My Dad Is the Best

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This is a message given on Father's Day and it is based on Proverbs 17:6b.

Written Excerpts:

Proverbs 17:6 (KJV) Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Proverbs 17:6 (HCSB) Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly, and the pride of sons is their fathers.

Psalm 112:1 (KJV) Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

Introduction:

Three boys were talking together about what their father's did for a living, and tried to outdo each other about how much money their fathers make.

The first boy began by saying that his Dad wrote a few words on a piece of paper, sent them away and received $50 for them and they called it a poem.

The second boy, not to be outdone, said that his Dad wrote a few pages of words, sent them away and received $200 and they called it a story.

The last boy was full of himself and said that his Dad wrote several pages of words, read them out loud on Sunday morning, called it a sermon and it took 6 people to go round and collect all the money. 

Three boys were heading home from school one day when one started the time-honored game of paternal one-upmanship. He said, "My dad's way faster than any of yours, he can throw a 90-mph fast ball from the pitcher's mound and run and catch it just after it crosses the plate!"

 One of the other boys said, "Oh yeah? Well, my dad can shoot an arrow from his bow and run to the target and hold it up to make sure the arrow hits the bulls eye!"

 The last boy said, "Your dads don't even come close to being faster than mine. My dad works for the government, and even though he works every day until 4:00 he gets home at 3:30!"

These are stories that show the typical competition kids can get into sometimes in trying to prove that their father is better, stronger, or greater than all the others. The passage of scripture that I want to focus on for a few moments today gives me the same impression.

Prov. 17:6b “… the pride of sons is their fathers.”

As I meditated on this phrase, I asked myself the question, “What are the qualities necessary in a father to cause his son (daughter) to be proud?”

Certainly there are a number of worldly and temporal qualities that many children and youth admire in their fathers. There are many awards and rewards that men can receive that truly make their children proud of them.

However, I came to the conclusion that the qualities that really matter are those qualities that God desires in a man; those qualities that God says that He will honor and praise; the qualities that God will reward, whether the world does or not.

I started looking for scriptures that speak about men who receive honor or praise from God. I found a few interesting passages that I believe provide some excellent insight and instruction for all fathers who desire to be the pride and glory of their children.

1. Children can be proud of the dad that honors God.

1 Samuel 2:30 (NKJV) Therefore the LORD God of Israel says: 'I said indeed that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever.' But now the LORD says: 'Far be it from Me; for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.

Context: A prophet came to Eli the priest and told him that God was rejecting his family from being priests because of the terrible sins of his sons.

Honor = value, obey (in context here), etc. The same word used in the 5^th Commandment, “Honor thy father and thy mother.”

That literally means, to make heavy, i.e. to increase their influence.

There are so many other things that clamor for the attention and devotion of all people, including fathers. It is so important for a father to have the purpose to honor God in all that he does. If so, the scripture says that God will also honor him, and a man that God honors is certainly a man whose children will be proud of.

2. Children can be proud of the dad that maintains an intimate relationship with God.

Psalm 91:15 (KJV) He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

Who is this person that God promises to answer, accompany, deliver and honor? It is the one who “dwells in the secret place of the Most High.”

The man who lives in an intimate relationship with God will experience the blessings of God. It doesn’t mean that everything will be “smooth sailing” and that life will be easy, but it does mean God will protect him and deliver him. But it also says God will “honor him.” A man that God chooses to honor is a man whose children can be proud of.

3. Children can be proud of the dad who serves God.

John 12:26 (NKJV) If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.

Context: Jesus has announced that it is time for the Son of Man to be glorified. He has talked about self-sacrifice and “losing one’s life to save it; need for a grain of wheat to fall into the ground and die…”

We are living in a culture that has become so accustomed to the consumer mentality that many people are only interested in God or the church if they can be guaranteed that their wants and desires will be satisfied.

We are programmed by our culture to only invest in those activities and efforts that will bring a good return back to us. “What’s in it for me?”

A life of self-sacrifice and committed service to God is the kind of life that God will honor. It is also the kind of life that will cause children to be proud when they witness it in their fathers.

4. Children can be proud of the dad whose inward spirit and character matches his outward lifestyle.

Romans 2:29 (NKJV) but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.

(William MacDonald, Believer's Bible Commentary) Those who combine the outward sign and the inward grace receive God's praise, if not man's… A real Jew is one whose character is such as to receive praise from God.

Far too many people present one kind of attitude while they are in church, but a totally different attitude when they’re at home or on the job. They can be very pious and spiritual in church, but not so much at home or at work.

Paul was talking about people whose outward conformity was not matched by an inner spirit of compliance and humility toward God.

People who manage to put on a good show of spirituality will receive the praise (and admiration) of men, but only the man that has a heart of humility and a heart of love for God will receive the praise from God.

This kind of man is one that a child will be proud to call, “Dad.”

Conclusion:

I want to challenge all of the men and especially the fathers here today to purpose in our hearts to be the kind of men that God will honor and praise.

As long as God is pleased with us and offers His praise, it doesn’t matter who else does.

Let’s close the service today by singing the chorus: “The Family of God”

The Precious Blood of Christ

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This is a message based on 1 Peter 1:19 and it was the sermon used for a communion service.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

In just a little while we will be commemorating the sacrifice of our Lord for our salvation by sharing the elements of communion.

So, with the Lord’s help, I would like to draw your attention to the phrase found in verse 19 – “the precious blood of Christ.”

(Wuest's Word Studies – Volume 2) The Greek word "precious" has a two-fold meaning, "costly" in the sense of value [such as precious ointment Mary used for Jesus], and "highly esteemed or held in honor."

I have come up with five reasons that the blood of Christ is so precious.

1. It is divine. (Acts 20:28; Heb. 9:14)

Acts 20:28 (NKJV) Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

Hebrews 9:14 (NKJV) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

(Wuest) The blood of Christ is costly, essentially and intrinsically precious because it is God's blood, for Deity became incarnate in humanity. For that reason it is highly honored by God the Father. The order of the words in the Greek text is beautiful.

In the Greek NT, the word Christ is found at the end of the verse, which is unusual, so it is probably meant to place emphasis on who’s blood we’re talking about here.

What a contrast to the pagan deities that were so familiar to the people of that day and culture. Deities who were so unpredictable and vindictive, that people lived in fear all the time that the gods would pour out retribution and judgment upon them.

But here, the God of creation, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is offering Himself as a sacrifice for humanity rather than sacrificing humanity for Himself.

2. It is pure. (Ex. 12:5; Lev. 22:20; James 1:27)

The comparison being made here by Peter is with the Passover and sacrificial lambs that were used in the OT. No lamb could be offered up to God if it had any noticeable or observable defects.

In fact, in the case of the Passover, the lambs had to be chosen days before the actual slaughter so they had time to observe it to see if there were any defects.

We’ve already mentioned that the blood is precious because it was divine (i.e. God’s own blood). The reason why it needed to be His blood, was because the Law required a sacrifice that was pure.

There was no human being on the planet that was good enough or pure enough to be a fit offering for the sins of humanity.

I want to also point out the reference in James 1:27. James tells his readers that pure religion is to care for the fatherless and widows and to keep one’s self unspotted from the world. That means, untainted, or unpolluted.

If we apply this to Christ, He is the perfect example of one who was in the world, but He never became tainted and polluted by the world.

3. It is permanent.

Money (silver and gold) is “corruptible,” i.e. it is related to the ideas of decay; that which is perishable.

Peter’s words here seem to highlight the fact that, as a general rule, people tend to place less importance and value on things that are prone to perish and decay.

The more permanent things are, the more value we place on them. And, the blood of Jesus is more valuable than even the two things we humans tend to esteem with the most value.

It is interesting that he chooses to compare silver and gold, which most of us would consider to be the most enduring precious metals we know of in this world.

Yet, he reminds us that those are still earthly, material, and therefore temporary. See verse 7 earlier in this 1^st chapter.

1 Peter 1:7 (NKJV) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ

Even gold that has been tested (purified) by fire, is less precious than faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. Why? It must surely be due to the fact that faith and salvation are eternal and permanent. Gold is only temporary.

4. It is effective. (Heb. 10:4)

Hebrews 10:4 (NKJV) For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

One of the main points of the book of Hebrews is to show us that all of the sacrifices required in the OT system were merely symbolic of the only truly effective sacrifice – the blood of Christ.

The temporary system served its purpose, but we are told that they really had no ability to take away sins.

The context in chapter 10 emphasizes the fact that rather than take away the sins, the sacrifices served as a frequent reminder of their sins. It is only the blood of Jesus that can take away sins.

“What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

5. It is voluntary. (Heb. 9:14)

If we look back again to Heb. 9:14 again for just a moment, I want to point out the obvious point that Jesus offered His own blood. There are other references in Hebrews that emphasize the same point.

This is not a story about some criminal that was bound and executed against his own will and without his consent.

No, we are speaking about the loving, merciful and gracious Son of God; the Savior of the world, willingly and knowingly laying down His life so sinners like you and me could be redeemed and saved from the wrath of God.

Conclusion:

Today we are sharing the elements of the Lord’s Supper to be reminded once again of how precious His sacrifice really is for us.

Let’s take our hymnals and sing the first two verses of # 330, “Are You Washed in the Blood?”

A Glorious Church

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This is a message that was given on the Sunday in which we conducted our annual membership meeting and it was intended to serve as a sort of state of the church address.

Written Excerpts:

Eph. 5:27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

Introduction:

I want to begin today by very briefly commenting on the verse of scripture upon which the title of this message is based.

The context for v. 27 is vv. 25-26   Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶  that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word

Christ loved the church so He gave Himself for the church.

Christ gave Himself for the church so He could sanctify and cleanse the church.

Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church so He could present to Himself a glorious church.

What is a glorious church? One that reflects the glory of God. It reflects all the magnificent and spectacular qualities of perfection found in the Triune God.

Is it completely spotless and without blemish now? No. Is it a finished product now? No. But it will be one of these days, and no, He isn’t waiting until we all get through this life to do all that He wants to do with the church. He is currently doing significant things with His church today. The cleansing may not be finished, but it is already happening.

As we have announced at the beginning of today’s service, we will be dismissing earlier than usual in order to allow time for our annual membership meeting.

Therefore, I wanted to use the sermon time this morning to do a type of “State of the Church” message, which will accomplish a couple of purposes.

1. It will shorten our Annual Mtg. a little, since this will replace a portion of my “Pastor’s Report” that I normally give.

2. It will allow me to share things with the whole church that usually only gets presented to a dozen or two people.

Going to pretty much read my message to conserve time.

First of all, let me reemphasize a foundational concept that we’ve talked about before, but probably needs to be repeatedly reviewed.

Church is not a building, and it is not programs, whether those programs be worship services, dinners, Sunday schools, youth meetings, etc., etc.

Church is not denominations or associations or organizations.

Church is not something we do on Sunday mornings for an hour and a half, so we can feel like we’ve done our duty to God, and now we can get on with the really important things and fun things in life that we really care about.

The Church is all people who have been saved from the wrath of God; washed in the blood of Jesus; forgiven for their self-willed transgressions against God; and filled with the Spirit to live out His purposes in all aspects of everyday life.

That is about the quickest way I know to define the word “church.”

In a previous mini series of messages a few years ago, I presented a three-fold mission of the church that I believe is taught in the Bible. What I want to do for a little while today is review those three aspects of our mission as a church and try to evaluate how I think we’re doing.

I. The Upward Mission – Glorify God

Ephesians 1:12 (NKJV) that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

One of the ways that we try to bring glory to God is through our worship services.

Earlier I said that worship services do not = church, but worship is one of the things that the church does. I don’t know what you think, but I believe that we have a strong sense of worshiping God

most of the time when we gather on Sunday mornings (although there are obviously some exceptions, to the extent that any of us allow our minds to be distracted from our focus on God and we become focused on lesser things).

But this is only a part of our worship – i.e. corporate worship, which is vital, it is necessary and it is the norm for Christians in the NT. It is us realizing that He is the focus not us.

However, personal worship is also taught in scripture and is equally important. Since it is personal, there is no way I can accurately assess it, but I fear that there are those in our congregation who have fallen victim to the philosophy I expressed earlier, i.e., church (or worship) is what we do for 1 ½ hours on Sunday morning, so we can say we’ve fulfilled that obligation and now we can go about our own business the rest of the week.

You have to ask yourself the question, “How much do I worship God in my personal, daily life?”

One thing I know for sure is this: the more that people worship Him on a daily basis in their personal lives, the more vitality we will experience in our corporate worship.

I heard this thought expressed many times: “It’s wonderful that so many people take the time to come to a worship service to get their spiritual tanks refilled each week, but how much more wonderful it would be if those same people came to the worship service with their spiritual tanks already full with the presence of God, so that it just spills out all over when we all get together!”

I know that sometimes it’s normal and necessary for people to come to church hoping and expecting the service, or the pastor to give me something today that will lift me up and help get me through another week, and that’s okay, for we all experience those seasons.

But how glorious it would be if people came to the church worship service bubbling over with the joy of the Lord because of His nearness to them all week, and they’re not seeking for an uplift, they’re just seeking for a suitable way to vent their joy and gratitude for all God has done during this week.

What about our church life, personally and corporately, are we truly bringing glory to God, or are we exalting ourselves?

II. The Inward Mission – Building up One Another

This aspect of the church’s mission focuses on our responsibilities to each other in the body of Christ.

This includes:

·        Demonstrating love and tender compassion

·        Mutual support for all of life’s adversities

·        Prayer for one another and encouraging one another

·        Teaching, instruction and disciple-making

·        Getting together in groups or one-on-one to study, to pray, to bond in fellowship, etc.

How are we doing?

By my observations, I’d say we do a fairly good job of encouraging one another, supporting one another and praying for one another.

Many people have expressed their appreciation to me for how the church body has responded to them with cards, phone calls and prayers in their times of need.

I’m happy to say that this is normally the case even among the newer members of the congregation as well as those who’ve been a part of this body for years.

I have been especially pleased to know that there are a handful of individuals and couples who take the time to even visit those who are sick and in need (they obviously don’t think that the Pastor is the only one who can/should do it). However, I might add, most of these folks are in the retirement age bracket. I hope some of the younger folks will catch the vision for this kind of ministry as well.

There’s always room for improvement, but I think we make a great effort in mutually supporting and encouraging one another.

One area that I think we could use some improvement is in the area of teaching, instruction and disciple-making.

We have a great foundation and we are making some progress, but I think we’ve only scratched the surface.

Bob Corner, Dick Thompson and Marilyn Hollabaugh study hard and prepare SS lessons that dig into the Word of God. I hear frequent compliments of the adult class.

Kris and Heather are doing a splendid job with the junior church and they are teaching Bible knowledge to these kids that most of them aren’t getting anywhere else. Many of the children are not getting very much spiritual teaching at home.

I want to commend Becky Sterner for her passion for working with youth. She’s had help from time-to-time from Sara Giesler and from Chris Cochoff. Becky is doing a good job, and I hope that teaching ministry will blossom and develop.

We have recently seen the development of a ladies Bible study being held weekly, which seems to be generating some significant interest and enthusiasm among those who are attending. This is exciting and I hope it will continue.

In spite of all these things that are happening, I think there are a couple areas of need: (1) Men’s discipleship training; (2) Prayer meetings.

I am hoping that God will lay it on the heart of one or two men to start up a study/prayer/ accountability group for men and that it will catch fire among the men of our church. Men, God has given us the responsibility of spiritual leadership in our families, and it is absolutely impossible for us to give them something that we don’t have ourselves.

Prayer: Just about every year in our annual meeting I stress the fact that I’m disappointed with the low attendance in our weekly prayer meetings.

Maybe Wednesday evenings are not good for your schedule. If that’s true, then by all means get together with a small group some other time during the week to pray.

God’s Word tells us that our two strongest weapons in the spiritual warfare against Satan and the evil of the world are: His Word and prayer.

Prayer is not asking God to bless us and make things work out all nice and rosy for us, so that our life is easier. Prayer is doing spiritual battle with the enemy of our souls and the enemy of our Lord and the destroyer of our culture, and its seeking the power of heaven to overcome the power of this world. Prayer is the act of imploring God to let His Kingdom come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven; for His Kingdom of light to overrule the kingdom of darkness. 

III. The Outward Mission – Pre-evangelism; evangelism

This aspect of the church’s mission involves anything that is done for the purpose of reaching out to those who are outside the church, i.e. do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and are not attempting to order their lives according to His purposes.

This involves both local and international outreach. Once again I remind us this morning that being a disciple of Jesus and being a part of His church is not about us, but it’s all about Him and His agenda. And the Bible is very clear that God’s agenda is to save the lost, wherever they are. To the extent we lose that focus, is the extent that we have forsaken the plan and agenda of Jesus Christ.

One aspect of outreach I have referred to as pre-evangelism, because there are times when we must demonstrate compassion and concern for people before we can ever hope to interest them in a God they do not know and consequently do not trust. Sometimes we need to gain their trust before they will trust our God, whom they’ve never truly known.

Pre-evangelism takes different forms, but includes things like giving assistance with physical needs, responding to disasters, or any number of ways of showing compassion.

Evangelism, on the other hand, actually involves leading people to the point of surrender to Christ and giving Him the control over their lives after confessing and repenting of their sins, and seeking His forgiveness.

We do a fair job, I think, in trying to show people that we care about them by helping out in times of need and disaster. Yes, we could do better, but it’s always a challenge to know the difference between giving someone a hand up, versus perpetuating a situation that is self-defeating.

We need lots of help in the area of evangelizing the lost. I feel condemnation a lot myself for not leading more people to Christ.

I certainly want to do better, and I want to help you lead people to Christ, as well.

We are recently making an effort in one area, i.e. cooperation in Celebrate Recovery ministry, although I’ve been disappointed about the lack of response from our congregation to help out in this effort. I hope we will catch the vision.

We are also planning for some additional efforts to reach out to the youth, but the plans are still in “infancy” stage.

Conclusion:

In spite of the difficulties in accurately measuring spiritual life, I would like to say that I find reasons to be encouraged with our congregation. There seems to be a number of people within the church who show signs of seeking after more of God’s presence in their lives and who appear to be striving to obey the Lord in their conduct and attitudes.

However, as the pastor and the one who is charged with the responsibility of leading our church into a deeper understanding of biblical faith and practical godliness, I am always hoping and praying for even greater commitment to God and His priorities in our church and in our families. It will always be the devil’s purpose, and consequently a serious danger, for all of us to cool off spiritually and become complacent about the practice of righteousness and godliness in everyday life. Therefore, we must always seek to have God revive a fervent passion within us to be all He wants us to be.

Walking Dead Men Bro't to Life

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This is a sermon that is based on Ephesians 2:1-10. It emphasizes the transformation that takes place in a person's life when they are saved by grace.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Ephesus was the most considerable city of the [Asia Minor] (Modern-day Turkey) [located across the Aegean Sea, east of Italy & Rome]; famous, first for sin, witchcraft, Ac 19:19, idolatry (especially the worship of Diana, Ac 19:24), and persecution, 1Co 15:32; 16:9; then for piety, having received the gospel by Paul's preaching, Ac 18:1-28, and showed great zeal, Ac 19:17-18, &c.; Re 2:2-3; but, lastly, it was noted for coolness and declining, Re 2:4, leaving her first love. The apostle seems to have foreseen this as likely to come to pass among them by means of false teachers, grievous wolves that would not spare the flock, Ac 20:29, and some that would arise from among themselves speaking perverse things, Ac 20:30. (Matthew Poole, Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy Bible)

Many scholars believe that this was a circular letter (one that was passed around to different congregations), and perhaps ended up at Ephesus, which explains why it is named Ephesians. Paul writes to the Christians in the region to address some potential errors. In doing so, he describes their place in the church and their relation to Christ who is the head of the body.

The passage we are looking at today begins with a conjunction, which connects it to the closing verses of the previous chapter.

He had been talking about the magnitude of God’s power toward believers as exhibited in the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1:19-20). He begins to explain now that the same power has been applied to them.

In this particular passage (2:1-10) we will discover that Paul describes the contrast between their former walk in sin and their present life in Christ.

The choice of words that Paul uses provided the idea for my sermon title: Walking Dead Men Brought to Life.

I.   The walk of death is described (vv. 1-3).

“Once you were dead” – spiritually (in trespasses and sins), because of separation from God.

“Walked” – the way one lives out his life.

A.  Their walk was controlled and dictated by:

1.  The “course of this world” (v. 2a) – lit. “age of this world”; that is, they were controlled by the spirit of the world around them.

Defined by some scholars as the ideas, aspirations, motivations, and goals of all those who are apart from Christ.

2.  The “prince of the power of the air” (v. 2b) – referring to Satan, who is the first over the “power” or “authority” (i.e. demons) of the air, the realm in which spirits move.

The grammatical structure of the sentence emphasizes that Satan is also prince over the spirit that exists in the “children of disobedience” (v. 2c).

Those who turn away from Christ and the will of God because “they want to run their own life or do their own thing” are truly deceived. In reality they are following after the desires and wishes of Satan.

B. Their walk (and ours too [“we” v.3a]) was characterized as:

1.  Participating with other disobedient “children.”

“Among whom (i.e. children of disobedience), we also all had our conversation…”

2. Following the “lusts of the flesh” (v. 3) – physical passions and desires. Includes the satisfaction of physical desires as well as the desires of life in general apart from God.

“and of the mind” – human knowledge and understanding apart from divine revelation, or evil thoughts.

Cf. 1 John 2:16  For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world.  (pleasure; possessions; position/power)

3.  By nature under the wrath of God (v. 3) – The sin nature that is innate in every human being put us in the position of being in subjection to the wrath of God.

II.  The transformation to life is described (vv. 4-7).

A.  The basis for the transformation is:

1.  God’s mercy – “rich in mercy” (v. 4a).  Mercy is that quality of God’s nature that prompts Him to refrain from giving us the judgment we deserve.

2.  God’s love – “great love wherewith he loved us” (v. 4b). Love is the underlying reason for God’s mercy and grace.

B.  The cause of the transformation is:

1.  We have been saved by grace. (v. 5b)

“Saved” – perfect participle, meaning something that has taken place in the past with the results continuing into the present.

“Grace” – God’s love demonstrated in gifts and favors that we do not deserve.

2.  It was accomplished by Him not us. “Even when we were dead in sins.” (v. 5a)

C.  The result of the transformation is:

1.  We have joined in Christ’s resurrection, “raised together with” (v. 6a).

2.  We have joined in Christ’s exaltation, “made to sit together in heavenly places” (v. 6b). This is not just for the future, but is now a present spiritual reality by virtue of being “in” Christ.

D.  The purpose of their transformation is:

1.  To demonstrate God’s extreme wealth of grace.

2.  That is displayed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

3.  Throughout all eternity. “in the ages to come” (v. 7a)

(Wuest) “God will exhibit His kindness to the saints for His own glory, in order that He may be glorified. And the spectators will be the angels. We saints [have been and] will be the objects of His kindness. We will be on display before the angelic world, basking in the sunshine of God’s smile, enjoying the riches of His blessings, all, in order that He might be glorified by the angelic hosts.”

III. The resurrected life is summarized. (vv. 8-10)

The next three verses seem to recap some of the points the author has already made in the preceding verses. In these three verses he summarizes what the resurrected life really means. One word captures the entire concept = “saved.”

A. It is accomplished by God’s grace. (8a, 9)

No part of salvation is through our own efforts or our own doing. It is all because of God’s amazing grace.

B. It is appropriated by our faith. (8b)

It is received and accepted by the exercise of our faith.

It is ours (i.e. free will to accept or reject), but..

It is faith that is enabled by grace.

It is a complete trust in the plan that God has made, i.e. the blood sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.

C. It is applied unto good works. (10)

We are His workmanship. Our performance of godly works of righteousness that we never would have done before due to our selfish, sinful nature; are a testimony of God’s workmanship on us.

When God saves us it makes a difference in us. The good works testify to the reality of salvation that has taken place within us.

We are not saved because of our works, but we do works because we are saved.

Conclusion:

Paul has vividly described what has taken place in the lives of the believers in and around Ephesus. His description applies to every person that has been saved from sin throughout the entire world for all time.

I too was spiritually dead because I was living without Christ. I was living a life of disobedience. It was a life controlled by the enemy of my soul, and a life spent seeking to satisfy my own selfish nature and fleshly desires.

But, by the grace and mercy of God I have been transformed! I have been given life in the Spirit! And, one of these days I will be joining millions of other believers as we are put on display for the angels and heavenly hosts to witness the great wealth of God’s marvelous grace!

This is not a blessing reserved for the elite, but it is available for every person.

 

After the Suffering

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

This is a sermon based on 1 Peter 5:10 concerning the topic of suffering and the coming glory after this life is over.

Written Excerpts:

1 Peter 5:10 (KJV) But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Introduction:

There are a couple of other verses of Scripture that I would like to read as part of the introduction to this message.

1 Peter 4:12 (NKJV) Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;

John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Both of these references highlight the point that it’s not a question of IF we will suffer and experience tribulation, but WHEN we do.

Our Grove City Ministerium met this past Wednesday and during our Bible study discussion, the subject of suffering came up.

One of the pastors talked about seeing an interview on TV between an American reporter and a man from another part of the world who had recently lost his legs in an act of violence.

Although, I don’t remember the details about who it was, where or why it happened, etc. I recall that the pastor told how the reporter asked the man if he ever “wondered where God was when this tragedy happened to him.”

The man gave the obvious appearance that he wasn’t sure what to say, because he didn’t really understand the question.

“What do you mean, where was God?”

If I recall correctly, it was stated that the man then asked the reporter if he was from America. It dawned on him that westerners have this concept that “if God is really in control, then bad things shouldn’t be happening to me.”

One of the other pastors in our meeting spoke up in confirmation. He had served one or more terms as a missionary in Africa and possibly other countries. He affirmed that Christians in other parts of the world take for granted that suffering is part of normal life experiences. It doesn’t really occur to them that being a Christian means I should be exempt from suffering.

In our culture, where we often enjoy such ease and comfort, (especially when compared to the conditions of people in Third World countries), we often fall prey to the idea that as long as God is with us and in control, then we shouldn’t be experiencing tragedy, tribulation or suffering.

We must never forget, friends, that we live in a world that is under the curse of sin. That means that tribulation, adversity, and suffering is a common experience all through life, whether that comes through “natural disasters,” “violence by depraved individuals, or disease and sickness.

The Apostle Peter is writing to Christian believers in the region of Asia Minor that is now part of modern-day Turkey.

He is probably writing around 62-64 AD, and he is writing to people that either have already suffered persecution, or they will likely face persecution in the future.

Cf. 1 Peter 1:6 (NKJV) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

1 Peter 3:14 (NKJV) But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled."  See also, 4:12-19, mentioned above.

(Persecution was already a common experience of the Christians in Rome, and it was probably spreading to their region as well.)

I felt directed to this passage of scripture because of the difficult circumstances that many of you have recently experienced or may still be experiencing.

I want to take a brief look at this text in 1 Peter as a way to encourage us for the journey ahead.

There are some important concepts about life and about suffering that are implied in this verse which we should take into consideration as we try to make sense of our common experiences.

I. There is a heavenly Father in control.

II. There is a temporary and an eternal perspective.

III. There is a plan with a goal.

I. There is a heavenly Father in control.

“The God of all grace;” “has called us”

Peter makes reference to God several times as a way of helping his readers keep in mind that we’re not in this life alone, but God is walking by our side.

A. Grace is His “commodity.”

In the immediate context (vv. 6-9) Peter has discussed various issues like being humble before God and exalted by God; our arch-enemy, the devil, and his design to destroy and ruin us; and our common sufferings with other believers around the world.

He wants us to know that God is out there and more importantly, He has all the grace we need for every situation we face.

“My grace is sufficient for thee.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

“He giveth more grace.” (Jas. 4:6)

B. He “calls us.”

In other words, He is directing our lives and our circumstances.

There may be times when we face situations when it feels as though God must be a million miles away and doesn’t know or care about us.

But, Peter certainly implies here that God is calling us to an ultimate and final goal (which we’ll talk more about in a moment), and that calling leads us along various paths and through various situations. Nothing is accidental; nothing is unredeemable.

II. There is both a temporary and eternal perspective.

In this verse there are two words in the Greek that have reference to “time.” The first one is translated “eternal,” and the second word is translated “little while.”

In the original Greek it seems even more likely that Peter meant for us to notice the contrast because of the way that the words sound in Greek. One is the word “αιωνιον” (similar to our English word, “eon”) and the other is “ολιγον.”

One stresses the permanent; the other stresses the temporary.

Another passage that expresses a similar truth is… 2 Cor. 4:17

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV) For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

The problem with us in our humanity is that the temporary, which is now, seems to overshadow the permanent, which is sometime in the future.

I’m convinced that the Devil deliberately tries to get every one of us to place higher priority on the temporary over the permanent.

This is not only true with regard to suffering, but it is also true and perhaps especially true with good times and blessings.

But, dear friends, we must always remember that this life is only temporary, regardless of whether we are going through tribulations or experiencing joy and happiness.

Peter clearly wants his readers to understand that in spite of the trials they may face in this world, they are only temporary, but glory is eternal!

In comparison to what God has in store for His children, the suffering in this world is only “for a little while.”

(That’s a whole lot easier to talk about than it is to practice.)

III. There is a plan with a goal.

Finally, I want to point out that this verse shows that Peter understands the fact that God is definitely leading each of us to an ultimate goal, and that involves a tailor-made plan for us to get there.

We already mentioned earlier the words, “hath called us unto his eternal glory…”

That is the goal.

But, what is the plan? What is involved between now and then?

 It is to “make you perfect, establish, strengthen, [and] settle you.”

“make you perfect” - The fundamental meaning is to put a thing in its appropriate condition, mend…. (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary)

“establish” - To set fast, to fix firmly…. (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary); set a solid foundation (Wuest)

“strengthen” – Only used here in NT. More commonly used with the prefix which means “NOT strong,” i.e. sick, infirm (Zodhiates). Thus, to be healthy, or able to endure.

“settle” - Cause all to rest so evenly and firmly upon the best and surest foundation…. (Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Hebrews 13:21 (NKJV) ²¹  make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Which brings us back again to the goal… the end result is: “his eternal glory”

Over and over throughout the NT, we are reminded that there is GLORY awaiting each of us who trust in Christ and live out our faith in obedience; letting Him develop his plan within us.

Paul said in Romans 8:18 (NKJV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

It almost seems like he is intending to stress – the greater the suffering is, the greater the glory will be.

I’ve have used this text for some funerals in the past and I have stated that these words were written by a man that had experienced tremendous suffering for Christ, and he had also seen glimpses of heaven (caught up to the third heaven), so he knew what he was talking about.

God has indescribable glory awaiting us! Let us be faithful.

Conclusion:

I’ve decided not to close with the song that is listed in the bulletin.

I want to read the words of another familiar song that isn’t in our hymnals, then I think we can sing the chorus together.

WHEN WE SEE CHRIST

Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,

We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;

But Christ will son appear to catch His Bride away,

All tears forever over in God’s eternal day.

Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light,

We’re tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;

But there is One in heaven who knows our deepest care,

Let Jesus solve your problem just go to Him in prayer.

Life’s day will soon be o’er, all storms forever past,

We’ll cross the great divide to glory, safe at last.

We’ll share the joys of heaven a harp, a home, a crown,

The tempter will be banished, we’ll lay our burden down.

Chorus:

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,

Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;

One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,

So bravely run the race ‘til we see Christ.

My Redeemer Lives

This is a sermon given on Easter Sunday 2014. It is based on the words of Job in chapter 19:23-27.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Today we celebrate life. We celebrate victory. We celebrate hope.

As I tried to seek God’s message for today, my mind was drawn to a very familiar text in the book of Job. I have referred to this text many times, but I don’t think I have ever preached from it.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where it seemed like life was crushing you down? Everywhere you turned, there seemed to be no relief, only more troubles or more threats. … one of those seasons in life when it seems like “everything that can go wrong, IS going wrong!”

If you have, you already know that in those times it becomes extremely vital for survival to “wade” through all the peripheral problems, cut through all the noise, and force yourself to focus on those things that you know for certain are still true and reliable. You know you need to focus on the things that you know for certain and then work your way through all the trouble from that perspective.

Is there anyone here that knows what I’m talking about? I believe that our Scripture text for today is one of those kinds of seasons for the subject of the story, Job.

I assume that most of us here know about the book of Job and the story portrayed there. For those who may not be familiar with it, let me just say that the book of Job is the long story of a man that probably lived in the earlier years of time; many think during the time of the “patriarchs” of the Bible – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, etc.

Basically the story tells how God was bragging to Satan about how faithful Job was in serving Him. In order to prove to Satan that Job was not just faithful because God had blessed him, God allowed Satan to destroy all his possessions and destroy his own family. In addition to that, Satan was permitted to attack Job personally with boils and physical suffering.

The details of what I just told you are given in the first few chapters of the book, then the rest of the book consists of dialog between Job and some of his so-called friends who argue with him about his guilt as the cause of his troubles. Throughout all the dialog, Job maintains his innocence and keeps challenging them (and God) to show where he had violated his covenant with God.

The book is a long detailed argument between Job and his “comforters.” Job sinks at times into deep despair and discouragement, if not literal depression. It is in the midst of this overwhelming assault that Job utters these words in our text, “I know that my redeemer lives….” It’s as if he has cut through all the doubt and uncertainty and the things that confound him in order to clearly proclaim something that he knows for sure.

Before we take a brief look at what Job is saying, let me propose to you that Job may actually be saying more by prophetic inspiration than he realizes he is saying.

I want to declare to you this morning a few things that Job has proclaimed as bedrock truths, which he KNOWS, and to which he clings in the midst of his life-threatening calamities.

I. He knows he has a redeemer.

In the KJV and a couple of other translations, the word redeemer is not capitalized, but in most of the recent translations of the Bible, this word is capitalized to emphasize the fact that Job is probably talking about God.

Redeemer – a kinsman and a “vindicator”; This kinsman-redeemer basically functioned as the avenger of the blood of someone unjustly killed (2 Samuel 14:11). He had the right to preempt all others in redeeming property left by a kinsman (Ruth 4:4-6). He also recovered stolen items (Numbers 5:8) or vindicated the rights of the oppressed (Proverbs 23:10-11). He was one who redeemed, delivered and liberated. (Walter C. Kaiser et al., Hard Sayings of the Bible, Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996)

It seems as though Job is using this term in the sense of “vindicator.” Meaning that God would some day vindicate His servant and show that he truly had been faithful. However, he seems to convey the idea that it may not happen in this life, which we will talk about in just a few minutes.

II. He knows his Redeemer is alive.

In spite of all that Job had suffered, he apparently did not jump to the conclusion that God was dead, like some remarkable examples in modern history. I’ve read various accounts of individuals who completely lost faith and reverted to atheism because of moments in their lives when they perceived that God didn’t come through for them when they needed him the most, so they simply concluded he wasn’t real.

Not so with Job. “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God foolishly.” (Job 1:22) He maintained his faith that God was his redeemer and He was alive. Those are both good things to know for anyone who is going through their worst trials and adversity.

III. He knows his Redeemer is going to show up.

“He shall stand in the latter day upon the earth.”

“stand” – a word that can mean stand up, but is more often translated “arise.” Is this a prophetic reference to the resurrection of Christ? Perhaps. I don’t know if Job realized that it was, but he uttered the truth regardless of his level of perception.

This reference to the “latter day” is probably a good hint that Job didn’t really expect his vindication to take place before he died. Job welcomed death because of his suffering, and he probably expected to die before he was vindicated. So, he “looks forward” to another day when God would arise and stand on the earth to set the record straight.

“latter” – can carry two ideas, either sometime in the future, or the actual latter days as in the concept of near the end of time. It’s not clear which idea should be taken here as far as Job’s perspective. Either way, Job knows it is in the future.

IV. He knows he will be there to see Him when He comes.

v. 26 “in my flesh” – lit. from my flesh. He expected to have a physical body again.

vv. 26-27 “I shall see God”, “shall see for myself”, “mine eyes shall behold.”

There are some differences of opinion about the true meaning of the words Job uses here, but after reading through the arguments I had access to, I’m convinced that he intended to argue for the fact that he would live again in flesh and bone to see God and be satisfied with His vindication.

Some have argued that there is very little evidence of a belief in life after death in the OT, but others have strongly argued that it was there none-the-less. Some have even said that there is evidence that Egyptians believed in life after death more than 1,000 years before Abraham lived.

Certainly the Pharisees in Jesus day, who only had OT Script to read, believed in a resurrection.

Conclusion:

Today, we have much more revelation of God’s truth than Job had, but we can certainly echo all that Job proclaimed with even more rich meaning.

I'm thankful on this Easter Sunday in 2014 that we can know that our Redeemer liveth! We understand it in the general sense that "God's not dead," but also in the specific sense that Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, rose again from the dead and He is alive today! Hallelujah!

“I know that my Redeemer lives!”

The Weeping King

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

This is a sermon that was given on Palm Sunday 2014 and it is based on Luke 19:41-44, which presents the scene of Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem on the Triumphal Entry.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

There is a sad story in the OT regarding King David. It is a story of the King leaving the city of Jerusalem after learning that his son Absalom had declared himself king in opposition to his father. 2 Samuel 15:30 (NKJV) So David went up by the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went up; and he had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads and went up, weeping as they went up.

It’s hard to imagine the weight of sorrow that filled the heart of king David that day as he left the capital city in order to protect his own life as well as the lives of his family and servants.

In our Scripture for today, we heard the familiar story of Jesus riding into the city of Jerusalem on the donkey and the people shouting praises saying, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Luke is the only gospel writer who records the next part of the scene. In verse 41, he describes Jesus coming near to the city of Jerusalem and He weeps as he looks out over the city.

It is interesting to notice that He is ready to descend the Mount of Olives, while in the OT story about David, he is ready to ascend the Mount of Olives. Jesus is entering the city, David was leaving the city. What sad pictures – Weeping kings.

For a little while today, I want to explore the cause(s) of Jesus’ weeping and try to make an application to our lives in a way that will motivate us to be more diligent regarding our own spiritual well-being.

I. Setting the Scene

This has been a long trip. Jericho which was approximately 17 miles ENE of Jerusalem. Bethany / Bethphage was approx. 2 miles E of Jerusalem. So, approx. 15 miles walking; 2 miles riding.

Elevation rises approx. 3300 feet from Jericho to Jerusalem, or average of 200 ft. per mile, but realistically the rise would be even more severe because the first few miles would still be in the plain near Jericho.

(Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, quoting from another source) Two distinct sights of Jerusalem are caught on this route…. Verse 37 marks the first sight, verse 41 the second and nearer view. "… the first view is caught of the southeastern corner of the city. The temple and the more northern portions are hid by the slope of Olivet on the right: what is seen is only Mount Zion… [which was] then covered with houses to its base, and [prevailed over] by the castle of Herod, on the supposed site of the palace of David.…It was at this point that the shout of triumph burst forth from the multitude."

With the castle of Herod in full view, the people with Jesus began to praise the one they hoped would become the next king.

(Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, again quoting Stanley) "The road descends a slight [downward slope], and the glimpse of the city is again withdrawn behind the intervening ridge of Olivet. A few moments, and the path mounts again; it climbs a rugged ascent, it reaches a ledge of smooth rock, and in an instant the whole city bursts into view.…It is hardly possible to doubt that this rise and turn of the road was the exact point where the multitude paused again, and He, when he beheld the city, wept over it."

Now, with the whole city in view, and especially the Temple, Jesus pauses to express His lament over the city. The language used in this text implies a bursting forth into tears with audible weeping. Some use the word “wailed.” Jesus is overcome with emotion. And, this emotion of grief is not due to a personal loss or pain, but due to the impending loss of others.

II. The Causes of Grief

(My main points here are adapted from a few brief statements by a well-know English preacher in the 1800’s, Alexander Maclaren.)

A. Their failure to understand their privilege. (v. 42a, 44b)

“If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace!.... [but] you did not know the time of your visitation.”

“known/(knowledge)” – [In OT], the knowledge is not mere information or mystical contemplation, but also its exercise.” A lot of times the early Christian usage of this word included the OT influence by including obedient submission to what is known. (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)

Genuine knowledge is not just the accumulation of factual information, but the submission of one’s life and will to the truth of what is known.

The phrase, “If you had known” is offset by the closing phrase in the paragraph, “because you did not know.” The first is a phrase of opportunity and possibility, and the second is a statement of fact and finality.

“this your day” – The opportunity afforded to you. They will not be accountable for the opportunities afforded to other people and other nations, they will be accountable for their own opportunities.

“things that make for your peace” – possibly an intentional reference to the name of the city, “Jerusalem” which means “he shall see peace.” (Clarke, et. al.) Their peace was to be found in their reception of Him as God’s anointed, but they rejected Him.

John 16:33 (NKJV) ³³  These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

The Jews were looking for political peace and rest from the Romans, but they were missing the One who could give them spiritual and eternal peace.

It seems to me that the phrase “if you had known” (v. 42) is more clearly defined by the later phrase, “because you did not know” (v. 44).

I also believe the word “peace” in verse 42 is further defined by the word “visitation” in verse 44.

“time of visitation” – “time” is word that commonly carries the meaning of “the temporal sense of [a] “decisive point”, often with a stress on the fact that it is divinely ordained.” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)

The people of  Jerusalem and Judea did not grasp or submit to the “divinely ordained” time of visitation of God’s Prince of Peace that was provided for them, and I believe that this was the first major cause of the Lord’s grief on that ride to Jerusalem.

B. The passing of their opportunity. (v. 42b)

“But now they are hidden from your eyes.”

The grammatical structure of this phrase indicates that the thing that is hidden from their eyes is their peace. (Which is implied in a comment by Adam Clarke.) This is a passive verb meaning that they did not hide it from their own eyes, but it was hidden from them.

This actually emphasizes the same principle that we have noted in our series of messages in Romans. When individuals or groups of people willfully choose to resist God’s truth, there will come a time when God joins them and actively keeps them from knowing what they had previously resisted knowing.

It is also possible that the meaning here is simply the fact that the Jewish religious leaders were so full of anger and resentment against Christ along with their intention to eliminate Him, that it clouded their ability to see the truth. So, it may not have been God that blinded them, but simply the natural consequences of all their choices.

I believe the second major cause of Jesus’ grief was because He saw that they path they had chosen was a path of no return.

C. The certainty of their judgment. (v. 43-44)

⁴³ For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, ⁴⁴ and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation."

(The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament by Craig S. Keener) … the city was destroyed in a.d. 70 but not completely leveled. Further leveling (including the filling of an entire valley) took place after the Bar Kochba revolt, which was finally suppressed in a.d. 135.

The Bible is very clear about the fact that God does not delight in judgment. We are clearly told that…

Ezekiel 18:23, 32 (NKJV) ²³ Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?" says the Lord GOD, "and not that he should turn from his ways and live? ³² For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies," says the Lord GOD. "Therefore turn and live!

Ezekiel 33:11 (NKJV) Say to them: 'As I live,' says the Lord GOD, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Now we see that the third major cause of our Lord’s grief was the certainty of their coming judgment, and it broke His heart.

So, according to these few verses we find three major causes of grief for our Lord:

1. Their failure to understand and submit to their time of visitation by the Prince of Peace;

2. Their missed opportunity because of their path of no return;

3. Their certainty of coming judgment.                    

These three things broke the heart of the Savior and Redeemer.

Conclusion:

In closing, I want to say that there are two primary points of application I hope we will take away from this message today.

1. It is possible for anyone to miss out on the opportunity for personal peace with God when we squander our “time of visitation.” Therefore we must always be careful and diligent to respond to Him in faith and obedience.

2. Do the things that break God’s heart break ours as well?

Luke 23:27-28 (NKJV) And a great multitude of the people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. Are we broken and burdened for those who are heading toward judgment?

For our closing song we will be using a song about Jesus, our Redeemer and our King.