Sermon Title: If You Catch the Wrong Bus, You End Up in the Wrong Place
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."
Here's some devotional thoughts about this passage from the great Bible scholar, FB Meyer:
"It must be admitted that, in its first stages, the broad way is generally easy and rather delightful. The boat launched on the flowing stream sweeps merrily and pleasantly along, the gradient of the road slopes so as to make walking easy, the sun shines, and the path is filled with bright flowers. But to a life given up to self-indulgenece, there is only one end - destruction.
There is a more excellent way, but it is too narrow to admit the trailing garments of passionate desire, too narrow for pride, self-indulgence, greed and avarice - it is the Way of the Cross, but it leads to Life! We all want to see life - and the remarkable thing is that those who expect to get most out of it by self-indulgence miss everything; whilst those who seem to curtail their lives by following Christ, win everything. Few find and enter this path, is the lament of our Lord. Let us put our hand in His, that He may lead us into the path of life, 'that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.'"
This Sunday I will speak about this "more excellent way", a life that is committed and obedient to Christ, and fears the "broad road", the life of sin. Hope to see you then!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, August 22nd: Mark 10:17-22
Sermon Title: There Is A Key That Unlocks Yourself
As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on His knees before Him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," He said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
This young man is not introduced in the Gospel of Mark, but the Gospel of Luke recognizes him as a member of the ruling council or court ("ruler"). See Luke 18:18-30 and Matthew 19:16-30 for their versions of this story. Notice that the young man asked, "What must I do...?" He thought that eternal life was something to be earned. Jesus taught that eternal life was something to be received just as a little child receives a gift (see Mark 10:14-15). Jesus noticed this and says, "One thing you lack..." What the young man lacked was a heart that was disengaged with the world; his heart was attached to his riches and power above all. Thus, he was placing his riches and power over Christ and Christ was declaring to him that He would require full allegiance.
Also notice verse 21, "Jesus looked at him and loved him." Even though the young man was not fully committed and did not decide to follow Jesus, Jesus still loved him. I believe we can apply this verse to each of us, as Christ looks at us and loves us (see Romans 8:35-39). What a powerful thought - the Creator of the Universe looks at us with love.
I will speak about this and more on Sunday as we examine how the truth of Christ, the love from Christ and faith in Christ can literally transform our lives. See you then!
As Jesus started on His way, a man ran up to Him and fell on His knees before Him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" "Why do you call Me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good - except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'" "Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy." Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," He said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
This young man is not introduced in the Gospel of Mark, but the Gospel of Luke recognizes him as a member of the ruling council or court ("ruler"). See Luke 18:18-30 and Matthew 19:16-30 for their versions of this story. Notice that the young man asked, "What must I do...?" He thought that eternal life was something to be earned. Jesus taught that eternal life was something to be received just as a little child receives a gift (see Mark 10:14-15). Jesus noticed this and says, "One thing you lack..." What the young man lacked was a heart that was disengaged with the world; his heart was attached to his riches and power above all. Thus, he was placing his riches and power over Christ and Christ was declaring to him that He would require full allegiance.
Also notice verse 21, "Jesus looked at him and loved him." Even though the young man was not fully committed and did not decide to follow Jesus, Jesus still loved him. I believe we can apply this verse to each of us, as Christ looks at us and loves us (see Romans 8:35-39). What a powerful thought - the Creator of the Universe looks at us with love.
I will speak about this and more on Sunday as we examine how the truth of Christ, the love from Christ and faith in Christ can literally transform our lives. See you then!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, August 15th: John 21:15-17
Sermon Title: You Don't Have to Reinvent the Wheel
"When they had finished eating, jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt because jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."
Peter had denied the Lord three times and now Christ was giving him the opportunity to affirm his belief in Him three times. Notice Peter's response to Christ question, "Do you love me?" Peter responses, "Lord you know all things; you know that I love you." Peter was unwilling to compare himself with the other disciples (see John 13:37) or speak about the depth of his love in his response (see Matthew 26:33). His modest response reflects the fact that he learned not to trust in his own heart (see Luke 22:62) and he now knew that his ability to please the Lord was from God alone, not based on his own strength (see I Peter 2:25).
"When they had finished eating, jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.' Again Jesus said, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me?' He answered, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Take care of my sheep.' The third time he said to him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt because jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love me?' He said, 'Lord you know all things; you know that I love you.' Jesus said, "Feed my sheep."
Peter had denied the Lord three times and now Christ was giving him the opportunity to affirm his belief in Him three times. Notice Peter's response to Christ question, "Do you love me?" Peter responses, "Lord you know all things; you know that I love you." Peter was unwilling to compare himself with the other disciples (see John 13:37) or speak about the depth of his love in his response (see Matthew 26:33). His modest response reflects the fact that he learned not to trust in his own heart (see Luke 22:62) and he now knew that his ability to please the Lord was from God alone, not based on his own strength (see I Peter 2:25).
If the Lord asked you if you love Him, how would you respond? Would you say, Lord, you know how much I give, how often I attend church, pray and help others? Or would you say, Lord, I love you more than other Christains? Or perhaps the best answer would be, "you know Lord." I am not perfect, I often fail you, I always need your forgiveness, but you know Lord, I love you.
Why did Jesus ask Peter to "feed" His lambs? Find out the answer to that question this Sunday morning, as I talk about how "feeding" the "lambs" will encourage us to attend church and live morally. See you then!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, August 8th: Deuteronomy 31:6,8
Sermon Title: God, the Greatest Partner that We Could Ever Have!
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
The Isrealities were faced with having to confront and defeat their enemies as they were to move into the Promise Land. The Lord's exhortation to them was "be strong and courageous" (see Joshua 1:6; 10:25). Notice that God did not instruct them to trust in their own abilities and strength. Rather, they were to trust in God, Who would "never leave" them nor "forsake" them (see Joshua 1:9).
These verses speak to us of God's accompanying power that is with us in all our journeys and assisting us in all our work. Whatever our expectation is of God, He is doing so much more; you cannot expect too much from God ("He will never leave you"). God knows without Him you cannot do anything and because of this, He will continue to be with you ("nor forsake you").
This coming Sunday is Vacation Bible School Sunday and we hope to have several of the kids from our Saturday one-day VBS in attendance. I will focus the message on how God is the Greatest Partner we can have because He never leaves us, always helps us and forever loves us. Hope to see you then!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, August 1st: Mark 8:22-26
Sermon Title: Its Important to Focus
"They came to Bethsida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, 'Do you see anything?' He looked up and said, 'I see people; they look like trees walking around.' Once more Jesus put His hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village.'"
Two questions arise from the reading of this story: one, why did Jesus tell the man who was healed not to go into the village? Biblical scholars give many reasons, but the most probable reason is because Jesus was not finished with His ministry in Bethsida and was afraid that the man who was healed would cause chaos and a crisis. This had happened before in Galilee (see Mark 1:45). This is in contrast with other places where Jesus told those who were healed to "proclaim" what was done for them (see Mark 5:18-20). In those places Gentiles (non-Isrealites) were the dominate population, so they were not expecting a Messiah who would deliver them. Today, God wants us as Christ followers to tell others about the miracle-working Christ and the salvation that is provided through His death and resurrection throughout the world (Mark 16:15).
The second question that arises: why did Jesus have to touch the man's eyes twice before he was fully healed? To hear the answer to that question, you have to come to church on Sunday and hear the sermon! Hope to see you then!
"They came to Bethsida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, 'Do you see anything?' He looked up and said, 'I see people; they look like trees walking around.' Once more Jesus put His hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, "Don't go into the village.'"
Two questions arise from the reading of this story: one, why did Jesus tell the man who was healed not to go into the village? Biblical scholars give many reasons, but the most probable reason is because Jesus was not finished with His ministry in Bethsida and was afraid that the man who was healed would cause chaos and a crisis. This had happened before in Galilee (see Mark 1:45). This is in contrast with other places where Jesus told those who were healed to "proclaim" what was done for them (see Mark 5:18-20). In those places Gentiles (non-Isrealites) were the dominate population, so they were not expecting a Messiah who would deliver them. Today, God wants us as Christ followers to tell others about the miracle-working Christ and the salvation that is provided through His death and resurrection throughout the world (Mark 16:15).
The second question that arises: why did Jesus have to touch the man's eyes twice before he was fully healed? To hear the answer to that question, you have to come to church on Sunday and hear the sermon! Hope to see you then!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, July 25th: Luke 19:1-10
Sermon Title: There Is A Land of Beginning Again
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.' But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Zacchaeus, being a tax collector, made a living by charging taxpayers more than what they owed to the Roman government. Thus, the tax collectors were despised by the people because of their greed and lack of conscious. However, Zacchaeus was so touched by the ministry of Jesus that he went beyond what was required by law in making restitution to those he owed (see Exodus 21:37; Numbers 5:5-7). His faith allowed him to experience a new relationships with Christ, one which allowed him to fellowship with Christ in his home. It was not his actions that "earned" him this privilege, but rather his faith was demonstrated in his actions (Galatians 3:10-14).
This coming Sunday I will speak about the story of Zacchaeus and how it demonstrates that there is "a land of beginning again" with God. In this "land" we can find acceptance, forgiveness and life from God. See you then!
"Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, 'He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.' But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.' Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Zacchaeus, being a tax collector, made a living by charging taxpayers more than what they owed to the Roman government. Thus, the tax collectors were despised by the people because of their greed and lack of conscious. However, Zacchaeus was so touched by the ministry of Jesus that he went beyond what was required by law in making restitution to those he owed (see Exodus 21:37; Numbers 5:5-7). His faith allowed him to experience a new relationships with Christ, one which allowed him to fellowship with Christ in his home. It was not his actions that "earned" him this privilege, but rather his faith was demonstrated in his actions (Galatians 3:10-14).
This coming Sunday I will speak about the story of Zacchaeus and how it demonstrates that there is "a land of beginning again" with God. In this "land" we can find acceptance, forgiveness and life from God. See you then!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, July 18th: Ephesians 4:25-32
Sermon Title: Remember Everybody Has An Empty Sleeve
Our text reminds us that words do matter. It says that "unwholesome talk" (v. 29) grieves the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is holy, loving, true and peaceable. Unwholesome talk is unholy, harsh, lacks love and truthfulness. Because this grieves the Holy Spirit, it interferes with our relationship with God (I Thessalonians 5:19; Hebrews 10:29). Thus, the text encourages us to "be kind" (v. 32) and speak "what is good" so that we can extend "grace to the hearers" of our words (v. 29). Let us learn to put the "unwholesome" words away and practice speaking grace to others, especially to those in our own homes (see Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8; and Matthew 5:6 for further study).
The sermon on Sunday will focus on Ephesians 4:31-32 and I will speak on how we should remember that everyone has a weakness and need. If we remember this, we can better understand, forgive and love others. Have a blessed week and see you on Sunday!
Our text reminds us that words do matter. It says that "unwholesome talk" (v. 29) grieves the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is holy, loving, true and peaceable. Unwholesome talk is unholy, harsh, lacks love and truthfulness. Because this grieves the Holy Spirit, it interferes with our relationship with God (I Thessalonians 5:19; Hebrews 10:29). Thus, the text encourages us to "be kind" (v. 32) and speak "what is good" so that we can extend "grace to the hearers" of our words (v. 29). Let us learn to put the "unwholesome" words away and practice speaking grace to others, especially to those in our own homes (see Ephesians 5:4; Colossians 3:8; and Matthew 5:6 for further study).
The sermon on Sunday will focus on Ephesians 4:31-32 and I will speak on how we should remember that everyone has a weakness and need. If we remember this, we can better understand, forgive and love others. Have a blessed week and see you on Sunday!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Scripture for Sunday, July 11th: John 1:9-14
Sermon Title: You Can't Understand If You Don't Know the Language
Our text tells us that life is found in the light (see verse 4). Moses saw this same light in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Isaiah saw it in his heavenly vision (Isaiah 6:1-5). Peter, James and John saw it on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). This light is Jesus Christ (v.9) and enlightens every person but the world refuses to receive this light and consequently the world does not know the source of the light where life is found (v. 10,11). Notice that those who do receive Him, He empowers to be transformed and enlightened, and they become His children (v.12). It is our responsibility as Christians to live in this light be being in fellowship with the Source, Jesus Christ, and point others to the light.
This week's sermon will focus on understanding three key terms that are basic to the Christian faith: mercy, grace and salvation (all of which are found in Sunday's Scripture text). These are three of the most common terms we use at church. They are powerful words, but if we fail to clearly define what they mean, we can't understand what God is trying to convey to us. So I hope to define these terms and apply them to our daily lives in my sermon on Sunday.
Have a blessed week and see you at church on Sunday!
Our text tells us that life is found in the light (see verse 4). Moses saw this same light in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Isaiah saw it in his heavenly vision (Isaiah 6:1-5). Peter, James and John saw it on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). This light is Jesus Christ (v.9) and enlightens every person but the world refuses to receive this light and consequently the world does not know the source of the light where life is found (v. 10,11). Notice that those who do receive Him, He empowers to be transformed and enlightened, and they become His children (v.12). It is our responsibility as Christians to live in this light be being in fellowship with the Source, Jesus Christ, and point others to the light.
This week's sermon will focus on understanding three key terms that are basic to the Christian faith: mercy, grace and salvation (all of which are found in Sunday's Scripture text). These are three of the most common terms we use at church. They are powerful words, but if we fail to clearly define what they mean, we can't understand what God is trying to convey to us. So I hope to define these terms and apply them to our daily lives in my sermon on Sunday.
Have a blessed week and see you at church on Sunday!
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