Scripture for June 24th: Matthew 25:14-30

Sermon – Myth #4, God Has A Pre-Determined Blueprint for My Life

“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’ “His master replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

“God will always work out His will in our lives.” This is a common misconception that is often communicated by sincere believers. No matter what happens, they say, God will carry out His purposes in our lives. But the parable that Jesus spoke tells us that this is not true. In fact, our decisions do matter and our decisions with the choices that we are confronted with can have a profound impact for all of eternity.

L.J. Ogilvie writes the following concerning this parable: “This parable focuses primarily upon the useless servant. Gifts that are not used are lost. The title “talents” is unfortunate, in that in our language we use the word “talent” to refer to natural aptitudes or abilities that people have. The talent in this story was a weight, and its value depended on whether the object weighed was copper, silver, or gold. In the story, talents were given to the several men according to their “abilities” (v. 15). It would be best to interpret the talents as opportunities. And in the parable each of the men is given opportunity according to ability and is expected to serve faithfully. This is a parable on responsibility.

The men who had received five and two talents respectively took risks; they applied themselves actively in their responsibility. But the unfaithful servant thought only of himself and his security, risked nothing, and achieved nothing.

On the Master’s return there is an accounting from each. The two servants, representing faithful disciples, had transformed privilege into action. The response of the Master carries the note of eschatological joy; the “good and faithful” servants enter the joy of their Master. But as soon as the unfaithful servant opens his mouth, it is evident that he was not interested in his Lord’s cause or advantage but rather in saving his own skin. One who cannot venture his own person cannot take risks for the sake of his Lord! He was judged according to his conduct. What was given was taken away, “For whosoever shall save his life shall lose it… .” The story closes with the language of destruction in outer darkness—the symbol of the anguish of ultimate separation.”

Our decisions do matter; God will not “over-ride” our will – we will be accountable for the decisions we make. On Sunday, we will discuss this parable further and we will see how the role of initiative, faith and faithfulness should play in our decision-making as we continue the sermon series, “Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe.” Hope to see you then!

Scripture for June 17th: Ephesians 6:1-4

Sermon Title: Myth #3, A Godly Home Guarantees Godly Children

“Children, you belong to the Lord, and you do the right thing when you obey your parents. The first commandment with a promise says, “Obey your father and your mother, and you will have a long and happy life.” Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.”

This story is taken from an edition of the daily devotional, “Our Daily Bread”: “A strange dog came to a preacher’s house, and his three sons soon became quite fond of it. It so happened that there were three white hairs in the animal’s tail. One day an advertisement was seen in the newspaper about a lost dog which fitted that description perfectly. “In the presence of my three boys,” said the minister, “we carefully separated the three white hairs and removed them.” The real owner discovered where the straying canine had found a home and came to claim him. The dog showed every sign of recognition, so the man was ready to take him away.

Quickly the minister spoke up, “Didn’t you say the dog would be known by three white hairs in its tail?” The owner, unable to find the identifying feature, was forced to leave. The minister said later, “we kept the dog, but I lost my three boys for Christ.” His sons no longer had confidence in what their father professed. He hadn’t practiced what he preached.”

What we do or don’t do will influence those around us, especially those we love the most. But can we do things to “guarantee” that they will choose to follow God? Many believe we can, because they think that a godly home will always produce godly children. We will share why this is not true and why parents are still response to influence their children in a godly manner this coming Sunday as we continue the sermon series, “Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe.” Hope to see you then!

Scripture for June 10th: Psalm 51:1-15

Sermon Title: Myth #2, Forgiving Means Forgetting

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb; you taught me wisdom in that secret place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.

“But God forgot about my sin, so why shouldn’t I?” This was a response that a woman had about a grievous sin that she had committed which hurt many people. She believed that God had forgiven and forgotten her sin, so she was not going to think about her past at all. It was time to move forward, and to forget her past. Unfortunately, this is the attitude many Christians have about their past sins – because God has forgiven, then we should simply forget them. However, if we choose to never remember our past, then we lose such great opportunities for blessings and to be a blessing to others. For example, when we remember what God has delivered us from, we are reminded that sin never works – it always brings destruction to our lives. This causes us to run from sin and turn to God, living in the ways in which He taught us to live. Sin is like falling off a cliff and getting hurt – when we remember all the pain that we felt when we fell off the cliff, we want to stay away from the edge and remain on safe ground.

Someone once wrote “10 things we cannot do without reaping bad consequences.” Here’s that list:

(1) Sow bad habits and reap a good character.
(2) Sow jealously and hatred and reap love and friendship.
(3) Sow wicked thoughts and reap a clean life.
(4) Sow wrong deeds and live righteously.
(5) Sow crime and get away with it.
(6) Sow dissipation and reap a healthy body.
(7) Sow crooked dealings and succeed indefinitely.
(8) Sow self-indulgence and not show it in your face.
(9) Sow disloyalty and reap loyalty from others.
(10) Sow profane words and reap clean speech.

Galatians 6:7 reminds us that we will “reap what we sow” and whenever we sin, we will reap the consequences. It’s good to remember the past consequences of sin in our life to avoid the same sins. And remembering our past sins also causes us to praise God for the forgiveness that we now have – it should produce a thankful heart. We will talk more about remembering the past as we continue the sermon series, “Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe” this Sunday. Hope to see you then!

Scripture for June 3rd: Luke 9:23-26

Sermon Title: Myth#1, Faith Can Fix Anything

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

“You need more faith.” Christians often hear and believe this as they face challenges or trials in their lives. It’s as if faith is the “magic answer” to all that troubles them. If only I had more faith, they believe, things would be better. It doesn’t help matters when preachers give messages about the “faith promise,” i.e., the promise of good things for those who have great faith.

The truth is we as Christians need to exercise great faith. It takes faith to believe in Christ and it takes faith to continue to live faithfully the life that Christ has called us to live. But faith does not prevent bad things from happening in our lives. Whether we have faith or not, rainy days will come our way, problems will persist and we will all experience sadness at times. In fact, faith in God will cause our lives to become harder. The text says that Jesus spoke about the need to sacrifice and deny ourselves if we are truly to be followers of Him. Thus, faith doesn’t “fix” our problems; rather, faith helps us to live our lives powerfully and victoriously in the midst of our troubles, struggles and problems.

This coming Sunday we will talk more about the role sacrifice, denial and the cross plays in our faith as we begin a new sermon series entitled, “Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe.” Hope to see you then!

Scripture for May 28th: II Chronicles 7:14

Sermon to be Delivered by Mr. Rick Stayton

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, may we each pause to give God thanks for the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. Here’s a poem that reminds us of their work:

The Noble and the Brave:
A Memorial Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.
They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.
They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.
Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.
We salute every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.
So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs

This coming Sunday we will honor our veterans as members of the Virden American Legion Post #386 will be in attendance. Our guest speaker will be Rick Stayton, a Vietnam-era veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Rick is from Carlinville and served in Vietnam with others from the Girard-Virden area. During his message he will speak about the 4 young men from Girard who lost their lives in Vietnam. Hope you will honor our veterans by being in attendance – God bless our veterans!

Scripture for May 20th: Psalm 27:1-6

Sermon Title: Overcome Fear

The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.

Why do people problems in relationships? The answer in many cases may be very simple: they are afraid. Because of past experiences, people fear becoming vulnerable and intimate in their relationships with others. The fear of experiencing yet another disappointment and hurt keeps them isolated from meaningful relationships.

Dr. Gary Smalley, in this book, “The DNA of Relationships,” speaks to this when he writes: “Fear is as old as the Garden of Eden. In the beginning, Adam and Eve enjoyed a perfect and satisfying relationship with God and with one another. But the moment they disregarded God’s instructions and chose instead to follow the serpent’s advice, fear took over. It spoiled their relationship to God and to each other. And we have been feeling its destructive effects ever since.”

In the text above, the psalmist writes about overcoming fear through the Lord – it is He that provides “light”, “salvation” and truly deliverance from our oppressing fears. On Sunday we will discuss this further, as we look at overcoming our fears in relationships by not blaming others, seeking confidence from God and desiring the deliverance that God can give us as we conclude the sermon series, “The DNA of Relationships.” Hope to see you then!

Scripture for May 13th: John 4:4-13; 19-26

Sermon Title: Create a Safe Environment

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon. When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?” Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

“I can’t accept that person.” This is something that our attitude towards someone may say without words. Too often it is this same attitude Christians have toward others as they act as if they are better than others. Non-Christians get the message and are deterred from knowing God because of it. The text shows that Christ did not have this attitude towards a woman whom His culture had said was not worthy of speaking to. Instead, Christ demonstrated the ability to see this woman as valuable, someone who He had come to “seek and save” (Luke 19:10).

Dr. Gary Smalley, in his book, “The DNA of Relationships,” speaks to this when he writes the following: “Honor is a way of accurately seeing the immense value of someone made in God’s image. God created each one of us as a one-of-kind person, with unique gifts and personality. He sees us as precious and valuable. When we see others as God sees them, when we recognize and affirm their value, we help create a safe environment that encourages relationships to grow.”

Christ created a safe environment to minister to the woman in the text by first honoring her through speaking to her and demonstrating His compassion for her. This coming Sunday we will talk more about creating a safe environment in our relationships as we continue our sermon series, “The DNA of Relationships.” We will also celebrate Mother’s Day by honoring our mothers in our congregation. Hope to see you then!

Scripture for May 6th: Luke 11:1-13; Mark 11:17

Sermon Title: My House Shall Be A House of Prayer

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.” And he said to them, “Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything’? I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his impudence he will rise and give him whatever he needs. And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”

“I don’t have time to pray.” We often express this thought because we wrongly believe that what we do is more important than prayer. Nothing could be further than the truth. Prayer is not only more important than what we do, but it is so much more powerful. Why is prayer so powerful? Because in a sense, it was what you and I were created for – to be in relationship with the living God.

Rev. Rick Astle, in his book, The Priority of Kingdom-Focused Prayer, speaks to this when he writes: “The fact that God created us in order to have fellowship with us, coupled with the fact that He sent His only Son Jesus to earth to restore that fellowship after it was broken, tells you something of the priority God places on relationship! There’s no doubt about it, your Heavenly Father wants you to know Him on a level deeper than just a ‘casual acquaintance.’ His priority goal is to reveal Himself to you. So if you want to love the Lord more deeply and obey Him more readily, you will need to begin with knowing Him more intimately. The believer’s ‘Divine Domino Theory’ is really very simple and works as follows: Priority time given to Bible study and prayer moves you to know God; knowing God moves you to love God; loving God moves you to worship and obey God.”

This coming Sunday, our guest preacher, Rev. Don Evans, will speak about the importance of prayer not only in the life of individual Christians, but also in the church. I hope that you will have an opportunity to come and hear his message, and you will be encouraged to make prayer a priority in your life.