The Lord Is Patient (Low Pressure)
What do cats and dogs think when they wait by the door?
The cleaner sales people are relentless in their efforts, using pressure beyond description.
We are, by nature, impatient -- we press for what we want. I'm OK, you're OK. A child wants what he wants when he wants it. We actually believe that the world revolves around us. We actually believe that our ideas are the best/only ones. We act like we believe our ideas to be the best. It is the nature of sin -- gimme, gimme, gimme.
In the Kingdom of God, Jesus offers the best product. In the Kingdom of God, the world DOES revolve around Jesus.
God/Jesus is patient.....patient in the wilderness wanderings.....patient with the lost son.....stands at the door.....knocks at the door.....waits for you to accept and follow.....patient with your misconceptions about life. Truth is like that: it just hangs out there, waiting for the next time you come along.
Do you feel that you have sinned? Know and believe that God is patient with you. Are you not ready? The Holy Spirit will be back. His presence is a promise of real help.
Think of the times you resisted the most ----- months, years, yet He still knocks. Our God is great. Are you aware of a tug? Maybe this is your day. Feel it, think on it, seize upon it. Hear the knock, open the door, let Him in. God is calling this preacher; God is calling this church.
What a God we serve! He is patient, loving and merciful with his people. He is inviting, compelling all to come to Him. When you look at his character, you want to come to Him, for He truly is great.
Showing posts with label Sermons 1998. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sermons 1998. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
How We Spend Our Time Luke 10:38-42 8-9-98
Mary & Martha Luke 10:38-42
When the kids are gone, we spend our time differently. We slept in and went to a movie -- Saving Private Ryan. There will be a sermon on that movie in the future, but today I must say that every day is a gift from God, so how will we use it?
Mary and Martha are a contrast in choices. Is it better to sit and learn, or to serve? Which is better? Not that one is good and one is bad; both are needed....timing is of the essence.
There is a time to sit and learn. There's too much "busy work" in the world and too little time spent sitting at the feet of Jesus. Worship does not equal sitting at the feet of Jesus. Let's talk about Sunday School -- it helps you to learn and grow as a person, to make friends, to grow as a Christian. I've watched men go for the wife, then stay for the camaraderie....and suddenly find themselves growing. We have new opportunities -- take them.
There is a time to serve. Summer is coming to an end. I thought we would have a busy summer, but we haven't been that busy. We haven't had any work days. We've taken a break. Attendance is down, finances are down. There is a day coming when we will need to step up our efforts. The church is defined by the efforts that we all put in, not by just a few. Friends talk of the sermon..."Sanctuary-only Christians." How many of us have sat and never got involved? Where would we be if all were like that -- pew potatoes? It is time for this body of Christ to get up and go. Are you guilty of being a pew potato?
How are you spending you time and your efforts? Too often, too much of what we do is based on what we want to do, not what God wants us to do. We follow our own leading, not the leading of the Spirit. This church needs your best. We need you close to Jesus Christ, and ready to work. I invite you to search your heart, to follow the lead of the Spirit, to grow in Christ, to get up and go to work. Amen.
When the kids are gone, we spend our time differently. We slept in and went to a movie -- Saving Private Ryan. There will be a sermon on that movie in the future, but today I must say that every day is a gift from God, so how will we use it?
Mary and Martha are a contrast in choices. Is it better to sit and learn, or to serve? Which is better? Not that one is good and one is bad; both are needed....timing is of the essence.
There is a time to sit and learn. There's too much "busy work" in the world and too little time spent sitting at the feet of Jesus. Worship does not equal sitting at the feet of Jesus. Let's talk about Sunday School -- it helps you to learn and grow as a person, to make friends, to grow as a Christian. I've watched men go for the wife, then stay for the camaraderie....and suddenly find themselves growing. We have new opportunities -- take them.
There is a time to serve. Summer is coming to an end. I thought we would have a busy summer, but we haven't been that busy. We haven't had any work days. We've taken a break. Attendance is down, finances are down. There is a day coming when we will need to step up our efforts. The church is defined by the efforts that we all put in, not by just a few. Friends talk of the sermon..."Sanctuary-only Christians." How many of us have sat and never got involved? Where would we be if all were like that -- pew potatoes? It is time for this body of Christ to get up and go. Are you guilty of being a pew potato?
How are you spending you time and your efforts? Too often, too much of what we do is based on what we want to do, not what God wants us to do. We follow our own leading, not the leading of the Spirit. This church needs your best. We need you close to Jesus Christ, and ready to work. I invite you to search your heart, to follow the lead of the Spirit, to grow in Christ, to get up and go to work. Amen.
Judging Others 2 Kings 2:23-25 8-30-98
2 Kings 2:23-25
The moral of this story is clear -- don't make fun of people who are losing their hair. They may be God's people, there may be trouble in it for you.
The moral is clear -- be careful about judging others. Elisha was God's man; he just came from doing a miracle...be careful.
There's a particular United Methodist minister who I did not care for -- his ways, his benefits, his politics. This week I heard Mayor Emanuel Cleaver speak. You may not like his politics, but I have a new respect for the work of God in his life.
The boys bashed Elisha, I judged the mayor, who have you held in contempt?
From the "only one thing at a time" department: when we judge, we waste our time, doing evil. We spend our time doing evil, when we could be doing good.
When we look at God's people and say "What is wrong with them?" -- we are implying that something is wrong with God!
We demean others to the detriment of ourselves. We may not be mauled by bears, but there is trouble ahead for those who sow negative seeds. People don't need to be judged or demeaned, they need to be loved and affirmed, to be believed in.
Prov. 12:25 "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad." Jesus took a ragtag bunch of fault-laden fellows and made them into a group that changed the world. Take Peter -- cuts off a soldier's ear, denies Jesus 3 times.....what does Jesus see? "Upon this rock, upon people like this, I will build my church."
What is God calling you to do? Do it. Do not be deterred by those around you. It's important to bring a word of encouragement to share love. Babies wither without love; so do adults. We need someone to believe in us, and those around you need someone to believe in them.
Yet when it comes to how we treat one another, we have a way to go yet. Use your day, use your time, to build others up, not to tear them down. People tend to rise to the top when they know that someone believes in them. I want you to know today that I believe in you, as individuals and as a church. I believe in who we are, I believe in where we are going.
So, lay off the old guys, the slow guys, the mean guys, the guys you don't understand, the bald guys. For they may be one of God's guys. Find some way to show them that you care, that you believe in what God may be trying to do in them. Amen.
The moral of this story is clear -- don't make fun of people who are losing their hair. They may be God's people, there may be trouble in it for you.
The moral is clear -- be careful about judging others. Elisha was God's man; he just came from doing a miracle...be careful.
There's a particular United Methodist minister who I did not care for -- his ways, his benefits, his politics. This week I heard Mayor Emanuel Cleaver speak. You may not like his politics, but I have a new respect for the work of God in his life.
The boys bashed Elisha, I judged the mayor, who have you held in contempt?
From the "only one thing at a time" department: when we judge, we waste our time, doing evil. We spend our time doing evil, when we could be doing good.
When we look at God's people and say "What is wrong with them?" -- we are implying that something is wrong with God!
We demean others to the detriment of ourselves. We may not be mauled by bears, but there is trouble ahead for those who sow negative seeds. People don't need to be judged or demeaned, they need to be loved and affirmed, to be believed in.
Prov. 12:25 "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop; but a good word maketh it glad." Jesus took a ragtag bunch of fault-laden fellows and made them into a group that changed the world. Take Peter -- cuts off a soldier's ear, denies Jesus 3 times.....what does Jesus see? "Upon this rock, upon people like this, I will build my church."
What is God calling you to do? Do it. Do not be deterred by those around you. It's important to bring a word of encouragement to share love. Babies wither without love; so do adults. We need someone to believe in us, and those around you need someone to believe in them.
Yet when it comes to how we treat one another, we have a way to go yet. Use your day, use your time, to build others up, not to tear them down. People tend to rise to the top when they know that someone believes in them. I want you to know today that I believe in you, as individuals and as a church. I believe in who we are, I believe in where we are going.
So, lay off the old guys, the slow guys, the mean guys, the guys you don't understand, the bald guys. For they may be one of God's guys. Find some way to show them that you care, that you believe in what God may be trying to do in them. Amen.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Communion Mediation 1 Peter 1:17-19 7-9-95
Communion Meditation 7-9-95 1 Peter 1:17-19
A Father acts impartially
giving the children what they need, whether they deserve it or not
my Dad: vacations....new stuff....in ground pool in backyard
I am proud of my Dad....pulling like a trooper in mom's illness
God, our heavenly father acts impartially, too
gives us what we need whether we deserve it or not
We had.have a need
a great gulf exists between God and man.....needs to be spanned
life without God.....empty, barren
Redemption not done with perishable things
Not done by the religions of me
no moral code can span the gap
We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ
given freely
gruesome....senseless.....yet it is the way that God chose to act
the innocent of the guilty
We are redeemed not
because Jesus was a nice guy, tho he was
not because Jesus taught a code of ethics, tho he did
not by following his example, tho we should
but because he is the perfect lamb, w/o spot or blemish....God's sacrifice on your behalf
Salvation, right standing with God is a gift....brought to you by God, thru the blood of Christ
there is power in the blood of Jesus Christ
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation
for everyone who believeth
John Knorr to sing.....:the blood will never lose its power"
Prayer of thanksgiving
A Father acts impartially
giving the children what they need, whether they deserve it or not
my Dad: vacations....new stuff....in ground pool in backyard
I am proud of my Dad....pulling like a trooper in mom's illness
God, our heavenly father acts impartially, too
gives us what we need whether we deserve it or not
We had.have a need
a great gulf exists between God and man.....needs to be spanned
life without God.....empty, barren
Redemption not done with perishable things
Not done by the religions of me
no moral code can span the gap
We have been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ
given freely
gruesome....senseless.....yet it is the way that God chose to act
the innocent of the guilty
We are redeemed not
because Jesus was a nice guy, tho he was
not because Jesus taught a code of ethics, tho he did
not by following his example, tho we should
but because he is the perfect lamb, w/o spot or blemish....God's sacrifice on your behalf
Salvation, right standing with God is a gift....brought to you by God, thru the blood of Christ
there is power in the blood of Jesus Christ
Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation
for everyone who believeth
John Knorr to sing.....:the blood will never lose its power"
Prayer of thanksgiving
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Evolution of the Soul Genesis 12:1-9 Sept. 13th, 1998
Evolution of the Soul Sept. 13, 1998 Genesis 12:1-9
Evolution, micro vs macro = change
We accept change only in small ways
Maverick & Merlin.... you want to do what?
Abraham, you want to do what? But he does accept and follow...
Good News & Bad News
Good News...Abraham follows,
Bad News....not for long....offers Sara his wife
It is a constant problem for us, we want to change,
to submit to God, but not for very long.
Everyone wants to be a great nation, but no one wants to change
Entire notion of faith involves the need for us to change
John the Baptist called people to be ready for the kingdom
Repent and believe
Repent means to change our ways, to turn around, metanoia
Jesus told Nicodemus that you must be born again
There is to be by design a change, an evolution of the soul
So much of the faith is about change...why do we not change?
Because we see the world through our own eyes
No...we don't see the world, we see our world
Just changing glasses is not enough,
In order to grow, we must be willing to do so.
Steven Covey...7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Most people struggle with change
We must change our notions about life, and be willing to change
Illustrate with the ship at sea
What does it mean to change your perspective?
Ask Questions
Are you set in your ways?
Do you take time to consider the perspectives of others?
In what ways are you open to the leading of the Lord?
Are there areas where you refuse to let him meddle?
Do you consider your way as right? Are you defensive when challenged to change?
There is a little song #____
Just as I am, the message of the song....It is a lock stock & barrel for you
There is a need for an evolution of our souls, a changing of our hearts
Where are you going in you life? Who is leading you?
Are you open to change? Is it time that you opened your heart to the Lord?
Evolution, micro vs macro = change
We accept change only in small ways
Maverick & Merlin.... you want to do what?
Abraham, you want to do what? But he does accept and follow...
Good News & Bad News
Good News...Abraham follows,
Bad News....not for long....offers Sara his wife
It is a constant problem for us, we want to change,
to submit to God, but not for very long.
Everyone wants to be a great nation, but no one wants to change
Entire notion of faith involves the need for us to change
John the Baptist called people to be ready for the kingdom
Repent and believe
Repent means to change our ways, to turn around, metanoia
Jesus told Nicodemus that you must be born again
There is to be by design a change, an evolution of the soul
So much of the faith is about change...why do we not change?
Because we see the world through our own eyes
No...we don't see the world, we see our world
Just changing glasses is not enough,
In order to grow, we must be willing to do so.
Steven Covey...7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Most people struggle with change
We must change our notions about life, and be willing to change
Illustrate with the ship at sea
What does it mean to change your perspective?
Ask Questions
Are you set in your ways?
Do you take time to consider the perspectives of others?
In what ways are you open to the leading of the Lord?
Are there areas where you refuse to let him meddle?
Do you consider your way as right? Are you defensive when challenged to change?
There is a little song #____
Just as I am, the message of the song....It is a lock stock & barrel for you
There is a need for an evolution of our souls, a changing of our hearts
Where are you going in you life? Who is leading you?
Are you open to change? Is it time that you opened your heart to the Lord?
The Heart of the Matter Jan. 11, 1998
The Heart of the Matter Jan. 11, 1998
Removing Christmas Decor
it took forever, it's finally over
I feel that tons of effort was put on the peripheral things of Christmas
not as much spent on the heart of the matter
Why do we do that?
Is it because it is painful to dig into the real issues of life?
Is it because it is easier to play on the edges that to get down to the reality?
Is it because we are afraid that the core really isn't what it ought to be?
Seminar....pastors hold back from the core
they are frightened of real relationships
they have doubts that Jesus can do all the things that we say he can
In K of God, Jesus knows how to cut to the chase
In K of God Jesus knows how to focus on the important stuff.
Woman at Well
Focused on differences
satisfied with chatter.....focused on the water, the well.
Religions
Jesus takes the focus to the heart
illustrated her issues of pain
living water
Jesus can do that, I'm glad he can
nice to have a place to go where reality is still the central focus
Do you know someone who you need to have a discussion of the heart
friend, spouse, child, parent
maybe with self
maybe with God
I ask you to go do it
to cut to the heart of the matter
to come see the man / Let him LEAD you where you need to go
Let your heart be restored / Let your relationships be fulfilled
Removing Christmas Decor
it took forever, it's finally over
I feel that tons of effort was put on the peripheral things of Christmas
not as much spent on the heart of the matter
Why do we do that?
Is it because it is painful to dig into the real issues of life?
Is it because it is easier to play on the edges that to get down to the reality?
Is it because we are afraid that the core really isn't what it ought to be?
Seminar....pastors hold back from the core
they are frightened of real relationships
they have doubts that Jesus can do all the things that we say he can
In K of God, Jesus knows how to cut to the chase
In K of God Jesus knows how to focus on the important stuff.
Woman at Well
Focused on differences
satisfied with chatter.....focused on the water, the well.
Religions
Jesus takes the focus to the heart
illustrated her issues of pain
living water
Jesus can do that, I'm glad he can
nice to have a place to go where reality is still the central focus
Do you know someone who you need to have a discussion of the heart
friend, spouse, child, parent
maybe with self
maybe with God
I ask you to go do it
to cut to the heart of the matter
to come see the man / Let him LEAD you where you need to go
Let your heart be restored / Let your relationships be fulfilled
A Little Touched John 9:1-11 July 12, 1998
A Little Touched July 12, 1998 John 9: 1-11
There is something wrong with the people around us
they're a little touched
list of sayings from office file
letter I got in the mail
Does there have to be something wrong with everyone?
The man born blind
God must be punishing him
no....that 's not the point
rain falls on the just and the unjust
God wants to show his power
In any event, God wants to show his power
Why does God do things the way he does? it sure is strange
waited years to heal him
mixed spit with mud on the ground
maybe the point is--we are not supposed to be figuring it all out, just worshipping
after he is healed, no one believes he is him
hey, I'm the one, touched by God
How much change has Jesus made in your life?
It doesn't matter what they think about you or what they say
I may never be as good as they are, but on thank God I am better than I was
being around Jesus is a good thing....it's the only thing
being touched by him is beyond valuing
find a place to pray, thank him for his touch, ask for his continued working with you
let's not spend our time drowning those who are worse off than we are
let's not spend our time denying the power of God
Let's not spend our time explaining why others have not been touched by God
Let's be glad for everyone who has been touched,
let's be glad for the touch of God
maybe some day it can come out way
It's wonderful and exciting when God touches people
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see
I may
There is something wrong with the people around us
they're a little touched
list of sayings from office file
letter I got in the mail
Does there have to be something wrong with everyone?
The man born blind
God must be punishing him
no....that 's not the point
rain falls on the just and the unjust
God wants to show his power
In any event, God wants to show his power
Why does God do things the way he does? it sure is strange
waited years to heal him
mixed spit with mud on the ground
maybe the point is--we are not supposed to be figuring it all out, just worshipping
after he is healed, no one believes he is him
hey, I'm the one, touched by God
How much change has Jesus made in your life?
It doesn't matter what they think about you or what they say
I may never be as good as they are, but on thank God I am better than I was
being around Jesus is a good thing....it's the only thing
being touched by him is beyond valuing
find a place to pray, thank him for his touch, ask for his continued working with you
let's not spend our time drowning those who are worse off than we are
let's not spend our time denying the power of God
Let's not spend our time explaining why others have not been touched by God
Let's be glad for everyone who has been touched,
let's be glad for the touch of God
maybe some day it can come out way
It's wonderful and exciting when God touches people
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind, but now I see
I may
Remember the Picnic Matthew 16:1-12 July 19, 1998
Remember the Picnic? July 19, 1998
Mt. 16:1-12
Janet Jackson did a song.... "what have you done for me lately?"
Remember when....best picnic.family reunion/vacation you ever had?
I'll bet I was 11 years old, and we did it all. Mom & Dad went all out
Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, everything we wanted we got. Almost.
the captains hat at Yellowstone Lodge.....giant breakfast at Dennys
We are never satisfied with yesterday's gifts what have you done for me today?
The pharisees it all had just attended the miraculous picnic, 5.000 were fed.
Yet now here they are, asking for a sign.
We adults are often just like little
On the way home from Worlds of Fun
They beg you to stop and take them bowling....then they fall asleep
Jesus just fed us, but now we want a sign
Prove yourself to us and then we will worship you.
Sometimes they are most committed, who have seen the had of God at work
Pam Armstrong
Sometimes with all that we have seen,
we still want God to prove himself before we will believe and follow him
There are other options out there for us
Other doctrines to follow, possessions, fame, fortune, being religious for its own sake,
{the yeast of the Scribes and Pharisees}
Don't be sucked in by this stuff
In what ways are you following Christ....in what ways are you not?
Don't wait for God to prove himself before you give it up
God does not have to prove himself He already haws proven himself
He just fed 5,000. What does a person want?
Are you waiting for God to prove himself to you?
Are you waiting for him to make some show of power in your life before you give self to him?
"God just do a little sign for me, then I will leave this other stuff & follow you."
He has given, he has already done all that is necessary to reach us.
No other signs are necessary. And none will be given.
Remember when. Remember the last picnic. It was a good one. It was miraculous.
And beware friends of the philosophies of this age.
There are ways of thinking that is acceptable socially, but is totally contrary to God's way.
I invite you today to follow him, commit to him. For he has already committed to you. The picnic is over and everyone got fed. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mt. 16:1-12
Janet Jackson did a song.... "what have you done for me lately?"
Remember when....best picnic.family reunion/vacation you ever had?
I'll bet I was 11 years old, and we did it all. Mom & Dad went all out
Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, everything we wanted we got. Almost.
the captains hat at Yellowstone Lodge.....giant breakfast at Dennys
We are never satisfied with yesterday's gifts what have you done for me today?
The pharisees it all had just attended the miraculous picnic, 5.000 were fed.
Yet now here they are, asking for a sign.
We adults are often just like little
On the way home from Worlds of Fun
They beg you to stop and take them bowling....then they fall asleep
Jesus just fed us, but now we want a sign
Prove yourself to us and then we will worship you.
Sometimes they are most committed, who have seen the had of God at work
Pam Armstrong
Sometimes with all that we have seen,
we still want God to prove himself before we will believe and follow him
There are other options out there for us
Other doctrines to follow, possessions, fame, fortune, being religious for its own sake,
{the yeast of the Scribes and Pharisees}
Don't be sucked in by this stuff
In what ways are you following Christ....in what ways are you not?
Don't wait for God to prove himself before you give it up
God does not have to prove himself He already haws proven himself
He just fed 5,000. What does a person want?
Are you waiting for God to prove himself to you?
Are you waiting for him to make some show of power in your life before you give self to him?
"God just do a little sign for me, then I will leave this other stuff & follow you."
He has given, he has already done all that is necessary to reach us.
No other signs are necessary. And none will be given.
Remember when. Remember the last picnic. It was a good one. It was miraculous.
And beware friends of the philosophies of this age.
There are ways of thinking that is acceptable socially, but is totally contrary to God's way.
I invite you today to follow him, commit to him. For he has already committed to you. The picnic is over and everyone got fed. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the Latest Rage? Philippians 2:5-11Aug. 16, 1998
What is the Latest Rage? August 16, 1998
Phil. 2:5-11
What's your attitude? Which one do you pick up when you rise in the morning?
It's all the rage....road rage....officer dealt with 2 motorists right here in our parking lot
church rage...read article....why? read 2nd article
regardless of issues.setting.reasons
there is too much of self centered attitudes
We make too many excuses for our bad attitudes
Ultimately, even Christians fight the notion that the world revolves around us.
we spend too much money
our mouths run too much
we discipline our children based on what is convenient for us
In spite of our parents best efforts, sin still persists in the form of self centered living
to just such a people, Paul wrote "let this mind be in you" take this attitude
important passage, familiar to early Christians as a hymn
follow the example of Christ and apply humility to your life
With Paul's admonition in mind; let's spend a few minutes and reflect on some thoughts
-Don you always have to be right
-when someone challenges your ideas, does it make you angry
- when was the last time you apologized for something
-are you willing to apologize even in a situation where you think you are right if the ultimate long-term outcome is better relationship?
-do you come across in a manner that is inviting to others?
-do you let your spouse win arguments sometimes?
-even if it makes you look demeaned
-are you willing to be the butt of jokes from time to time
-do I spend any time thinking about others?
- do I spend any time helping others
-how much time do I spend think about God
inviting him in?
are we doing well with this?
what do you see? what do others see?
Nancy Locke story...all Jeff's are selfish
what does God see?
It may be all the rage to be self centered
Because Jesus humbles himself, He has been exalted. He has become Lord
the movie.. Highlander, there can only be one
There can be only one.....either we follow him or we follow ourselves
I invite you today to invite Jesus Christ in, not just on the surface where people see your outer shell, but invite him in a little deeper into the places in your heart where you really live.
Let us pray
Phil. 2:5-11
What's your attitude? Which one do you pick up when you rise in the morning?
It's all the rage....road rage....officer dealt with 2 motorists right here in our parking lot
church rage...read article....why? read 2nd article
regardless of issues.setting.reasons
there is too much of self centered attitudes
We make too many excuses for our bad attitudes
Ultimately, even Christians fight the notion that the world revolves around us.
we spend too much money
our mouths run too much
we discipline our children based on what is convenient for us
In spite of our parents best efforts, sin still persists in the form of self centered living
to just such a people, Paul wrote "let this mind be in you" take this attitude
important passage, familiar to early Christians as a hymn
follow the example of Christ and apply humility to your life
With Paul's admonition in mind; let's spend a few minutes and reflect on some thoughts
-Don you always have to be right
-when someone challenges your ideas, does it make you angry
- when was the last time you apologized for something
-are you willing to apologize even in a situation where you think you are right if the ultimate long-term outcome is better relationship?
-do you come across in a manner that is inviting to others?
-do you let your spouse win arguments sometimes?
-even if it makes you look demeaned
-are you willing to be the butt of jokes from time to time
-do I spend any time thinking about others?
- do I spend any time helping others
-how much time do I spend think about God
inviting him in?
are we doing well with this?
what do you see? what do others see?
Nancy Locke story...all Jeff's are selfish
what does God see?
It may be all the rage to be self centered
Because Jesus humbles himself, He has been exalted. He has become Lord
the movie.. Highlander, there can only be one
There can be only one.....either we follow him or we follow ourselves
I invite you today to invite Jesus Christ in, not just on the surface where people see your outer shell, but invite him in a little deeper into the places in your heart where you really live.
Let us pray
I Saw Evil Romans 12:14-21 June 14, 1998
Romans 12:14-21 I saw Evil
the statement enticed several of you to attend church today
"was it something that I did?" Is Jeff watching me?"
No, but Jeff was watching at annual conference
Last week I....sat back and watched....stayed to myself
comparing, judging, good guys and bad guys....
how many new members did you have last year
I wondered it I was any better for laying back and watching?
It was discourage....I saw some evil
Softball last week was discouraging too
desire to be the best comes natural, desire to be humiliated we resist
bad call, discussion at plate....tempers rise
I'm going to hit you.....
I lost sleep over the deal....I saw some evil
some will always be better, some worse
learn to pull the board out of your won eye
This is a topic shared often in church....whey do we hear it, and turn around and forget
It is an important topic.... without attention to it,
we eventually beat them, chain them and dray them behind our trucks
we are so quick to judge others, so quick to be small
In the daily tasks of life, the holy spirit leads us
One different than us was injured on the road of life,
He was hot just threatened, but was hit with the bat.
He was robbed of his dignity, he was assaulted.
Some passing by remembered his sin and tied him up and killed him.
Others saw who it was, remembered all of the bad things about him, and passed by
Still yet a third, saw the man, remembered who he was, an evil man,
but forgot about himself long enough to help and care and take care of the injured
Q Let me ask you, who was a neighbor to the injured man?
Go thou and do likewise
tonight there is another game
next year there is another conference
tomorrow, the Lord willing, is another day
We cannot make everyone be nice or good or fair, but we can do something about us
in the face of evil, let us be those who do good
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen
the statement enticed several of you to attend church today
"was it something that I did?" Is Jeff watching me?"
No, but Jeff was watching at annual conference
Last week I....sat back and watched....stayed to myself
comparing, judging, good guys and bad guys....
how many new members did you have last year
I wondered it I was any better for laying back and watching?
It was discourage....I saw some evil
Softball last week was discouraging too
desire to be the best comes natural, desire to be humiliated we resist
bad call, discussion at plate....tempers rise
I'm going to hit you.....
I lost sleep over the deal....I saw some evil
some will always be better, some worse
learn to pull the board out of your won eye
This is a topic shared often in church....whey do we hear it, and turn around and forget
It is an important topic.... without attention to it,
we eventually beat them, chain them and dray them behind our trucks
we are so quick to judge others, so quick to be small
In the daily tasks of life, the holy spirit leads us
One different than us was injured on the road of life,
He was hot just threatened, but was hit with the bat.
He was robbed of his dignity, he was assaulted.
Some passing by remembered his sin and tied him up and killed him.
Others saw who it was, remembered all of the bad things about him, and passed by
Still yet a third, saw the man, remembered who he was, an evil man,
but forgot about himself long enough to help and care and take care of the injured
Q Let me ask you, who was a neighbor to the injured man?
Go thou and do likewise
tonight there is another game
next year there is another conference
tomorrow, the Lord willing, is another day
We cannot make everyone be nice or good or fair, but we can do something about us
in the face of evil, let us be those who do good
in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen
Ouch 1 John 3:16-21 June 28, 1998
Olga, our Russian pastor visited last week.......ouch!!!!!!
-Smart Americans through they could train Russian pastors to run a church
-Leading pastors were assigned to teach them how to be pastors
-gifts of love and support were to be exchanged
Results???
-Olga trained in raising money, evangelism, church growth strategy
it was all irrelevant
-Olga was listened to by this pastor, and I struggled with how to help
-gifts were exchanged
we paid for half of her plane fare.... sent $1,000 to help start new Russian churches
hats, shirts, pen & pencil set, other misc items given
she....told some of us her story ......... one small bell
Story.... never seen a golf course before...
never seen a personal lawnmower.... people grow food if they have land
trouble with paying for epidurals on medicare? not available there
trouble with deciding on which car to buy...she has no car
2 hours to her appointment
sister a biologist w PHD. makes $250/month
most people share in order to afford a place to live.
church struggle vs the government, corruption and the Russian Orthodox Church
Read Scripture 1 John 3:16-21
My heart condemns me.....what to do?
Mobilize the church for mission this time? why? why not?
So many chances to do good in the name of the Lord
Can we do them all.....no. Can we do more than we are......
I am struggling here....struggle....the answers are not easy....pat answers only go so far
I challenge you to see the world not as a place to play
but as a place where God's people hurt
I challenge you to see your resources not as earned or owned by you
but as gifts of God to be used for his bidding
I've named the bell.....it;'s the thinking bell
as I consider the gifts shared last weekend, I wonder if it isn't time for us to think
when I consider the blessings God has given us, I wonder if it isn't time to think
when I consider the words of this scripture, I know it is time to think
Table of the Lord is a place where God speaks
Where we hear his voice, and move from point a to point b
-Smart Americans through they could train Russian pastors to run a church
-Leading pastors were assigned to teach them how to be pastors
-gifts of love and support were to be exchanged
Results???
-Olga trained in raising money, evangelism, church growth strategy
it was all irrelevant
-Olga was listened to by this pastor, and I struggled with how to help
-gifts were exchanged
we paid for half of her plane fare.... sent $1,000 to help start new Russian churches
hats, shirts, pen & pencil set, other misc items given
she....told some of us her story ......... one small bell
Story.... never seen a golf course before...
never seen a personal lawnmower.... people grow food if they have land
trouble with paying for epidurals on medicare? not available there
trouble with deciding on which car to buy...she has no car
2 hours to her appointment
sister a biologist w PHD. makes $250/month
most people share in order to afford a place to live.
church struggle vs the government, corruption and the Russian Orthodox Church
Read Scripture 1 John 3:16-21
My heart condemns me.....what to do?
Mobilize the church for mission this time? why? why not?
So many chances to do good in the name of the Lord
Can we do them all.....no. Can we do more than we are......
I am struggling here....struggle....the answers are not easy....pat answers only go so far
I challenge you to see the world not as a place to play
but as a place where God's people hurt
I challenge you to see your resources not as earned or owned by you
but as gifts of God to be used for his bidding
I've named the bell.....it;'s the thinking bell
as I consider the gifts shared last weekend, I wonder if it isn't time for us to think
when I consider the blessings God has given us, I wonder if it isn't time to think
when I consider the words of this scripture, I know it is time to think
Table of the Lord is a place where God speaks
Where we hear his voice, and move from point a to point b
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
There is Power in the Kingdom 1-25-98
Sermon 1-25-98 There is Power in the Kingdom
To them he gave power to become the sons of God
Power...examples we can relate to...hard to think of
Powerlessness...plenty of example
to train children, to control our relationships
to drive on ice, to pick clothes that match
In the world there is a sense of powerlessness
Powerlessness over hatred, abuse, war, wickedness, addiction, oppression, sorrow, anger, manipulation
In K of God, there is power
power to become...power to change
Power always comes from somewhere...
you don't find it laying in the gutter
power is delivered from a greater source to a lesser
Jesus Christ is the greater source
all things were made by him
in him was like
his life was the light of men and women
full of glory, grace and truth
Power to become a Christian...to see change in your life
to face with confidence that which has frightened you
There is power to become the sons of God
he did not make them become
he gave them the power, they chose to step u
they were given a chance to participate
Need power in your life
trust, have faith in God, receive power to change
or to grow in grace
or to become a son, or daughter of God
To them he gave power to become the sons of God
Power...examples we can relate to...hard to think of
Powerlessness...plenty of example
to train children, to control our relationships
to drive on ice, to pick clothes that match
In the world there is a sense of powerlessness
Powerlessness over hatred, abuse, war, wickedness, addiction, oppression, sorrow, anger, manipulation
In K of God, there is power
power to become...power to change
Power always comes from somewhere...
you don't find it laying in the gutter
power is delivered from a greater source to a lesser
Jesus Christ is the greater source
all things were made by him
in him was like
his life was the light of men and women
full of glory, grace and truth
Power to become a Christian...to see change in your life
to face with confidence that which has frightened you
- I have seen those with cancer die, but I have also seen them live
- I have seen those who were addicted fail, but I have also seen them rise above
- I have seen those who were followers of Stan, become followers of Christ
- the shallow can become deep
- the lost become found
- the weak can become strong
- the broken can become healed
There is power to become the sons of God
he did not make them become
he gave them the power, they chose to step u
they were given a chance to participate
Need power in your life
trust, have faith in God, receive power to change
or to grow in grace
or to become a son, or daughter of God
Pearl of Great Price 11-16-98
Scripture....Pearl of great price 11-16-98
What is our purpose?
This is a simple story of value, appreciation and priorities. The pearl is valued; the man appreciated it, and sell all he has to find it
In our world, the pearl is the love of God that we find in Jesus Christ
the man is us, we are those who have found and appreciate the glory of the pearl
Priorities are something that we must keep in mind because we want to retrieve the pearl so that we may enjoy it, but also that others may see and know its value
What did the man do with the pearl? What do we do with the pearl?
Does this church understand what faith and life are all about?
What is our purpose? What are we about and where are we going?
Show Video
I want to be a part of that church...These people have found the pearl.
But are they satisfied with keeping it to themselves, or will they try and share it
Roger Wright, 3 years ago...Honorary story...life saving station
There are still those on the seas of like who are shipwrecked and need a place to land
Examples.....
Story of being in the river, trying to save kids...w/o life jacket...
Many who struggle with area of life
the guy in the field needed a pearl
Top quotes in the video Jeff D...those acts are significant to others
This place is significant for you and for others. Will we keep the pearl or share it?
Holidays...great time to share...time when many people look for a church
Red flyer...this year will be our last in this building
thanksgiving is coming...are you thankful for the people in your lives
Invite them to be a part of this family
What are we about? Knowing Christ...Sharing Christ
Help them find a safe harbor in the time of storm
What is our purpose?
This is a simple story of value, appreciation and priorities. The pearl is valued; the man appreciated it, and sell all he has to find it
In our world, the pearl is the love of God that we find in Jesus Christ
the man is us, we are those who have found and appreciate the glory of the pearl
Priorities are something that we must keep in mind because we want to retrieve the pearl so that we may enjoy it, but also that others may see and know its value
What did the man do with the pearl? What do we do with the pearl?
Does this church understand what faith and life are all about?
What is our purpose? What are we about and where are we going?
Show Video
I want to be a part of that church...These people have found the pearl.
But are they satisfied with keeping it to themselves, or will they try and share it
Roger Wright, 3 years ago...Honorary story...life saving station
There are still those on the seas of like who are shipwrecked and need a place to land
Examples.....
Story of being in the river, trying to save kids...w/o life jacket...
Many who struggle with area of life
the guy in the field needed a pearl
Top quotes in the video Jeff D...those acts are significant to others
This place is significant for you and for others. Will we keep the pearl or share it?
Holidays...great time to share...time when many people look for a church
Red flyer...this year will be our last in this building
thanksgiving is coming...are you thankful for the people in your lives
Invite them to be a part of this family
What are we about? Knowing Christ...Sharing Christ
Help them find a safe harbor in the time of storm
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
What Are the Gifts of Christmas 12-20-98
What are the gifts of Christmas
What is given
A son is given
When a baby is born there is joy…is it Christmas joy??
When a child is born, soon it turns into work
1. in christmas, the love of God is expressed
Jn 3 16…God so loved the world that he sent
When you love, you give your best
2. the gift is measured by the incarnation
what is this about
don’t understand it…grey matter arcs
what is it like to change species
the story of the birds
3. struggles in life
no problems in heaven
traded that for frustrations of earth, challenges
4. led to his suffering & death
ultimate gift of christmas not the birth, but the death
for in his death, he bridged the gap
the christmas nail
these are the true gifts of christmas
they bring to us the ultimate end
peace in our hearts, peace on earth
goodwill to men,
purpose, meaning, fulfillment, joy.
What is given
A son is given
When a baby is born there is joy…is it Christmas joy??
When a child is born, soon it turns into work
1. in christmas, the love of God is expressed
Jn 3 16…God so loved the world that he sent
When you love, you give your best
2. the gift is measured by the incarnation
what is this about
don’t understand it…grey matter arcs
what is it like to change species
the story of the birds
3. struggles in life
no problems in heaven
traded that for frustrations of earth, challenges
4. led to his suffering & death
ultimate gift of christmas not the birth, but the death
for in his death, he bridged the gap
the christmas nail
these are the true gifts of christmas
they bring to us the ultimate end
peace in our hearts, peace on earth
goodwill to men,
purpose, meaning, fulfillment, joy.
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