August 27th, 2006

Mark 12:28-34 The greatest commandment

Intro…The endless debate of the 10 Commandments. Should they be placed in public?
Most people would acknowledge that they are important, but that important?
We always want to know what it is that we should be doing to be good.
As Christians, we want to know what are the main things God wants us to do?
The Bible is packed full of stories, commandments, teaching of Jesus, Paul etc.
How can we ever keep them all? How can we break it down to a more simple set of rules?

Let’s check out the words of Jesus in Mark 12: 28-34.

V. 28 There is it, the classic statement, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
Where did this questions come from?
The rabbis counted 613 individual statutes in the law, 365 which were negative and 248 positive.
There was a tendency to want to expand the laws limitlessly into 100’s or 1000’s of rules or regulations.
There was also a tendency to want to shorten the laws into one sentence.
They also made attempts to differentiate between the "heavy," or "great," and the "light," or "little," commandments. (IOW, Getting real nit-picky)
Why is it that we are tempted to do this with God’s laws?

Jesus could’ve answered with anything...yet he knows the priorities:
Love God with everything in you and love others.
Jesus quotes two OT passages: Deut 6:4-5; and Lev 19:18
Loving God is pretty self-explanatory….
Lev 19:18 “Yeah, but who is my neighbor?” (How can I wiggle out of this one?)
Who is it that we typically think of as our neighbor?

“All within our home, those we meet at work, in our church, and in recreations. And more than that: our employer is our neighbor too; so are our work people, all who serve us in shops, the men who empty our dust bins and those who try to keep streets and parks clean. So too are the people of Jamaica, of West Africa, of Kenya, of Germany and of Russia. If we love our neighbors as we love ourselves, we shall want for them the treatment we should want for ourselves, were we in their place.”
Milton

Love of neighbor is a natural and logical outgrowth of love of God. These two commandments belong together; they cannot be separated.
No one until Jesus had put these two commandments together and made them one, it only makes sense.
Here’s a great and practical way to “love your neighbor”. Backpacks for needy students at PB Middle… One per family, packed with school supplies.


So often I hear from people today, “O, I’m very spiritual, just not religious.” What does that mean? Actually the two go together.
What is “religious?” James 1:26-27
Really the only way that we prove we love God is by loving our fellow man.
I often tell young couples getting ready to be married, if you treat one person on this planet right, make it your spouse. That increases the success rate of marriage in a big way. And then naturally from there, they will treat others nice too.
In life, with everything we do, we always need to take a look at our priorities if we’re going to get anything done.
We make lists, keep things in perspective, priority with our families, jobs, house etc.

As Christians, are priorities should always be: God, family, work…
Let’s flesh this out a little…How do we make each a priority? ..What comes after these three?
The statement by the teacher of the law that love of God and neighbor are "more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices" (v. 33) is in keeping with the teachings of the OT prophets; 1Sam 15:22;

Jesus knew how to silence his critics, (even if momentarily). His answer here is short and to the point.
Sometimes we need to be able to boil down all our “Christian learning” to simple points.


Conclusion:
If we’re not careful, it’s easy to let ritual take the place of love. It’s easy to let worship become a matter of the Church building instead of the whole life.
In the story of the good Samaritan, the priest and the levite could walk right by the wounded traveler, because they were eager to get on to the ritual of the temple.
In today’s story, this scribe had risen above the others and that’s why he won the approval of Jesus.
Just imagine the look of love in Jesus’ eyes when he said, “You are getting so close, just keep coming and soon you’ll see my way of doing things. Then you will be a true citizen of the kingdom.
For many people today, “getting so close” is close enough.
What would allow this scribe (and others today) to get more than close?
The kingdom of God requires more from us than just loving God and loving our neighbors.
It requires an admission of quilt, of wrong, of sin. Confession and repentance.
GOSPEL, invitation. Prayer candles, prayer cards.

August 20th, 2006

Rich in God’s eyes
Luke 12:15-21, 16:19-31

Intro… ”Keeping up with the Joneses…” Shows on TV, “Most extreme homes”, “Yachts”, “Billionaires toys”
Now, I’m not saying that if you are on one of these shows, you can’t have a heart for God…
We live in a credit happy society. Advertisers spend millions to entice to think we can’t live without their product…
In actuality, the good life has nothing to do with being wealthy, so be on guard against greed.

Text: Luke 12:15

Two stories of two different kind of rich people. Both had lessons to learn. Both lessons apply to us today.
In true story telling fashion, let’s retell the stories and glean a few nugs...

First story from Luke 12:15-21
Read the story from The Message, page 2.
V. 13-14 How’s that, Jesus is actually leaving some of these matters up to us. Kinda like, “Use the brains I gave you and work it out.”
Jesus' refusal to answer is not a denial of his right or ability to answer, nor of his concern for social and ethical matters. He wants to instead, deal with motivation.
Where is your heart, your motivation with the things you own.? From a bike, to a car, to your kids, to your toys, house, etc. etc.
V. 15 Is really this sermon wrapped up in one verse.
Greed seeks possessions…Gratitude seeks to share...
V. 20 The irony that after years of careful management the man's possessions might be frittered away by an incompetent heir.
v. 21 this isn’t to say that we shouldn’t be saving for retirement...
What are you doing with the “wealth” you have now? Sharing it? Letting others share in it too?
“Wealth” is a relative term, we are all wealthy. (quote from Joel’s book p. 188)
“If you accumulate wealth only to enrich yourself, with no concern for helping others, you will enter eternity empty-handed.”
Quote from Joel’s book on the amount of storage space rented here in America.

V. 21 What does is mean to be rich toward God? (Investing in eternal things...which are??)
Feedback? Thoughts on this story, storing up wealth, what are you leaving behind?

Second story from Luke 16:19-31
Read the story from The Message, page 2.
This was most likely a true story...or could’ve been a parable..
Life was a continual party for this guy
Contrasted with the beggar named Lazarus, dogs licking his open sores.
This man’s riches kept him from God, v. 23.

Some things to know about Hell from this story:
Yes it’s a real place and it’s not going to be a party, certainly not like the party this guy was living on earth.
There will be suffering, agony, torment and fire.
Once you die, you’re either in Heaven or Hell. No second chances.
No jumping from one place to the other. Verse 26 shows the utter and unchangeable finality of their decision. No escape, it’s forever.
The rich man went to Hell because he was selfish, refusing to care for Lazarus.
And the best thing to know about Hell…
You don’t have to go to there! GOSPEL..


This story does not imply that rich people will automatically end up in Hell and poor beggars will automatically end up in Heaven.
However, not even a spectacular "sign," like one returning from the dead (vv. 27, 30), can change those whose hearts are set against God's word, as the response of many to the resurrection of Jesus was to show.

V. 27-28, Please send a warning! This is it, we are reading it now!

The two men in this story represent two lives, two different deaths, and two different destinies. What is your destiny? What is your life counting for today?
Feedback? Looking after those less fortunate, warning others, listening to Jesus?

Conclusion:
God is asking us to invest in eternal things…which are??
1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19
(quote from Joel’s book p. 96)

August 13th, 2006

Faith of a child, Mark 10:13-24

Intro...at Trevor and Keri’s wedding, Ben climbing the wall...he had to trust me to jump down.
If you are a parent, (or every been around kids) I’m sure you can think of numerous times you’ve asked your kids to trust you. It’s kind of a bummer when they grow out of that trusting age.
That dreaded reason and thought process come in. That’s why it’s easier for kids to learn sports, they just try it and aren’t afraid of falling or failing.
It’s the same thing when it comes to having faith in God…
Mark 10:13-16

Today’s story is another one of those great contrast/compare stories.
On one hand, you’ve got Jesus reminding us to simply believe.
On the other hand, he gives a poignant illustration of someone who was too rich, too full of himself and his possessions to let it go and believe.
As always, I’m asking you to find yourself in this story. Maybe you need the faith of a child to initially come to Jesus.
Maybe you need the faith of a child to continue to believe that Jesus can actually help you with decisions today. How to live morally, please God in all your choices, be a responsible parent, neighbor, person at work etc.
Maybe you are holding on too tight to those things you value and love...things that could be keeping you from a deeper relationship with God.
Let’s take a moment of silence so we can all ask God to show us what we need to see…

Let’s pick these two stories apart...
Among Jews, as among other people, it was customary to bring children to great men to have them blessed. That “great man” today is Jesus...
When we dedicate babies, that’s the first step. As parents, we should be blessing our children daily as we pray for them.
Baptism is another great sign of blessing...so the blessing and our kids desire to follow God starts at home!

What were the disciples thinking in vs. 13b??
Maybe they wanted to protect his privacy and shield him from “needless” interruptions. Sometimes we get so “mature” in our faith we forget the basics...
Though their motives may have been commendable, they show a lack of spiritual sensitivity.
Jesus was indignant that anyone should think children unimportant. That’s a heavy word...think about it. (Anger aroused by something unjust or mean).
“Children in their receptivity and dependence exemplify the characteristics of those who possess God's kingdom.”
What keep us from having the faith of a child today?

The point of comparison is not so much the innocence and humility of children (for children are not invariable either innocent or humble) it is rather the fact that children are unselfconscious, receptive, and content to be dependent on others' care and bounty; it is in such a spirit that the kingdom must be "received" -it is a gift of God, and not an achievement on the part of man; it must be simply accepted, inasmuch as it can never be deserved. (Rawlinson)

Now, on to the story of the rich man, Mark 10:17-24
He’s got good intentions initially, v. 17. Often that’s the first question on a person’s mind. How can I get to heaven?
He wanted to do something to merit eternal life, whereas Jesus taught that eternal life (the kingdom of God) is a gift to be received (v. 15).
Many people are hoping that the answer doesn’t require too much of a change in their life…
This “rich man” figures he must be doing ok, if he has keep all the requirements Jesus lists in vs. 19.
Here’s the key though (and remember, Jesus responds out of love):
Jesus knew this man would have to give up what was most precious to him.
We are no different. Jesus asks us to die to ourselves and follow him. Matt. 10:37-39, 16:24-26
The one thing that prevented this young man from having eternal life was the security of his wealth. Jesus put his finger on the sensitive place…
GOSPEL...

Back to V. 18 for a minute….kind of abrupt? "Before you address me with such a title, you had better think soberly about what the implications are, and especially what they are for you."

Following Jesus was never meant to be easy!
V. 24-25 The amazement of the disciples (v. 24) at Jesus' words reflects their Jewish background, which placed great emphasis on the privileged position of the rich.
To be wealthy must’ve been a sure evidence of having the blessing of God.
But with his penetrating spiritual insight, Jesus saw how wealth could hinder one from putting his trust and dependence in God.
This illustration from Jesus (Camel, eye of the needle etc.) is to be taken for just what it says. It truly is impossible for us to enter into God’s kingdom on our own merit. “Rich” or not.
We’re all rich in something, and whatever that is, it could keep us from God.

Matthew 7:13-14

Conclusion:
Jars of Clay song slides and feedback

August 6th, 2006

Brought back to life (John 11:1-48)

Intro…Frazell Fuller, my friend from high school, not exactly a man of God at the time...
There is nothing better than seeing someone turn their life around...It always makes a great story, a great movie. It’s even better when you get to see it live...
I also realize that every time we gather many of us are coming broken, hurt, in need of Jesus.

The story of Lazarus…
Martha and Mary had a brother names Lazarus who became deathly ill..
(This was the Mary of the famous “perfume/Jesus feet incident..”)
Jesus is notified...However, when Jesus does finally get there, Lazarus has been in the tomb for 4 days, 11:7.
Martha questions Jesus’ timing...Jesus assures her that Lazarus will live again, v. 23.
Then Mary sees Jesus and also questions his timing. V. 32
Jesus really shows his human side, feels their emotion and weeps with them.
His response? Shows his divinity and raises Lazarus from the dead...an amazing story...11: 41-44...what a scene!
Now you’d think that anyone who had witnessed this would stop and believe in Jesus on the spot.
The wise ones, did...v. 45.
The foolish ones didn’t, v. 46-48

Where do you find yourself in this story?
Maybe you’ve got someone in your life who is very ill, maybe you are.
Is this story a guarantee that all sickness will go away, that we’ll always be healed? Not necessarily…
Jesus heard of Lazarus’ sickness and still waited 2 days. What an opportunity for him to show his mighty power.
It may seem as if Jesus does not love us or care about us when bad things are happening and not “all making sense” as soon as we want them to..
Jesus wants to show us his power regardless of what we think the outcome should be…

In this story, Jesus does the miraculous...he proved once again he is God., v 25
It’s the gospel story!
This is (obviously) the key verse to this story. It not only brought Lazarus back to life, it brings us to life and continues to do so.
We have one life to life, no second chances, no reincarnation, no Karma…
My name is Earl...while that’s a (somewhat) funny show, there is no Karma …
Defined: “The total affect of a persons actions and conduct during the successive phases of existence, held to determine destiny in Hinduism and Buddhism.”

It’s easy for us to question Jesus’ timing today also…
We can question God all day. Often these things don’t make sense to us. Sure we’d like God to not let someone get sick or hurt...
Romans 8:28

In the midst of our pain or search for the truth, Jesus feels our pain.
I’m sure you are aware that John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet still a very powerful one.
Jesus was "deeply moved," "troubled" (v. 33), and "wept"
When the Bible tells us we are made in God’s image, this is a great example. God has emotions, we have emotions.

That scene in v. 41-44 we’ve probably seen replayed in our own lives, or someone we know. It’s like the dead have risen when someone turns their life around and starts to follow Jesus. This is powerful stuff!
It was a supreme demonstration of the power of eternal life that triumphed over death, corruption, and hopelessness.
God is deeply grieved when anyone turns their back on him.

Probably the most important part of this story is how you react to Jesus.
Are you like “those who put their faith in him?”
Or are you like those who doubt and just don’t quite get it. Their fears revealed a complete misunderstanding of the motives of Jesus.
People see miraculous works of God today and still refuse to believe. Pride gets in the way.
They want to be king, won’t let Jesus be King.
What is it that is keeping you in the tomb or darkness?
What are you holding onto that seems so secure, so right?
What is it that is keeping you from going deeper in your relationship with God?

Conclusion:
I hope to see Frazell Fuller and other high school classmates this September.  I also hope that over the years, God has changed some hearts…
God does care when someone is sick or dies. He wants our hearts first so when pain and sickness do come, we’ll know where to turn.