief. The only explanation is the existence of God who revealed future events to the writers. If God also revealed events to the writers then God also revealed the various aspects of the message and it’s meaning. *****
B. The focus is on Jesus.
1. Jesus is fully human (not “half” human) [v 3]
2. Jesus is fully God [v 4]
3. The critical issue is Jesus resurrection [v 4].
***** Many of our problems trace back to our understanding or mental picture of God. For instance, if we believe that God knows everything then we won’t try to hide stuff from Him. If we believe that God is all powerful, then we will act like God will actually do something. If we believe that God is holy, then we will have an “obedience that comes from faith.” [v 5] Maybe we really do not believe. *****
C. The fact is “grace.”
1. Grace is God’s desire for us what we cannot do for ourselves. It is the “divine want-to.”
a. You do not have to be “good enough.” Nobody is.
b. You do not have to work hard for God’s favor because it’s already yours.
c. You do not have to jump through hoops to get it or keep it. Jesus already jumped through those hoops for you.
2. It is terrifying to realize you are helpless and have no choice but to depend on someone else.
a. Someone has said, “Fearless are those who are helpless.” Possibly so fearless that we would dare approach the almighty, infinitely holy God in desperation for salvation.
b. Recognizing that we are damaged by sin gives hope because we see the need for someone to heal that damage. This causes us to turn to the only one who can heal our sin sick hearts and lives.
***** It is humbling to be absolutely dependent on someone else. Which keeps many people from the joy’s of the abundant and full life Jesus offers now, and eternal life. *****
III. What is the anticipation for the believer?
A. We are “loved by God.” [v 7]
1. God’s love is unconditional... undeserved, etc.
2. God’s love is ultimate commitment.
B. We are called to be “saints.” [v 7]
1. The word “saints” is ALWAYS plural, never singular. Being holy is a GROUP effort not an individual effort. Being holy never happens in isolation.
2. Traditionally “sainthood” is defined in terms of service
IV. So what?
A. History demonstrates the importance of understanding Romans.
1. Augustine (4th century theologian and “church father”) was converted while reading Romans.
2. Marin Luther (1500's) read “justified by faith” and took it to mean “alone.” Thus, began the Reformation.
3. On May 24, 1738 a discouraged missionary went to a religious meeting where Luther’s comments on this passage was being read. Later he wrote in his journal, “About a quarter before nine, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was give me that He had taken away sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” That missionary was John Wesley.
B. Today, we can study the same words and come to the same understanding.
1. Maybe someone today needs to be saved.
2. Maybe someone today needs to give up their hope in everything else and trust Jesus.
3. Maybe someone today needs to have their heart of stone exchanged for a heart of flesh. And know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Jesus has taken away their sins.
Really?
Wayne Harbor from Bedford IA challenged “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” for 26 years at least once a day to disprove Ripley. When Ripley found out, he asked for proof. Mr. Harbor sent him 100 scrap books with letters, weighing 773 pounds. None of Ripley’s claims were proven wrong.
Imagine having a track record like that? Well the Bible has one even better, stronger, with more proof. Paul begins the book of Romans with his “proofs.” Paul begins with who he is and why he is doing and saying what he is about to teach us. Paul continues with Jesus and the reasons for faith. Paul is even going to describe the Romans.
We are starting an adventure that will challenge us to the very core of what we think we believe in contrast to our culture and in light of the truth of Scripture.
I. What animates Paul?
A. Paul sees himself as a “servant.” [v 1]
1. “Servant” literally means “slave.” There is an illustration of this from the Old Testament.
"But if the servant declares, `I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' [6] then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life. [Exodus 21:5 – 6]
a. As a servant, Paul acted in another’s interests, not his own.
b. As a servant, Paul spoke the message given to him, not his own ideas.
***** One reason the world and some people inside the church no longer take the message seriously is because they don’t believe the messenger is under orders or serving the King of Kings. *****
2. Jesus set the example of being a “servant leader.”
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; [4] so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. [5] After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. [John 13:5]
The greatest among you will be your servant. [Matthew 23:11]
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." [Mark 9:35]
Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. [25] Jesus said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. [26] But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. [27] For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. [Luke 22:24 – 27]
B. Paul sees himself as “called.” [v 1]
1. Paul understood that God had chosen him to do something specific.
a. It was not Paul’s choice. No true minister of God has ever chosen be one.
b. It was Paul’s choice to be obedient, available, and willing.
2. Paul understood himself to be a “sent one” (the literal meaning of “apostle”).
a. Paul was on a mission, with appropriate authority and power to accomplish the mission.
b. Paul understood that he was “set apart” from everything else to focus on one thing: “for the gospel of God.”
***** Another reason the world and some people inside the church no longer take the message seriously is because they don’t believe the messenger is “called” into the service of the King of Kings. Even many messengers do not believe in the “call.” *****
II. What is the appeal of the Gospel?
A. The Gospel (‘good news’) is about Jesus.
1. God kept His promise in Jesus. [“promised beforehand” v 2]
2. Unique to world religions is the historical precedent set by prophecy in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
3. “According to Scripture” has become both a means of speaking truth and referring to prophecy.
***** It seems that some would like to reduce the Bible to human-made words equal with all other human words. The problem with this reasoning is that it does not account for how the various writers of the Bible knew and described in great detail future events. It could not have come out of the human imagination or evolution in religious belief. The only explanation is the existence of God who revealed future events to the writers. If God also revealed events to the writers then God also revealed the various aspects of the message and it’s meaning. *****
B. The focus is on Jesus.
1. Jesus is fully human (not “half” human) [v 3]
2. Jesus is fully God [v 4]
3. The critical issue is Jesus resurrection [v 4].
***** Many of our problems trace back to our understanding or mental picture of God. For instance, if we believe that God knows everything then we won’t try to hide stuff from Him. If we believe that God is all powerful, then we will act like God will actually do something. If we believe that God is holy, then we will have an “obedience that comes from faith.” [v 5] Maybe we really do not believe. *****
C. The fact is “grace.”
1. Grace is God’s desire for us what we cannot do for ourselves. It is the “divine want-to.”
a. You do not have to be “good enough.” Nobody is.
b. You do not have to work hard for God’s favor because it’s already yours.
c. You do not have to jump through hoops to get it or keep it. Jesus already jumped through those hoops for you.
2. It is terrifying to realize you are helpless and have no choice but to depend on someone else.
a. Someone has said, “Fearless are those who are helpless.” Possibly so fearless that we would dare approach the almighty, infinitely holy God in desperation for salvation.
b. Recognizing that we are damaged by sin gives hope because we see the need for someone to heal that damage. This causes us to turn to the only one who can heal our sin sick hearts and lives.
***** It is humbling to be absolutely dependent on someone else. Which keeps many people from the joy’s of the abundant and full life Jesus offers now, and eternal life. *****
III. What is the anticipation for the believer?
A. We are “loved by God.” [v 7]
1. God’s love is unconditional... undeserved, etc.
2. God’s love is ultimate commitment.
B. We are called to be “saints.” [v 7]
1. The word “saints” is ALWAYS plural, never singular. Being holy is a GROUP effort not an individual effort. Being holy never happens in isolation.
2. Traditionally “sainthood” is defined in terms of service
IV. So what?
A. History demonstrates the importance of understanding Romans.
1. Augustine (4th century theologian and “church father”) was converted while reading Romans.
2. Marin Luther (1500's) read “justified by faith” and took it to mean “alone.” Thus, began the Reformation.
3. On May 24, 1738 a discouraged missionary went to a religious meeting where Luther’s comments on this passage was being read. Later he wrote in his journal, “About a quarter before nine, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone, for salvation; and an assurance was give me that He had taken away sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” That missionary was John Wesley.
B. Today, we can study the same words and come to the same understanding.
1. Maybe someone today needs to be saved.
2. Maybe someone today needs to give up their hope in everything else and trust Jesus.
3. Maybe someone today needs to have their heart of stone exchanged for a heart of flesh. And know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that Jesus has taken away their sins.
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