So we finished our New Birth sermon series. What was you big takeaway? What did you learn that you didn't know before? What was made clearer? What did you already know, but was made more central to your faith? Let me hear your thoughts (or questions).
I've been richly blessed; I pray you have been, too.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
The New Birth and Sin
This Sunday, Aug. 22, we studied 1 John 3:4-10 and looked at what John had to say about the relationship between the New Birth and sin. I summarized John's argument in 3 steps. Here they are with the supporting verses.
1. Sin is serious and of the devil.
- vs. 4, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
- vs. 8a, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sining from the beginning.
2. Jesus Christ appeared to take away sins and destroy the works of the devil.
- vs. 5, "You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
- vs. 8b, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
3. Those born of God don't keep on sinning
- vs. 6, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."
- vs. 9, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
The simple argument John is making, which he spells out in vs. 7 and 10, is, "if you are righteous through the New Birth, you practice righteousness. If you don't, it because you are not born again."
So, I have two things.
Firstly, is this what John's saying in these verses? Am I getting something wrong? If you were to put it in your own words, what would you say is John's point?
Secondly, I would really like to hear the practical, "what does this mean?" questions you have. A couple that I thought of were, "I sin everyday, does that mean I'm not a Christian?" What questions do you have from these verses? I may just include them in my upcoming sermon(s).
Blessing, FBC.
Brian
1. Sin is serious and of the devil.
- vs. 4, "Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.
- vs. 8a, "Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sining from the beginning.
2. Jesus Christ appeared to take away sins and destroy the works of the devil.
- vs. 5, "You know that he appeared to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.
- vs. 8b, "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.
3. Those born of God don't keep on sinning
- vs. 6, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him."
- vs. 9, "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.
The simple argument John is making, which he spells out in vs. 7 and 10, is, "if you are righteous through the New Birth, you practice righteousness. If you don't, it because you are not born again."
So, I have two things.
Firstly, is this what John's saying in these verses? Am I getting something wrong? If you were to put it in your own words, what would you say is John's point?
Secondly, I would really like to hear the practical, "what does this mean?" questions you have. A couple that I thought of were, "I sin everyday, does that mean I'm not a Christian?" What questions do you have from these verses? I may just include them in my upcoming sermon(s).
Blessing, FBC.
Brian
Sunday, August 1, 2010
What must I do to be saved?
That's such a great question. It's found several times in several ways or forms in the Bible (Acts 2:37-38; 16:30; John 6:28; Luke 18:18). The answer given could be condensed to "repent and believe the gospel" especially when you link it to Jesus' message, "The time is fulfilled, the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:14-15). Not "pray this prayer," "check this box" or "walk this aisle," but "repent and believe the gospel."
If that's the answer, then its pretty important to have a good understanding of what that means. So here are my thoughts from the scriptures. Tell me what you think.
Repent ~ Repentance means to "change your mind" or "turn around." This command is always given in relationship to our sinful course in life. Before we are converted (born again by God) we have a course in life that's in rebellion to God. Unless we "change our mind" or "turn away/around" (this is repentance) from this course, the Bible says we will perish. Repentance is called a "gift of God" (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25) and achieving is a result of his "kindness" (Rom. 2:4). No this for certain: no repentance means no salvation (Acts 2:38).
When God causes us to be born again, we'll see sin the way he sees sin. Not as some petty offense, but as a capital crime against the holiness of God. The New Birth will cause a person to be horrified of our sin. If in your evangelism a person feels ambivalent and even unconcerned with their sin, that's a good indication they haven't been born again. On the contrary, if the burden of their sin weighs upon their conscious, that's a great indication that God is opening their eyes.
Belief ~ The words "believe," "faith" and "trust" are all the same Greek word in the NT. So when John 3:16 says, "whoever believes him will not perish, but have eternal life" you could substitute the words "faith" or "trust" for "believe" if you like. Why is that important? The word "believe" in particular can have a very passive aspect relegated only to the life of the mind. So we hear the command "believe in Jesus" and liken it to "I believe 2+2=4." That kind of belief has little bearing on a person's life.
But "having faith" or better yet, "trusting," has a much more active and urgent feel to 21st century Americans. You don't just "trust" anybody, especially with your life. We "trust" the pizza man to deliver our pizza, but we don't trust him with our kids, family heirlooms or boats. Jesus says, "give me everything. Trust me with your present and eternal life." Many Americans "believe" in God (like they believe 2+2=4), but trust in God with my bank account, with my family; with my soul? NO WAY! We need to make this distinction. So when we are in conversations with people and they say, "I believe in God," we need to come back and say, "Yeah, but you don't believe in God enough to follow his word. To do what he says." Maybe your friend is cheating on her husband. "You don't believe in God enough to repent of the sin of adultery. So you really don't believe in God."
Also, repenting and believing is simply the same activity from different perspectives. Repenting is turning away from sin; believing is turning to Jesus. The same act from different vantage points. So another way we can help someone understand what it means to "believe" is linking it to repentance. If someone refuses to repent of sin, they are also refusing to trust in Jesus.
The Gospel ~ "Gospel" literally means "good news;" the "good news" is the message of Jesus Christ. There are several different ways we can make reference to this good news. The first way is in reference to its "content" and "historical facts" of the message. What are some of those?
Another way to talk about the gospel concerns its "effect." What did Jesus accomplish. Paul says in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it [the gospel] is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Also, he says in 1 Cor. 1:18, "For the word of the cross [that's the gospel] is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." So the gospel isn't just the "content" or "facts," the gospel is also the "power of God."
So, when we charge some to "believe (trust) in the gospel," we're not just say, "trust the facts," we are also saying, "believe/have faith in the power of God in this message."
I'd love to hear your thoughts both on this and the message given today. What's helpful? Also, where do you still feel a little anxious about telling others about God? Let's help each other.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
If that's the answer, then its pretty important to have a good understanding of what that means. So here are my thoughts from the scriptures. Tell me what you think.
Repent ~ Repentance means to "change your mind" or "turn around." This command is always given in relationship to our sinful course in life. Before we are converted (born again by God) we have a course in life that's in rebellion to God. Unless we "change our mind" or "turn away/around" (this is repentance) from this course, the Bible says we will perish. Repentance is called a "gift of God" (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25) and achieving is a result of his "kindness" (Rom. 2:4). No this for certain: no repentance means no salvation (Acts 2:38).
When God causes us to be born again, we'll see sin the way he sees sin. Not as some petty offense, but as a capital crime against the holiness of God. The New Birth will cause a person to be horrified of our sin. If in your evangelism a person feels ambivalent and even unconcerned with their sin, that's a good indication they haven't been born again. On the contrary, if the burden of their sin weighs upon their conscious, that's a great indication that God is opening their eyes.
Belief ~ The words "believe," "faith" and "trust" are all the same Greek word in the NT. So when John 3:16 says, "whoever believes him will not perish, but have eternal life" you could substitute the words "faith" or "trust" for "believe" if you like. Why is that important? The word "believe" in particular can have a very passive aspect relegated only to the life of the mind. So we hear the command "believe in Jesus" and liken it to "I believe 2+2=4." That kind of belief has little bearing on a person's life.
But "having faith" or better yet, "trusting," has a much more active and urgent feel to 21st century Americans. You don't just "trust" anybody, especially with your life. We "trust" the pizza man to deliver our pizza, but we don't trust him with our kids, family heirlooms or boats. Jesus says, "give me everything. Trust me with your present and eternal life." Many Americans "believe" in God (like they believe 2+2=4), but trust in God with my bank account, with my family; with my soul? NO WAY! We need to make this distinction. So when we are in conversations with people and they say, "I believe in God," we need to come back and say, "Yeah, but you don't believe in God enough to follow his word. To do what he says." Maybe your friend is cheating on her husband. "You don't believe in God enough to repent of the sin of adultery. So you really don't believe in God."
Also, repenting and believing is simply the same activity from different perspectives. Repenting is turning away from sin; believing is turning to Jesus. The same act from different vantage points. So another way we can help someone understand what it means to "believe" is linking it to repentance. If someone refuses to repent of sin, they are also refusing to trust in Jesus.
The Gospel ~ "Gospel" literally means "good news;" the "good news" is the message of Jesus Christ. There are several different ways we can make reference to this good news. The first way is in reference to its "content" and "historical facts" of the message. What are some of those?
- Before God works in our lives, we are dead sinners; enemies of God destined for his wrath. God is completely just and right to punish us of our sins.
- God sent his son, Jesus, to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He is God in the flesh; he lived the perfect life God accepts and sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins. In that sacrifice, God the Father poured out his wrath on Jesus as Jesus bore the weight and penalty of our sin.
- 3 days after his crucifixion, he was raised from the dead and lives today as the only true king of Kings and lord of Lords. He alone is worthy of all worship praise.
Another way to talk about the gospel concerns its "effect." What did Jesus accomplish. Paul says in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it [the gospel] is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Also, he says in 1 Cor. 1:18, "For the word of the cross [that's the gospel] is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." So the gospel isn't just the "content" or "facts," the gospel is also the "power of God."
So, when we charge some to "believe (trust) in the gospel," we're not just say, "trust the facts," we are also saying, "believe/have faith in the power of God in this message."
I'd love to hear your thoughts both on this and the message given today. What's helpful? Also, where do you still feel a little anxious about telling others about God? Let's help each other.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The workings of the New Birth
We received our "how to" video on Sunday concerning the New Birth. God brings New Life - salvation - via the Holy Spirit (we saw this from Eze. 37) through the proclamation of the word of God. When the Word of God, the message of Jesus Christ, is proclaimed, the Spirit is unleashed with life-saving power. 1 Peter 1 told us that the imperishable seed that causes us to be born again is the word of God.
Remember, we're not in control of this. This isn't a magical formula. It's the act of worship that God honors with his life-saving power.
I mentioned towards the end of the message that the Holy Spirit has a very specific mission, to bring honor and praise to the name of Jesus Christ. That's why he doesn't breathe new life apart from the message of Jesus Christ; messages that don't focus on Jesus Christ bring Jesus no honor or praise. Where do I get that the Holy Spirit is looking to honor Jesus?
In John 15, Jesus said the Holy Spirit is coming to "bear witness about me." That's what the Holy Spirit is about. He's coming to lift my name, my message high. He doesn't have his own mission; he's about Jesus' mission. And also, in John 16:14 Jesus says, "he will glorify me, fo rhe will take what is mine and declare it to you."
Here are just a couple of verses that show us that the Holy Spirit is about lifting high the name of Jesus Christ.
What do you think of 1) this, 2) the sermon and 3) the homework? Love to hear your thoughts.
Blessings.
Pastor Brian
Remember, we're not in control of this. This isn't a magical formula. It's the act of worship that God honors with his life-saving power.
I mentioned towards the end of the message that the Holy Spirit has a very specific mission, to bring honor and praise to the name of Jesus Christ. That's why he doesn't breathe new life apart from the message of Jesus Christ; messages that don't focus on Jesus Christ bring Jesus no honor or praise. Where do I get that the Holy Spirit is looking to honor Jesus?
In John 15, Jesus said the Holy Spirit is coming to "bear witness about me." That's what the Holy Spirit is about. He's coming to lift my name, my message high. He doesn't have his own mission; he's about Jesus' mission. And also, in John 16:14 Jesus says, "he will glorify me, fo rhe will take what is mine and declare it to you."
Here are just a couple of verses that show us that the Holy Spirit is about lifting high the name of Jesus Christ.
What do you think of 1) this, 2) the sermon and 3) the homework? Love to hear your thoughts.
Blessings.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Why we need the New Birth
On Sunday, we learned that the scriptures define the problem as being "dead in our trespasses and sins" (see Eph. 2 and Col. 2 in particular). Another analogy is that we are "spiritually blind" from seeing the glories of Jesus Christ (see 2 Cor. 4). Nothing natural can reverse the effects of death or blindness. Nothing short of the supernatural power of God can reverse or change people from death to life, from blind to seeing.
Our urging, our fervency, our slick programs, our ... you name it, can not produce the salvation people need. I'm struck by Paul in 2 Cor. 4; he says, "we refuse to practice cunning or tamper with the word of God... we will renounce all disgraceful, underhanded ways... instead, we will (as the NIV puts it) put forward the truth plainly." Plainly. Just, "here's the gospel." If its veiled, its veiled. If God has opened their eyes, they'll see.
I'm not suggesting we don't work at being effective evangelists. I'm not saying we shouldn't look to removed obstacles to faith for unbelievers. But our hope is the supernatural power of God to save sinners. When the Philippian jailer cried out, "what must I do to be saved?" the apostles didn't say, "check this box; pray this prayer." They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved." We must do similar things.
Give your feedback. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this or the sermon.
Blessings.
Pastor Brian
Our urging, our fervency, our slick programs, our ... you name it, can not produce the salvation people need. I'm struck by Paul in 2 Cor. 4; he says, "we refuse to practice cunning or tamper with the word of God... we will renounce all disgraceful, underhanded ways... instead, we will (as the NIV puts it) put forward the truth plainly." Plainly. Just, "here's the gospel." If its veiled, its veiled. If God has opened their eyes, they'll see.
I'm not suggesting we don't work at being effective evangelists. I'm not saying we shouldn't look to removed obstacles to faith for unbelievers. But our hope is the supernatural power of God to save sinners. When the Philippian jailer cried out, "what must I do to be saved?" the apostles didn't say, "check this box; pray this prayer." They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you shall be saved." We must do similar things.
Give your feedback. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this or the sermon.
Blessings.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The insides of a born again Christian
Throughout our New Birth sermon, we are going to make specific references to the difference the New Birth makes in a person. What do those "born again" love? What do they desire? What do they do? How do they live? What do they do when they sin?
I'm using my imagination here, but what would a born again Christian's insides look like if you opened them up? That's what we talked about on Sunday. This is what you'd see:
1. You would find them completely washed clean from the stain of their sin. According to Titus 3:3-5, the New Birth washes us. Not only are we forgiven of our sins, but we are even scrubbed clean from the stain of our sin.
2. You would find a new heart, per the promise of God in Eze. 36 (among others). People born again don't operate with the cold, dead heart they've always had. They are given a new one.
3. You would find a new resident in a person's heart, the Holy Spirit. God said, "I will put my Spirit within you" in Eze. 36. In the NT, we saw how the Holy Spirit was poured into the hearts of those God was converting.
God makes us alive to him and dead to sin by cleansing us, giving us a new heart and pouring his Spirit within us.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
I'm using my imagination here, but what would a born again Christian's insides look like if you opened them up? That's what we talked about on Sunday. This is what you'd see:
1. You would find them completely washed clean from the stain of their sin. According to Titus 3:3-5, the New Birth washes us. Not only are we forgiven of our sins, but we are even scrubbed clean from the stain of our sin.
2. You would find a new heart, per the promise of God in Eze. 36 (among others). People born again don't operate with the cold, dead heart they've always had. They are given a new one.
3. You would find a new resident in a person's heart, the Holy Spirit. God said, "I will put my Spirit within you" in Eze. 36. In the NT, we saw how the Holy Spirit was poured into the hearts of those God was converting.
God makes us alive to him and dead to sin by cleansing us, giving us a new heart and pouring his Spirit within us.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback.
Blessings,
Pastor Brian
Sunday, June 27, 2010
The New Birth and Religion
This Sunday, began answering the question, "what is the New Birth?" We'll be covering this question some more this coming Sunday, but so far we've learned that it is 1) a work of God 2) in you. One strong contrast I made was that the New Birth is not religious devotion or commitment.
In fact, religion is in fact rejection of God. I would like to hear your response to that: do you believe religion (in the sense we talked about it) is rejection of God? How would you describe the difference between the religious life and the gospel life?
Anything else you would like to chat about? Let me know.
Pastor Brian
In fact, religion is in fact rejection of God. I would like to hear your response to that: do you believe religion (in the sense we talked about it) is rejection of God? How would you describe the difference between the religious life and the gospel life?
Anything else you would like to chat about? Let me know.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, June 20, 2010
The New Birth
A new blog design for a new sermon series.
So we started the sermon series on the New Birth. I hope and pray you find this space as an opportunity to engage, question and search more deeply into these matters. So don't hesitate asking questions or making comments. When you do, make sure you tell us who you are.
Two things seem to be true: 1) we want to have assurance of our salvation. 2) God wants us to be assured that we are saved...when we really are. That's really encouraging to me. God doesn't want me wondering endlessly if I'm really saved; he wants me confident of my standing with God.
But that confidence is found in the New Birth and the evidences of the New Birth, not our typical evangelical responses.
What was your big "take home" from this sermon? What was your main observation or question? Let's talk about it.
Pastor Brian
So we started the sermon series on the New Birth. I hope and pray you find this space as an opportunity to engage, question and search more deeply into these matters. So don't hesitate asking questions or making comments. When you do, make sure you tell us who you are.
Two things seem to be true: 1) we want to have assurance of our salvation. 2) God wants us to be assured that we are saved...when we really are. That's really encouraging to me. God doesn't want me wondering endlessly if I'm really saved; he wants me confident of my standing with God.
But that confidence is found in the New Birth and the evidences of the New Birth, not our typical evangelical responses.
What was your big "take home" from this sermon? What was your main observation or question? Let's talk about it.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Order is everything
The essentials of the Christian life must be kept in their proper order. Getting the order wrong is the difference between heaven and hell. Today, we saw how true faith keeps God's word. That you can't say you have faith in God and ignore what God says.
But you can't get the order mixed up. You can't say, "Because I keep God's word, he accepts me." If that statement is true than what's the basis of God's acceptance of me? My keeping God's word. Salvation then turns into product I have purchased by my ability to adhere to God's word. And that's completely opposite to what scripture teaches; that salvation is on the basis of faith.
So instead we say, "Because I believe in God, I keep his word." Now why do I keep his word? Not to be saved, but I keep his word because I am saved and I believe in God. This is the order we need to keep.
What do you think about this? And also, what are you feelings and questions? I'd love to hear them.
Pastor Brian
But you can't get the order mixed up. You can't say, "Because I keep God's word, he accepts me." If that statement is true than what's the basis of God's acceptance of me? My keeping God's word. Salvation then turns into product I have purchased by my ability to adhere to God's word. And that's completely opposite to what scripture teaches; that salvation is on the basis of faith.
So instead we say, "Because I believe in God, I keep his word." Now why do I keep his word? Not to be saved, but I keep his word because I am saved and I believe in God. This is the order we need to keep.
What do you think about this? And also, what are you feelings and questions? I'd love to hear them.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wait a minute?
Our passage this morning provided another one of those "wait a minute?" kinds of responses. We've seen them before; how could cattle be killed in by the hail when God wiped out the cattle in a previous wonder? A three days journey in the wilderness? I thought God was bringing his people out of Egypt permanently.
At the end of chapter 10, in the tense scene between Pharaoh and Moses, Pharaoh said that he would kill Moses the next time Moses showed his face in the palace again. Even Moses said, "As you say! I will not see your face again." But in chapter 11, Moses warns Pharaoh of the coming wonder. What does this mean?
There are a couple of ways to understand this: 1) While Moses and Pharaoh had a moment of anger saying they wouldn't see each other again, they really didn't mean it. Or the need to meet again because of the coming trouble super ceded their previous "threats." 2) Another explanation could be that Moses warned Pharaoh of this last wonder before he left in chapter 10; a kind of "oh, by the way, before I got know this...."
Clearly, the author of Exodus isn't concerned about this like we are so its something we have to live with. I like the 2nd option, but ultimately, it doesn't change the overall story; God's bringing deliverance through the execution of judgment.
What else are you picking up or seeing Chapter 11?
At the end of chapter 10, in the tense scene between Pharaoh and Moses, Pharaoh said that he would kill Moses the next time Moses showed his face in the palace again. Even Moses said, "As you say! I will not see your face again." But in chapter 11, Moses warns Pharaoh of the coming wonder. What does this mean?
There are a couple of ways to understand this: 1) While Moses and Pharaoh had a moment of anger saying they wouldn't see each other again, they really didn't mean it. Or the need to meet again because of the coming trouble super ceded their previous "threats." 2) Another explanation could be that Moses warned Pharaoh of this last wonder before he left in chapter 10; a kind of "oh, by the way, before I got know this...."
Clearly, the author of Exodus isn't concerned about this like we are so its something we have to live with. I like the 2nd option, but ultimately, it doesn't change the overall story; God's bringing deliverance through the execution of judgment.
What else are you picking up or seeing Chapter 11?
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Cop out?
Rather than answering "how" Pharaoh can be responsible for his sin even though God hardened his heart I said in our sermon this Sunday, "look, God doesn't give us an answer. Instead, he's calling us to trust him."
Do you feel that's somewhat of a cop out? And if it is, don't we have to say that about God since that's precisely what he says in Romans 9? I'm curious to hear from you the level of satisfaction we have with God's response to this question.
What I find interesting about God's response is he's really asking us to trust and believe him, isn't he? Kind of funny, in that, that's exactly what our relationship with him is grounded in... his revelation of himself and our trust in him.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Pastor Brian
Do you feel that's somewhat of a cop out? And if it is, don't we have to say that about God since that's precisely what he says in Romans 9? I'm curious to hear from you the level of satisfaction we have with God's response to this question.
What I find interesting about God's response is he's really asking us to trust and believe him, isn't he? Kind of funny, in that, that's exactly what our relationship with him is grounded in... his revelation of himself and our trust in him.
Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Spiritual Heritage
Today, we saw that God has generational purposes with these wonders. God saying he's hardening Pharaoh's heart to show him these signs and "that you may tell in the hearing of your son and grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD." So God has a generational purpose.
How has your spiritual heritage impacted you? What did you see from your parents or grandparents that said, "God is amazing?" Let's encourage one another with testimonies and ideas as to how we can make an impact to our children.
Pastor Brian
How has your spiritual heritage impacted you? What did you see from your parents or grandparents that said, "God is amazing?" Let's encourage one another with testimonies and ideas as to how we can make an impact to our children.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Observations of Wonder #7
Here are a few observations I saw in this 7th wonder. I'd love to here some of your observations or thoughts on these.
1. God's mercy ~ Mingled in the heavy hand of God on the land of Egypt is mercy. After God pronounces the coming hail storm through Moses he says this in vs. 19, "Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them." These are God's words! This is his idea! What else could this be than mercy. Yes, some will refuse Pharaoh being one of them even as God has hardened his heart. But God is extending his hand of mercy and compassion to the Egyptians who will listen to his word. Make no mistake... God is kind and merciful.
2. Moses' boldness ~ The boldness of Moses keeps growing with each passing wonder. Moses isn't afraid in the least to call a spade a spade. He looks at Pharaoh and flat out tells him the truth without any fear. I think the more we obey God and follow him the stronger will be in our convictions lacking the fear of man. He's a good example for us to follow.
3. "The bottom" is a long way down ~ Some of you know that "the bottom" is a lot further down than we think. You've heard the saying: they just haven't hit the bottom yet. Pharaoh's land has been significantly battered, but not completely. Vs. 31 explains the lack of fear Pharaoh has of God and says this, "The flax and the barley were struck down, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in the bud. But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up." So not everything was destroyed; Pharaoh still had something to depend on. "Hitting the bottom" doesn't equal repentance and faith; only Jesus makes that possible.
Those are some things I've seen. What about you.
Pastor Brian
1. God's mercy ~ Mingled in the heavy hand of God on the land of Egypt is mercy. After God pronounces the coming hail storm through Moses he says this in vs. 19, "Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them." These are God's words! This is his idea! What else could this be than mercy. Yes, some will refuse Pharaoh being one of them even as God has hardened his heart. But God is extending his hand of mercy and compassion to the Egyptians who will listen to his word. Make no mistake... God is kind and merciful.
2. Moses' boldness ~ The boldness of Moses keeps growing with each passing wonder. Moses isn't afraid in the least to call a spade a spade. He looks at Pharaoh and flat out tells him the truth without any fear. I think the more we obey God and follow him the stronger will be in our convictions lacking the fear of man. He's a good example for us to follow.
3. "The bottom" is a long way down ~ Some of you know that "the bottom" is a lot further down than we think. You've heard the saying: they just haven't hit the bottom yet. Pharaoh's land has been significantly battered, but not completely. Vs. 31 explains the lack of fear Pharaoh has of God and says this, "The flax and the barley were struck down, for the barley was in the ear and the flax was in the bud. But the wheat and the emmer were not struck down, for they are late in coming up." So not everything was destroyed; Pharaoh still had something to depend on. "Hitting the bottom" doesn't equal repentance and faith; only Jesus makes that possible.
Those are some things I've seen. What about you.
Pastor Brian
Monday, March 8, 2010
Insecurity and God's love
Yesterday, we talked about how God's love isn't centered or conditioned on us, but is centered on God. God doesn't love us because of who we are; God loves us because of who he is.
I as mentioned in the sermon, that strikes at the heart of popular self-esteem psychology. Schools and counselors are obsessed at building a child's "self-worth." And what they mean by that is "we have to make kids feel that they are lovable, valuable, acceptable in and of themselves."
That is a very dangerous message. What if that's true: to be loved you must be lovable. If God's love isn't centered and conditioned in him than we are going to be very insecure about God's love for us. If I need to be lovable to be loved, than how can I be sure that God loves me? How do I really know if I'm "worth it?" Ultimately, I don't. Insecurity will rule the day if God's love and acceptance of us is conditioned on my worthiness because I'll never truly know if I'm worthy.
Instead, when God's love for me is grounded in himself (i.e. that he is loving) I never have to worry if I'm not worthy of love. In fact, I'm very comfortable say, "I'm not worthy of God's love." But that would only make me discouraged if I needed to be worthy for God's love. But thankfully, I don't.
Is understanding these distinctions helpful? What other questions do you have concerning such things?
Pastor Brian
I as mentioned in the sermon, that strikes at the heart of popular self-esteem psychology. Schools and counselors are obsessed at building a child's "self-worth." And what they mean by that is "we have to make kids feel that they are lovable, valuable, acceptable in and of themselves."
That is a very dangerous message. What if that's true: to be loved you must be lovable. If God's love isn't centered and conditioned in him than we are going to be very insecure about God's love for us. If I need to be lovable to be loved, than how can I be sure that God loves me? How do I really know if I'm "worth it?" Ultimately, I don't. Insecurity will rule the day if God's love and acceptance of us is conditioned on my worthiness because I'll never truly know if I'm worthy.
Instead, when God's love for me is grounded in himself (i.e. that he is loving) I never have to worry if I'm not worthy of love. In fact, I'm very comfortable say, "I'm not worthy of God's love." But that would only make me discouraged if I needed to be worthy for God's love. But thankfully, I don't.
Is understanding these distinctions helpful? What other questions do you have concerning such things?
Pastor Brian
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wonder #4
Today, we saw God intensify his wonders in Egypt by sending swarms of flies into Egypt. How is that intensifying it? In vs. 25 it says that the land was "ruined" by the flies. They are no longer an inconvenience.
Pharaoh began bargaining with Moses. He said, "Ok, you can worship your God, you just have to do it in Egypt." So he's giving in, just not completely. Obviously, this falls short of what God has said - Let my people go!
I said in the sermon that trying to make deals or compromises with God are wicked attempts at maintaining ownership of our own lives. Do you agree with that? Why or why not?
Also, what ways have you tried to make deals with God to give him less than he demands?
Pharaoh began bargaining with Moses. He said, "Ok, you can worship your God, you just have to do it in Egypt." So he's giving in, just not completely. Obviously, this falls short of what God has said - Let my people go!
I said in the sermon that trying to make deals or compromises with God are wicked attempts at maintaining ownership of our own lives. Do you agree with that? Why or why not?
Also, what ways have you tried to make deals with God to give him less than he demands?
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Analyzing our hard hearts
Look here at Eph. 4:17-18.
"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart."
Paul doesn't want the Ephesians to live like Gentiles (those who don't know God). How do they live? They live confused and misdirected because their understanding is darkened. Because they are ignorant of God, they are alienated, cut off from God. And why are they ignorant of God? Because of their hard hearts.
Just like we saw in the sermon: a hard heart is at the root of the problem.
What did you take away from the message this morning? Was it something new about God, about our hard hearts? And what do you believe God is nudging you to do about it?
"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart."
Paul doesn't want the Ephesians to live like Gentiles (those who don't know God). How do they live? They live confused and misdirected because their understanding is darkened. Because they are ignorant of God, they are alienated, cut off from God. And why are they ignorant of God? Because of their hard hearts.
Just like we saw in the sermon: a hard heart is at the root of the problem.
What did you take away from the message this morning? Was it something new about God, about our hard hearts? And what do you believe God is nudging you to do about it?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Questions for sermon on 2-14-10
1. Read Isa. 44:9, 19-20. What do these verses say about idols and those who trust in them.
2. I said idolatry is self-worship; (self-worship – placing ourselves at the center of our lives and working and serving our own interests at the expense of all others.) Do you agree with this? why or why not?
3.
4. Read Ps. 25:1-3. What do these verses say is our freedom from shame?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Wonder #1
God turns the Nile River into blood with this first wonder. The Nile was a source of life for the Egyptians and, as we learn in Exodus 1, a place of death for Hebrew baby boys. With this wonder God turns everything upside. Because of the power and might of God the Nile River is no longer a place of life for the Egyptians, but is now a place of death.
This wonder seems to be largely ignored. Why do you think that's the case? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Also, tell me any other thoughts or observations you have; don't hold your questions back either.
Pastor Brian
This wonder seems to be largely ignored. Why do you think that's the case? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Also, tell me any other thoughts or observations you have; don't hold your questions back either.
Pastor Brian
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Welcome back, Exodus!
To get you ready and familiar with Exodus, read Exodus 7-15:21; it will probably take you 20 minutes and might just be your best 20 minutes all week. Read that section and then post on this blog some of your observations. What are you seeing? What did God impress on your heart from the text? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Pastor Brian
Pastor Brian
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Treasuring God; Loving People
These last two weeks, we've focused on the "treasuring God" part of that slogan. Do you remember why we treasure God from Philippians 3?... Because nothing surpasses the worth of knowing Jesus! If nothing surpasses that worth than he is indeed our greatest treasure.
I'd love to hear what God impressed on your heart from these messages. What was the big takeaway for you?
Let me ask one more question: God, in his mercy, doesn't ask most of us actually lose everything to know him. I believe this passage makes clear we need to be ready to, but, it seems, God doesn't put that ultimately to the test. Unless you are a guy like Job, we don't really lose everything... except when we die (think about that). But we need to be ready to.
So here's the question: how do you cultivate in your heart a readiness to lose it all for Jesus when he so often doesn't take everything? How do you make this real?
Pastor Brian
I'd love to hear what God impressed on your heart from these messages. What was the big takeaway for you?
Let me ask one more question: God, in his mercy, doesn't ask most of us actually lose everything to know him. I believe this passage makes clear we need to be ready to, but, it seems, God doesn't put that ultimately to the test. Unless you are a guy like Job, we don't really lose everything... except when we die (think about that). But we need to be ready to.
So here's the question: how do you cultivate in your heart a readiness to lose it all for Jesus when he so often doesn't take everything? How do you make this real?
Pastor Brian
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