Shout It

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. ⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. ⁸ A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 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 heaven!” ¹⁰ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” ¹¹ The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” - Matthew 21:6-11

The people's cries of 'Hosanna' came from Psalm 118:25-26; LORD, save us! LORD, grant us success!  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.

Hosanna means "save now." Despite what Jesus had foretold about his mission, the people were looking for a military Messiah who would overthrow the Romans and restore Israel's independence.

When we say “Hosanna” are we looking at the temporal or the eternal? Praise God! He can save us from our sin and punishment, so that we may be with Him now and forever.

  Hosanna!

Four Kinds

According to the Willow Creek Reveal Study there are mainly 4 kinds of people you will meet at church on Sunday. There are those that are:

 – Exploring – looking to meet Jesus

- Growing – Accepted Christ and learning more about Him

- Close – Allows God to give direction to their lives

- Christ Centered – Jesus makes the decision for them in all areas of life

We can look at this like driving a car with the auto representing our lives.

-         We see Jesus through the window but no contact

-         We ask Jesus in to the car but put him in the back seat

-         We have Jesus move to the front and let Him be our “co-pilot”.

-         We let Jesus take the wheel and control our lives

Matthew 16:24-26 - Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. ²⁵For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. ²⁶What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

Remember – hands up! Amen?

Upward

When we open up – Jesus shows up,

You must make Jesus Christ Lord and Savior of your life.

All who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

When Jesus shows up – we will grow up.

We will want our lives to change and that means getting rid of the junk!

The bible supports this in 1 Peter 2:1-3 - Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

When we grow up, the church will be built up!

It’s not about us! When we do it God’s way great things will happen.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 

May we always keep looking up! Amen?

Pleasing

There are right and wrong ways to please God. Jesus shows us both ways in the book of Matthew.

We see seven blessings on the righteous in Matthew 5:3-10:

1. Theirs is the kingdom of Heaven (3&10)

2. They shall be comforted (v. 4).

3. They shall inherit the land (v. 5).

4. They shall be filled (v. 6).

5. They shall obtain mercy (v. 7).

6. They shall see God (v. 8).

7. They shall be called sons of God (v. 9).

We see seven woes on the unrighteous in Matthew 23:13-31.

1. They kept people out of God's kingdom (v.13).

2. They took advantage of widows (v. 14)

3. They misled men to eternal destruction (v.15).

4. They were covetous of worldly things (16-22).

5. They refused to show compassion (vv. 23-24).

6. They were inwardly corrupt (vv. 25-28).

7. They afflicted the righteous (vv. 29-31). 

While the beatitudes express the true way to please God, the woes express the wrong way to please Him.

Remember to please God in all you do. Amen?

Strong Word

In Ephesians 6 Paul refers to the Bible as a sword. God’s Word is so powerful in the spiritual realm. If we would fill our hearts and minds and lives with the Word of God, oh how many areas of life would be strong!

In another place Hebrews 4.12, "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

The Spirit will whisper in your ear - receive and obey it.

John 14.25-26 "These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

All throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to be men and women of the Word. Psalm 1.1-2 reminds us, " Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night."

Read through God's Word… Study it… Memorize it… Share it…Psalm 119.11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You!"

Have you fallen and want to get up? Know and apply The Word of God in every aspect of your life. He can pick you up! Amen?

Repentance

The Message of Repentance is vital because:

1. Jesus commands it. From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, 

Definition: NOT – just saying you’re sorry (rich young ruler), regret (Pilate) a resolution to be better, reformed, or some meaningless ritual.

It literally means: to change one’s mind- will – actions (like the Prodigal son, “came to his senses”)

2. Jesus commends it. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Benefits: shows God’s goodness and grace… Not Turn or Burn theology/motivation but one of love and mercy.

3. Jesus calls for it. Romans 2:4, “The goodness of God leads you to repentance.”

Mandates: The Lord’s grace, love, forgiveness, and goodness leads us to repentance! It takes repentance and faith (belief) in Christ to be right with God.

God’s goodness leads to our repentance. Amen?

Repent

Today we will start looking at the Intentionality of Jesus. This week we will be looking at the word Repent!  It is the message preached throughout the New Testament:

Matthew 3:1-2 – The Message of John the Baptist In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea ² and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”  

Matthew 4:17 – The Message at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Luke 24: 46-47 – The Message at the end of Jesus’ ministry He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Mark 6:12 – The Message of the apostles throughout the world They went out and preached that people should repent.

Acts 2:37-38 – The Message when the church was birthed at Pentecost When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do? ³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 17:30 – The Message of the mission work of Paul  In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.

Revelation 2:5 – The Message in the last book of the Bible Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Woven throughout the Bible but hardly preached today.

Have we become so seeker friendly that we forsake biblical truths and mandates?

May we all repent and have faith in Jesus, and share this message in our world. Amen?

Trials

Most of us would agree that we hate going through trials and hard times. Interestingly enough the Bible tells us to glory in tribulations! Look what Paul has to say to the church of Rome, and to me and you.

  

Romans 5:3-5 says, Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

I admit I'm still learning, but have experience many trials in the last few years. In this passage look at the promise and progression through our trial, hardships, crises, and tribulations that Paul describes.

1. Tribulation brings patience. - We learn to wait on God, and live in His timing not ours.

2. Patience brings experience. - We learn to trust in God, even when we don't understand.

3. Experience brings hope. - We learn the truth and the application of God's promises.

4. This hope enables us to not be ashamed.- We can live for Christ - even during these hard times.

If Jesus is for you who could come against?

He is for us! Amen?

Balanced Life

The Scriptures teach the need for balance in one's life and attitudes. A good passage concerning proper balance is found in the Book of Ecclesiastes. It tells us that there is a time for everything under heaven:

"A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing. A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-9).

Being a Christian does not mean a life without sorrow, sickness, or troubles. It does not mean that expression of sorrow is a sign of weakness. It does mean that we, with the help of God, can maintain a balanced perspective in all of life's circumstances. Acknowledge the eternal goodness of God, even when life is not so good

Always – be balanced, obedient, and faithful. Remember: God is good all the time...

Hurting World

We live in a hurting world, but  praise to the God, who knows your pain.  Look at what the Psalms have to say about it.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18

For his anger is but for a moment. His favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.- Psalms 30:5

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. - Psalm 147:3

Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. - Psalm 61:1 

Remember that death is the consequence of sin. Jesus died on the cross to release us from the sting of death, which is sin. “Where, O death, is your victory?Where, O death, is your sting?”⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:55-57. 

The suffering caused by sin is enormous. Sin is something to cry about – cry out to Jesus. He knows, loves, cares, and eventually wants to bring us "home".

Always know - Jesus is your Hope. Amen?

Jesus is Hope

The world is full of lies, and half truths. Sometimes in our pain and confusion it's hard to know what we should believe. Here's some great news! God wants you to know the truth and the truth will set you free.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Three Things to Remember:

(1) Believed in him - true faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord

(2) Hold to His teaching - obedience to the Word of God is the fruit or evidence of a changed life. A faithful follower in word and deed by the application of the Bible to your life.

(3) Know the truth. - Holding to the teaching of Christ who is the truth

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?”Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” John 18:37 (NKJV)

Make Jesus your Hope. Amen?

Father's Work

Sometimes it is easier to understand a passage of Scripture by looking at a paraphrase of the text. Consider the language used here on what it means to be God's children as explained here in 1 John 3:1-3 from The Message.

What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are. But that’s also why the world doesn’t recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he’s up to. But friends, that’s exactly who we are: children of God. And that’s only the beginning. Who knows how we’ll end up! What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him. All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus’ life as a model for our own.

God's desire for His children is to grow and mature. He gives us all we need to accomplish our mission here - a way to communicate (prayer), instruction manual (Bible), spiritual gifts, and the Holy Spirit as a guide and Counselor.

What kingdom work have you done this week?

Today and everyday be about the Father's work. Amen?

Living It Out

In Colossians 1:24-28 we see the attributes of how Paul models God’s heart to the world. The first thing that is required is to have the heart of a servant. We see this in verse 24: Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 

 Throughout the New Testament you hear him say, I  Paul have become a servant. His identity and life is consumed with sharing the Gospel.

  

 All believers are called to serve & proclaim the Gospel story of Jesus. The issue is not merely to serve Christ, but to serve like Christ. This kind of servant leadership is characterized by setting aside any interest in social standing or political power and submitting to others in order to share their burdens. Everyone can serve God with their everyday ordinary lives. It's incredible to look back at a humble Christ focused life and see how many countless lives have been touched. I am fortunate to have witnessed this in my Father's life. Praise God for good role models.

Serve God today and everyday by sharing His Word with your life. Amen?

Intentionally Focused

In order to live an Intentionally focused life for God we must be focused. Our focus is what separates us from going through life accidentally.  Colossians 3:2 says, “set our minds on things above”.  This leads to “This one thing I do.” as found in one of Paul’s letters to the church.

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

We all know we must have focus to be a success in life. Why not focus on God things? Especially in areas of spiritual growth and intentional living for Christ.

Here are three ideas we can take away from this passage.

1. Define your goal and move forward as it defines you. “This one thing I do” (3:13)

2. Be passionate about life’s priorities “I press” (3:14)

3. Know where you are going. “Toward the goal for the prize” (3:14) (goal in Greek is skopos. It's where we get our word, scope, aim for the bull’s eye)

Is intentionally living for Christ your focus and goal?

Focus on Christ and He will put your life priorities in order. Amen?

Intentionally

Three years ago I gave a sermon titled, “Intentionally”. I saw this message played out during the events of that week when we buried my Father. The word, intentionally, is defined: To purposely, willfully, or deliberately do something. The point is: “Know that God intentionally gives us what we need to live for Him.”

The Bible informs us - ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, [that special endowment] which was intentionally bestowed on you [by the Holy Spirit] through prophetic utterance when the elders laid their hands on you [at your ordination]. ¹⁵ Practice and work hard on these things; be absorbed in them [completely occupied in your ministry], so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself [concentrate on your personal development] and to your teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:14-16 (AMP)

So God gives us what we need - intentionally, and we are to "intentionally" use them (become experts) so that our relationship with Him is the best it can be. That is pretty straight forward. Most believers know this, even if we have a problem with the application.

Don't miss the last part of this teaching, "as you do this you will ensure salvation for yourself and for those who hear you". I saw this played out at my Dad's visitation and funeral. He applied this verse in a humble but consistent way every day. As he worked on his relationship with Christ - he brought others to Jesus! I heard testimony after testimony about through Dad's life's witness countless people found and grew in Christ! Well done Dad.

Take what God has given and become the best you in Jesus. Amen?

Chosen

If someone came to you and said that you were “chosen” how would you react? Most of the time we would be happy or honored that someone chose us. The Nation of Israel was God’s chosen people, but there is Good News for the rest of us. Because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and upon our belief in Him we become part of God’s family.

Let’s look at Colossians 3:12-17 from The Message:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.

May we conduct our lives as God's chosen, bringing honor and glory to him every day. Amen?

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is a biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure through growth and transformation.

God uses nature to teach us spiritual lessons.  The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly is one example of this.  As human beings, we are meant to grow: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  

God's plan for us can be found in Romans 8:29 it says that we are to be "conformed to the image of His son." To become like Christ is our ultimate goal! That involves change and a movement from God.

In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.  I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  

Use the new heart and spirit that God gives believers to grow, change, and be all He desires.

Amen?

Intentional Choices

We have to make decisions every day on a countless number of things. Some choices we have to make are going to be:

Public - everyone is going to know. With today's social media there is a good chance someone is recording or "sharing" your life with a global audience!

Some will be:

Private - people closest to you are affected. There are consequences to bad decisions, and can effect those who you deeply care about.

 One thing is for certain, you should always choose to be - God honoring in your choices. Do it God's way the first time!

Jesus said, "Seek first God's kingdom, and His righteousness, and all good things will be given to you as well". Keep your focus vertical, it will help your decision-making process.

Be intentional on your decisions to always honor Christ. Amen?

Knowing Jesus

Many people believe that being good is good enough to get them into heaven. Let's take a look at a teaching that Jesus gave.

   One day a rich young ruler came enthusiastically running up to Jesus and asked: "What must I do to be saved?" Jesus answered: Keep the law. "This I have done from my youth up," came the reply. Yet one thing do you lack said Jesus. Go and sell all that you have and give it to the poor. Then come follow me. We are told that the young man walked away sorrowfully, for he had great wealth. Concluded the Master: It will be hard for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God. The disciples had been watching the dynamics of this happening and they were quite disturbed. Jewish tradition had always taught that God had especially blessed rich men and that is why he was rich. In their way of thinking, if a wealthy man could not receive salvation, then how could a poor man have any hope? They asked of Jesus: who then can be saved? - Mark 10:17-27 

 Three Truths from this passage:

It's about God - not about being good.

It’s about not having anything between you and Him.

It’s about what is impossible with man is possible with God. 

 If you know Jesus, then you know enough. Let Him control your life - you are in "good" hands! 

Amen?

Live Right

The Word of God rules in teaching & correcting. Wisdom comes from the Holy Spirit. You need to read, meditate, memorize, speak, and live it. We see our instructions in Colossians chapter 3.

v.16-  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

We should worship God with a grateful heart Are you truly grateful of for what God has done for you?

v.17- And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Do everything with direction and in the name of Jesus. Looking like, loving as, and living for Christ is a 24/7 job. How are you doing? We should give thanks always!

Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One, give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ His Son. And now let the weak say “I am strong” let the poor say “I am rich” because of what the Lord has done for us. Give thanks, give thanks.

Amen?

Intentional Living

Intentional Living is the “WHY” behind what we do. It’s critical to ask yourself “why” you do what you do! Paul said, Be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity! Ephesians 5:15-16. That’s intentional living!

I love this quote from a group called  Intentional Travel – “Intentional Living means making choices for your life based on your greatest values and not the habits of others. They probably weren’t thinking of “God’s values” but for a believer you can’t get any greater. Don’t base your life on what others think is right – go to the source of righteousness and “follow Him.”

You are to focus on Christ in obedience and love Him and the world around you. Let each of you not focus on your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Philippians 2:4-5

Be Intentional! – Love the Lord and your neighbor. Follow Him in obedience. Do what Jesus would do.

Amen?

Intentional

The word intentional started my sermon series on intentionality. In a conference last year, I encourage people to “be intentional” in their service to the Lord. He always deserves our best. The word is defined as: Done on purpose, deliberate, calculated, intended, planned, willful, knowing, meant, studied…

How do you live your life? Is it with Intentional living, discipleship, and with a purpose?

Or Accidental? Stuff just happens and you are taking life as it comes?

Hopefully your heart and mind say - BE INTENTIONAL!

Let’s follow the Bible’s instructions on Intentional Living in Ephesians 5:15-16 – Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen?