What's God Up to Now?

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This is a sermon based on Acts 9 which relates the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

In the Scripture reading that we heard a few moments ago, we are reminded of the miraculous conversion of Saul, who later became known as Paul. One of the observations that I made some weeks ago regarding this passage of Scripture includes the idea that God is always at work in our world, whether we realize it or not. Our perspective on things really does affect our outlook and hopes for the future.

I recently came across this little story regarding “perspective” that I thought was worth sharing.

Former Undersecretary of the Interior John C. Whitaker [tells the story] of an eighty-five-year-old woman who has lived her life in one spot in Nova Scotia. The population there swells to nine in summer and stays steady at two during the winter.

Whitaker, who has been fishing there every year since he was twelve, flew [up from Washington] one day. Miss Mildred welcomed him into her kitchen and said, "Johnny, I hate to admit I don't know, but where is Washington?" When Whitaker realized that she wasn't kidding, he explained: "That's where the president is. That's like where you have the prime minister in Ottawa."

Then she asked how many people lived there, and Whitaker said there were about 2 million. She said, "Think of that, 2 million people living so far away from everything." (Illustrations Unlimited.)

This lady felt as though she had everything a person could want or need, so it was cause for sadness to think of 2 million people who didn’t have what she had. Of course, their perspective would be entirely different from hers.

In this Scripture lesson today we see an example of things that are going on in different parts of the world and we learn that our little perspective is only a fraction of God’s activity in the world.

Let us take the next several minutes to consider some observations about this account that hopefully will teach us some important life lessons.

1. I believe that God intends for us to understand Paul’s conversion story in light of the events recorded in the previous chapter. This is based on the fact that the first verse in chapter 9 starts with a conjunction.

“And” (KJV); “then” (NKJV); “Now” (NASB); “meanwhile” (NIV, NLT & NRSV)

Grammatically, conjunctions make a connection or tie between two separate thoughts or texts.

It seems as though the author (Dr. Luke), purposely wanted his readers to see the events of chapter 9 in light of chapter 8.

There are a couple of points that seem to come to mind as a result of this fact.

A. It means that no matter what circumstances and events are going on in “my world,” there is always something completely different happening in other places.

Notice the stories covered in chapter 8:

·       Final details of Stephen’s martyrdom (vv. 1-2)

·       Great persecution breaks out against the church (vv. 1, 3)

·       “Revival” breaks out in Samaria (vv. 5ff)

·       Conflict with Sorcerer (vv. 9-24)

·       Conversion of Ethiopian (vv. 26-39)

Immediately after describing all these events taking place in Samaria, Luke continues by saying, “Meanwhile, Saul is still breathing threats and murder against the disciples…” (cf. 8:3; 22:4; 26:10-11) While God is doing wondrous conversions in Samaria, Saul (and the enemies of God) are carrying out persecution against believers. And, vice versa.

The lesson I take from this is just a reminder that whatever is happening in “my world” or the circumstances that I am familiar with, is only a very narrow view of what is really going on in the world.

When things are going great, I tend to forget that others may be experiencing tremendous suffering and attacks from Satan. (Which means that I need to be alert to his devices and the possibility that circumstances will change soon. I also need to be sensitive to the plight of other Christians and remembering them in prayer, etc.)

When things are going badly, I tend to forget that God is still working great wonders and miracles in other places. (Which means that I need to remain optimistic and remember that God can “step in” at any time and drastically change the situation through miraculous conversions, etc.)

I’m sure that my perspective and assessment is very limited, but let me share an example of what I’m talking about:

State of the American church vs. the state of the African church.

“In the twentieth century, the Christian population in Africa exploded from an estimated eight or nine million in 1900 (8 to 9%) to some 335 million in 2000 (45%), marking a shift in the “center of gravity of Christianity” from the West to Latin America, parts of Asia and Africa.” (http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/2001-now/the-explosion-of-christianity-in-africa-11630859.html)

My point is: I need to guard against allowing my mind to become focused only on what is happening around me (either good or bad) and realize that God is still on the throne and actively working out His divine purposes.

B. The connection between ch. 8 & 9 also seems to purposely highlight the conversion of Saul as just another example of God’s work in changing lives. In ch. 8, we have the account of Samaritans being converted, (these people that were always considered outcasts by the Jews). Then we have the account of a sorcerer being converted (including some interesting twists in the story). We have the account of an Ethiopian eunuch being converted.

Now, along with all these “foreigners” coming to Christ, here is a zealous Jew that is arrested by the Lord and literally “brought to his knees.”

I recently shared a report in prayer meeting of some recent crusades in predominantly Muslim countries where thousands of Muslims were converted and baptized. Several Imams reported seeing “visions” of Jesus that prompted them attend the crusade and be converted.

2. In reading the account of Saul’s conversion, I observed that Jesus identifies with the martyrs.

(v.5) “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Cf. this with Jesus comment in Matt. 25:35f “I was hungry… naked… in prison….”)

If Jesus is persecuted when His people are persecuted, this must mean that He is always with His people. “Lo, I am with you always…”

3. I observe that when Saul asks for instructions about what he was to do, the Lord only tells him one simple detail. (v. 6)

The Lord does not give Saul a long list of things to do; just one.

God will lead us one step at a time. Our job is just respond and move ahead as He leads us. Our responsibility is simple obedience to each step or command and then He will follow up with further instructions.

Generally speaking, God will not give a person further instructions or “new light” until he / she has obeyed what God has already told them.

Conclusion:  What is God up to now? The same things He always has been:

·       miraculously changing lives and “invading” our world in order to bring people to Himself and redeem lost humanity;

·       constantly walking with His people in times of blessing and in times of severe suffering; &

·       faithfully instructing His children step by step in accordance to His divine will.

Knowing these facts about God’s activity should give each of us a “Blessed Assurance.”  [p. 572] The song’s talking about personal assurance of salvation, but I think we can also have His assurance regarding other issues like we’ve been talking about today.

I Will Glory In the Cross

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This is a message that was preached for a worship service that included the Sacrament of Communion.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

We are going to be sharing the emblems of the Lord’s Supper a little later. Before we do that I wanted to speak to you for a little while regarding the text that was included in the responsive Scripture reading we did a little earlier in the service.

(Read verse above)

The text actually is a testimony from the Apostle Paul and what he says he is willing to brag; boast about.

People boast about some of the most interesting things. I did a brief search online regarding the kinds of things people brag or boast about. Much of what I found was not worth repeating. But I did find a few interesting examples.

A writer by the name of Sharla Smith wrote an article called: The Psychology of Boasting: Crazy Things People Brag About. In the article she posted a list of some examples of bragging. Here is part of the list:

ð  How much food they can eat at a buffet.

ð  How much pain they can endure.

ð  How many scars they have. (And you're sure to be shown all of them. . . ALLLLL of them.)

ð  How many screws, pins, and metal plates are now holding together their leg, or back, or head...

ð  How many medications they are taking . . . and yet nothing seems to be working.

ð  How long/horrific their labor was preceding childbirth. (You'll know more details than the doctor.)

ð  The very large donation they made to a charitable foundation.

ð  How many pots of coffee they've already consumed that day . . . and how it doesn't affect them one bit.

ð  How much money they just spent on a jacket, or handbag, or marble countertop, or on vacation, or a diamond ring, or, or, or. . .

ð  How little money they spent on something.    

ð  How they just cheated on their taxes.

ð  How they just cheated on their partner.

ð  And, how well they can keep a secret (while they're in the middle of telling you something that probably should be kept a secret . . . or you wish they would have kept a secret.)

We can all probably relate to the things she describes in this list. Boasting is something that gets old pretty quick when we’re the ones listening, but it doesn’t seem so bad if we’re the ones doing it. The kind of boasting that makes me even more “ill” is boasting about faith, grace, or religious qualities. There have been times when I’ve even heard people comment about how humble they are!

Well here in the context of this verse, Paul has been talking about a special group of religious leaders that were called Judaizers. They claimed to follow the Gospel and teach the Gospel, but they also wanted to please the Jewish authorities and therefore they tried to mandate that new Christian converts follow certain Jewish laws and traditions. These religious leaders were trying to require all the Gentile Christians to follow all the Jewish laws so that they could boast about it with the Jewish religious rulers.

It appears by the wording the Apostle uses here that they were also promoting these outward “proofs” of piety so that they could avoid persecution themselves from the Jewish authorities. He says in v. 13 (NKJV) … they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.

(Jamieson, Fausset, Brown) “… namely, in the outward change (opposed to an inward change wrought by the SPIRIT) which they have effected in bringing you over to their own Jewish-Christian party.” - A Commentary: Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments.

Outward conformity to some kind of ritual is always easier to “measure” than genuine spiritual maturity and inward grace. So, to “prove” to the Jewish authorities that they were really accomplishing great things, they were trying to force the new believers to follow OT laws.

In stark contrast to these boasting missionary Judaizers, Paul boldly asserts that he will have no part of boasting about anything except the cross of Jesus Christ.

“Paul boasts in a wounding far more severe than circumcision: crucifixion.” - The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament.

(Barnes) “Others glory in their conformity to the laws of Moses; others in their zeal, or their talents, or their learning, or their orthodoxy; others in their wealth, or their accomplishments; others in their family alliances, and their birth; but the supreme boast and glorying of a Christian is in the cross of Christ.” Notes on the New Testament Explanatory and Practical.

(Barnes) … the cross was a stumbling-block to the Jew, and folly to the Greek. (1 Corinthians 1:23), but to the Christian, that cross is the subject of glorying.

Barnes goes on to describe why the cross is the subject of boasting for the Apostle. Here are just a few of the reasons he gives for the Apostle’s bragging in the cross:

(1.) Because of the love of Him who suffered there;

(2.) Because of the pardon there procured for the guilty;

(3.) Because of the reconciliation there made for sin, accomplishing what could be done by no other [offering], and by no power of man. - Notes on the New Testament Explanatory and Practical.

Conclusion:

Today as we celebrate communion by sharing the emblems of the Lord’s Supper, we want to emphasize the message of the cross. We want to remind each of us that we have nothing to boast about in our own efforts or accomplishments. The only things we have to boast about are the grace of God and the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross.

As we share the bread and juice today, let us mentally brag on Jesus and His unspeakable suffering for our salvation.

 

A Child on Loan

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This is a message based on the text found in 1 Samuel chapter 1. It was a sermon used on a Sunday when a child was presented for dedication to the Lord by his parents.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

We just recently celebrated Mother’s Day, and we are soon going to celebrate Father’s Day. Both of these special occasions emphasize the importance and the privilege of rearing children. Today, we are using the occasion of the baby dedication to again focus our thoughts on the matter of bringing children up in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Bringing children into this world and trying to raise them properly is not a job for cowards or sissies. Sometimes the challenge is so great that parents may feel that they truly identify with a statement made by comedian, Bill Cosby in his book titled, Fatherhood. "I guess the real reason that my wife and I had children is the same reason that Napoleon had for invading Russia: it seemed like a good idea at the time."

For those parents whose children are still very young, it might be hard to imagine this, but there will probably come a time in the future, when you’re trying to figure out your teenagers, that you will think you have invaded Russia!

Transition:

It is always a joy and a privilege for me to dedicate babies and children to the Lord. It is an awesome responsibility for parents, pastors and church congregations to bring our children up in the knowledge of God and in fear of the Lord.

(Online humor site) After the dedication of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, 'The pastor said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, but I want to stay with you guys!'

In hearing this little joke, we understand that the little fella misunderstood the Pastor’s remarks because he didn’t really understand the meaning of his words. And yet, we certainly recognize the fact that far too many families profess to want a Christian home when they’re at church or around spiritual leaders, but the actual realities at home are far from Christian. The little guy in this joke may have actually revealed more than he realized.

I want to take a few moments to share a couple observations from this passage of Scripture in 1^st Samuel as it relates to rearing our children for the Lord.

1. When we speak of a “child on loan” we refer to the fact that children come from the Lord.

In the Hebrew language, the name Samuel and the word for “asked” sound very similar. (cf. v. 20)

A more literal translation of verses 27-28 could read like this: "For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted my [asking] which I asked of Him: therefore I also make him one asked of the Lord all the days that he lives; he is asked of the Lord."  (Keil and Delitzsch Commentary)

In her comments to the priest Eli, Hannah is confessing that she asked the Lord for a son and received a son from the Lord.

The Hebrew words for “ask” and “lent” are both from the same root. Because of the similarity in the words that are translated “ask” and “lent”, it appears we could interchange the words without doing harm to the underlying meaning.

So, Hannah is essentially saying I prayed to “borrow” a child from the Lord, and he loaned him to me. Then, later she reverses the order and says she has “loaned” him back to the Lord as long as he lives.

A. A child that is on “loan” from God implies that we parents and adults have an awesome responsibility to raise the child and train him the way God would have done it, because he is not really mine, but God’s. We parents and adults are all stewards charged with the task of caring for this child that really belongs to the Lord.

Cf. Galatians 4:1-7, Paul’s reference in Galatians talking about how the law acts like a “tutor” that instructs the child until he is old enough and mature enough to assume the full privileges of the heir of his father. It is similar to the parent being given responsibility to train the child for God until he is ready and able to assume the full privileges and responsibilities of being a child of God himself.

As a parent, it is appropriate to keep in mind that I need to be training my child the way God would do it, because he really belongs to God.

B. A child that is on “loan” from God implies that this life is only temporary.

We must never forget that there is coming a day when every one of us will return to our Creator. Every child and thus, every adult is an eternal soul that will always live forever.

Therefore, it is essential that every one of us not only prepare to meet God by confessing our sins and trusting in the blood of Jesus Christ, but we must help our children come to that same point of commitment to Christ as their own Savior and Lord.

2. When we speak of a “child on loan” we refer to the fact that children are to be given back to the Lord.

Once Samuel was old enough that he could be away from his mother, Hannah takes him back to the Temple to dedicate him back to the service of the Lord. The wording she uses is, “I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord....”

A. A child that has been loaned (dedicated) back to God belongs to God, and therefore God has the right to use him/her however He chooses.

B. A child that has been loaned back to God needs to be trained to plan his life and live his life in full obedience and service to God.

Even though Hannah lent (gave) Samuel back to the Lord, it was necessary for him to learn some important lessons from Eli the priest, i.e. “listen to the voice of God,” etc.

This cannot be done by mere instruction alone. It must also be accomplished by providing the kind of role model that the child can watch and imitate.

Conclusion:

I thank God for the parents that I had. My parents didn’t have college degrees, but they taught me a lot of common sense truths and applications of God’s Word to everyday life.

I also thank God for the children and the parents that we have in our church. All of us, whether we are parents, grandparents, or aunts and uncles, have the sobering responsibility of showing our children what it really means to be truly dedicated to the Lord in every area of life.

We have the responsibility to help our children come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ in order to prepare them for living in this world and in the next one.

As we close, I want to offer a special prayer for each one of us to have the wisdom and understanding that only God can give so that we might discharge our duties in a way that pleases the Lord.

Abundant Life

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This is a message that is based on John 10:10 "...I am come that you might have life and that you might have it more abundantly."

Written Excerpts:

Introduction: There are a lot of changes that have taken place in our world and our society. These changes are evident not only through technology and the way we do things, but also in the behaviors of people and the level of evil we see around us.

I might cause some to be uneasy by saying this, but I imagine that most of us are extremely appalled by the scandals in our government that have recently come out into the light.

I would echo the comments of others in saying, “Sometimes it’s hard to remember that we are living in the United States of America.” I don’t think I can describe it any better than Dr. Sillings did on his facebook status on Friday night.

“Oppression by austere and unprincipled rulers in foreign countries is not approved, but expected in many cases. Intimidation, oppression and disenfranchisement of citizens by the US Government is incomprehensible to FREE men. When I was a child, I was convinced America was the greatest place on earth. Today, I have discovered I am an American, and the current government sickens me. May God have mercy on our poor, blind, benighted land. We're all upside down, discombobulated, confused, mismanaged, misled, lied to, treated like second class people, overrun by an overreaching and unprincipled and unaccountable bunch of mobbish goons. [BTW, I looked up some synonyms for the word goon and found two of the synonyms are “thugs” & “criminals”.] FREE people are not only disenfranchised, but also disenchanted. They will not be disarmed, I suspect. If God doesn't help us soon, I foresee blood in the streets.” (William Sillings, 5/17/2013)

That statement gives us just a little glimpse at the reason why we need a spiritual awakening and revival in our land. But this is not what my sermon is about. I just wanted to emphasize how much our country has changed.

However, there is one area that hasn’t changed – the longing deep within every person to live a life full of meaning, purpose, peace and fulfillment. Everyone I have ever met desires to have a life that is truly satisfying; not just merely existing.

In our text today, Jesus states it very clearly, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” I like how it is worded in one of the newer translations. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The word that is translated “abundantly” is a word that can be translated, “beyond measure” or “excessively.”

What exactly does it mean to have an abundant life?

If you ask anyone on the street that doesn’t know God or the teachings of the Bible and you might get an answer that emphasizes wealth, pleasure, adventure, excitement, etc.

For people who know the Lord and study His Word, we understand that the abundant life includes all of those things (although understood in a completely different context than perceived by non-believers), but it includes so much more than that.

With the help of God’s Spirit today, I want to speak for a while on life more abundant.

I.    To have abundant life means to be saved from death and destruction. (v.10a)

Jesus has just been comparing himself with others who had come before Him. He describes himself as the true “door of the sheep.” He says that all who have come before him were “thieves and robbers” who have come to steal, kill and destroy.

I would understand this to have a spiritual meaning. The false prophets and religious leaders have not provided spiritual life to the sheep, but have merely used them for their own selfish agenda. The end result would be death and destruction to the sheep (people).

Christ, on the other hand, comes to provide spiritual life. He rescues us from the destruction that certainly awaits every person led astray by false teaching, and empty promises.

II.   To have abundant life means to enjoy the blessings provided by our Lord. (vv. 9, 11-13, 15)

A. Christ provides “pasture.” (v. 9)

In a spiritual sense, I would understand this to mean spiritual food, blessings, and general provisions that satisfy the soul. That includes:

1. Peace (cf. Rom. 5:1) Rest from guilt, condemnation, etc.

2. Purpose (cf. Matt. 28:28; Rom. 12; 1 Cor. 12)

Various passages in Scripture reveal to us that God has a plan and purpose for each one of us. This includes the general purpose of reaching our world for Christ, as well as specific ministries and tasks he wants us to do.

The passages regarding the gifts of the spirit indicate that God has a special place for each one of us to fill within the “body” of Christ.

You will never find people who are any happier or living life more abundantly than those who have discovered God’s purpose for their life and are doing it.

3. Fulfillment

Every human being has a longing for significance. It is the longing to know that my life has made a difference. It matters not whether I am well known in the world, only that I made a difference in someone else’s life.

Whoever truly, and wholeheartedly follows the Good Shepherd, will make a difference in their world, wherever that may be. And, that realization is worth all of the trials and troubles that we may have to endure in the process.

B. Christ provides “rescue.” He not only offers us the things that truly satisfy, but He also rescues us from the things that are harmful and hurtful. (v. 11-13) Cf. v. 10a again.

I could name many close friends and even family members who did not choose to follow Jesus and the Devil has wreaked havoc in their lives with addictions, disease, and various other consequences.

None of those things were “advertised” by the Devil when he was tempting them to go the path of worldly pleasures.

“The way of the transgressor is hard.” But, Christ provides rescue and rest.

C. Christ provides eternal salvation from death. He tells them “I lay down my life for the sheep.” (v. 15)

There is a sense in which he may be still referring to the fact that he pays whatever price that is necessary to save us from the harm and hurt of sin, which we have just mentioned.

Yet, I believe he is also referring to the literal giving of his life for us. This is specifically defined later in verses 28 and 29.

Conclusion:

I’d be dishonest if I neglected to tell you that this abundant life doesn’t mean you’ll never have suffering or adversity.

In fact, Jesus frequently told His followers that they must take up their cross to follow Him. He warned them that life would be hard. He never tried to attract people by making it sound like it would be easy and all “roses.”

However, in spite of all the adversity and suffering that a Christian may face, living with Christ and for Christ is still an abundant life that satisfies the longing of the soul.

I remember my own experience as a young person; wrestling with the decision whether to obey God or seek my own will and the pleasures of the world. The devil told me….  But after choosing to follow Christ I discovered….

If you haven’t yet discovered this abundant life, I’m happy to tell you that it is available if you will totally surrender to the Good Shepherd.

We’re going to sing an invitation song and give you an opportunity to seek the more abundant life that Jesus offers.