January 29th, 2008
The life of Jesus, John 1:19-34 Presentation of the Son of God
Big Picture: The full implications of who Jesus is are now being realized.
Text: John 1:29-34
The first part of John (1-18) reminds us of who Jesus is (God)
His place in creation (he has been around forever and helped create the world)
That all things were made through Jesus
That he is the life and light of the world, our hope for salvation. (v. 4-5, 12)
And that Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (v. 14)
Today's section of verses tell of the presentation of Jesus by John the Baptizer.
Today's verses will also give us a clearer picture of who Jesus really is and the power that he has.
V. 19 When asked by the priests and Levites who he was, John's answer way, "I am not the Christ. I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'
The Pharisees were skeptical, v. 21-24…
In anticipation of the coming Messiah, the Jewish leaders started guessing….Elijah? (Mal. 4:5-6) The Prophet? ( Duet. 18:15)
John's answer in v. 26 sets himself apart from Jesus…
V. 22 "Well then who are you?" "And why are you baptizing if you are not the Christ? V. 25
The Pharisees represented the strict interpreters of the Law. They wanted to examine the credentials of any new religious teacher in Judaism.
John was preaching repentance (Luke 3:3) and was calling for baptism as a confession of repentance in expectation of the greater person (Jesus) who was yet to appear.
At this point the full significance of who Jesus is is now becoming more obvious.
V. 26-27 "the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." John drew this reference from the practice of using the lowest slave of a household to remove the sandals and wash the feet of guests.
John's witness/statement reflected the exalted nature of Jesus and placed the Jesus far above himself.
John's next statement from vs. 29, has huge implications.
"The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
reflects the sacrificial character of Christ's mission.
assert the atoning work of Christ, who by one final sacrifice of himself removed the guilt of our sins and opened the way to God.
The sacrifice of a lamb to take away sin appears frequently in the OT. (Gen 4:4; 8:20, 22:2-8, the Passover lamb (Exod 12:21-27).
GOSPEL
Jesus is more than a great guy who lived and said a lot of nice things, did some miracles etc.
And that's why when you mention Jesus in a crowded room people start getting uncomfortable.
The exact identity of the Messiah was unknown to John, even though they were relatives. (Luke 1:36)
So John had two purposes to his ministry: 1) lead his hearers to repentance (Mark 1:4) 2) to reveal the Messiah to Israel.
(V. 30-31) John reminds them (and us today) that this is THE ONE who he was preparing the way for. (Isaiah 40:3-5)
V. 20 "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed." The prophesied deliverer.
The miracle of the Incarnation called for witnesses to substantiate its reality and John was one of the first.
Up to this point, John was getting a lot of attention.
He was kind of a wild man wearing clothing made of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist and a diet of locusts and wild honey. (Mark 1:6)
His preaching attracted such large crowds that the Jewish hierarchy in Jerusalem decided to investigate him. (like I said earlier).
So while he's got everyone's attention, he sets the record straight as to who he is and who Jesus is.
V. 32 "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him."
How often is that happening to the average person? (Never) That's a God-thing!
V. 33 God made it evident to John just how different and special Jesus was.
"Baptize with the Holy Spirit"
The importance of this phrase is that just as the common experience of baptism in water signifies repentance and confession of sin, so the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the seal and dynamic of the new life.
Repentance and confession are the conditions on which the believer receives the gift of the Spirit (cf. Acts 2:38; Gal 3:2; 5:16-25).
IOW, when you've been baptized a changed life should follow!
V. 34 "I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."
This is the high point of his testimony. He has done his job, ushered in Jesus, the Messiah.
John's emphatic declaration was the reason why the disciples left him to follow Jesus.
Jesus is the final word from God, for nobody else has such a close relationship to deity, nor is there any other who has been similarly commissioned.
Have you left whatever is in your way to follow Jesus?
Have you given him complete control of your life?
January 20th, 2008
The life of Jesus, John 1:1-5
Intro… Foundational beliefs. In order to understand calculus…it all adds on itself.
There are certain theological concepts that work the same way, and in order to better understand God and Jesus, it's good to understand a passage like we are going to look at today.
We are starting a new series today on the life of Jesus so we need to start with the basics.
We were just reminded of the birth of Jesus as we celebrated Christmas.
Text: John 1:1-5
These are essential verses in the Bible to understand all Christian doctrine.
So many key and important concepts are laid out here:
v. 1-2 "In the beginning was the word"
This is before time began, Christ was already in existence with God.
This is where we get the term the "pre-existent Christ."
WORD: (logos in the Greek) and it means word, thought, concept and any expression thereof.
In the OT this concept conveyed activity and revelation and the word or wisdom of God personified. SLIDE Ps. 33:6
To the Greek mind it expressed the ideas of reason and creative control.
The key idea or concept with the word Logos is revelation…how God has revealed himself to us.
"In the beginning was God/Jesus and he made everything."
Here in John 1, "logos" is applied to Jesus. That shows us that Jesus is who all that God is and the expression of him.
By John using the word "logos" it shows that he was attempting to bring out the full significance of the Incarnation of Jesus to the Gentile world as well as to the Jewish people…(as well as to us today).
John shows us that Jesus had universal rather than local significance and that he spoke with ultimate authority. He was preexistent, involved in the act of creation, and therefore superior to all created beings. This presentation lifts Christ above the materialistic, pagan concept of deities just as the Incarnation brings the Hebrew concept of God into everyday life.
In this verse the Word (Christ) is with God, (in communion with and yet distinct from God), yet Christ is God.
A bit confusing? I can understand. Yet again, these are essential concepts to grasp in the Christian faith.
v. 3 "Through him all things were made"
Christ was active in the work of creation. (Col. 1:15-17)
The word "made" has the meaning "became" rather than "constructed".
The action refers to an event rather than a process.
The visible universe with all its complexity owes its origin to the creative mind and power of God.
Apart from God's Word, existence is impossible.
Vs. 4 "In him was life…the light of men"
These are two great words especially associated with John (8:12, 9:5, 11:25, 14:6)
"Life" means salvation and deliverance, based on Jesus' death on the cross.
The word "light" implies revelation that reveals true life that is in Jesus and that brings into judgment those who refuse it. (v. 5 & 3:19)
"The darkness has not understood it" is better said, the darkness did not overcome the light.
That is a universal theme that runs throughout most movies, books, plays as well as real life.
VIDEO Edmunds return
Through Jesus God's purpose and power are made available to men. He is their ultimate hope. GOSPEL
Conclusion:
OK, now that some of these deeper theological terms have been explained, what do we do with it? What difference does it make for our lives today?
Knowing that God and Jesus have been around forever should strengthen your faith and give you a sense of history. Christianity isn't a world religion that was invented when Jesus came to earth.
Today's passage also gives Jesus even more power. He did more than come to earth 2000 yrs ago, life a perfect life, die for our sins and resurrect, he helped create the universe!
Who Jesus is and what he did in his lifetime has eternal significance for all people.
As great as "the darkness" may seem at times, God's light will always be more powerful.
January 13th, 2007
The next step for Coastlands, Mission 2008
Intro… Text: Acts 2: 42-47
When my dream for CC started…Del Cerro, Sam Williams…
Seminary/BayMarin, John Worcester. Now both men are back in my life…
Coastlands started as a bible study in our apartment…We spent a year and
half in core team development
We were passionate about applying many of the things I had learned from John…how to start a new church make quests feel welcome etc.
The original vision/purpose for Coastlands was cast: To make disciples (of Jesus Christ) in the beach communities. Matthew 28:18-20, That happens as we love God and to love people. (Matt. 22:37-39 (THIS IS ON THE WEBSITE TOO.)
That should be the vision/purpose for every church and it should never change.
Everything we do, our mission month in and month out, year in and year out needs to fit under that vision. Is everything we are doing creating disciples of Jesus Christ?
Purpose vs. Mission
Purpose is always the same….to make disciples (of Jesus Christ). (From now on if you ever wonder what the purpose of our church is, we should all be able to say, "To make disciples of Jesus Christ.")
Specifically how WE do that is our current mission (and this can and should change over time.)
Mission: This year we should be connecting with young families and still reaching out to the "PBer".
When we started the church, the mission was to get it off the ground, become viable, self-suppporting etc. We were reaching more young singles.
Think of how the mission of relationships and marriage changes over time…the same needs to happen in church life.
We may be 11 years old as a church but we should be acting like a 22 yr old
We will accomplish this mission by continuing to offer a quality Sunday morning experience, worship, prayer, community, connectedness, biblical preaching, Christ centered kids activities, outreach events, and community service.
The best way to grow is through relationships. In light of that let's remember that we are all "missionaries" in our context, communities, relationships, etc.
You may not work full time for the church, yet your life is your ministry.
What is the most effective way to grow our church? Through loving relationships with non-Christians.
Service to the community, especially to the unchurched. Feb. 23rd, April 27th plus more to come.
The next mission we get to embark on is the move to the new school. (I will go into more detail on that in a few minutes…)
What should our church be doing/known for?
Acts 2:42-47
Devoted to the word, (I will continue to teach the bible/gospel on Sunday's, we will encourage people to get in home fellowships where the word is taught more.)
Fellowship, (in church on Sunday's [and how we can do that better in the new school] in homes during the week, [v. 46b], doing life together, giving/helping each other as needs arise [v. 45].
Communion, (every three weeks or more)
Prayer (requests, praying together, before church, during the week)
Asking/trusting God to add to our numbers. V. 47b
Ephesians 4 "The practice of believers" (Eph. 4 is packed with examples of what a healthy church is.)
V. 1 We all need to live a life worthy of the calling in Jesus.
V. 2 Our church needs to be known for its humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love.
V. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Read v. 4-6
We all need to discover and use our spiritual gifts, as we serve each other, and the church.
V. 11 lists the gifts, The first 5 being primary in the church. Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers (we need to develop these in the church)
These gifts defined
V. 12-13 This is healthy church life!
Always moving in that direction will keep us from being tossed back and forth by false doctrine (v. 14)
We will learn to speak the truth in love to each other. V. 15
We will support each other as we each do our part. V. 16
The last part of Eph. 4 (v. 17-32) remind us to put off our former way of life and to be SLIDE "Be made new in the attitude of your minds and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
V. 29 & 31-32
The move into Bayview Terrace Elementary couldn't come at a better time.
New school committee presentation, led by Connie (Andrew, Kent, Mike, Roman, Michelle, Kelly B.)
This is a chance to do things right again. Restart/replant the church. A new approach.
At Coastlands we are now entering our next 10 year phase…
Important Dates: (AND THESE ARE NOT SET IN STONE!) Jan. 27th, first day at Bayview. Jan. 20th, clean out closets and move (in a small rented U-Haul) our stuff over to Bayview. Jan. 27th and Feb. 3rd, "practice" services. Feb. 10th, grand re-opening, Block party, guest speaker, Feb. 15th, Men's retreat. Feb. 23rd, community service project. (all this on the mailer to community…)
New signs, a 5000 piece mailer (3 X's?), 10am start time
What can we do well as Coastlands for now? Be a church where people can connect and best enjoy the small church feeling.
This been a little hard to do at PB Middle. Big auditorium, too spread out, hard to connect and hear others. There is a better set up in the new auditorium…
With our interactive style of worship, by setting the chairs up in a U-shape we can both see each other and hear each other better.
Refreshments in the same room, name tags?, 5 min. rule, regulars sit in the middle, passing the plates, greeters at the door, social/potluck time after church, everyone fills out a card each week,
Ty and I have been in discussion since the anniversary service in October re: Youth Events SLIDE Jan. 27th, Parents meeting after church (informative, what you'd like to see, what days/nights/times work for your family) Monthly youth event. Wed. night at PB Pres. Feb. 18th (Presidents Day) Boomers
I'm going to do whatever it takes to help us all get there, keeping God first, my family second and church life third…JUST LIKE I'D EXPECT ALL OF YOU TO DO!!
I don't always have all the answers, but I'm going to do my best to seek out those answers through wise counsel. I will continue to meet regularly with Sam and John…they've already contacted our elders…
They have already told me things I need to hear….
Over the next few months, we can discover together how Coastlands can be the church God intends it to be…and how I can be the pastor/leader God wants me to be for you all.
We will all have a part in this. We all need to step it up a notch…
Please stay in contact with me, do your best to voice your concerns as well as what we are doing right.
I love you guys, Coastlands, PB, our unique ministry etc. This is my life dream…I am fully 100% committed to this church and it's future!
Philippians 2:1-4
Commitment cards….or write feedback on the back…
The biggest thing I've been learning is that I need to be a better leader…
VIDEO Master and Commander setting the course
The ship had taken a blow, but they are charging ahead, his crew is holding him accountable, the captain is setting the course, leading the way, "Well then, there's not a moment to lose."
I'm going to do my best to guide us into safe harbor.
In the last 3 years we've plateaued. Good things have been happening, but that since of purpose, vision, excitement, reaching the next level has not been there.
I know many of our key leaders have felt burnt out, doing a lot of work and wondering if it is leading anywhere other than doing the same ol' thing week in and week out.
I take primary responsibility for that. I'm learning more and more that I need to be a better leader/pastor.
From now on (and I'm thinking once a quarter minimum, or even once a month) I'm going to set the compass, remind us what we're doing so you all know where we are going.
We are going to restart our leadership team meetings so we can talk with each other.
These will be "listening groups", prayer, support and training. At these meetings we will discuss the greatest needs in our church and the needs in our community.
If we need to re-set the Mission of our church, that can be deciphered through these meetings.
I will be inviting either John or someone from Vision San Diego to sit in on these meetings with us….
From these groups we'll find out together what the each phase of Coastlands Mission needs to be.
Like I said earlier, I will be meeting regularly with John, Sam and people from the Vision San Diego crew.
Conclusion: Norv Turner most likely has job security for next year. Why? Because he won in the post-season. I realize that part of my job is to foster an atmosphere of winning…or at least first downs…(steady growth, tasks accomplished) Touchdowns, (new Xians, baptisms)
Romans 15:5-7
January 6th, 2008
Back to basics, (looking back, looking ahead.) Part 2
Intro…my time in Hawaii, I became a student of the word…
Bible reading, (QT) home fellowships/small groups, sharing our faith.
Text: Psalm 63:1-4
Bible reading Luke 5:12-16
"Giving God your undivided attention for a predetermined amount of time for the purpose of talking to and hearing from Him." Charles Stanley
Think of your time in prayer and reading the Bible as a personal appointment with God.
Why is it hard to have a consistent time with God?
Setting aside the time excuse (because we all have to manage our time better) if "QTs" are intimidating, start simple.
10-15 minutes a day. Pick a book of the Bible, read a section at a time and pray about it. You can journal if you'd like to, interact.
Jesus was plenty busy, everyone wanted his time, yet even he needed to "withdraw to lonely places and pray."
Jesus sets the example for us in that even he needed to be rejuvenated by time with his heavenly Father. We need it too.
It is truly the "most important meal of the day."
Time alone with God moves our experiences as believers out of the realm of religion and into the realm of relationship. Personal interaction with God makes your faith personal.
Without relationship, it's routine, ritual, just following a set of rules. You need to hear from God, not me…or any other Christian leader.
Heb. 4:12
No devotional life with God usually equals struggles with faith and obedience.
Helpful hints: Schedule a regular time with God (in think mornings are best). Choose a quiet place where you are not distracted. Use a variety of methods: Proverbs, Psalms, Gospels, devotionals, journals, memorize scripture. Keep it fresh like you would with any relationship.
And for you families, commit to reading through the Bible together. Catechism, (oral instruction, a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers) Bible stories at bedtime etc.
Home fellowships/small groups. Proverbs 13:20
By committing to a home fellowship, you build friendships with people who accept you just as you are and love you too much to let you stay that way.
Think about the primary influences in your life. Parents are very careful about who their kids hang out with. Parents should take their own advice.
We need a small group of Christians that can help us make the wise choices in our lives.
Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that we will be affected significantly by the people we choose to be friends with.
A "wise" person is someone who looks to guidance from God in all the choices they make.
Change will occur if we spend time with wise people. Small groups also allow for great Q & A time, digging deeper into God's word and how it applies to our lives.
The groups are about friendships, fellowships, sharing life etc.
Small groups are key, no matter the size of the church (unless your church is a small group of 15 people).
Talking with Brian and Rebekah about their involvement at Mars Hill…small groups are the key. Instead of criticizing a large church, make sure you are involved in a small group.
Currently we have three small groups meeting, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
You may need to start on a service team or go to a men's or women's event…(Beth Moore). Just make sure you are doing something more than just Sunday mornings.
Sharing your faith. John 9:25
"Sharing your faith" is more than just a conversation, it's also living out your faith in a way that makes sense to all.
Background: Jesus encounters a man who was blind from birth. He heals him by putting mud on his eyes and telling him to wash in the Pool of Siloam.
The Pharisees accuse Jesus of being a "sinner" (for healing this man on the Sabbath) and his response is great: simple and consistent: He replied, "Whether he is a sinner or not, I don't know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!" John 9:25
"Witnessing" or sharing your faith can be that simple. "Let me tell you what I know." GOSPEL
Really we should be sharing our faith daily, in all our actions and not just at a pre-set time where we go up to strangers. (That can be good too.)
80 CCC students on Christmas break...
Serving others/serving with others…Faith in Action, April 27th…Feb. 23rd…
We also need to be prepared and equipped 1 Peter 3:15
Bible reading and home fellowships help us to be better prepared.
John 9:1-3
Conclusion: These basics of the Christian faith need to be a part of our daily and weekly schedule. Church, tithing prayer, bible reading, home fellowships, sharing our faith. Learn to practice these before we get into "deeper theology".