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July - December 1998
See also…
Jesus – The Bread of Life
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John 6:25-6
Jesus said many difficult things. This reading includes, perhaps, the most difficult of all. ``Whoever eats my flesh and
drinks my blood has eternal life," v.54a. The Romans heard first-century Christians talk about ``love feasts" and about ``eating the body and drinking the blood" of Christ and they jumped to
conclusions that the early church was engaging in sex orgies and cannibalism.
While we may scoff at that we also must recognize that we little understand the true significance of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus.
I. The people demanded Jesus: give them a sign like the manna Moses gave their fathers.
A. First they wanted to know what the work of God was. v. 28 (To believe in Jesus)
B. Then they needed a sign. (How can you believe without a sign?)
C. Jesus reminded them of the actual circumstances of the manna.
1. Moses didn't give it.
2. The Father did.
3. The true bread from heaven is ``He who comes down..."
II. Jesus was serious when He challenged others to ``eat His flesh and drink His blood".
A. He told them ``I am the living bread" (Bread of Life) V. 51
B. Eating His flesh and drinking His blood imparts eternal life. v.53-56
C. At the last Passover He later told His disciples. Matt 26:26-30
III. We too must respond by allowing Jesus to become our very lives and we symbolize that in communion.
A. The key to this teaching is in v. 35
1. Coming to Him ends hunger.
2. Believing in Him ends thirst.
B. When He says ``eat" He is relaying the message ``come to Me".
C. When He says ``drink" He is relaying the message ``believe".
Later Jesus called out to them, ``If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink." We must assimilate Christ into our very beings. Not
just believe about Him: believe ``INTO" Him and He into us. Let the living Lord Jesus become the life we live and reflect Him in all aspects of our lives.
Awaiting His Return
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Romans 6
The last reference in the adult Sunday School lesson called on us to ``continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed
before him at his coming." 1 John 2:28. Now I have to ask the question, ``What does `continue in' Him mean"?
I. In order to continue `in Him' we must have entered into Him.
A. We are born descendants of Adam - in Adam all die. Romans 5:12
B. Christ
came so that in Him the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19
C. Because ``the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" 6:23
II. Having ``received Him" John 1:12 we enter Him and He enters us. John 14:20
A. There is ``no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus" Romans. 8:1
B. We have been ``sanctified in Christ Jesus" 1 Corinthians 1:2 (and called to be holy - the product of the work God has done in us)
C. In Him we have been enriched in every way. 1 Cor 1:4-5
III. Being in Him we are a part of His body - the church. Rom 12:5
A. We form ``one body"
B. ``each member belongs to all the others."
C. We ``are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3:28
These biblical truths draw me to the inescapable conclusion that we are all obligated to all others who claim the name of Christ. Being in Him we
are part of them and owe them our love, our concern and our prayers. ``And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming." 1 John 2:28
In Him …
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1 Corinthians 1:4-9
In Christ we have received all we need to live a godly life. (2 Pet. 1:3) Yet in our day-to-day lives we find it hard to see it worked out. How can
we really live so that we receive the grace of God?
I. God's grace is given us in Christ Jesus.
A. Though all have sinned. Rom 3:23
B. All are justified freely by His grace. Rom 3:24
C. And grace is greater than our sin. Rom. 5:20-21
II. In Him we (along w/the Corinthians) are enriched in every way.
A. In all speaking.
1. We cannot help but speak. Acts 4:19-20
2. Speaking the very words of God. 1 Peter 4:10-11
B. And in all knowledge.
1. Jesus promised knowledge. Matt. 13:11
2. Knowledge of God's will comes through... Col. 1:9-10
C. Even in material things. 2 Cor 9:11
III. He will keep us strong until the end.
A. Spiritual strength grows out of spiritual gifts. Romans 1:11-12
B. Spiritual strength is a part of the grace of God. 1 Pet. 5:10
C. It is God who is faithful, not us.
1. He called us into fellowship with Jesus. 1 John 1:3-7
2. He intends we be blameless. 1 Thess 5:23
3. He will do it. 1 Thess. 5:24
A Worldly Point of View
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2 Corinthians 5:14-21
I revisit this text often as I seek to understand fully the work God is doing in our individual lives as well as in our corporate life. Becoming a
Christian MUST be a great deal more than joining the church or saying a prayer after agreeing to a set of principles, or ideas. Being composed of Christian individuals MUST be basic to being a Christian fellowship.
Above al else we MUST be a Christian fellowship.
I. All have died in Christ
A. His blood covers the sins of ALL. 1 Tim. 2:4-6
B. Not ALL receive Him but all who do become children of God. John 1:12
C. Those who live (God's children) should live for Him who died for them.
II. We no longer live by a worldly viewpoint.
A. Oh? 1 Cor. 3:1-4
B. We were slaves to the world's basic principles. Gal. 4:1-3
C. Now we are free from that slavery. Gal. 4:4-7
III. We are new creations and a new creation.
A. We MUST live like it! Eph. 4:22-24 (were taught - past tense)
B. Put to death the world's way! Col. 3:5-10 (past tense)
C. We can live His life! Col. 3:11-17
All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ. It is not from us or from our ability. Our ability is limited by our availability
and our obedience. We have (past tense) become the righteousness of God in Christ. now we MUST live in His strength not our own.
Jesus' Kind of Ministry
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John 5:1-30
Jesus, confronted by one sick man (among many) at Bethesda, healed him and that on the Sabbath. This brought the religious people down on Him for
breaking their rules. He tried to explain to them that He was only doing what the Father did. By Himself, He could do NOTHING.
At the end of His ministry He would say, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21. Since we are sent
``As the Father sent" Him, and He only did what the Father did, then we MUST minister as He ministered.
I. Who He ministered to, and with!
A. His disciples -- fishermen, tax collectors and rebels! John 1
B. At a wedding in Cana. John 2
C. He attacked the religious. John 2
D. A religious leader. John 3
E. A Samaritan Woman. John 4.
F. Many Samaritans. John 4
G. A royal official. John 4
H. A woman taken in adultery. John 8
I. A man born blind. John 9
J. Lazarus, Martha & Mary. John 11
K. Washes His disciple's feet. John 13 (This is only from John's gospel)
II. Who He expressed the greatest concern for.
A. In the sermon on the mount. Mat. 5
1. poor in spirit.
2. mourning.
3. meek.
4. hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
5. merciful.
6. pure in heart.
7. peacemakers.
8. the persecuted for righteousness sake.
B.
When He saw the hardness of the hearts He rejoiced in a strange manner. Mat. 11:25-30
C. The children Mark 10:13-16
D. Contrasted with the rich man. Mark 10:17-31
II. Jesus saw greatness in a different light than we do. Mat. 18:1-9
A. The greatest are humble like a child.
B. Those who hinder them are in great trouble.
When the disciples fought for position and power Jesus called them to Himself. (Mat. 20:25-27) We need more servants and less ``great ones".
Christ – Our Life
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Colossians 3:1-17
Today we observe communion. This is a special ministry to, and within, any body of believers. Jesus wanted us to know that He is our life. That
unless we allow Him to be our sustenance we cannot fully develop as Christians. In Him we live and move and have our being. Let's focus on some of what it means to have Christ as our life.
I. Whether we recognize it or not, we have definite relationships with Christ.
A. We have been raised with Christ. Eph 2:6
B. Since we were crucified with Him. Rom 6:6-8
C. He bore our sins in His body on the tree. 1 Peter 2:24 (all
these are past tense)
II. We can, because of these relationships (and much more),
A. We can set our affections on things above.
B. We can set our minds on things above.
C. We are able to put to death whatever belongs to the earth.
III. There is a process through which we need to pass.
A. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart. John 14:25-27
B. Be thankful. Heb. 12:28 (it is part of worship)
C. Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly. Psalm 37:30-31
1 Corinthians 10:31 Now we go to the Lord's Table. 1 Cor 11:23-26
Jesus' Ministry
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Matthew 9:35-38
I. What He did.
A. He went & taught Mark 1:35-38 (We are to do so also Mat. 28:19-20)
B. He proclaimed the good news of the kingdom The primary theme of 1st cent. preaching 8 times in Acts Paul ended his ministry on this theme Acts 28:31
C. He healed every disease. Only twice is this phrase
mentioned. 4:23; 9:35 Often, He only healed one or two — or none!
II. What He felt — Compassion. Dictionary says: Literally, suffering with another; a sensation of sorrow excited by the distress or misfortunes of another; pity; commiseration.
A. They were harassed & helpless. As are many around us today. The poor the sick and the suffering
B. They were shepherdless sheep. Zechariah's prophecy speaks of this incident in the life of Jesus Zech.
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III. What He said.
A. The harvest is plentiful. God desires that none be lost. 2 Peter 3:9
B. The workers are few. Many want to be spectators — few aspire to be workers.
C. Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to send His workers.
Prayer is the key to effective ministry. Eph 6:10-20
God has called us to a ministry to those around us that features going to them, telling them about the kingdom, teaching them how the life works
and healing them. These are things only He can do so we must become channels through which the Spirit flows to do these things for the kingdom of God.
Jesus' Ministry in Us
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John 10:10
I. The Thief - More than the devil.
A. Our basic enemy is always satan!
B. Satan's allies: 1 John 2:14-17
1. Our built in flesh
2. This world system
C. The Thief comes to steal, kill & destroy
II. Jesus Came to Give us life.
A. He is the Source of Life. John 1:1-4
B. That life is Eternal Life. John 3:14-16
C. This represents part of our gift from God (forgiveness of sins)
III. Jesus Came to Give us Abundant Life!
A. The world view of
abundant life is expressed in ``The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" on TV. (This is not God's view - nor should it be ours)
B. Jesus is Our Life. John 15:1-8
1. We (as branches) draw life from the Vine
2. That life is not ours but His! Col. 3:4
Jesus did not come INTO OUR LIVES to join us to Himself with all our flaws. When we received Jesus as Lord WE EXCHANGED our old rebellious,
independent, self-serving life for HIS powerful, obedient life. We cannot live out in our natural lives the ministry of Jesus. We must allow Him to live out His Ministry Through Us!
We have the choice of living
after the world and our flesh or living after the Spirit. The line of least resistance is to follow our old way of living (no matter how long ago we left it) because our flesh resists the Spirit until it is done to
death.
Jesus' Ministry to Us
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Deuteronomy 30:1-20
God gave a promise long ago to His people. It is found in Deuteronomy 30. His promise is to restore His people to Himself as They follow His plan
of restoration. This is His ministry to us not our ministry to Him. The distinction is important because just as salvation is not by works of righteousness we have neither is restoration. We cannot make it happen
but we can only cooperate with Him.
I. God anticipates our falling away.
A. In the Garden He placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
1. He knew in advance what Adam would do
2. He covered Adam's sin with the skins of the innocent.
B. In establishing Israel He provided for restoration.
C. In bringing us to salvation He provided for ongoing forgiveness.
1. He cleanses on confession. 1 John 1:9
2. He provides for our restoring others. Galatians 6:1
II. He puts in us a desire to be restored when we fall away.
A. As with David the king. Psalm 51:12
B. As with Jeremiah. Lamentations 5:19-22
C. As with Hosea. Hosea 6:1-3
III. He provided a plan for our restoration that includes the degree of restoration.
A. With the prodigal son. Luke 15:11-32
1. The son was willing to be a slave in his father's house.
2. The Father restored him to sonship.
B. He awaits our recognizing our condition. Isaiah 57:15
C. Repentance is our part. Jeremiah 15:19
IV. With our restoration He returns to His promises.
A. He will give
back what our slackness and sin has taken away. Joel 2:25
B. In fact He will give much more if we return to Him. Zechariah 9:12
C. Jesus prepared for Peter to be restored and used in ministry. Luke 22:31-34
His promises are true and only awaits our response to His call for repentance. What we cannot do He will gladly do. He did not create us only to
lose us. He created us to change the world through us.
Jesus' Ministry Among Us
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Roman's 15:13-16
Not having been able to prevent Jesus' ministry, and not having been able to stop the formation of the Christian church, Satan moved to hinder its
effectiveness. The further our enemy can move us from the original intent of God the less effective we are. One action to make us less effective (another sermon) is the division between different groups. Another is
division within the local congregation -- also another sermon. The one I want to approach today is division of ministry from laity. Satan was very successful in damaging the local congregation when he led in
dividing the work of the local church between the ordained and the unordained. Paul wrote to the Romans (under HS direction) to encourage them "to instruct one another". This is Jesus' ministry among us.
I. Jesus did not promise a select few that He would be with them.
A. The promise of Holy Spirit ability was made. John 14:15-21
B. The promise was to all whom the Lord called. Acts 2:38-39 (put aside the division caused by differing interp's of v. 38)
C. Jesus ministry in us enables us to allow His gracious ministry among us.
1. He came to give us life. salvation
2. He came to give us abundant life. Holy Spirit's work
3. He came to exchange our old life for His new life.
4. He came to live His life through us.
II. His presence is not dependent on our human ability.
A. The message of the cross is a message of "Hisability". 1 Cor. 1:18-31
B. It is the gracious work of God's Spirit in us that enables us to minister to one another. 1 Cor. 3:16
1.This is not to say we should not study.
2. It is to say we should study for God's approval. 2 Tim. 2:15
III. His power is released in our weakness.
A. God's grace is sufficient. 2 Cor. 12:7-10
B. Our flesh (old habits) war against God's Spirit in us. Gal. 5:16-17
C. He is our strength and our victory. John 16:33
We are capable of ministering to one another each fulfilling the role given by the
Spirit of God. This is Jesus' Ministry Among Us!
Setting Us Free to Be!
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Romans 8:1-13
This scripture is one of those that many people struggle with. Even the early copyists struggled since some held back a little and others included
it causing the modern translator a lot of decision making. The TR is right and most modern GR is wrong, in my opinion.
This passage speaks of how we `walk', or live. If we live according to the `sinful nature' NIV (`flesh' KJV), or the Spirit, we determine who we
are day-to-day. Not if we are saved but if we are effective for the kingdom. I, for one, want to be effective for the kingdom. I want my time on earth to make a difference under God.
I. We were saved by a work of God, we remain by a work of God.
A. We were saved by grace through faith, not of works. Eph 2:8-9
B. We entered the family of God by a work of Holy Spirit. Gal. 4:29
C. We remain Christians by grace through faith, not of works. 1 Thess 5:23-24
II. We did not become a `split-personality' when we were saved.
A. We
did not invite Jesus `into our lives'. This is a subtle, false, teaching common today. We are `new creations'. 2 Cor. 5:17
B. Jesus became our life. Col 3:3-4 We are co-heirs with Christ!
C. We are children of God. John 1:12-13
III. We are in the process of being what we have become.
A. A person
joins the military and the are immediately military They spend their lives `becoming'. Same with business, etc.
B. Our sinful nature is dead and we no longer are in bondage to it. Gal. 5:22-25; Romans 6:1-14
C. The habits of the old life are still with us.
We are in the process of ridding ourselves of it. Gal. 6:7-8
This a message of hope. You do not have to wonder if you will `make it'! Jesus `made it' for you and gave `it' to you as a gift. Now He willingly
lives through you what He has placed in you as you put off the old and put on the new daily.
Mystery of our Relationship
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Ephesians 1:3-10
Webster's Dictionary defines ``Mystery" as: A profound secret; something wholly unknown, or something kept cautiously concealed, and therefore
exciting curiosity or wonder; something which has not been or can not be explained; hence, specifically, that which is beyond human comprehension.
The Bible speaks of our relationship to God, in Christ, as a Mystery. Hidden in the past and then revealed in Christ. So this ``Mystery" has
been an open -- yet misunderstood -- secret for the two millennia of the Christian Church.
I. The Mystery is the Expansion of Relationships in Christ. Eph. 3:2-6
A. The Mystery is Christ. v. 4;
B. The Mystery is Christ in us. Col. 1:24-27
C. The Mystery is Christ as our life. Col. 3:4
II. Our first birth was to the earth our second to heaven.
A. Sons & Daughters of Adam inherit SIN. (Not sins)
1. David speaking by the Spirit said it: Ps. 51:5
2. Paul confirmed it: Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22
B. With sin we inherit death.
1. Separation from God for eternity
2. Remember: we are spiritual -- not physical
C. But in Christ we inherit LIFE.
1. He brings life to all men. Rom. 5:18
2. He became SIN for us so we could be God's righteousness in Him. (2 Cor. 5:21) He
put that SIN to death in His own body so we could inherit life through Him.
III. The Mystery is solved in our change of relationship
A. We die to our old life. 1 Peter 2:24
B. We are buried with Jesus. Col 2:12 (symbolized in baptism)
C. We rise with the ability to walk a new life. Col 3:1
D. We are new creatures in Christ! 2 Cor. 5:17
E. We are - right now - seated in heaven. Eph. 2:6
Men and Women are born separated from God and from His promises and can only be brought into the family of God by NEW BIRTH into a new family. By faith in Christ
we cease to be sons and daughters of Adam and become children born of God.
The Location of Life
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John 20:31
As we observe advertising we can see that market research is convinced people are seeking life. Every new product claims to be the source of a
better life. When we set out to find life we find ourselves grasping smoke. In Matt. 16:24-25 Jesus tells us that seeking to save our own lives will cause us to lose it. This a spiritual paradox that has a real
explanation and it is found in Scripture.
I. That you may believe.
A. Believing is ``faith"; without which we cannot please God. Heb. 11:6
B. We believe in many things without understanding. (example: magnetism, electricity, etc.)
C. Belief is a choice based on evidence sufficient to change us.
1. It is not imposed by God.
2. It is not learned - it is accepted.
II. That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
A. The object of Christian belief is Jesus (not the church)
B. Not just ``Jesus" as an historic person. But Jesus as ``the Anointed One (Christ)"
C. Belief in Jesus, as the Christ, is Eternal Life. John 17:1-3
III. That you may have life in His name.
A. Life is located in Jesus. 1 John 5:11
B. Having the Son is having Life. 1 John 5:12-13
C. The Life we have in Him is abundant. John 10:10
(Because it IS His Life He has given us. Not an extension of ours)
Operating as though God has spoken and has told the truth is a choice of faith. The writer of Hebrews tells us, ``in these last days He has spoken
to us by His Son," (1:2). We say we believe in God. We need to act as though we believe God. He tells us we have Life in Jesus. He tells us as we confess with our mouth, ``Jesus is Lord" and believe in our
heart God has raised Him from the dead we will be saved (have life). We need to believe that and live by it. His life is in us and is prepared to live through us. LIFE IS IN JESUS!
The Focus of Life
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Hebrews 12:1-3
We can very easily be caught up in focusing on ourselves and seeing the obvious failure we are. We must be careful to allow the Lord to do the
looking at ourselves while we focus on Jesus Himself. We walk through life needing a focus to keep us on track much as a highwire walker must focus on the wire and not the height.
I. Let us throw off everything that hinders.
A. Beginning with Cain, sin crouched at the door. Gen. 4:6,7
B. We are sinful from conception. Ps. 51:1-5
C. We must lay all that aside and not focus on it. Col. 3:4-11
D. We must focus on the Spirit not the flesh. Gal. 5:16
II. Let us run with perseverance.
A. Discipline is required to win the race. 1 Cor. 9:24-27
B. Yet we are unable, in our flesh, to live up to God's standard.
C. Jesus did it for us. Heb. 13:20,21
D. We enter into all that He is. 1 Cor. 1:30,31
1. Righteousness. 2 Cor. 5:21
2. Holiness. Eph 4:20-24
3. Redemption. Rom. 3:23,24
III. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.
A. He is our life. Col. 3:3,4
B. He is our pattern. Romans. 12:1,2
C. He is our all. 2 Peter 1:3
We can only live the life as He lives it out through us. We are only branches drawing substance from the vine.
Being Godly, Me?
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1 Timothy 3:16-4:10
I have often remarked that I will live a very long time since God's goal is for me to be like Him and I have so very far to go. That is only true
on the surface. I understand the bible to teach that I am already ``godly". This is a disturbing and exciting truth avoided by most Christians because it seems to contradict our experience, or our feelings.
Looking closely at the text you will see that ``the mystery of godliness" is a ``He". That being true there are certain conclusions we can draw. The ``He" is clearly Jesus.
I. He was born different from us.
A. Jesus was born of a virgin. The offspring of the woman. Gen 3:15
B. We were born descended from Adam. Rom. 5:12
C. Jesus had no sin. 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5
II. We are unable to be godly in our natural state.
A. All of us are under sin. Rom. 3:9-20
B. Even our righteous acts fall short. Isa. 64:6
C. In fact in our flesh is nothing good. Rom 7:18
III. We are godly in Him.
A. Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus. Rom 3:22
B. Jesus has put to death our flesh. Rom. 8:1-11
C. Jesus made an exchange for us. 2 Cor. 5:21
D. We are in Him. John 14:20
The glorious riches of this mystery is ``Christ in you, the hope of Glory". It is not in us, in our natural state, to be godlike (godly). It
is in Christ because He is God in flesh. When we accept Jesus as Lord then we are in Him and He is in us. Nothing, from without or within, can touch us without going by and being greeted by Him.
If you do not know Him as Lord:
1. Recognize that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Rom 3:23
2. The wages of sin is death. Rom 6:23 (eternal separation from God)
3. God showed us His love by condemning sin in flesh and nailing it to the cross of Jesus. Rom 5:8; Col. 2:14; 1 Peter 2:24
4. If You will
confess that Jesus is Lord -- believing in your heart that God raised Him from the dead you will be saved. Rom. 10:9-10
What Does God Want This Church To Be?
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Matthew 16:13-19
The Church universal was founded by Jesus Christ during His life on earth and established in the days following His death, burial and resurrection.
All true believers of all ages are a part of it and it will not meet until it meets around the throne of Christ in the coming kingdom. (Each part of the body seems to have its own definition of the church that
excludes, in some way, all who are unlike them in some particular way.)
A local church is a part of the body of Christ and as such has no authority over any other part of that body. The Head, Jesus, gives
direction and the parts respond, in varying degrees, to that direction.
My desire is that this part of the body know its role in Jesus' plan for the world we live in.
The People
I. The Church is made up of people.
A. People who are being saved. Acts 2:47 or Born again. John 3:5-8 (born of the Spirit)
B. People who have accepted Jesus as Lord. Rom 10:9-10
C. People who
have obeyed the Lord Jesus by becoming a part of a local fellowship. (added to their number) Heb. 10:25
II. People who have the Life of Christ in them. Gal. 2:20
A. Crucified with Christ. Rom 6:6-8
B. Buried with Christ. Rom 6:1-4
C. Raised with Christ. Rom 6:5
D. Seated with Him in the Heavenly realms. Eph. 6:8
E. Christ has become their life. Col. 3:1-4
III. We must not operate on the basis of our experience, or feelings.
A. We must live by the truth. God's word is truth. Jesus is truth.
B. We have in us all the old habits (flesh) and the pressures of the enemy (satan) and the world.
C. When we recognize the new nature (2 Cor. 5:17) we can release the life of Jesus to live through us.
We need to commit ourselves to allow Jesus to live His life through us individually and corporately. He is the Head of the Body and we are the
parts. He is the Vine we are the branches. His life through us will produce His fruit and His results in and through us.
What Does God Want This Church To Be? Part II
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1 Corinthians 11:23-32
The Bible gives us two direct teachings by Christ concerning what we are to do to show His grace in our lives. Any particular communion may claim
other things are a part of God's grace to us - and may be right - but Christ only gave us two. (It seems to me) Baptists through the past three centuries have called them the ordinances of the church. They are
baptism and the Lord's Supper.
I. Baptism was instituted by Christ.
A. As an act of obedience. Matt. 3:13-17
B. As a direct command. Matt. 28:16-20
C. And as a teaching through the apostles. Acts 2:38,41; 8:12, 36-38; 9:17-18; 10:47-48; 11:16-17; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16 (and that's just in Acts!)
II. The Lord's Supper was instituted by Christ.
A. As a development of Passover. Luke 22:15-23
B. As instruction to Paul the apostle. 1 Cor 11:23
C. As an expectation of the Church. 1 Cor. 10:16
III. These two ordinances draw us back to the beginning. They are remembrances for us.
A. Baptism reminds us of our death in Christ, our burial with Him and our resurrection to walk a new life (Him through us and us in Him)
B. The Lord's Supper reminds us of His death for us.
C. These are His ordinances and we should be obedient to Him in sharing them with all people who have trusted Him for new life.
We have our spiritual life and growth in the unmerited favor of God (GRACE). We receive that grace through salvation and portray it in our acts of
obedience.
What Does God Want This Church To Be? Part III
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God's Family
Hebrews 2:10-17
I hesitate to use the term ``Family of God" since that has already been used by a cult group causing great damage to the reputation of
Christianity around the world. However we are God's family and as such we should live up to that grand relationship.
I. The One who makes us holy calls us brothers.
A. This is, of
course, a generic term including male and female. We are His brothers and sisters - with one Father. Eph. 3:14-19
B. It was His desire to have a very large family. Rom. 8:29
C. A family that shares in His inheritance. Rom. 8:12-17
II. We live in an age which is rapidly redefining ``family".
A. Family once meant a father, mother and siblings related by blood.
B. Now it is being made to mean any group of people living together.
C. God's family shares a blood relationship. 1 Peter 1:17-25
III. The blood relationship we share has changed us.
A. We have been made God's children. John 1:12-13
B. We have a new heritage - Christ is our life! Col. 3:1-17
C. We have a new set of obligations. 1 Tim. 5:1-8
D. We have a new motivation. 2 Cor. 5:14
God has called us to love one another deeply. He has given us His Life so we have the power and the motivation to work at the process of being a
family -- a family that includes all who claim the name of Christ but which focuses love on those God has placed us with in the local church.
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A Church that trusts Him
Psalm 78:1-8
As Christians we still have the past as a large part of our makeup. We remember past failures and defeats and feel the burden of them pressing down
on us. We should remember, as the Psalmist reminds us, past victories and successes and be lifted to the heights by them. If we did look to the victories to rejoice and to the defeats only to learn from them we
would be unbeatable in our spirits.
I. We must not trust in man, or man's ways. Jer. 17:5-6
A. When God
spoke of all the curses it was because they trusted their walls for their defense. Deut. 28:52
B. God says those who trust in riches will fall. Ps. 49:1-15
C. We are even reminded not to trust religion. Jer. 7:4
II. We are to remember the good things God has done and know He will do it again as we trust in Him.
A. God has blessed this church in many ways.
1. People with loving hearts and caring attitudes.
2. Property, equipment, material things.
3. But we are
not to depend on those things. ``If you are not leaning on it, it won't let you down"
B. Through God's direction we have received favor in the community.
C. We have great opportunities in our future, as we obey God.
III. We must trust in God. (Illustration of the found penny)
A. Jesus' clear direction to the disciples. Jn 14:1
B. We were saved by faith, shouldn't we stay in it? Gal. 3:1-5
C. He has promised, He has proven, we can live by that. Phil 1:6; 1 Thess. 5:24
God is faithful. Holy Spirit reminds us of that in 1 Cor
1:4-9. In this prayer for this flesh-centered, unfaithful church the testimony is clear. If He will keep them, He will keep us.
Scriptures to build your faith.....
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him
and keep His commands. Deut. 7:9
This is what the LORD says--
the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel--
to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation,
to the servant of rulers:
``Kings will see you and rise up,
princes will see and bow down,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you." Isaiah 49:7
I always thank God for you
because of His grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in Him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge--because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. Therefore you
do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called
you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. 1 Cor. 1:4-9
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you
can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor. 10:13
The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. 1 Thes. 5:24
But the Lord is
faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thes. 3:3
if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown himself. 2 Tim. 2:13
Let us hold unswervingly to the
hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
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Galatians 3:26-4:7
Is it possible Jesus came into the world to give us Santa Claus? Or to make us go deep into debt every fall and winter buying gifts we do not need
for people who do not appreciate them? Is it possible Jesus came to start all this `holiday' madness? I think not! These things are but a part of our culture and environment. They grow out of the society we live in
not out of the heart of God. How should we respond? Do we abandon all `Christmas stuff' like the Jehovah's Witnesses have? Or do we take what is around us and make a serious attempt to turn it to a witness for the
Christ who saved us and whom our society is now more aware?
I. What does Dr. Luke tell us concerning Jesus' coming into the world? Luke 1:29-33
A. He will be great and be called the Son of the most High.(Words of power recognized in the spirit world--Mark 5:7; Acts 16:17
B. He will receive the throne of David.
1. Amos prophesied it (9:11)
2. and the disciples remembered it. Acts 15:16
C. He will reign over the house of Jacob. (20 times in the OT the people of God are called the house of Jacob)
II. What does the tax collector, Matthew, tell us? Mat. 1:18-25
A. He will save his people from their sins.
1. He became Sin for us. 2 Cor.5:21
2. He took our sins to the cross. 1 Peter 2:24
3. He raised us up with Himself. Eph 2:4-10
B. He will be `God with us".
1. The needy recognized who He was. Mark 10:46
2. The demons recognized who He was. Mark 5:7
III. What does the beloved John have to tell us? John 1:1-18
A. He was from before time began.
1. He was eternal life. 1 John 1:2
2. He was the exact image of the Father. Heb. 1:3; Jn 14:9
B. He was the Life which was the Light of men.
C. He gave the right to become children of God.
Christmas should be about new life! Our new life in Christ made possible by His coming into the world and our becoming subject to His lordship. Let
us rejoice with exceeding great JOY!
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Mark 1:35-39
The gospels of Mark and John have no birth narrative. John looks back to the beginning and is deeply spiritual while Mark looks at Jesus' earthly
beginning and is very basic. Each gospel was written for a purpose under direction of Holy Spirit. Early in his gospel Mark tells us, in the words of Jesus, one reason for His coming in to the world.
I. His Relationship With the Father was Kept Sharp and Clear
A. Very early in the morning He prayed.
1. The model prayer is a morning prayer.
2. We need to seek God, as He did, in the beginning of the day.
B. He prayed alone.
1. The disciples asked Him to teach them to pray.
2. They had observed Him but never joined Him.
C. Jesus' entire life was marked by prayer.
1. He prayed all night before choosing disciples.
2. He prayed before confronting the enemy.
II. Everyone was looking for Jesus.
A. They still are. (But they do not always realize it)
1. The hunger of our world is a desire for God.
2. God is found in Jesus Christ.
B. Our problem is we do not see their searching as spiritual.
1. We reject most of their searching because it is sensuous.
2. When in reality it is all a quest for God.
C. We need to do as the disciples and go to Jesus and ask Him.
1. They told Him about the seeking people.
2. He will always guide His people into the right way to reach.
III. He Will Always Reply, ``Let us go somewhere else."
A. Luke reminds us of His words. Luke 19:10
1. To save requires that we seek.
2. That which is lost involves more than people.
B. Jesus did not seek alone. ``Let us go.." Mark 1:17
1. He reaches people through people.
2. He gives us many opportunities to plant seeds of Life.
C. That they might have life to the full. John 10:10; Romans 5:17
He has called us to reign in life with Him and change the world we live in thereby. Go into the highways and bring them in.
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Luke 2:8-15
When the shepherds saw the remarkable sight of an angel announcing the birth of a Savior they were the first to know the truth. God really loves
all people and is demonstrates that love through the birth of a son, who is Christ the Lord. Jesus came to save us (and all) from our sins.
I. In David's town
A. He was pledged to be a descendant of David, the shepherd.
B. The prophecies were clear. Even Herod's advisors knew. Micah 5:2
C. Though it took a Roman census to be sure He was born there. Luke 2:17
II. There is born to you.
A. The announcement was not made to kings or politicians.
1. The first time He came he was humble.
2. He's coming againas conqueror.
B. It was to shepherds.
C. He came for all. 2 Peter 3:9 If He would honor a shepherd He could honor a king.
III. A Savior.
A. His name - Jesus - meant ``Jehovah Saves".
B. He came to save the creation. Romans 8:12-25
C. He came to make salvation available to all people. Isaiah 45:22; 1 Timothy 2:1-6
Jesus came to save the whole creation and to bring it to be the holy condition it was originally intended to have. His plan is being fulfilled and
will not be stopped. All people who put their trust in Him will join Him, and us, in the coming age in a heaven beyond our imagination.
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Luke 2:21-40
In John's gospel we are reminded that Jesus was ``full of grace and truth". Here, Luke tells us that as the child Jesus grew He ``became
strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him." These concepts of Grace and Truth mark the life of Jesus for us all and become evidence of God's presence in each of us.
As He grew. . . .
I. He became strong in spirit.
A. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:30-35
B. The Holy Spirit is His Spirit.
C. What He did He did in the Spirit.Luke 4:1
II. He was filled with wisdom.
A. Wisdom is basic to obeying God. Proverbs 2:1-12
B. Wisdom is found in the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10
C. Even as a child Jesus had a sense of His destiny.Luke 2:41-52(with the teachers at the age of twelve)
III. And God's grace was upon Him.
A. That Grace became the basis of
our salvation. Romans 3:21-26: Ephesians 2:8,9
B. Grace has enabled us to be free from the bondage to sin. Romans 6:11-14 (our new nature is His Life in us!)
C. The Christian life is ours due to God's grace
and in the end it is all grace. Rev. 22:21
God has saved us by His grace and become our very life in Christ. We have the privilege of carrying that Life into all the places we go day by day
and the power, in Him, to face anything and do anything He calls us to. May we consciously walk in that power daily.
See also…
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