Real Community

Community is God’s answer to having healthy relationships. We all need positive Christ following people in our lives. The Bible is clear on how this can be beneficial to our health.

“When you gather, each one of you be prepared with something useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight… Take your turn, with no one person taking over. That way… you all learn from each other.” 1 Corinthians 14:26, 30-31(Message)

We learn from each other. Make wise choices on from whom and what you are learning. “As each part does its work, it helps the other parts grow, so Christ’s whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” Ephesians 4:16 There is an interconnectedness in the body of Christ (believers). When one person hurts we should share in their pain. When one rejoices we can all rejoice with them.

The big problem in our culture is that we do not want to commit time to relationships. A huge factor there is that we are too busy and overextend ourselves. Then there is nothing left to give. Another problem is we develop hard or complaining hearts. Life becomes “all about me”, and everyone else needs to get in line - behind me! The Bible teaches that we should, “Open your homes to each other without complaining.” Peter 4:9 (TEV) That means making others a priority and not an afterthought. Open your hearts and life to others who can journey and grow with you. It is a much better plan. Amen?

With You

Did you know that over 25% of Genesis is about Joseph? There is one thing that he was told over in over - God was with him.

 Is God with you?

Four Steps to know God is with you:

1. Trust Him as Savior – The kingdom of God is not of talk, but of power! -1 Corinthians 4:20 – Do not be ashamed of the Gospel.

2. Trust Him with your life Accept the life gives you. He will not leave you!

3. Trusted Him with your dream for life - God is the main actor not you in your life. Do not be afraid I am with you! -Genesis 50:20

4. Trust Him for doing the hard things in your life. God will be with you - Acts 7:9

Where are you men and women of courage?

Always – Stand, Step, and Speak Up for God! Amen?

What Others See

While it is important what others think about us it is more important how God views us. In a world full of "people pleasers" the Bible is clear on where our focus should be.

 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ”. - Galatians 1:10

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have laid hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should embrace this point of view. And if you think differently about some issue, God will reveal this to you as well.…” - Philippians 3:13-15

Today focus on pleasing and serving God. It is the best gift you could give to the world around you. Amen?

Mightier

Years ago when I was a kid my parents took my brother and I to Niagara Falls. It is a magnificent example of the Creator's majesty and power. The raw power of the Falls and the millions of gallons flowing over it is awesome. I was shocked to hear that a boy (my age at the time) had survived going over the Falls. How is that possible? At the bottom lay boulders and jagged shards of rocks. 

“The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters.” – Psalm 93:4

The truth is it would be impossible without God. The same God who created it's might is powerful enough to catapult a child beyond the base and in to a pool of water to be rescued.

Maybe today you feel like you are headed over a falls in your life. Maybe you think that there is no humanly way to escape. Then cry out to Jesus! He is an expert of making a way where none exists - all things are possible for Christ our Lord. 

He is mightier than all the noise in your life. He can bring peace in to your world. Amen?

What's Important

Ten things God won't ask:

1...God won't ask what kind of car you drove; He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.

2...God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

3...God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.

4...God won't ask what your highest salary was, He'll ask if you

compromised your character to obtain it.

5...God won't ask what your job title was, He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

6...God won't ask how many friends you had, He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.

7...God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.

8...God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the

content of your character.

9...God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation, He'll

lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

10...God won't ask how many people you asked to church, He’ll ask if you were ashamed to talk about Him to your friends.

Never be ashamed to live out or tell of the Gospel. Amen?

Instructed

Today let's look at the different Bible versions from Proverb 29:18. As you consider each one ask yourself these questions:

What is the problem in each version?

What is the result of the problem?

How does “But God” change the outcome?

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. (NIV)

If people can’t see what God is doing, They stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. (Message)

Where there is ignorance of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know and keep his laws.(LB)

Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled,  but those who obey what they have been taught are happy. (NCV)

Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law. (NRSV)

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)

Vision is vital to Christian living. Those who grew up memorizing KJV remember this translation. Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)

The word vision (revelation) means “to mentally perceive or to contemplate”. The word translated perish (restraint) is used in the OT as “to go back”.  In Numbers 14:3 God’s wandering people wanted to “go back” to Egypt. Those who have no vision, no perception of what they could be, seem to have no clear direction in their Christian journey.

Before every great undertaking in life there is someone who has a vision for the task ahead. Every Christ follower needs to discover God’s vision for their life.

Amen?

Follow Instructions

God's Vision (Life Instructions) will bring five things in to your life.

1. Vision brings definition. Vision defines our decisions on life. Can you form a one-sentence vision statement for your life?

2. Vision brings design. Just like the steps in life: conception, gestation, birth, growth, maturity, and finally reproduction. Previous visions are reproduced into newer and expanded visions – the dream goes on.

3. Vision brings about doing. Nothing happened in the rebuilding of Jerusalem until Nehemiah’s vision took on definition and design. This brought about the motivation to rebuild. Doing the vision serves as a witness to other believers and to the world who is watching

4. Vision brings direction. Where are you headed? Personal vision guides your life.

5. Vision brings dependence. Visions should be God-sized so there is no way for them to be accomplished without Him. The Lord sees our potential.

God wants us to be and do His thing! (if not we’ll go back to a visionless life). The Lord says, See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. – Isaiah 43:19

Allow this vision to be birthed and grow in your life.

Seek the Lord – you will find Him. Amen?

Tell It

There is a beautiful passage found in Psalm 71:14-18 that tells us how we should live our lives, and share what God has done.

As for me, I will always have hope;
    I will praise you more and more.

 My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds,
    of your saving acts all day long—
    though I know not how to relate them all.
 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord;
    I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
 Since my youth, God, you have taught me,
    and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.

Look what is said in the next verse about sharing with younger generations.

 Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,     your mighty acts to all who are to come.

Those of us that are over 50 should take special note of this verse. We feel sometimes as we get older that we’ve done our share, or we’re ready to “sit and soak”. This is not Scriptural! Craig Groeschel says, If you are not dead – then you are not done!

The conversation goes both ways, and we both have things to teach each other. Amen?

Be obedient - tell of what the Lord has done. Amen?

May I Have a Witness?

I love doing word searches in the Bible. The word witness shows up 8 times in Proverbs a book full of wisdom. All the verses deal honest and dishonest witnesses. Look at what the warning they give to liars.

Proverbs 6:19
A false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.Proverbs 12:17
An honest witness tells the truth, but a false witness tells lies.

Proverbs 14:5
An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies. Proverbs 14:25
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is deceitful. Proverbs 19:5
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free.

Proverbs 19:9
A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will perish.

Proverbs 19:28
A corrupt witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. Proverbs 21:28
A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.

The rewards of honesty verses the penalties of lying are stark. Be careful of what kind of witness you give to the world. There are consequences.

Always be a good witness for Christ - speak the truth. Amen?

Important Children

Christ Followers are mandated on how we are to treat children. Why? Children are important to Jesus! We see a great lesson in this in Matthew 19:13-15: Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.

We are taught to love and bless children.

- Children were brought to Jesus
- Not all parents are interested in the spiritual well-being of their children, so Christ followers need to take on this responsibility. If you don’t bring them, they might not come; to VBS, church, Awana, or any Christ centered event.

 - Jesus wanted to bless them, and so should we. 

 - There were hindrances to the children.
- The Disciples thought the children were a problem.   - Remember that children look to YOU as examples of the importance of Jesus in their life.

Let’s be a blessing to the children that God entrusts us with at home, in the community, and at church. Amen?

Welcoming Children

Children teach us of God’s grace! They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”  But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.  Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.” - Mark 9:33-37

The Disciples thought they were more important than children because of their ability to do more for Jesus. In response Jesus took a child in His arms. This child had done nothing to deserve the love of Jesus. This was a lesson of grace, and loving children. Rejecting children means rejecting Jesus! Don’t hinder any children from coming to Jesus. Let’s welcome them in to the Kingdom! Amen?

Jesus loves Children

Children are an example for us to learn about Jesus! We see a great illustration of this in Mark 10:13-16; People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Jesus rebukes those who had rebuked those who brought the children to Him. Events like V.B.S., Backyard Bible Clubs, Christian camps, and Sunday school are all about investing in the Kingdom of God.  You enter the Kingdom by trusting Jesus to do for you what you can’t do for yourself - pay your sin debt. Jesus made children His top priority and so do we. Only Jesus can give them eternal life, hope, faith, peace, and love. Jesus is talking about trusting totally in Him when He says we must believe “as a little child”.

Let’s use the opportunity that God has given us to bless the little children by giving them Jesus. Amen?

Grow and Do

We have many great opportunities during the summer to reach the children and families in our area. Methods have changed over the years, but the message has hopefully remained the same. We want to introduce children to God, the Bible, and Jesus. We use many creative ways in doing so. Somewhere during all the crafts, games, songs, and skits, the great stories of the Bible are told. I dare say that is where most people receive their basic theology. Songs tell us about Jesus’ love, letting our little lights shine, and of course the B-I-B-L-E song creates lasting impressions for all of us. Many start their Christian walks by making decisions to follow Christ during these types of events.

A problem develops as we grow older, when our faith and Bible knowledge stays “childlike”. The stories we heard about Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the whale, baby Moses, and Jesus’ miracles are wonderful, but as we mature as believers our understanding of God’s Word must grow too. A deeper understanding of the Word of God can only occur if we spend time hearing, reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it. The account of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people is one of these stories. We learn as children about Jesus’ love, using a little boy’s lunch, and the great miracle that followed. By digging deeper into this passage we can learn Biblical truths that give us direction, and help us grow in Christ.

We can learn lessons in giving, receiving, and blessings when we are doing God’s work. First we must be willing to give wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. The boy in this story gave all he had to Jesus. In his eyes and those around him it sure didn’t seem like much, but because of his faithfulness, and belief that Christ can truly do all things, something unexpected was about to occur. In our lives, we may feel that what we have to give isn’t much, but when we give it all to Him, heaven rejoices. 

What in your life have you not turned over to the Lord for His kingdom’s work? 

He is waiting for you. Amen?

Use It

 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. - Matthew 22:36-38

It’s never too late to begin loving God with all your mind. Pray for the mind of Christ, and consider these four ideas to stay engaged:

1. Keep asking questions

Learning in community is the best way to learn. This is fellowship and discipleship.

2. Continue your education

Challenge yourself.The bible is deep and has no bottom! Drink deeply from the Word of God.

3. Learn outside your comfort zone

We will drift into comfort, but schedule discomfort. Change is good!

4. Learn from life

Life is a school all unto itself seen through God's heart, eyes, and mind.

Stretch your minds, but don’t become information addicts.

It's not about memorizing facts, but attaining Godly wisdom.  Be deliberate and passionate about the work you are doing for the Lord (which is everything). Amen?

Moral Guidance

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. - Proverbs 4:18-19 To gain wisdom one must follow an accurate moral code. The "path of the righteous" is that well lit road that God illuminates with His Word and guides us with His Spirit. As we journey down the road the sun (and Son) will get brighter and brighter as we become more obedient to His will and ways.

In contrast "the path of the wicked" is in deep darkness that never brightens. In this darkness sin, evil, pain, and deception will thrive. The not so funny thing about the dark is that the more we expose ourselves to it – the more we adjust to it until it’s too late. With the sun, it may take some getting used too at first, but then we can bask in its warmth and light. Light and Dark are symbolic with good/evil and heaven/hell. Choose the Son – He’ll bring life giving light and wisdom in your life.

We can find an accurate moral code by using God’s Word. A good place to start is the Ten Commandments.

1.     No other Gods

2.     No idols

3.     Not use God’s Name in vane

4.     Remember the Sabbath

5.     Honor parents

6.     Do not murder

7.     Do not commit adultery

8.     Do Not Steal

9.     Do not  Lie

10. Do not covet

Once we’ve done business with God on these we’ll be able to accept more guidance through His Word and Spirit. Amen?

Doing It For God

When it comes to our relationship with God and His church it is sometimes one sided. We have great expectations of them, but find serving, obeying, and following an inconvenience and a problem. We need to focus fully on God and seek His plan and vision for our lives.

President John F Kennedy, a man of vision, said in His inaugural address:

Now the trumpet summons us again - not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are - but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation" - a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility - I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation.

 Listen carefully to these last words. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world. And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. 

Energy, faith and devotion will bring light into our country, and the glow can truly light the world! Are you ready church to let the light of God shine? Then ask not what God or the church can do for you, but what can you do, where can you serve, where can you minister, to bring glory to the kingdom of God? It is time for God’s church to rise up and “stimulate” the world in the Name of Jesus! Amen?

Holding On

In the Bible John shares in his writings about the personal nature of his experience with Jesus. This can help us to understand a little bit of what it’s all about. The first thing that jumps out at me about John’s experience is that it involves a...Personal Touch

Second hand experience is not good enough. You've probably heard it said that God has no grandchildren, and that is an absolutely true statement. We cannot count on our heritage, church affiliation, nationality, or even our own good works to replace a personal experience with Him. We must individually place our trust in what Jesus has done for us. We must meet Him personally.

The experience you have with Jesus is uniquely your own. No two people will have the same experience. Some come to Him with tears, some with laughter, some with great relief, others with solemn awe at the magnificence of it all. But I have never yet met a person who said they didn’t feel something, when they met Jesus. 

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.  As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:9-13

Now there may be times down the road when you don’t feel that way anymore. That’s when it is comforting to know that our salvation is not based on how we are feeling at the time. 

It is one thing to simply believe the gospel--it is quite another to experience Him and to KNOW that He is your savior. Like the stack of stones that reminded the nation of Israel of the time that God stopped a river so they could cross, the memory of a Personal Touch from Jesus can be an anchor to Hold our faith especially during times of trouble. Amen?

Involved

 There’s a difference between observation and participation. I remember as I was growing up hearing my parents say to me on more than one occasion, "Just wait until you have kids of your own, then you’ll understand." I don’t suppose that any of your parents ever said anything like that to you, but mine said it regularly. The thing that is so frustrating about that statement is that it turned out to be true. There is something inexplicable about parenthood, something that can never be understood by hearing about it, reading about it, or thinking about it. It has to be experienced. 

Like parenthood, Christianity is something that must be understood primarily by experience. Christianity is more than just a statement of faith, more than church membership. It is not merely a philosophical position. It is a faith experience. You can’t buy Christianity, and you don’t inherit it from your parents. You’re not on the team just because you sit in your arm chair and watch it on television, for that matter you’re not a player anymore than the home audience just because you sit in a Church pew. Christianity must be personally experienced!

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror.  For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.  - James 1:22-25

  Genuine faith in Jesus requires personal involvement. It's time to get up and participate! Amen?

Prophecy Received

Consider the prophesy found in Joel 2:28-29 - “And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. ²⁹ Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.

Joel says that God will pour out his Spirit on all people. The Lord will draw near to men and women and make Himself known and felt in a powerful way. They are immersed in His presence.

John Piper gives this analogy-There is a great difference between perceiving a lake at a distance and being immersed in the lake. So there is a great difference between experiencing God as a distant object of knowledge and being immersed in his presence.

When God draws near to a person (immersed) by his Spirit, he does so to reveal himself. -of his beauty - power - mercy - truth – holiness – greatness, and His love. We are soaked by the presence of a holy God. This prophecy began to be fulfilled at Pentecost as reported in Acts 2. Until Jesus returns this same filling is available to all believers.

If you are not often moved deeply by God’s Spirit then pray Joel 2:28-29 and that the Lord would be seen in all areas of your life. Amen?

Watch

I lift up my eyes to the mountain, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm —he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.- Psalm 121

Thank you Jesus for always being there, never leaving or forsaking us.

Remember what the past was.

Realize what the present is.

Rejoice in what the future will bring. – Jesus!

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. - Hebrews 13:8

Always stay close to the One who transcends time. Amen?