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
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