Text: As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." He said to another man, "Follow me." But the man replied, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God." Still another said, "I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say good-by to my family." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Luke 9:57-62
This is the price that Chirst has asked us to pay to follow Him. The cost of following Jesus. Does this challenge you? Being a disciple is tough, it is not easy.
1.) Growing is a matter of DIRECTION - v.62 Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God."
Which direction are you going? You should have your eyes/attention directed on the place in which you want to go, or else you are sure to veer off the path. Proverbs 4:25-27 tells us to, Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. In Hebrews 12:2, we are encouraged to, Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Discipleship is all about direction and focus. As we fix our gaze on Christ, the more we become like Him.
2.) Growing is a matter of DEVOTION, DEDICATION, DETERMINATION, DESIRE, DILIGENCE & DISCIPLINE. Acts 2:42-47, They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Stick-to-it-tiveness. Stay on task till it is done. When will it be done, we don't know? So stick to it. 1 Timothy 4:13-16, Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Are the rows that you are plowing, the road that you are walking straight? If you were to look back at the work you have done, is everything according to His design or yours?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter: The Resurrection - A Story of Hope
Text: Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. John 20:1-8
There is Hope!!!
Jesus Christ is that hope. How significant an event, an empty tomb? What happens after death?
Here are a few things that happened on this day that gave us hope:
1.) The significance of the ROLLED STONE. v. 1-3 - Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. God doesn't need permission, despite Pilate's decision for death. Who needed the stone rolled away? Jesus? No, those who needed the evidence of divine power. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." There were far more powerful things to see behind that stone than death.
2.) The significance of the STRIPS of LINEN. vv. 5-7a He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The realization of an empty tomb fulfilled the power Jesus had over death by telling the disciples He would return from the grave. Jesus did not just come back from the dead and leave His place of death, He left what represented death where it belonged and put on robes of righteousness.
3.) The significance of the FOLDED LINEN. v.7b - The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. It was jewish custom, in that day, for a master at a meal, to fold his clothe when leaving the table. This signified that he was to return. Knowing this custom, John saw what Jesus was doing by folding His linen. He meant to return.
4.) The significance of BELIEF. v. 8 - Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. He HAS risen. You can believe. John 11:25 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies...", Romans 4:25 tells us that, "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.", and Romans 10:9 states, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
There is Hope!!!
Jesus Christ is that hope. How significant an event, an empty tomb? What happens after death?
Here are a few things that happened on this day that gave us hope:
1.) The significance of the ROLLED STONE. v. 1-3 - Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. God doesn't need permission, despite Pilate's decision for death. Who needed the stone rolled away? Jesus? No, those who needed the evidence of divine power. 2 Peter 1:3 says, "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." There were far more powerful things to see behind that stone than death.
2.) The significance of the STRIPS of LINEN. vv. 5-7a He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The realization of an empty tomb fulfilled the power Jesus had over death by telling the disciples He would return from the grave. Jesus did not just come back from the dead and leave His place of death, He left what represented death where it belonged and put on robes of righteousness.
3.) The significance of the FOLDED LINEN. v.7b - The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. It was jewish custom, in that day, for a master at a meal, to fold his clothe when leaving the table. This signified that he was to return. Knowing this custom, John saw what Jesus was doing by folding His linen. He meant to return.
4.) The significance of BELIEF. v. 8 - Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. He HAS risen. You can believe. John 11:25 says, "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies...", Romans 4:25 tells us that, "He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.", and Romans 10:9 states, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Worship: The Triumphal Entry - The Art of Praising
Text: As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, "Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away." This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: "Say to the Daughter of Zion, 'See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.' " The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt, placed their cloaks on them, and Jesus sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." Matthew 21:1-11
Worship is a 168 hour a week lifestyle, not just on sunday. We see in Acts 2:43 that EVERYONE was filled with Awe, they had a spirit expecting, a spirit of anticipation, with wonder.
1.) The AWE factor - v.10-11. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." When we come to know the One true God, our initial introduction is usually the most awesome, "Who is this man?" He has authority beyond what we can grasp. In Matthew 7:28 we see that people were amazed at the teachings of Jesus, they were AMAZED! In Matthew 8, He cleaned a man with leprosy, in chapter 9, made a lame man walk. When the crowds saw His miracles, the scripture says they were filled with awe. Everywhere Jesus went people were amazed.
Psalm 68:34 "Proclaim the power of God....Praise be to God!"
2.) The AHA factor - v.11. The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." We recognize we have experienced the God who....reveals.....finds...and saves. The God we have felt when we have done wrong. "This is Jesus Christ." When realizing who He was, they laid down the "red" carpet. 1 Timothy 1:15-17, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." AHA!
3.) The ALLELUIA factor - v.9. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" You can't heop but praise Him when you are consumed by Him. Psalm 117, "Praise the Lord, all you nations"....Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
Halleluia!!
Worship is a 168 hour a week lifestyle, not just on sunday. We see in Acts 2:43 that EVERYONE was filled with Awe, they had a spirit expecting, a spirit of anticipation, with wonder.
1.) The AWE factor - v.10-11. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?" The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." When we come to know the One true God, our initial introduction is usually the most awesome, "Who is this man?" He has authority beyond what we can grasp. In Matthew 7:28 we see that people were amazed at the teachings of Jesus, they were AMAZED! In Matthew 8, He cleaned a man with leprosy, in chapter 9, made a lame man walk. When the crowds saw His miracles, the scripture says they were filled with awe. Everywhere Jesus went people were amazed.
Psalm 68:34 "Proclaim the power of God....Praise be to God!"
2.) The AHA factor - v.11. The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee." We recognize we have experienced the God who....reveals.....finds...and saves. The God we have felt when we have done wrong. "This is Jesus Christ." When realizing who He was, they laid down the "red" carpet. 1 Timothy 1:15-17, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." AHA!
3.) The ALLELUIA factor - v.9. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" You can't heop but praise Him when you are consumed by Him. Psalm 117, "Praise the Lord, all you nations"....Psalm 150:6, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord."
Halleluia!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ministry: Healthy Church Ministry
Text: In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7
Things we do for ministry, we do for God!
1.) The POTENTIAL PROBLEMS of Ministry. - v. 1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Notice things are happening right away in this verse. There's a division (Grecian and Hebraic). They felt like they weren't getting what they want because of their mindsets and feeling a "minority". The truth is that what they were feeling wasn't directly related to their food issues. In our society there are a lot of the same mindsets. It seems effective church ministry has the same conflicts. Replace how we see ourselves and see what God sees, then that would solve our problems.
2.) The PASTOR'S POSITION in Ministry. - vv. 2-4 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." It is the pastors role to equip us, or create opportunities, to do the service of the church. Ephisians 4:11-12, 15 says, It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
3.) The PEOPLE'S POSITION of Ministry. - vv. 5-6 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. We need someone who understands, we have a role and an experience that can minister in ways others can't. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
4.) The POWER of a Pastor and People PARTNERING in Ministry. - v. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Because of the delegation to handle situations that some had experience with; when people possess a ministry. Who might you influence?
Things we do for ministry, we do for God!
1.) The POTENTIAL PROBLEMS of Ministry. - v. 1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. Notice things are happening right away in this verse. There's a division (Grecian and Hebraic). They felt like they weren't getting what they want because of their mindsets and feeling a "minority". The truth is that what they were feeling wasn't directly related to their food issues. In our society there are a lot of the same mindsets. It seems effective church ministry has the same conflicts. Replace how we see ourselves and see what God sees, then that would solve our problems.
2.) The PASTOR'S POSITION in Ministry. - vv. 2-4 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." It is the pastors role to equip us, or create opportunities, to do the service of the church. Ephisians 4:11-12, 15 says, It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
3.) The PEOPLE'S POSITION of Ministry. - vv. 5-6 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. We need someone who understands, we have a role and an experience that can minister in ways others can't. 1 Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
4.) The POWER of a Pastor and People PARTNERING in Ministry. - v. 7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Because of the delegation to handle situations that some had experience with; when people possess a ministry. Who might you influence?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Ministry: In Jesus Name
Text: So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain." Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" God said to Moses, "I am who I am . This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' " Exodus 3:10-14
A ministry is the servent of whatever is specified. For example, the Ministry of Defense serves our country in times that we need defense. In this passage we are reminded who we are ministers/representatives of. We have been asked to do ministry, and when God asks us to do His work, it is very specific.
1.) It is the I AM that CHOOSES (CHASES) us!-- God had Moses where He wanted him, and chased him to bring him to bring him back to Pharoah's palace. John 15:14-17 says You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. 1 John 4:19 says We love because he first loved us. These are steps for love. God is first and last and has chosen us for salvation. He is at work around us, He has chosen us to join him in His work. You have to choose Him.
2.) It is the I AM that CHALLENGES us!-- God is in the challenging business. He challenges us beyond our own means. Look at Moses. God told him to tell them the I AM sent you. Together. Luke 14:27, And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. What a challenge to love one another. Do you see the challenges of I AM. Moses tried to back pedal, "But God...But God...", what challenge has God put before you. You have to accept the challenge. Philippians 1:6 tells us that being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. God is not going to start something in us that He won't support us to get the best outcome possible. He will see you through. What has God set you apart to do?
3.) It is the I AM that CHANGES us and others through us! -- God is always working in us as well as always working through us. In John 5:24, Jesus tells us, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. That the changing power of God. God loves us so much, He won't let us remain the way we are.
A ministry is the servent of whatever is specified. For example, the Ministry of Defense serves our country in times that we need defense. In this passage we are reminded who we are ministers/representatives of. We have been asked to do ministry, and when God asks us to do His work, it is very specific.
1.) It is the I AM that CHOOSES (CHASES) us!-- God had Moses where He wanted him, and chased him to bring him to bring him back to Pharoah's palace. John 15:14-17 says You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. 1 John 4:19 says We love because he first loved us. These are steps for love. God is first and last and has chosen us for salvation. He is at work around us, He has chosen us to join him in His work. You have to choose Him.
2.) It is the I AM that CHALLENGES us!-- God is in the challenging business. He challenges us beyond our own means. Look at Moses. God told him to tell them the I AM sent you. Together. Luke 14:27, And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. What a challenge to love one another. Do you see the challenges of I AM. Moses tried to back pedal, "But God...But God...", what challenge has God put before you. You have to accept the challenge. Philippians 1:6 tells us that being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. God is not going to start something in us that He won't support us to get the best outcome possible. He will see you through. What has God set you apart to do?
3.) It is the I AM that CHANGES us and others through us! -- God is always working in us as well as always working through us. In John 5:24, Jesus tells us, "I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. That the changing power of God. God loves us so much, He won't let us remain the way we are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
