Last week, Chad finished the “what’s so great about Jesus?” series. Throughout the series, he had been featuring testimonies from www.iamsecond.com . This time, however, he featured a testimony LIVE!! Life Church member, Rick Elwell, shared his testimony onstage about how he almost got a divorce, but that Christ brought him through his marital distress and restored him. Amen to that!!
Not only did we get to watch a live testimony (great job Rick!) but we got a great sermon too!! Chad talked about something I never really thought of before. He talked about Jesus and how He gave Simon the name Peter. Back then, Simon was such a common name. You had to be called “Simon son of…” in order for people to know WHO you were talking about lol! However, Simon wasn’t common. Just like all of us, we have purpose (and a calling). Jesus knew this. Jesus even gave Simon the new name of Peter in Matthew 16:17-18 after Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ.
It’s such a beautiful thing! Sometimes we grow up thinking that we are common and ordinary; much like Simon Peter thought. Ordinary man, ordinary job, ordinary life. Not so! God calls us to so much more! He made the distinction with Peter by giving him that new name. We know that Peter means “rock.” Chad illustrated the transition onstage with sand and a rock. Sometimes, we are unstable and unpredictable as shifting sand. But, with Christ, we are solid as a rock!
So, was that a done deal? Far from it!! Spiritual growth is a PROCESS! You don’t go from sand to a rock overnight!! In fact, that’s what was so great about Chad’s sermon. He used the life of Peter to show us that just like it was with him, so it is with us. Peter didn’t always act like the “rock” he was destined to be. It’s amazing to see his progress!! The letters that we read from him (and what we also read about in Acts) show a more disciplined, certain, and solid “rock” than what we see from him during the ministry of Jesus. So many times, we read where Jesus once again called him Simon (even after He named him Peter). “Simon” fell asleep when he was supposed to be keeping watch (Mark 14:37-38). “Simon Peter” drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest‘s servant (John 18:10). Jesus asked “Simon” in John 21:17 if he loved Him. On and on we see the journey (and sometimes back pedaling) of Simon/Peter. Yet, look how he ended up! It’s a process and a journey. Jesus wasn’t finished with Peter when He gave him a solid name. It was only the beginning! Likewise, we are also works in progress. He’s not finished with us yet!!
If we want to be able to progress in our walk with Christ, we have got to pursue Him with our whole heart (and allow Him to do the work in us). Like Chad said, “He’ll work it out.” ;) Amen to that!! Sometimes, that old name reminds us of the fact that we are acting like our old self; rather than the new self that we are meant to be. When he was acting like “Simon” hearing his old name likely reminded him of that. Those moments likely made him stop in his tracks and examine his actions. It can be very humbling, but what person doesn’t rethink their actions when they get a gentle rebuke/reminder? “Simon, Simon….“ or “Simon Peter….“ When your parents used your full name, didn’t that make you straighten up? LOL I know that when I would hear “Melissa Kay” that always made me stop and think!! ;) And, just as a parent disciplines the child they love, so God does with us (Proverbs 3:12). Refining isn’t always pleasant or pretty, but it’s necessary!!
Grace and peace to all of you!! It’s hard to transition from sand to rock, but it’s worth it!! God knows your true name (ask Him)!! It’s not common or ordinary, but precious and solid!! He knows who you are and who you are destined to be!! May you all bring glory to His name!! God bless you!!!
Showing posts with label series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label series. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Sunday, May 24, 2009
GREAT Input!
Today, Chad continued to talk about “what’s so great about Jesus.” It can hardly be fully explained in a sermon series because what’s so great about Jesus is the fact that there is SO MUCH that you just can’t explain it all!! He’s always so fresh and new! Every breath and every new day and experience is something great about Jesus. Like Chad said, Jesus isn’t contained in the pages of His Word; and for that matter, neither is the enemy. As explained in the last two blogs, both our ally and our adversary are very real. Though, like one of the gals on the worship team said today, we are bigger than the enemy because God is bigger than the enemy. And since the Holy Spirit is inside us, we already have the victory over Satan. We just have to believe that and claim the power and authority given to us by Christ!
Indeed, that’s the “great” part. That’s the stuff we’re supposed to be carrying in our heart and being filled with. Chad talked about Proverbs 4:23 in which Solomon tells us to guard our heart because it’s the wellspring of life. Chad said that the heart is a place of both input and output. The kind of things that get poured into your heart are the things that are going to spill out of your heart. Therefore, we must certainly guard it because not all that gets poured in are things that we want to pour out. We need to reject that garbage and take out the trash whenever the bad things want to pour themselves into us. Chad illustrated it as a vacuum cleaner. He mentioned that his kids are always seeking to absorb and suck in good input. He said those things are significance, security, acceptance, love, and praise. They are essential needs of every human being. If we aren’t getting enough of that (or are getting the opposite of that) our heart can get very messy. We can even get to the point where we close it off so that it doesn’t take anything else in; whether good or bad. Sure, you seal yourself off from negative stuff, but you also eliminate the possibility of accepting any good stuff.
Once again, Chad featured a testimony from http://www.iamsecond.com/ . A lady named Priscilla Nicoara talked about the kind of “input” that got poured into her heart as a child. Her mother never wanted her (and had had several abortions prior to her even being born). She said she was always reminded by her mother that she was never really wanted. She didn’t have any of those crucial elements of need in her life; no love, praise, significance, security, or acceptance. The only place she felt she had that was from her father who absolutely loved her. Then, when she was a teen, he died unexpectedly. It devastated her and she felt all alone. It wasn’t until a man invited her to know Jesus that she discovered just how loved, accepted, and wanted she was. She explained how she went from feeling like garbage to feeling like a princess when she realized that she was God’s child; that He adopted her into His family, loves her, and chose her. Amen!!
Priscilla learned to empty her heart of the garbage that was brought in and allowed Jesus to meet her deepest needs and fill her heart with good things. Isn’t that great?! Yes, it’s great - it’s Jesus!!
We are going to have a lot going in and out of hearts during our lifetime. So, we must be alert! We need to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and think on good things (Philippians 4:8). If bad input tries to get in (or if it’s already there) we need to reject it! We need to pour it out! We don’t want to be filled with that! It’s like if you have an empty stomach and you have the choice between drinking something good or drinking poison. Fill up on what is good. Drink that! Don’t drink poison!! Pour it out! Don’t accept it! Or, if you have, puke it out (sorry, don’t know how else to say it). ;) You can’t be filled with good things if you are contaminating your tank with the bad. Empty it out so you can be filled with real fuel!
Grace and peace to all of you!! I pray that you will be emptied of and guarded against bad input. I pray that you will be filled with God’s good and glorious outpouring of input into your heart and that it will spill out to others!! Jesus,….GREAT!! “Great” input!! God bless you!!
Indeed, that’s the “great” part. That’s the stuff we’re supposed to be carrying in our heart and being filled with. Chad talked about Proverbs 4:23 in which Solomon tells us to guard our heart because it’s the wellspring of life. Chad said that the heart is a place of both input and output. The kind of things that get poured into your heart are the things that are going to spill out of your heart. Therefore, we must certainly guard it because not all that gets poured in are things that we want to pour out. We need to reject that garbage and take out the trash whenever the bad things want to pour themselves into us. Chad illustrated it as a vacuum cleaner. He mentioned that his kids are always seeking to absorb and suck in good input. He said those things are significance, security, acceptance, love, and praise. They are essential needs of every human being. If we aren’t getting enough of that (or are getting the opposite of that) our heart can get very messy. We can even get to the point where we close it off so that it doesn’t take anything else in; whether good or bad. Sure, you seal yourself off from negative stuff, but you also eliminate the possibility of accepting any good stuff.
Once again, Chad featured a testimony from http://www.iamsecond.com/ . A lady named Priscilla Nicoara talked about the kind of “input” that got poured into her heart as a child. Her mother never wanted her (and had had several abortions prior to her even being born). She said she was always reminded by her mother that she was never really wanted. She didn’t have any of those crucial elements of need in her life; no love, praise, significance, security, or acceptance. The only place she felt she had that was from her father who absolutely loved her. Then, when she was a teen, he died unexpectedly. It devastated her and she felt all alone. It wasn’t until a man invited her to know Jesus that she discovered just how loved, accepted, and wanted she was. She explained how she went from feeling like garbage to feeling like a princess when she realized that she was God’s child; that He adopted her into His family, loves her, and chose her. Amen!!
Priscilla learned to empty her heart of the garbage that was brought in and allowed Jesus to meet her deepest needs and fill her heart with good things. Isn’t that great?! Yes, it’s great - it’s Jesus!!
We are going to have a lot going in and out of hearts during our lifetime. So, we must be alert! We need to take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) renew our minds (Romans 12:2) and think on good things (Philippians 4:8). If bad input tries to get in (or if it’s already there) we need to reject it! We need to pour it out! We don’t want to be filled with that! It’s like if you have an empty stomach and you have the choice between drinking something good or drinking poison. Fill up on what is good. Drink that! Don’t drink poison!! Pour it out! Don’t accept it! Or, if you have, puke it out (sorry, don’t know how else to say it). ;) You can’t be filled with good things if you are contaminating your tank with the bad. Empty it out so you can be filled with real fuel!
Grace and peace to all of you!! I pray that you will be emptied of and guarded against bad input. I pray that you will be filled with God’s good and glorious outpouring of input into your heart and that it will spill out to others!! Jesus,….GREAT!! “Great” input!! God bless you!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Don't Be A "Rich Man"
Last week, Chad finished up the “Things Above” series. He brought up the interesting story found in Luke 16:19-31 about the rich man and the beggar named Lazarus. When both of them died, Lazarus was comforted in heaven and the rich man was in agony in Hell. The Bible says that he could look up and see Abraham with Lazarus by his side. He begged for pity and that Lazarus could cool his tongue with just a drop of water from his finger. But, Abraham told him that neither side could cross to the other; there was a great chasm between the two. The rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his brothers so that at the very least, they might not end up where he was. Abraham told him that that was what the prophets were for and that if they didn’t believe them, they wouldn’t be convinced even if someone were to raise from the dead.
Chad talked about the interesting points about this parable. The fact that both sides could see the other (but not cross) and the fact that the rich man could remember his brothers. He made the point of saying that if those in heaven could see those in Hell, how “heavenly” would heaven really be? He compared that to what John described in Revelation 21:1-4 about the new heaven and new earth and how the old ones passed away. It is only after that is done that the word says that there is no more death, morning, or pain. It is only then that everything is final and everything is renewed and restored. Like he said, being able to see people in Hell with no hope of escape would be torture for us to observe/know just as it would be torture for them to see and know that they will never be free from torment. At least Revelation assures us that heaven will be the paradise it’s meant to be after it’s all said and done. Maybe the heaven that’s existing right now is sort of the “waiting room” for the heaven to come? It’s hard for me to wrap my brain around it all.
Those are interesting things to think about. Since Jesus gives us a window into what heaven is and what it will be like at the very end, we should be mindful of those things when considering our choices here. If we are like the rich man and care only about our “heaven” on earth, that’s all the heaven we will get. If we are nothing but self-absorbed and concerned about our own selves, the only comforts we will have are the comforts that we seek and receive here. But, if we are humble and poor in spirit (yielding ourselves to God and seeking HIS will) our comfort will be our reward in heaven when we die and go to be with Him.
Whenever I hear that parable, I always think about how awful it would be to be the “rich man.” I also think about how awful it would be to see people we knew on earth suffering on the other side of that chasm. Therefore, it makes me all the more concerned about telling others about Jesus so that they will not be like the “rich man.” I don’t want others to suffer in Hell; neither do I want to SEE them suffering. I will continue to live and speak the truth as best as I can so that that doesn’t have to happen. Though, it’s ultimately the choice of each person’s individual free-will. There will undoubtedly be people who choose NOT to be with Christ by denying and rejecting Him on earth. It saddens me that there are those that make “rich man” decisions to ignore Christ for the sake of temporary earthly pleasures. Why be so short-sighted? NO ONE escapes death! EVERYBODY dies! It’s an absolute certainty (for those that believe that there are no “absolutes” how do you answer that one?!). With that being said, shouldn’t we be concerned about where we will spend all eternity? Wouldn’t you rather be a Lazarus than a “rich man”?
I hope and pray that you’re a Lazrus!! If you’re not, or you’re not sure, please don’t hesitate to talk to me!! I want to see you WITH me when this life is over; not on the “other” side.
Grace and peace to all of you!! May the miracle of the resurrection of Christ be your greatest joy as you celebrate redemption today!!
Monday, October 13, 2008
"Does God Care?"
Today, Chad began an introduction to a new series he's entitling "sink clips." If the name sounds strange to you, join the club!! LOL Since I'm a woman, I don't often relate to or understand home improvement stuff very well (and from how Chad described it, neither does he!). He said that sink clips are strange and complicated things that hold a sink in place and that they are really difficult to deal with! Therefore, he found "sink clips" to be a very fitting title considering these tough questions he will be tackling! (For more information on these topics, he said we can check out www.mosaic.org/podcast):
"Does God care?"
"What's the deal with Hell?"
"What about sex?"
"Is Jesus the only way?"
"Is faith nonsense?"
"Is God in your future?"
Tough questions indeed!! Though, as he pointed out in Colossians 4:5-6, we need to be prepared to answer them when they are asked of us! He acknowledged just how hard that can be sometimes; especially with people we meet our match with! He said he had that problem with an atheist lady he used to work with. He wanted to witness to her, but never attempted it because he knew how sharp and smart she was in arguments. He said that she was better about defending why she DIDN'T believe than he was about what he DOES believe!! Atheists (or any non-Christians for that matter) are very hard to convince because to them, the things of God are foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). But, as it also says in those verses, we don't have to be educated and wise by the world's standards in order to win a soul to Christ!! The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom we need. Still, we need to be prepared to gently and respectfully give answers for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).
So, to start off the series, he began with the first question that I'm sure all of us have asked ourselves many times: "Does God care?" Have you ever wrestled with that in your darkest of moments? I know I have!!
I'm sure that if we look in God's Word, we will see lots of opportunities for that question to be asked. Did God care about Job in his suffering? Did Jesus care that Lazarus died? Of course He does!! God's heart breaks just as much as ours does - and even more so! He doesn't want us to suffer. However, He sometimes allows us to endure the consequences of our own actions/choices in order for us to grow. After all, the Lord disciplines those that He loves (Proverbs 3:12) just like any parent does a child. No one WANTS to see their children suffer, but every now and then, you have GOT to let them learn by making their own mistakes if they are to learn and grow at all!! It's just like a podcast I listened to yesterday in which it was pointed out that the prodigal son's father didn't even argue with the son about getting his inheritance. I'm sure the father knew how foolish and unwise it was, but he knew it was a sacrifice he had to make in order for his son's eyes to be opened to what true riches were. So, he just gave him his portion, and when he hit rock bottom and came back, the father just dusted him off and loved him just as much!!
That also reminds me of a particular time in my life where I had a "prodigal" moment. It concerns the last guy I dated (the boyfriend prior to Mitch). I knew that going out with him wouldn't be a wise use of my time, and God knew it too! In fact, I remember driving in my car and praying about it. I remember that God told me not to go out with him, but I had it in my head that it would all work out and that if anything, I would be a good influence on this guy (back then, I always wanted to "save" the "bad boys"). God told me that he would only cause me pain and break my heart, but I bluntly said that I was going to do it anyways. I'll never forget when God whispered to me, "Ok. I'll be right here waiting for you when you come back- after he breaks your heart." I had tears in my eyes because I knew I was making a very stupid mistake, but that God was stepping aside and allowing me to make it. God doesn't force his will on anyone. We wonder why he doesn't prevent or stop our suffering, but we don't even realize how much he really does prevent (or tries to prevent) if only we would listen!!! Think about how much I could have avoided if I hadn't arrogantly thought that I knew better than God and that "this time, it will be different."
So, to make a long story short, I picked a real winner (NOT!). He was never there for me. He always had an excuse for why he couldn't hang around me. He was totally disinterested and lazy when it came to having any kind of relationship, and he made absolutely no effort to be around me. I was always the one chasing him down, and always finding dead ends when he wasn't where he said he was going to be. It was such a waste of time! My earthly father even spoke up and voiced his concern about this particular boyfriend (which amazed me because he never really said anything about who I went out with). So, I finally woke up and broke up!!
The greater point of all of this is that God isn't the source of our misery, He is the CURE for it!! Satan (as well as our own selves) are the ones that cause pain and misery, not God! He is not to blame. He is the one who wants to restore! Why else would He care enough to send His Son to die for our sins in order that we could be with Him for all eternity? Why else would He walk this earth and experience/empathize with His own creation? Why else would He choose to suffer on our behalf and not spare Himself the humiliation, agony, and death for US? GOD doesn't cause pain, WE DO!! WE inherited the sin bloodline from Adam. We inherited the selfishness, pride, and sinful nature that demands our independence and our own way apart from God. We picked our poison and are living in the consequences. Satan also helps aid in our self-destruction because he wants to cause the most misery and hurt to God's heart as possible. He gets no greater pleasure than to say, "Ha! See God!! Your children hate you!! They blame YOU for all of this!! I am pulling on their strings and influencing them to act out in their flesh rather than that blasted Holy Spirit you gave them - which I hate!! All these horrible people created in your image are spitting in your face…..and I LOVE IT!!!"
How long will we wonder if God really cares about us? How long will we sit in our "ashes" before we trade them in for beauty? That's something else that I heard in a podcast yesterday, and that concept is found in Isaiah 61:3. We may have gone through a lot of junk in our life, but God sees and God cares. He feels our pain and He hates to see His children hurting each other. The day will come when He will restore all things. Many are the people that wronged us, and they can never undo or repay what they have done, but GOD will repay! He will repay THEM (Romans 12:19) and He will also repay us (Isaiah 62:11)! He will most assuredly work all things out of our good (Romans 8:28) just as He promises! He will rebuild and restore us if we allow Him to heal us!! Like a phoenix, we can rise out of the ashes and trade them in for beauty!! Just as we witnessed the restoration of Job, and the resurrection of Lazarus, so can we have newness, restoration, and healing in our lives because of the fact that Jesus really does care!!!
No matter what you have been through or how much you hurt, God is there for you. Maybe it's hard to understand or accept, but He does love you and wants nothing but good things for you!! Bask in the glory of His love and grace this week!! May His grace and peace be with you!!
"Does God care?"
"What's the deal with Hell?"
"What about sex?"
"Is Jesus the only way?"
"Is faith nonsense?"
"Is God in your future?"
Tough questions indeed!! Though, as he pointed out in Colossians 4:5-6, we need to be prepared to answer them when they are asked of us! He acknowledged just how hard that can be sometimes; especially with people we meet our match with! He said he had that problem with an atheist lady he used to work with. He wanted to witness to her, but never attempted it because he knew how sharp and smart she was in arguments. He said that she was better about defending why she DIDN'T believe than he was about what he DOES believe!! Atheists (or any non-Christians for that matter) are very hard to convince because to them, the things of God are foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). But, as it also says in those verses, we don't have to be educated and wise by the world's standards in order to win a soul to Christ!! The Holy Spirit gives us the wisdom we need. Still, we need to be prepared to gently and respectfully give answers for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).
So, to start off the series, he began with the first question that I'm sure all of us have asked ourselves many times: "Does God care?" Have you ever wrestled with that in your darkest of moments? I know I have!!
I'm sure that if we look in God's Word, we will see lots of opportunities for that question to be asked. Did God care about Job in his suffering? Did Jesus care that Lazarus died? Of course He does!! God's heart breaks just as much as ours does - and even more so! He doesn't want us to suffer. However, He sometimes allows us to endure the consequences of our own actions/choices in order for us to grow. After all, the Lord disciplines those that He loves (Proverbs 3:12) just like any parent does a child. No one WANTS to see their children suffer, but every now and then, you have GOT to let them learn by making their own mistakes if they are to learn and grow at all!! It's just like a podcast I listened to yesterday in which it was pointed out that the prodigal son's father didn't even argue with the son about getting his inheritance. I'm sure the father knew how foolish and unwise it was, but he knew it was a sacrifice he had to make in order for his son's eyes to be opened to what true riches were. So, he just gave him his portion, and when he hit rock bottom and came back, the father just dusted him off and loved him just as much!!
That also reminds me of a particular time in my life where I had a "prodigal" moment. It concerns the last guy I dated (the boyfriend prior to Mitch). I knew that going out with him wouldn't be a wise use of my time, and God knew it too! In fact, I remember driving in my car and praying about it. I remember that God told me not to go out with him, but I had it in my head that it would all work out and that if anything, I would be a good influence on this guy (back then, I always wanted to "save" the "bad boys"). God told me that he would only cause me pain and break my heart, but I bluntly said that I was going to do it anyways. I'll never forget when God whispered to me, "Ok. I'll be right here waiting for you when you come back- after he breaks your heart." I had tears in my eyes because I knew I was making a very stupid mistake, but that God was stepping aside and allowing me to make it. God doesn't force his will on anyone. We wonder why he doesn't prevent or stop our suffering, but we don't even realize how much he really does prevent (or tries to prevent) if only we would listen!!! Think about how much I could have avoided if I hadn't arrogantly thought that I knew better than God and that "this time, it will be different."
So, to make a long story short, I picked a real winner (NOT!). He was never there for me. He always had an excuse for why he couldn't hang around me. He was totally disinterested and lazy when it came to having any kind of relationship, and he made absolutely no effort to be around me. I was always the one chasing him down, and always finding dead ends when he wasn't where he said he was going to be. It was such a waste of time! My earthly father even spoke up and voiced his concern about this particular boyfriend (which amazed me because he never really said anything about who I went out with). So, I finally woke up and broke up!!
The greater point of all of this is that God isn't the source of our misery, He is the CURE for it!! Satan (as well as our own selves) are the ones that cause pain and misery, not God! He is not to blame. He is the one who wants to restore! Why else would He care enough to send His Son to die for our sins in order that we could be with Him for all eternity? Why else would He walk this earth and experience/empathize with His own creation? Why else would He choose to suffer on our behalf and not spare Himself the humiliation, agony, and death for US? GOD doesn't cause pain, WE DO!! WE inherited the sin bloodline from Adam. We inherited the selfishness, pride, and sinful nature that demands our independence and our own way apart from God. We picked our poison and are living in the consequences. Satan also helps aid in our self-destruction because he wants to cause the most misery and hurt to God's heart as possible. He gets no greater pleasure than to say, "Ha! See God!! Your children hate you!! They blame YOU for all of this!! I am pulling on their strings and influencing them to act out in their flesh rather than that blasted Holy Spirit you gave them - which I hate!! All these horrible people created in your image are spitting in your face…..and I LOVE IT!!!"
How long will we wonder if God really cares about us? How long will we sit in our "ashes" before we trade them in for beauty? That's something else that I heard in a podcast yesterday, and that concept is found in Isaiah 61:3. We may have gone through a lot of junk in our life, but God sees and God cares. He feels our pain and He hates to see His children hurting each other. The day will come when He will restore all things. Many are the people that wronged us, and they can never undo or repay what they have done, but GOD will repay! He will repay THEM (Romans 12:19) and He will also repay us (Isaiah 62:11)! He will most assuredly work all things out of our good (Romans 8:28) just as He promises! He will rebuild and restore us if we allow Him to heal us!! Like a phoenix, we can rise out of the ashes and trade them in for beauty!! Just as we witnessed the restoration of Job, and the resurrection of Lazarus, so can we have newness, restoration, and healing in our lives because of the fact that Jesus really does care!!!
No matter what you have been through or how much you hurt, God is there for you. Maybe it's hard to understand or accept, but He does love you and wants nothing but good things for you!! Bask in the glory of His love and grace this week!! May His grace and peace be with you!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Do You Smell Like Grace And Peace?
Last Sunday, Chad continued the “Colossians” series by talking about these first two verses of the book: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Herein, Chad focused on two particular aspects of these verses: grace and peace.
Paul was always greeting his readers with “grace and peace.” The way Paul said “hello” was beyond that of a standard “hey, how are you?” Paul’s greetings were heartfelt and sincere. He conveyed warmth and joy to his readers with those love saturated words “grace” and “peace.“
So, how deep are the words “grace” and “peace”? Chad described grace as being joy, favor, and acceptance. He also said that peace is the presence of the goodness and fullness of God. So, when Paul was writing “grace and peace” to his readers, what he was essentially saying was something to the effect of “joy, favor, acceptance and the goodness of God’s fullness be to you……may all of these good things be yours.”
Isn’t that beautiful and heartwarming? What would the world be like if we all greeted each other in such a tenderhearted way? How would that change communication and relationships? I think it would make a HUGE difference! Personally, when someone speaks gentleness and love to me, it always softens my heart in some way. One example would be like when we visit Chick-Fil-A. (In case you have never heard of it, it’s a restaurant chain that serves some really good chicken)!! The company is faith and family based, and boy does it ever show in their attitudes!! The restaurants are always the cleanest, the people are always the friendliest, and their customer service is unmatched. Why? It’s because of their humble hearts and attitudes (and because they are Christ-centered!). It even shows in their words when they ask, “how may I serve you?” Think about how that phrase (compared to “how can I help you?”) makes you feel. “Serve” has a humble feel to it; and you know that the person really means it. “Help” is more of a general term, and doesn’t seem to go quite as far as the word “serve.” Maybe it’s just me, but when I hear “how can I serve you?” and then hear them say “it was my pleasure” when you thank them for your food, it just blesses my heart and makes me feel valued and relaxed. In fact, my husband loves hearing it so much that he will gladly go up to the counter multiple times to get a refill (or to order more food) just so he can hear them say those two phrases. (You should see the way Mitch grins from ear to ear - and I do too!! LOL). Those words are truly life-giving words that touch the heart and have the power to transform!
Words that speak from the heart of our heavenly Father always have that effect. It’s no wonder that gentleness and kindness are fruits of His Spirit. When those fruits are present in us, we have a better chance of helping people to know and understand Christ through our tender attitudes and loving hearts. Gentle and tender words really do “massage the soul” as Chad put it.
We all need grace and peace to live. Grace is what saves our souls and brings us eternal life. And, that assurance of eternal life is what brings that peace to our soul. Chad says when we “soak” in that, we just become marinated. To illustrate that point, he held up a nice raw steak (Oh that made me squirm - and he noticed when I turned away too. LOL Yeah,…sorry. I have this thing about touching raw meat). He then proceeded to put it into a special marinade. Next, he put the steak on the steaming grill he had at the back of the stage. He described that even when put to the fires, the grace and peace that we are marinated and soaked in gives off an aroma. He cited Acts 20:22-24 which reads: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Even though Paul’s life was frequently in danger, and he often didn’t know what turmoil awaited him, it was his “grace and peace” attitude that fueled him to keep going. He knew his life wasn’t merely his but God’s. It was for God’s purpose that he persevered and kept spreading the gospel of “grace and peace” - and he gave off that “aroma” to everyone he met!!
So, like Paul (and like that steak) we are to permeate the world around us with that delicious aroma of “grace and peace” that simmers in our hearts. Everyone needs to hear (and see) “grace and peace” from us. That’s when Chad posed the question, “who most needs to hear ‘grace and peace’ from you?” I know we can all think of someone. Often times, it’s usually people within our own homes and families because oddly enough, they are sometimes the ones that get the least “grace and peace” from us. I guess it’s just all too easy to take those closest to us for granted isn‘t it? Chad said he started saying “grace and peace to you” to his kids all last week - he said his kids started getting “freaked out.” LOL So, maybe we don’t always have to say it with words, but we can show it in our actions. Actions speak louder than words anyways.
I pray that we can all soak in the marinade of God’s “grace and peace.” May we all give off that delicious “aroma” so that others will hunger for it. May God’s abundant grace and peace be with each and every one of you!! All good things to you; my brothers and sisters!! I love you!!
Paul was always greeting his readers with “grace and peace.” The way Paul said “hello” was beyond that of a standard “hey, how are you?” Paul’s greetings were heartfelt and sincere. He conveyed warmth and joy to his readers with those love saturated words “grace” and “peace.“
So, how deep are the words “grace” and “peace”? Chad described grace as being joy, favor, and acceptance. He also said that peace is the presence of the goodness and fullness of God. So, when Paul was writing “grace and peace” to his readers, what he was essentially saying was something to the effect of “joy, favor, acceptance and the goodness of God’s fullness be to you……may all of these good things be yours.”
Isn’t that beautiful and heartwarming? What would the world be like if we all greeted each other in such a tenderhearted way? How would that change communication and relationships? I think it would make a HUGE difference! Personally, when someone speaks gentleness and love to me, it always softens my heart in some way. One example would be like when we visit Chick-Fil-A. (In case you have never heard of it, it’s a restaurant chain that serves some really good chicken)!! The company is faith and family based, and boy does it ever show in their attitudes!! The restaurants are always the cleanest, the people are always the friendliest, and their customer service is unmatched. Why? It’s because of their humble hearts and attitudes (and because they are Christ-centered!). It even shows in their words when they ask, “how may I serve you?” Think about how that phrase (compared to “how can I help you?”) makes you feel. “Serve” has a humble feel to it; and you know that the person really means it. “Help” is more of a general term, and doesn’t seem to go quite as far as the word “serve.” Maybe it’s just me, but when I hear “how can I serve you?” and then hear them say “it was my pleasure” when you thank them for your food, it just blesses my heart and makes me feel valued and relaxed. In fact, my husband loves hearing it so much that he will gladly go up to the counter multiple times to get a refill (or to order more food) just so he can hear them say those two phrases. (You should see the way Mitch grins from ear to ear - and I do too!! LOL). Those words are truly life-giving words that touch the heart and have the power to transform!
Words that speak from the heart of our heavenly Father always have that effect. It’s no wonder that gentleness and kindness are fruits of His Spirit. When those fruits are present in us, we have a better chance of helping people to know and understand Christ through our tender attitudes and loving hearts. Gentle and tender words really do “massage the soul” as Chad put it.
We all need grace and peace to live. Grace is what saves our souls and brings us eternal life. And, that assurance of eternal life is what brings that peace to our soul. Chad says when we “soak” in that, we just become marinated. To illustrate that point, he held up a nice raw steak (Oh that made me squirm - and he noticed when I turned away too. LOL Yeah,…sorry. I have this thing about touching raw meat). He then proceeded to put it into a special marinade. Next, he put the steak on the steaming grill he had at the back of the stage. He described that even when put to the fires, the grace and peace that we are marinated and soaked in gives off an aroma. He cited Acts 20:22-24 which reads: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Even though Paul’s life was frequently in danger, and he often didn’t know what turmoil awaited him, it was his “grace and peace” attitude that fueled him to keep going. He knew his life wasn’t merely his but God’s. It was for God’s purpose that he persevered and kept spreading the gospel of “grace and peace” - and he gave off that “aroma” to everyone he met!!
So, like Paul (and like that steak) we are to permeate the world around us with that delicious aroma of “grace and peace” that simmers in our hearts. Everyone needs to hear (and see) “grace and peace” from us. That’s when Chad posed the question, “who most needs to hear ‘grace and peace’ from you?” I know we can all think of someone. Often times, it’s usually people within our own homes and families because oddly enough, they are sometimes the ones that get the least “grace and peace” from us. I guess it’s just all too easy to take those closest to us for granted isn‘t it? Chad said he started saying “grace and peace to you” to his kids all last week - he said his kids started getting “freaked out.” LOL So, maybe we don’t always have to say it with words, but we can show it in our actions. Actions speak louder than words anyways.
I pray that we can all soak in the marinade of God’s “grace and peace.” May we all give off that delicious “aroma” so that others will hunger for it. May God’s abundant grace and peace be with each and every one of you!! All good things to you; my brothers and sisters!! I love you!!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
An Unchanging Speaker For The Ever-Changing Audience
What does it take to understand something? How does one understand a story; a conversation; a testimony? Well, it’s all about the speaker and listener; the author and audience. That’s the important point that Chad made when starting his new sermon series on Colossians today. (Be sure to listen to all the details when the sermon is uploaded online!).
The concept of knowing your audience is something that my English teacher always emphasized. He always told us that in order to communicate effectively, we always had to have our target audience in mind. In order to reach them, we must understand them and put ourselves in their shoes. The better we understand them, the better they will understand us and the less of a communication gap there will be.
Paul (who penned the letter that became the book of Colossians) understood his audience. He always knew how to explain things and help his readers/listeners understand the spiritual concepts he was trying to convey. However, that was years ago and the audience has now changed. Therefore, there is often a very huge gap between what Paul wrote and meant then and what we understand about it in the here and now. It’s kind of like Shakespeare. We, in the present day, sometimes have a hard time understanding the things Shakespeare wrote because we no longer talk in the same form or live in the same time period. Therefore, we don’t understand and receive his message as well as his target audience did. I laugh to think of how future generations might scratch their heads at our own present-day communication. Can you imagine how a phrase like this might perplex someone a hundred years from now?: “I gtg…bbl. I’m gonna go hang with my peeps 4 a while (fo shizzle!). LOL So,…I reckon I’ll ttyl….tc!” Did you get all that? I’m assuming most of you did because these are the times we live in. That type of lingo, dialect, and communication isn’t foreign to us. But, for the members of my “audience” who do not understand, let me clarify the meaning for you: “I’ve got to go. I’ll be back later. I’m going to spend time with my friends for a while (definitely!) *laughing out loud* So,…I suppose I will talk to you later. Take care!” When there is very little burden on the audience to decipher what the author is saying, there isn’t much room for confusion, misunderstandings, or misinterpretation. However, because so much has changed between then and now, we DO have that burden to try to understand more about the communication, culture, and what things were like THEN if we want to understand it NOW!!
This is why Chad likes to “peel back the layers of history” in order to get to the core of what the authors of the Bible were trying to say. Studying intensely will help the text “come alive” and help the present day reader relate and understand. Therefore, Chad’s introduction to Colossians begins with some foundational understanding about Paul.
As most of you may already know, Paul wasn’t always the “saint” that we know him to be. Our author, Paul, or rather “the author formerly known as Saul” (See! Many in this present day “audience” will understand this referential joke and laugh!) was once a persecutor of the very faith that he professed in his letters. As Saul, he was a Jew, and he followed the laws of his Jewish faith very strictly. He and others persecuted those that “belonged to ’the way’” because “the way” (Jesus) wasn’t “their way.” However, all of that was about to change….
In Acts 9:1-22, we read of Saul’s miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus. A sudden bright light from heaven brought Saul to his knees and Jesus asked him; “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul inquired to who He was and Jesus revealed himself to him saying: “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Then, He directed the now blinded Saul to get up and go into the city where he would soon be told what to do next.
After Saul’s three days of fasting and praying (oh yeah, there’s a sermon in itself right there!!), the Lord sent Ananias to Saul to lay hands on him and restore his sight. IMMEDIATELY after the scales fell from his eyes, he was BAPTIZED (as Chad pointed out, he didn‘t wait until he was “spiritually mature” but rather, got baptized at his conversion - as we all should in order to signify our rebirth and our faith in Christ! If you’ve been born again, why wouldn‘t you want to be baptized?). Then, he ate some food to regain his strength, and then began preaching about Jesus!!
Saul/Paul traveled everywhere and all were amazed that he was once a violent persecutor of the Christian faith! Even Jesus’ own disciples had a hard time believing it at first; some even had disagreements with him about different things (oh yeah, Christians do have disagreements sometimes!). Chad reminded us that Paul and Peter even had to part ways after Paul called him out on his hypocrisy (See Galatians 2:11-21). I won’t go into a whole other subject by discussing the content here, but basically, Peter was in the wrong and he and Paul had to part ways. Thankfully, Jesus worked on Peter’s heart and through CHRIST’S intervention, he was able to see the truth and have a changed heart and mind on the issue (and then some!!). Once Peter humbled himself, surrendered, and got over his pride and stubbornness, he became sensitive and open to the truth of what Jesus was trying to show him (please see Acts 10:9-48 and continuing in Acts 11:1-18). And, through his humble submission to the AUTHORITY and WILL of CHRIST, change occurred in him; and subsequently in OTHERS TOO!! (You just got to read it for yourself!! It’s awesome!!)
Chad said if there was one thing to asterisk about this message it would be this: **JESUS CHANGES PEOPLE!!** AMEN TO THAT!!! A TRUE ENCOUNTER with Jesus Christ brings surrender and repentance, just like we have seen with Saul/Paul. Jesus grabs our hearts and transforms us into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our lives are changed and WOW….WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!
When was your encounter with Jesus on your own “road to Damascus”? Or, have you not had that encounter yet? Or, maybe you have, but the “wow factor” of your conversion has fizzled out. You’ve taken a detour, gone your own way, and now, you are “lukewarm” like in Revelation 3:16. That’s not a good place to be!! If you are unsure of your salvation don’t hesitate to reach out for some help. I’m your sister in Christ and I’m here to help you and pray for you!!
Jesus really does change people!! He is the ONLY one that can change anyone; and that is a concept that every audience in every era can understand!! Even though the times and audiences change, He never does. He remains the same wonderful, loving, merciful, forgiving Savior He has always been!! He’s still in the business of creating life-changing transformations each and every day. And, each testimony resulting from those transformations carries a tremendous impact!! The world is our “audience” and each story has the power to show everyone the reality of how wonderful and REAL God is!! God really can do anything, and he can soften and change even the most hardened of hearts!! Paul said so himself in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” If the self-proclaimed chief of sinners can be saved, there is indeed hope for anyone to change!! It’s just like what my former atheist friend always likes to remind me of: “No one is beyond redemption.” He hated Christians just like Paul did, but God brought him to his knees as well on his own “road to Damascus” and changed his heart forever. If he can change; if Paul can change; then I KNOW there is hope for everyone and it motivates me to pray all the harder for those I know who are unbelievers or backslidden. I know that Jesus can open their eyes and change their hearts!!
If you haven’t already done so, please, encounter Christ and allow him to change your life from the inside out!! Then, boldly live and share your story in order to glorify and bring honor to HIS NAME!! Like Saul was renamed Paul, so are you also renamed as a son/daughter of your heavenly Father when you are adopted into His family!! You are an heir of God; a child of the King!! Bear that title well and may all the world know that you are His disciple!! The world is your “audience”….and they are watching and listening to you!! God bless you all!!
The concept of knowing your audience is something that my English teacher always emphasized. He always told us that in order to communicate effectively, we always had to have our target audience in mind. In order to reach them, we must understand them and put ourselves in their shoes. The better we understand them, the better they will understand us and the less of a communication gap there will be.
Paul (who penned the letter that became the book of Colossians) understood his audience. He always knew how to explain things and help his readers/listeners understand the spiritual concepts he was trying to convey. However, that was years ago and the audience has now changed. Therefore, there is often a very huge gap between what Paul wrote and meant then and what we understand about it in the here and now. It’s kind of like Shakespeare. We, in the present day, sometimes have a hard time understanding the things Shakespeare wrote because we no longer talk in the same form or live in the same time period. Therefore, we don’t understand and receive his message as well as his target audience did. I laugh to think of how future generations might scratch their heads at our own present-day communication. Can you imagine how a phrase like this might perplex someone a hundred years from now?: “I gtg…bbl. I’m gonna go hang with my peeps 4 a while (fo shizzle!). LOL So,…I reckon I’ll ttyl….tc!” Did you get all that? I’m assuming most of you did because these are the times we live in. That type of lingo, dialect, and communication isn’t foreign to us. But, for the members of my “audience” who do not understand, let me clarify the meaning for you: “I’ve got to go. I’ll be back later. I’m going to spend time with my friends for a while (definitely!) *laughing out loud* So,…I suppose I will talk to you later. Take care!” When there is very little burden on the audience to decipher what the author is saying, there isn’t much room for confusion, misunderstandings, or misinterpretation. However, because so much has changed between then and now, we DO have that burden to try to understand more about the communication, culture, and what things were like THEN if we want to understand it NOW!!
This is why Chad likes to “peel back the layers of history” in order to get to the core of what the authors of the Bible were trying to say. Studying intensely will help the text “come alive” and help the present day reader relate and understand. Therefore, Chad’s introduction to Colossians begins with some foundational understanding about Paul.
As most of you may already know, Paul wasn’t always the “saint” that we know him to be. Our author, Paul, or rather “the author formerly known as Saul” (See! Many in this present day “audience” will understand this referential joke and laugh!) was once a persecutor of the very faith that he professed in his letters. As Saul, he was a Jew, and he followed the laws of his Jewish faith very strictly. He and others persecuted those that “belonged to ’the way’” because “the way” (Jesus) wasn’t “their way.” However, all of that was about to change….
In Acts 9:1-22, we read of Saul’s miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus. A sudden bright light from heaven brought Saul to his knees and Jesus asked him; “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul inquired to who He was and Jesus revealed himself to him saying: “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Then, He directed the now blinded Saul to get up and go into the city where he would soon be told what to do next.
After Saul’s three days of fasting and praying (oh yeah, there’s a sermon in itself right there!!), the Lord sent Ananias to Saul to lay hands on him and restore his sight. IMMEDIATELY after the scales fell from his eyes, he was BAPTIZED (as Chad pointed out, he didn‘t wait until he was “spiritually mature” but rather, got baptized at his conversion - as we all should in order to signify our rebirth and our faith in Christ! If you’ve been born again, why wouldn‘t you want to be baptized?). Then, he ate some food to regain his strength, and then began preaching about Jesus!!
Saul/Paul traveled everywhere and all were amazed that he was once a violent persecutor of the Christian faith! Even Jesus’ own disciples had a hard time believing it at first; some even had disagreements with him about different things (oh yeah, Christians do have disagreements sometimes!). Chad reminded us that Paul and Peter even had to part ways after Paul called him out on his hypocrisy (See Galatians 2:11-21). I won’t go into a whole other subject by discussing the content here, but basically, Peter was in the wrong and he and Paul had to part ways. Thankfully, Jesus worked on Peter’s heart and through CHRIST’S intervention, he was able to see the truth and have a changed heart and mind on the issue (and then some!!). Once Peter humbled himself, surrendered, and got over his pride and stubbornness, he became sensitive and open to the truth of what Jesus was trying to show him (please see Acts 10:9-48 and continuing in Acts 11:1-18). And, through his humble submission to the AUTHORITY and WILL of CHRIST, change occurred in him; and subsequently in OTHERS TOO!! (You just got to read it for yourself!! It’s awesome!!)
Chad said if there was one thing to asterisk about this message it would be this: **JESUS CHANGES PEOPLE!!** AMEN TO THAT!!! A TRUE ENCOUNTER with Jesus Christ brings surrender and repentance, just like we have seen with Saul/Paul. Jesus grabs our hearts and transforms us into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our lives are changed and WOW….WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!
When was your encounter with Jesus on your own “road to Damascus”? Or, have you not had that encounter yet? Or, maybe you have, but the “wow factor” of your conversion has fizzled out. You’ve taken a detour, gone your own way, and now, you are “lukewarm” like in Revelation 3:16. That’s not a good place to be!! If you are unsure of your salvation don’t hesitate to reach out for some help. I’m your sister in Christ and I’m here to help you and pray for you!!
Jesus really does change people!! He is the ONLY one that can change anyone; and that is a concept that every audience in every era can understand!! Even though the times and audiences change, He never does. He remains the same wonderful, loving, merciful, forgiving Savior He has always been!! He’s still in the business of creating life-changing transformations each and every day. And, each testimony resulting from those transformations carries a tremendous impact!! The world is our “audience” and each story has the power to show everyone the reality of how wonderful and REAL God is!! God really can do anything, and he can soften and change even the most hardened of hearts!! Paul said so himself in 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” If the self-proclaimed chief of sinners can be saved, there is indeed hope for anyone to change!! It’s just like what my former atheist friend always likes to remind me of: “No one is beyond redemption.” He hated Christians just like Paul did, but God brought him to his knees as well on his own “road to Damascus” and changed his heart forever. If he can change; if Paul can change; then I KNOW there is hope for everyone and it motivates me to pray all the harder for those I know who are unbelievers or backslidden. I know that Jesus can open their eyes and change their hearts!!
If you haven’t already done so, please, encounter Christ and allow him to change your life from the inside out!! Then, boldly live and share your story in order to glorify and bring honor to HIS NAME!! Like Saul was renamed Paul, so are you also renamed as a son/daughter of your heavenly Father when you are adopted into His family!! You are an heir of God; a child of the King!! Bear that title well and may all the world know that you are His disciple!! The world is your “audience”….and they are watching and listening to you!! God bless you all!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Fruit Factory
Today, Chad went more in depth about the “bird” referenced in the parable of the sower (please see my previous blogs if you missed the first couple parts). Of course, the bird is Satan; who takes advantage of the rejected seed that lies on the path and snatches it away.
Satan first deceived humans when he told Adam and Eve that by eating of the forbidden fruit, they could be “like God.” But, that was a lie because Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). They didn’t realize all that they had. They were made in the image and likeness of God and already had that within their hearts. They knew no guilt, shame, or sin and they had fellowship with the Lord in the core of their being.
Satan schemes and masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) so that he can deceive us and separate us from the presence of God. He targets our heart (our mind, will, and emotions) in order to enslave us into bondage and keep us distanced from God. That is why we always have to be on guard (Ephesians 6:11).
Chad showed us that without God in our core, we become a prime target for Satan to snatch the good seeds away and plant the bad seeds. He uses whatever things he can (like the media, people, and even ourselves) to get us spinning like a top. He does it cleverly too. It’s just as Kent Hovind says; it’s taking a base of truth and then mixing it in with a lie. The result is a twisted concoction of deception that easily deceives and brainwashes because it does have elements of truth in it that makes it easy to believe. That’s why rat poison is so effective. A rat isn’t going to take that bait if it’s total garbage. The majority of the mixture is 99.99% “good food.“ The remaining 0.01% is the poison. But, that’s all it takes to contaminate and kill. And, that’s exactly how Satan does it (and how he uses others to do it for him). When a “spin” gets put on a basic truth, it can be twisted for evil.
Chad showed us this illustration by spinning a few tops on a table. When the lie gets in, we start spinning. In our heart, our mind starts thinking and doubting, which may lead us to choose to disbelieve God because our emotions get conflicted and it just goes around in a vicious circle. As we go round and round, we get spun around and confused by the lies. Then, we “spin out” and CRASH!! Of course, that is Satan’s goal, and he couldn’t be more pleased. He would rather us be objects of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) rather than God’s instrument of righteousness when His Spirit lives within us. I love how Chad called the fruit bearing Holy Spirit the “fruit factory” within. That’s exactly what Satan is trying to avoid: fruitfulness. Therefore, he tries to halt production in that “fruit factory” by injecting in the lies that gets us spinning and tries us to produce the fruits of the sinful nature instead.
I really liked the message today. Though, it’s better understood if you hear it explained the way he presented it. There are so many more good points and details and it would take forever for me to explore and explain EVERY AVENUE. ;) So, you might want to hear Chad’s messages for yourself by going to our church website: www.missionoflife.com
The final note that I will end with was when he asked us if we were allowing ourselves to be Satan’s tools to spin other people out in their relationship with God. How are we living our lives? Are we spinning people out? Are we preaching too heavily on the “hell and damnation” side of the message rather than the central message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance? We got to check our witness and what kind of ambassador we are for Christ. How are we reflecting Him and His message? Proverbs 27:19 says it well: “As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.”
So, what do our hearts look like? What are they reflecting to the world? I ponder this often because I want to do my best to show others love, understanding, and compassion. I want others to know Christ and see Him in me. Of course, I will fail sometimes because I am not perfect - none of us are. Perfection is never something I can promise to anyone. I can only do the best I can and just trust that Christ’s blood will cover my mistakes and failures and that others would be as forgiving of me as He is of me too - and that I am of them. God wants us to be peacemakers and to not hold unforgiveness in our hearts (and for good reason too!). Hate, bitterness, rage, and unforgiveness is a prison that will eat you alive and rob you of joy; which is why love and forgiveness is the best choice so that we can all have peace and healing in our lives.
So, which “fruit factory” are we operating in? What kind of fruit are we producing and reflecting? Our behavior says a lot about our relationship with Christ - or lack thereof. If we are living without God’s Spirit to guide us, that empty void will have to be filled with something and that something will be the fruit of the sinful nature which are things as described in Galatians 5:19-21:
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
But, if we are living by the Spirit of God, we will behave accordingly with spiritual maturity and exude the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-26:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
So, be “fruity.” LOL Well, in a good way that is!! Be filled with the fruit of the Spirit and not the sinful nature. Behave in a manner that beautifully reflects Christ and allows Him to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your heart by laying down your pride, surrendering to His will, and allow him to empty you out of the bad and fill you with the good (which is always my personal prayer every day!). Allow him to develop spiritual growth in your heart so that you can produce a fruitful and abundant crop!! God bless you my sweet and fruity brothers and sisters in Christ!!
Satan first deceived humans when he told Adam and Eve that by eating of the forbidden fruit, they could be “like God.” But, that was a lie because Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). They didn’t realize all that they had. They were made in the image and likeness of God and already had that within their hearts. They knew no guilt, shame, or sin and they had fellowship with the Lord in the core of their being.
Satan schemes and masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) so that he can deceive us and separate us from the presence of God. He targets our heart (our mind, will, and emotions) in order to enslave us into bondage and keep us distanced from God. That is why we always have to be on guard (Ephesians 6:11).
Chad showed us that without God in our core, we become a prime target for Satan to snatch the good seeds away and plant the bad seeds. He uses whatever things he can (like the media, people, and even ourselves) to get us spinning like a top. He does it cleverly too. It’s just as Kent Hovind says; it’s taking a base of truth and then mixing it in with a lie. The result is a twisted concoction of deception that easily deceives and brainwashes because it does have elements of truth in it that makes it easy to believe. That’s why rat poison is so effective. A rat isn’t going to take that bait if it’s total garbage. The majority of the mixture is 99.99% “good food.“ The remaining 0.01% is the poison. But, that’s all it takes to contaminate and kill. And, that’s exactly how Satan does it (and how he uses others to do it for him). When a “spin” gets put on a basic truth, it can be twisted for evil.
Chad showed us this illustration by spinning a few tops on a table. When the lie gets in, we start spinning. In our heart, our mind starts thinking and doubting, which may lead us to choose to disbelieve God because our emotions get conflicted and it just goes around in a vicious circle. As we go round and round, we get spun around and confused by the lies. Then, we “spin out” and CRASH!! Of course, that is Satan’s goal, and he couldn’t be more pleased. He would rather us be objects of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) rather than God’s instrument of righteousness when His Spirit lives within us. I love how Chad called the fruit bearing Holy Spirit the “fruit factory” within. That’s exactly what Satan is trying to avoid: fruitfulness. Therefore, he tries to halt production in that “fruit factory” by injecting in the lies that gets us spinning and tries us to produce the fruits of the sinful nature instead.
I really liked the message today. Though, it’s better understood if you hear it explained the way he presented it. There are so many more good points and details and it would take forever for me to explore and explain EVERY AVENUE. ;) So, you might want to hear Chad’s messages for yourself by going to our church website: www.missionoflife.com
The final note that I will end with was when he asked us if we were allowing ourselves to be Satan’s tools to spin other people out in their relationship with God. How are we living our lives? Are we spinning people out? Are we preaching too heavily on the “hell and damnation” side of the message rather than the central message of love, forgiveness, and acceptance? We got to check our witness and what kind of ambassador we are for Christ. How are we reflecting Him and His message? Proverbs 27:19 says it well: “As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.”
So, what do our hearts look like? What are they reflecting to the world? I ponder this often because I want to do my best to show others love, understanding, and compassion. I want others to know Christ and see Him in me. Of course, I will fail sometimes because I am not perfect - none of us are. Perfection is never something I can promise to anyone. I can only do the best I can and just trust that Christ’s blood will cover my mistakes and failures and that others would be as forgiving of me as He is of me too - and that I am of them. God wants us to be peacemakers and to not hold unforgiveness in our hearts (and for good reason too!). Hate, bitterness, rage, and unforgiveness is a prison that will eat you alive and rob you of joy; which is why love and forgiveness is the best choice so that we can all have peace and healing in our lives.
So, which “fruit factory” are we operating in? What kind of fruit are we producing and reflecting? Our behavior says a lot about our relationship with Christ - or lack thereof. If we are living without God’s Spirit to guide us, that empty void will have to be filled with something and that something will be the fruit of the sinful nature which are things as described in Galatians 5:19-21:
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
But, if we are living by the Spirit of God, we will behave accordingly with spiritual maturity and exude the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-26:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
So, be “fruity.” LOL Well, in a good way that is!! Be filled with the fruit of the Spirit and not the sinful nature. Behave in a manner that beautifully reflects Christ and allows Him to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your heart by laying down your pride, surrendering to His will, and allow him to empty you out of the bad and fill you with the good (which is always my personal prayer every day!). Allow him to develop spiritual growth in your heart so that you can produce a fruitful and abundant crop!! God bless you my sweet and fruity brothers and sisters in Christ!!
Sunday, October 14, 2007
"Butt" There's No Excuse!!
Don’t you just love cliffhangers?! The anticipation can just drive you nuts!! That’s how I have been feeling each and every Sunday for the last few weeks because our pastor has embarked on an exciting message series entitled “House.” And, the “house” that he is talking about is the “house” of Christianity.
So far, he has talked about getting in the door, waiting in the hallway, and now, we are starting to explore the “rooms.” This series is awesome; and I am LOVING IT!!! And, if you have been reading my blogs on this series for the past few weeks, I’m sure you’re just as eager to read about today’s message as much as I was eager to hear it today. Of course, since I just started this particular blog, you can just click on these links to go to my myspace page and read parts one, two, and three so that you can understand more about this series and what I'm talking about in some of my references. Also, you can now listen to these sermons for yourself at our church's website by clicking here. You can listen online, or download the free podcast. How cool is that??!! I highly recommend it, because I can’t possibly reiterate every single thing that Chad said. I just summarize it. Plus, he puts a lot of his personal testimony in there, and you would love to hear that for yourself!!
In addition to this series, Chad also decided to conduct a little experiment. Last week, he said that we were going to have a plant onstage and that the only time that it was going to get any light, attention, or water, was on Sunday mornings. So, how long do you think the plant will last? This morning, everyone could plainly see - as Chad put it - that it was already showing signs of “want.” One of the leaves has already turned yellow. So, there is a whole other sermon just in that plant alone - obviously. ;) If you’re only getting your spiritual food on Sundays and not filling yourself up every other day of the week, your “plant” will start showing some desperate signs of “want.” That plant is your soul, and if you don’t nurture your soul with some soul food, you’re going to start dying inside. Don’t wait for your leaves to turn yellow before you start quenching yourself with some soul food/living water!! Being a Sunday morning Christian just won’t cut it people!! Anyways, I won’t elaborate more on that right now. I will just dive in to the next part of the series.
Today’s door leads us into the “church” room. I can already visualize your eyes rolling!! “Church.” Maybe you’re like Chad and it was one of those doors that your parents dragged you through as a kid. Maybe you have been hurt by a church, or maybe you have never been to one for some reason. Maybe it’s because so many of us think of “church” as being a building, denomination, or something like that. But, that’s not what “church” is. Even in the Bible, when God talks about his “church” he isn’t talking about a place, building, or denominational branch. When God is talking about his “church” he is talking about “PEOPLE!”
Chad said that church isn’t a place you “go.” Church is PEOPLE “on the go.” AMEN TO THAT!!! The church is the body of Christ. Christ is the HEAD (Colossians 1:15-18) and we are the body. And, as Chad put it, the church body isn’t a “collecting body,” it’s a “sending body.” The church is (and SHOULD BE!) an equipping center. We come to our places of worship to learn and grow spiritually, and then, we should take that knowledge and use it as fuel for our souls to grow in our faith and share it with others by using our unique talents. EVERYONE has a talent and EVERYONE makes up the church body. We all need to be using our talents for the common good. Though, as Chad pointed out, sometimes we don’t think we have talent, or that our talent isn’t as important as someone else’s. Not so!! It’s just like what 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 says: “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” In other words, there is no “I” in the word “team.” We all need to do our part and no part is any less significant than another!! The whole body needs to work cooperatively in order to function completely and efficiently to its full potential!! EVERYONE is important!!
So, what is YOUR part in the body? I think the key is service. We all use our talents for some kind of service for the common good. I think, for too long, the church has had an overabundance of one body part: the butt. Chad said that he thinks the church has a really big butt - we just sit in the pews and that’s about it. Not to say that the church body doesn’t need its “butt.” After all, every part is important right? And, in all honesty, we all have the capacity to be a “butt” sometimes!! LOL Though, I think we are called to a higher degree of functionality. We can be a better “butt” than just a self-serving stationary one. A butt acts as a “cushion” and everyone needs that right? But if all we are doing is just being a cushion too much for our own selves and all we do is lazily sit down and only care about our own comfort and relaxation, then we are a bigger “butt” than we realize!!
Ok. No more “butt” jokes! LOL The point I am trying to make is mobilization. It like when Chad talked about the ministry the churches have at our city’s annual Street Fair. Usually, they set up a prayer tent and hand out cups of water to people. Though, when you are relying on people to just come to YOU, you aren’t going to be able to serve them as well. If you are going TO the people, you will have a lot better results!! That is why, this year, they sent out the churches to clean the streets and pick up trash; which was met with much appreciation and gratitude. People respond to service. Chad said that they helped and prayed for more people THAT WAY than they ever did in the prayer tent!
Let’s “catch the vision” as Chad put it. Let’s start understanding what it really means to be the church body of Christ! Don’t wait around for someone else to do what you know you should be doing. Quit being the “butt” of the church and get mobilized! This especially needs to be done in cases where only a small percentage of the church is actively serving, and all the pressure is put on THEM to do all the work because no one will let them rest on their own cushions for a while!! Come on people!! Let’s work together and share the burden!!!
Well, that’s my take on the sermon today. I can’t wait for next Sunday!! “Butt” (sorry, I had to! LOL) I guess I will just have to wait, and continue watering my soul each and every day so I don’t end up like the plant at church. ;) So, until next time, remember this phrase that a friend once told me: “Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death!” Feed your soul, and help others feed their souls too! Do your part! God bless all who read this!!
So far, he has talked about getting in the door, waiting in the hallway, and now, we are starting to explore the “rooms.” This series is awesome; and I am LOVING IT!!! And, if you have been reading my blogs on this series for the past few weeks, I’m sure you’re just as eager to read about today’s message as much as I was eager to hear it today. Of course, since I just started this particular blog, you can just click on these links to go to my myspace page and read parts one, two, and three so that you can understand more about this series and what I'm talking about in some of my references. Also, you can now listen to these sermons for yourself at our church's website by clicking here. You can listen online, or download the free podcast. How cool is that??!! I highly recommend it, because I can’t possibly reiterate every single thing that Chad said. I just summarize it. Plus, he puts a lot of his personal testimony in there, and you would love to hear that for yourself!!
In addition to this series, Chad also decided to conduct a little experiment. Last week, he said that we were going to have a plant onstage and that the only time that it was going to get any light, attention, or water, was on Sunday mornings. So, how long do you think the plant will last? This morning, everyone could plainly see - as Chad put it - that it was already showing signs of “want.” One of the leaves has already turned yellow. So, there is a whole other sermon just in that plant alone - obviously. ;) If you’re only getting your spiritual food on Sundays and not filling yourself up every other day of the week, your “plant” will start showing some desperate signs of “want.” That plant is your soul, and if you don’t nurture your soul with some soul food, you’re going to start dying inside. Don’t wait for your leaves to turn yellow before you start quenching yourself with some soul food/living water!! Being a Sunday morning Christian just won’t cut it people!! Anyways, I won’t elaborate more on that right now. I will just dive in to the next part of the series.
Today’s door leads us into the “church” room. I can already visualize your eyes rolling!! “Church.” Maybe you’re like Chad and it was one of those doors that your parents dragged you through as a kid. Maybe you have been hurt by a church, or maybe you have never been to one for some reason. Maybe it’s because so many of us think of “church” as being a building, denomination, or something like that. But, that’s not what “church” is. Even in the Bible, when God talks about his “church” he isn’t talking about a place, building, or denominational branch. When God is talking about his “church” he is talking about “PEOPLE!”
Chad said that church isn’t a place you “go.” Church is PEOPLE “on the go.” AMEN TO THAT!!! The church is the body of Christ. Christ is the HEAD (Colossians 1:15-18) and we are the body. And, as Chad put it, the church body isn’t a “collecting body,” it’s a “sending body.” The church is (and SHOULD BE!) an equipping center. We come to our places of worship to learn and grow spiritually, and then, we should take that knowledge and use it as fuel for our souls to grow in our faith and share it with others by using our unique talents. EVERYONE has a talent and EVERYONE makes up the church body. We all need to be using our talents for the common good. Though, as Chad pointed out, sometimes we don’t think we have talent, or that our talent isn’t as important as someone else’s. Not so!! It’s just like what 1 Corinthians 12:14-18 says: “For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” In other words, there is no “I” in the word “team.” We all need to do our part and no part is any less significant than another!! The whole body needs to work cooperatively in order to function completely and efficiently to its full potential!! EVERYONE is important!!
So, what is YOUR part in the body? I think the key is service. We all use our talents for some kind of service for the common good. I think, for too long, the church has had an overabundance of one body part: the butt. Chad said that he thinks the church has a really big butt - we just sit in the pews and that’s about it. Not to say that the church body doesn’t need its “butt.” After all, every part is important right? And, in all honesty, we all have the capacity to be a “butt” sometimes!! LOL Though, I think we are called to a higher degree of functionality. We can be a better “butt” than just a self-serving stationary one. A butt acts as a “cushion” and everyone needs that right? But if all we are doing is just being a cushion too much for our own selves and all we do is lazily sit down and only care about our own comfort and relaxation, then we are a bigger “butt” than we realize!!
Ok. No more “butt” jokes! LOL The point I am trying to make is mobilization. It like when Chad talked about the ministry the churches have at our city’s annual Street Fair. Usually, they set up a prayer tent and hand out cups of water to people. Though, when you are relying on people to just come to YOU, you aren’t going to be able to serve them as well. If you are going TO the people, you will have a lot better results!! That is why, this year, they sent out the churches to clean the streets and pick up trash; which was met with much appreciation and gratitude. People respond to service. Chad said that they helped and prayed for more people THAT WAY than they ever did in the prayer tent!
Let’s “catch the vision” as Chad put it. Let’s start understanding what it really means to be the church body of Christ! Don’t wait around for someone else to do what you know you should be doing. Quit being the “butt” of the church and get mobilized! This especially needs to be done in cases where only a small percentage of the church is actively serving, and all the pressure is put on THEM to do all the work because no one will let them rest on their own cushions for a while!! Come on people!! Let’s work together and share the burden!!!
Well, that’s my take on the sermon today. I can’t wait for next Sunday!! “Butt” (sorry, I had to! LOL) I guess I will just have to wait, and continue watering my soul each and every day so I don’t end up like the plant at church. ;) So, until next time, remember this phrase that a friend once told me: “Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death!” Feed your soul, and help others feed their souls too! Do your part! God bless all who read this!!
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