Based on Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, this message looks at how God wants us to walk in Jesus' way, not as loners, but with others, at least one other, preferably two more...for a rope made of three strands is not easily broken.
An audio file of the message is available for download or listening at http://www.mediafire.com/?9iv142k010b
Monday, December 31, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Christmas Eve, 2007--TREE GIFTS
This service (of readings, carols, anthems and a short message) in its entirety is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?2ojdmmcmjmq
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Dec. 23, 2007--WANTED: TELLERS
The Christmas story in Luke 2 ends with the shepherds spreading the news that they had seen the Saviour who is Christ the Lord and telling everyone all that they had been told.
In Romans 10:13-17, the apostle Paul points out that faith comes from hearing and for people to hear there must be tellers!
This message looks at the pre-requisites for being a teller. You may listen to it or download it by clicking on http://www.mediafire.com/?3ktsfn1zgli
In Romans 10:13-17, the apostle Paul points out that faith comes from hearing and for people to hear there must be tellers!
This message looks at the pre-requisites for being a teller. You may listen to it or download it by clicking on http://www.mediafire.com/?3ktsfn1zgli
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dec. 16, 2007--AN AUDIENCE OF ONE
AN AUDIENCE OF ONE
(based on Matthew 6:1-6)
(based on Matthew 6:1-6)
In Matthew 5:20 Jesus tells his followers, including us: “Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees and the scribes, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Over the past few weeks, we have been focusing on several passages from the Sermon on the Mount in which Jesus illustrates how the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees simply does not measure up to the righteousness he expects of his followers.
In today’s reading, Jesus addresses certain “acts of righteousness” practised by the scribes and the Pharisees. Earlier in this sermon series, we defined “righteousness” as being in the right relationship with God. The actions that flow out of that right relationship or righteousness are what are called “acts of righteousness.” Matthew chapter 6 makes reference to three such acts—giving to the poor, prayer and fasting.
Let us be clear right off the bat that Jesus has no problem with any of them as an act of righteousness. You will notice that he does not say “IF you give”, “IF you pray” or “IF you fast”...instead he says: WHEN you give, WHEN you pray and WHEN you fast. Nothing wrong with giving, praying and fasting...as “acts of righteousness.”
Actually, Jesus does not even have a problem with practising these acts of righteousness in public. Just over two months ago, Brian Baxter reminded us how Jesus said in the very same Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Jesus does not want us to remain private with our faith, to hide our distinctive light under a bushel, but to let it shine, to go public.
What he takes issue with is the fact that they do them before others, in order to be seen by others.
It is not the outward, visible nature of the acts that is the problem, it is the inner, invisible motive that is the problem, as Jesus makes clear in verse 2. The real reason why the Pharisees and the scribes did these “acts of righteousness” was “to be honoured by others.”
It is interesting that the Greek word used for the verb “to be noticed” is related to the term from which we get “theatre.” These “acts of righteousness” were turning out to be spectacles to be gazed at, with the Pharisees and the scribes as actors who were simply putting on a performance.
You may have noticed that Jesus calls them “hypocrites.” This word, in Greek, comes from the stage, where the same actor would wear different masks for every character he or she played. Jesus sees the outward display of the Pharisees and the scribes as nothing more than acting, putting on a mask or persona just for the applause.
Listen to Eugene Peterson's version of this passage in the translation known as The Message: "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theatre, but the God who made you won't be applauding. When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself."
Ah, ha! There is the difference. Jesus wants our light to shine, our faith to be visible, so that others may see and “praise our Father in heaven.” The Pharisees and the scribes, on the other hand, were more concerned with others praising them.
According to Jesus, they went to great lengths to make sure that they were noticed by their peers. Jesus talks about how when they gave to the needy, they “announced it with trumpets.”
In today’s reading, Jesus addresses certain “acts of righteousness” practised by the scribes and the Pharisees. Earlier in this sermon series, we defined “righteousness” as being in the right relationship with God. The actions that flow out of that right relationship or righteousness are what are called “acts of righteousness.” Matthew chapter 6 makes reference to three such acts—giving to the poor, prayer and fasting.
Let us be clear right off the bat that Jesus has no problem with any of them as an act of righteousness. You will notice that he does not say “IF you give”, “IF you pray” or “IF you fast”...instead he says: WHEN you give, WHEN you pray and WHEN you fast. Nothing wrong with giving, praying and fasting...as “acts of righteousness.”
Actually, Jesus does not even have a problem with practising these acts of righteousness in public. Just over two months ago, Brian Baxter reminded us how Jesus said in the very same Sermon on the Mount: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Jesus does not want us to remain private with our faith, to hide our distinctive light under a bushel, but to let it shine, to go public.
What he takes issue with is the fact that they do them before others, in order to be seen by others.
It is not the outward, visible nature of the acts that is the problem, it is the inner, invisible motive that is the problem, as Jesus makes clear in verse 2. The real reason why the Pharisees and the scribes did these “acts of righteousness” was “to be honoured by others.”
It is interesting that the Greek word used for the verb “to be noticed” is related to the term from which we get “theatre.” These “acts of righteousness” were turning out to be spectacles to be gazed at, with the Pharisees and the scribes as actors who were simply putting on a performance.
You may have noticed that Jesus calls them “hypocrites.” This word, in Greek, comes from the stage, where the same actor would wear different masks for every character he or she played. Jesus sees the outward display of the Pharisees and the scribes as nothing more than acting, putting on a mask or persona just for the applause.
Listen to Eugene Peterson's version of this passage in the translation known as The Message: "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theatre, but the God who made you won't be applauding. When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself."
Ah, ha! There is the difference. Jesus wants our light to shine, our faith to be visible, so that others may see and “praise our Father in heaven.” The Pharisees and the scribes, on the other hand, were more concerned with others praising them.
According to Jesus, they went to great lengths to make sure that they were noticed by their peers. Jesus talks about how when they gave to the needy, they “announced it with trumpets.”
We need to remind ourselves that in Jesus’ day, giving was not done with offering envelopes or pre-authorized payments. Remember the story in Mark 12, where "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury.” That’s when he noticed the widow who gave two coins—all she had. In other words, everyone made their offering in public. So, in order to be noticed, you had to do something more...like “announcing with trumpets!”
Some scholars suggest that the Pharisees and the scribes actually had trumpeters go before them, so they could get everyone’s attention, before making their charitable donation. They justified it by saying that it was the only way they could get the attention of the needy! Others seem to think that it was Jesus’ way of saying that they were “blowing their own horn!” In either case, it is obvious that they did it with some “fanfare!”
Similarly, when they prayed, they made sure that the whole neighbourhood took notice. Jesus says that “they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.” That is what it was all about for them. To be seen by others.
Jesus wants his followers to do something entirely different. He would prefer that we give and pray “in secret.” That is why he says: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” and “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
He gives two reasons as to why this is preferable.
#1 reason is summed up in the words “they have received their reward in full.” In other words, if our only motivation is to be noticed by others, then, once others have noticed us, we have received our reward. It goes no further. Since it was done in public so that we may be honoured by others, once they honour us, then it’s case closed. No more rewards for us.
#2 reason is summed up in the words “then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” When an act of righteousness is carried out with the intent of bringing glory and honour to our Father in heaven, then He rewards us.
Now, let’s be honest...which one would we rather have...the reward of knowing that others have noticed us or the reward that comes from our Father in heaven? Hello?
The answer is obvious, isn’t it?
When we were discussing this passage and sharing our thoughts at the Tuesday Study Group, members raised some interesting scenarios and wondered how this teaching of Jesus would apply to them...
For example, a Christian ministry conducts a telethon, with the names of the donors and the amounts they pledged being read out aloud and/or flashed across the screen for all to see. The reason for doing this, of course, is to motivate others to give. Is it OK to use such motivation for the cause of the gospel? Is it OK for us to allow our names and donation amounts to be made public so others may be inspired to follow our example and give?
Or, take the case of a member or a pastor who shares with the congregation how they have been tithing regularly and invites others to do the same. Is this an act of testifying or could it cross the border and turn into bragging?
Even in our services, does the sharing that happens during the “Celebrating God’s goodness” time run the risk of drawing attention to ourselves?
How about gifts that are acknowledged with a plaque—in a hospital wing or a museum or even a church? Can they take away the glory and the praise from our Father in heaven?
You have to admit that all these questions point to a very real danger that we all face. It is the same danger about which Jesus warns us...the temptation to do “acts of righteousness” in order that we may be seen and honoured by others.
Or, even if we do not actively seek the recognition and adoration of others, sometimes we get upset when our contributions are not acknowledged by others or when we are not accorded special privileges as a result of the special gifts we gave. This too can be problematic, because the focus has shifted from God to us...amen?
This is why Jesus says that we are better off to do our acts of righteousness in secret, to the point that not even our "left hand knows what the right hand is doing." Now, that is really keeping it secret, isn’t it? Needless to say it rules out any room for bragging or drawing attention to ourselves and what we did!
As a matter of fact, a good test of whether we are doing the right thing or not, whether we are crossing the fine line between bragging and testifying or not, is to ask: Who is my audience? Whose attention am I craving? Whose approval is important to me? Who do I need to make sure is watching me?
Jesus makes it very clear to us that as far as he was concerned, we only need to concern ourselves with pleasing our Father in heaven. In John 5:30, Jesus says: "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."
In other words, Jesus was only concerned with pleasing AN AUDIENCE OF ONE. He was only concerned with the Father saying: “That’s-a-my boy!” After all, the only reward that really matters is what we receive from the Father, isn’t it?
How would our patterns of giving, praying, fasting and other “acts of righteousness” change if we lived with the awareness of the AUDIENCE OF ONE?
Would we do more of our acts of righteousness in secret?
Would we decline opportunities to publicize our giving?
When we are recognized, when we are given the opportunity and the platform, will we take great pains to let everyone know that all the glory, honour and praise goes to our Father who is in heaven?
Would we stop getting upset when people don't notice our good works?
Would we stop feeling and feeding the need to broadcast our service to others?
Would we be weaned of our secret longing for pats on the back from others?
You may have heard the story of a poor man with three daughters who lived in the days when a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home, providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas...who has since come to be known as Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas was following the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. His acts of righteousness were done with the aim of pleasing no one else but the AUDIENCE OF ONE.
This Christmas season, could Jesus be calling me and you to apply his words to our gift-giving? For the most part, the gifts we give and receive come with gift tags indicating the name of the giver, right? Do you sense the call of Christ asking you to give “in secret” to someone this Christmas? Who would it be? What would the gift be?
Why don’t we take a moment now to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what He would like us to do? Let us pray.
Holy Spirit, come....open our eyes to see the person you are highlighting for us to give in secret this Christmas....open our ears to hear you whisper that name...
Father, we want to please you and you alone. You are our AUDIENCE OF ONE. You are all we need. Yours is the only approval that really matters.
Jesus, let this day mark the beginning of a life in which our motives are pure--for giving, praying, fasting and every other act of righteousness.
May we as a church resist the temptation to make choices designed simply to please others and let our light shine so that others may see our good works and give glory to you, our Father in heaven--everytime.
Holy Spirit, come...come and fill us with your power to live as followers of Jesus who are determined to do only those things that please you, our AUDIENCE OF ONE.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
Some scholars suggest that the Pharisees and the scribes actually had trumpeters go before them, so they could get everyone’s attention, before making their charitable donation. They justified it by saying that it was the only way they could get the attention of the needy! Others seem to think that it was Jesus’ way of saying that they were “blowing their own horn!” In either case, it is obvious that they did it with some “fanfare!”
Similarly, when they prayed, they made sure that the whole neighbourhood took notice. Jesus says that “they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.” That is what it was all about for them. To be seen by others.
Jesus wants his followers to do something entirely different. He would prefer that we give and pray “in secret.” That is why he says: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” and “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
He gives two reasons as to why this is preferable.
#1 reason is summed up in the words “they have received their reward in full.” In other words, if our only motivation is to be noticed by others, then, once others have noticed us, we have received our reward. It goes no further. Since it was done in public so that we may be honoured by others, once they honour us, then it’s case closed. No more rewards for us.
#2 reason is summed up in the words “then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” When an act of righteousness is carried out with the intent of bringing glory and honour to our Father in heaven, then He rewards us.
Now, let’s be honest...which one would we rather have...the reward of knowing that others have noticed us or the reward that comes from our Father in heaven? Hello?
The answer is obvious, isn’t it?
When we were discussing this passage and sharing our thoughts at the Tuesday Study Group, members raised some interesting scenarios and wondered how this teaching of Jesus would apply to them...
For example, a Christian ministry conducts a telethon, with the names of the donors and the amounts they pledged being read out aloud and/or flashed across the screen for all to see. The reason for doing this, of course, is to motivate others to give. Is it OK to use such motivation for the cause of the gospel? Is it OK for us to allow our names and donation amounts to be made public so others may be inspired to follow our example and give?
Or, take the case of a member or a pastor who shares with the congregation how they have been tithing regularly and invites others to do the same. Is this an act of testifying or could it cross the border and turn into bragging?
Even in our services, does the sharing that happens during the “Celebrating God’s goodness” time run the risk of drawing attention to ourselves?
How about gifts that are acknowledged with a plaque—in a hospital wing or a museum or even a church? Can they take away the glory and the praise from our Father in heaven?
You have to admit that all these questions point to a very real danger that we all face. It is the same danger about which Jesus warns us...the temptation to do “acts of righteousness” in order that we may be seen and honoured by others.
Or, even if we do not actively seek the recognition and adoration of others, sometimes we get upset when our contributions are not acknowledged by others or when we are not accorded special privileges as a result of the special gifts we gave. This too can be problematic, because the focus has shifted from God to us...amen?
This is why Jesus says that we are better off to do our acts of righteousness in secret, to the point that not even our "left hand knows what the right hand is doing." Now, that is really keeping it secret, isn’t it? Needless to say it rules out any room for bragging or drawing attention to ourselves and what we did!
As a matter of fact, a good test of whether we are doing the right thing or not, whether we are crossing the fine line between bragging and testifying or not, is to ask: Who is my audience? Whose attention am I craving? Whose approval is important to me? Who do I need to make sure is watching me?
Jesus makes it very clear to us that as far as he was concerned, we only need to concern ourselves with pleasing our Father in heaven. In John 5:30, Jesus says: "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me."
In other words, Jesus was only concerned with pleasing AN AUDIENCE OF ONE. He was only concerned with the Father saying: “That’s-a-my boy!” After all, the only reward that really matters is what we receive from the Father, isn’t it?
How would our patterns of giving, praying, fasting and other “acts of righteousness” change if we lived with the awareness of the AUDIENCE OF ONE?
Would we do more of our acts of righteousness in secret?
Would we decline opportunities to publicize our giving?
When we are recognized, when we are given the opportunity and the platform, will we take great pains to let everyone know that all the glory, honour and praise goes to our Father who is in heaven?
Would we stop getting upset when people don't notice our good works?
Would we stop feeling and feeding the need to broadcast our service to others?
Would we be weaned of our secret longing for pats on the back from others?
You may have heard the story of a poor man with three daughters who lived in the days when a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home, providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas...who has since come to be known as Santa Claus.
Saint Nicholas was following the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. His acts of righteousness were done with the aim of pleasing no one else but the AUDIENCE OF ONE.
This Christmas season, could Jesus be calling me and you to apply his words to our gift-giving? For the most part, the gifts we give and receive come with gift tags indicating the name of the giver, right? Do you sense the call of Christ asking you to give “in secret” to someone this Christmas? Who would it be? What would the gift be?
Why don’t we take a moment now to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us what He would like us to do? Let us pray.
Holy Spirit, come....open our eyes to see the person you are highlighting for us to give in secret this Christmas....open our ears to hear you whisper that name...
Father, we want to please you and you alone. You are our AUDIENCE OF ONE. You are all we need. Yours is the only approval that really matters.
Jesus, let this day mark the beginning of a life in which our motives are pure--for giving, praying, fasting and every other act of righteousness.
May we as a church resist the temptation to make choices designed simply to please others and let our light shine so that others may see our good works and give glory to you, our Father in heaven--everytime.
Holy Spirit, come...come and fill us with your power to live as followers of Jesus who are determined to do only those things that please you, our AUDIENCE OF ONE.
In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Dec. 9, 2007--THE PATERNITY TEST
In today's reading from Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus states that loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us prove that we are children of our Father in heaven. If the paternity test were to be applied to the way we treat our enemies and those who persecute us, what will it show? The message shows how Jesus passed this test himself at a critical time in his life.
An audio file of the message is available for download or streaming at
http://www.mediafire.com/?9joj3czxnjy
An audio file of the message is available for download or streaming at
http://www.mediafire.com/?9joj3czxnjy
Sunday, December 2, 2007
Dec. 02, 2007--THE THIRD OPTION
Based on Matthew 5:38-42, this message looks at the alternatives Jesus offers to "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Jesus calls us to consider THE THIRD OPTION.
An audio file of this message is available for listening or for download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?9xz5wmmmxm1
An audio file of this message is available for listening or for download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?9xz5wmmmxm1
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Nov. 25, 2007--SAY WHAT YOU MEAN & MEAN WHAT YOU SAY
Based on Matthew 5:33-37, this message explores how Jesus wants his followers to be people of their word, whose word is their bond, the original "Promise Keepers" whose "Yes" is "Yes" and "No" is "No."
You may listen to the message or download it at http://www.mediafire.com/?1dumjdeemmw
You may listen to the message or download it at http://www.mediafire.com/?1dumjdeemmw
Nov. 11, 2007--HOW JESUS VIEWS DIVORCE & MARRIAGE
Based on Matthew 5:31-32, this message looks at how Jesus views marriage and divorce. While the Pharisees were concerned about the paperwork of divorce, Jesus shifts the focus to the framework of marriage instead.
The message is available for listening or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?12bym7dmjj4
The message is available for listening or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?12bym7dmjj4
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Oct. 28, 2007--OUR PRIMARY MISSION
On this 167th Anniversary celebration of Morgan's Point United Church, we take time to remind ourselves the PRIMARY MISSION to which Jesus calls us.
Based on Luke 5:1-11, the sermon asks how committed we are to this mission and offers some practical ways to keep fulfilling it in today's context.
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?cjweeaytenh
Based on Luke 5:1-11, the sermon asks how committed we are to this mission and offers some practical ways to keep fulfilling it in today's context.
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?cjweeaytenh
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Nov. 4, 2007--THIS SURGERY PREVENTS ADULTERY
Our journey through the Sermon on the Mount continues with Jesus' teaching on what constitutes adultery. Based on Matthew 5:27-30, this sermon explores why Jesus recommends surgery as the only way to prevent adultery!
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or downloading at
http://www.mediafire.com/?fm293me2nqj
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or downloading at
http://www.mediafire.com/?fm293me2nqj
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Oct. 21, 2007--DEALING WITH ANGER
In this sermon we see Jesus illustrating how the rigteousness of his followers must exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisees (Matthew 5:17-26). The contrast is between external observance and internal obedience. Jesus takes the commandment "You shall not commit murder" and shows how anger (internal) is at the root of murder (external).
An audio file of this sermon is available for listening or download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?6neyyvnycwk
An audio file of this sermon is available for listening or download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?6neyyvnycwk
Monday, October 15, 2007
Oct. 14, 2007--LEGAL WITHOUT BEING LEGALISTIC
We continue the series on the Sermon on the Mount with Matthew 5:17-20, where Jesus talks about how he views the Law. The sermon shows how Jesus wants us to be lawful, without falling into the trap of legalism (as the Pharisees and scribes did).
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?1izdj1duahc
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?1izdj1duahc
Monday, October 8, 2007
Oct. 7--THANKSGIVING SUNDAY--Giving Thanks
This sermon is intended to convey a simple message--as much as we may feel thankful, Thanksgiving is complete only when we take the time to GIVE THANKS.
Supporting readings include Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and Luke 17:11-19 (The story of the Ten Lepers).
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?dnt0o5imkla
Supporting readings include Deuteronomy 8:7-18 and Luke 17:11-19 (The story of the Ten Lepers).
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?dnt0o5imkla
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Sept. 23, 2007--YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH
Jesus says in Matthew 5:13: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
This message explores what it means to be the salt of the earth today. The supplementary reading is from Matthew 10:1-16.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or downloading at http://www.mediafire.com/?7mczny5l1kq
This message explores what it means to be the salt of the earth today. The supplementary reading is from Matthew 10:1-16.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or downloading at http://www.mediafire.com/?7mczny5l1kq
Sunday, September 16, 2007
BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS' SAKE
The sermon series on the Beatitudes concludes with these verses from Matthew 5:10-12:
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Other passages referred to in the sermon include I Peter 4:12-16 and John 15:20.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?d5mx0co0xyc
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Other passages referred to in the sermon include I Peter 4:12-16 and John 15:20.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?d5mx0co0xyc
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Sept. 09, 2007--BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
This sermon is based on the 7th Beatitude: "Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called children (sons) of God."
Supplementary readings include references to how Jesus himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:11-18) and Jesus' prescription for making peace with another in the church (Matthew 18:15-17).
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at:
http://www.mediafire.com/?dggdbtdcnld
Supplementary readings include references to how Jesus himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:11-18) and Jesus' prescription for making peace with another in the church (Matthew 18:15-17).
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at:
http://www.mediafire.com/?dggdbtdcnld
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Sept. 2, 2007--BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART
This sermon explores what Jesus meant when he said: "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." Supplementary texts include Psalm 24 and James 4:4-10.
You may listen to the sermon or download it by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?7lnkj0mtlog
You may listen to the sermon or download it by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?7lnkj0mtlog
Monday, August 27, 2007
August 26, 2007--BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL
This message focuses on the Beatitude "Blessed are the merciful; for they shall receive mercy." Supplementary readings are from Jesus' parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:21-35 and from James 2:13--"Mercy triumphs over judgment."
You may listen to the sermon or download it by clicking on http://www.mediafire.com/?1icg1sdbwn1
You may listen to the sermon or download it by clicking on http://www.mediafire.com/?1icg1sdbwn1
Sunday, August 19, 2007
August 19, 2007--BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
This sermon focuses on the fourth Beatitude and explores what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness. Isaiah 55:1-7 is the main text.
An audio file of the entire message is available for download or listening online at http://www.mediafire.com/?7zl2yq2cytd
This sermon focuses on the fourth Beatitude and explores what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness. Isaiah 55:1-7 is the main text.
An audio file of the entire message is available for download or listening online at http://www.mediafire.com/?7zl2yq2cytd
Sunday, August 12, 2007
BLESSED ARE THE MEEK
"Blessed are the meek; for they shall inherit the earth."
Who are the meek, according to Jesus? What does it mean to inherit the earth? Using Psalm 37:1-11 and Matthew 11:28-30 as Scripture references, this sermon looks at the third Beatitude.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?6dtstvyjt01
Who are the meek, according to Jesus? What does it mean to inherit the earth? Using Psalm 37:1-11 and Matthew 11:28-30 as Scripture references, this sermon looks at the third Beatitude.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?6dtstvyjt01
Monday, August 6, 2007
Aug. 5, 2007--BLESSED ARE THEY WHO MOURN
This is the third sermon in a series based on the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) called BEING THE BLESSED.
We look at what made Jesus mourn to discover how we too are blessed when we mourn. Supporting Scripture readings include:
John 11:35
Luke 19:41-44
Luke 13:31-35
Isaiah 61:1-4
James 4:6-10
You may listen to the sermon or download it at http://www.mediafire.com/?d3keooyivb0
We look at what made Jesus mourn to discover how we too are blessed when we mourn. Supporting Scripture readings include:
John 11:35
Luke 19:41-44
Luke 13:31-35
Isaiah 61:1-4
James 4:6-10
You may listen to the sermon or download it at http://www.mediafire.com/?d3keooyivb0
Sunday, July 29, 2007
July 29, 2007--Blessed are the poor in spirit, part 2
This sermon addresses two issues related to being poor in spirit--
#1. The difficulty of overcoming pride in our personal lives &
#2. Corporate/Congregational pride.
The Scripture reading is from Revelation 3:14-22, the letter to the church in Laodicea, a church that had settled for being lukewarm, middle-of-the-road, comme ci-comme ca, etc. Members of the church did not realize that they had pushed Jesus out...he is now standing outside knocking on the door, seeking a more intimate relationship with them.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or downloading at http://www.mediafire.com/?c2oz5vijngs
#1. The difficulty of overcoming pride in our personal lives &
#2. Corporate/Congregational pride.
The Scripture reading is from Revelation 3:14-22, the letter to the church in Laodicea, a church that had settled for being lukewarm, middle-of-the-road, comme ci-comme ca, etc. Members of the church did not realize that they had pushed Jesus out...he is now standing outside knocking on the door, seeking a more intimate relationship with them.
An audio file of the sermon is available for listening or downloading at http://www.mediafire.com/?c2oz5vijngs
Sunday, July 22, 2007
July 22, 2007--BLESSED ARE THE POOR IN SPIRIT
Today we begin a new sermon series on BEING THE BLESSED...based on the Beatitudes of Jesus from Matthew 5:3-12.
This sermon focuses on what it means to be POOR IN SPIRIT, using the story Jesus told of the two men who went to pray one day from Luke 18:9-14 as a reference.
You may listen to the sermon online or download it by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?dvkx2fcq2ux
This sermon focuses on what it means to be POOR IN SPIRIT, using the story Jesus told of the two men who went to pray one day from Luke 18:9-14 as a reference.
You may listen to the sermon online or download it by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?dvkx2fcq2ux
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
July 15, 2007--DOUBLE JEOPARDY, Part 2
In this sermon we look at a second factor that can keep us from experiencing the DOUBLE DOUBLE blessing that is available to us, namely, THE SNARE OF SIMPLICITY. Taking a clue from Jesus' words to Martha in Luke 10:38-42, the preacher plays Elisha and suggests a simple "solution" as well to all Naamans who seek healing.
You may listen to the sermon online or download it by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?b19n0dllskp
You may listen to the sermon online or download it by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?b19n0dllskp
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
July 8, 2007--DOUBLE JEOPARDY, Part 1
In this sermon, we look at the healing of Naaman in II Kings 5:1-14 to identify one key factor that can jeopardize us from enjoying the DOUBLE DOUBLE blessing that God wants to give us through Jesus Christ.
You may listen or download the sermon audio at http://www.mediafire.com/?a0hpn53jncf
You may listen or download the sermon audio at http://www.mediafire.com/?a0hpn53jncf
Sunday, July 1, 2007
July 1, 2007--DOUBLE, DOUBLE
In this first sermon preached at Morgan's Point and Forks Road East United Churches, we take a closer look at the prophet Elisha's desire for a Double portion of Elijah's spirit (II Kings 2:1-15) and move on to seeing how by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) we may receive DOUBLE, DOUBLE.
Audio files of this message are available for listening or download by clicking on:
(Morgan's Point) http://www.mediafire.com/?e3dfgbczmyf
(Forks Road East) http://www.mediafire.com/?94ssdtendb4
Audio files of this message are available for listening or download by clicking on:
(Morgan's Point) http://www.mediafire.com/?e3dfgbczmyf
(Forks Road East) http://www.mediafire.com/?94ssdtendb4
June 24, 2007--CO-LABOURING WITH GOD
Based on I Corinthians 3:1-9, this sermon looks at how we are called to be co-workers with God.
An audio file of the message is available at for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?613ng5mjpmy
An audio file of the message is available at for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?613ng5mjpmy
June 10, 2007--APPLYING THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING TO FINANCES
Based on Malachi 3:8-11; II Corinthians 9:6-11 this sermon applies the laws of sowing and reaping (see May 20 blog) to the area of finances.
An audio file of this message is available for download or listening at http://www.mediafire.com/?eznmxp7gjyj
An audio file of this message is available for download or listening at http://www.mediafire.com/?eznmxp7gjyj
JUNE 3, 2007--APPLYING THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING TO FORGIVENESS
Based on Luke 6:27-42, this sermon looks at how the laws of sowing and reaping (see May 20) apply in the areas of forgiveness and judging others.
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?aommimxgzzs
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?aommimxgzzs
May 27, 2007--THE FIRE OF PENTECOST
This sermon explores the significance of FIRE falling on the believers on the day of Pentecost.
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?7wnbzhi52md
Scripture Reading: Acts 2:1-21
An audio file of the message is available for listening or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?7wnbzhi52md
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
May 20, 2007--THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING
Text: Galatians 6:7-10
An audio file of the entire message is available for download or streaming at
http://mediafire.com/?6jwugyyjcom
THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING
1. You reap WHAT you sow.
2. You reap MORE THAN you sow.
3. You reap IN PROPORTION to what you sow.
4. You reap LATER THAN you sow.
An audio file of the entire message is available for download or streaming at
http://mediafire.com/?6jwugyyjcom
THE LAWS OF SOWING AND REAPING
1. You reap WHAT you sow.
2. You reap MORE THAN you sow.
3. You reap IN PROPORTION to what you sow.
4. You reap LATER THAN you sow.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
May 13, 2007--THE GOD OF OUR MOTHERS
An audio file of the message is available for streaming or download at:
http://www.mediafire.com/?einlmjdju9m
http://www.mediafire.com/?einlmjdju9m
Sunday, April 15, 2007
April 15--OUR MISSION--To invite our community...
SYNOPSIS:
This is the first of three sermons based on the new mission statement of Palermo United Church: "WE INVITE OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW WITH US AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS." This message focuses on what makes someone a good "inviter."
AN AUDIO FILE OF THE ENTIRE MESSAGE IS AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING/DOWNLOAD BY CLICKING ON:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4t10zfnnlwj
Inviting is simple, but it is not easy.
In my experience with home-based businesses where inviting others to benefit from what you had to offer was the main activity, I discovered that the most successful people had three characteristics in common.
#1. They knew WHY they were inviting others. They had an internal motivation, a burning dream or desire, an emotional reason for stepping out of their comfort zone, for spending additional time in this activity. A personal "why", when connected with a team "why" seemed to accomplish a lot!
Our main "why" is to obey Jesus' command (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). The Easter narratives end with the request/command to "go, tell".
Another "why" is to help others experience the uniqueness of our community of faith, Palermo United.
Can you see how our personal and team "why's", when they are strong, can be a powerful motivation to inviting our community to grow with us as followers of Jesus?
#2. They knew WHAT they had in their hands. It was more than just a way to make more money. It could make a big difference to the lives of others.
What we have in our hands is an ability to help others experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10) "to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and declare that the Kingdom of heaven is here." (Also, Luke 4:14f)
People in today's society are not looking for another meeting to attend on a Sunday morning, or to belong to another club that does good works, but to experience the power of God in their lives.
#3. They knew WHO was behind them. A company with a good track record, owners with deep pockets, a business development team with proven success, etc.
In John 20:21-22, Jesus says: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit."
We have the Creator of the universe behind us. The power of the Risen Christ is our back-up! The Holy Spirit is our resident source of power. WE CANNOT FAIL.
The mechanics of inviting are not that tough. The techniques are simple. But before we learn them, let us consider and develop these three characteristics. Then we will be able to fulfil our mission: WE INVITE OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW WITH US AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS.
This is the first of three sermons based on the new mission statement of Palermo United Church: "WE INVITE OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW WITH US AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS." This message focuses on what makes someone a good "inviter."
AN AUDIO FILE OF THE ENTIRE MESSAGE IS AVAILABLE FOR STREAMING/DOWNLOAD BY CLICKING ON:
http://www.mediafire.com/?4t10zfnnlwj
Inviting is simple, but it is not easy.
In my experience with home-based businesses where inviting others to benefit from what you had to offer was the main activity, I discovered that the most successful people had three characteristics in common.
#1. They knew WHY they were inviting others. They had an internal motivation, a burning dream or desire, an emotional reason for stepping out of their comfort zone, for spending additional time in this activity. A personal "why", when connected with a team "why" seemed to accomplish a lot!
Our main "why" is to obey Jesus' command (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). The Easter narratives end with the request/command to "go, tell".
Another "why" is to help others experience the uniqueness of our community of faith, Palermo United.
Can you see how our personal and team "why's", when they are strong, can be a powerful motivation to inviting our community to grow with us as followers of Jesus?
#2. They knew WHAT they had in their hands. It was more than just a way to make more money. It could make a big difference to the lives of others.
What we have in our hands is an ability to help others experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 10) "to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and declare that the Kingdom of heaven is here." (Also, Luke 4:14f)
People in today's society are not looking for another meeting to attend on a Sunday morning, or to belong to another club that does good works, but to experience the power of God in their lives.
#3. They knew WHO was behind them. A company with a good track record, owners with deep pockets, a business development team with proven success, etc.
In John 20:21-22, Jesus says: "As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Then he breathed on them and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit."
We have the Creator of the universe behind us. The power of the Risen Christ is our back-up! The Holy Spirit is our resident source of power. WE CANNOT FAIL.
The mechanics of inviting are not that tough. The techniques are simple. But before we learn them, let us consider and develop these three characteristics. Then we will be able to fulfil our mission: WE INVITE OUR COMMUNITY TO GROW WITH US AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. What is the most exciting invitation you have ever received? What made it so special?
2. What is the most meaningful invitation you have ever issued to another person? What motivated you to issue the invitation?
3. What are some obstacles that would hold you back from inviting others as per our mission statement?
4. What are some of your reasons/motivations for wanting to invite others as per the mission statement?
5. How can your small group help you?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
April 8, EASTER--BEYOND THE TOMB
Text: Luke 24:1-12
An audio file of the entire message is available for streaming or download by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?b1g3yzyj4le
An audio file of the entire message is available for streaming or download by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?b1g3yzyj4le
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. Share what you know about the "Lost Tomb of Jesus" controversy and your opinion(s) about the issue.
2. What is the significance of the Empty Tomb in the Easter Story?
3. Why is it important to go "beyond the tomb" to grasp the significance of the Resurrection?
4. Share any personal encounters you may have experienced with the Risen Christ...or another person's experience that you are aware of.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
April 1--THE FATHER'S LOVE--part 3
Scripture:
Luke 22:39-44; 23:32-46
An audio file of the entire message is available for streaming/download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?bjtnjnzkzex
Who do you talk about all the time? That’s who you are most excited about at that time.
Spouse, Boyfriend/girlfriend, Parents, Children, grandchildren, etc.
Jesus always talked about his Father.
His primary relationship was with his Father.
Baptism…THE CENTRAL EVENT… “You are my beloved Son…in you I am well pleased.”
Mountain of Transfiguration….
Jesus going away to spend time with his Father.
Teaches disciples to pray: “OUR DADDY” (Abba)
Prays to the Father
Today’s reading…(Luke 22 & 23)
“Father, if it is possible, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
All three prayers are possible, only to one who is secure in the Father’s love.
Can we pray as Jesus did in all three circumstances?
1. When we are faced with the “agony of the soul?”--Gethsemane experiences
2. When we are faced with the desire to take revenge or to withhold forgiveness?--as Stephen did in Acts 7?
3. When we face death?
We need a (greater) revelation of the Father’s love.
Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The Holy Spirit gives us that revelation.
Would you like to be able to pray as Jesus did?
As the music plays…Sulojana, Marian and I will come around and pray for each of you, asking God to impart a revelation of the Father’s love to you today.
Luke 22:39-44; 23:32-46
An audio file of the entire message is available for streaming/download by clicking on:
http://www.mediafire.com/?bjtnjnzkzex
Who do you talk about all the time? That’s who you are most excited about at that time.
Spouse, Boyfriend/girlfriend, Parents, Children, grandchildren, etc.
Jesus always talked about his Father.
His primary relationship was with his Father.
Baptism…THE CENTRAL EVENT… “You are my beloved Son…in you I am well pleased.”
Mountain of Transfiguration….
Jesus going away to spend time with his Father.
Teaches disciples to pray: “OUR DADDY” (Abba)
Prays to the Father
Today’s reading…(Luke 22 & 23)
“Father, if it is possible, remove this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
“Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”
“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
All three prayers are possible, only to one who is secure in the Father’s love.
Can we pray as Jesus did in all three circumstances?
1. When we are faced with the “agony of the soul?”--Gethsemane experiences
2. When we are faced with the desire to take revenge or to withhold forgiveness?--as Stephen did in Acts 7?
3. When we face death?
We need a (greater) revelation of the Father’s love.
Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
The Holy Spirit gives us that revelation.
Would you like to be able to pray as Jesus did?
As the music plays…Sulojana, Marian and I will come around and pray for each of you, asking God to impart a revelation of the Father’s love to you today.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. "All three prayers are possible, only to one who is secure in the Father's love." Do you agree with this statement? Why? Why not?
2. Have you gone through a "Gethsemane" experience? How did you get through it?
3. Do you struggle with "forgiving your enemies?" How do you deal with it?
4. Are you afraid of death and/or dying? Can you face death as Jesus did?
5. Play some soaking music and pray for one another, asking the Holy Spirit to impart a greater revelation of the Father's love (through the laying on of hands)
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
March 25--THE FATHER'S LOVE--part 2
SYNOPSIS
To experience the Father's love as it was extended to the elder brother in Jesus' parable of the man who had two sons.
TEXT
Luke 15:1-3, 25-32
AN AUDIO FILE OF THE MESSAGE in its entirety is available for streaming or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?dyk0mg3yr21
The Audience
Let us remind ourselves of the audience for whom it is intended...from Luke 15:1-3, it is clear that this story is not for the general public, but for "the Pharisees and the scribes" --the good, upright, God-fearing, law-abiding, religious leaders of the Jewish faith.
We in the church are the modern equivalent of the Pharisees and the scribes. This story is not for our "pagan" neighbours out there, but FOR US, THE INSIDERS.
Today's lesson begins where we left off last week...the younger son, who was outside the Father's house spending his inheritance in "dissolute living" in a distant land is back in the Father's house. But the older son, who lives with the father in the same house, is still outside, even if it is just outside the door.
He is ANGRY. He is full of RESENTMENT over the treatment his brother receives and his perceived lack of special treatment by his Father. (You brought in take-out from Outback Steakhouse for him...but didn't even treat my and my friends to Kentucky Fried Chicken!)
He considers himself a SLAVE AND NOT A SON, i.e. one who has to work to earn the Father's love.
He is CRITICAL of his brother.
To experience the Father's love as it was extended to the elder brother in Jesus' parable of the man who had two sons.
TEXT
Luke 15:1-3, 25-32
AN AUDIO FILE OF THE MESSAGE in its entirety is available for streaming or download at http://www.mediafire.com/?dyk0mg3yr21
The Audience
Let us remind ourselves of the audience for whom it is intended...from Luke 15:1-3, it is clear that this story is not for the general public, but for "the Pharisees and the scribes" --the good, upright, God-fearing, law-abiding, religious leaders of the Jewish faith.
We in the church are the modern equivalent of the Pharisees and the scribes. This story is not for our "pagan" neighbours out there, but FOR US, THE INSIDERS.
Today's lesson begins where we left off last week...the younger son, who was outside the Father's house spending his inheritance in "dissolute living" in a distant land is back in the Father's house. But the older son, who lives with the father in the same house, is still outside, even if it is just outside the door.
He is ANGRY. He is full of RESENTMENT over the treatment his brother receives and his perceived lack of special treatment by his Father. (You brought in take-out from Outback Steakhouse for him...but didn't even treat my and my friends to Kentucky Fried Chicken!)
He considers himself a SLAVE AND NOT A SON, i.e. one who has to work to earn the Father's love.
He is CRITICAL of his brother.
Monday, March 19, 2007
March 18, 2007--THE FATHER'S LOVE--Part 1
SYNOPSIS
To understand and experience the Father's love...through the eyes of the younger son in Jesus' famous parable of the man who had two sons (commonly known as the Parable of the Prodigal Son)
TEXT
An AUDIO FILE OF THE MESSAGE is available at http://www.mediafire.com/?7enmwyddwtg
for streaming or downloading.RESTORING THE BALANCE--Father/Son/Holy Spirit
The Father's love gets short shrift in the church today...we tend to focus more on Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
"Jesus loves me, Jesus is nice...but I'm not so sure about the Father."
"Jesus walks with me, the Holy Spirit is at work in me while I'm here on earth...I guess I'll see and experience the Father when I get to heaven."
The Father wants us to experience his love right now, just as we experience the presence of the Risen Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Audience
We in the church are the modern equivalent of the Pharisees and the scribes. This story is not for our "pagan" neighbours out there, but FOR US, THE INSIDERS.
The Focus
The Father grants his son's request for his share of the inheritance, even though it was a slap in the face...as though the son were saying..."Drop dead, Dad." The Father had every right to refuse the request, but he grants it without any conditions, without a lecture or warning.
The Father's Love allows us to have our own way, to make poor choices, to live in rebellion. He could stop us, but chooses not to.
The Son wastes his inheritance in a distant land, in "dissolute (reckless, wild) living." Most likely, this refers to seeking sexual pleasure (as implied by the older brother later on in the story) and drunkenness...both of which can be a drain on a fortune. He seeks to replace the intimacy he had with his Father with a counterfeit that gives the illusion of intimacy.
Highly publicized "falls from grace" of Christian leaders who were leading others to the Lord and operating in the anointing of the Holy Spirit also seeking counterfeits to the Father's love.
Then a famine hits the land, he goes from living high on the hog to looking after pigs...only a desperate Jewish young man would stoop to such a low position. He hits rock bottom.
The Father's Love does not want to interfere with the gift of free will, so He allows us to go our way, get lost, and get to the place where we can sink no lower.
The young man comes to himself and remembers his Father's house...starts heading back with a rehearsed speech...note part of the speech...
"I am no longer worthy to be called your son." Guilt says: "I did something unworthy." Shame says: "I am unworthy."The Father, in the meantime, does the only thing he can do...wait and watch for the Son's return.
When the Son is still far off, the Father runs to him, hugs him and kisses him...no speech, no reprimand, no "told you so"...just welcome. The Son goes into his rehearsed speech, but the Father does not respond to him. Instead he tells the servants to get him a robe, a ring and sandals. These actions speak more loudly than words ever could: "You are still my son."
The Father is so glad to see us "come home" again. As far as he is concerned, "You were my son, you are my son, you will always be my son."
AN INVITATION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. The sermon begins by saying that the Father's Love has received short shrift in the church. In your experience of the church, is this true or false? Why?
2. Can you identify with the younger son in the story? Why? Why not?
3. Can you relate to the (earthly) Father in the story? Why? Why not?
4. Has the Father dealt with you the way he dealt with the younger son
a. in his rebellion
b. when he returns
5. If you would like a (greater) revelation of the Father's love, lay hands on one another and ask the Holy Spirit to impart the Father's love to your friend.
Monday, March 5, 2007
Sermon, March 4, 2007--WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
SYNOPSIS
To explore what it means to live on earth as "citizens of heaven".
SCRIPTURE
Philippians 3:17-4:1
You may listen to or download an Audio File of the sermon at
http://www.mediafire.com/?9mwxxkngyih
Canadian citizenship
Before you can become a Canadian citizen by choice you have to pass a test on Canadian history and geography that many Canadians by birth don't have a clue how to answer...so here are some more practical questions that I would recommend to Citizenship and Immigration.
1. What are Timbits? Name at least 3 varieties.
2. Or the judge could simply say: "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled poutine on my toque in the foyer?" and watch the applicant's face for either an understanding nod or a puzzled look that says: "Would you repeat that in English, please?"
3. True or false: Francophones & anglophones are devices that do not communicate well with one another.
4. Do the hand actions to Sharon, Lois and Bram's ``Skin-a-marinki-dinki-do.''
5. And, finally, see if they can sing the first four lines of "O Canada" without making a mistake!
WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
"OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN" (Philippians 3:20)
"IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD" (John 17:14-16)
"SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES WITH CHRIST" (Ephesians 2:6)
"YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST" (Colossians 3:1)
Ambassadors
"YOU ARE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST"...An ambassador, by definition, represents his/her native country in another country.
Present Tense
Not we WILL be citizens of heaven, we ARE.
PHILIPPI
A Roman colony in Greece...they lived as Romans in the Greek world. They knew what it meant to live in one country as citizens of another country. Now Paul tells them to live on earth as citizens of heaven.
Early Christians
A letter written at the end of the fourth century about the early church...
"Christians are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life....With regard to dress, food and manner of life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living in, whether it is Greek or foreign.
And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign country....They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven".
Are you a citizen of heaven?
You become one when you make the commitment to "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead." (Romans 10:9-10)
EXERCISING OUR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP ON EARTH
We look at everything from a heavenly perspective
Healing...we do not beg, we're seated next to Jesus, we just ask him to heal.
Finances..."My God shall meet all your needs according to his glorious riches" (Philippians 4:13) ...HIS riches, not our bank account, our investments.
Going back to my home country, India...the difference between going back with an Indian passport and a Canadian passport...amazing!
What changed? My citizenship.
We look like everyone else...but we do not act like everyone else in every way.
Story of the British military officer in Africa...every Saturday, he served a meal in a canvas tent that was decidedly English in every way--finest linen, perfect place settings, English food and drink. To remind himself and his family that though they were living in another country, they were still citizens of Great Britain.
We set aside one day a week at least to do something we would not do every other day...get together with other Christians to remind ourselves that WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN.
CONCLUSION
“I am a citizen of heaven”
"I have been raised with Christ"
“I am seated in heavenly places with Christ”
To explore what it means to live on earth as "citizens of heaven".
SCRIPTURE
Philippians 3:17-4:1
You may listen to or download an Audio File of the sermon at
http://www.mediafire.com/?9mwxxkngyih
Canadian citizenship
Before you can become a Canadian citizen by choice you have to pass a test on Canadian history and geography that many Canadians by birth don't have a clue how to answer...so here are some more practical questions that I would recommend to Citizenship and Immigration.
1. What are Timbits? Name at least 3 varieties.
2. Or the judge could simply say: "Could you please pass me a serviette, I just spilled poutine on my toque in the foyer?" and watch the applicant's face for either an understanding nod or a puzzled look that says: "Would you repeat that in English, please?"
3. True or false: Francophones & anglophones are devices that do not communicate well with one another.
4. Do the hand actions to Sharon, Lois and Bram's ``Skin-a-marinki-dinki-do.''
5. And, finally, see if they can sing the first four lines of "O Canada" without making a mistake!
WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
"OUR CITIZENSHIP IS IN HEAVEN" (Philippians 3:20)
"IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD" (John 17:14-16)
"SEATED IN HEAVENLY PLACES WITH CHRIST" (Ephesians 2:6)
"YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED WITH CHRIST" (Colossians 3:1)
Ambassadors
"YOU ARE AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST"...An ambassador, by definition, represents his/her native country in another country.
Present Tense
Not we WILL be citizens of heaven, we ARE.
PHILIPPI
A Roman colony in Greece...they lived as Romans in the Greek world. They knew what it meant to live in one country as citizens of another country. Now Paul tells them to live on earth as citizens of heaven.
Early Christians
A letter written at the end of the fourth century about the early church...
"Christians are indistinguishable from other men either by nationality, language or customs. They do not inhabit separate cities of their own, or speak a strange dialect, or follow some outlandish way of life....With regard to dress, food and manner of life in general, they follow the customs of whatever city they happen to be living in, whether it is Greek or foreign.
And yet there is something extraordinary about their lives. They live in their own countries as though they were only passing through. They play their full role as citizens, but labor under all the disabilities of aliens. Any country can be their homeland, but for them their homeland, wherever it may be, is a foreign country....They pass their days upon earth, but they are citizens of heaven".
Are you a citizen of heaven?
You become one when you make the commitment to "confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead." (Romans 10:9-10)
EXERCISING OUR HEAVENLY CITIZENSHIP ON EARTH
We look at everything from a heavenly perspective
Healing...we do not beg, we're seated next to Jesus, we just ask him to heal.
Finances..."My God shall meet all your needs according to his glorious riches" (Philippians 4:13) ...HIS riches, not our bank account, our investments.
Going back to my home country, India...the difference between going back with an Indian passport and a Canadian passport...amazing!
What changed? My citizenship.
We look like everyone else...but we do not act like everyone else in every way.
Story of the British military officer in Africa...every Saturday, he served a meal in a canvas tent that was decidedly English in every way--finest linen, perfect place settings, English food and drink. To remind himself and his family that though they were living in another country, they were still citizens of Great Britain.
We set aside one day a week at least to do something we would not do every other day...get together with other Christians to remind ourselves that WE ARE CITIZENS OF HEAVEN.
CONCLUSION
“I am a citizen of heaven”
"I have been raised with Christ"
“I am seated in heavenly places with Christ”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. Have you ever found yourself someplace where you were in the minority...your citizenship was not the same as everyone else's? How did it feel? What did you find most difficult to cope with?
2. What does being a citizen of heaven mean to you?
3. What are some practical ways in which you have exercised your heavenly citizenship on earth? (Times when you went against the prevailing wisdom, culture, etc. as a result of your Christian faith)
4. What are some ways in which you can strengthen your heavenly citizenship or gain more of a heavenly perspective?
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Sermon, Feb. 25--SHORT CUTS
Synopsis
The common thread to all three temptations faced by Jesus was the invitation to take a short cut...is this not true of many of the temptations we face as well? We'll see how Jesus was able to withstand them and learn from him.
Scripture
We are tempted to take short cuts
Guys, ever tried to take a short cut when you’re traveling in totally unfamiliar territory? Your wife and children keep saying: “Are you sure you know where you’’re going?” You answer confidently “Oh, yes! Trust me, family, I know this is shorter. Imagine all the money we save on gas when we shave of 100 miles!” Now you’re hoping and praying that a gas station would show up around the bend so you can not only fill the tank, but also find out how to get out of this short cut.
“No money down. Easy monthly payments.” (They don’t tell you that the payments go on past your lifetime and to your grandchildren’s. Try breaking a lease and you’ll find out!)
“It’s just a buck. Buy a ticket. Play the slots. You could win the big one this time. The next time you could get lucky.” (They don’t tell you that you could get addicted big time and blow a fortune, not to mention wreck your marriage and even face criminal charges!)
“Just try our fat-cell eliminating elixir, our corpulence-killing capsules. You don’t need the pain of exercise. Why waste your money on health club memberships? Just take a pill, lay on the couch and watch calories burn as you feast your eyes on Temptation Island.” (They don’t tell you about the possible side effects which could mess up your life worse than you could ever imagine!)
Jesus was tempted to take short cuts
“No money down. Easy monthly payments.” (They don’t tell you that the payments go on past your lifetime and to your grandchildren’s. Try breaking a lease and you’ll find out!)
“It’s just a buck. Buy a ticket. Play the slots. You could win the big one this time. The next time you could get lucky.” (They don’t tell you that you could get addicted big time and blow a fortune, not to mention wreck your marriage and even face criminal charges!)
“Just try our fat-cell eliminating elixir, our corpulence-killing capsules. You don’t need the pain of exercise. Why waste your money on health club memberships? Just take a pill, lay on the couch and watch calories burn as you feast your eyes on Temptation Island.” (They don’t tell you about the possible side effects which could mess up your life worse than you could ever imagine!)
Jesus was tempted to take short cuts
In every one of those three instances, the Tempter was attempting to get Jesus to take A SHORT CUT. Let me explain what I mean.
Jesus had just emerged from the shadows to publicly begin the mission that God had set before him. He has been baptized, declared by a voice from heaven as the Son of God, the one in whom God is well pleased, the one to whom all should listen. Jesus knows that God had sent him to be the Messiah, but not a military Messiah who would use excessive force to liberate the Jews from their oppression under the Romans. Instead he would be the Suffering Servant who was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. As a matter of fact, within a very short period, Jesus would tell his disciples that accomplishing his mission would include suffering, rejection, persecution and ultimately lead to his death.
But the Tempter offers him an alternative. He advises Jesus to follow Plan B, that would help him accomplish the mission of drawing people to God’s cause...without all the pain and suffering of Plan A. Watch how he operates.
The devil offers Jesus temptations which seem, on the surface, harmless enough. They are certainly not temptations to do evil. The devil is just encouraging Jesus to take the easy road in order to show the world that he really is the Son of God. Look, again, at these "harmless" temptations.
Jesus had just emerged from the shadows to publicly begin the mission that God had set before him. He has been baptized, declared by a voice from heaven as the Son of God, the one in whom God is well pleased, the one to whom all should listen. Jesus knows that God had sent him to be the Messiah, but not a military Messiah who would use excessive force to liberate the Jews from their oppression under the Romans. Instead he would be the Suffering Servant who was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. As a matter of fact, within a very short period, Jesus would tell his disciples that accomplishing his mission would include suffering, rejection, persecution and ultimately lead to his death.
But the Tempter offers him an alternative. He advises Jesus to follow Plan B, that would help him accomplish the mission of drawing people to God’s cause...without all the pain and suffering of Plan A. Watch how he operates.
The devil offers Jesus temptations which seem, on the surface, harmless enough. They are certainly not temptations to do evil. The devil is just encouraging Jesus to take the easy road in order to show the world that he really is the Son of God. Look, again, at these "harmless" temptations.
Temptation number one. Not a bad idea, really. Think about it. A lot of good could come from such a move. It would remind the Jewish people of how God fed their ancestors in the desert with manna and help them see Jesus as the Messiah! And, hey, what’s inherently wrong with feeding the hungry anyway? Isn’t it a good thing to do? Isn’t God concerned with the hungry people of this world? Jesus, you’ve got the gift, baby! Put your miraculous powers to good use here and transform this barren tract of land into a booming bakery. Take A SHORT CUT.
Or what about that second temptation? "Worship me," says the devil, "and to you I will give all authority over all earthly kingdoms." In other words, if you do it God’s way, you’re not in charge. I will be dogging you every step of the way, making life miserable for you. Instead, why not make a compromise? Sign right here on the dotted line. And I’ll leave you alone. No one else needs to know that you are in cahoots with me. I’ll make life easy for you. Whaddyasay Jesus? TAKE A SHORT CUT.
Then the devil comes up with a wonderful plan as he takes Jesus to the top of the Jerusalem Temple. Yes, the Jerusalem Temple, that was the focal point of the Jewish faith. It was a crowded place, where people would not miss the action. "Jesus, throw yourself down from here" and let God perform a dramatic rescue. After all, didn’t God promise to break your fall by sending angels to provide you with a safety net? Imagine the publicity this stunt would generate. You can accelerate the process of accomplishing your mission incredibly by pulling off a big one right off the bat, Jesus. Go for it! TAKE A SHORT CUT.
Do you see the point of these three examples? These "harmless" temptations could lead to Jesus being King of the World immediately and easily -- no more preaching to crowds on hillsides or by lakes, no more healing all those sick bodies, no more teaching to those who seem not to understand, and, most important of all, no cross to bear. It would have been the easy way out and it would have led away from Calvary and death. The temptation of Jesus was to choose another way, one that bypassed the cross.
Or what about that second temptation? "Worship me," says the devil, "and to you I will give all authority over all earthly kingdoms." In other words, if you do it God’s way, you’re not in charge. I will be dogging you every step of the way, making life miserable for you. Instead, why not make a compromise? Sign right here on the dotted line. And I’ll leave you alone. No one else needs to know that you are in cahoots with me. I’ll make life easy for you. Whaddyasay Jesus? TAKE A SHORT CUT.
Then the devil comes up with a wonderful plan as he takes Jesus to the top of the Jerusalem Temple. Yes, the Jerusalem Temple, that was the focal point of the Jewish faith. It was a crowded place, where people would not miss the action. "Jesus, throw yourself down from here" and let God perform a dramatic rescue. After all, didn’t God promise to break your fall by sending angels to provide you with a safety net? Imagine the publicity this stunt would generate. You can accelerate the process of accomplishing your mission incredibly by pulling off a big one right off the bat, Jesus. Go for it! TAKE A SHORT CUT.
Do you see the point of these three examples? These "harmless" temptations could lead to Jesus being King of the World immediately and easily -- no more preaching to crowds on hillsides or by lakes, no more healing all those sick bodies, no more teaching to those who seem not to understand, and, most important of all, no cross to bear. It would have been the easy way out and it would have led away from Calvary and death. The temptation of Jesus was to choose another way, one that bypassed the cross.
But Jesus knew...NO CROSS, NO CROWN.
Church Lite?
“Has the heaviness of you old fashioned church got you weighted down? Try us! We are the New and Improved Lite Church of the Valley. Studies have shown we have 24% fewer commitments than other churches. We guarantee to trim off guilt, because we are Low-Cal... low Calvin, that is. We are the home of the 7.5% tithe. We promise 35 minute worship services, with 7 minute sermons. Next Sunday's exciting text is the story of the Feeding of the 500. We have only 6 Commandments-- Your choice!! We use just 3 gospels in our contemporary New Testament *Good Sound Bites for Modern Human Beings*. We take the offering every other week, all major credit cards accepted, of course. Yes, the New and Improved Lite Church of the Valley could be just what you are looking for. We are everything you want in a church... and less!!”
Church Lite?
“Has the heaviness of you old fashioned church got you weighted down? Try us! We are the New and Improved Lite Church of the Valley. Studies have shown we have 24% fewer commitments than other churches. We guarantee to trim off guilt, because we are Low-Cal... low Calvin, that is. We are the home of the 7.5% tithe. We promise 35 minute worship services, with 7 minute sermons. Next Sunday's exciting text is the story of the Feeding of the 500. We have only 6 Commandments-- Your choice!! We use just 3 gospels in our contemporary New Testament *Good Sound Bites for Modern Human Beings*. We take the offering every other week, all major credit cards accepted, of course. Yes, the New and Improved Lite Church of the Valley could be just what you are looking for. We are everything you want in a church... and less!!”
Jesus was able to avoid shortcuts…2 reasons
He knew the Word of God.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit…fasted 40 days and nights in the wilderness…came out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
He knew the Word of God.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit…fasted 40 days and nights in the wilderness…came out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
We too can immerse ourselves in God's Word and make time (as in Soaking) to be filled with the Holy Spirit and live in his power as Jesus did.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. Share with the others in your group about a time when you gave in to the temptation to take the easy way out. What happened?
2. Share a time when you did not give in to the temptation. What happened?
3. What could’ve happened had Jesus given in to any one of the 3 temptations?
4. How can you guard against giving in to this temptation (to take the easy way out) in the future? (Hint: What two factors helped Jesus overcome?)
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Sermon, Feb. 18--A MOUNTAIN-TOP EXPERIENCE
Text: Luke 9:28-36
An audio file of the entire sermon is available for streaming or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?7y5ko0k3rxh
SYNPOSIS
Ever been to a mountain top? You get a perspective from the mountain top that you do not get otherwise.
All through the Bible there are many references to mountain-top experiences.
MOSES...Exodus 34:29-35...after 40 days and nights with God, "he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD."
Like the glow of a pregnant woman...she may not see it, but others do.
JESUS takes three disciples up to a mountain top and what happens is called the Transfiguration--lit. change of figure, appearance.
The mountain-top is not where Jesus lived and ministered most of the time!
Happens when he was praying.
Our Transfiguration
II Corinthians 3:18: "we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
The experience of transfiguration is not limited to people like Moses & Jesus. We too can experience God's glory.
My friend Geraldo Dinardi of Brazil...we couldn't understand a word he said...but we knew something was special about him. Later on, we discovered that Pastor Dinardi always carried his laptop with hime wherever he went...always playing DVD's of Benny Hinn meetings or listening to soaking CD's or praise and worship music. No TV. He was on the mountaintop...and it started to show.
An Analogy
Let's say you go to a "hot spot" like Florida, Cuba, Hawaii, etc...it's the same sun as in Canada, but you spend longer time period exposing yourself to it...in a different atmosphere and it shows on your face as a tan.
Similarly...it is the same Jesus whom we meet in church...when we spend more time with him in the atmosphere of prayer (as in Luke 9:28)...on the mountaintop... it shows on your face!
Can’t keep a tan like that forever…unless you use tanning lamps!
Can’t stay pregnant all the time though!
But you can be transfigured…growing more and more in the likeness of Jesus…
A suggestion for Lent...
Give up some time...TV time...Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights...can we spend 40 hours altogether during the 40 days of Lent? Pick up a Soaking CD. Go to the Mountaintop. Pray.
After 40 days, you may not notice it…but others will…You will radiate…
This is also an illustration of THE POWER OF VOLUNTARY WEAKNESS (refer sermon, Jan. 7)
As we celebrate COMMUNION--literally means "union with"…Jesus first and then his people, may you have A MOUNTAIN-TOP EXPERIENCE.
An audio file of the entire sermon is available for streaming or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?7y5ko0k3rxh
SYNPOSIS
Ever been to a mountain top? You get a perspective from the mountain top that you do not get otherwise.
All through the Bible there are many references to mountain-top experiences.
MOSES...Exodus 34:29-35...after 40 days and nights with God, "he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD."
Like the glow of a pregnant woman...she may not see it, but others do.
JESUS takes three disciples up to a mountain top and what happens is called the Transfiguration--lit. change of figure, appearance.
The mountain-top is not where Jesus lived and ministered most of the time!
Happens when he was praying.
Our Transfiguration
II Corinthians 3:18: "we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
The experience of transfiguration is not limited to people like Moses & Jesus. We too can experience God's glory.
My friend Geraldo Dinardi of Brazil...we couldn't understand a word he said...but we knew something was special about him. Later on, we discovered that Pastor Dinardi always carried his laptop with hime wherever he went...always playing DVD's of Benny Hinn meetings or listening to soaking CD's or praise and worship music. No TV. He was on the mountaintop...and it started to show.
An Analogy
Let's say you go to a "hot spot" like Florida, Cuba, Hawaii, etc...it's the same sun as in Canada, but you spend longer time period exposing yourself to it...in a different atmosphere and it shows on your face as a tan.
Similarly...it is the same Jesus whom we meet in church...when we spend more time with him in the atmosphere of prayer (as in Luke 9:28)...on the mountaintop... it shows on your face!
Can’t keep a tan like that forever…unless you use tanning lamps!
Can’t stay pregnant all the time though!
But you can be transfigured…growing more and more in the likeness of Jesus…
A suggestion for Lent...
Give up some time...TV time...Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights...can we spend 40 hours altogether during the 40 days of Lent? Pick up a Soaking CD. Go to the Mountaintop. Pray.
After 40 days, you may not notice it…but others will…You will radiate…
This is also an illustration of THE POWER OF VOLUNTARY WEAKNESS (refer sermon, Jan. 7)
As we celebrate COMMUNION--literally means "union with"…Jesus first and then his people, may you have A MOUNTAIN-TOP EXPERIENCE.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. Have you ever found yourself physically on a mountain-top or some high location (tower?) What was different (spectacular) about it?
2. Share with the group any experiences in your life that you would describe spiritually as a mountain-top experience.
3. Put yourself in the sandals of one of the three disciples who went up the mountain with Jesus. How does this experience change your perspective of Jesus?
4. Can you relate to Paul's reference to OUR Transfiguration? Have you experienced this? In what ways?
5. The sermon suggested "going to the mountain-top" every day for an hour during the season of Lent. Are you willing to do this? In what other ways can you have a mountain-top experience?
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Sermon, Feb. 11--TREE-OLOGY
Texts:
Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1
An Audio file of the sermon is available for streaming or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?eiggghjmjii
SYNOPSIS
To explore how we can be like "trees planted by the water, whose leaves do not wither, who bear fruit in season."
The Contrast
In Jeremiah 17, between the desert shrub that will never bear fruit and the tree planted by the water.
In Psalm 1, between the tree planted by the water and chaff which is blown by the wind.
Between mere survival and bearing fruit.
Between stability and being blown about.
"We shall not be moved"
We shall not, we shall not be moved (x2)
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
We shall not be moved.
How do we become a tree planted by the water?
The most important factor in determining a tree's growth and ability to produce leaves and bear fruit is its ROOT SYSTEM.
Roots will grow anywhere (even through sewer pipes) in search of moisture. How deep they are and what source supplies them are determining factors.
Dependence on human resources vs. Trust in God
A desert shrub is limited (as is chaff) because it is not tapped into an everflowing supply of moisture.
A person who depends only on human resources (his/her own as well as another or others) is limited, whereas one who trusts in God is now tapped into God's resources
The streams of living water that Jesus spoke about in John 4.
The River of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 47)
All benefit from the rain...but those who trust in God seem to have an extra source that still supplies moisture even when there is no rain.
Meditate day and night on the law
Biblical meditation is not emptying one's mind using a mantra but filling one's mind with God's word. The Hebrew words for meditation involve muttering, murmuring, not total silence.
It is reading out aloud God's promises (as stated in sermon, Jan. 11--The power of the Spoken Word)
Meditation helps send out more roots to the source...however, we still cannot do it 24/7...that is where the Holy Spirit comes in, because one of his main functions is to remind us all that Jesus taught (John 14).
Jeremiah 17:5-10, Psalm 1
An Audio file of the sermon is available for streaming or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?eiggghjmjii
SYNOPSIS
To explore how we can be like "trees planted by the water, whose leaves do not wither, who bear fruit in season."
The Contrast
In Jeremiah 17, between the desert shrub that will never bear fruit and the tree planted by the water.
In Psalm 1, between the tree planted by the water and chaff which is blown by the wind.
Between mere survival and bearing fruit.
Between stability and being blown about.
"We shall not be moved"
We shall not, we shall not be moved (x2)
Just like a tree that's planted by the water
We shall not be moved.
How do we become a tree planted by the water?
The most important factor in determining a tree's growth and ability to produce leaves and bear fruit is its ROOT SYSTEM.
Roots will grow anywhere (even through sewer pipes) in search of moisture. How deep they are and what source supplies them are determining factors.
Dependence on human resources vs. Trust in God
A desert shrub is limited (as is chaff) because it is not tapped into an everflowing supply of moisture.
A person who depends only on human resources (his/her own as well as another or others) is limited, whereas one who trusts in God is now tapped into God's resources
The streams of living water that Jesus spoke about in John 4.
The River of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 47)
All benefit from the rain...but those who trust in God seem to have an extra source that still supplies moisture even when there is no rain.
Meditate day and night on the law
Biblical meditation is not emptying one's mind using a mantra but filling one's mind with God's word. The Hebrew words for meditation involve muttering, murmuring, not total silence.
It is reading out aloud God's promises (as stated in sermon, Jan. 11--The power of the Spoken Word)
Meditation helps send out more roots to the source...however, we still cannot do it 24/7...that is where the Holy Spirit comes in, because one of his main functions is to remind us all that Jesus taught (John 14).
The Invitation...Do you wish to be like a tree planted by the water? Let us humble ourselves and admit that we cannot do it on our own power, ask the Holy Spirit to fill us and resolve to send more and deeper roots through meditating on God's Word.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. In the sermon (listen to audio) Jeeva talked about the contrasting sight of the banana tree in his backyard and other plants or a desert shrub vs a tree in the oasis. Where have you seen such a contrast in nature?
2. Share with one another a time when your reliance on human resources (another person or your own brain or brawn) produced less than satisfactory results.
3. Share with one another a time when your trust in God pulled you through.
4. Take a time of silence ("soak" for 10 or 15 minutes) and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what kind of "tree" you are...where you're planted, your root system...and when you receive that picture, ask what you need to do to be like the tree mentioned in both readings.
5. Share your experience (in #4) with the others in your group.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Sermon, Feb. 4, 2007--OUR PRIMARY MISSION
SYNOPSIS
When Jesus calls people to be his followers--way back then and now--he gives us a primary mission--to be fishers of people, to capture, captivate others with his good news.
Text: Luke 5:1-11
mp3 files of this sermon may be accessed for streaming or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?2myz2ab1mut (part 1)
http://www.mediafire.com/?a4imfm4yntm (part 2)
The stranger who walked into the church following worship three weeks ago asking to meet with the minister. He was not here for a handout. Instead, he wondered why we were not going door-to-door telling people about Jesus. Although his mannerisms and methodology were a bit jarring, I couldn't get his question out of my head.
After all, did Jesus not invite would-be followers initially with the invitation to be fishers?
Did he not send them out two-by-two to go and share the gospel (good news) with others?
Did he not tell us to "go into all the world and make disciples" before he left the earth? (The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20)
The Mission Statement of a church...Bring them in, build them up, send them out in Jesus' name.
Has "fishing" been our primary mission?
Check out this link on "Fishology" http://www.tagnet.org/masabatha/fishing.html
The story begins with Jesus telling Peter and his fellow fishers to "go deep." What does a professional carpenter know about fishing? Peter had every right to reject this advice...after all, he is the professional fishermen? He says: "We've been fishing all night and caught nothing..."
YET (But, Nevertheless) if you say so, I will do it."
Can we relate to Peter's fatigue and frustration?
We've knocked on doors and dropped off information packets, sent fancy postcards out at Christmastime...over 3000 homes received them, we've spent hundreds of dollars and "man-hours"...how many new people have showed up as a result of our advertising efforts? None, nada, cipher, zero.
At this frustrating time, Jesus tells us to GO DEEP
Going deep is scary...what if we fail? Are we not taking a greater risk in going deep? We'd much rather stay on the shore and wait for the fish to come to us :)
If we do a survey of those who became part of our church in recent years (those whose families did not have a connection to Palermo at all), we will discover that some came because they saw the church here or checked the phone book to see the closest United Church. However, we will find that most came because someone took the time and effort to invite them personally.
Is it possible that our call to GO DEEP today calls us to do the same? Even though we may not be comfortable? Even though we feel that we're out of our depth?
We need not go to another country...we need to learn how to infiltrate our neighbourhood with the good news of Jesus.
Our task as the minister and leaders of this church is to equip you to captivate others enough that they want to come and see who Jesus is. This is our PRIMARY MISSION.
All we need to learn to do is how to BEGIN CONVERSATIONS, find out the needs they may have, and lead them to a place where their need is filled by Jesus. This is what I need to do more of, because whenever I've initiated conversations, something usually happens (Like the shoe store clerk I told you about a few months ago).
When Peter obeyed Jesus, the catch was so large that they needed others to help them bring the fish on board. One person's obedience was all it took for that miracle to happen? Imagine what can happen if just one of you decided to obey the call to GO DEEP today and we started fulfilling OUR PRIMARY MISSION!
When Jesus calls people to be his followers--way back then and now--he gives us a primary mission--to be fishers of people, to capture, captivate others with his good news.
Text: Luke 5:1-11
mp3 files of this sermon may be accessed for streaming or download at
http://www.mediafire.com/?2myz2ab1mut (part 1)
http://www.mediafire.com/?a4imfm4yntm (part 2)
The stranger who walked into the church following worship three weeks ago asking to meet with the minister. He was not here for a handout. Instead, he wondered why we were not going door-to-door telling people about Jesus. Although his mannerisms and methodology were a bit jarring, I couldn't get his question out of my head.
After all, did Jesus not invite would-be followers initially with the invitation to be fishers?
Did he not send them out two-by-two to go and share the gospel (good news) with others?
Did he not tell us to "go into all the world and make disciples" before he left the earth? (The Great Commission, Matthew 28:18-20)
The Mission Statement of a church...Bring them in, build them up, send them out in Jesus' name.
Has "fishing" been our primary mission?
Check out this link on "Fishology" http://www.tagnet.org/masabatha/fishing.html
The story begins with Jesus telling Peter and his fellow fishers to "go deep." What does a professional carpenter know about fishing? Peter had every right to reject this advice...after all, he is the professional fishermen? He says: "We've been fishing all night and caught nothing..."
YET (But, Nevertheless) if you say so, I will do it."
Can we relate to Peter's fatigue and frustration?
We've knocked on doors and dropped off information packets, sent fancy postcards out at Christmastime...over 3000 homes received them, we've spent hundreds of dollars and "man-hours"...how many new people have showed up as a result of our advertising efforts? None, nada, cipher, zero.
At this frustrating time, Jesus tells us to GO DEEP
Going deep is scary...what if we fail? Are we not taking a greater risk in going deep? We'd much rather stay on the shore and wait for the fish to come to us :)
If we do a survey of those who became part of our church in recent years (those whose families did not have a connection to Palermo at all), we will discover that some came because they saw the church here or checked the phone book to see the closest United Church. However, we will find that most came because someone took the time and effort to invite them personally.
Is it possible that our call to GO DEEP today calls us to do the same? Even though we may not be comfortable? Even though we feel that we're out of our depth?
We need not go to another country...we need to learn how to infiltrate our neighbourhood with the good news of Jesus.
Our task as the minister and leaders of this church is to equip you to captivate others enough that they want to come and see who Jesus is. This is our PRIMARY MISSION.
All we need to learn to do is how to BEGIN CONVERSATIONS, find out the needs they may have, and lead them to a place where their need is filled by Jesus. This is what I need to do more of, because whenever I've initiated conversations, something usually happens (Like the shoe store clerk I told you about a few months ago).
When Peter obeyed Jesus, the catch was so large that they needed others to help them bring the fish on board. One person's obedience was all it took for that miracle to happen? Imagine what can happen if just one of you decided to obey the call to GO DEEP today and we started fulfilling OUR PRIMARY MISSION!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. How did you respond to the reading "Fishology"? Did it ring true at all? Why? Why not?
2. Can you think of people (including yourself) who have become followers of Jesus, primarily because someone took the time and effort to talk to us and invite us?
3. To what extent does Palermo United fulfil OUR PRIMARY MISSION?
4. What would keep you from "going deep" --starting conversations and/or issuing invitations?
5. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the names of five people to whom you can start talking. Write them down on a piece of paper. As a group, pray for these people that God would prepare their hearts to listen to you and pray for yourself that He will give you the right words to say when you take a stab at beginning a conversation.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Sermon, Jan. 28, 2007--JESUS' MISSION STATEMENT...AND OURS
Synopsis:
What we can learn from Jesus' mission statement as we come up with our own mission statements--personally and as a congregation.
What we can learn from Jesus' mission statement as we come up with our own mission statements--personally and as a congregation.
Text:Luke 4:14-21
An mp3 of the entire sermon is available for download or streaming at
http://www.mediafire.com/?ckw5znngnty
Guess whose mission statements the following are:
"To rule the world, get lots of cookies, eat the cookies, and then get more cookies."--Cookie Monster
"Our guiding mission is to deliver superior quality products and services for our customers and communities through leadership, innovation and partnerships"—WENDY’S...unh?
"To boldly go where no man has gone before."--Star Trek
JESUS' MISSION STATEMENT
Would you believe that Jesus himself had a mission statement?
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour."
The word “mission” comes from the Latin “missio”, meaning to send. Therefore a mission statement is the message carried by the one being sent. If you read the passages in Luke immediately before today’s reading, you will first get to his baptism, where Jesus’ identity was confirmed by the voice from heaven: “You are my own beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” Then comes a time of testing in the desert, where his identity is questioned. But Jesus emerges from this time of wrestling with the Tempter with a clear sense of his mission.
This morning, I am not going into a lot of detail about the content of his mission statement. I would like to point out three facts about this mission statement that I believe we too are called to incorporate into our personal and corporate mission statements.
The first fact is that he used words that were very familiar to the congregation, his hometown folks in Nazareth. They were all Jews who knew their Scriptures and had no problem recognizing the words. Chances are some of them would have recited them word for word as he spoke. He was quoting from the book of the prophet Isaiah chapter 61, words that referred to the long-awaited Messiah.
What it says to us is that our mission statements need to be phrased in words that strike a chord with those who hear them. They need to be easily understood, repeated and recited by others as well as ourselves. When we come up with a statement that has too much jargon or religious lingo that is only understood by the “in-crowd”, then we could be missing the boat!
In borrowing from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus gives us permission to “steal”, borrow, adapt the mission statements of others as well!
Secondly, I want to point out the fact that Jesus’ mission statement uses words such as “preach” and “proclaim” TO OTHERS. It shifts the focus away from ourselves and on to others within and outside our community. As you’ve heard it said before, the church is the only organization in the world that exists for the sake of its non-members. Jesus does not want his followers to be a country club where the primary purpose is to please the members and have satisfied customers…hello?
Thirdly, his statement includes the words “to release the oppressed.” All the others were about proclaiming, telling, using words. This is about adding feet to those words, about action. In other words, a mission statement should call us to concrete action. It is active, not passive. “Releasing the oppressed” means doing something that forces us to leave the “in-crowd” behind and rub elbows with those who may not be all to our liking. It pushes us outside our comfort zones, into areas where we’d rather not be.
Did Jesus live by his Mission Statement?
Matthew 4:23-24:
“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 24News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.”
Fast forward to Luke chapter 7: verses 19-22, where John the Baptist sends two disciples to ask Jesus: "Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?" Listen to Jesus’ answer: "Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them.”
See what Jesus did? He referred to his mission statement! Jesus was saying, in effect, “Am I fulfilling my mission or not, John?”
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
There is a reason why mission statements are so valuable. A few months from now, a year from now, five years from now, we can look at what we are doing and ask: “Are we fulfilling the mission we set out to do?” Because, you see that is the real question by which we need to evaluate what we are doing… That is how Jesus evaluated his ministry. Should we not also follow suit?
In John 20:21-23, Jesus says to his disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” In the same way the Father has sent Me, with the same authority given me, with the same power, so I send you to proclaim and demonstrate the Kingdom of God.
But, they couldn’t do it in their own strength. So, in the next verse, Jesus turns to them and, according to John, breathes on them so they are filled with the Holy Spirit. And then, empowered by the Holy Spirit, they went out not only teaching what Jesus taught but doing what Jesus did… healing the sick, setting the captives free. If you want further proof, check out the Book of Acts!
In the passage from Luke, we read that "Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee..." to preach in his home town synagogue. Jesus rises to read scripture in the synagogue at Nazareth and he quotes the prophet Isaiah by saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me ..."
Our Mission Statement comes out of the certainty that THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME...no mission without this! With the Holy Spirit, the impossible looks logical!
WE CANNOT DO IT ON OUR OWN...WE NEED THE ANOINTING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT...
Receive an anointing today on your way out as we smear oil on your foreheads and ask the Holy Spirit to come upon you again and help you fulfil your mission in life and our mission together as a church.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. Can you think of some well-known mission statements...of major corporations, businesses, other organizations or churches?
2. Do you have a personal mission statement? Would you mind sharing it?
3. Evaluate your personal statement or one of the others (from #1) using the three criteria from Jesus' mission statement.
4. See if you can come with a mission statement for your small group (if you have not already done so in an earlier session).
5. Lay hands on one another and ask the Holy Spirit to anoint everyone afresh again!
Sermon, Jan.21, 2007--THE POWER OF UNITY
Synopsis:
This is the last sermon in the series: THE THREE GREAT POWERS.
Scripture: I Corinthians 12:12-31a
An audio file of this sermon can be streamed or downloaded by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?2myz2ab1mut
It is commonly accepted that there is power in unity...
"United we stand, divided we fall."
Two horses pull way more than what they can each pull on their own.
During children's time, we demonstrated the truth of Ecclesiastes 4:12--"a rope made of three cords is hard to break."
The unity Jesus desires in the church is organic, not organizational
The analogy of the human body demonstrates that unity is not an option, it is an essential for the church. When one part of the body is not functioning well, the rest is affected. Does not have to be a major organ like the heart, could be just a pinky!
On the other hand, a well-co-ordinated body, where all the parts worktogether is wonderful!
When EVERYONE in a church uses all their spiritual gifts together in serving Jesus, WOW!
God blesses unity
In Psalm 133, which we sang during the medley, God lets us know that he loves and blesses unity. It is as pleasant as the fragrance of the oil running down Aaron's beard...and it causes God to command his blessings.
Experience the power of unity in Prayer:
John 15:7: If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Remaining united to Jesus is the starting point
Matthew 18:19: "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
Husbands and wives, pray together.
Get together with another member of the church and pray together.
The Early Church experienced the blessings of unity
Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Acts 2:44-47:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 4:32-33:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
Acts 6: Following a restoration of the unity in Acts 6 with the neglected widows, notice verse 7, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
SO CAN WE!
Jesus' prayer for unity
John 17:20, 21: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me..."
Our unity is a witness that the world sees and then believes Jesus for who he really is...WOW!
Unity is oneness in purpose, not in practice
Philippians 2:2
"…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
This is the week of prayer for Christian Unity...often our divisions have to do with uniformity in practice rather than unity in purpose.
Oneness in spirit comes from acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
We are beginning work on a mission statement...so we may have unity in purpose.
1. Give examples from your own life (experiences in the home, workplace, sports teams, etc.) where you have clearly witnessed thepower of unity as well as the mess of disunity.
2. Repeat #1 and give examples from church life this time.
3. Look at our church...would you say there is unity? Give some illustrations of unity in our church.
4. How can you experience the power of unity in greater measure than before in your life?
5. How can we experience the power of unity in greater measure than before in our life together as a church?
Conclude the small group time by practising in prayer the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:19. Pair up with one other person and tell them a prayer request. Let them agree with it and take it to the Lord in prayer. Then ask them for a prayer request they have, agree with it and take it to the Lord in prayer.
This is the last sermon in the series: THE THREE GREAT POWERS.
Scripture: I Corinthians 12:12-31a
An audio file of this sermon can be streamed or downloaded by clicking on
http://www.mediafire.com/?2myz2ab1mut
It is commonly accepted that there is power in unity...
"United we stand, divided we fall."
Two horses pull way more than what they can each pull on their own.
During children's time, we demonstrated the truth of Ecclesiastes 4:12--"a rope made of three cords is hard to break."
The unity Jesus desires in the church is organic, not organizational
The analogy of the human body demonstrates that unity is not an option, it is an essential for the church. When one part of the body is not functioning well, the rest is affected. Does not have to be a major organ like the heart, could be just a pinky!
On the other hand, a well-co-ordinated body, where all the parts worktogether is wonderful!
When EVERYONE in a church uses all their spiritual gifts together in serving Jesus, WOW!
God blesses unity
In Psalm 133, which we sang during the medley, God lets us know that he loves and blesses unity. It is as pleasant as the fragrance of the oil running down Aaron's beard...and it causes God to command his blessings.
Experience the power of unity in Prayer:
John 15:7: If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Remaining united to Jesus is the starting point
Matthew 18:19: "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
Husbands and wives, pray together.
Get together with another member of the church and pray together.
The Early Church experienced the blessings of unity
Acts 2:1-4
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
Acts 2:44-47:
All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 4:32-33:
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.
Acts 6: Following a restoration of the unity in Acts 6 with the neglected widows, notice verse 7, "So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith."
SO CAN WE!
Jesus' prayer for unity
John 17:20, 21: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me..."
Our unity is a witness that the world sees and then believes Jesus for who he really is...WOW!
Unity is oneness in purpose, not in practice
Philippians 2:2
"…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."
This is the week of prayer for Christian Unity...often our divisions have to do with uniformity in practice rather than unity in purpose.
Oneness in spirit comes from acknowledging Jesus as Lord.
We are beginning work on a mission statement...so we may have unity in purpose.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will bring us the unity Jesus desires
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUPS
1. Give examples from your own life (experiences in the home, workplace, sports teams, etc.) where you have clearly witnessed thepower of unity as well as the mess of disunity.
2. Repeat #1 and give examples from church life this time.
3. Look at our church...would you say there is unity? Give some illustrations of unity in our church.
4. How can you experience the power of unity in greater measure than before in your life?
5. How can we experience the power of unity in greater measure than before in our life together as a church?
Conclude the small group time by practising in prayer the words of Jesus in Matthew 18:19. Pair up with one other person and tell them a prayer request. Let them agree with it and take it to the Lord in prayer. Then ask them for a prayer request they have, agree with it and take it to the Lord in prayer.
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