June 25th, 2006

Jesus calms the storm, Mark 4:35-41

Intro..VIDEO from White Squall

Text: Mark 4:35-41

This is one of the classics from the Bible. Did this really happen? These kinds of miracles often keep people from believing in Jesus.
Could Jesus really have done this? Why is it important to believe this? You bet! Why not?

This little boat that Jesus was “forced” to make into a pulpit (4:1-2) is taken under his special protection.
What is used for Christ, he will take particular care of. God use me.

The “other boats” from v. 36b. Most likely people who wanted more from Jesus, not knowing they were entering into the same storm.
No mention is made of what happened to these other boats or people.
However, following Christ will always run some risks...yet Christ is there with us.

When winds and waves assault my keel, He does preserve it, he does steer, Even when the boat seems most to reel. Storms are the triumph of his art; Though he may close his eyes, yet not his heart. George Herbert

This “furious squall” hits and nearly swamps the boat.
This wasn’t some bizarre, random storm. I’m sure God sent this storm to teach the disciples a lesson. A lesson about faith in Jesus...for their whole lives.

In these small boats, the place for any distinguished stranger is on the little seat placed at the stern, where a carpet or cushions are arranged.

The cushion was apparently the only one on board, and Jesus used it as a pillow for his head.
This is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus is said to have slept; but he did, of course, get tired and need sleep like any other man. He must have been very tired to have slept through such a violent storm.

V. 38b. “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”
Such a classic statement. God, what about my needs? This seems so urgent!
What if we were to pray, “God show me what I need to see here.”
A few Sunday’s ago when the custodian got to PB Middle late, the morning panic, I’m at home….Zach suggests we pray. Now there’s a crazy idea!

Sometimes when we are caught in a storm, it seems as if God is asleep, unconcerned about our troubles.
We pray, pray some more...come on God!
Isaiah 45:15, (in contrast to the visible idols, the true God is invisible)
Psalm 121:3, 4

It may seem like Christ sleeps during the storms, yet he is awaked by the prayers of his people.
When we are desperate, don’t know what to do, look to Jesus. (2 Chron. 20:12);
We may be at our wits end, but we should never be at our faith's end.
It should be comforting to us to know that no matter how loud, fierce and wicked the storms in our lives, Jesus can calm the storm.
V. 39
Christ proves himself to be God. He that made the seas, can make them quiet. Colossian 1:16-17

We read of the disciples doubt (v. 38b, 40) and we can relate.
I wish I could tell you that I react with calm, peace and faith when those storms hit...
We find ourselves like the disciples. It wasn’t that they were without faith., they believed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
Yet, they let their fears prevail so that they seemed to have no faith at all.
They had seen him heal sick people, cast out demons etc. but had never seen him take command over wild waves.
There was something about him revealed to them on this occasion that they had not experienced before.
And that’s the prayer, the key, that we let God show us something about himself we’ve never experienced before as we weather the storms with his help.
“I don’t know anyone who says “Buddha save me” when they’re caught inside.” Joel Tudor

I’m sure being with Jesus, the disciples were in a constant “watch, learn and be amazed” state.
Jesus had expected them by this time (and us to as we grow in our faith) to have demonstrated more mature faith.
"Faith" here means faith in God's saving power as it is present and active in the person of Jesus.
GOSPEL SLIDE

Conclusion:
When you are in a tight spot you want to go right to the top, to the source, to Jesus.
SLIDES of praying troops
This incident took place at a recent ceremony honoring the Birthday of the Corps, and it has the ACLU up in arms. "These are federal employees," a spokesman for the ACLU, "on federal property and on federal time. For them to pray is clearly an establishment of religion, and we must nip this in the bud immediately."
When asked about the ACLU's charges, Colonel Jack Fessender, speaking for the Commandant of the Marine Corps said (cleaned up a bit), "Screw the ACLU." GOD Bless Our Warriors, Send the ACLU to France.

June 18th, 2006

Evidence of Jesus’ divinity
Mark 2:1-17 and 3:1-6

Intro…Most of the religious leaders in Jesus’ day didn’t care about God. They used God’s word and his name as a way to enlist their own followers.

We’ve seen this throughout history: Jim Jones, David Koresh, even more recently, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (who was lead astray by his spiritual leader).

These are men who have built a great following...after themselves. Their message may seem very religious and appealing, but at the heart it is a lie.

In today’s story, Mark addresses a common theme, conflict with the religious authorities.
God has given us the only way to be saved... (Jesus.)

We’ll see in today’s story clear proof of Jesus’ divinity and why only he is worth following.

Text: Mark 3:1-6

Imagine you lived during the time of Jesus.
People came to see Jesus for many reasons, can you name some?
Curious, healing, the new king to deliver them from the Roman Rule?, spoke God’s word with power, would he do something wrong?, charge him with a crime? Jesus was a controversial figure, look what he claimed to be!
What did Jesus do?
He preached the word of God. (Mark 2:1-2) People wanted to hear this!

He also healed people: He heals a paralyzed man, 2:3-5
This man was helpless to save himself and his friends recognized that. Before we come to Christ, we are this paralyzed man, unable to help ourselves.

Why was it so easy for them to cut through the roof?
A simple/typical Palestinian peasant's house was usually a small one room structure with a flat rood. Typically there were stairs outside the house leading to the roof. The roof was wooden beams covered with a matting of reeds or brush, with packed earth. Imagine them cutting through the roof and dirt falling on everyone….
Jesus recognized this ingenuity and persistence as faith, v. 5

What does Jesus heal in the man? And what were they expecting?
Isn’t that so typical of us humans? God, I need _________ when God may be telling us what we really need is _________.
There is a close and important relationship between the healing of the body and the forgiveness of sins.

It is not as if this sick man were unusually sinful, but his case makes the universal separation of man from God more conspicuous and illustrates the truth which is proclaimed over and over in the Old Testament, that all suffering is rooted in man's separation from God. For this reason, Jesus must call attention here to man's deepest need; otherwise the testimony of this healing would remain nothing more than the story of a remarkable miracle. (Schweizer)

So far so good, but then those pesky religious leaders react, 2:6-7.
How dare you?? MSG: "He can't talk that way! That's blasphemy! God and only God can forgive sins."

No priest, shaman, Imam, pastor, witch doctor, rabbi, minister, pope, monk, rector or eminence can forgive sins.

Jesus sets ‘em straight, 2:8-12
Jesus always know (immediately) was is in our hearts, ouch!
V. 9-11 give such validity to his greater purpose (the forgiveness of sins) as well as his ability to heal anyone of anything.
Of course the man responded immediately, that was the power of Jesus.
The best part of this story is not the man’s physical healing, but his sins forgiven.

Murderball The guys doing “just fine” in a wheelchair today...if only he had mentioned something about Jesus...

The purpose of his miracles:
Was it just the “wow” factor? No, it was to prove his divinity. Nobody else could pull this stuff off.
John 10:38-42, 14:11, 20:30-3.
Let’s remember that physical healing (miracles) is really a reminder of the greater healing we all need, the healing of our sin state. Christ on the cross.

Jesus reminds us all of the purpose of his ministry, 2:13-17
People being willing to drop it all and follow Jesus. Levi, (also called Matthew) v. 14 “Matthews Party”
When we are willing to “drop it all” and follow Jesus, who knows how he will use us? Matthew ended writing one of the books of the Bible!
And look who Jesus hung out with...what an example and what a contrast to “living in the Christian bubble.”

(The story we opened up with today...3:1-6)
Jesus is willing to heal (even on the Sabbath). 3:1-6
V. 5 being key
Anger is rarely directly attributed to Jesus. It was "righteous indignation"--what a good man feels in the presence of stark evil.
It’s important to recognize what Jesus gets angry at: 1) The attitude of the Pharisees, who were not only trying to trick Jesus but also trying to stop his activities. 2) Their stubborn hearts. Wanna make God angry?, have a stubborn heart towards him...
It was Rabbinic tradition, not the OT law that forbade practicing medicine on the Sabbath unless the person were on the verge of death.
Jesus was about so much more that just strict observance of the OT laws. He was full of compassion and love, seeing this man’s need.
His argument from v. 4 was this: “To be able to do good and refuse to do it is evil; not to heal this man would have been evil.”
So on one hand, Jesus recognized the need to forgive sins first (the paralytic) and then on the other, he healed a man, just to heal him.
Jesus, in his wisdom knows what we need. I bet this man believed in Jesus after his hand was healed.

Conclusion: Jesus knows our heart, he can heal our bodies. He is truly God. Let’s not reject him like so many “religious leaders” have done throughout history.

“In Greek literature, Virgil wrote about the plight of humanity and how something new needed to be done to help man out of his predicament. In Greek thought, God was removed, a mere spectator, like someone observing a play in an amphitheater or a stadium--sometimes interfering in a helpful way, sometimes interfering in ways that were harmful.
There have been all kinds of weird notions about God expressed in the writings of humankind. Shakespeare, for example in King Lear, gave expression to some of this kind of thinking when he cried out, As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods. They kill us for their sport.
It is the Christian belief that Jesus of Nazareth fully disclosed God--who he was and what he was and what motivated him. That disclosure reveals itself in love. And further we believe that this loving God has a desire to have fellowship with you and me. He not only wants to know us, he wants us to know him. Karl Barth, a most profound theologian of our century, put it this way: Either Jesus Christ was actually God, or he was not, or we do not have a full revelation of God yet.”

W. Frank Harrington

June 11th, 2006

John 3:1-20 “You must be born again”

Intro...my bus “dying”, the crazy tow truck driver talking on two cell phones, driving with his knee...towed it home, it was sad...now it’s “born again” fixed by the guys at Pacific Automotive..

When you hear the term “born again” what comes to mind?
Those crazy “born againers”

Text: John 3:1-5

The “Nicodemus” in all of us…(and how we should respond to Jesus).
He was a member of the Jewish ruling council, a man of upper class. V. 1
He came to Jesus at night, possibly hoping no one would detect him. V. 1
His interest in Jesus had been prompted by the miracles he had witnessed and that these miracles could only be accomplished by God.
He was most likely a very religious person, yet is trying to make sense of this Jesus person he’d been hearing about.
He knew who Jesus was, and was definitely interested in his teaching v. 2
So many people today are in this category. Consider themselves religious, believe in God (and maybe even Jesus), yet they are still trying to sort it all out.
As a Jewish ruler and Pharisee, Nicodemus was very proud of his heritage. He was a descendant of Abraham after all! Shouldn’t that automatically qualify him?
What are some of the things that today people think will “automatically qualify” them to go to heaven?
Nicodemus probably felt that his first birth was quite sufficient…

Again, so many people are like that today, “Hey, I believe in God, live in America and drive a Chevy... (or Ford or better yet a Hybrid…)
What Nicodemus and the other Pharisee’s didn’t realize is that every person born into this world has been born into sin, separation from God.
We didn’t do anything to cause ourselves to be born into sin. Neither can we do anything on our own to correct the problem and bring us into a right relationship with God.
All the good stuff we do, helping others, being socially active, not cheating, paying taxes, etc. etc. won’t rid us of our sin and please God.
It is impossible to bring ourselves into oneness with God. Only God can do that, through Jesus Christ.
Bottom line is that Nicodemus came to Jesus because the Holy Spirit drew him. And that’s the way it always works! We are tools in God’s hands!

Jesus responds (what is our response today?)
Jesus cuts right to the core issue. His answer was cryptic, abrupt and to the point.
3:5-8
The kingdom of God is only accessible to those who have been born again. V. 3
v. 4 Confusion mounts: Nicodemus is basically saying “What?” How can this be?
And what of Jesus’ explanation? Born of water and Spirit? Does it refer to natural birth, which is accompanied by watery fluid?
Is baptism necessary for salvation? No.
What Jesus would naturally do is answer Nicodemus in familiar terms. Jesus was really good at putting theology in everyday terms.
Remember, Jesus’ teaching is following that of John the Baptist.
So, Jesus may have been referring to John's preaching, which dealt with the baptism of water, (signifying repentance), and eventually the coming of the Holy Spirit (after Jesus left).

New birth (or second birth) is conditioned on repentance and confession in response to God and by the transformation of life by the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s define these three key words, (pg. 2) repentance, confession and transformation.
Repentance - There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

The verb metamelomai: a change of mind, such as to produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3).

Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. This verb, with:

(3) The noun metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission of sin is promised.

Evangelical repentance consists of (1) a true sense of one's own guilt and sinfulness; (2) an apprehension of God's mercy in Christ; (3) an actual hatred of sin (Ps. 119:128; Job 42:5, 6; 2 Cor. 7:10) and turning from it to God; and (4) a persistent endeavour after a holy life in a walking with God in the way of his commandments.

Confession - (1) An open profession of faith (Luke 12:8). (2.) An acknowledment of sins to God (Lev. 16:21; Ezra 9:5-15; Dan. 9:3-12), and to a neighbour whom we have wronged (James 5:16; Matt. 18:15).

Transformation: To become something new, different. To be transformed. To change in character or condition : CONVERT

1 Peter 1:23 Literally “born from above.”

Two basic categories of people (one that puts people in categories and one that doesn’t…) Born once and Born twice.
Born once: Natural birth and still under Satan’s rule
Born twice: Natural birth + born from above and now under God’s rule.

V. 9-15 Jesus gives Nicodemus further explanation (trying to put it in layman’s terms) with a great example from the Old Testament: Numbers 21:8-9
V. 14-15
Just as the brass snake in the wilderness was the only thing that would save the Israelites then, Jesus is the only thing that will save us from our wilderness today.

And then, there it is, the football verse! John 3:16..—20
Vs. 17-21 further explain the famous John 3:16...back to the two categories
Some key words in these verses:
“His one and only son” Jesus
“Believes in him” that’s where it all starts. Believing that Jesus is the way to God. He’s more than just a great person who lived…
“Shall not perish” Hell is a very real alternative to rejecting Jesus…
“Eternal life” yes, that’s a great reward, meanwhile we’ve got so-o much to do here. Let’s make a difference now, everyday! And bring a little “heaven” to earth.
That’s the gospel message! Comm. Intro...invitation…

Conclusion:
Heard about the TV show “Windfall”? A group of people win the super lotto and each win $20 million….
What if I could give you a big house? only the key will get you in...gotta take it.
It’s the same way with Jesus...

June 4, 2006

What kind of a difference can Jesus make in my life?
Mark 1

Intro…If you’ve studied church history at all, you know it’s full of men and women making all kinds of mistakes. In fact, that’s the major premise for The Da Vinci Code...
In our quest to find the truth, it’s about following Jesus, not any religious leader from any time in history.
In Mark 1, we see Jesus in action, his words are powerful. “Come follow me.”
He speaks with authority, casts out demon, heals sickness, all with love and compassion.
Today I’d like to give you some practical reasons as to why it’s worth it to follow Jesus and give him your life.

Most people will acknowledge that Jesus lived.
It’s a whole ‘nother thing to answer his call and change your life. 1:16-20
Look at the response of Simon, Andrew, James and John…”at once” and “without delay”.
Jesus didn’t say “Come and be a Republican” or “Come and join a Baptist church” or “Come and act like a proper Christian”
He just said “Come and follow me..”
And then what’s he going to do? “Make us fishers of men.” IOW, allow us to be a part of the process of bringing others to him.
Is Jesus asking you today to come and follow him? If you have already done that, what is he asking you to do?

Once you answer the call of Jesus in your life, you need to believe that Jesus speaks with authority. 1:21-22
One of the biggest issues today is who is doing the preaching….do they really know what they are talking about?
A good way to gauge that is if they are preaching the Bible. That way they are preaching the words of God, or Jesus. Can’t go wrong there.
Unlike the Scribes, Jesus had the real authority, God’s authority.
The Scribes (those who re-wrote the Scriptures carefully) taught with facts based on statements of scribes who had gone before.
They were trusting in their own good works and their own supposed knowledge of God.
It’s one thing to know a lot about God’s word, but do you really know God?
In your quest for true faith and religion, study the words of Jesus.
Jesus is God. He tells us exactly what God told us through the writings of Moses and the prophets.

If you’re willing to follow Jesus and believe that he speaks with the authority of God, then the good stuff starts to happen…your life gets cleaned up.

Jesus can get rid of the evil in your life. 1:23-26
Usually when we think of evil, we think of really bad stuff. Robbing banks, murder, child abuse…
In reality we’ve all got some evil in our lives…those secret thoughts, things we plod against others...
This is a great example if God (through Jesus) and his power to overcome all evil. That’s good to know! We need that help.
Look at the response, 27-28...

Jesus can heal your sickness. 1:32-34
Praying for those who are sick is a mystery. There is no guarantee we’ll get healed just because we pray.
That doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t have the power to heal..

Why is Jesus willing to help us?
Because he is full of love and compassion. 1:40-42
I may not be able to answer the mystery of why some people are healed and some aren’t.
But I can tell you that Jesus is full of compassion for whatever we are going through.
God is all powerful. Lepers were outcasts in Jesus’ time. No one could even come near them.
Jesus touched them because he loved them. You may be feeling like a leper today…

Conclusion:
We can all identify with that leper. Because of our sins we are unclean.
You know what we are ultimately sick from?
Sin, we need to get reconnected to God.
Like the leper, there is nothing we can do by ourselves to save ourselves.
Just like the leper was rejected, we may feel rejected. If people really knew what we were like on the inside.
Well, guess what. God does and loves us any ways.
GOSPEL