Church of Christ at Asbury's Blog v.03

Emotions #2

2006-03-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

Thar's snow on that thar mount'n. Yes indeed, knoxville is snug as a bug in a rug while the wolves are chattering their teeth out. A good blast of cool weather put 3-6 inches of fresh fallen snow on evelations above 3000 ft. Cades Cove was clear but the mountains around it was snow capped. We had a cool 27 degrees this morning 3/24. Hope your weekend will be wonderful. Thanks again to Jeoff Mabe in turning our thoughts to the emotions of Jesus at the Lectureship. - KIRK

The Emotions of Jesus Heb. 12:1-3
The short of it:
I. Intro:
II. Joy is defined as: “The emotion of great happiness” Emotions come in response to stimuli.
Design a product that "looks so cool and is such a joy to interact with, that you want your neighbors to come over and see it," says Charles Jones of Whirlpool. In other words, they wanted appliances that would actually make people happy.
As Christians, should we not radiate with a joy that would be inviting to our neighbors? Have we not discovered that our unchurched neighbors knows the difference between a social smile and real happiness.
There is a secondary meaning of the word Joy. Heb. 12:2 “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross...” Jesus was pliable to the will of his Father.
In likemanner when we delight in the Lord we become pliable to his will. Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you....
So this kind of joy I am speaking of is not merely being joyful or having a cheerful attitude. It is an incredible emotion that is brought forth by the Holy Spirit.
Paul spoke of it in Romans 8:16, 17 This joy is inexpressible. You cannot adequately explain it to people. It is full of the glory of God. It is the recollection of all the spiritual blessings which are found in Christ (Eph. 1:3). “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”
Why would this knowledge make one emotionally elated?
Because Eph. 2:12 describes the human condition without a relationship with God. It is pictures a man as being DEPRIVED - without Christ, DISPLACED person - alien, DISASSOCIATED - strangers of promise, DESPAIRED - without hope, DEBASE - without God, DESOLATE - all alone in the world. What a DISTRAUGHTFUL condition! But when one finds Christ v. 13ff, those at a DISTANCE are drawn near, eyes are DRIED - peace, DIVISION rectified - united, and hostility DESTROYED.
So delight yourself in the Lord. Yield yourself to his will in a way that bring glorious delight to your emotional state of mind.
The disciples joy was not based upon feelings, it was based upon the fact that Jesus, God’s son, came to earth, loved them so much that he gave up his life for them, and defeated death. Now there was no enemy they could not face. Now there was no evil or hurtful situation that would be permanent. If God’s love gave his son for them, how much more freely would he give them all things?

THE LONG OF IT.......
Emotions of Jesus #2
Heb. 12:1-3
I. Introduction
A. Last time we talked about Jesus and his emotions we observed that:
1. He was no cardboard person as paintings portray him - emotionless.
2. Capable of zealousness whether in anger (cleansing the temple) or right behavior.
3. Noted his compassion as he wept over Jerusalem & with Lazarus’ friends.
4. Touched by his Anxiety as he was Troubled or greatly disturbed (in the garden).
a. And how knowing these help us in becoming conformed to his image.
B. Today we will conclude the emotions of Jesus emphasizing two of his greatest attributes.
1. His Happiness or joy (Jn. 17:13).
2. His Love (Jn. 13:34).
II. Joy is defined as: “The emotion of great happiness”
A. Emotions come in response to stimuli.
1. The stimuli can come from any of our five senses or it can come from our thoughts. The mind certainly plays a significant role in our feelings. It interprets what we see, touch, hear, feel, or smell and think.
2. Sensory Logic of St. Paul, Minn., studies videotape of people's facial reactions -- to products and commercials -- in increments as fleeting as 1/30th of a second. In measuring happiness or fulfillment, the company's staffers look for the difference between, say, a true smile (which includes a relaxation of the upper eyelid) and a social smile (which occurs only around the mouth). The company also measures the "micro-smile," which uses less than half the face and indicates "just a slight glimmering of buy-in," says Dan Hill, company president.
3. (a couple years back KW) Whirlpool used Sensory Logic to test reactions to a yet-to-be-launched generation of Duet washers and dryers, the company's premier line. The goal: Design a product that "looks so cool and is such a joy to interact with, that you want your neighbors to come over and see it," says Charles Jones of Whirlpool. In other words, they wanted appliances that would actually make people happy. "Scientists probe sources of contentment, bliss -- mostly to sell us stuff" JEFFREY ZASLOW, Wall Street Journal as found at the “Charlotte Journal” website.
B. Some passages which describe this kind of Joy.
1. "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love...I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." John 15:10-11. "Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise." James 5:13 "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy." Hebrews 1:9
2. As Christians, should we not radiate with a joy that would be inviting to our neighbors? Have we not discovered that our unchurched neighbors knows the difference between a social smile and real happiness.
C. There is a secondary meaning of the word Joy. In Psalm 37:4 one reads, “Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
1. ‘Delight’ is the English word used to translate the Hebrew word aònag (aw-nag'). It is to be effeminately soft and pliable. It has a sense of yielding to a lover in a way that brings glorious delight.
2. A clear understanding of this kind of joy is seen in Heb. 12:2 “Who for the joy set before him endured the cross...” Jesus was pliable to the will of his Father. Whatever Father God required of him, regardless how pleasant or how difficult, Jesus exercised each task with great joy.
a. The joy Jesus spoke about as “his joy” came from being honored by his Father for his obedience. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, God the Father honored his obedience at his baptism (Matt. 3:13-17). On the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father again spoke of his pleasure in his Son (Matt. 17:5). Only one thing motivated Jesus; that was pleasing his Father (John 8:29). In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus laid down his own will to submit to his Father’s will. He did this looking beyond the cross to his Father’s pleasure in his obedience. He looked forward to his Father exalting him for his obedience. He certainly was not disappointed. After Jesus’ ascension, God highly exalted him and gave him the name above every other name Phil. 2:8 “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name...”
3. In likemanner when we delight in the Lord we become pliable to his will.
a. Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
b. 1 Pet 4:12, 13 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
4. Romans 14: 17…the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Joy is the pinnacle of the Kingdom.
a. You can have righteousness without peace or joy (Pharisees). You can have peace without joy (Settle wrongful death suit brings closure but won’t bring loved one back). You can have joy without righteousness and peace (Greedy, unholy people). So to have a delightful joy, a biblical joy, a Christ centered joy, one must embrace obedience. Psa. 1:1, 2.
5. So this kind of joy I am speaking of is not merely being joyful or having a cheerful attitude. It is an incredible emotion that is brought forth by the Holy Spirit.
a. Paul spoke of it in Romans 8:16, 17 This joy is inexpressible. You cannot adequately explain it to people. It is full of the glory of God. It is the recollection of all the spiritual blessings which are found in Christ (Eph. 1:3). “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”
b. Why would this knowledge make one emotionally elated?
c. Because Eph. 2:12 describes the human condition without a relationship with God. It is pictures a man as being DEPRIVED - without Christ, DISPLACED person - alien, DISASSOCIATED - strangers of promise, DESPAIRED - without hope, DEBASE - without God, DESOLATE - all alone in the world. What a DISTRAUGHTFUL condition! But when one finds Christ v. 13ff, those at a DISTANCE are drawn near, eyes are DRIED - peace, DIVISION rectified - united, and hostility DESTROYED. So delight yourself in the Lord. Yield yourself to his will in a way that bring glorious delight to your emotional state of mind.

III. To preach the cross LOVE must be involved.
A. So lets talk about the love of Jesus and how it brings joy to our life.
1. Hearing that Jesus loves me may warm the heart. Knowing that he sacrificed his life for my sins offers hope to my spirit. But the resurrection of Jesus brings joy unimaginable.
2. Dawn makes everything beautiful. The rising sun bursting through the sky touches the common scene and transforms it into something splendid and beautiful.
The love of Jesus is like the dawn. The rising cross on the horizon brightens and warms the most common life and transforms that life into something splendid and beautiful.
As the reflection of the rising sun upon the most desolate scene is beautiful to behold, the love of the crucified risen Christ, is even a more spectacular view.
B. When Jesus told his disciples about his impending death it brought them great distress.
1. Recognizing their fear and pain he said, “Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you” (Jn. 16:22).
2. Peter writes, “whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8, 9).
3. When Jesus sent the seventy out on the first ever Christian missionary tour he gave them power to heal and cast out demons, they returned rejoicing in their labor. Jesus responded to their joy by saying, “in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven - in that hour Jesus rejoiced greatly in the spirit” (Lk. 10:20, 21). Here we see Jesus leaping and laughing with his disciples because they were bring lost souls to the Christ!
C. The salvation of souls brings Jesus great joy and it is by his great love we are saved.
1. The wise preacher once said, “He that wins souls is wise (Prov. 11:30).
2. In Lk. 15 we find great rejoicing in the teachings of Jesus conserning things which was lost but were found.
a. There was the lost sheep - It was lost, knew it was lost, but could do nothing about it unless someone came and helped.
b. There was the lost coin - It was lost, didn’t know it was lost, but prompted an entire house cleaning before it was reclaimed.
c. Then there was the lost son - Who, was safe, but became lost, came to his senses that he was lost, and did something about his lost condition.
3. At the conclusion of each of these stories, Jesus reveals the demonstration of joy by the shepherd, woman, and the father as they hosted a great party.
4. In the telling of the stories he leaves the door of heaven ajar which allows you and me to sneak a peek at what’s happening inside. And what do we see? A great angelic party going on every time a sinner repents. Fascinating!
5. The disciples joy was not based upon feelings, it was based upon the fact that Jesus, God’s son, came to earth, loved them so much that he gave up his life for them, and defeated death. Now there was no enemy they could not face. Now there was no evil or hurtful situation that would be permanent. If God’s love gave his son for them, how much more freely would he give them all things?
D. Someone might respond, “Well I don’t feel too happy right now. If you knew what all I was going through you’d be crying too.”
1. I am not saying that we never feel pain, that we are never burdened, that our feelings don’t get hurt. And yet, I don’t think Jesus was smiling when Judas kissed him. I can’t see him grinning from ear to ear as Pilate parades him before the crowds beaten and humiliated. I can’t imagine him laughing as they were placing the crown of thorns upon his brow or scourging him nearly to death. Neither did we hear a giggle come forth as they drove the nails in his hands or feet but the text says, “who for the joy that was set before him,” not the cross, not the pain, but the glory he would receive after his resurrection.
2. That’s what his joy was all about.
3. The Psalmist writes, “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” Psalm 30:5.
a. Would it surprise you to discover that joy and sorrow are very often linked in God’s Word? It is almost as if sorrow digs the well and joy is the sweet water that fills it.
b. Could it be that in the time of sorrow we can be so occupied with our weeping and peering into the darkness that we do not notice our back is to the dawn? Turn around. Behold the love on the cross! Cling to every precious promise until the light breaks through.
4. It’s not a healing we may receive that makes us happy. It’s not riches, pleasure or freedom that brings fulfillment to our lives and joy to our hearts. It’s knowing how our life’s story is going to end - safe in the loving arms of Jesus!

Let us rejoice that our names are written in heaven!

CONCLUSION
There is great strength in seeing the emotions of two of Jesus’ greatest attributes, his joy and his love.
knowing about the joy of Jesus gives us strength to persevere when everything about us seems to be falling apart.
Knowing about the love of Jesus gives us joy in this life through the knowledge that we serve an everlasting King, and that king is full of grand rewards.
So great is our joy as we await His appearing. “…in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” Psalms 16:11. What a beautiful dawn…what a glorious day! Jesus is the joy of living!

But if you are still dead in your trespasses and sins, you cannot rejoice as do the saint. Will you not respond this hour to his great love and receive this joy unimaginable that no man can take away!
Be conformed to the image of his son through experiencing the joy and love of Christ.
Those who are truly happy can sing..... Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, sing his mercy and his grace.....

Emotions of Jesus

2006-03-26T12:16:00.000-05:00

Greeting and salty talons (saluations) to everyone! Won't be long before we will be out in the garden breaking out a sweat! Yea! Planted some blueberrys today. It will take a year for them to produce. My tulips are beginning to show their color. by next couple of weeks they should be showing their glory.

Thanks to Jeoff Mabe in the direction of this lesson. Another will follow dealing with 2 other emotions of Christ. Hope you enjoy - Kirk

Emotions of Jesus #1 Heb. 4:15 If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.
I. Introduction
A. If you were to draw a mental picture of how Jesus appeared what comes to mind?
1. Most pictures represent him as an emotionless being like Dr. Spock of Startrek.
B. The scriptures reveal a wide variety of emotions displayed by Jesus.
1. Presents him exerting zealousness (cleansing the temple).
2. His Compassion as he Weeps over Jerusalem & with Lazarus’ friends.
3. His Anxiety as he was Troubled or greatly disturbed (in the garden).
4. His pleasure - Happiness or joy (Jn. 17:13).
5. His Love (Jn. 13:34).
II. Emotions are circuits which channel information causing a reaction.
A. Every person’s mood changes depending upon how they interpret what is seen or heard.
1. Hear about an accident, bombing, tornado. See one - different emotions.
2. Hear about a wedding, birthday party, birth of a baby. See one - more intense.
3. Hear of a Church split, family feud, error being preached. If its happening about you - terribly upsetting.
4. Being lied about, child abuse, see gas price increase. All these enrage whether seen or heard.
B. Being Christ-like we channel information differently than those in the world (2 Cor. 3:18).
1. Man cussing and swearing because poor parking situation at hospital.
2. We Agape, the world lusts.
3. Story about N.B. Hardeman & A.G. Freed. Hardeman was having great difficulty with his horse one day and was really getting on the horse. Brother Freed saw what was happening and said, “Hardeman watch that temper.” To which Brother Hardeman replied, “Brother I have handled more anger in 15 minutes than you have handled in a whole life time.” If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.
III. Knowing Jesus was an emotional person should improve my Christian conduct.
A. Regardless what emotional state I am in, I know Jesus has been there.
B. He has left me ample information about processing these emotions in a correct way.
IV. In this lesson let us observe three emotions of Jesus.
A. Zealousness - righteous zeal, enthusiasm - The emotion to do spiritual things right because there is a right way to do them.
1. This emotion can be abused and turned into fanaticism. Fanaticism, will go to any measure to bring about change, i.e.. threats, abuse, killing. (Saul, before he became the apostle Paul was fanatical).
2. But true zealousness prompts one into actions of divine calling.
a. We are called to be holy - as Christ was (1 Pet. 1:15, 16; Ps. 16:10).
b. We are called unto peace - (Matt. 5:9) - Jesus (Eph. 2:14-16).
c. We are called servants - (Matt. 20:25-28)
d. We are called unto unity - (Mk. 3:23-25; Jn. 17:19-23).
e. We are called to preach repentance (Mk. 6:20; Lk. 24:46-49).
f. We are called to love one another (Jn. 13:34, 35) Jesus sacrificed.
3. And since we are called saints, children of light, - Christians - we must perform these spiritual works not with lip service, but zealously - in spirit and in truth.
4. As we imitate the zealous emotion of Jesus let us do spiritual things right because there is a right way to do them. If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.

B. Many times the Bible writers spoke of the compassion of Jesus.
1. It is illustrated by his groaning over Jerusalem, tears at Lazarus’ tomb, healings of the multitude, feeding of the thousands.
2. We might call compassion, 'tears that make a difference.' (Lk. 7:11-16 widow/Nain)
3. Webster. Compassion – “Sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.”
4. The world does not understand Bible compassion for example: if you agree with homosexuality, you are compassionate. If you disagree, you are not only lacking compassion, you are a homophobe. Also, according to the world, supporting certain politically correct medical issues and research makes one compassionate. Consider this, the world says that you are compassionate if you fund AIDS research at a much higher level than such things as breast cancer and leukemia, EACH of which kills more people per year than AIDS. Is not AIDS spread primarily by behavior? You don’t get breast cancer and leukemia by sleeping around. Other than in situations involving blood transfusions, you generally don’t get AIDS except through sexual activity. So why is it compassion to over fund AIDS research? Thing is, it is the politically correct thing to do.
5. When the Bible says that Jesus had compassion, it was not mere sympathy or feeling badly. He was compassionate enough to make a difference in their life. He healed, raised the dead, brought sight to blind. He was active in their sorrow.
6. But above all this, he die for them. He was going to be humiliated by them and for them. But not just for them, but for the whole world who knew him not (Rom. 5:8). What drove Jesus to the cross - His compassion for humanity, the object of God’s affection. He didn’t just have empathy regarding our hopeless situation. He did something about it.
7. We are exhorted to weep/rejoice (Rom. 12:15) shed tears that make a difference in another’s life. Groaning and yearning to help is of no avail if nothing is done to alleviate the suffering (2 Cor. 1:3, 4). We must be compassionate enough to preach the gospel for this is man’s greatest need. If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.

C. The third emotion of Jesus I wish to observe is that of an anxious or troubled spirit (Lk. 22:39-44)
1. Jesus burdened? Sweating bullets? Agonizing? Stomach all knotted up? Yes!
2. He felt that sinking feeling as he looked about his disciples and asked “Will you also go away?” (JN. 6:67).
3. He faced death as you and I face it, trusting in God but shaking in our boots. We worry about the loved ones we will leave behind, he the disciples. We worry about the way we are going to die - he knew and still groaned in his spirit.
4. Just because you know that all will be well with our soul does not mean we fear death or pains which involve living. What we do have is hope. And that hope keeps us moving forward, one day at a time, because this hour may be our last. Let’s live it to the fullest to bring God the glory!
If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.

V. Now that we see that Jesus is not some cardboard person, what lessons can we learn.
A. I am being like Christ when I get all excited about doing spiritual things right.
1. In the mist of the assembly I will sing praise to your name (Heb. 2:12). When I see Jesus singing, smiling, and being enthusiastic in worship it will change my attitude and outlook during assembly time.
2. I won’t feel badly when trying to correct false teaching.
B. I am being like Christ when I act compassionately.
1. As I feed the poor, wait on the sick, assist the helpless without expecting anything in return I am illustrating the compassion of Christ. For this Jesus says great is your reward for even just a cup of water given in my name is noticed in heaven. Remember, compassion is tears which make a difference.
C. I know I am Christlike when I groan in my spirit and troubled over things of great concern.
1. Pain and suffering comes to us all. It helps us pray as we ought. It draws us nearer to our God. It makes me look beyond my pain and see the need of my neighbor who also is in distress. It helps me minister to others as I should.

CONCLUSION
A. We close with this text Heb. 4:14-16
B. Are your emotions getting away from you - cast all your care upon him for he cares for you. If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest.

Two, Not of a Kind

2006-03-12T16:38:00.000-05:00

What a great lectureship we had - Jesus the Master Teacher. Great to see many of the good brethren keeping the faith. I was dissappointed to have not seen several of my fellow class mates. Hope you all are well. The flu bug hit during the last day of the lecture and at least 2 speakers were knocked out of commission. Brother Deloach jokingly remarked, "Would it be safe to say that this lectureship has been sickening?" We all had a great time together and was spiritually uplifted. Someone remarked to me, "Well should we expect you to give us some sermons from the lectures in your mailing?" WHY NOT??? DUH...... These guys make me sound good and my congregation needs me to sound good from time to time. Here is a expansion of one of brother Deloache's thoughts. Hope you can make it better. Kirk

Two, not of a Kind
Matthew 7
I. Introduction
A. In Matthew 7 we find a host of contrasts and action words.
B. It is the intent of this lesson to describe these ideals Jesus set out for those who wish to be associated with his kingdom.
C. Immediately following his emphasis on ‘seeking his kingdom first’ he delivers what I believe to be productive characteristics of his people who are to be found in his kingdom.

II. He begins first by noting two kinds of profilers.
A. The current CBS hit show ‘Criminal Minds’ is about FBI profilers.
B. Everyone profiles another or makes judgment based upon what is known about various behavior traits.
1. We know a sneak by the way they behave. We know a liar by the way they talk, we know a person lax in morals by their sensual behavior.
C. Jesus describes in vs. 1-6 two types of profilers.
1. The one is critical, insensitive, offensive.
a. They are the fault finders, the carping, the derogatory, the disapproving. Around them, you can never be good enough.
2. Though the text doesn’t come out and identify the other, it is understood because Jesus told us what not to become. Kingdom worshipers ought to be sensitive, delicate, tender, sympathetic. He understands that he has specks in his eye, dirt on his hands and mud on his feet because all we like sheep have gone astray.
a. This person has heard the rebuke by James 4:12 Who are you to judge another? And Paul’s admonition in Rom. 14:13, “Let us not judge, rather resolve not to put a stumbling block in our brother’s way.
D. How then does v. 6 come into view with judging?
1. During the restoration movement, there was a man by the name Daniel Sommer. A good man but one who turned very critical in his early ministry. The result of his critical thinking resulted in him dividing the church over located preachers, orphanages, and one cup. His preaching persuaded about 15% of the Lord’s people to take his position, mainly in the north central states. Later in life, when he mellowed, he found himself preaching unity instead of fault finding. The end result was, his own son withdrew fellowship from him, and took over the publication he had vigorously wrote in defense of his position for years.
2. Could it be that casting your pearls (righteous judgment and courteous behavior) means that we should not take time associating and adoring those who are critical and judgmental for in the end they will turn on you and trample you and tear you in pieces as they cast you from their fellowship?
What Kind of profiler are you? Disapproving or sympathetic?

III. Next, Jesus describes two kinds of petitioners 7:7-12.
A. First there are those who are expectant, full of faith, trusting, mighty in conviction; positive.
B. Then there are those who are doubtful, uncertain, skeptical; negative.
C. The contrasts considers that there are those who work with their prayers and those who are lazy prayers.
1. The busy man will make attempt to take care of his child’s request.
2. The lazy man will put off until the child finds out there is no since in asking.
3. The point then is that God know what we need, and is busy taking care of our needs, therefore v. 12 we ought to get busy with our prayer life to help others in their need for one day you may need their help. And isn’t this God’s providence at work?

IV. Thirdly, Jesus describes two kinds of travelers 7:13, 14.
A. The one takes the trail of ease, the path of least resistance. He seeks a comfortable highway, the road most traveled.
1. This highway is the highway to Sodom and Gomorrah, the Devil’s freeway.
B. The other path, we may term as Calvary’s road. The King’s highway. It often is a uphill climb, there are rocks along the way, branches will smack you in the face. It is narrow.
1. It is the path of father Abraham.
C. Jesus describes that every journey has a gate at the end of the line.
1. We see him illustrating distinctly the tale of two roads which lead to two different cities. At each city there is a gate though which the traveler must pass. As the traveler view the cities from a distance there is a glow emanating from both of them. One is of glory, the other of hell. From a distance you cannot tell which is which.
D. Imagine being on the broad path.
1. Everyone is traveling merrily along. They are in a trot. Everyone is smiling and happy because it appears that everyone is going some place grand.
2. Along this road there are detour signs.
a. The first says, “Mom and Dad would not approve, detour now!”
1) Old fogies! They’re stupid......
b. The second says, Danger! Hell ahead! Church this exit.
c. The third admonishes, This way to heaven! Bible land this exit.
d. The fourth and final exit merely states, for access to the cross exit now.
3. But the crowd must be right. They seem happy enough, moving fast enough. And then the end comes in sight. It is hell. You are close enough to smell the smoke and burning flesh. You hear panic cries ahead of you but you can’t stop, you can’t turn back for there are a host behind you, pushing you until you reach the city’s gate and tumble in with all the rest.

V. Jesus again talks about two kind of preachers 7:15-20.
A. The first is smart and sly. He is politically correct in his communication. He fancies your ears with stories which make you weep, jokes which make you laugh. They are wolves attired in sheep’s skin, demons dressed up like angels.
1. This kind of preacher tells his audience that everyone is going to heaven, just taking different churches to get there. There is nothing wrong with divorce. Worship God as you please, not as he directs.
B. The second kind of preacher, though not specifically mentioned, would be those who was not afraid to call sin, sin! Who takes a stand, politically correct or not. Who will preach Jesus rather than politics, doctrine rather than dogma, truth rather than fables.
C. This story reveals one valuable truth the world does not wish you to perceive - YOU CAN KNOW FALSE TEACHERS WHEN YOU SEE ONE.
1. Grapes of thorns or figs of thistles - you know the difference at a glance which is which. A healthy tree and a diseased tree. In an instance you know from which one you will pick the fruit.
2. You ought to know by now which kind of preacher you desire - one who tickles your ears or one which convicts your spirit.

VI. Then Jesus describes two kinds of workers 7:21-23.
A. One works for show, the other sincerely. One is motivate out of personal recognition the other works behind the scenes.
1. The one for show is identified in 6:2, 5, 16 - they have their reward - earthly applause.
a. This should be reason enough for any preacher to discourage his audience from clapping during his message. Soloist and choir seekers take warning.
B. What an awful day it will be for those who built in the name of another, who labored in the name of a denomination rather than Christ, who tirelessly toiled for an institution rather than the church of Christ.
C. But what is even worse is to see children of God gloating about their works on earth forgetting the basic truth - we still are only servants.

VII Finally, Jesus addresses two kinds of listeners 7:24-27.
A. The action words in this story are so vivid - built, floods, winds, rain beat, great fall.
B. The action word most important is “DO.”
C. Both men heard, both built, both suffered the raging storm, but only one survived.
D. The difference - one chose the high ground, the ground of moral integrity the other chose the well watered plains of Sodom and Gomorrah.
1. Sands shift, sink, become a mudslide. The torrents of rain coming down the gullies washed it away for it was built too close to the edge of the creek. He built his morals too close to the edge of sin.
a. Song - Because of you, I never stray too far from the sidewalk Because of you, I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt.... DO YOU FEEL JESUS AND HIS CHURCH HAS DONE THIS TO YOU?
2. Rock does not give way. It is secure, safe, permanent. Christ Jesus is the chief cornerstone of the person when they begin to build their life.

CONCLUSION
Contrasts - Jesus used them to illustrate a point of those whom he seeks to be part of his kingdom. They are those who:
1. Profiles rationally not critically.
2. Who are full of faith in their prayer life.
3. Who are daring enough to take the King’s highway rather than the road well traveled.
4. They who listen for truth, even if it pricks their heart.
5. Those who don’t mind being a servant - not a showman.
6. And those who listened in view that every lesson has a message for them and not for someone else.

Diary of Don Iverson, March 8

2006-03-12T16:35:00.000-05:00

For those who were concerned about our Indian brethren......

Contact Don to be put on his update I will broadcast no further for him. May God bless - Kirk White, Asbury church of Christ.

Kuthin Guli

Today I stood on the morning shore of Kuthin Guli Village. I watched scores of fishermen as they rode their brightly-painted new boats inland on the waves. It's early morning and most have fished all night. A crowd of men are gathered beneath a grass shed auctioning their catch. One man explained that he had yielded 4,000 ruppees ($88) from the night before. Ladies, squatting on the ground, cleaned their fish in preparation for going to the market. Excitedly, some of the fishermen escorted me to see the baby sharks they had caught during the night.

But these are not our brothers. Our brothers have been standing on the shore casting partial remnants of nets to try and catch enough fish to feed their families. Some of these faithful have searched to find shells and souvenir items they can sell for the tourist industry. At one brother's house I saw a partial cadamaran (canoe like boat) that had been cut in half by the tsunami. By sawing the boat and attaching a scrap board across the open end, they had been dangerously attempting to fish with half of a boat. These mighty men, babes in Christ, have been denied assistance because they are now members of the church of Christ.

The Word of God is powerful (Heb. 4:12). And as these fishermen's hearts were being pricked by the good news of a loving Savior who gave his life, they knew what would be the consequences of their confession. Their faith was greater than their fear and they looked into the eye of the "beast" and boldly proclaimed, "I will stand with God." I love these men!

FOOTNOTE: As I sit in this e-mail office on March 8, we jave just handing over money to the boat company to buy boats for these brethren. They will be delivered tomorrow. This is only one of the areas where we are able to assist. As I sit here I am thankful to a loving and compassionate Father who cares for his children. I am thankful for our brethren who have generously given to help these men. What a privilege I have to be here. Thank you. God is Great!

One Day at a Time

2006-03-12T16:29:00.000-05:00

Don't forget the ETSOPM lectures start Sunday. See you there! Kirk

One Day At A Time
Matt. 6:25-34
I. Introduction
A. Ann Landers wrote, “To be a parent is to worry.”
1. Many of us have broken that rule - whether parents or not, we worry.
B. Our lesson is quite simple today - we will examine the need to take life one day at a time.
C. From time to time every one of us need to be reminded:
1. GOD KNOWS OUR NEEDS this is why you should take it one day at a time.

2. GOD MEETS OUR NEEDS so why would you want to take it more than one day at a time
3. GOD EXCEEDS OUR NEEDS therefore, let us take it one day at a time
II. Since God knows your needs - let us take it one day at a time.
A. The text contrasts worry and reliability. Man worries - but God is reliable.
B. The text proves this by noting how nature relies on God a man without God becomes self reliant.
1. Until we as humans interferes, everything in nature works together, because all of nature trusts God. Jesus was saying God has built into His Creation the means by which all things are cared for. The birds are fed because they diligently work to maintain their lives. They do not store up great amounts of food, but continually work! The lilies grow daily through a natural process. The grass land greens during the rainy season and browns during droughts, yet the whole of earth is a planet of greenery.
2. Morgan Freeman in the Shawshank Redemption said, “You either get busy living or get busy dying.” In other words, you’re going to live today or die today - there’s nothing you can do about it. But the wisest thing to do is get busy living because death comes too soon regardless what age you attain. So Jesus says that nature teaches man all birds die and so do the plants but they don’t worry about it. They sing today and bloom today for their creator today, for by his grace, they are living today. God knows their needs, and he knows your needs - so take it one day at a time.
C. Man worries, about..... Terrorist, gas prices, retirement, beauty, popularity
1. Survey says.... 40% of the time we worry about things that will never happen, 30% concern things that can’t be changed, 12% center in on criticism, mostly untrue, made by people who feel inferior, 10% relate to health which worsens when you worry, And only 8% are legitimate concerns which you can do something about. Most of the time we worry about things that never happen.
2. What secret does the grass, birds and lilies have that we have yet to discover? Live one day at a time, because you are just given one day to live at a time.
3. If a terrorist strikes - be ready to meet God, if gas increases - conserve, if retirement benefits fold - be thankful you made it to retirement age - you’re beauty will fail, your popularity will fluctuate - be a man after God’s heart where beauty and popularity is weighed on a spiritual scale. Because God knows what you need - so take it one day at a time.

II. God meets your needs - So why would you want to take it more than one day at a time.
A. You recall the story of the rich fool (Lk. 12:16-21)?
1. Here we see the demise of a man who did not take it one day at a time.
2. He thought only of self - he used the personal pronoun “I” six times.
3. This rich man had only one day to live and he wasted it on himself
4. Song - Tim McGraw “Live like you were dying” speaks of the self seeking and self serving ideals we possess. “I went sky diving, rocky mountain climbing, 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Manchu, loved deeper, spoke sweeter, gave forgiveness I’ve been denying. Hope you get the chance to live like you were dying.”
5. Jesus - “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” The rich man spent those final few hours of his life grasping the things of the world and not looking up to God.
a. He thought of Gold - instead of God.
b. He thought of Pleasure - instead of People.
c. He thought of Ease - instead of Eternity.
6. God meets our needs Psalmist writes “I’ve been young, now I am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken nor his descendants begging bread.”
7. Remember the Lord’s Prayer. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus didn’t say anything about accumulating bread for tomorrow. He didn’t say anything about having a bread bank from which to draw. No, he said, “Give us today what we need today.” Focus on what we need now, not on what we feel we will need in the future.
B. God has met the needs of his people ever since they were alive.
1. Adam & Eve - Israel in captivity and wilderness; church in growth and persecution.
2. Ever wonder why God permitted Stephen to be stoned, Polycarp and others to be executed for his cause? Did not God see their need? Why did he let them die and others live?
a. War is war whether it be physical or spiritual. Causalities of war is inevitable. The cost of spiritual freedom is as great as the price of democracy - at times blood must be shed. So when my faith grows weary and my prayers appear to go unheard, I reflect back to savior who gave his life and those men and women who paid the price so truth may continue to spread and see....... God meets my needs, in life, in death... so why would I want to live life more than one day at a time - the worries of this day are great enough.

III. God exceeds your needs - Therefore, let us take it one day at a time.
A. Ten times God exceeded the needs of Israel by plaguing Egypt.
1. They still worried when they came to the Red Sea. “Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.”
2. Later, even after they had seen the miracles, God coming upon the mountain blazing in glory, they built an idol proclaiming, “This is what delivered you!” Why? Because they worried about Moses being gone 40 days saying this God must have killed him.
3. We read about God exceeding their need but they worried about giants in the land, bread to eat, water to drink and because of it, died in the wilderness - there’s a story here brethren - listen up! Worry will get you killed!
B. What the Matthew text tells us is that when we worry about things in which we have no control, we put ourselves in the same category as those who don’t know God verse 32
1. The unbeliever lives in a way in which he relies on himself.
2. Its sad to know that some Christians are still self seeking instead of seeking the kingdom.
3. Daniel wasn’t going to worry in the lion’s den he just kept on praying - Shadrack, Meshack, and Abindigo wasn’t going to worry when they had to take the high ground even if it meant the fiery furnace. Paul wasn’t going to worry even if going to Jerusalem would mean bondage. The apostles wouldn’t stop preaching even though it cost them their life. When they hid behind closed doors after the crucifixion Jesus appeared to them even behind closed doors to encourage them to get out and get busy living or my church will be dying. Seek first my kingdom - Worry kills the church.
C. Hasn’t God exceeded our needs? Shouldn’t we be about seeking the kingdom first?
1. The Greek word translated ‘do not worry’ literally means “to be drawn in different directions.” Thus, worry pulls us apart.
2. One of the things lion tamers carry into the cage with them is a chair. I understand that the chair is the most important piece of equipment they have. They will point that chair at the lions and the animals will try to focus on all four legs at once and become sort of paralyzed. Their attention is fragmented and they are disabled and weakened. That makes sense, doesn’t it?
3. So when we get focusing on too many worldly things we forget to seek out the one thing which is most important - the purpose of the kingdom in our life. Satan causes one to loose sight of the goal of Christ by pulling and drawing us in different directions - thus making us infidels - people who don’t trust in Yahweh Jirah - (the God who provides).
4. God exceeds our needs so lets take it one day at a time.

CONCLUSION
So there you have it. Jesus says, that if you are seeking the kingdom, you have very little to worry about. Nature is taken care of. The heathen are fed and clothed. Why worry about tomorrow when you may not even be given tomorrow. Today’s concerns are enough - live one day at a time for God and you will be a happier, healthier, and prosperous Christian.

A story is told about a man who came face to face with the dangers of worry: Death was walking toward a city one morning and a man asked, "What are you going to do?" "I’m going to take 100 people," Death replied. "That’s horrible!" the man said. "That’s the way it is," Death said. "That’s what I do." The man hurried to warn everyone he could about Death’s plan. As evening fell, he met Death again. "You told me you were going to take 100 people," the man said. "Why did 1,000 die?" "I kept my word," Death responded. "I only took 100 people. Worry took the others."

Now, if you knew that you had only one day to live, what would you do? Would you worry about it? Get busy living, or get busy dying. Seek the kingdom of God first or get busy preparing for an infidel’s reward. Live one day at a time because:
God Sees your needs
God meets our needs
God will exceed your need.
Thanks to HOWARD MCGLAMORY, SCOTT CARMER & TONY BRITT for several thoughts scattered throughout this lesson.

From the Diary of Don Iverson

2006-03-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

Here is an ongoing struggle that continues to need our help. If you feel this is a work you wish to get involved, contact doniverson@juno.com - just thought you'd like to know. ~Kirk

Brethren, Cathy and I returned from India today to our nice comfortable home. Through tear-filled eyes I want to share the writings of my diary from February 15. Please take the time to read it.

Don Iverson

The India sun was setting on the evening of February 15. We stood beneath a cloudless sky one mile from the Bay of Bengal. On this eastern shore the stinch of death is still fresh in the nostrils of these folks who now divide their lives by "pre" and "post" tsunami.

Gathered before me are my brothers and sisters. More than 100 sit cross-legged on the sandy ground. Some are widows. Their skin is as black as coal from working daily in the fields in the hot sun. In the front of the crowd are more than thirty children. They have just eagerly sung for me their newly learned song about being "Sons of Abraham." Their faces were so happy! How could I have known they were hungry?

I preached from Luke 5 about Peter gathering multitudes of fish into his boat. At one point I pulled a man from the crowd. His skin was coarse and dark. I knew he was a fisherman. I told the crowd, "I love these fishermen!" How was I to know as I shook his hard calloused hand that I was shaking hands with a mighty warrior, a spiritual giant in the kingdom of God? As I preached about using our boats (or whatever assets we might have) for God I didn't know this fisherman had lost his in the tsunami. Furthermore, he had been told that if he would stop being a faithful member of the church of Christ he could have a new boat, motor, and nets. He chose to suffer with Christ (I Peter 4:13).

In the shed-type house behind me, dinner had been prepared for Cathy and me. We struggled to eat the fish-fried rice, but the hospitality warmed our hearts. From the other room they brought a Pepsi for us to share. I felt guilty and could hardly swallow the soft drink. We gave the remaining half to the children of the hostess. That seemed to please her.

This house owner is my new brother in Christ. As we visited I learned that this generous husband and wife had been feeding these thirty-eight children (biscuits and an egg) twice weekly, teaching them Bible stories and songs. The little ones come from tsunami affected families and do not have enough food. He went on to explain how the Bible had completely changed him. Since the tsunami he has been baptized and completed three months in our Open Bible School program. What money he had is now gone and he has stopped the twenty-dollar-per-month program for the children. I found out through the translator that he had recently received a phone call from a Catholic priest who told him if he would stop the church of Christ from meeting in his home they would give him boats and nets to support his family. He chose Christ over food. I asked this brother, "Have you ever thought of being a gospel preacher?" Before he could answer his wife affirmed in Tamil, "Kaandipaar" (definitely)!

Though he was not asking, I explained that if there was any way, we would help. I stared into his smiling face as he answered, "Thank you, but regardless of whether you can help or not, we will stand for Christ and his Word!" I love these new brothers and sisters and I marvel at the power of God's word working in their lives. We don't have to doubt the sincerity of our brothers words. He has been suffering for his faith for nearly a year. I thought to myself, "It is one thing to say we love Jesus, and another to watch our family go hungry."

In Trichendur (where 25 members were withdrawn from by the village) our new brothers are being mocked. The other fishermen in the village have had their professions restored with new boats and nets. They now chide our poor hungry brothers and sisters and try to get them to leave the church. I asked my brother, "Why did you refuse?" He answered, "I cannot sell my soul. Money doesn't last forever. All of the other people are making fun of us. They scold us and say, 'you have lost everything because of the church of Christ.' I told them all material things will be destroyed one day. God will care for us!"

Thus far I have discovered 109 families, our new brothers and sisters, who have been treated the same way. They have been denied because of their faith. This is truly one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! So far, we have not even found one warrior who has broken ranks. They all continue firm on their newfound foundation, Jesus Christ. These are like those in Revelation who refused to worship the beast and had not his mark in their foreheads (Revelation 20:4). Their names, along with ours, are recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With a lump in my throat I send this e-mail. Our American brethren have been so generous to this cause, but we do not have funds to help these hungry saints who have given all for their faith. We feel responsible. In a way they are like our own spiritual children (II Tim. 1:2).Cathy and I have discussed the possibility of selling our own house (but that is unlikely at this point). Our initial survey shows we will need about $500 per family (109 families) to get them functioning again in their life-long professions. I am considering heading back to India next Sunday to deal directly with this problem.

Brethren, please share this with your congregation tomorrow. If there are those who can help, please send us an e-mail immediately, even before sending your check. That helps with the initial plan.

On behalf of our Indian brethren, Thank you.

Don Iverson

Unify

2006-03-12T16:23:00.000-05:00

Well it seems to be snowing every weekend now. Just a dusting on the valley floor. The mountains have been getting pounded, but within a day or so it is all melted and life is back to normal. So far, it hasn't laid on the street - its been too warm. My tulips are starting to sprout
-NOOOOO!!!! Won't be long till its time to crank up the mowers - happy, happy - Have a great week. - Kirk

UNIFY
Jn. 17:20-23

The short of it:
INTRODUCTION
A. Three words which sum up John 17 - Glorify, Sanctify, Unify
B. Today will will complete the list with UNIFY.
C. Most of us present today grew up hearing that the church should be ONE.
D. In the mind of the American worshipper, different is good. Tolerance is great. Diversity is wonderful!
E. It is the thrust of this lesson to speak of unity the way Jesus has described it.
1. When we fail to glorify, and sanctify ourselves as we ought there is no way to unify as we should.
2. We will notice church unity it in three avenues, theologically, emotionally, purposefully.
I. UNITY, THEOLOGICALLY SPEAKING.
A. It takes help in misunderstanding what Jesus meant.
B. Did the Holy Spirit instruct the apostles to be diverse in doctrine (Jn. 16:13)?
C. How Paul perceived theological unity.
D. No where in scripture are Christians taught:
E. You can know who is going to heaven.
II. UNITY, EMOTIONALLY SPEAKING
A. Jesus makes everyone equal (Gal. 3:24-28) by bringing them into his church (Eph. 5:23).
B. Such structure is designed to build up the smallest of person to help them become great servants of God.
III. UNITY, PURPOSEFULLY SPEAKING
A. We live in an age where we have institutionalized everything.
B. The church serves a divine purpose not the human purpose.
C. When the church is too busy building gymnasiums and touring the world, it cannot glorify, sanctify, educate or help his fellow man.
IV. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
A. How is unity maintained?
B. When we fail to glorify God, and sanctify ourselves as we ought there is no way to unify as we should.

THE LONG OF IT:

INTRODUCTION
A. Three words which sum up John 17 - Glorify, Sanctify, Unify
B. Today will will complete the list with UNIFY.
C. Most of us present today grew up hearing that the church should be ONE.
1. We were taught that that ‘ONEness’ meant every visible house of worship ought to believe, practice, and do things in the same way.
2. Unity in the mind of the 21st century worshipper is not what it was fifty years ago. There was a time when truth could be discovered, change made, and liars debunked. We now live in an age of ‘tolerance.’ It’s not that you must accept another’s views, but you must tolerate their views because they are espousing something different - and different to the world is good.
3. J. Gordon Melton is a Methodist minister with an unusual hobby. His hobby is denomination hunting. He literally scours the country trying to count the number of major denominations in the United States. He has currently identified over 70 major branches which make up over 2,000 denominations.
a. Some of them are very interesting.
1) One of them is "The Church of the Kennedy Worshippers." It is a church which actually believes that it can pray to the late President John F. Kennedy, and can be cured both of congenital defects as well as of terminal diseases.
2) Then there’s "The Church of the Ministry of Universal Wisdom." They look for flying saucers to come.
3) And then there’s "The Church of What’s Happening Now." It’s obviously a more contemporary church.
D. In the mind of the American worshipper, different is good. Tolerance is great. Diversity is wonderful!
1. As Ophra Winfrey said, “I believe that every religion is a way to God.”
2. Bobby Gilstrap makes an analogy about the stupidity of trying to unify the churches theologically. He said, “ IT’S LIKE THIS BOX OF CRAYONS – the crayons are different in color … different in size … different in use … but they all go back into the box together. As Christians (various denom. KW), we may be like different colors … different experiences, different worship styles, different approaches, etc. Some are newer and older colors … spiritually more experienced than others … some are new in the faith. The paper wrapper is peeling off of some crayons: like some believers show the evidence of suffering and pain and others are young in the faith with all the paper still in tact. Yet, with all the differences … all of the crayons fit right back into the box. Any observer can see that they are all together and unified in their task of being crayons. If the crayons refused to take (accept KW) their differences and (you to try) get them back in the box together with the other crayons … well you can see my analogy, can’t you?”
3. The rallying call use to be “Unity in Diversity.” I believe it has changed to “Forget Unity - Tolerate Me.” And so I read of ‘Christian’ worship centers voting on acceptability of women and gay ministers and such silliness whether the man is the head of the house or not. They vote on the reliability of the scripture, and what specific doctrine they will propagate. It’s not that the proponents of these ideas are interested in being right according to scripture, they just want something different. They wish not only to be tolerated in their views - but accepted. They want the Bible to submit to their philosophy and hog tie the church while they do it.
E. It is the thrust of this lesson to speak of unity the way Jesus has described it.
1. When we fail to glorify, and sanctify ourselves as we ought there is no way to unify as we should.
2. We will notice church unity it in three avenues, theologically, emotionally, purposefully.

I. UNITY, THEOLOGICALLY SPEAKING.
A. It takes help in misunderstanding what Jesus meant.
1. ‘As you are in me and I in you’ - what things theologically (doctrinally) did Jesus and his Father disagree upon? Isn’t this the same for you and me?
2. When Jesus promised to build his church he wanted us to maintain certain ideals (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:3-6). If one can understand that there is: ONE God, Son, Spirit, hope (heaven), then he should have no problem understanding that there also is ONE body (Eph. 1:21church not churches), ONE faith (Jude 3 not faiths), ONE baptism (Acts 2:38 not many).
B. Did the Holy Spirit instruct the apostles to be diverse in doctrine (Jn. 16:13)?
1. Paul to Corinth (1 Cor. 1:10-13)
2. Paul to Galatia (Gal. 1:6-9)
3. John recorded Jesus rebuking those who accepted different doctrines (Rev. 2-3).
C. How Paul perceived theological unity.
1. It should be defended (2 Timothy 2:2-4) and was (Acts 15; Gal. 2:11-17).
2. It was distributed to every church (1 Cor. 4:17).
3. Those who changed were to be dealt with (Rom. 16:17).
D. No where in scripture are Christians taught:
1. We are all going to heaven, just taking different roads.
2. We are all united in Christ, just under different names and worship practices.
3. You can’t know what really is truth (Jn. 1:17; 17:17).
E. You can know who is going to heaven.
1. Slanderous story about St. Peter giving a new comer to heaven a grand tour. In this room he said are all of this denomination, in this room is all of that denomination. As they passed another room the man asked Peter, who is in this room - Oh, don’t bother them, they are church of Christers, they think they are the only one’s here.
2. Those who will be in heaven are (Jn. 4:24) those who worship with the right attitude and in the correct way.
3. When we fail to glorify, and sanctify as we ought there is no way to doctrinally unify as he commanded.

Now to maintain doctrinal unity just to maintain doctrinal unity is a shallow faith. Therefore we must look at unity Jesus spoke of with deeper ideals in mind.

II. UNITY, EMOTIONALLY SPEAKING
A. Jesus makes everyone equal (Gal. 3:24-28) by bringing them into his church (Eph. 5:23).
1. Phil. 2:2-5 be sincerely inclined to meet each other’s emotional need.
2. Jas. 2:1-4 no preference to be given to the rich.
3. Philemon 1:16 no difference in Christ between a master and his slave.
4. Rom. 1:14-16 no barriers of race in the church of Christ.
5. 1 Cor. 12:13ff no big “I” and little “you” in the body. .- A man asked the preacher, “How many active members do you have in your church?” The preacher said, “They’re all active. Half of them are working with me and half of them are working against me.”
B. Such structure is designed to build up the smallest of person to help them become great servants of God.
1. When the body is about ‘to owe no man anything but love’ we will refrain from slanderous gossip, hateful looks, petty grievances. By love shall all men know we are his disciples (Jn. 13:35).
2. When we fail to glorify, and sanctify as we ought there is no way to be emotional unified as we should.
III. UNITY, PURPOSEFULLY SPEAKING
A. We live in an age where we have institutionalized everything.
1. Health care - nursing homes; child care - orphanages; benevolent care - Red Cross etc... entertainment care - gymnasiums, churches built as theaters.
B. The church serves a divine purpose not the human purpose.
1. It’s divine purpose is to dispense the knowledge of God throughout the world.
2. It’s divine purpose is to dispense the glory of God throughout the world.
3. It’s divine purpose is to sanctify the people so God may dwell with man.
4. It ‘s divine purpose is to help our fellowman attain heaven.
C. When the church is too busy building gymnasiums and touring the world, it cannot glorify, sanctify, educate or help his fellow man.
1. We are not told HOW to take care of the widows and orphans (Jas. 1:27) we are just told to do it.
2. We are not told HOW to help the poor or those in crisis situations (1 Jn. 3:17), but we are told to do it.
3. If the church - locally, nationally, universally would work as a unit, it would be greater than the Red Cross, United Way and the Bill Gates Foundation. But we don’t see the BIG PICTURE. We borrow money to build theaters but nothing for the orphanages. We mortgage ourselves to the eyeballs for gymnasiums, ball fields and workout centers and turn a blind eye to the aging and those burdened during disasters. The church is failing in this area.
4. What is the purpose of the church at this location? What is our mission? What do we plan to achieve for this community, region, state, nation, and world that God may be glorified?
5. When we fail to glorify, and sanctify as we ought there is no way to unite in purpose as we could.

IV. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
A. How is unity maintained?
1. Jesus - if you seek to glorify God you will not be so ‘me-centric’ and develop a work and sacrifice ethic in the behalf of God - then, unity will be maintained.
2. Jesus - if you seek to sanctify the Lord God in your heart, we will live holy lifestyles, we will avoid defiling ourselves, we will come out of Satan’s world and get into God’s - then, unity will be maintained.
3. Jesus - if you strive for theological unity, emotional unity, and unity of purpose under my direction - then, unity will be maintained.
B. It’s when we fail to glorify, and sanctify as we ought that there is no way to unify as we should.
1. Unity is maintained - not through tyranny, I’m the boss. Not democratically - let’s vote. but through love recognizing the Standard by which we all should obey.

CONCLUSION
Should we not be about practicing this kind of unity for which Jesus prayed? - So the world (ungodly) may believe! Should we not strive for the unity that the Holy Spirit commanded the apostles to teach so the church may be whole - emotionally and purposefully.

Sanctify

2006-03-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Nothing exciting to write home about this week - have a fabulous weekend!

The short of it:

SANCTIFY
John 17:13-19
Introduction
A. Last week:
1. Three words sum up John 17 - Glorify, Sanctify, Unify.
I. Definition “Sanctify - to set apart for holy purposes.”
A. Scripture inform us that nothing sacred is sanctified without blood.
1. As evidenced in the holy vessels of ancient worship (Heb. 9:19-22).
B. Now watch this - We are holy vessels of worship
1. Our bodies are the temple (1 Cor. 3:16) God cannot dwell in things which are not sanctified by holy blood.
So we need to be sanctified - HOW??
2. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ HEB. 9:13-14; 10:14
3. 21 things the blood does for the believer.
II. Christ’s Blood has the Power to sanctify anybody.
1. chiefest sinner
2. paul
3. thief on crosss
4. you and me
III. Come out from Satan’s World and get into God’s.
A. In Exodus 19:10-11 We have a story of the people sanctifying
themselves for the appearance of the Lord.
B. We are called to be Holy Leviticus 20:7-8 Sanctify yourselves
therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep
my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.
C. Stop defiling yourself!
IV. How to sanctify yourself
A. 10 ways the word sanctifies you.
B. By the Blood of Christ.

THE LONG OF IT

SANCTIFY
John 17:13-19
Introduction
A. Last week:
1. Three words sum up John 17 - Glorify, Sanctify, Unify.
2. We studied its not ‘all about me’ but to glorify our Heavenly Father.
a. We noticed that Jesus glorified the Father through obedience, works and sacrifice.
3. Today we look at the word “Sanctify.”
B. Illustration
A woman at a garage sale spotted a handsome antique copper kettle for only $2.50. It was badly tarnished, so she asked the woman running the sale if the discoloration would come out. She cheerfully offered to try some copper cleaner on it and disappeared with it into the house. Reappearing with the gleaming kettle, she handed it to the buyer for inspection. It was indeed a more attractive item, plus it also had a new tag attached. It read: "Like new-$10." APPLY: Interesting. When the copper kettle first went on sale, it’s owner practically gave it away. But something changed its value - a simple cleansing. When the owner took the trouble to clean away the grime/removed the discoloration and stains it was worth four times the amount she originally asked. Almost everything IS more valuable once it has been washed and cleaned up - and so it is with us. The Bible tells us we are stained with sin. The guilt and shame of our past behavior takes away our value Romans 3:23 tells us “for all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God”
I. Definition “Sanctify - to set apart for holy purposes.”
A. Scripture inform us that nothing sacred is sanctified without blood.
1. As evidenced in the holy vessels of ancient worship (Heb. 9:19-22).
B. Now watch this - We are holy vessels of worship
1. Our bodies are the temple (1 Cor. 3:16) God cannot dwell in things which are not sanctified by holy blood.

So we need to be sanctified - HOW??
2. We are sanctified by the blood of Christ HEB. 9:13-14; 10:14

a. 1 Peter 1:18, 19 were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, But with the precious blood of the lamb.
C. You see, When God sees the Christian he sees RED! How precious is Christ’s blood!
1. IT - Established a new Covenant (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 8:6-13; 13:20)
2. Bought redemption (1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Rev. 5:9)
3. Establishes eternal life in the believer (Jn. 6:54)
4. Purchased the church (Acts 20:28)
5. At times brought physical death to the faithful (Acts 7)
6. Demonstrated God’s righteousness (Rom. 3:25ff)
7. Justifies the sinner (Rom. 5:9)
8. Ensures fellowship with the godhead (1 Cor. 10:16;1 Jn. 1:7).
9. Brings to remembrance to the mind of the believer the act of grace (1 Cor. 11:23ff).
10. Receives forgiveness (Eph. 1:7).
11. Brought those who were estranged into fellowship (Eph. 2:13ff).
12. By it God was reconciled with us (Col. 1:20).
13. Obtained eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12)
14. Sanctifies the flesh of the believer (Heb. 9:13, 14; 10:29).
15. Remove sin (Heb. 10:4; Rev. 1:5)
16. Grants the believer boldness to enter the domain of God (Heb. 10:19).
17. Bears witness that the believer has overcome the world (1 Jn. 5:4-8)
18. Gives the believer righteous robes (Rev. 7:14).
20. Overcame Satan (Rev. 12:10, 11).
21. Worn as a vestment of victory in the battle against sin (Rev 19:13).
II. Christ’s Blood has the Power to sanctify anybody.
A. It takes the chiefest, vilest of sinners, sanctifies them body soul and spirit into a new creature formed in the image of God’s Holiness (1 Tim. 1:15).
B. Saul, a murderer, tried to destroy the church of the living God had an encounter with the power of that blood and was forever sanctified into “Paul, an apostle of Christ”
C. The thief on the cross had an encounter with the power of the blood of Jesus, and was sanctified from that of a condemned man into a saint dwelling in Paradise. (Heb. 9:15)
D. And to the man who desires to become a Christian, Christ’s blood can sanctify you 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
1. Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
2. In fact, God created blood to be a cleansing agent. In your body, blood takes oxygen and other supplies TO cells AND REMOVES waste and impurities from those cells. Blood literally cleans out the filth from your body. That is one of it’s major responsibilities. There is NO OTHER cleansing agent known to man that can purify our bodily system as well as the blood that courses through our veins.
3. Spiritually speaking there is no other cleansing agent known to man that can rid your soul of its filth and shame than the Blood of Jesus. # 2, 3 by JEFF STRITE
Since the blood of Christ is that means by which we have been sanctified, “Set apart,” what is our responsibility to that sanctification?
III. Come out from Satan’s World and get into God’s.
A. In Exodus 19:10-11 We have a story of the people sanctifying themselves for the appearance of the Lord.
1. God told Israel to Sanctify themselves and wash their clothes
a. In washing their clothes they would think about washing their souls clean.
2. What would you do if you knew God was coming back in two days
a. Prepare your body - wash, put on modest clothes, cover the tattoos, avoid intimacy, stop drinking, smoking, doping your system.
b. Prepare your behavior - Throw away certain music, videos, magazines. Go to church, pray, respect those of authority, age, and different race. Check your language, avoid lusting, speak up for Jesus! Make honest business deals. Be kind to family and friends.
c. All those questionable things in your life would not be so questionable.
3. We have been told that Jesus is coming, as a thief in the night - therefore the need for our continual sanctification.
4. Come out of Satan’s world and get into God’s.
B. We are called to be Holy Leviticus 20:7-8 Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.
1. Just like Israel, we have to do a sin check or a holiness check
2. Could it be that we have become so accustomed to sin that we are like Lot who sat in the city gates of a vile city that God destroyed.
a. We allow things into our lives and invite things into our home.
b. We categorize actions as YOUR “personal convictions”
c. We quote scriptures like “judge not lest you be judged” - Wimp! How dare you quote scripture to insult the grace of God.
3. Come out of Satan’s world and get into God’s.
C. All the Bible calls sin long ago, is still sin, God is still God. Sin will destroy you.
1. In the dark recesses of your mind you know it is wrong, you know it is sin and it is time we get back to a holiness state of living and quit making excuses. We need to sanctify ourselves before God!
2. We need to get out of Satan’s world and get into God’s.
How do you fare?
IV. We are encouraged to Quit defiling ourselves. Leviticus 11:44 For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
A. 1 Pet. 1:13-16 Prepare your mind for action...be holy. Quit defiling.
1. 1 Pet. 2:9 we are a chosen people ...be holy. Quit defiling.
B. We are called to be a light unto the world and there is no problem distinguishing light. Light and darkness can’t dwell together. You are either one or the other...be holy. Quit defiling .
C. I don’t care what it is or what you call it but there has to be a separation from the world. If you look like a duck, act like a duck, quake like a duck, you must be a duck.
1. Be in the world but not of the world. be holy. Quit defiling.

IV. How to sanctify yourself How do we sanctify ourselves? how do we become dead to our flesh? how do we prepare the way for the Glory of God to be seen in me?
A. Jesus left no doubt as to the process of how one may sanctify themselves John 17:17-19
We are sanctified by hearing, studying and applying the word of God to our lives. Ephesians 5:25-26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

1. God’s word separates us from the world by: inspiring, instructing, correcting, improving and training us in righteousness, we are unable to overcome our sinful desires. Study to know - then study to show.

2. God’s word separates us from the world by: gives us perspective that comes from above instead of from this world below. It is too easy to conform to the ways of the world set your mind on things above rather than on things below with the sanctifying power of God’s word.
3. God’s word helps us separate ourselves from cultural conformity. In an age when it seems vogue to be in sync with the pulse of the world’s morality it is vital to remember that God’s word holds us to a higher standard than what seems popular in the public’s perception. Rom. 12: 1,2
4. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us praise God with the glory that is due to Him.
5. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us gain greater patience to overcome evil with good instead of allowing evil to overtake us. God’s word endues us with a spiritual peace that passes human comprehension. Too many people try to find peace in intellectual endeavors or meditation exercises, but the word of God sanctifies our conscious brain.
6. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us focus on projects that will have eternal value.
7. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us focus on the higher purposes that God has for our life.
8. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us focus on kingdom priorities instead of mere human needs.
9. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us gain a problem-solving ability that comes from heavenly wisdom.
10. God’s word separates us from the world by: helps us please the Lord in all respects and bear fruit in every good work as we increase more in the knowledge of God. Only the Bible gives us the ability to please God because it aligns our thoughts with the mind of Christ. adapted PAUL FRITZ
B. Through his blood
1. We are sanctified by continually claiming the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ 1 Jn. 1:7
2. Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Go home today and sanctify yourselves in fasting, prayer reading of the word. Put off worldly activities for a while and prepare yourself for tonight and see what the Lord does for you tomorrow.

CONCLUSION
A. What a tremendous task Jesus asks of his disciples.
1. Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.
2. Sanctify yourself to be known as holy people.
B. One cannot sanctify themselves by their own mental powers (Isa. 55:8, 9).
1. Only the word of God can tell me how to set myself apart for his holy purpose.
2. My body is the temple of God, It has been sanctified by the blood of Christ when I was baptized. Let me not trample the blood of Christ under foot and do spite to the grace of God by Staying in Satan’s world and defiling myself with fleshly desires.
3. As the medication we take courses through our veins helping and healing our infirmities, let the word of God course throughout your body so it may cleanse your soul and be a new man, created in Christ Jesus.

Glorify

2006-03-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

Well we finally got a smattering of snow. They are calling for 2-4 inches tonight (Friday). Hope you have a great week! Kirk

The short of it:
GLORIFY
John 17:1-5
I. Introduction
A. Three words which sum up John 17 are:
1. Glorify - Sanctify - Unify
II. Man needs to glorify his Creator
III. Jesus Left us an Example to Glorify God.
1. Jesus Glorified God first through Obedience.
2. Next, Jesus Glorified God through works.
3. Third, Jesus glorified God through sacrifice.
CONCLUSION
A. REMEMBER … It’s not about YOU. Your struggles and trials might be for God to display His glory through you. God might be using you to reflect His glory … as a “Son-reflector”. MAYBE … You have been selected to suffer for God’s glory.
B. God will use whatever He chooses to reflect His glory … the universe … a beautiful sunset … your obedience, your works and your sacrifice

THE LONG OF IT:

GLORIFY
John 17:1-5
Introduction
A. Three words which sum up John 17 are:
1. Glorify - Sanctify - Unify
2. If one glorifies God in their thoughts, conduct and activity then....
3. They will sanctify themselves unto his service.
4. And if one sets himself a part for the Master’s use, then unity will prevail at home, in church and in the world.
B. For all intent and purpose this lesson will deal with the first aspect of Jn. 17 GLORIFY
1. 1 Cor. 10:31 "Whatever you do, do it ALL to the glory of the Lord."

II. Man needs to glorify his Creator
Quote: Charles Ryrie, a famous teacher from Dallas Seminary said, "God’s glory is His reputation. To live for God’s glory means to live so that God’s reputation is enhanced and not diminished in any way."
A. Glory in the Bible refers to worth, beauty and value.
1. The glory of God is His renown, his honor and His fame. When we seek to glorify God we give Him all our homage, service and devotion in all ways.
2. In the Old Testament, glory meant weight, substance and radiant beauty. To glorify someone is to recognize one’s worth, beauty and to speak of their honor so others may hear.
3. Thus to glorify the Lord is to speak of Him in a truthful way so we can worship Him with the beauty of holiness, truth and love (Jerm. 9:23, 24 good)

Quote: Ray Pritchard "Just as we cannot darken the sun we cannot decrease God’s glory, but we can cause others to see the glory of God or lessen their motivation to behold His splendor by poor choices." Jesus put it this way - Matt. 5:16
B. Too many people are turning to the Bible as a self-help book.
1. The Bible is essentially a book about God and His glory. The Lord is seeking people to be His worshipers (John 4:22-24). He draws people as worshipers who will freely give to Him their love inspired glory.
2. The Lord wants to draw all people into thanksgiving praise, sanctification of life and obedient worship. John revealed heaven as a place where the people “bring their glory and honor into it” (Rev. 21:24). 1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.

( following points [C-E] based on Lucado’s book – “It’s Not About Me”)

C. We live in a “me-centric” world. i.e., everything revolves around ME … my happiness … my wants … my pleasure … ME!
1. Up until 450 years ago, everybody believed that the universe, and the sun, and the planets revolved around the earth. THEN, in 1543, Copernicus told them that the earth wasn’t the center of the universe. 50 years later, Galileo said that the planets revolved around the sun. They were so opposed to this idea, that they threw him in prison, and kicked him out of the church. The very IDEA that WE weren’t the center of the universe, was unthinkable!

2. God has a very important LESSON in all of this … the world doesn’t revolve around YOU … or ME. God’s priority isn’t your comfort … happiness … or YOUR pleasure. If God existed to please you & me … THEN … why aren’t we pleased all the time? The TRUTH is … it’s not all about you or me … it’s all about GOD.
a. Why did God create the universe? Psalm 19:1 - “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.”
b. Why has God chosen the righteous to do his work? Isaiah 43:7 – “Even
every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”
c. Why does God allow troubles in our life? Psalm 50:15 – “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
d. Why did God send Jesus to earth? John 17:4 – “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.”
D. God wants the SPOT-LIGHT on HIM! EVERYTHING that God does, it brings Him glory!
1. NOW … this doesn’t mean that God has an EGO PROBLEM. If you or I did
everything we do for the purpose of receiving honor and glory, we would be considered arrogant … egotistical … conceited … pompous.
2. BUT … God doesn’t do everything so His glory will be revealed for HIS OWN good. God wants His glory revealed in everything that happens … FOR OUR GOOD … so we can WITNESS His glory … AND be a witness OF His glory (Rom. 8:28).
3. 1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.

4. God wants us to SEE His glory … SO … we can REFLECT it to the rest of the world. We are to be like the MOON. The moon doesn’t have any light of its own … it REFLECTS the light of the sun. We are to be “Son-Reflectors” … and reflect the glory of God that He displays for us in everything He does.
a. 2 Cor. 3:18 – “But we behold the glory of the Lord as a mirror, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord.”
E. Everything happens … everybody exists … everything was created … to give glory to God! Including YOU!
1. We think that the world ought to revolve around us. Do you really want that? (I know some people who SEEM to want it … want to be in the SPOT-LIGHT). LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING … IF it’s all ABOUT you … THEN … it’s all UP TO you.
2. God knows better than to revolve the world around you & me. WHY? BECAUSE … He knows that we are weak and powerless … He knows our limitations. BUT … GOD is GOD! To HIM be the glory! THAT’S WHY God wants all the glory … it’s not all about YOU … it’s all about HIM!
3. And one other thing - God doesn’t share His glory. LISTEN to what God says - Isaiah 42:8 – “I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another …”
4. The world doesn’t revolve around you & me … it revolves around God. LISTEN to what John the Baptist said about Jesus - John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease.” WHY? BECAUSE … it’s all about HIM … NOT about you & me.
1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.

III. Jesus Left us an Example to Glorify God.
Quick Summation: First we will notice how: 1. Jesus Glorified God first through Obedience.
2. Next, Jesus Glorified God through works. 3. Third, Jesus glorified God through sacrifice.
A. Jesus Glorified God first through Obedience.
1. Obedience comes through obeying the positive laws of God.
2. Some Bible characters who suffered for not obeying the positive laws of God.
a. Eve - ate the fruit, lost paradise; Nadab & Ahihu offered strange fire (Lev. 10:1, 2) lost their life; Saul didn’t fully obey (1 Sam. 15) lost the kingdom; The church at Ephesus was rebuked for losing their first love, Pergamos allowed different doctrines to enter the church, Thyatira tolerated sexual permissiveness, Laodicea was luke warm, and if these churches did not repent, he would take away their right to be called the church of Christ.
b. Naaman almost wasn’t cleansed (2 Kn. 5:10-13), fortunately he repented; Jonah became angry with God and got swallowed by a whale. Fortunately he repented.
3. On the other hand many others obeyed and by it glorified God.
a. Abraham (Rom. 4:20); Paul (Phil. 1:20).
4. The truth is, Jesus Christ left us an example to fully obey every command of God, whether they be moral laws or just something God told us we should do.
a. Obey your parents (Lk. 2:51; Eph. 6:2).
b. Love your neighbor as self (His miracles; our response to their need Jas. 2:14ff)
c. Be baptized (Matt. 3:17ff; - Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).
d. Assemble in God’s house (He was found in the synagogue teaching and singing Hebrews 2:12 - Heb. 10:25).
e. Keeping pure (1 Jn. 3:5; 1 Cor. 6:18-20)
• Sexual impurity doesn’t glorify God.
• Unhealthy eating habits … alcohol & drugs … living to satisfy the flesh … doesn’t glorify God.
• Your body is God’s TOOL … maintain it … for His glory.
• Your body is God’s TEMPLE … respect it … for His glory.
That’s why God gave you a body … so He would get all the glory.
4. Don’t think you can just get by by not breaking the moral laws and break every positive law God gave. Jesus Glorified God by his full obedience. We glorify God through our full obedience as well.
5. 1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.
B. Next, Jesus Glorified God through works.
1. Jesus said, "I have glorified you, Father, on the earth, having accomplished the work, you have given me to do." (John 17:4) We can best glorify God by accomplishing His will in us for life.
2. Our works? Many scoff at works. (Matt. 5:16 let your light shine)

3. Some men works tattle on their heart (Titus 1:16 profess to know God but in works deny him).
4. The Corinthian church were failing miserably in spiritual works thus hindering the glorification God.
a. They were divisive (1:10-13); doubtful of apostolic authority (chapters 2-4); harbors of sexual infidelity (chapter 5); court happy (6); fornicators (6); divorce happy (7); immature (8); complainers of those who received compensation for the Lord’s work (9); abusing the Lord’s Supper (11); jealous over spiritual gifts (12); failing in divine love (13); and doubting the resurrection (15). And in the mist of all this bad behavior Paul implores them to accept their responsibility - "Whatever you do, do it ALL for the glory of God."
5. We must see the church (people of God) as the medium by which God is glorified (Eph. 3:21). If the people do not live as to bring him glory then the glory of the Lord is gone from the church.
6. There is a story in the O.T. about two battles which Israel lost. The first loss was a set up. A prophet of God came to the current spiritual leadership and denounced them because the High Priest’ sons became evil. Their father had neglected his oversight in securing righteous judgment and righteous living for the next generation. So, God promise to end their ministration through death. In the second battle, (which was the fulfillment of this prophecy) the people thought that if they took the holy Ark of God into battle they would gain victory (use it as a good luck charm). What happened in this battle? Not only were they defeated, their spiritual leaders were killed, the Ark of God taken captive and their High Priest, Eli, died after hearing the Ark was captured (1 Sam. 2-4).
What happens after this event is a symbolic message to the following generations. Eli’s daughter-in-law, who, being pregnant, hears about her father-in-law and priestly husband’s death, goes into labor. It was a hard labor and she died during child birth. But before her death she named the baby boy Ichabod, which meant, the glory of the Lord had departed.
Today, quality spiritual lives are needed if God’s glory is to be revealed in his church. The church is the glory of the Lord today. We destroy that glory by having reckless attitudes toward holiness. By failing to pass on biblical spiritual values to the next generation we remove the glory of the Lord in his church. It is a indisputable and undeniable fact, that undisciplined behavior removes the glory of the Lord from his church. We become the modern Ichabod unless we fulfill our obligations as Christian parents, teachers, preachers and shepherds.
7. What a blessing it is to know that our works continue to glorify the living God!
8. 1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.
C. Third, Jesus Glorified God though sacrifice.
1. Col. 1:19-23 God gloried in the cross of Christ. And because Christ gloried in the cross, God honored his son (Phil. 2:8, 9).
2. Could it be that our struggles, our pain, our light affliction is nothing more than another way to bring glory to God.
a. Consider the blind man - Jn. 9:3 through him the works of God was made manifest.
b. Consider the leper - Lk. 17:14-16 our own physical frailty.
c. Remember Lazarus - he waited for him to die - Jn. 11
d. Peter’s death (Jn. 21:18, 19).
e. Persecution (1 Pet. 2:19-23).
3. What do you think will happen …
• When people see you put your trust in God, in your pain and suffering? God will be glorified.
• When people see how God sees you through your trials and testing … meeting your needs? God will be glorified.
• When people see your faith, in spite of your circumstances? God will be glorified.
• What do you think happened when Lazarus walked out of that tomb? They witnessed the glory of God.
• What do you think happened when the blind man came walking down the street without his white cane … greeting everybody? They witnessed the glory of God.
4. 2 Cor. 4:17 – “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” Compared to the glory that you will give to God … compared to the glory that you will receive in Heaven … it’s but a “light affliction”. MAYBE … YOU have been selected by God (like Lazarus and the blind man) to display the glory of God!
a. Are people strengthened because of your struggles? Do they see the glory of God in your trials?
5. 1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.

CONCLUSION
A. REMEMBER … It’s not about YOU. Your struggles and trials might be for God to display His glory through you. God might be using you to reflect His glory … as a “Son-reflector”. MAYBE … You have been selected to suffer for God’s glory. God will use whatever He chooses to reflect His glory … the universe … a beautiful sunset … your obedience, your works and your sacrifice.
B. So there you have it - the first word in Jn. 17 - GLORIFY.
1. Glorify God in your obedience
2. Glorify God in your works
3. Glorify God in your sacrifice.
4. 1 Cor. 10:31 Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.

Evangelism Project

2006-03-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

Recently I came across some evangelism material I had developed for a class and realized I wasn't doing what I had taught. As I review my mannerisms on our Great Commission I would like to ask each of you for your assistance in revitalizing this 'main thing' of our ministry. I feel that my evangelism has been from the pulpit rather than in the field. I know I must change this approach but have great difficulty in accomplishing it ALONE. I have tried to get some local preachers personally involved with the concept of working together by trading a day in each other's neighborhood - all to no avail - maybe they have the same problem I have - motivation.
Soooooo ... in light of this dilemma I and probably others out there of my 75 or so recipients of my 'weekly sermon' we should be able to talk this out and find out the keys to doing the Master's business more efficiently.
I am not looking at this moment - METHODOLOGIES because I have been through the 'Fisher's of Men,' 'OBS' and used Juel Miller programs. What I am asking us to do is to discover WHAT ARE THE BASICS? What do I do first in going? As the team must learn the basics - ball handling, tackling, and getting the first - first down, what are our basics? What do you do to psyche yourself up or begin that first conversation. As each of you respond I will post the gleanings and pass them on. If you choose not to help and are being somewhat successful in setting up studies or getting folk to attend - you are greatly hindering the gospel of Christ by not passing on what you know and what you do. As a child imitates his father or mother, we must imitate that which is working today. So I hope this will be well received not only as a personal plea but as a launching pad to help others in their respective work. So what do you consider to be the BASICS - boil it down.

Below is a take from a book written for salespeople by Frank Bettger.
Rule #1
ENTHUSIASM, THE “SPARK PLUG” OF EVANGELISM Frank Bettger in 1907 played baseball for a Tri-state League in Pennsylvania. He was fired one day by the manager. When he asked why, his manager said, “Because you are lazy.” He continued, “You drag yourself around lake a veteran of 20 years. Why do you act that way if you are not lazy?” Frank responded, “Well, I’m so nervous and scared, that I want to hide my fear from the crowd... I hope that by taking it easy I’d get rid of my nervousness.” The manager said, “Frank, that will never work. When you leave here, for heaven sakes, wake yourself up, and put some life and enthusiasm into your work.” Frank went from $175.00 month to $25.00 a month. Though he didn’t feel very enthusiastic, he began to ACT enthusiastic. In three days an old ball player asked him, “What in the world are you doing in a rank bush-league like this?” Because Frank began to ACT enthusiastic and changed his role in life.
1. He got moved from that low rate team to a better league.
2. There he allowed his nervousness work for him.
3. His enthusiasm affected the other players and they too became enthusiastic.
4. During games of extreme heat or despite the score he played enthusiastically and left the field knowing he had done his very best that day.
The local newspapers started calling him “Pep” Bettger, the life of the team. In 10 days he went from $25.00 to $185.00 a month not because he could hit any better, throw better or had any more ability than his peers. He simply became enthusiastic about what he was doing! Not long before that he was playing for a pro team, the Saint Louis Cardinals.
Other than truth presented in a loving way, ENTHUSIASM is by far the biggest selling tool you have in your evangelistic arsenal. Without enthusiasm your religious discussions is about a dead as last year’s turkey. So if you want to become enthusiastic about the gospel, ACT enthusiastic!
Victory
You are the man who used to boast
That you’d achieve the uttermost,
Some day.

You merely wished a show,
To demonstrate how much you know
And prove the distance you can go. . . .

Another year we’ve just passed through.
What new ideas came to you?
How many big things did you do?

Time. . .left twelve fresh months in your care
How many of them did you share
With opportunity and dare
Again where you so often missed?

We do not find you on the list of Makers Good.
Explain the fact!
Ah no, ‘twas not the chance you lacked!
As usual - you failed to act!