Sunday, December 27, 2009

The LORD's Day, December 27, 2009


Looking Back To Bethlehem

Matthew 2.1-12


We need to have one foot in Biblical times and another in contemporary times as we work out our salvation, while both planted firmly in the timeless Christ.


If we move too quickly into the New Year we can miss some of the meaning and message of Christmas. We rush from one thing to another these days. Slow down! This morning let's look back to Christ's first coming. Look back to Bethlehem, December 25, 0000 AD.


1. Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of King Herod.


Jesus was born- The Word became flesh. God in man is now residing.

It was an event in human history.

His Name will be called Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

Immanuel, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace


In Bethlehem, its vicinity, municipality, the shepherds were in the fields nearby but Jesus was born in the city, the city of David.

Bread of Life, The Bread that comes down from heaven born in a city whose name means House of Bread


During the time of King Herod, the terrorist. Christmas Evening another attempted terrorist act was stopped. We live in horrific days, but as in the time when Jesus was born, great days of God working in the world, all over the world!


2. Shepherds came, witnessed the event, then spread the news about Jesus.

Luke 2.8-20


They hadn't even had a class on how to do it! These men serve as examples. They were the first to see, other than Mary and Joseph, the LORD's Christ. They were eyewitnesses of Jesus' birth.


They came to Bethlehem. As we look back at the manger there and see Christ Jesus, the little LORD Jesus, we see shepherds worshiping and then spreading the news which is exactly the pattern we ought to be in today this morning. We are here to worship. After we leave we are entering into a world that does not know Christ and we are to tell the news around wherever we go.


Their telling raised Messianic hopes. When John the Baptist came 29 1/2 years later, preparing the way, the Shepherds had prepared the way for him! Shepherds are close to the heart of God.


Looking back to Bethlehem we see that...


3. Wise men seek the LORD.


They saw the star and followed it.

They traveled to Bethlehem.

They gave gifts to the LORD.

They worshiped Him.

They listened to the LORD, not Herod.


4. We see this Holy Family in crisis but in the Hands of God.
If we move too fast from celebrating the Advent we miss much. The wisemen took appraoxiamately 2 years to get there. After the event in the manger 2 years of life transpired for Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. We know they remained in Bethlehem. Joseph, no doubt, worked as a carpenter. Children have ascended to thrones so perhaps they wondered if Jesus would. Bethlehem is just down the road from Jerusalem. Travel at that time and actually always was difficult for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
When it was time to flee, the fled at night. God was with them.
Life can bring some very trying and painfully hard times to us. Holy people can go through horrific times. The Holy family did. Satan wanted to destroy Jesus as a baby. Revelation 12.1-6 Satan has come to rob, kill and destroy. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. He will soon crush Satan under your feet shortly (Romans 16.20).
For now we are tempted, tried and tested, but not tormented! God always gives peace and strength in the storms. Even when we face death He is with us!
Looking back to Bethlehem
Looking ahead to 2010
Looking for a City Whose Architect and Builder is God- the New Jerusalem!







Sunday, December 20, 2009

December 20, 2009 Christmas Sunday

Walking in the Light

John 1.1-14, 8.12

Jesus is the Light of the World. He is the Light of Life. He is the Light of men.

When Adam sinned and the human race fell under the curse of death and darkness it, the LORD already had a plan for our redemption. We see this in these opening verses of John. It went back before time began.

Jesus Christ, The Word of God
* Was with God
* Is God
* Created all things in the beginning

Hebrews 1.3 tells us that the Son is the express image of God’s person. The Word of God is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Word of God.

The concepts of sin and righteousness, of evil and good are described here in terms of darkness and light. Christmas is the Light, Jesus Christ, being born into the world to save us from our sins. Christ has come! Let’s talk about the light.

1. Jesus Christ is the Light of Men. v.4

He is the light of the world.

Light=
Understanding (light bulb above the head)
Purity
Showing us dirt- on the front of a vacuum, sunshine can show you things in your windows you didn’t know were there!
Flashlights and lanterns light the path so we can see and not stumble. They help light the way so we don’t get lost.
Psalm 119.105 Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.

2. He Shines in the Darkness. v.5

Where there is darkness Jesus comes and shines light.

He is misunderstood. So many misunderstand Jesus. They think He is there when we need Him and when we don’t He can be ignored. Others think He is out to take away their so called fun. Because of this…

Men did not make Him their own. Many have heard but have turned away.

They did not catch what He was and is saying. Some missed the message of hope and forgiveness He offers.
Yet the darkness has not overcome the Light. It continues!
There have been attacks on Christ and His followers from His time here on earth 2,000 years ago. There have been efforts by governments to contain or run the church. Mockery and hatred haven’t stopped Jesus and His people because they overcome by love. Nothing or no one can overcome love. It is the most powerful force in the world.

3. Jesus came at Christmas to give light to everyone. vs.9, 14

I love the announcement to the Shepherds! The angels didn’t give them any warning. The angel of the LORD appeared and gave the announcement and then the heavenly host lit up that dark sky in Bethlehem. Night became day that first Christmas. Bethlehem’s sky was never brighter.

He gives light to everyone. Not all catch it and make it their own. As the fields of Bethlehem were bright that night so around the world the message of the gospel has gone and people have believed.

He was born. Mary was His mother. The Holy Spirit was the agency used for God’s Son to be conceived and born.

He came from the Father through the Spirit.

He came full of grace and truth.
We need both.
We need truth to function and to be productive and to avoid harming ourselves.
Example: Hot water makes suds. Suds cleans clothes. We must adjust the temperature of the hot water we touch so we won’t get scalded.
He give grace for our sins.

4. We become spiritual children of God by believing in and on Jesus. v.13

We are born of God when we believe and receive Christ. After we receive Him we leave the darkness and walk in the Light with Him.
I John 1. 5-7
John 8.12 I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Following Him in the light of Hs Word. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He came to give us light. He is doing that today. One of the ways of honoring Him is to walk in all the light He has given you. Walking in the light is the good life. It is the right way to live.


Due to the blizzard our there will not be services at the church today.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The LORD's Day December 13, 2009 Third Sunday In Advent

The Wonderful Story of Christmas

Luke 2.1-20

Many TV episodes and even a full length movie have the title “A Christmas Story”. This morning we are looking at THE Christmas Story, the account of Jesus’ birth.

There are some endearing stories that carry good lessons of love, family and reconciliation but none are worth comparing with the wonder filled story of the birth of Christ.

1. Difficult Circumstances Brought About By the Governments of the World are Vehicles upon which God Accomplishes His Purposes.
vs.1-4

Where there is persecution of the church today in the world you find a purified church and one with little hypocrisy.

God got Mary who was great with child down to Bethlehem. The prophets foretold it. She probably would not have gone if it were not for the decree of Caesar.

In the early church, in the Book of Acts, the church at Jerusalem was scattered by the persecution led by a head strong Pharisee, Saul of Tarsus. They were given the command by Jesus to go into all the world but they remained in Jerusalem. We are told in Acts 8.4 that those who were scattered preached the Word wherever they went. Difficult Circumstances Brought About By the Governments of the World are Vehicles upon which God Accomplishes His Purposes. In this case it was organized religion.

I have seen God use sickness and even death in the same way. He uses these things to change hearts and draw people closer to Himself.

I have seen Him use financial stress and struggle to show a person how to handle money wisely and carefully.

2. This Young Couple, Newly Married, were part of God’s Fulfillment of Promises He Made Hundreds and Thousand of Years Before. vs.4-7

God uses simple people. The Story Of Christmas is Divine Simplicity.

God does work through young people- not exclusively but definitely.
Joseph was 17 when he began his journey into God’s service.
David was a boy, a shepherd boy. Samuel was a little fellow.
Newlyweds, teenagers, children have and are used to by God to bring about His purposes.

3. The LORD often Shares Spiritual Truths and Has Spiritual Treasures Entrusted to Very Unlikely People. vs.8-20

Sometimes the least likely! As if the stable wasn’t unsanitary enough, the LORD brings in a bunch who didn’t get to bathe very often… only when their journeys brought them to bodies of water in secluded places.

Christmas Pageants are kind to the shepherds. They have them dressed in bathrobes which are clean and smelling of fabric softener! When I was a kid there was a family of kids who came to the church who were not the neatest around. One of the boys played a shepherd in the church Christmas play. I was Joseph. My mom had me give her my bathrobe and washed it out well. After all I was going to be in front of the whole church! This poor kid showed up in his bathrobe which looked like it never had washed and wore it. He was closer to the actual shepherds than we knew. 22 years later I was in Israel for the first time. I wanted my picture taken with a shepherd. Trouble is they are still out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks. We found one and when I asked to stop our bus for this purpose, the guide was amazed. He asked, “Why would you want a picture taken with one of them?” But he obliged and everyone waited while I got off and some took my camera and I had my picture with a shepherd. But no one else got off to get one!

It was a kid who first got the idea of helping the homeless which became a Thanksgiving Dinner for the homeless and unfortunate herein Bay Shore. Those people we helped have moved east. The church which picked up on what we were doing served nearly 3,000 meals this past year. They used to come to help us. Now they are doing it.
Look at God’s Word

Look at Church History

Look at our current situation. Pray the LORD of the harvest. Pray for young people.

Look at our church- we are candidates to be used by the LORD because we are unlikely.

I Corinthians 1.26-31

Jesus came in that way. Jesus went out that way. Jesus hasn’t changed. Sometimes the church gets too big for its own britches.

Get into this Account and others and hear of the humility of the Savior! Ponder it and spread the Word- do what Mary and the Shepherds did!

I know the secularization of Christmas gets to us as believers. We no longer have the culture as we once did. Don’t let this get you down! We are part of God’s Everlasting Kingdom. There are wonderful things to celebrate!


Sunday, December 6, 2009

The LORD's Day December 6, 2009 Second Sunday in Advent

Whose Son Is the Christ?

Matthew 22.41-46, 1.1

The longer I read and the study the Bible the more I realize that I need to slow way down so as to take all I can in.

This opening line of the New Testament is loaded with all kinds of truths.
At the end of Jesus’ ministry He asked an interesting question, the answer to which, proves by God’s Word that the Messiah is God’s Son. Whose Son is the Christ?

This first line of Matthew tells us many things. Brief statements can do that. In God’s Word they always do!

1. Jesus has a genealogy.

It was part of God’s plan from the beginning for His Son to be born into the human race. When Adam sinned, God promised a Redeemer through his and Eve’s line. Genesis 3.15 Mary found favor with God but she was also chosen from the beginning because of God choosing what the ancestral line of His Son would be.

Jesus was born. We remember and celebrate that fact at Christmas. We celebrate it and gave thanks today as we took the LORD’s Supper.

Jesus’ genealogy is very interesting. The people that make it up are varied to say the least. There were saints and sinners in it, righteous and wicked.

One of the things we see in it is The Word Became Flesh because not only was Jesus born into the human race…

2. Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

John 1.1-3 He and the Father are One.
John 14.8-14 He shows the Father because of this. Hebrews 1.3

God, the Father sent Him. John 3.16 He so loved the world

3. Jesus Christ is David’s Son.
Israel’s most beloved King, a man after God’s own heart.

Fulfills promises made to David about his kingdom.

II Samuel 7

The everlasting Kingdom promised to David is the kingdom of God and Jesus as David’s descendant fulfills this promise in a way more wonderful than David could imagine.

God does that with His Promises. As we live them out in our walk with Him we realize that the wonderfully sounding words are indeed wonderful as they become real to us.

The promises He has for us of blessing like this one for David. There are any promises for our dark moments, times of grief and difficulty and pain.

4. Jesus Christ is Abraham’s Son

Fulfills promises to Abraham made by God.

I love the outrageous promises God made to him in his old age.
Hebrews 11.11-12

Look at them when they were given:
Genesis 12.1-3, 15.1-7

I love how all believers are connected into these great promises made to Abraham because of Jesus. Galatians 3.6-9,16

God is a Promise Keeper.

5. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World.

What a wonderful Savior!
Matthew 1.20-21

Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham… Jesus because He will save His people from their sins

He came into the world

He comes into hearts

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend on us we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today

This is why Jesus came. This is the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham and David. God’s Son Jesus Christ came into this world to save sinners and build a holy nation and kingdom of priests through His spiritual offspring, the family of God.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

The LORD's Day, November 29, 2009 First Sunday in Advent

Its Christmas Time!

Isaiah 9.1-7

I was coming out of a restaurant on Main Street last weekend with my granddaughter, Emma. The Christmas decorations were all up. She said to me, “Look at this Poppa! The Christmas decorations are all up and it isn’t even Christmas yet!”

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it is the shopping season “officially”. I went by Best Buys and Toys R Us Thanksgiving evening and saw the huge lines. These next four Sundays are what has become known in the church as Advent, the time of commemorating the waiting for Jesus to come the first time. On this first Sunday of Advent we see in Isaiah’s prophecy that:

1. Christmas Time is a Time of Light v.2

The world when Jesus was born was very dark.
There hadn’t been a Word uttered by God for 400 years. Four centuries of waiting from the last words of the Old Testament until Jesus was born.

There was widespread sin and the oppression.

There was a sense of hope but it was dim.

We see two people in Luke’s account who were waiting. Luke 2.25-38 Simeon and Anna. We wait for Jesus to come while we watch Him work.

Christmas is a time of Light And Life.
Paramedic Jane who brought the baby back from death two weeks ago.

2. Christmas Time is A Time of Joy v.3

Joy to the world!

Listen to these words of the prophet. They were given to people who had seen a lot of pain and suffering. Northern Galilee had seen its share of war and the ravages of it.

This is a time of great depression today.
People who lost loved ones feel deep pain
People separated from family hurt.
People facing financial problems feel bad.
All these and more were part of the lives Isaiah was speaking this originally to. Yet when times are tough, God speaks of the hope of joy coming.

3. Christmas Time is a Time of Peace v.4-5

We are told He is the Prince of Peace. He is our peace. It is not an absence of war as horrible as war is and it is horrible! My friend Rudy is involved with an organization which assists families who have lost loved ones in battle and those who have loved ones who are severely injured. He spoke of some of them to me this week. God bless them.

Jesus is speaking about a peace within. Peace in our hearts and mind that as we spoke of last week transcends all understanding.

Jesus came so He could become our Peace!

4. Christmas Time is a Time to Celebrate Christ Jesus’ Birth v.6-7

Its sad many don’t know what it means but we do! Let’s celebrate! Put up the decorations, write Christmas Cards - do something outrageous! Give, love worship! The Magi traveled many miles to worship Him. When they found Him it was a celebration! This where we get our gift giving idea and it is a good one. Warm the hearts of loved ones and people you care about by doing something wonderful for them! It doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. It can be though!

5. Christmas Time is a Wonderful Time to think about Who He is! v.6b

He is the Wonderful Counselor! Sometimes He can help us with a one word answer like “Wait”

He is the Mighty God! He can do anything and nothing is too difficult for Him!
Computer message: We were unable to perform your request.

He is the Everlasting Father. We all need fathers and the LORD is our Forever Father.

He is the Prince of Peace.

Basic things this morning. Things we know but how we need to have our minds refreshed and our hearts stirred over these truths of Christmas. We need to keep these truths close to our hearts. The enemy is very subtle when it comes to these things and stealing them from our lives. People feel overwhelmed at this time of the year. Most miss the true meaning of the season. Don’t let this happen to you. Christmas is a celebration for us!

LORD, may this Christmas our hearts be focused on You. May we remember that You came and why You came. May we worship You!


Sunday, November 22, 2009

The LORD's Day November 22, 2009

A Benefit of Thanksgiving

Philippians 4.4-9

Forget not all His benefits Psalm 103

Prayer is so helpful with anxiety. So often we have said after a time of prayer, “I feel like a load has been lifted.”

Thanksgiving is another way, part of prayer yes, but a further way to replace anxiety with peace.

God is giving us secrets to life here in His Word.

1. Counting Your Blessings

Thank God for them. Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.

Forget in Psalm 103 “wither” Don’t let your memory or your awareness wither.

Counting Our blessings:
*Refreshes our memory of where He has helped us in insurmountable need and overwhelming situations. Reflecting on the faithfulness of God in the past gives us hope for the future and help with present situations.

*It helps us with “hopeless” situations.
Jesus has never failed us. He has always come through for us. Think About His Love!

* It takes our attention off of our problems and puts them on the Giver of all blessings. We need this. If you are having trouble with anxiety, ask yourself, “How thankful am I?” Thanksgiving helps cure anxiety.

2. Praying over Problems Without Thanksgiving can make us focus on them.

Thanksgiving focuses on the LORD Who has blessed us and is blessing us. It is present and past in its nature. I know I have heard people start praising God before an answer is given but that is not my nature. I have also seen people praising God for healing and a loved one goes to be with the LORD.

Petition is about our present problems, thanksgiving is about what God has done and is doing. Petition is about our struggles and needs. Thanksgiving gives us hope because of what God has done and is doing. It helps from becoming overwhelmed with such great needs we have.

The Feasts in Israel were designed by the LORD to get the nation to remember its past, present and future with God.

The secular radio now for the 2nd time this month has told how being thankful or an attitude of gratitude is therapeutic for depression. One host this week told her listeners to write out on a piece of paper what they are thankful for and it will chase the blues away. Whenever the world tries to take on the truth it comes up short. Write down your blessings in the depth of despair!

We are to give thanks as we present our requests to the LORD.

3. Thanksgiving as we present our requests to the LORD is used by Him to bring our minds to a place where we have peace we cannot explain.

We want answers. God gives His peace.
We want solutions God gives His grace.
We want to escape. He has in the battle.

The end result of this activity is a guarding of our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Not just nice sounding words./An experience beyond words.

Count Your Blessings:

List them.

*Jesus Christ

*God’s Word

*Family
13 ½ hours, 6,882 miles Lucy approaching Alaska as we are here.

*Church Family

*Christian Friends
Not part of this fellowship but in our lives and hearts

*Past Blessings of Heroes of the Faith
Example: My Nana, Brother Hazard, Oliver Wirth

*Special Way this year God came to you
Meeting the Paramedic who saved the little boy’s life last Sunday on South Spur

Bring them Tuesday Night! Bring an Offering for World Evangelism.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

The LORD's Day November 15, 2009

Living Up To What We Have Already Attained

Philippians 3.1-16

Our walk with the LORD is a dynamic relationship. He has wrapped it around life. Some people have said, “It would be easier if God will spell it all out for us… one to twenty…” He doesn’t work that way. Our relationship is based on the dynamic of love.

In Ephesians 5, we see the relationship with Christ and the church described as that between a husband and a wife, a love relationship. I love watching couples going through life together, supporting each other, caring for one another. The dynamic of love is wonderful! If it is all spelled out by the husband or wife the spontaneity and excitement of love is not there.

Yet there is an order… Living here means to proceed in a row as the march of a soldier, to go in order
To go on prosperously, to turn out well, to walk, to direct one’s life.

There is an order to love, there are certain things we do if we love someone. While loving and being loved is the most freeing sensation in the world, it is not just feeling. It is doing and being.

There are ten commandments which Jesus said are summed up like this, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself.”

Living up to what we have already attained means that we are doing the things we know to do and not doing things we should not do because a deep, ever growing, abiding love we have for Jesus Christ.

1. This is not perfection v.12

There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. We fall short.

Believers come up short. Paul said that he had not arrived. None of have. We won’t arrive until we get to heaven. We will be like Jesus when we see Him.

Living up to what we have already attained is living up to where we are with our love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

It isn’t living by a list of rules. Paul had done that well. (vs. 6,9) It is pleasing a Person. It is living by faith and love. A daily quiet time is a wonderful thing. It can be looked at in two ways. It can be looked at something I do and then check off my “to do list” as done or it can be a time of sweet communion with Jesus Christ.

There are things that are going to come to us between now and the time we go to be with the LORD that are going to make us more like Jesus. As we grow God reveals things to us. As we obey we are shown more of Jesus by Himself and are given more to do
John 14.21

We need to see this truth about not being perfect in ourselves as well as in others. We can be hard on ourselves but we can be and often are much harder on others. Every time I find myself criticizing some one I have to look inward and see where I am falling short. Romans 2.1 “… for whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”

2. This is not where someone else is.

Notice how personal this third chapter is. Paul is speaking about his own spiritual journey. He is talking about his own walk with the LORD.

Our walk with the LORD is just that “our walk with the LORD.” Now it is true that some use that as a shield to do their own thing in areas of obvious disobedience. That is not right.

Nevertheless living up to what we have already attained is living up to what we and not someone else has attained. We need to be careful we are not imitating the Holy Spirit. We are to imitate Christ. God will speak to people wonderfully and perfectly. I remember a new believer years ago coming to me all upset. We were at a funeral and one of his relatives who had not yet heard about his coming to Christ found out that evening. Instead of rejoicing, he began to tell him things he ought to be doing. It confused him. Like taking a child who has just learned basic arithmetic and trying to get him to understand algebra or calculus.

It is a walk and some are further down the road in their sanctification than others, simply based on the fact that they have been at it longer. Others because they have been more obedient or because of the measure of suffering in their lives have a closer walk with Jesus.

3. This is where the LORD has brought us.

Luke 7.47 Those with many sins which have been forgiven love much.

Attained= arrive at

Do you have a handle on where you are at on the journey to heaven?

Teach us to number our days aright, so we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90.12

We have been given a measure of light. We are being called to love (and live) up to that light.

4. This is Living

We do a lot of listening. We ought to be doing more.

A believer should not be able to look back and say, “I was a stronger Christian then. I was closer to the LORD at that point in my life.”

Too many today are living less than they have attained.

Are there things today that you know you ought to be doing? Are there areas of service to Jesus, quiet out of the way things that you know in your heart you ought to be in the middle of? Don’t wait. Right now purpose in your heart that you will. God will give you strength and enable you to do wonderful things in His Name.

5. This is sanctification.

Living in all the light and knowledge you have been given.

Pressing onto what is ahead.
This is not heaven. Retirement and Rest is in heaven. The night is coming, Jesus said, when no man can work. We must work while it is day.

Forgetting what is behind.
This is not always easy to do. God will help us here too.

Live up to what we have already attained. God help us. May we be doing all we know we ought to do. May the LORD give you a spirit of endurance. May we follow Jesus closely.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

The LORD's Day, November 8, 2009

The Comfort of Christ’s Love

Philippians 2.1-4

As we said in the Bible Studies this week, this is akin to saying, “If the sky is blue…”

There is great comfort in the love of Jesus Christ. This is part of God’s unspeakable gift for which we all are giving thanks for. In fact in many ways the comfort of His love is unspeakable! Like an old Irish pastor once said, “It is better felt than telt.” You have to experience it.

There are some areas that we know of and can speak about when it comes to this wonderful experience of being comforted by the love of Jesus. Yes Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so!

1. The Comfort of His Love When I Have Failed Him.

We fall short. The more we read the Bible the more the places where we fall short is evident.

I John 1.7-9

We are to confess our sins and He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Jesus doesn’t condemn us.
He picks us up.
He speaks to us gently.

Psalm 131.2 But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

The word comfort literally means “a persuasive speech”. It is rooted in a word that means to arouse or stimulate, to calm or console.

Jesus spurs us on through the Spirit within our hearts.

He calms us when we are in trouble. Psalm 46.1
His Word calms us.

He calmed the storm in the Gospels. He calms the storms in our lives. He calms the storms for his child or He calms His child in the storm… more often it is the latter.

Again this week I heard someone say, “God will never give us more than we can handle.” Obviously they don’t know their Bible very well. Just look at those disciples out on the Sea of Galilee that night when the storm blew up. They cried out, “LORD, save us! We are going to drown!” More than they could handle these fishermen were bailing water out but couldn’t keep up with it and finally woke Jesus up as the ship appeared to be sinking. They were looking for another hand on deck but He calmed the storm immediately. What a comfort.

Keep your heart tender.

2. The Comfort of His Love In the Death of a Family Member or Friend.

Difficult when it is both.

There is nothing like this comfort because there is nothing like this pain. There is something about the LORD you don’t know about until death comes.

What are His persuasive words here? I am the Resurrection and the Life.
Calming words. He will come again and take us to be with Him.

Having been on both sides of death- comforting people and needing to comforted myself, I know there is a comfort that only Jesus can bring. When it is there people go on with hope, when it not people go on but without hope.

We are approaching the holy days- days of worship for us as believers. Thanksgiving and the celebration of Jesus’ birth are some of favorite parts of the year. I really in many ways am a kid at heart. I think that is one of the reasons I am enjoying being a Poppa. I get to do things with my grandkids that I love.

Losses of loved ones are augmented during this time of the year. Going through these holidays with many memories and then the cold reality that someone is missing is difficult to say the least. Jesus will come to you who are grieving today and will be close by you as you walk through these next 2 months.

We’ll have my brother’s kids here with us. I love having them. Yet I told my daughter that it is a reminder of our loss. God has been with us and He will be with you in blessed ways.

3. The Comfort of his Love When Thinking About Time and Eternity.

We live in a time of stress. The LORD is with us. Jesus comforts us with His love as we walk.

For those who know the LORD, His return does not frighten us but we long for Him to come. Several people have expressed that desire this week. One of our comforts in death is the LORD is coming back and we will be with all those who died believing. His Word gives us hope-Psalm 130.5

4. The Comfort of His Love All the Time.

Have the same love for others.
v. 3-4 Jesus is like this, being Christlike.
This is perfect love.

In fact nearly this whole chapter is becoming like Jesus, following His example. It is interesting to me how the LORD throughout the history of the church beginning in Revelation, has been calling it back to Him, to reflect Him, to be His representation to the world. He did it in the1600’s with Luther, the 1700’s with Wesley, the 1800’s with Finney and Moody, in the 1920’s with Billy Sunday, in the 1940’s with Youth for Christ, in the 1960’s with the Jesus Movement. He is calling the church back to Himself today. He wants His Church to be like Him.

This is our goal… to be like Jesus. As we are comforted by His love, we are to look to share that love with others.

Jesus was the most selfless human being who ever lived. He had no selfishness or sin like us. He lived for the glory of the Father and for others. When I was a kid in Sunday School they taught us this acrostic the was to have joy is to out things in this order:
Jesus
Others
Yourself

That is the way we ultimately experience the comfort of His love- by sharing it with others. He comforts us- we comfort others and we are moving toward becoming more like Jesus!

5. The Comfort of His Love For All Time and Into Eternity.

When We All Get to Heaven! What a day of rejoicing that will be!
Revelation 21.1-7

Today, let the comfort of His love come to you and comfort others with it!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The LORD's Day November 1, 2009

Giving Thanks For The People God Has Put In Your Life

Philippians 1.3-11

It is Thanksgiving month. It is a national time of giving thanks. We see the Judeo Christian roots in our nation in this holiday which was originally a holy day. Began officially by a proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln, he really just penned into law what Americans had been doing since the Pilgrims celebrated that first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Now as we look back on President Lincoln’s proclamation we realize it was to preserve the original intention of this Holy Day in writing.

We need to recapture the meaning of this holy day in our nation. We, as believers, need to because if we don’t noone else will. A new book was reviewed this week on the radio, WCBS 880. It is about the valleys and mountains of life. The author told of how in the valleys we need to be thankful for all the good things we have. That helps lift us out. However the LORD was never mentioned, not once. Thanksgiving is being expressed without Him today and it is empty and pointless. We need to recapture the meaning by celebrating what it really is. It is already a law. Let’s make it a celebration!

My daughters invited their cousins to come to celebrate. So from Albany, Philadelphia and New England travel plans are being made. Lucy will have just returned from China, LORD willing, and we will gather together to ask the LORD’s blessings and celebrate and give Thanks to God Almighty for His goodness to us. We have a lot to celebrate!

Too often we allow circumstances to dictate our giving of thanks. When things are not all we want them to be we can focus on the little negative stuff and miss huge blessings in our lives. We can be facing the first Thanksgiving without a loved one. This can hurt deeply, but it is therapeutic to give thanks. Even in the Valley of the Shadow of Death we have much to be thankful for. The LORD is with us. It is hard, as I wrote to someone this week, even if we know someone we love is with the LORD, because we are without them. But Jesus is with us and for that we can give thanks.

One of the blessings we can overlook and therefore never give thanks for in a tangible way are the people the LORD has placed in our lives.

Paul wrote this letter from a Roman prison. He had a lot to complain about. There are no complaints in this letter because of the joy in his life. Do everything, he wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, without grumbling or complaining.

1. Thank God for the People Who Have been a Blessing In Your Life
v. 3-4

Paul was thanking God. Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!

I thank My God is a phrase we should utter often. It is God Who has blessed us.

He has blessed us with good godly people in our lives! He has blessed us with people who love us and care for us… people who care about our souls!

Thank God for the extra special people who have been a blessing to you in life’s most difficult times. Paul knew lots of people. He helped start many local congregations in major cities throughout the Roman Empire. The Philippian Church was his sweetheart church. It caused him no problems we know of and it helped in his time of need. (4.10-19)

There are people in your life who are faithful. They have been faithful friends. Tell them this Thanksgiving that you thank God for them and then tell them why. That is what Paul, the apostle, was doing here.

2. Express Appreciation to Those Dear Folks V.3

He did what He could. In chains, he wrote- dictated a letter… under house arrest. He was limited. We are not. We can do a lot!

Think of all we could do! Telephone, Computer, Text, Make something meaningful…

He specifically thanked them for blessing his soul.
There are people you know who always bring joy to your heart when you think of them. It is time to express appreciation to them. Begin by thanking God and then…

3. Speak From The Heart

That is tough for those who tend to speak off the top of their heads, or off the tip of their tongues.

Let those who have been a blessing to you know it.

Let the inner feelings and meditations of the heart come out for these folks.

Paul did throughout this letter. It is the most affectionate letter he wrote. He was a man’s man. Tentmaker, apostle, shipwreck survivor, got beaten and stoned and got up afterwards and went back to the city.

But he had a gentle side and he spoke from his heart to this church who had meant so much to him.

4. Here are some ideas

Write a letter to someone who has had a spiritual impact on your life and whom the LORD has used to make you a better Christian. As I am preparing this a person comes to mind for me. Every time I am with this person they challenge me! He will get a letter. I also will take him out for lunch soon.

Write to your family members, or make a card or send a note or say the words. We often take them for granted. Tell them how much you appreciate them. Thanks God for them!

If they live close by make them their favorite dish. Bring something to them you know they will like.

Do something for them to help them out… something they would appreciate.

5. Continue to seek to be the kind of people like the Philippians

This church loved Paul the apostle and they loved one another. This is the mark of belonging to Jesus.

Be concerned about the souls of people. We are to care for the bodies and souls of people. Care for the body is a lot easier than caring for someone’s soul. This takes prayer and work and ongoing effort. We are a community of faith. We need each other and we should look out for one another. Keep on loving for love covers a multitude of sins.

Be generous. Give to those in need. Support the church and missions. Give yourself fully the work of the LORD.

We’ll be reading through the rest of this book up to Thanksgiving. Look for the LORD to speak to you from His Word on how to grow in grace and become more like Him. The Philippian Church reflected Christ.

Bring joy to those serving with you.

Be faithful to the LORD.

Psalm 103.1-14

Sunday, October 25, 2009

The LORD's Day, October 25, 2009

Dealing With Doubts



Matthew 28.1-20

We are in a spiritual battle today. While there are demonic forces at work today and I don’t mean for a moment to minimize that, some of the spiritual forces we as believers wrestle with are fear, worry and doubt as it relates to our faith in Christ.

Doubt is one of the flaming arrows of the evil one that he sends to our minds. That is why we are told take up the helmet of salvation. The enemy tries to work on our thinking.

When I first became a pastor there was a man who hadn’t been to church in 20 years. His wife faithfully came. I prayed for him, visited him and even got him to come once in a while. I had an old evangelist come for some meetings and on Friday night after the service Roy just kept coming to my mind. I asked the old minister if he would go with me to Roy’s home. He agreed. We went up that old country road back in the woods of that little upstate NY town. He answered the door and welcomed us in. We talked. The experience of the older minister went right to the heart of Roy’s problem. He was struggling concerning unbelief. I remember that old pastor saying, "Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ... and you will be saved." Over and over as we prayed he repeated that softly and gently. Something clicked. Roy said, "I do believe." The next evening he came to church and gave a testimony. He was faithful to the LORD until he went home to be with him a few years ago.

As I look back I realize how powerful doubts can be. They can cripple us spiritually.

1. Doubts Arise v.17

The idea of doubting here is to waiver or think twice about something. If you are going to court and you need a witness you want one whom will say this is what I saw. There is no doubt. You don’t want to say, "Well I am really not sure. I thought I saw this but now that I think about it maybe I didn’t."

To doubt is to struggle with unbelief. Thomas had this problem but we are told in Matthew’s Gospel that he was not alone.

When they saw Him- to stare at. Their eyes were fixed on Him.
They worshiped - to kiss like the dog licking the hand of its master. Moe this week while I was sick.

Some doubted (of those who worshiped I believe). They thought twice, perhaps asking themselves, "Is this really happening?" We need to fix our eyes both physical and spiritual on Him. There are evidences of the LORD all around us in His creation. There are evidences and proofs of Him all around in the spiritual realm.

This helps me. The Bible does not flatter its heroes. The Word of God is the most accurate book ever written because it was written by God. Holy men wrote as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Thomas doubted what the others told him. (John 20.24-25)

Even when Jesus appeared to the disciples in Galilee after He had appeared to them in Jerusalem, there were still some that doubted. Peter struggled with doubts (Matthew 14.31) when he was walking on the water. He thought twice about it.
Hymn writers speak of it.

"I may have doubts and fears..."
"Drive the dark of doubt away"
"Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear..."

2. Jesus continues to build His Church v.18-20

We are told that in Mark’s Gospel in chapter sixteen, verse 9 through 14 that Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the two on the Road to Emmaus, and finally to the Eleven. Verse 14 "He rebuked them for their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen Him after He had risen."

I love the fact that Jesus keeps going on with the work of the Church. It doesn’t stop because of our struggles! It keeps going. We have to keep going too. I have found the best way to deal with doubts is to keep serving, keep reading God’s Word. I think the reason so many believers go to other books to find answers today is that they are trying to build up their faith. I really do not get excited over other books, as helpful as they can be at times. I do get concerned that few believers are excited over the Word of God and what insights they are receiving. If you come to me and say, "You have got read this book!," I probably won’t. Talk to me about what God is saying through His Word to you- that’s where it is happening!

3. Bear With Doubters

Jude 1.22 Be merciful to those who doubt. Help them.

Don’t minimize their doubts. They are real struggles for them. Listen.

Don’t lose patience with them. They need your help. Think of how patient God is with you!

Share the Word of God with them gently. Don’t bat them over the head with it.

Share your experiences of faith and trust.

Get them to share some of theirs.

Love them.

4. Hear the Word of the LORD Matthew 28.18-20

* Faith is built up by hearing His Word

Romans 10.17 "... faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ."
Jude 1.20 "...build yourselves up in your most holy faith..."


* Look at the context of this passage - the promises
Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth.

We are to share His Word with others and teach them- this helps us as well as them.
Baptism is the sign and seal of the New Covenant. It is a faith builder to all.

He has promised to be with us.

Always

To the very end of the age

One of the things we need to be reminded again and again is that we are in this journey together as we make our way to heaven. Those who struggle with their faith and wrestle with doubts are to be shown mercy and treated kindly.

As we make our way through life’s experiences, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him. Too many are looking at other places today and without realizing it they are placing themselves in danger of falling. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Psalm 119.114 You are my refuge and shield: I have put my hope in Your Word.

One day we will be with Jesus. When We all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be! The battles will all be over. For now we press on to win the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Step by step we are getting closer. My heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Though some may dwell where these abound, My hope, my prayer is Higher Ground.


So we press on, forgetting that which is behind and straining toward that which is ahead. Together we go.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

The LORD's Day October 18, 2009

Being Spiritually Perceptive


Matthew 27.1-26
We see the pitiful spiritual condition of the leaders of Jerusalem here in the first century. The priesthood was corrupt. The Pharisees were more concerned about institutional religion than doing right. The Sanhedrin (the Jewish Ruling Council) had committed many illegalities in the past few hours. There is no concern for innocency rather a hatred of Jesus, God’s Son.
While none of here this morning can be compared with these men there are some lessons and warnings we need to pay attention to here.

1. They had God in their midst but they did not recognize Him.
They mocked Him.
They hit Him.
They killed the Author of Life Acts 3.13-15

Jacob didn’t recognize the LORD one time. Genesis 28.16
The woman at the well in Samaria needed help. Jesus gave her help. John 4
Both Jacob and the Woman at the Well in Sychar came to realize it was the LORD!

The leaders of Israel’s faith in the first part of the first century, unbelieving, the LORD was working in their midst. They failed to realize it was Him. He came unto that which was His own and His own did not receive Him.

2. They did not recognize the time of God’s coming to them.
We have spoke of this before.
Luke 19.44
Recognize- know, perceive
Time- fixed and definite time of opportunity
Coming-investigation, inspection, visitation

That time had past. Because they shut their hearts once again when He stood before them they didn’t know Who He was.

Psalm 95.6-7 Today if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts...

3. They lost their concern about doing what was right.

Hatred blinded them.

Judas confessed to the priests but they did not care about his soul at all.
Their concern was for killing Jesus and maintaining their institutional religion. Their calling was to be a bridge from man to God. They were not true to their calling. They were not true to themselves, They were not true to others and worst of all they were not true to their God.
When Judas confessed they should have interceded. Judas had woe pronounced on him by Jesus. He was a devil. The devil entered him. He was a thief. He stole money from the treasury-like stealing from a church. Years ago the young policeman’s words, after my office was broken into and petty cash stolen: "Things are really bad. They are stealing from churches." But that is essence what Judas had been doing. Still as wicked as he was the priesthood was worse in some ways.

Envy had overtaken them. Hatred ruled their hearts. Their eyes were blinded and they could not see the truth.

4. They were accusing Jesus.

Close to the activity of Satan.

We are not condemn or accuse. This religion did not offer hope. We need hope. Our faith offers hope! Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Being spiritually perceptive means there will be hope. God is a God who works miracles. He is with us. That is the message of this passage and the message of Christmas. That is a message of hope. Even when it feels like Jesus said in verse forty six that you are abandoned. Your hope may be gone. The LORD, Our Shepherd restores your soul!

Application:

1. Recognize the LORD is in your midst.

He is with two or more gathered in His Name.
He is here right now.
He calls us continually.
Have faith in Him.

2. Recognize when God comes to you.

Jerusalem didn’t on Palm Sunday.
Be looking for Him to come.
Expect Him to come to you.

Open your heart to Him

His Ways- you never know how
His Word
His Love.
His Grace

The old Candid Camera song, "When you least expect it, you’re elected, its you lucky day. Smile, you’re on Candid Camera!"
God elects- we cannot choose these times of visitations.
He puts people in our path.
He speaks to us.
He puts songs in our hearts.
He speaks through dreams.

3. Always do what is right.
Live a righteous life.
Keep the commandments.
Keep your hearts free from all envy, hatred, bitterness. One of the best remedies and it is from our LORD is to pray for those who place themselves as your enemies.
Matthew 5:
43 "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor

and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors
do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

4. Love God, Hate Sin and Worship the LORD!
Love the LORD and worship Him only. Don’t worship the worship!
Have an intense hatred of evil. Romans 12.9, Proverbs 8.13


Open the eyes of my heart LORD!

Sunday, October 11, 2009

The LORD's Day October 11, 2009

Pouring Out Your Best For the LORD


Matthew 26.6-13


From the reaction of the disciples, led by Judas Iscariot, you would have thought this was a mindless act by Mary. It was anything but that. She knew exactly what she was doing. That expensive nard perfume stored in the alabaster jar was a prized possession of any lady. It was kept for special occasions and this was a Once in Lifetime one!


Mary was definitely in tune with what was going on Jesus’s life and God’s timing. However the overriding issue here was that of deep love for her LORD. She poured out the best she had for Him.


1. Bethany was the scene of some wonderful miracles.

Simon, the Leper who obviously didn’t have leprosy anymore. Jesus was the reason
Lazarus, the dead man who came back to life.

Mary was eternally grateful for her salvation (she loved to sit at the Master’s Feet).
She had deep affection for Jesus because He had raised her brother Lazarus after he had been in the tomb for 4 days.

Bay Shore/ Islips are no different. We have had some wonderful miracles among us. God has answered many prayers. We will celebrate one of those today at 1pm. I can recall where we were last year at this time in our family. Lucy had debated whether to go to China or not due to Jackson, our grandson’s situation.

People say, "Well I have never seen anyone raised from the dead." In a real sense Jackson was. . He was moved to Mt. Sinai because his liver was not functioning and they were thinking liver transplant. That never had to happen. His liver started working and is fine today.

Two years ago after my dad had that fall down his steps, Dr. Bajwa told our family he wasn’t going to make it. He said his organs will begin to shut down and that he would die. I remember the evening the good doctor came in after my dad had begun to respond and said, "This is God. I didn’t do anything to bring this about. It is God."

We have much- a huge amount of blessings to be thankful for. As we move into the Thanksgiving Season there are dramatic things for you to thank God for and many of life’s every day blessings.
If the line at the grocery store if long we complain, instead of being thankful for all the food we can freely get.

When Lucy left for China Monday night, she brought two suitcases. One was for her, the other for her family. Emma saw the one for the family and said, "Where is Grandma Lucy going to put her clothes?! This is full of food!" She brought things like nuts and Sunkist Raisins and Quaker Oatmeal and dried fruit. We have so much - so very much!

How many time have you ladies said, "I don’t have a thing to wear?" as you stare at a closet full of clothes. I have been places where our hand me downs are treated as gold. We need to open our eyes to our wealth and be thankful.

Mary was grateful and she acted upon the love she had for Jesus for all He done for her and her family. We all ought to do the same!

2. When someone does something special for Jesus, there will always be critics. vs.8-9
Many times the critics are among the church.

Not always in the church- Giant Markets- George Akel... stocking shelves with us.
Back in the days when the stores closed at 9pm and on Sundays and holidays.

Let the LORD handle the critics. He does it perfectly. If you try and handle it you’ll get hurt by the barb but Jesus knows exactly what to do. Mary didn’t say a word through this whole exchange. She let the LORD defend her. We need to let Him handle the critics.

Franklin Graham’s ministry 1993... medical supplies to Boone, NC... foot of the Smokey Mountains... Dr. Aileen Coleman’s message that lunch time chapel meeting:

Anytime you do anything for Jesus that is a little different, a little unusual, you will certainly be criticized. Comments like Mary heard: Why this waste? Couldn’t there be a better way of doing this? Moody’s comment to the lady’s criticism.

As you go out on a limb for Jesus Christ today- someone will definitely criticize.
Do you quit? No! It is hard when the criticism comes from the Body of Christ. But if you do it out of love for Him, He will take care of you and reward you. Obedience to Him, out of love for Him is beautiful.


It was beautiful because it was done out of love. It was costly. It was done spontaneously.


3. Listen to what Jesus is saying.
Forget about what people are thinking and saying.
Keep your eyes on Him and listen to His words. People condemn. Jesus commends.


Keep on serving Him out of love for Him

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The LORD's Day, October 4, 2009

Prepared for the Bridegroom


Matthew 25.1-46

This story (vs.1-14) is about these 10 virgins or as we would call them today, bridesmaids, centers in on being prepared for Jesus, the bridegroom, by the church, His bride, His servants.

Fool has said in his heart there is no God...
fool=godless

wise= prudent, intelligent, mindful of one’s interests

The lamp is no good with out the oil.
The body without the spirit is dead.

To fully understand this parable you must understand the:
Steps in a Jewish Wedding

The Jewish Wedding was a symbol chosen to describe Jesus’ coming.The bridegroom took the initiative and traveled from his father’s house to the home of the prospective bride. (John 3.16)
The father of the woman then negotiated with the prospective bridegroom the price that must be paid to secure his bride (I Corinthians 6.19-20)When the bridegroom paid the purchase price, the marriage covenant was thereby established. At that point, the man and the woman were regarded to be husband and wife, even though no physical union had taken place. This is the point at which Mary was at when she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.
The moment the covenant was established, the bride was declared to be set apart exclusively for the bridegroom. The groom and the bride then drank from a cup over which the betrothal benediction had been pronounced. This symbolized that the covenant relationship had been established(I Corinthians 11.25)
.After the marriage covenant was in effect, the groom left the home of the bride and returned to his father’s house. He remained there for a period of twelve months separated from his bride.
During this period of separation, the bride gathered her wardrobe and prepared for married. The groom prepared living accommodations in his father’s house for his bride. (John 14.1-3)
After this period of separation, the groom, best man, and other male escorts left the house of the groom’s father, usually at night, and conducted a torch-light procession to the house of the bride.The bride was expecting her groom to come for her; however, she did not know the exact time. Thus, the groom’s arrival was preceded by a shout.
The groom received the bride with her female attendants and returned to his father’s house.The bride and the groom then entered the bridal chamber and, in the privacy of that place, entered into physical union for the first time, thereby consummating the marriage. Then a great celebration took place The Wedding Feast.

1. The Bridegroom was a long time in coming. vs. 1-14
Linger, delay, tarry

They all took their lamps which were their own personal property. Each one was responsible for their own lamp.

They all fell asleep.
Romans 13.11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

This message is to both the foolish and the wise virgins... to those who have not made adequate preparations for the LORD’s coming and to those who have.

This is a time to examine your life, have some house cleaning and get ready for the Bridegroom to come. Be alert.

Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. He sets our hearts on fire for God.
Stir your hearts up- fan into flame!
Stir up the gift of God that is within you.

2. Invest with what God has given you. vs.15-30
.... example - the church here... children over there...
We’ll work til Jesus comes.

All three of these servants were given an ample Supply of what they needed to do trading and turn a profit.

We have the unsearchable riches of Christ: The Word of God, His Spirit, the Gospel, the spiritual gifts, the faith once entrusted to the saints.

Some have more, other less. Everyone of has something! We are to take what God has given us and invest it wisely for His glory.

The true motive for fruitfulness is love for the Master.

The third trader was idle. He didn’t try. He waited without working. He was a nominal Christian if he could be called a Christian at all because he disobeyed the Master.

Joyful, faithful service brings joy and rewards. He really didn’t know the Master. He actually misrepresented Him!

3. Keep doing good- you never know Who you are doing it to! vs.31-46

We measure far too much these days. There are some things that are immeasurably. Things in the spiritual realm for the most part cannot be measured. Many things are unexplainable. God’s ways are beyond our finding out.

Vs.34-40 are an example of this. In the end there will be people whom we have helped we had no idea we were helping. This is the scene as we are about to enter into eternity.

Keep serving the LORD with a heart that is full of His Spirit and overflowing in good works. Invest in His Kingdom with what He has given you. Serve Him until the end!

You will be richly rewarded. (Hebrews 10.35)
Not really never! At the end, when Jesus comes again, you will know. He will uncover everything.
We don’t look back. We look ahead. God is keeping accounts. He knows what you did in Jesus’ Name this week and what you put in the offering this morning. He knows everything you have done, all you have given. Keep on serving, giving, loving. Keep your lamps all trimmed and burning. If you do these things you will be prepared for the Bridegroom when He comes.

I Corinthians 15.58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

The LORD's Day September 27, 2009

The End of the Age

Matthew 24.1-14

Jesus told us all we need to know about His Second Coming. He wants us to be with Him. He wants to get us to heaven. We must do our part in obeying Him and following Him. There will be perilous times coming in the time preceding His return. Here are instructions for the Last Days. Here are the main things He wants us to know about in these times in which we live.

1. Watch out that no one deceives you. vs.4-5
Deceive-
to lead astray
To lead aside from the right way (a way that seems right to a man- Proverbs 14.12)
To lead from the truth
To lead into error and sin
To sever or fall away from the truth

Jesus is speaking to the soon to be leaders of the church! This message is not to the crowds, although He knew it would be penned into His Word and we would be looking at it this morning.

Some leaders have been led away from the truth. We are seeing that today.
How does this happen?

First, they get a step away from God’s Word.
Leaning on their own understanding, trying to reason away certain passages of the Bible.
Second, they hear Satan, that old serpent, whisper, "Did God really say..."
(Genesis 3.1) See how subtle he is? He is getting people to question Genesis 1-2 (for 150 years), then he comes and asks this question to a confused mind and bam! They are led from the truth.

He also does this to leaders to try and get them to bring God’s Word into line with the spirit of the age. So today they are removing all the references to God as a male and making it gender sensitive. This begins a breakdown that leads people aside.

Satan gets ministers to stay away from this particular passage of scripture which is full of warning. The disciples asked a question of when... Jesus warned them about that time. They asked Him when are you coming back. He responded with, "Watch out that no one deceives you."

Watch out.
Have discernment! God’s Word and the Spirit. Some have been given this gift. For those who do not have the gift, we need to listen to those who do. We can also pray that God gives us that gift. All of us have a measure of discernment from God.
Use it. As we read the Word of God and meditate upon it our discernment sharpens.

Contemplate
Think about what you are hearing and let the LORD shed the light of His Word on it.
The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. (Acts 17.11)

Here is one of the main reasons why the church suffers needlessly. The message is not received with great eagerness and there is little examination afterwards of the scriptures. Would you be interested in a get together where we talk about applying the Sunday Morning Message to our lives... taking it a step further? Let me know.

Weigh carefully

Ask if what you are hearing contradicts any part of God’s Word- if it does it is false.
Ask questions like:
Is this a universal truth?... example: Health and Wealth Gospel- shot down by scripture and experiences in 3rd world countries- how does this stack up with the
suffering-persecuted church?

Test the spirits. (I John 4.1) Dear Friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Examine

Look for fruit... what is it producing? Is it good or bad?

2. Know that evil will get worse. vs.6-12
There is nothing new under the sun but that doesn’t mean the intensity of things evil already here is not going to get worse.

Let me give you 3 examples... It took years of fighting for Jerusalem to be destroyed in 70 AD- the time Jesus was speaking about. Today a whole country could be wiped out in seconds by nuclear weapons... even the whole world. In fact if God didn’t cut those days short no flesh would saved!

The Roman soldiers gambled for Jesus’ clothing at the foot of the cross. The other day, when I was out at Orient Point, there were loads and loads of people getting on the Sea Jet heading over for the day to gamble at Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods in Connecticut. What was isolated evil has become widespread entertainment.

We went through the Great Depression in 1929 and on through the 1930's. Today we could be facing 15-20% inflation in no time, according to CNBC, this week. All that has to happen is for China or Japan to stop buying up US debt. We are rapidly moving down a road of no return, economically.

Remember God is sovereign. He is in control. He will take care of us! Don’t be afraid!

3. Stand Firm to the end. vs.13-14

Stand in Ephesians 6.10-20
To remain
Don’t move
Let nothing move you! (I Corinthians 15.58)
To not flee
Stand your ground.
To hold fast to one’s faith
To endure bravely and calmly ill treatment due to your faith.

Firm in the Word of God.
Remain in His Word (John 15.7)

Firm in prayer- watch Colossians 4.2,12
Luke 18.1

Firm in the faith.
Don’t read things that will tear down your faith. I came across a web page about disgruntled believers this past week and went to click and felt the Holy Spirit checking me and I realized that I don’t need to read that stuff. It isn’t going to help my walk with the LORD.

Firm in righteousness.
Keep doing what is right no matter what! There used to be a time when people were commended for doing right. That time is passing away. Evil is being spoken of as good. We must do what is right in the eyes of the LORD.

The LORD has given us all we need to know about His return.
Watch, Stay in His Word, Pray and Stand Firm!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

The LORD's Day, September 20, 2009

Serving Humbly


Matthew 23.1-12

Serving the LORD is a wonderful thing. Jesus set the example for us throughout His life. He said that He did not come to be served but to serve and to give His life as ransom for many.

Serving the LORD has inherent rewards. Being a joint partner with the Holy Spirit and seeing God’s kingdom grow is wonderful indeed. The joy that comes from serving the LORD is a tremendous thing. To think that I could bring glory to God is an incredible thought.

Serving the LORD is a wonderful way to live. It is selfless. What a privilege to be part of His Kingdom!

Yet when it comes to serving we need to be careful to not let the flesh or the sinful nature mess us up. It goes against serving. It wants to be served and gratified. Jesus is giving us insight into others’ motives and even our own on how to avoid these pit traps and serve Him with goodness and grace out of a pure heart.

1. Serve! 1-4
Some have used the hypocrisy that exists in the church as a means of being exempt from service.

Christ expects us to serve Him.

In Israel at this time the Pharisees and teachers of the law were not living correctly but that didn’t invalidate the Word of God. Paul asks in Romans 3.3-4 " What if some did not have faith? Does their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all!"

Not giving or serving or obeying Jesus because of what some phonies and rotten leaders do is not legitimate. My nephew, who has been reading his Bible, told me the other day about a so called minister of the Gospel who said, "Jesus died so you could be healthy and wealthy and successful." Because some go against the Word of God doesn’t exempt us from serving the LORD.

In these opening verses Jesus is pointing out the Pharisees as an example of how not to serve. We don’t have Pharisees today... or do we? There are those who do not practice what they preach, who require more of their hearers than they are willing to do, who do their acts of righteousness to be seen by men and who are interested in honor. There are people like that even in the church. We still must serve.

E. Stanley Jones, "The church with all its faults is still the best serving organization on earth. So get into it and serve!"

2. Do Your Best Not to be Seen By Men. v.5-8
It has to do with motive.

People will see you. This doesn’t mean that we should not be seen at all. If we serve we are bound to be seen eventually.

Try to avoid being seen. You can keep secrets if you want. We surprised my mom last week. It wasn’t easy but we did it. One of my nieces said, "Next time don’t tell me about the surprise. I don’t want to have to worry about keeping quiet." It isn’t easy but it is possible. Aim for this. A person, now in heaven, gave me $1,000 to pass onto someone in need. They asked me to make sure they didn’t know who was giving it. I kept my word.

Do things not to be seen by men but to be seen by God.

Don’t broadcast what you do. I have heard some people speak recently about their prayer time and their fasting. This is broadcasting. Jesus spoke against this.

When they see you, deflect praise.

"... Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father Who is in heaven." Matthew 5.16

Even when seen our goal is to bring glory to our Father in heaven. If people say, "You are doing wonderful things," give the glory to God. Praise His Name.

Don’t allow the praise to go you. You are a servant. You should seek to be a humble servant. Quietly go about your work for the LORD, knowing He sees what is done in secret and He will reward you.

3. Greatness is serving. v. 9-11

The greatest among you will be your servant. Get yourself in that servant position. That is where greatness in the kingdom of God lies. Serve the Body of Christ.

Serve Him Fully and Wholeheartedly

Don’t go for titles: Rabbi, Father, Teacher... all these were titles of respect. Jesus is saying I am the Master Teacher. Don’t let anyone call you that. We are all His students, His disciples, brothers and sisters. We are not above anyone else and no one should be above us. In the Eastern culture it is common to call a person by his title: "Teacher"... sister, brother, etc. Christ is our teacher

Serve Him with all your abilities and talents.

My heart aches when I think of all the gifts God has given people and how many squander them or waste them on pursuits that do not count for eternity.

Some of the most talented people I have met have struggled with their service to God and offering their God given abilities to Him. Don’t be among those!

Always give yourself fully to the work of the LORD! (I Corinthians 15.58)

4. Humble Yourselves v. 12

This means to behave in an unassuming manner.

It means to be ranked below those who are honored and rewarded. This goes against the flesh. How we love recognition. May that be put to death in all of us!

It means to be assigned to a lower rank or place. Our way up is down. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. This was a task assigned to the lowest servant in the household. Jesus filled it gladly. May we do the same.

When I worked in the grocery store the bottom shelves needed to be cleaned every once in a while. Back then we were required to wear ties and a white jacket as we worked. My first night on the job I was given steel wool pads and 409 and told to clean all the bottom shelves . I never realized how dirty they were. It was humbling as people I knew came in and saw me with my hands all greasy and dirty cleaning off these shelves. That was good for me!
Humble yourself to a position of serving in God’s Kingdom. Get down where Jesus is! He is with the children. He is with the weak. He is with those in nursing homes and hospitals. Matthew 20.25-28

Humble yourself to serve without recognition of anyone but God Himself. Some of the finest work we do is seen only by the LORD and the people we are serving. Jesus spent time alone in prayer... He often withdrew to lonely places where He prayed. He downplayed His popularity. How we need to follow His example!

If there is any "promoting" let God do it. There is no promotion from serving!

Micah 6.8

He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

I Corinthians 15.58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Make Me A Servant

Sunday, September 6, 2009

The LORD's Day, September 6, 2009

A People Who Produce Fruit
Matthew 21.33-46

The word "fruit" (karpos) can be used for:
* Fruit of trees, vines or the field
* Offspring
*That which comes from something, an effect, a result

Our faith effects the way we live, the way we behave.
The LORD is looking for fruit in His people. The LORD is looking for the Fruit of His Spirit within His people.

1. People Who Produce Fruit Are Filled With the Holy Spirit Galatians 5.22-23
The fruit is from the Holy Spirit, beginning with repentance: Matthew 3.8-10
Repentance, a godly sorrow for sin and a change of direction in one’s life... with faith in Jesus for salvation.

As we are filled with the Spirit He produces fruit in our lives. It is a lifelong process of maturity, but the evidence is there all along. When I was a young man I loved seeing the likeness of Christ in others coming through the work of His Spirit in their hearts and lives. I often would see it in areas where I needed to grow. The thirst would come and I would seek the LORD for more fruit in my life.

The natural outgrowth of a healthy plant, bush or tree is fruit. The supernatural outgrowth of a Spirit filled Christian is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

2. People Who Produce Fruit Are Sweet Galatians 5.22a

The watermelon and the grandchildren the other night... Lili mmm... Tristan

The fruit of the Spirit is love. Love is sweet- very sweet. It makes us go mmm inside!

There is a sweetness in character and disposition in the Spirit Filled Believer.
The psalmist spoke of the sweetness of the Word of God:
Psalm 119.103 How sweet are Your Words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.
God’s Word in our hearts bring out good words from our mouths- sweet to us and others.
Solomon spoke of these words of encouragement:
Proverbs 16.24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Spirit filled people who are maturing are learning to use this gift with increasing effectiveness.
As we mature we look for opportunities, not to speak of ourselves, but rather to speak word that will cheer and bless and comfort when we do speak. We are also learning to speak less, listen more and pray without ceasing.

The Proverbs also speaks of wisdom that is found in those who are filled with God’s Spirit:
Proverbs 24.14 Know that wisdom is sweet to your soul
3. People Who Produce Fruit Are Strengthened Regularly by God ‘s Word.

Psalm 119.28 Strengthen me according to Your Word. In this situation the psalmist was experiencing deep sorrow. It could be he lost a loved one. It might have been that he just experienced a broken relationship with a person he thought was his friend. It is possible he was carrying a burden for another soul who was in a mess due to sin. It is possible it was something else.

We need daily strength from God’s Word. Saturate yourself in it. Hide it in your heart. Read it Study it. Memorize it. These things will bring you spiritual strength.

Remember what Jesus said about the work of the Holy Spirit in us. John 14.26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. As we hide God’s Word in our heart the Holy Spirit brings it up when we need it for various situations we find ourselves in. We all need this wonderful work in our lives.

Twice in this chapter Jesus asked these who should have known God’s Word, "Have you not read...?" Abide in His Word!

4. People Who Produce Fruit Are Faithful Witnesses for the LORD.
Romans 7.4 So my brothers you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to one another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit to God.
Psalm 92.14 They will still bear fruit in old age; they will remain fresh and green.

As witnesses we are to tell what the LORD has done for us. Leave the rest to God.
Just be faithful. That is what matters!

5. People Who Produce Fruit Are Influencing Others without knowing it.
Think about the people who influenced you over your life. They were not aware of it. They lived a life of following Jesus. They loved Him and you were touched by that love they had. This past week I posted some photos of our history on Facebook. From all over the country have come responses about the faithfulness and influence of God’s people in this church through the years.
You are influencing people. You say, "Me, Pastor, I don’t think so!" If you are serving Jesus influence is going out.

The shadow of Peter... Acts 5.15 I like to think Peter wasn’t aware of this when it was happening. How many of us watch our shadow?

6. People Who Produce Fruit Are Experiencing a Foretaste of Heaven in Their Souls.
Blessed Assurance Jesus is mine, Oh what a foretaste of Glory divine!
Paul calls this: the deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. (Ephesians 1.14) He is speaking about the Holy Spirit in our lives, which we were marked with the seal of when we believed.

The Holy Spirit is working in us. We know Christ. We have a Father in Heaven Who cares about us and we are on a journey to spend eternity there with all have believed!

The LORD has put a new song in our hearts so that we sing as we go.

7. People Who Produce Fruit Are The Salt Of the Earth Jesus Spoke About.
Matthew 5.13 You are the salt of the earth

I think of the work of missionaries. They share the gospel. People come to Christ and the whole community is effected. Schools are built and people are helped and lifted from sin into salvation.
I think of the work of medical missionaries, doctors and others who are doing things no one else is doing... like the AIDS Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya where many of the childrens are infected and their parents are gone.

I think of Christian kids in our school Public School Systems. They have a good influence, an influence for truth. They are light among darkness. Pray for them!

I think of you, out in the work place. Great Pressure is placed upon you to compromise, to do the wrong thing. You are the salt of the earth. You do what is right because you know God is watching and seeing all.

People who produce fruit are filled with the Holy Spirit, have a sweetness about them, are being strengthened regularly by the Word of God, are faithful witnesses for the LORD, are experiencing that foretaste of heaven in their souls and are the salt of the earth.

Let the LORD have His way with you so that out of your life the Spirit will produce fruit, fruit that will remain, for the glory of God.