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.

The Kind of Woman God Chose

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This is a sermon about Mary the mother of Jesus. It attempts to describe the qualities of the woman God chose as the mother of the Messiah.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction: 

There was a little boy standing in front of his mother ready to give a report of some incident he had recently been involved with. He began with these words, “Before I tell you what happened, Mom, remember… the Lord will never give you more than you can handle.” I’m sure that most of us would agree that the calling of mother­hood often involves dealing with circumstances that seem to be more than what one can handle. Motherhood is a high calling, and it is often a difficult challenge.

About 1 ½ years ago, we had a guest speaker here for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. His name was Brian Beal from Pro-Life of Mercer County. While he was here he mentioned the important connection between the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the sacredness of human life in the womb.

Many years earlier I too had considered the significance of God choosing to bring His Son into this world through the means of normal childbirth. When God the Father decided to send His only Son into our world, He did not send Him as a grown man to be a king, a ruler, etc. but He sent Him as a baby.  When God chose to enter human history He chose childbirth and Motherhood as the vehicle for that world-changing event. In thinking about this fact, I began to ponder the qualities of the woman God chose to be the mother of the Messiah.

Today, as we recite some of the implications in Scripture that describe the qualities of the Mother of Jesus, I hope that not only the mothers (and prospective mothers) in the audience, but every one of us will also seek to possess and develop these same qualities in our lives.

I am not presenting these qualities in any particular order, but simply listing several traits about Mary that I find in these verses.

I.  She was morally pure.  (v. 27, 34)

A. The virgin birth was necessary for redemption. 

Many theologians have emphasized the point that the Messiah could not be the son of Joseph or He would have inherited the sin nature that all humanity inherited from Adam. (Romans 5:12)

However, we still believe that it is important to remember that…

B. God puts a high premium on moral purity.

Much is said in the Scriptures about purity, virtue, and moral character.

We know that God, in His marvelous grace, at various times throughout biblical history, chose to override the sinfulness of mankind and use people who had not always been morally pure. However, whenever we read direct commands and instructions from God to man, we find that God always expects virtue and moral purity in His people.

When God looked for a young woman to be the mother of the Messiah, God chose a woman that was morally pure. God still seeks people who will exemplify His character by living a life that is virtuous, morally pure and full of integrity.

II. She was filled with humility. (Lk. 1:48, 51b-52)

The Bible makes it pretty clear that God did not choose a woman of public importance and prestige. He did not choose a woman that “had everything going for her.”

Mary’s attitude as expressed in her song of praise in Luke 1 indicates that she was a very humble person and as such, was grateful for God’s grace and favor. She never gave any indication that she thought she deserved the privilege and favor she had been shown.

The Lord is still looking for people who are humble enough for Him to use them and pour His grace and favor upon them.

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6.

III.  She was committed to the sacredness of life.

I don’t recall anything in Scripture or in secular accounts that would indicate that abortion was common back in this time in Jewish history. In fact, with the exception of the periods of the Kings in the OT when many kings forsook the ways of God, the people of Israel would have stood out distinctly from the pagans around them in their respect for human life. So I imagine that a Jewish girl would not be pressured to “get rid of her problem” as we often hear today.

I realize that there are many young women today who have not compromised their conviction concerning the sanctity of human life.  But, I can’t help but think about how strong the pressure would be on a young woman to have an abortion if the incarnation were to have taken place in our society.

I believe that the woman God chose had a high regard for the sanctity of life, and so should we.

IV.  She was a woman who feared the Lord. (Lk. 1:50)

A.  A woman who fears the Lord (awe, reverence, respect) readily submits to the will of God.

Luke 1:38 (NKJV) Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word."

God is still seeking people who fear Him and are submissive to His will for their lives.

B.  A woman who fears the Lord is committed to the task given her by God.  See Lk. 2: 40-41

These verses simply state that “the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. ⁴¹  His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.

God gives grace and blesses those who are committed to serving Him in whatever responsibilities He may give them.

C.  A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

Prov. 31:30 “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the Lord shall be praised.”

In Mary’s song of praise recorded in Luke 1:46ff, she mentions the fact that “all generations will call me blessed.” It certainly seems evident that God chose a woman that feared Him and because of that, she obeyed, submitted and faithfully carried out her assignment. Now, she is an example of the Proverb, she is praised for her example.

Let each of us fear the Lord and walk with Him in submission and obedience.

Conclusion:

In closing, I just want to encourage mothers to make sure you keep these qualities in the highest priority in your life.  They are things that I believe were important to God when He chose Motherhood.

I also would challenge the rest of us to make sure that we obey the instructions of God’s Word and “praise the woman who fears the Lord.” 

Whatever You Do

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This is a message based on Colossians 3:23. It was used for a sermon focusing on graduates and their plans for the future. It emphasizes the importance of finding something to do and do it for the Lord.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Several days ago this passage was included in the daily devotional book that I am reading through this year. When I read it along with the comments provided by the book’s author, I immediately felt that it would provide a good text for today and our emphasis on honoring our graduates. My message today is primarily directed to our young people in the congregation and especially to the graduates. But I think that what God has laid on my heart will be good food for thought for the rest of you as well.

Now, I know that all of the graduates and other students here today have already heard plenty of speeches and lectures, not only this school year, but all of your lives. So I know I’m stretching your patience by asking you to listen to one more. I want you to know that I’ve discovered that preachers and professors or teachers have something very much in common…

W.H. Auden said, “A professor is a person who talks in someone else’s sleep.” I am sure this applies to preachers as well. In fact, I’ve seen it happen on many occasions during my years of ministry! J

For many graduates as well as those nearing graduation, the question most often asked of them is, “What are you going to do after you’re done with school?” Or, “What are you going to be?” We all presume that every child, experiencing normal growth and development, will reach the point in life when he or she will move from the period of preparation into the period of performance, and from simply receiving to contributing.

Most of us understand that one of the main points of education is for each of us to learn something that can enable us to make a living. Yet, we must also remember that God is not only concerned that we learn how to make a living, but that we learn how to live. For, as Theodore Roosevelt stated, “A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.”

For the next several minutes I want to direct your attention to the passage of Scripture found in Colossians 3:23 in order to discover some basic principles God has given us regarding our lives, our education and our work.

There are three simple principles that I see in this text. Find something to do. Do it with passion. Do it with purpose.

I. Find something to do.

As I have already indicated, it is assumed that every normal human being should be productive and provide some positive contribution to his/her family, community and society.

In various sermons that I have previously given I have tried to show from Scripture that our individual worth and value does not derive from our work or what we do. Our value and intrinsic worth is rooted in the fact that we are created in the image of God.

However, Scripture does promote the sanctity of work and labor. The Bible promotes the idea that every person must work to eat, unless, of course, there are mental/physical disabilities that prevent them. Work is something that God plans for all of us to do.

In this verse, we find the phrase, “Whatever you do…”

If you read the context of this passage, you will discover that the Apostle Paul is giving instructions for how people can demonstrate the grace of God in their relationships and behaviors. He discusses marriage relationships; family (parent-child) relationships; and work (servant/master; employer/employee) relationships. The specific phrase we are looking at appears in the verses that deal with servant-master relationships (which would parallel most closely with our modern employer-employee relationships).

Paul, in this context, is saying, “In your day-to-day labor, whatever you do…” The underlying assumption is that every one of his readers/hearers would be involved in some kind of productive activity.

So my first point to you today, especially young people, is find something to do. God has gifted you and provided you with unique talents, skills and abilities to be used for His glory. Recognize the fact now that God condemns sloth and laziness. God has a place for you to fill and a job for you to do. He never intended for your parents or your community or your government to take care of your every need for the rest of your life. There is dignity in work and in labor. Find something to do. Even if you can’t find the job of your dreams, or the salary you want, or all the fringe benefits you think you deserve.

It is amazing to me sometimes to observe the amount of effort and “work” that some people will expend trying to get out of work!

II. Do it with passion.

When you find something to do, do it with passion.

Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it heartily…”

“Do” – the second word “do” is different from the first one, and it primarily carries the idea of labor or working at something. Literally, “Whatever you do, work/labor at it heartily…”

“Heartily” – a compound word that can literally be translated, “out of your soul.” This seems to give the idea of doing something with everything in that is in us; with our whole being.

I must admit that I have not always found it easy to live up to this, but my parents and a host of other influential people in my life have often told me, “Anything worth doing at all is worth doing my best.” I’m sure I have failed to accomplish this goal at times. But that doesn’t reduce the truth of it.

Paul seems to be saying the same thing here. Whatever you do, do it heartily; do it with everything you’ve got; do it with your whole being.

I’ve already admitted that it’s not always easy to live up to this ideal. It’s not always easy to have the heart and soul to do our best in everything we set ourselves to do. But, the last phrase in this verse helps us in that regard.

III. Do it with purpose.

One of the reasons why it is sometimes difficult to do our best at whatever task we are doing is the fact that we can’t see the purpose in it. We sometimes can’t see the value of it or the good in it. In fact, I’ve often read stories and opinions regarding the fact that there are few things that can mentally and physically break a man down any quicker than giving him meaningless work to do; tasks that have no point or value or purpose.

Paul helps clear up that aspect by admonishing Christians to do their work “as to the Lord, and not to men.” This must have been a particularly great challenge to the servants to whom he was directing these comments. Paul was saying to them that they were to perform their duties as if they were doing them for the Lord, and not merely for men or for their masters.

I don’t have the time, nor is my purpose now, to discuss the issue of slavery or servitude that is taken for granted in this passage. That is a discussion better suited for a completely separate sermon or Bible study. But the point is that when a servant performs his / her duties, he / she must act as if they are doing it for the Lord and not for a man.

Having this kind of mindset while performing the tasks required gives the worker adequate purpose for his job. “My purpose in doing this task is to please Christ and glorify my Father in heaven.”

Illustration – I was being interviewed by a man one time for a position in his company. He told me right up front that most of the time he was not very thrilled to hear someone recommend a prospective employee by saying, “He is a good Christian man.” Why? He had known too many “good Christian people” who were not good workers.

I don’t know if any of you have ever had this experience or not, but there have been times in my life when I had a job to do that was not particularly inspiring or enjoyable. I remember sometimes when I was tempted to do my work half-heartedly or even shoddy. But then I would remember some scripture verse or I would hear the voice of the Spirit reminding me that the Lord was watching me and taking notice of my performance.

Example: Cleaning the kitchen as my work-hour assignment at Bible College. “He that knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Uh-oh. Now, all of the sudden, I’m not just cleaning to satisfy the campus work director or the head cook. Now I recognize that I am cleaning to satisfy the Lord! J

What Paul is saying is essentially this, “When you’re cleaning kitchens, you’re cleaning Jesus’ kitchen.” When you’re balancing ledgers, you’re balancing Jesus’ ledgers. When you’re laying cement blocks, you’re laying Jesus’ blocks.

Dear friends, young and old, we must remember that we serve the Lord in all areas of life. Everything we do is a service to the Lord. All we do is offered to God as a sacrifice of worship. Yes, we worship Him by singing and praying on Sunday morning, but we also worship Him by working Monday through Friday or Saturday, whatever the case may be.

If we remember this truth, it will give us a higher purpose for our work, our ministry and our service than we could ever get from any other source.

Conclusion:

My advice for our graduates, our young people and everyone in general is simply this: Find something to do; do it with passion; and do it with the purpose of pleasing God.

In order to do that, we need the guidance and direction that only comes from God through His Holy Spirit.

Keen Ears and Victorious Ending

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

This is the final message in a series of sermons covering the messages from Christ to the seven churches in Asia, Revelation 2-3. The message discusses two phrases that Jesus repeats to each of the seven churches: "He who has ears, let him hear;" and "To him who overcomes I will...."

Written Excerpts:

We are wrapping up a series of messages that we have been doing for a few months. We started out with a couple of introductory messages from Revelation chapter one, then moved into the seven letters sent to the churches in Asia. These “letters” consisted of messages from the risen and glorified Christ to each of the seven churches that existed in the seven cities of the province of Asia (modern-day Turkey).

Last time we talked about the message to the seventh church – Laodicea. Now, today, I want to conclude the series by looking at a couple of phrases that appear in all seven messages.

The two phrases are these: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” And, “To him who overcomes I will…”

I thought I would present these together for this concluding message since they appear in all seven of the messages that the Lord sends out to the churches.

With the help of God’s Spirit I want to talk to you today about the importance of and possibility of… hearing God’s voice and being victorious in our spiritual journey.

The two main thoughts I want to explore today are expressed in the title of the sermon are: I. Keen Ears and II. Victorious Ending

Let us talk first about the phrase that Jesus uses when he urges the readers to use their ears to hear the message they’ve received.

I. Keen Ears

The phrase, “He who has ears, let him hear…” is actually a very familiar phrase that Jesus used during his earthly ministry. The phrase appears a few times in the gospels. For example: Matthew 11:15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear! Matthew 13:9 "He who has ears, let him hear." Mark 4:23; 7:16

These phrases are talking about spiritual perception or spiritual hearing. Spiritual hearing (eyesight) is another way of referring to spiritual understanding. (See 1 Cor. 2:14 “The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God… neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned.”)

The phrase seems to be connected to the passage in Isaiah 6:9-10

The main point that stands out to me in all these texts is this: To the person who purposes or strives to hear and learn about God and spiritual truths, God will grant an ever-increasing ability to hear and understand spiritual truths. But, to the person who refuses or neglects to hear and learn about God’s truth or message, God will make his spiritual hearing even more dull and his spiritual understanding even more unenlightened.

The message to take away from this is simply that every one of us has an awesome responsibility regarding the messages that the Holy Spirit gives to us and we must earnestly seek to hear (understand) what God says to us through His Word and by His Spirit. God provides most of us with multiple opportunities to be exposed to truth and light, but what we do with each opportunity will determine the level of understanding God will open up to our minds in the future.

II. Victorious Ending

The second main thought I noticed in each of these messages stems from the phrase, “He who overcomes….”

I want you to notice that this phrase introduces promises made by the Lord to everyone who overcomes the obstacles, barriers, opposition and everything else they may face that would hinder their spiritual success. A couple of these congregations were not reproved for any wrong actions or attitudes, but they are encouraged with promises if they overcome the persecution and adversity that they were experiencing. The rest of the congregations were warned about the defects and deficiencies in the practice of their faith. They had some serious problems that needed direct attention or else. In all of these cases, they were promised certain advantages and blessings if they would overcome the blatant faults and return to a genuine obedience to the Word of God.

There are several different promises made by the Lord, but the main point I want to emphasize is the fact that Jesus is proclaiming the possibility of victory, even in the face of some alarming conditions. Never forget, dear friends, that God is able to give us the victory no matter what we are facing. Whether we are facing persecution and opposition from the enemies of the cross, or whether we are facing the deadly effects of compromise, worldliness and spiritual drift, we can overcome by the power of God and the blood of Christ. We can overcome by the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God has given us everything we need to be victorious in the end. We need not fail; we need not lose.

Here are the seven promises God gives to the seven churches. (Most of these interpretations have been borrowed from William Barclay)

A. Eat from the Tree of Life. (2:7)

Appears to be an obvious comparison and analogy with the tree of life mentioned in Genesis. Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden to be prevented from eating of this tree (Gen. 3:22). A benefit denied because of sin will be restored because of salvation.

B. Not be hurt by second death. (2:11)

The second death is defined in Revelation 20:14 (NKJV)
¹⁴  Then Death and Hades [hell, KJV] were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
⁸  But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

C. Given hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name. (2:17)

The Jews had a common idea that the Messiah would discover a pot of hidden manna that, according to legend, had been in Solomon’s Temple, but hidden by the prophet Jeremiah when the temple was destroyed. So to them, “eating of the hidden manna” meant to enjoy the blessings of the Messianic age. (Barclay)

Stone; name – many, many interpretations have been suggested.

Someone [Barclay] has stated that perhaps the most meaningful way to understand it is to remember that the color white is very significant in Revelation. For example, white garments (3:5), white robes (7:9), white linens (19:8, 14), and white throne (20:11). 

In the OT and NT people who had significant encounters with God were given new names to represent the change in their characters and their lives. So, here Christ may be indicating to these people that the white stone and new name represent the new heavenly life, cleansed from all earthly stain and a new status as a member of the heavenly throng.

D. Given authority to rule and “morning star.” (2:26-28)

Authority to rule – this resembles some of the statements that Jesus made to the disciples during his earthly ministry. There are other references near the end of Revelation that speaks of the saints ruling. It seems to imply that the people of God who overcome will in some form or fashion be given responsibilities to oversee, rule or govern certain portions/ aspects of God’s creation.

Morning star – this is a name given to Jesus himself (22:16). Some seem to think the phrase is a reference to the overcoming believers coming to “full possession” of Christ without any of the hindrances of earth.

E. Clothed in white, name not blotted from book, and name confessed before the Father and the angels. (3:5)

White clothing in various contexts or settings can represent festivity, victory and purity. All of these are characteristics of the believers in Jesus who have remained true to the end.

Book of Life - Revelation 20:12, 15 (NKJV) ¹²  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. ¹⁵  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.      Revelation 21:27 (NKJV) ²⁷  But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

It is a way of assuring the victorious Christian that Christ will personally ensure that they are included in the congregation of the redeemed and assured a place in heaven.

Name confessed before angels – During his earthly ministry, Jesus stated that whoever confessed Him before men, he would confess before His father. It means He agrees, Yes, this one is mine!

F. Made a pillar in temple, name of God and name of city written on them. (3:12)

Pillar – seems to be a reference to a position of honor. We are told that there was a practice among the pagans in Philadelphia to honor the priests who served the temples by writing their names on the pillars of the temple after they died.

Name of God – implying identity, ownership or possession.

Name of city – implying citizenship in the heavenly city.

G. Sit on throne with Christ. (3:21)

Another reference to the previous point “D” above (2:26-28). The overcomers will be granted some type of authority in the new order.

Conclusion:

Hear the words of Jesus, “To him who overcomes…”

Christ emphatically believes in the possibility of overcoming. He holds out the possibility to these first century congregations, and He still offers it to us.

Believers all over the world are overcoming tremendous opposition and obstacles.

I want us to leave the service today with two great truths ringing in our hearts:

1 - We must diligently train our ears to listen for the voice of the Spirit, and

2 - We must press on to victory. We must overcome everything that Satan tries to use against us whether it be opposition and persecution or compromise and errors.

Let’s close our service by singing a great song of victory: Victory in Jesus, # 353.