Love that Satisfies Hope

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is a sermon that was preached on the second Sunday of Advent on the theme of Love. It is based on Romans 5:5 in which the theme of love is directly connected to the subject of hope, which was the theme of last week's sermon. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the fact that adversity ultimately produces hope, and hope does not embarrass us or shame us, because God's love is poured out into our hearts, enabling us to share the nature of Christ.

Written Excerpts:

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

Introduction:

Last Sunday the theme of our Advent Candle reading was Hope. I tried to offer a message of hope that was based on a passage of Scripture in Lamentations chapter 3, where the prophet spoke about the compassion of the Lord and His faithfulness as the basis for his hope. We saw that the message of hope was included in the same context with a lament about all of the suffering the people of God had endured because of their disobedience.

Today, the theme of the Advent Wreath is “love.” As I was reviewing various passages of Scripture on love, I came upon the verse in Romans 5:5, which makes a clear link between love and hope. So, I felt like this was the obvious choice to focus our thoughts on for the message today.

There are two objectives I wish to accomplish today. First, I want to explain and elaborate on what it means for God’s love to be shed abroad in our hearts. Secondly, I want to explain the connection the Apostle makes between love and hope.

I.    God’s Love Is Shed Abroad

I think most of us have a basic understanding of the word “love.” I also believe that most of us know that love does include feelings or emotions, but it is much more than that. And, we know that God’s love is unconditional and self-sacrificing. That is, we don’t have to be fit/worthy for Him to love us. And, His love cost the death of His Son.

In studying the biblical passages about love, we learn that genuine/divine love has a “jealous” element to it. Of course, when we speak of God, we do not use the word “jealous” in the same manner as we often do for humans. (i.e. suspicious, controlling, restricting, etc.) However, if you stop to think about it, true love must have some level of wholesome jealousy about it or it couldn’t be sincere. For example, how can I truly claim to have an intense love for my wife and not be bothered if someone else tries to win her affections? In the same way, God’s love for us is a jealous love in the sense that He will not share us with competing “lovers.” We must be all His.

When we speak of love we also speak of more than just words. As so many have pointed out… “love is a verb.” Love is demonstrated by action or deeds. Certainly God demonstrated His love in a multitude of ways, but especially by giving up His Son to be put to death.

Paul says, God’s love is “shed abroad in our hearts.” “Shed abroad” – lit. poured out; this verse is the only time the word is translated “shed abroad” in the KJV. It is translated “pour out” 12 times; “shed” 9 times. The word appears in the Greek perfect tense, which indicates an event that took place in the past, but its consequences or results continue into the present.

(Wuest) "Is shed abroad" is in the Greek text the perfect tense of ekcheō, "to pour out," which Denney translates, "has poured in, and still floods our hearts."

(Lenski New Testament Commentary) – The figure used in "pour out" is that of water. Our dry, arid, lifeless hearts have poured out into them the love of God for us. This may come upon us like a stream or like a rain of living water and change our hearts into fruitful, delightful soil. Again the means is the Word, the sum and substance of which is the love of God, and this love, not as a mere feeling in God toward us, but as actively conveying all the gifts of this love to us by means of the Word. God does not love in words only but in deeds.

All of the love of God actively displayed in the events of redemption are poured into our lives and personally applied to our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

II.  Love Satisfies the Yearning of Hope

Now that we’ve discussed the point that God’s love is poured out into our hearts, let’s turn our attention to the context to find the connection to the matter of hope.

We notice that there is a connection because of the way verse 5 begins with a conjunction (and, now), which ties the thought with the preceding verse, which ended with the word hope. Then “hope” is mentioned again in the first phrase of verse 5 and it is tied to the subject of God’s love by the conjunction “because.”

“hope does not disappoint” (NKJV) / “hope does not put us to shame” (NIV) – The hope that we have does not leave us ashamed, disappointed or embarrassed. Why? Because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts.

There’s two kinds of hope referred to in these verses.

In v. 2, Paul says we “rejoice” in hope of the glory of God. (According to Expositor’s Bible Commentary) The hope is connected to a series of other subjects: faith, peace, access and grace. We have joy in the prospect that we will share in the glory of God. We will regain what was lost in the Garden of Eden.

In v. 4, the hope mentioned here is the conclusion of a different series of themes: tribulations, (patience) endurance, and (experience) character.

It seems that in this series, Paul is expressing a process that produces hope in us that we will become more like Christ – that all of the adversity we’ve endured will in fact produce Christ-like attitudes and character in us. Are we embarrassed, disappointed or ashamed of that hope? No. Why? Because the love of God is poured into our hearts and floods our hearts. We can sense that the kind of love God has for us is filling us and flowing through us. That should be the result of the processes of experiences that God allows to come into our lives – the over-flowing love of God within us and through us.

Conclusion:

There is a story I heard many years ago that I found on the internet… I think it’s supposed to be true, but don’t know if it is or not.

John 3:16 
One cold winter day in Chicago during the Great Depression a little boy was selling newspapers on the corner as people were rushing in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers. Finally, he walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it'll be awful cold in there for tonight. It sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay."

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come to the door you just say ‘John 3:16,’ and they will let you in." So he did. 

He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split-bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while getting warmed by the crackling fire and thought to himself: John 3:16 ...I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy feel warm. 

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?” He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16. Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy feel full. 

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm soapy water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16 I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy feel clean… 

The lady took him to a room, put on nice warm pajamas, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights... As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16...I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy feel rested. 

The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face. "Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently... He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it," She opened The Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16 -- don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel saved. (http://www.niagaraeventide.ca/newsletters/Feb17.pdf)

The love of God: 

·     Can make a cold-hearted person warm and pleasant

·     Can make a hungry soul filled with righteousness

·     Can make a dirty heart and mind pure and clean

·     Can make a tired soul rested and peaceful

·     And can make a lost soul saved.

The little boy in this story found that the display of love that was offered to him truly satisfied the greatest hope of his heart. When he spoke to the policeman, he hoped for a favorable answer to his request, and what he discovered at the big white house more than satisfied his hopes and dreams.

God’s love for all of us that was demonstrated by sending His Son into our world has satisfied our greatest hope for life both now and for eternity. Thank God for His wonder gift!

Let us close the service by singing the song that is listed in our bulletins, Wonderful Story of Love.

Hope in Times of Trouble

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is a sermon that was given for the first Sunday of Advent on the theme of "hope." It is based on a passage from Lamentations chapter three, and it speaks about a message of hope that Jeremiah receives from the Lord even after the judgment the people have suffered for their disobedience.

Written Excerpts:

Lam. 3:22-24 (NKJV) Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ²⁴ "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" 

Introduction:

We have entered the Advent season of the year and a few moments ago the first candle was lit on the Advent Wreath as a way of reminding us about the themes of the season. As we were reminded earlier, the first candle represents the theme of “hope.” Certainly hope is one of the primary messages we receive in the Scriptures surrounding the coming of the Messiah that was promised.

I began to think about the theme of hope and looking for references in the Bible that highlight that message. I was drawn to the passage of Scripture we read earlier in the service because of the multiple uses of the word “hope.” But I was particularly interested because the word appears several times in this chapter that also has so much to say about suffering. As we look into the Scripture today, I want to examine the meaning of the word hope, as well as the context of the passage in Lamentations and then apply it in a helpful way for our benefit and encouragement today.

What is hope?

(This is not really a definition, but a personal perspective about “hope” by Albert Einstein) – Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed. (http://www.rudyh.org/common-sense-fun-quotes-jokes-quotations.htm)

Sometimes the ability to have hope depends on your interpretation of reality.

(Becky S. Barnes) At the elementary school where I teach, we recently had a problem with students throwing rocks. The principal made an announcement over the intercom warning students that anyone caught throwing rocks would be taken home by him personally. Later that day, during afternoon recess, a teacher admonished a kindergartner for throwing a rock.

"Didn't you hear what the principal said this morning?!" the teacher said in disbelief.

"Yeah," replied the proud lad, grinning from ear to ear. "I get to go home in the principal's car!" — "Small Talk," Today's Christian Woman Quoted in Today's Best Illustrations – Volumes 1-4.

Now, some of us here this morning know if this had happened to us, the only thing we could hope for was a memorable whipping after we got home!

(Complete Book of Zingers by Croft Pentz) The greatest enemy of man is not disease—it's despair.

Hope is the antidote for despair.

So, what is hope? How would you define it / describe it?

Hebrew

There are 13 different Hebrew words that are translated as “hope” in English.

(Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary) The two words used most frequently are:
1. תִּקְוָה‎, tiqwâ, from (qavah); literal a cord (as an attachment); figurative expectancy: - expectation ([-ted]), hope, live, thing that I long for. 

[The background meaning of this word “a cord” is very interesting because to me it conveys the thought or idea of a cord/rope that draws me forward, or ties me to something that is yet to come.]

2. יָהַל‎, yāḥal, to wait; by implication to be patient, hope :- (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait.

Greek

(Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary) There is 1 predominant Greek word for hope.
ἐλπίς, elpis, from a primary elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence :- faith, hope.

(Webster, 1913 ed.) Hope: A desire of some good, accompanied with an expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable; an expectation of something which is thought to be desirable; confidence; pleasing expectancy.

(Pocket Dict. Of Apologetics and Philosophy of Religion) Hope is a positive expectation of some future good that is not yet present…. 

Hope, n: Desire and expectation rolled into one. Ambrose Bierce (http://www.rudyh.org/dictionary-fun-funny-quotes-quotations.htm#H)

(AMG Concise Bible Dict.) Hope is a characteristic of genuine faith in God. Such hope is different from the hope that people in general might speak of. It is not a mere wish for something, but a strong confidence that is placed in God. It is the assured belief that God will do what he has promised (Ps 42:5; 71:5; Rom 4:18; Heb 11:1). 

(William Barclay, The Letter to the Romans. From Christianity Today, "Reflections" -10/25/99) The Christian hope is the hope which has seen everything and endured everything, and has still not despaired, because it believes in God. The Christian hope is not hope in the human spirit, in human goodness, in human endurance, in human achievement; the Christian hope is hope in the power of God.

Hope in Lamentations?

What is the root word in the word “lamentation?” - Lament. A lament is To express or feel sorrow; to weep or wail; to mourn. (Webster)

In my pulpit Bible, it says, “The Lamentations of Jeremiah.” The book of Lamentations does not specify who the author is, but it was accepted in Jewish tradition to be Jeremiah. It was also presumed to be Jeremiah in the Septuagint (Gk. trans. of the OT) since it was located immediately following the book of Jeremiah (as our modern Bibles do). The Septuagint adds at the beginning of the book that Jeremiah, after Israel had gone into exile and Jerusalem was laid waste, sat down weeping and composed this lament over Jerusalem. (Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries – Jeremiah and Lamentations).

It is believed to be laments of Jeremiah after the fall and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

Interesting Literary form in the book of Lamentations

(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – One particular characteristic distinguishes the book of Lamentations as a very skilled piece of writing. The book’s structure is shaped by the Hebrew alphabet, which contains twenty-two letters. Chapters 1, 2 and 4 are written in the form of an alphabetic acrostic, whereby each verse begins with a different letter, working in succession through the whole of the Hebrew alphabet. In Lamentations 3 each group of three verses has the same letter at the start of each verse. Therefore, 3:1-3 all start with the first letter of the alphabet, verses 4-6 with the second, and so on, giving a total of sixty-six verses. Lamentations 5 does not have this acrostic pattern, although it too has twenty-two verses.

(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – Lamentations is obviously a book about suffering, addressing the subject on both a communal and a personal level, as we have seen. The book does not offer a solution to the problem of suffering. It is not a collection of theoretical essays on the subject of ‘why people suffer’ or ‘why God allows his people to suffer’. Rather, it consists of a series of emotional responses to the disaster of the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple and the Babylonian exile (although exile is not mentioned much; see 1:3, 18). Lamentations is not an exact description of the disaster of 587 b.c., but an intense reaction to it.

(Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries) – The essential point in understanding the theology of Lamentations is that the people of God were supposed to live a life wholly committed to God; failure to do so would cause the disintegration of society and the breakdown of all relationships. The disasters mourned over in Lamentations are not the whim of a capricious God who ‘likes’ to punish (Lam. 3:33). In the midst of suffering, there is recognition that God is righteous (1:18) and that his compassions never fail (3:22). His faithfulness is great (3:23), echoing verses in Exodus (34:6-7).

(Tyndale) It seems possible that the “hope” passages of chapter 3 actually provide the “theological center” of the book.

Encouragement in hope.

To me, it seems that the main important point of this chapter is the fact that all of the troubles mentioned in the earlier verses are not just incidental cases of adversity and tragic random disasters, but they are the consequences for failing to obey the Lord and live by the “rules of conduct” outlined in the covenant. Yet, in spite of the judgment from a holy God, there is hope. This is specifically “hope for the disobedient.” It is hope for the “rebel.” It is a message that God has continually shown compassion, He has continually exhibited His faithfulness and He will grant forgiveness and pardon if they will turn back to Him.

Look at Lam. 3:22-24 again: Through the LORD'S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. ²³ They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. ²⁴ "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!" 

The Bible provides numerous passages / texts that offer hope for sinners and saints. But this passage in Lamentations, I believe, is specifically written to give hope to the person/people who have turned against the Lord and disobeyed Him, but now recognize the error of their ways and seek to be reunited with God. This text is not specifically about the incarnation / coming of the Messiah, yet His coming is all about giving wayward sinners the hope that God loves us and wants us back.

If there is anyone here today that has turned your back on God and walked away from Him and His will for your life, I want to assure you that there is no better time than now to get back in the right relationship with the Lord and take full advantage of His compassion and His mercies that are “new every morning.” 

We are going to close the service by singing a hymn by Norman Clayton: My Hope Is in the Lord, #540

Christian believer, this is a reminder that our only hope of salvation is in Christ. Sinner, backslider, wayward son/daughter, this is also a reminder to you that hope is still offered. You can return to the Lord and recommit your life by seeking His forgiveness and His grace.

Nurture and Admonish

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This sermon was given on a Sunday in which Pastor Les and Kris' infant grandson was dedicated to the Lord. The message is based on Eph. 6:4 regarding the Apostle Paul's instructions to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Written Excerpts:

Ephesians 6:4 ^(NKJV) And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. 

Introduction:

I felt the Lord prompted me to use the occasion of Samuel’s dedication today as an opportunity to speak a short time about the matter of nurturing and admonishing our children.

I’m sure I have made this statement before, but I want to stress to each one of us again today that our children (and grandchildren) are the only “earthly possessions” that we can take to heaven with us. We also recognize that when we bring children into this world, each child is an eternal soul who shall never cease to exist, but will live forever in one of two destinations: heaven or hell. No other responsibility in life is greater than the nurturing, training and teaching of our children to know the Lord and serve Him with all their hearts.

First, I want to share a few humorous examples of child conduct. Kids are so hilarious sometimes, especially if they belong to someone else!

High Five (Today's Best Illustrations) – On my son's fifth birthday, K.C. looked at his hand. Counting on his fingers, he said, "Mom, first I was one, then I was two, then three, yesterday I was four. Now I'm a whole handful." And he has been ever since! — Julia Chapman, Tennessee. Today's Christian Woman, "Small Talk."

Let's Eat! (Today's Best Illustrations) – One afternoon I was teaching our children about fire safety. I asked the children, "What's the first thing you should do when the smoke alarm goes off?" Five-year-old Benjamin immediately answered, "Take dinner out of the oven!" —Linda T., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, "Life in Our House," Christian Parenting Today.

A few minutes ago I read several verses of Scripture from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians in which he addresses specific instructions to wives, husbands, children, and parents. I want to focus our attention for a brief time on Eph. 6:4 in which we read, “Do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Much of the information and insights I offer on this Scripture were gleaned from the following commentaries: The Tyndale Commentary on Ephesians by Francis Foulkes; R.C.H. Lenski’s Commentary on Ephesians and the Expositor’s Bible Commentary by William Klein all have several pertinent comments on this text.

There are two main questions suggested by this passage:

1. How are children provoked to anger?

2. How are children nurtured and admonished?

1. How are children provoked to anger?

 “provoke” – verb, present tense, active voice, imperative mood; DO NOT keep on provoking…

(Lenski) - Unjust, improper parental treatment angers the child so that it cannot honor the parent. A long list of parental faults may be drawn up under Paul's summary which would include arbitrary, inconsistent, foolish, harsh, and cruel treatment.

One possible example is provided by the humorist, Erma Bombeck as related in the book, Today’s Best Illustrations.

The Dangers of Talking Too Much (Today's Best Illustrations) – The late humorist Erma Bombeck once reflected on what she had learned about parenting after her children left home:

"I talk too much. I had good material, but I used it indiscriminately. I used the same two-hour speech on filling their glass too full of milk that I used when they stayed out all night without coming home. The speech lost its effectiveness." — Leadership, Vol. 19, no. 2.

(Tyndale) – It is right for parents to demand obedience, but there must not be a ‘capricious exercise of authority’ (Robinson). Discipline is essential in the home; but not unnecessary rules and regulations and endless petty correction by which children are ‘discouraged’ (Col. 3:21). As New English Bible puts it, ‘You ... must not goad your children to resentment’. 

Anger can be provoked by a parent giving out punishment or “discipline” in anger himself/herself. Berating; name-calling; shaming; etc. These are all ways that parents can provoke anger and resentment or even bitterness in their children. Inconsistent rules and discipline can also exasperate a child to the point of anger. (Prohibiting conduct that was permissible yesterday or vice versa.) 

Adult behavior that continually embarrasses children. (e.g. Josh McDowell’s hatred for his father.)

2. How are children nurtured and admonished?

“bring up” – verb, present tense, active voice, imperative mood;  DO keep on bringing them up…

This word is translated “nourishes” in Eph. 5:29 where it speaks about a husband does not hate his own body but nourishes it.

(Tyndale) – The word was used originally of bodily nourishment, but came to be used for the nurture of the body, mind and soul. [There is a preposition (ek-) on the word that] suggests ‘development by care and pains’ (Moule, CB).

(A. Clarke) – Literally, “Nourish them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

“nurture” – training, instruction, discipline, & chastening (EBC); same word translated 3 times in NT as chasten; also translated instruction. This word encompasses several aspects of training, including discipline and chastening. 

“admonition” – rebuking, counsel about avoiding or stopping an improper course of conduct (EBC).

Not only teaching and showing the proper course of conduct through discipline, but also rebuke and counsel when conduct has departed from the right path. For example, The priest Eli in the OT was rebuked by God for not providing any “nurture” or “admonition” to his sons who were grossly abusing their positions as priests in the Tabernacle of God.

 “of the Lord” – possibly a subjective genitive, i.e. the Lord is the content of the instruction. Or, could refer to the kind of nurture and admonition the Lord would give. (Lenski)

Parents must guard against the tendency to “teach” their kids about everything else in the world except how to know the Lord and obey His will.

In all of the discussion about how nurture and admonition is given, we cannot understate the importance of example. Parents must model the kind of behavior and conduct they wish to see in their children.

 (The Complete Book of Zingers) 

·     Children are creatures who disgrace you by showing in public the example you set for them at home.
·     Your children are not only heirs to your possessions—they are heirs to your values and character.

Conclusion:

Before we close this service today, we want to share one more special song of thanks to the Lord.

We not only thank Him for all our blessings in general, but we specifically thank Him for Samuel and for the privilege of all parents to lead our children to Christ and Christian living.

My Tribute by Andre Crouch

Death on Purpose for a Purpose

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This message is based on a text in 1 Peter 3 which speaks about Christ's suffering and death. It includes a phrase that indicates the real purpose for His suffering. This message was used to remind the listeners of Christ's substitutionary sacrifice for our salvation, and was given for a worship service in which the sacrament of communion was shared.

Written Excerpts:

1 Peter 3:18 ^(NKJV) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit

Introduction:

Today we are going to be sharing the sacrament of communion, which I always try to do on the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving Day.

Communion is also sometimes referred to as “The Eucharist.” In fact, in more traditional mainline denominations, it is almost always called “The Eucharist.” Eucharist is a word that comes from the Greek word that almost sounds the same – ευχαριστεω, (eucharisteo) which means “to give thanks.”
Today, as we count our blessings and offer our thanks to almighty God for all His benefits and blessings, we want to also take time to give thanks for the blessing of salvation through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ upon the cross of Calvary.

The text I’ve chosen today seems to emphasize two primary thoughts to me.

1. Christ died on purpose.
2. Christ died for a purpose.

I.    Christ died on purpose.

“Christ also once suffered…”

The verb suffered, in the original Greek is in the verb form that denotes an active verb, not passive. This means that the verse is not emphasizing his being put to death by someone else, or passively experiencing suffering. Instead, it seems to focus on Him actively choosing to suffer for us.

The same principle is certainly supported in the very well-known passage in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, He did not consider his position of equality with God as something to be held onto, but he took on the form of man and became obedient unto death.

Jesus stated clearly in the Gospel of John: John 10:17-18 ^(NKJV) Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father."

Jesus Christ purposely surrendered His life and submitted to suffering; even the ultimate suffering of death.

With this point following so closely after Peter’s admonition to those believers who were suffering (vv. 13-17), Peter is reminding them that Jesus also suffered. He was the “Righteous One” suffering for the “unrighteous ones.” And, Jesus was victorious in his suffering.

Other references to Christ’s suffering:

Acts 17:1-3 ^(NKJV) Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. ² Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ."

Hebrews 2:9 ^(NKJV) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) – The suffering of death is a major problem to all men, but is a particular problem for the Son of God unless some explanation of it can be given. The suffering itself belongs to a less exalted status than that of the angels, hence the statement applied to Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels (which could also be rendered 'a little' instead of 'a little while').

Hebrews 13:12 ^(NKJV) Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate.

The New Testament lays so much emphasis on the suffering of Christ as a man, and His suffering is so much greater than any man has ever known. All of the suffering was intentionally experienced and endured for the benefit of us all.

II.  Christ died for a purpose.

“…suffered once for sins… that he might bring us to God.”

According to this phrase, the purpose of his suffering was to bring us to God. Obviously this statement implies that we were away from God; estranged from God; and separated from God.

The suffering of Christ was for the purpose of reuniting us with our Creator, our Father in heaven. So many time in previous sermons I have stressed this separation from God because of our sins. Paul says we were foreigners, aliens, strangers, outside of the household of God. But we have been given access into the very throne room of heaven because of the suffering and victory of Christ.

His act of suffering to the point of death brings us access to God (see v. 22).

1 Peter 3:22 ^(NKJV) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

After the resurrection, Jesus went back to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father, which sheds some additional light on the phrase, “that He might bring us to God.” His suffering not only brings us to God in the sense of RESTORING our severed, estranged relationship, but what He endured also brings us to God in the sense of taking us into heaven in the very presence of God, just like Jesus did.

Conclusion:

Today, we pause again to offer our thanks to God for the suffering of His Son in our place. 

Before we share the elements of communion, let us sing: Lamb of Glory.

Living to Please God

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is a sermon that explores what the Bible has to say about pleasing God. Several passages of Scripture are used which speak of various actions that are pleasing to the Lord. When we say that we want to live our lives pleasing to the Lord, what does that entail?

Written Excerpts:

1 Thessalonians 4:1 ^(NKJV) Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God

Introduction:

What motivates people to desire to please someone else? I think most of us would agree that real love and affection towards someone would naturally lead a person to try doing those things that please the one they love. In fact, the Apostle Paul made reference to that when he was writing to the Corinthians and he was explaining how a person who is married strives to please his/her spouse.

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 ^(NKJV) … He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord. ³³  But he who is married cares about the things of the world--how he may please his wife. ³⁴... The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world--how she may please her husband.

Now, the apostle is explaining how it is that a single person may be able to devote more time and energy in service to the Lord than a married person can. But he specifically says that the husband is concerned with pleasing his wife, and the wife is concerned with pleasing her husband. If that were true 100% of the time, it would probably solve a host of marital problems, wouldn’t it?

I’m going to make a little confession here… I do not succeed 100% of the time in “pleasing my wife!” I’m sure that there are many ways that I have failed to do so. But… I want to. Because I love her, I want to please her. I don’t want to cause her displeasure. Well, this isn’t a sermon about marriage, so I better move on!

Several months ago I read something that got me to thinking about what it really means to please the Lord. It seems to me that there are a number of people who say they desire to please God, but I’m not sure if they even know what pleases Him. Today, I want to speak about “Living to Please God.”
In order to do so, we are going to look at several passages of Scripture that specifically speak about God being pleased or not pleased with the actions of different people.

Right before we look at these passages of Scripture, here are some things to think about in regards to pleasing other people.

(Quote attributed to more than one person) I can’t tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everyone.

(T-shirt slogan) I am a recovering people-pleaser. (Is that okay?)

(Cartoon by Nicole Lee) Words on tombstone: I apologize if my death saddens or inconveniences you. Comment by gravesite visitors: They say she was a chronic people pleaser.

(goodreads.com) Always trying to please others is definitely an assured path to stress and failures in life. ― Edmond Mbiaka

(Charles Oakes, netfunny.com) An old man, a boy & a donkey were going to town. The boy rode on the donkey & the old man walked. As they went along, they passed some people who remarked it was a shame the old man was walking & the boy was riding.

The man & boy thought maybe the critics were right, so they changed positions.

Later, they passed some people that remarked, "What a shame, he makes that little boy walk." They then decided they both would walk!

Soon they passed some more people who thought they were stupid to walk when they had a decent donkey to ride. So, they both rode the donkey.

Finally they passed some people that shamed them by saying how awful to put such a load on a poor donkey. The boy & man said they were probably right, so they decided to carry the donkey. As they crossed the bridge, they lost their grip on the animal & he fell into the river and drowned.

Such is the life of the one who obsesses over pleasing everyone.

Let’s take a look at several different passages of Scripture to discover what the Bible says about pleasing God.

1) Giving praise pleases God.

Psalm 69:30-31 ^(NKJV) I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. ³¹ This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bull, which has horns and hooves.

The person who desires to please God gives praise and thanks to the Lord out of a sincere heart of gratitude.

2) Living in the Spirit pleases God.

Romans 8:8 ^(NKJV) So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 

In Romans 8, Paul draws a clear contrast between living life to satisfy the flesh and living life under the control of the Spirit.

In verse 8 he says that those who are “in the flesh” cannot please God, which directly implies that those who are “in the Spirit” do please God.

The person who desires to please God surrenders his/her life to the control of the Holy Spirit.

3) Faithfulness to God’s call pleases Him.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 (NKJV) But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, tells them that he has been entrusted with a sacred assignment to proclaim the gospel. In carrying out that assignment, Paul says that he is not trying to please men, but please God. He doesn’t speak with the motivation of trying to make people think highly of him, but to be accountable to God. In the same sentence he continues by saying, “God, who tests the hearts.” In other words, God not only knows what we are doing, but He knows why we do it. 

Those who desire to please God will faithfully carry out the calling and assignments that God places upon them.

4) Supporting God’s servants pleases Him.

1 Thessalonians 2:15 (NKJV) who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 

In this text the Apostle explains that the people who have persecuted them do not please God. Therefore, we conclude that those who support and care for God’s servants are pleasing to God. We need to be careful to not oppose God’s anointed and chosen servants who are trying to carry out His will and promote His kingdom.

Those who desire to please God support His servants.

5) Continuing to grow in grace pleases God.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 (NKJV) Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; 

Colossians 1:10 (NKJV) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 

In both of these passages of Scripture Paul writes to two different churches and admonishes them to “walk” in such a way as to please God. “Walk” simply means to live life. They are urged to abound (grow) more and more and to be fruitful in every good work while increasing in the knowledge of God. If we go on and read the next few verses in each of these passages we learn what he had in mind when he wrote about walking pleasing to God.

1 Thessalonians 4:2-8 ^{(NKJV) 2} for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus. ³ For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, ⁵ not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; ⁶ that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. ⁸ Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit.

Colossians 1:11-12 ^(NKJV) strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; ¹² giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

The Christian life was never meant to be a life of ease and just coasting along day by day. It is a life of digging deeper, and stretching higher in the spiritual knowledge of God’s Word and striving to know more of God’s will.

The person who desires to please God will continue to develop and become more mature in the life of faith.

6) Generosity is pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 (NKJV) Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 

Paul tells the Christians at Philippi that a gift has been sent to them provided by other believers. This gift is a “sweet-smelling aroma” to the Lord and it is pleasing to God.

People who desire to please the Lord give generously to God’s work and for God’s causes.

Conclusion:

Jesus stated that He always does the things that please His Father.

That should be our desire and motivation as well. But, it is more than just a trite little saying to soothe our minds and conscience. There actually are ways we can please God and there are ways we can displease Him. Let us purpose to always strive to please our gracious and loving heavenly Father. Let us start out each day with the sincere prayer, “Lord, help me to please you today in all I do and say.”

John 8:29 (NKJV) And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him." 

If Jesus desired to please the Father, then we need to be like Jesus in that way as well.

O to Be Like Thee

Something Worth Dying For

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player here.)

This is a message that relates to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Using a slogan that was recently launched by the Nike Corporation in an advertising campaign, this sermon focuses on much more important issues than "selling athletic shoes." Are we Christians who are sincere enough about our faith to die for it? 

Romans 5:8 ^(NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Introduction:

An international corporation recently launched an advertising campaign with a slogan that reads:

(MONEY magazine website) Sports agents with experience negotiating corporate contracts for football stars tell MONEY Kaepernick’s deal could be worth millions of dollars a year — which is unique because he isn’t actually playing in the NFL.

So, a serious question arises: “Just how much how much did Colin Kaepernick sacrifice?”

Based on what I’ve read, some people feel that he has been shunned by the NFL owners and teams because of the controversy, and therefore he has “sacrificed a job in the NFL because of what he believes.” 

Is it really a sacrifice though; to land an advertising gig worth millions? Is it really sacrifice to get all the media attention he has received?

Is it really a sacrifice for Nike? MONEY mag article estimates that Nike/Kaepernick received about $43 million worth of media coverage.

Somehow, the slogan in this ad rings a little hollow. 

What about some other examples that do a much better job preaching the message?

John 15:13 ^(NKJV) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

The men and women of the armed forces have literally put their lives in jeopardy and, in some cases, surrendered their lives for the safety and security of their beloved country.

Nike may not have chosen a soldier to advertise their product, but in my opinion, every soldier has exemplified the Nike slogan far more than any athlete has.

Next Sunday is Veteran’s Day and we will pause to give some recognition to them in our worship service next week.

Another example of one who exemplifies the slogan far better than any athlete is Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 12:2 ^(NKJV) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

This text and others in the NT demonstrate the willingness of God’s Son to enter our world and lay down His life, so we could be redeemed. He believed in the value of saving a lost world, even though it meant sacrificing everything.

Consider what Jesus sacrificed for our salvation.

Php. 2:6-8 ^(NKJV) who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 

He sacrificed the glory of heaven to come to earth.

He sacrificed the approval of men to teach the truth.

He sacrificed His own life and shed His blood to save our souls from hell.

Persecuted Christians represent the slogan well also. 

 

This photo represent converts being baptized in a country where there is a real risk of being persecuted for their faith.

These people chose to be baptized even though for many of them it will mean sacrifice of safety, comfort and perhaps even life itself.

Luke 14:33 ^(NKJV) So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple. 

(Uganda) Malik and his wife were thrown out of his family’s house after he told them they were Christians. But he refuses to return to Islam, even though his father has offered to let them re-join the family if he would do so. Malik was a Muslim for a long time, but he struggled to understand Muslim traditions. When an evangelist shared the gospel with him, Malik readily accepted Christ. He kept his Christian faith to himself at first but eventually told his family. They immediately began to threaten the couple, even telling his wife’s family they would kill her. Finally, the couple was thrown out of the family home, and they left everything behind. Since then, Malik has been growing in faith. “Malik is doing major progress as a Christian,” a VOM worker said. Pray that Malik and his family will remain strong in faith. (His mother also has later come to faith in Christ.)

This couple is just one example of those who continue to believe in something, even though it costs them everything.

They all need our support and prayers.

Do you and I believe is something strongly enough that we still believe even though it may cost us everything?

People say they’re willing to die to keep their Bibles, yet they go days and weeks without opening it.

People say they’re willing to die for the right to pray, yet they aren’t willing to sacrifice food or sleep to intercede for the lost.

People say they’re willing to die for the right to assemble for worship, yet they allow the smallest thing to keep them from meeting with their brothers and sisters in God’s family. 

It is no longer astounding to hear some of the excuses people use to absent themselves from God’s house.

Let’s face it friends, far too many of us have said we’re willing to die for things that we cannot even be counted on to do anymore.

Is it only athletes who are willing to “believe in something, even if it costs everything?”

Is it only Christian believers living in restricted nations who are willing to “believe in something, even if it costs everything?”

What about you and me? 

Have we found something to believe in to the extent that we are absolutely willing to sacrifice everything in order to live according to our beliefs?

Conclusion:

Today, the first Sunday of November, is the annual day of prayer for the persecuted church.

After we sing our closing song, we are going to close with prayer, and we want to especially remember our brothers and sisters in the faith who are suffering today because of their commitment to Jesus.

Our closing song is: Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.

For most, if not all of us, our decision to serve Christ hasn’t really cost us much. But it may become more costly if the trends in our society keep going the way they seem to be going.

Are you willing to stand up for Jesus?

Myths and Mysteries - Security

(To download an mp3 file of this message, click on the title above. To listen now, click on the play button of the audio player above.)

This is the fifth message in a series of sermons discussing some of the common misconceptions Christians hold that are not supported by an accurate understanding of the Scripture. This sermon addresses the "myth" that once a person puts faith in Christ for salvation, then they can never "lose" or forfeit their salvation.

Written Excerpts:

Hebrews 10:38 ^(NKJV) Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

Introduction:

I’m sure that I am speaking to a number of people here today who have frequently experienced the aggravation of misplacing something and not being able to find it. It might have been something that you had a month ago, a week ago or even before you went to bed last night, but now it is lost and you cannot remember what you did with it or can’t imagine what could have happened to it. Does that describe you? Is there anyone else here besides me that has asked God on numerous occasions to “Please help me find (whatever I lost)?”

Well, we have been doing a series of sermons on Christian myths – that is, misconceptions that people have about faith or the Christian life that are not based upon an accurate understanding of the Bible. Today we are going to talk about the possibility of losing something – more specifically, “losing one’s salvation.”

However, when we use that phrase we do not use it in the same sense as we were talking a few minutes ago as though you had your faith (salvation) yesterday but when you got up this morning you couldn’t find it anywhere!

I remember struggling with that sometimes when I was a child or teen. I would go to the altar to pray and ask God to forgive me and I would promise to serve Him. I would be crying and all emotional, but the next morning the emotions were gone and I didn’t “feel” like I was saved. It was like I didn’t feel the same as last night, did anything really happen? It was all part of learning the difference between emotions and faith.

When I speak about the possibility of losing my salvation, I am speaking of intentionally forsaking my faith and forfeiting salvation through deliberate choices and deliberately walking away from God.

As we continue in our series about Christian myths, I want to address two myths that are related to the subject of security in Christ. The first myth is this: once I put my faith in Christ for salvation, I can never fall away and be eternally lost no matter what I may do. The second myth is from the other “side of the coin,” is this: I may inadvertently or accidentally lose my faith and be eternally lost.

The first view emphasizes security to the point of nullifying all the warnings in the NT that are written to believers. The second view promotes a kind of frantic anxiety about whether I may have done something to offend God today and cause Him to turn His back on me. Neither one of these viewpoints are consistent with the overall teaching of the Bible.

Before we look into the Word, I want to just say that I realize that some of what I say today is contrary to what some other denominations teach and therefore contrary to popular thinking of many Christians. I do not preach this message to be intentionally controversial. I do it to be faithful to the Word of God and to be faithful to the flock God has called me to shepherd. I don’t want to fail my responsibility to proclaim God’s truth.

Just this week I read a verse in Lamentations where Jeremiah accuses the prophets of Israel of not faithfully preaching the truth to the people so they could have avoided destruction and captivity. (Lam. 2:14)

So let’s turn our attention to the Word and see what it has to say about our security in Christ.

I.      Salvation is by grace through faith.

The Bible plainly teaches us that we are saved by the grace of God on the basis of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice in our behalf, and the way we obtain this salvation is by faith (believing and trusting) in what Jesus did.

We believe that there are conditions that bring us to the point of faith, such as:

• Confession – of our sins; and of Jesus as Lord (1 Jn. 1:9; Rom. 10:9)

• Repentance – changing our minds/thinking (Acts 3:19 – Repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out…; 2 Cor. 7:10 – Godly sorrow produces repentance.)

But faith is the “instrument” that brings salvation. We can confess all day and repent all day, and still not be saved or born again.

Eph. 2:8-9 – by grace are you saved through faith; Rom. 5:1 – therefore, being justified by faith we have peace with God.

It is the moment that faith takes ahold of the promise of salvation that it is received. (Believing what God said and trusting in Him alone to keep His Word.) The kind of faith I’m talking about is more than just intellectual agreement with certain facts or information. Genuine faith gets from the mind down into the heart and produces a response of commitment and obedience.

When the whole Bible is taken into consideration, salvation is never portrayed as being possible or available apart from faith.

II.     Faith is necessary to retain salvation.

Rom. 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: ²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

We have access to grace by faith and we stand in grace by faith.

Col. 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now he has reconciled ²²In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without blame and without reproof in his sight: ²³If ye continue in the faith [belief] grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

1Thes. 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear [wait], I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy has begotten [birthed] us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In all of these references, as well as many others, the Scriptures show us that faith is not only required to obtain salvation, but it is also required to retain it. Faith must always be active in order for salvation to be possessed.

III.   It is possible to depart from faith & consequently fall from grace.

As long as true faith is exercised, salvation is possessed, so that we can truly say, every “believer” is eternally secure. However, there is no indication in Scripture that once a person believes, he/she will always believe.

(Complete Works of Arminius) …it [is] impossible for believers, as long as they remain believers, to decline from salvation…. On the other hand, if believers fall away from the faith and become unbelievers, it is impossible for them to do otherwise than decline from salvation, that is, provided they still continue unbelievers. 

1 Tim. 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ²Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared [cauterized] with a hot iron;

1 Tim. 5:11-12 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax [grow] wanton [irresponsible, immoral] against Christ, they will marry; ¹²Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

Heb. 10:38-39 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back [from faith], my soul shall have no pleasure in him. ³⁹ But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Gal. 5:1-4 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ²Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. ³For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. ⁴Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; you are fallen from grace.

1 Cor. 9:27 But I keep my body under [control], and bring it into subjection: lest [for fear] that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway [same word as “reprobate” in Rom. 1].

Rev. 3:5 He that overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Rev. 22:19 And if any man [not just unsaved men] shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

These and many other passages stress the importance of continuing to trust in Christ, not merely a “belief in the mind” but genuine faith in the heart that produces sincere obedience to the words of Christ. It is not enough to exercise faith to initiate salvation, but we must keep on exercising faith in order to persevere in grace.

Conclusion:

Having explained the possibility of departing from faith and falling from grace, I want to be very clear in stating that it is not necessary to do so. All of the warnings in Scripture regarding the intention of Satan to turn us away from Christ and destroy our faith are real. They are not fake warnings. There is a real possibility of turning away from the truth and falling from grace. However, the Bible is also very, very clear that God has done everything necessary to keep us true and faithful.

Jude 1:24 ^(KJV) Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

It may be possible to turn away from faith and fall from grace, but it certainly isn’t necessary. The power of the Holy Spirit that Christ promised would be living within us is fully capable of keeping us true and faithful.

Victory is possible. Faithfulness to Christ is possible. Overcoming the temptations, devices and deception of the Devil is entirely possible through the grace of God.

It is a myth that after knowing Christ, I can turn my back on Him and stubbornly resist the Holy Spirit’s efforts to bring me back, and yet end up in heaven. It is also a myth that God is just looking and waiting for the opportunity to condemn me to eternal judgment if I fall into willful sin.

It is divine mystery that God keeps loving us and drawing us to Himself even though we fail Him so many times and in so many ways. 

Our closing hymn emphasizes this abiding promise that Jesus will be there to help us remain faithful if we will only keep trusting Him.

Hymn: Moment By Moment