Scriptural Texts for 10-28-2007

“Excuses”

We've all heard excuses from people who try to explain why they don't like to go to church. Perhaps my favorite story of someone explaining why they didn't like to go to church is this one, although there are many variations:

Wife: "Honey, it's time to get up and get dressed for church!"

Husband: "I don't want to go to church. I don't think the people like me, and I don't like them. Give me two reasons why I should go to church!"

Wife: "Well, for one, it's good for you. And second, you're the pastor!"

• Making excuses is not new. Humans have been making excuses from the beginning of creation. Humans making up excuses for their bad decisions is a common occurrence in the Scriptures – the first excuses were made by Adam and Eve, in the Garden:
  
  Genesis 3:12-13 – “ And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.”
  
  13: “And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
  

Passing the blame, offering up smokescreens, has long been a tendency of guilt-ridden human beings, who don’t like to take responsibility for themselves, yet fool themselves into thinking that they are self-sufficient:

Genesis 4:9 – “And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper?”

The Bible assures us that we need Spiritual fellowship with other Children of God; we are better off when we're in fellowship with others. This sentiment is even expressed in the Old Testament:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 – “9Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

The thought of needing others is even more plainly discussed in the New Testament:

Hebrews 10: 22-27 – 22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 5Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Furthermore, the Scriptures tell us that when we know to do the right thing, and we refuse, we’re guilty of sinning…it’s not only emphasized in Hebrews 10:26-27, but also in the epistle of James…

James 4:17
17 …to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

· Even in the Old Testament, this thought is expressed, in the story of the downfall of King Saul:

1 Samuel 15:23 - For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

We know it's the right thing to go to church regularly; let us pray to the Lord that He will help us to do the right thing.

It's like that old bumpster sticker, but with a twist? What, other than God, is the center of C-H-U-R-C-H? - U.R. Yes, "You are."

Support your church with your time, your talents, your gifts, your service, and your presence.

Notes and Texts for 10-21-2007

When I was a child, the Halloween season was always the kick-off of the Holiday season in general.And now, as an adult, shopping after the holidays are over, when the price tags change, makes me wonder...

1. who changed the price tag?
2. what is the true value of things?
3. why are we willing to pay a larger price for something that’s deemed of a far lesser value in such a short span of time after the holidays are over?
4. Items whose value shifted with time included things like ‘Tickle Me Elmo,’ ‘Cabbage Patch Dolls,’ Halloween candy and costumes, seasonal items – Valentine’s Day candy, Easter candy and goodies, Black Thursday sale items…etc.
   

• People prioritize things differently
  
• People are willing to wage personal warfare over things that others might deem silly sometimes
  

1. But is this just, and fair?
2. Does it please God?
3. What does God value?
4. What does God think about, for example, holding grudges?
5. What things does God prioritize?
   

• He owns the cattle on a thousand Hills
• He wants us to abide by Micah 6:8
• He wants us to have faith in Him
• He wants us to get along with our brothers and sisters, and
• He wants us to be known by our love for one another.
  

God does not want us to hold grudges, or have ought against anyone…and this is why the Lord’s Prayer says, ‘as we forgive those who trespass against us.’

Mark 11:22-26

22…Have faith in God. 23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. 4Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. 25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. 26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:21-35

The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" 22Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26"The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28"But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded. 29"His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.' 30"But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32"Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

Matthew 13:31-52

31Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 33Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. 34All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. 36Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. 44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. 45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: 46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. 47Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: 48Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 51Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. 52Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.

1 Corinthians 2:7-8

7…we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world for our glory. 8Wisdom which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.

Two poems that reflect these thoughts:

The Touch of the Master’s Hand

"Twas battered and scared, and the auctioneer

Thought it scarcely worth his while

To waste much time on the old violin,

But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bidden, good folks," he cried,

"Who'll start bidding for me?

A dollar, a dollar - now who"ll make it two?

Two dollars, and who"ll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,

Going for three". . . but no!

From the room far back a gray-haired man

Came forward and picked up the bow;

Then wiping the dust from the old violin,

And tightening up the strings,

He played a melody,pure and sweet,

As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased and the auctioneer

With a voice that was quiet and low,

Said: "What am I bidden for the old violin?"

And he held it up with the bow;"

A thousand dollars - and who'll make it two?

Two thousand - and who'll make it three?

Three thousand once, three thousand twice

And going - and gone," said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried,

"We do not quite understand.

What changed its worth?" The man replied:

"The touch of the masters hand."

And many a man with life out of tune,

And battered and torn with sin,

Is auctioned cheap to a thoughtless crowd.

Much like the old violin.

A "mess of pottage," a glass of wine,

A game and he travels on,

He's going once, and going twice

He's going - and almost gone!

But the MASTER comes, and the foolish crowd,

Never can quite understand,

The worth of a soul, and the change that's wrought

By the touch of the MASTER'S hand.

WHOSE HANDS?

A basketball in my hands is worth about $19.

A basketball in Michael Jordan's hands

was once worth about $33 million.

It depends whose hands it's in.

A baseball in my hands is worth about $6.

A baseball in Mark Mcquire's hands

was once worth $19 million.

It depends whose hands it's in.

A tennis racket is useless in my hands.

A tennis racket in Pete Sampras' hands

was once a Wimbledon Championship.

It depends whose hands it's in.

A rod in my hands will keep away a wild animal.

A rod in Moses' hands parted the mighty sea.

It depends whose hands it's in.

A sling shot in my hands is a kid's toy.

A sling shot in David's hand was a mighty weapon.

It depends whose hands it's in.

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread in my hands is fish sandwiches.

Two fish and 5 loaves of bread

in the hands of Jesus Christ fed thousands.

It depends whose hands it's in.

Nails in my hands might produce a birdhouse.

Nails in the wrists of Jesus Christ's hands

produced salvation for the entire world.

It depends whose hands it's in.

As you see now, it depends whose hands it's in. So put your concerns, your worries, your fears, your hopes, your dreams, your families and your relationships in God's hands because –

He wants you to cast your cares upon Him. Because He cares for you.

We need to be careful about what we prioritize...

BBQ, Harvest Sale, and Show 2007 is a wrap!

And a grand time was had by all...

Scriptural texts from 10-14-07

In John 3:7, Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Ye must be born again.”

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death” - Romans 6:23

“ . . . it is appointed unto [humanity] once to die, but after this the judgment” - Hebrews 9:27

“ . . . He hath made Him [Jesus, who lived a sinless life] to be sin for us . . . that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood.” - Leviticus 17:11

“ . . . without shedding of blood is no remission of sin.” - Hebrews 9:22

“ . . . God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8

"God . . . commandeth all [people] everywhere to repent.” - Acts 17:30

In Acts 16:30-31, the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" To which they replied, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved ."

“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons [and daughters] of God, even to them that believe on His name.” - John 1:12

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

“For what shall it profit a [person], if [they] shall gain the whole world and lose [their] own soul?” - Mark 8:36

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to [humanity]: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord . . . ” - 2 Timothy 1:8

“Whosoever therefore shall confess Me before [others], [them] will I confess also before My Father which is in heaven” - Matthew 10:32

Sermon Material from 10-7-07

From the sermon, "Hearing the Voice" -

How does God speak to His people?

God speaks to His people primarily through His Word… Romans 10:17 says, “faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

Sometimes through supernatural means, as when He did when He spoke to the prophets through a still, small voice, as in 1 Kings 19:12 – “…And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still, small voice,” and in the story of young Samuel in 1 Samuel…

God also speaks to us through experiences we have gone through…and through our memories of the experiences we’ve gone through; sometimes through bad examples that we have been exposed to so we can learn not to emulate bad behavior…

It could also be said that God speaks to us through the experience of Prayer, and through partaking of the Sacraments, and through what are called the Means of Grace – of which the Sacraments is one…Baptism is another…

On the day in which John the Baptist baptized Jesus, God’s voice was plainly heard. The Gospel accounts differ on the details, but – regardless – they agree that God’s voice was made known that day:

Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. 16As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased."

Mark 1:9-11
9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

John 1:29-34
John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' 31I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel." 32Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that [unless] the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

Jesus, in the Scriptures, revealed himself most often – particularly after the resurrection – through fellowship that involved the breaking of bread…fellowship with other believers...

On the beach, when he made things right between himself and Peter, and on the road to Emmaus shoirtly after his resurrection…

May He make Himself known to us this morning through the breaking of bread…

“Let he who has ears to hear, listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches…”- Revelation chapter 1...

Intertextuality in the Four Gospels

Last Sunday in my sermon, I referenced some statististical percentage information about the Bible, and promised to produce a visual grid; it is as follows:

Matthew - Mark - Luke - John

<-------------93%-------->

58%----------------------->

<-----------------------41%

<---------------------------------8%

Broken down, what it means is, Mark contains 93% of the same material as Matthew and Luke. This means that 7% of its material is unique unto itself.

Matthew contains 58% of the same material as Mark and Luke. This means that 42% of its material is unique unto itself.

Luke contains 41% of the same material as Matthew and Mark. This means that 59% of its material is unique unto itself.

And John only contains 8% of the same material as Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This means that 92% of its material is unique unto itself.

The Work Progresses...

Texts for 9-30-07

Daniel 7:13-14
13 "In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

Matthew, chapter 24 referenced...

Mark, chapter 13 referenced...

Luke 21:5-36

Signs of the End of the Age 5Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6"As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down." 7"Teacher," they asked, "when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?" 8He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them. 9When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away." 10Then he said to them: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12"But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17All men will hate you because of me. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By standing firm you will gain life. 20"When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written. 23How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people. 24They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. 25"There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." 29He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. 31Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32"I tell you the truth, this generation[a] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 34"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. 35For it will come upon all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man."

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. 14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18Therefore, encourage each other with these words.