I got a call from a dear friend who invited me to fill his pulpit in a few weeks.
Over the last few weeks I have thinking and praying about preaching being used more in ministry.
This Sunday I am filling in for one of our Elder's Sunday school class.
I really feel called to work with a small church pastoring and preaching.
I don't know what this will look like totally but I am trusting God to see it through.
Stand with me and pray for His will.
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Explicit Lyrics
The song lyrics below are from a song called "What It's Like" by Everlast. It was written by Erik Schrody. He also was with the band House of Pain. It is a rap / acoustic song.
The song has some curse words in it but at the same time it has a poignant message.
We tend to judge things by the surface. We look at what we can see and never get to the heart of a matter.
Growing up I was taught to never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes. My grand mother showed me an article written in our home town's news paper called "a mile in my moccasins". The lesson stuck.
I need a reminder sometimes. Sometimes in life we do need to make quick decisions. But not all the time. We really need to get to know a person and how they got where they are. Why? We have to find common ground to build upon. Calling someone a "slob, sinner, killer, thug, loser" before we know how they got their is not helpful.
To lead them to the Cross we have to find the starting point. The woman caught in the act, was not condemned but forgiven by Jesus. Paul wrote to Philemon and appealed to him to free the slave. Jesus entered the home and touched the dead child.
We have to relate. We cant put up barriers and pre-conditions and expect results.
These lyrics tell the story. Yes there is "bad language" but look at the underlying message. See past the exterior and listen with your heart.
Think about them the next time you see the bum, pregnant girl, thug on the corner or who ever....there is an underlying story.
Just my rambling thoughts...
What It's Like...
We've all seen the man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
The hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange
He ask the man for what he could spare with shame in his eyes
Get a job you fuckin' slob's all he replied
[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Then you really might know what it's like [x4]
Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom who said he was in love
He said don't worry about a thing baby doll I'm the man you've been dreamin' of
But three months later he said he won't date her or return her call
And she sweared god damn if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walkin' through the doors
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner, and they call her a whore
[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
Then you really might know what it's like [x4]
I've seen a rich man beg
I've seen a good man sin
I've seen a tough man cry
I've seen a loser win
And a sad man grin
I heard an honest man lie
I've seen the good side of bad
And the down side of up
And everything between
I licked the silver spoon
Drank from the golden cup
Smoked the finest green
I stroked the baddest dimes at least a couple of times
Before I broke their heart
You know where it ends
Yo, it usually depends on where you start
I knew this kid named Max
He used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
He liked to hang out late at night
Liked to get shit faced
And keep pace with thugs
Until late one night there was a big gun fight
Max lost his head
He pulled out his chrome .45
Talked some shit
And wound up dead
Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of his pain
You know it crumbles that way
At least that's what they say when you play the game
[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
Then you really might know what it's like [x3]
To have to lose...
The song has some curse words in it but at the same time it has a poignant message.
We tend to judge things by the surface. We look at what we can see and never get to the heart of a matter.
Growing up I was taught to never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes. My grand mother showed me an article written in our home town's news paper called "a mile in my moccasins". The lesson stuck.
I need a reminder sometimes. Sometimes in life we do need to make quick decisions. But not all the time. We really need to get to know a person and how they got where they are. Why? We have to find common ground to build upon. Calling someone a "slob, sinner, killer, thug, loser" before we know how they got their is not helpful.
To lead them to the Cross we have to find the starting point. The woman caught in the act, was not condemned but forgiven by Jesus. Paul wrote to Philemon and appealed to him to free the slave. Jesus entered the home and touched the dead child.
We have to relate. We cant put up barriers and pre-conditions and expect results.
These lyrics tell the story. Yes there is "bad language" but look at the underlying message. See past the exterior and listen with your heart.
Think about them the next time you see the bum, pregnant girl, thug on the corner or who ever....there is an underlying story.
Just my rambling thoughts...
What It's Like...
We've all seen the man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
The hair on his face is dirty, dreadlocked and full of mange
He ask the man for what he could spare with shame in his eyes
Get a job you fuckin' slob's all he replied
[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to sing the blues
Then you really might know what it's like [x4]
Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom who said he was in love
He said don't worry about a thing baby doll I'm the man you've been dreamin' of
But three months later he said he won't date her or return her call
And she sweared god damn if I find that man I'm cuttin' off his balls
And then she heads for the clinic and she gets some static walkin' through the doors
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner, and they call her a whore
[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to choose
Then you really might know what it's like [x4]
I've seen a rich man beg
I've seen a good man sin
I've seen a tough man cry
I've seen a loser win
And a sad man grin
I heard an honest man lie
I've seen the good side of bad
And the down side of up
And everything between
I licked the silver spoon
Drank from the golden cup
Smoked the finest green
I stroked the baddest dimes at least a couple of times
Before I broke their heart
You know where it ends
Yo, it usually depends on where you start
I knew this kid named Max
He used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
He liked to hang out late at night
Liked to get shit faced
And keep pace with thugs
Until late one night there was a big gun fight
Max lost his head
He pulled out his chrome .45
Talked some shit
And wound up dead
Now his wife and his kids are caught in the midst of all of his pain
You know it crumbles that way
At least that's what they say when you play the game
[CHORUS]
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
Then you really might know what it's like [x3]
To have to lose...
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Maturity
This morning's message really got me thinking today....(Good job Pastor Ross)
Ross talked about growing in maturity. He talked about our growth in the Gospel. Our growth does not come from a check list or a "7 step secret"...do this and you will succeed.
For along time I heard a lot about doing the right things in the right formula and God must bless you or answer you....
But it is not about human effort. Does growth take work? Yes I believe it does. But it is not a simple check list that by human effort we achieve our sanctification. It is taking the time and wrestling with the deep things of God. Of knowing who we are and who He is. It is His Holy Spirit communing (back and forth) with our Spirit...(being born again, it is that same Spirit).
In that back and forth, we grow. We see things in the light of Christ. We see things in the mind of Christ. We see things past a mere conversion. We move to a place of a deeper understanding of Gospel.
The Gospel is not a state of salvation. It is the greatest story ever told. It is relationship between God and us. When He said the tabernacle of God is with men...his tent is right in the middle of our lives. His Kingdom is all around us.
Growing in God is bigger than learning moral teaching and completing a list.
What is it God wants to do in your life that you are resisting?
Ross talked about growing in maturity. He talked about our growth in the Gospel. Our growth does not come from a check list or a "7 step secret"...do this and you will succeed.
For along time I heard a lot about doing the right things in the right formula and God must bless you or answer you....
But it is not about human effort. Does growth take work? Yes I believe it does. But it is not a simple check list that by human effort we achieve our sanctification. It is taking the time and wrestling with the deep things of God. Of knowing who we are and who He is. It is His Holy Spirit communing (back and forth) with our Spirit...(being born again, it is that same Spirit).
In that back and forth, we grow. We see things in the light of Christ. We see things in the mind of Christ. We see things past a mere conversion. We move to a place of a deeper understanding of Gospel.
The Gospel is not a state of salvation. It is the greatest story ever told. It is relationship between God and us. When He said the tabernacle of God is with men...his tent is right in the middle of our lives. His Kingdom is all around us.
Growing in God is bigger than learning moral teaching and completing a list.
What is it God wants to do in your life that you are resisting?
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Ambushed
Have you ever wondered how and why God loves us?
Despite our dark sins, despite our feeble prayer life, our inconsistent discipleship, our what ever......
He loves us. He dares us to doubt the love he has for us.
Thank you that you love me. Thank you that you died for me. Thank you that despite my dark sin, my feeble prayer life, my inconsistent walk as a disciple and my discipleship....you love me.
Jesus, I love you. I am not lovable but I love you.
Blaise Paschal wrote..."God made man in His own image....and man returned the favor"
Let me never think lowly of you my God, my savior.
I am yours. I am a bruised reed that you will not break. I am a smoldering wick that you will not snuff out...
Despite our dark sins, despite our feeble prayer life, our inconsistent discipleship, our what ever......
He loves us. He dares us to doubt the love he has for us.
Thank you that you love me. Thank you that you died for me. Thank you that despite my dark sin, my feeble prayer life, my inconsistent walk as a disciple and my discipleship....you love me.
Jesus, I love you. I am not lovable but I love you.
Blaise Paschal wrote..."God made man in His own image....and man returned the favor"
Let me never think lowly of you my God, my savior.
I am yours. I am a bruised reed that you will not break. I am a smoldering wick that you will not snuff out...
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Doves - the return
This morning I started to get frustrated. I was looking through some things and some feelings of anger, resentment...etc...etc...
Out of no where The Doves that were such a blessing in mine and Liz's life return. They sat outside our window and sang to us.
God knows our need, before we need it. God knows how to reveal Himself to us in ways we will understand.
I have had some awesome encounters with God that I understood, though others may not. But I think God can and does reveal Himself in diverse ways so that we understand and will not miss the Message.
The Message of a Redeemer. A Message that He goes before us and is our rear guard. A Message that He owns the Cattle on a thousand hills.
Thank you El Shaddai....
Out of no where The Doves that were such a blessing in mine and Liz's life return. They sat outside our window and sang to us.
God knows our need, before we need it. God knows how to reveal Himself to us in ways we will understand.
I have had some awesome encounters with God that I understood, though others may not. But I think God can and does reveal Himself in diverse ways so that we understand and will not miss the Message.
The Message of a Redeemer. A Message that He goes before us and is our rear guard. A Message that He owns the Cattle on a thousand hills.
Thank you El Shaddai....
Friday, November 13, 2009
Grand Torino
Today I had the day off and watched the movie Grand Torino.
As I watched the movie (which is Rated R) I began to draw a spiritual lesson from it. I did not start out my day to come up with a sermon illustration or devotion point....but there It was.
It is the story of an old soldier (Walt), who hates what his world has become. He is grumpy. He is a bigot. He is a widower. He is basically pissed at how things have become.
He is pursued by people who care for him before he cares for them. His priest goes after him non stop. His neighbors who are Hmongs go after him. They reach out to him to care for him. He does everything he can to offend his priest and his Hmong neighbors.
He sees his Hmong neighbors being hurt. Walt gets his rifle he carried in the Korean War and stands up for them. He begins to have a crack in that hard exterior and starts to care for them in his own way. As the story goes on his new found friends are hurt further. They are unable to stand up for them selves.
Walt decides he must stand in the gap for those who can not defend themselves. He goes to his priest who has never given up on him and seeks comfort. Walt then goes and gives his life to protect the weak.
St. James wrote that pure religion in the sight of God is to defend those who can not defend themselves (my paraphrase).
I think as Christ followers we have to be the people that pursue the Walt's in our lives. We also need to be the Walt's who lay down their lives to help those who can not help them selves.
As I watched the movie (which is Rated R) I began to draw a spiritual lesson from it. I did not start out my day to come up with a sermon illustration or devotion point....but there It was.
It is the story of an old soldier (Walt), who hates what his world has become. He is grumpy. He is a bigot. He is a widower. He is basically pissed at how things have become.
He is pursued by people who care for him before he cares for them. His priest goes after him non stop. His neighbors who are Hmongs go after him. They reach out to him to care for him. He does everything he can to offend his priest and his Hmong neighbors.
He sees his Hmong neighbors being hurt. Walt gets his rifle he carried in the Korean War and stands up for them. He begins to have a crack in that hard exterior and starts to care for them in his own way. As the story goes on his new found friends are hurt further. They are unable to stand up for them selves.
Walt decides he must stand in the gap for those who can not defend themselves. He goes to his priest who has never given up on him and seeks comfort. Walt then goes and gives his life to protect the weak.
St. James wrote that pure religion in the sight of God is to defend those who can not defend themselves (my paraphrase).
I think as Christ followers we have to be the people that pursue the Walt's in our lives. We also need to be the Walt's who lay down their lives to help those who can not help them selves.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The Wisdom of Tenderness
Brennan Manning is one of my favorite people. Like me he has struggled with some things. His cost him his priesthood. He was able to recover and continue serving God.
His book I am reading now is called the Wisdom of Tenderness. There is a quote in it that really blew me away.
"It's more important to be a mature Christian than to be a great butcher or baker or candlestick-maker; and if the only chance to achieve the first is to fail at the second, the failure will have proved worthwhile. Isn't failure worthwhile if it teaches us to be gentle with the failure of others, to be patient, to live in the wisdom of accepted tenderness, and to pass that tenderness on to others? If we're always successful, we may get so wrapped up in our own victories that we're insensitive to the anguish of others; we may fail to understand (or even try to understand) the human heart; we may think of success as our due. Then later, if our little world collapses through death or disaster, we have no inner resources."
Think on that a while.....
His book I am reading now is called the Wisdom of Tenderness. There is a quote in it that really blew me away.
"It's more important to be a mature Christian than to be a great butcher or baker or candlestick-maker; and if the only chance to achieve the first is to fail at the second, the failure will have proved worthwhile. Isn't failure worthwhile if it teaches us to be gentle with the failure of others, to be patient, to live in the wisdom of accepted tenderness, and to pass that tenderness on to others? If we're always successful, we may get so wrapped up in our own victories that we're insensitive to the anguish of others; we may fail to understand (or even try to understand) the human heart; we may think of success as our due. Then later, if our little world collapses through death or disaster, we have no inner resources."
Think on that a while.....
Saturday, June 13, 2009
They Name is as ointment
Thy name is as ointment poured forth:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Thy name is as ointment poured forth,
Thy name is as ointment poured forth.
Therefore do the virgins love Thee:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Therefore do the virgins love Thee,
Therefore do the virgins love Thee.
Thy love is much better than wine:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Thy love is much better than wine,
Thy love is much better than wine.
Draw me, we will run after Thee:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Draw me, we will run after Thee,
Draw me, we will run after Thee.
Behold, Thou art fair, my Beloved:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Behold, Thou art fair, my Beloved,
Behold, Thou art fair, my Beloved.
I found Him whom my soul doth love:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
I found Him whom my soul doth love,
I found Him whom my soul doth love.
I held Him and would not let go:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
I held Him and would not let go,
I held Him and would not let go.
Make haste, my Beloved, to come:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Make haste, my Beloved, to come,
Make haste, my Beloved, to come.
We love Thee with all of our heart:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
We love Thee with all of our heart,
We love Thee with all of our heart.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Thy name is as ointment poured forth,
Thy name is as ointment poured forth.
Therefore do the virgins love Thee:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Therefore do the virgins love Thee,
Therefore do the virgins love Thee.
Thy love is much better than wine:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Thy love is much better than wine,
Thy love is much better than wine.
Draw me, we will run after Thee:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Draw me, we will run after Thee,
Draw me, we will run after Thee.
Behold, Thou art fair, my Beloved:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Behold, Thou art fair, my Beloved,
Behold, Thou art fair, my Beloved.
I found Him whom my soul doth love:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
I found Him whom my soul doth love,
I found Him whom my soul doth love.
I held Him and would not let go:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
I held Him and would not let go,
I held Him and would not let go.
Make haste, my Beloved, to come:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
Make haste, my Beloved, to come,
Make haste, my Beloved, to come.
We love Thee with all of our heart:
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!
We love Thee with all of our heart,
We love Thee with all of our heart.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Waiting
I don't do well at this. I know patience is a fruit of the spirit. It is something I have had to always work on. If I have some thing to do, I do it. Maybe I am just OCD. I like to be busy, knowing what is expected and then do it. But sitting around waiting on someone else and not knowing what the outcome will be, well honestly it drives me nuts.
ARGH!!!!!!! God help me to not go nuts. Help me to display the fruit of the spirit. Real fruit that has taken time to grow and is plucked in the proper season.
BTW - the doves sang me to sleep last night. (Zephahiah 3:16-20)
ARGH!!!!!!! God help me to not go nuts. Help me to display the fruit of the spirit. Real fruit that has taken time to grow and is plucked in the proper season.
BTW - the doves sang me to sleep last night. (Zephahiah 3:16-20)
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Catholic Stuff
Yesterday I went to Mother Frances to visit a new born baby. As I was leaving I felt the Lord leading me to go to the Chapel and pray. I have learned and am learning to obey. The chapel at TMF is beautiful. If you have never visited it, it is pretty. I have counseled folks before there. I have spent other times in prayer there.
While there I picked up a tract about the Rosary. I found it interesting because it explained "praying the rosary." I found it an interesting way to teach people to pray and to teach the fundamentals of the faith. Of course I don't pray to Mary nor do I think one should. I don't disrespect Mary, I think we should obey her and "do what ever he tells us" as she told the wedding party at Cana.
As I looked over the tract, I like the way it explains the mysteries. I also appreciated the art work in the tract that explained the Gospel Message.
I think in the protestant church we have lost some of the mystery of our faith. We rely less on the arts and being comfortable with the unknown. I think we should allow God to give us wonder. We should be wowed by what he does. I think we should be able to express that in the arts and with poetry.
Just some rambling thoughts....
While there I picked up a tract about the Rosary. I found it interesting because it explained "praying the rosary." I found it an interesting way to teach people to pray and to teach the fundamentals of the faith. Of course I don't pray to Mary nor do I think one should. I don't disrespect Mary, I think we should obey her and "do what ever he tells us" as she told the wedding party at Cana.
As I looked over the tract, I like the way it explains the mysteries. I also appreciated the art work in the tract that explained the Gospel Message.
I think in the protestant church we have lost some of the mystery of our faith. We rely less on the arts and being comfortable with the unknown. I think we should allow God to give us wonder. We should be wowed by what he does. I think we should be able to express that in the arts and with poetry.
Just some rambling thoughts....
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Something to Think About!
Do you wish to honour the body of Christ? Do not ignore Him when he is naked.
Do not pay Him homage in the temple clad in silk, only then to neglect Him outside where He is cold and ill-clad.
What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger?
Start by satisfying His hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar.
John of Chrysostom a.k.a. John of the Golden Mouth.
Your thoughts??
Do not pay Him homage in the temple clad in silk, only then to neglect Him outside where He is cold and ill-clad.
What good is it if the Eucharistic table is overloaded with golden chalices when your brother is dying of hunger?
Start by satisfying His hunger and then with what is left you may adorn the altar.
John of Chrysostom a.k.a. John of the Golden Mouth.
Your thoughts??
Monday, February 16, 2009
Three Simple Rules
I have been reading a lot about John Wesley since the fall. When I was in California I purchased a little book called Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living by Rueben P. Job.
It is very small but very profound.
Here are the three rules:
1. Do No Harm.
2. Do Good.
3. Stay in Love With God
In the back of the book is a prayer guide.
I am very challenged with this.
It is very small but very profound.
Here are the three rules:
1. Do No Harm.
2. Do Good.
3. Stay in Love With God
In the back of the book is a prayer guide.
I am very challenged with this.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Doves
This afternoon I was sitting in my front yard reading my bible. I looked up in a tree across the street and I saw two doves. They were beautiful. As I sat watching them I began to reflect on doves in the Bible.
I thought of the passage in Genesis where the dove brought back the twig to Noah. Showing Noah that hope was near.
In Genesis 15 during the covenant agreement with Abraham, God instructed Abraham to have a Dove, left whole, beside the sacrifice.
In the baptism of Jesus, a dove was used to describe the falling of the Holy Spirit.
Here God has used them to show hope, promise and His presence. As I reflect this season of life these two doves brought me comfort. They showed me that there is hope, that His promises will be fulfilled and He will be with me.
I thought of the passage in Genesis where the dove brought back the twig to Noah. Showing Noah that hope was near.
In Genesis 15 during the covenant agreement with Abraham, God instructed Abraham to have a Dove, left whole, beside the sacrifice.
In the baptism of Jesus, a dove was used to describe the falling of the Holy Spirit.
Here God has used them to show hope, promise and His presence. As I reflect this season of life these two doves brought me comfort. They showed me that there is hope, that His promises will be fulfilled and He will be with me.
Dont Let Me Peek
We are to walk by faith and not by sight. I believe it. I teach it. Lord Help me live it. Help me not peak and to continue by faith. The stuff I "see" the stuff I think I control, is scary.
I have read Psalm 37 a lot over the last week or so. I find its words so helpful. I have looked at it in multiple translations. Each one is beautiful and helpful.
Father Keep Your Hands Over My Eyes. Direct my steps. Guide my hands. Calm my fears. Settle my stomach.
I love you Lion of Judah.
I have read Psalm 37 a lot over the last week or so. I find its words so helpful. I have looked at it in multiple translations. Each one is beautiful and helpful.
Father Keep Your Hands Over My Eyes. Direct my steps. Guide my hands. Calm my fears. Settle my stomach.
I love you Lion of Judah.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Secrets of the Kingdom
I am studying what I call "Jesus Stories". It is study of some of the conversations and teachings that Jesus had and gave. I have been concentrating on the book of Matthew because it is a favorite of mine. This coming Sunday I am going to teach about the farmer sewing seed. I have been challenged by this. The idea that some of the precious seed that is sewn out, will die. It will be swallowed up. No matter what you do, no matter the program, no matter the technique...some will be lost.
This deeply challenges me. I see this all the time in my work in follow up. We get a lot of "decisions" in church. But of these decisions, some we never see again. We don't hear from them. I can call and call and go see them, and nothing. Some get real involved real quick and then disappear. Others, take a lot of work to get fruit. It can be very frustrating and gut wrenching. But apparently Jesus told us that this is the way it will be.
Challenging......
This deeply challenges me. I see this all the time in my work in follow up. We get a lot of "decisions" in church. But of these decisions, some we never see again. We don't hear from them. I can call and call and go see them, and nothing. Some get real involved real quick and then disappear. Others, take a lot of work to get fruit. It can be very frustrating and gut wrenching. But apparently Jesus told us that this is the way it will be.
Challenging......
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
A Call To Action
I just found this article in the Dallas Paper. Ed Young Jr, who pastors in the DFW Area has called on his married folks to get busy for 7 days strait. I don't think I have ever heard a minister tell his folks to "do it till your satisfied." But why not? Why not tell your married folks to get busy like a school boy making an A?
We here lots and lots about the wrong way, wrong time, wrong partner, wrong number, wrong everything else. I say kudos's to Ed Young!!
Copy of Article here:
Dallas-area pastor issues sex challenge
12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
By ROY APPLETON / The Dallas Morning News rappleton@dallasnews.com
God may have rested on the seventh day, but the Rev. Ed Young wants married couples to have sex all week long.
Once a day. Beginning this Sunday.
The call to action will headline Mr. Young's Sunday sermon at Grapevine-based Fellowship Church. He plans to deliver his challenge while sitting on a bed.
"I won't be dressed in pajamas," the pastor says.
In these days of financial crisis, rampant divorce and debates over same-sex marriage, it's time, he says, to turn the "whining" into "whoopee."
More fundamentally, he adds, the embracing of sex is about nurturing and strengthening marriages.
"Sex is like Super Glue. It's a spiritual thing, an emotional thing," he says.
And the marriage thing, he believes, should only involve a man and woman. God's way, he says.
Jim Dale of Coppell said he figures the pastor is trying to create more buzz for his five-church mega-ministry.
"Draw 'em in, no matter what or how," wrote the Coppell resident in a posting on dallasnews.com. "Sex? You betcha. That'll pack the pews (or theater seats)."
Mr. Dale, author of a book about individual relationships with God, said he has attended Fellowship Church a few times. And he offered some praise: "I've got to hand it to them, they are brilliant marketers."
Mr. Young says his challenge – the latest in a sermon series called "Leaving Lust Vegas" – isn't about filling seats. "We've got more people than we can say grace over," he says of his 20,000-worshipper Baptist ministry that video streams services from Grapevine to churches in downtown Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth and Miami.
Marketing is indeed at play, the pastor says. "It gets people thinking on a deeper level about sex. I want people talking about it," he says.
But doing it?
"God says sex should be between a married man and a woman. And do it," he says.
Whatever the motivation, the pastor's rousing words aren't unprecedented. A Florida church earlier this year issued a 30-day sex challenge.
Mr. Young said his words may well resonate more with the young and healthy. And at 47 years old, he plans to practice what he's preaching.
"We're going to give it a try," he says, speaking for Lisa, his wife of 26 years and mother of their four children.
As for others, "I can't make them do it," the pastor says.
But he's hopeful. "I think people are going to have a happy Thanksgiving!"
We here lots and lots about the wrong way, wrong time, wrong partner, wrong number, wrong everything else. I say kudos's to Ed Young!!
Copy of Article here:
Dallas-area pastor issues sex challenge
12:00 AM CST on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
By ROY APPLETON / The Dallas Morning News rappleton@dallasnews.com
God may have rested on the seventh day, but the Rev. Ed Young wants married couples to have sex all week long.
Once a day. Beginning this Sunday.
The call to action will headline Mr. Young's Sunday sermon at Grapevine-based Fellowship Church. He plans to deliver his challenge while sitting on a bed.
"I won't be dressed in pajamas," the pastor says.
In these days of financial crisis, rampant divorce and debates over same-sex marriage, it's time, he says, to turn the "whining" into "whoopee."
More fundamentally, he adds, the embracing of sex is about nurturing and strengthening marriages.
"Sex is like Super Glue. It's a spiritual thing, an emotional thing," he says.
And the marriage thing, he believes, should only involve a man and woman. God's way, he says.
Jim Dale of Coppell said he figures the pastor is trying to create more buzz for his five-church mega-ministry.
"Draw 'em in, no matter what or how," wrote the Coppell resident in a posting on dallasnews.com. "Sex? You betcha. That'll pack the pews (or theater seats)."
Mr. Dale, author of a book about individual relationships with God, said he has attended Fellowship Church a few times. And he offered some praise: "I've got to hand it to them, they are brilliant marketers."
Mr. Young says his challenge – the latest in a sermon series called "Leaving Lust Vegas" – isn't about filling seats. "We've got more people than we can say grace over," he says of his 20,000-worshipper Baptist ministry that video streams services from Grapevine to churches in downtown Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth and Miami.
Marketing is indeed at play, the pastor says. "It gets people thinking on a deeper level about sex. I want people talking about it," he says.
But doing it?
"God says sex should be between a married man and a woman. And do it," he says.
Whatever the motivation, the pastor's rousing words aren't unprecedented. A Florida church earlier this year issued a 30-day sex challenge.
Mr. Young said his words may well resonate more with the young and healthy. And at 47 years old, he plans to practice what he's preaching.
"We're going to give it a try," he says, speaking for Lisa, his wife of 26 years and mother of their four children.
As for others, "I can't make them do it," the pastor says.
But he's hopeful. "I think people are going to have a happy Thanksgiving!"
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Walk In The Garden Lesson 3 Note
This is the final set of note from this study. I will be starting something new next week. I have enjoyed this study very much.
Lesson 3
The Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
v. 1. Virgins – also translated bridesmaids. To be one is an honor. It is very insulting to the bride, if the bride’s maids are not prepared. To be shut out because you did not get ready could ruin a friendship.
Jewish Marriage Customs. 2 basic stages.
Betrothal (or engagement) – spouse is chosen. Usually with input of parents or full decision made by parents. Sometimes the young ones would make choice or preference known. This could happen anywhere from 13-18 years of age. Legal contract would be made with witnesses to this. They were to remain abstinent during this time. To break this contract would mean divorce. If one died, the other was a widow or widower.
The Wedding – formal ceremony would be a year after the betrothal. Special garments would be worn. The groom would leave the fathers house and go to the bride with his companions. They would go and get the bride and bring the bride back to the wedding supper. Could be in either place. Parents and friends would bless the couple. The father of the bride would then draw up a formal contact. Then they went to a special nuptial chamber and consummated the marriage. While everyone waited outside. No pressure. The virginity was established afterwards by the presence of blood on the *sheets*. Then there would be a party for a week or more.
*The presence of the blood – shows that the virgin was pure, that she belonged to the bridegroom – she had been preserved. (Deuteronomy 22:13-21)
Jesus is the Lion of Judah – the Lion of Judah has washed his clothes in blood. (Genesis 49:8-12)
God looks for the blood so that He can pass over and not punish – (Exodus 12:13)
Believers showed that they were His, but the presence of Blood on their clothes (Revelations 7:14)
The church overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb. (Revelations 12:11)
Jesus is pictured as a the rider on the white horse, with his own clothes dipped in blood.
v. 2 – Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
v. 3 – many have a lamp of profession in their hands. But few of them have settled the matter and have the oil of the spirit of salvation in their hearts. They have outward works, but the inside is dead.
v. 5 – all 10 slept. Waiting and Watching is OK. Sleep is OK, if you are prepared. Once you have everything ready, it is OK to lie down and rest.
The wise could enjoy a true peace.
The foolish a false peace.
The foolish were not prepared to wait. They could not handle a delay. They apparently wanted an instant fix. They could not endure a little wait.
Though Jesus tarries past our time He will come in due time.
v. 6 – a new day has started.
v. 8 – The oil lamp was made of clay, had a basin for the oil and a wick that was burned to produce the light. These outside torches could burn for hours if their was enough oil. Could have also been a torch with oil soaked rags.
Their faith was dead. At the time when it mattered the most, it was dead and no one could help them. No prep work. Trouble came and now they are scrambling.
They were not spiritually prepared. A delay cause what they had to burn up.
The virgins were to escort the groom to the bride. They had the procession to light the way to the bride.
If the bridesmaids tried to share oil, none would have enough.
v. 10 – they went to buy, what could not be bought. What was once free without price is now not available. Is. 55:1-3.
v. 11 – being outside in the dark while the marriage supper is going on is a picture of being in hell. Not known, and un-helpable. No way to change the disposition.
v. 12 – they had insulted the dignity of the host. They missed the procession. They missed the chance to be a part of the celebration, dancing and singing.
v. 13 – the oil they had was good, but it ran out. A new day had come, and they needed to be re-filled.
Closing Challenge:
We can not lean on a past experience. We need to have new and fresh encounters with God to lean upon.
Daily grace is needed for daily need.
We are fools if we seek to only get through a moment, with no thought to what might happen.
The wise will have a fresh supply of spiritual strength to get through the time of waiting.
Lesson 3
The Virgins
Matthew 25:1-13
v. 1. Virgins – also translated bridesmaids. To be one is an honor. It is very insulting to the bride, if the bride’s maids are not prepared. To be shut out because you did not get ready could ruin a friendship.
Jewish Marriage Customs. 2 basic stages.
Betrothal (or engagement) – spouse is chosen. Usually with input of parents or full decision made by parents. Sometimes the young ones would make choice or preference known. This could happen anywhere from 13-18 years of age. Legal contract would be made with witnesses to this. They were to remain abstinent during this time. To break this contract would mean divorce. If one died, the other was a widow or widower.
The Wedding – formal ceremony would be a year after the betrothal. Special garments would be worn. The groom would leave the fathers house and go to the bride with his companions. They would go and get the bride and bring the bride back to the wedding supper. Could be in either place. Parents and friends would bless the couple. The father of the bride would then draw up a formal contact. Then they went to a special nuptial chamber and consummated the marriage. While everyone waited outside. No pressure. The virginity was established afterwards by the presence of blood on the *sheets*. Then there would be a party for a week or more.
*The presence of the blood – shows that the virgin was pure, that she belonged to the bridegroom – she had been preserved. (Deuteronomy 22:13-21)
Jesus is the Lion of Judah – the Lion of Judah has washed his clothes in blood. (Genesis 49:8-12)
God looks for the blood so that He can pass over and not punish – (Exodus 12:13)
Believers showed that they were His, but the presence of Blood on their clothes (Revelations 7:14)
The church overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb. (Revelations 12:11)
Jesus is pictured as a the rider on the white horse, with his own clothes dipped in blood.
v. 2 – Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit.
v. 3 – many have a lamp of profession in their hands. But few of them have settled the matter and have the oil of the spirit of salvation in their hearts. They have outward works, but the inside is dead.
v. 5 – all 10 slept. Waiting and Watching is OK. Sleep is OK, if you are prepared. Once you have everything ready, it is OK to lie down and rest.
The wise could enjoy a true peace.
The foolish a false peace.
The foolish were not prepared to wait. They could not handle a delay. They apparently wanted an instant fix. They could not endure a little wait.
Though Jesus tarries past our time He will come in due time.
v. 6 – a new day has started.
v. 8 – The oil lamp was made of clay, had a basin for the oil and a wick that was burned to produce the light. These outside torches could burn for hours if their was enough oil. Could have also been a torch with oil soaked rags.
Their faith was dead. At the time when it mattered the most, it was dead and no one could help them. No prep work. Trouble came and now they are scrambling.
They were not spiritually prepared. A delay cause what they had to burn up.
The virgins were to escort the groom to the bride. They had the procession to light the way to the bride.
If the bridesmaids tried to share oil, none would have enough.
v. 10 – they went to buy, what could not be bought. What was once free without price is now not available. Is. 55:1-3.
v. 11 – being outside in the dark while the marriage supper is going on is a picture of being in hell. Not known, and un-helpable. No way to change the disposition.
v. 12 – they had insulted the dignity of the host. They missed the procession. They missed the chance to be a part of the celebration, dancing and singing.
v. 13 – the oil they had was good, but it ran out. A new day had come, and they needed to be re-filled.
Closing Challenge:
We can not lean on a past experience. We need to have new and fresh encounters with God to lean upon.
Daily grace is needed for daily need.
We are fools if we seek to only get through a moment, with no thought to what might happen.
The wise will have a fresh supply of spiritual strength to get through the time of waiting.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Playing my part
Tomorrow morning I am going to be preaching at the Salvation Army Chapel for their daily service. The message I am sharing is about John the Baptist from John 4 where he says that he must decrease so the Jesus can increase.
John's followers were upset because the people that used to follow them, were now following Jesus. John tells them that God gives each of us jobs. We are to each play our part. And sometimes our part is to step back so someone else can step up.
A good friend of mine explained that even in ministry, not everyone can be the quarterback. There has to be linemen. There has to be blockers. Without the guys on the line taking the initial hits, the quarterback can not set up do what he does.
I have been doing some self thinking, reflecting or day dreaming or what ever you call it. I don't know if I have what it takes to be "the guy." Maybe my part to play, is that of a behind the scenes person. The guy who does the nuts and bolts, but is never the out front, up front main guy. I am becoming more and more OK with that. That maybe my calling is to be the detailed task doer, while others stand up front. For a while it was bothering me. But then as I study the John the Baptist, he was OK with the part he was given. He did his job and did it well. Then he faded out. Actually he got his head cut off for telling a guy who he should not be getting busy with his brothers wife, but you get my point.
The bride will follow the groom. The friend of groom will rejoice at this.
John's followers were upset because the people that used to follow them, were now following Jesus. John tells them that God gives each of us jobs. We are to each play our part. And sometimes our part is to step back so someone else can step up.
A good friend of mine explained that even in ministry, not everyone can be the quarterback. There has to be linemen. There has to be blockers. Without the guys on the line taking the initial hits, the quarterback can not set up do what he does.
I have been doing some self thinking, reflecting or day dreaming or what ever you call it. I don't know if I have what it takes to be "the guy." Maybe my part to play, is that of a behind the scenes person. The guy who does the nuts and bolts, but is never the out front, up front main guy. I am becoming more and more OK with that. That maybe my calling is to be the detailed task doer, while others stand up front. For a while it was bothering me. But then as I study the John the Baptist, he was OK with the part he was given. He did his job and did it well. Then he faded out. Actually he got his head cut off for telling a guy who he should not be getting busy with his brothers wife, but you get my point.
The bride will follow the groom. The friend of groom will rejoice at this.
A Walk In the Garden Lesson 2 Notes
Lesson 2 – A Walk in the Garden
Matthew 24:15-30
v. 15 - The abomination that causes desolation – a deliberate attempt to mock and deny the reality of God's presence. (Daniel 11:12)
The standards of these desolating legions, on which they bear the images of their idols.
John Wesley described all of Jerusalem as Holy.
168 BC. Antiochus Epiphanies – sacrificed a pig in the temple to Zeus (Greek) Jupiter (Roman). Over 100K Jews were slain. Side note of history of him, as picture of what the future will be like.
41 AD - Caligula (Emperor Gaius) wanted to put a giant statue of himself in the Temple (was dissuaded by King Herod Agrippa 1)
66 AD – Zealots killed the priest in the temple.
70 AD. Titus placed an idol where the temple had been.
v. 16 – The Mountains were close and an easy place to hide.
v. 17 – the roof was a place of prayer and of drying vegetables, had a stair case.
v. 18 – Field hands would wear an extra cloak in the morning when it was cold. As the day warmed, they left it at the end of the field.
v. 19 – Travel has always been hard with kids. It still is. During the siege of Jerusalem, Mothers ate their children.
v. 20 – Winter time – wadis would be flooded (dry creek beds) and would make travel difficult.
The haste will be so great that it will cause undue difficulties for those who are hindered because of pregnancy or who for other reasons have problems traveling.
Sabbath - Jewish law forbade riding horses and mules. Walking was also limited to distance. Would be hard to arrange secret travel for fear of discovery.
v. 21 - The horrors of the Holocaust of WW2 are a somber warning that the desolation that comes from humanity's unleashed depravity will yet be unequaled. It is a mere shadow.
v. 22 - It is cut short to allow for survivors. Trouble is ahead – it will be bad. But the return is sudden. The will be so bad that if they are allowed to run their course the entire human race would be destroyed. But according to God's time table, they will be shortened.
God controls the persecution; He does not and will not forget His people. God's people will be rescued.
v. 24 – False christ and false messiahs will appear and perform miraculous signs and wonders to deceive. These are done under the power of the devil.
The signs are not proof they are from God. Signs should not validate that someone is preaching the truth. If what they say is out of line with the word of God then the sign does not matter.
People will accept these signs regardless of what is said. We should always test everything. We must know God's word so that we will not be duped.
v. 26 - The desert has had messianic overtones for diverse groups within Israel. They associated the desert with God's forthcoming deliverance. (Essenes of the Qumran Community)
Messianic pretenders would gather their followers in the desert before making a public appearance.
Simon son of Gioras - joined the fugitives of Masada in the desert and hid in the hills.
The Inner Rooms - John of Gischala - with army of 6K seized the temple during the Jewish rebellion and how 2400 Zealots joined him there in the inner quarters of the temple.
v. 28 - Jesus is describing the nation of Israel as a lifeless corpse, surrounded by vultures / eagles (both birds of prey)
Proverbial use: Could mean "Where there is a situation ripe for judgment, there the judgment will fall."
Vultures find corpses very quickly. Picture of the swiftness of the judgment. (Could also be a reference to the fact that Rome had an eagle on its standard.)
V. 29-30 - Darkness will come. Literal and figurative. The darkness of the moral decay of the human race. Also the moon and sun being darkened. Zephaniah 1:14-16 talked about the darkness. Against this backdrop is how we will see the sign of Jesus.
All through out the Old Testament God has been described as Light. Light in a dark place. The shining of light. (Paul's conversion, the bright light. Light of the Gentiles, a Great Light. Best way to notice the light is against the backdrop of darkness.
The return will be unmistakable. Lighting flash, it will be obvious to everyone.
The return of Emmanuel (God with Us) will be heralded by the shining of the essential glory that belongs to him. The suddenness of the explosion of light will be so fast that there is no chance to make a change. When that sign happens, the decision will be made. The sign of Jesus will appear in the sky and all will see its glory.
But some will mourn at the appearing of this sign. Those who have chosen wrong.
They who have turned their back on the only person who could save them.
Zechariah 12:10-14 - Could also be tears of joy. Like someone who you have longed to see, finally appears. You are so happy that you cry.
What Jesus has said is intended to promote caution can to satisfy their curiosity. He wants them to prepare for the events rather know every detail of the event.
These things should drive us to prayer now. If you don't pray when things are good, what makes you think you can do it later?
Matthew 24:15-30
v. 15 - The abomination that causes desolation – a deliberate attempt to mock and deny the reality of God's presence. (Daniel 11:12)
The standards of these desolating legions, on which they bear the images of their idols.
John Wesley described all of Jerusalem as Holy.
168 BC. Antiochus Epiphanies – sacrificed a pig in the temple to Zeus (Greek) Jupiter (Roman). Over 100K Jews were slain. Side note of history of him, as picture of what the future will be like.
41 AD - Caligula (Emperor Gaius) wanted to put a giant statue of himself in the Temple (was dissuaded by King Herod Agrippa 1)
66 AD – Zealots killed the priest in the temple.
70 AD. Titus placed an idol where the temple had been.
v. 16 – The Mountains were close and an easy place to hide.
v. 17 – the roof was a place of prayer and of drying vegetables, had a stair case.
v. 18 – Field hands would wear an extra cloak in the morning when it was cold. As the day warmed, they left it at the end of the field.
v. 19 – Travel has always been hard with kids. It still is. During the siege of Jerusalem, Mothers ate their children.
v. 20 – Winter time – wadis would be flooded (dry creek beds) and would make travel difficult.
The haste will be so great that it will cause undue difficulties for those who are hindered because of pregnancy or who for other reasons have problems traveling.
Sabbath - Jewish law forbade riding horses and mules. Walking was also limited to distance. Would be hard to arrange secret travel for fear of discovery.
v. 21 - The horrors of the Holocaust of WW2 are a somber warning that the desolation that comes from humanity's unleashed depravity will yet be unequaled. It is a mere shadow.
v. 22 - It is cut short to allow for survivors. Trouble is ahead – it will be bad. But the return is sudden. The will be so bad that if they are allowed to run their course the entire human race would be destroyed. But according to God's time table, they will be shortened.
God controls the persecution; He does not and will not forget His people. God's people will be rescued.
v. 24 – False christ and false messiahs will appear and perform miraculous signs and wonders to deceive. These are done under the power of the devil.
The signs are not proof they are from God. Signs should not validate that someone is preaching the truth. If what they say is out of line with the word of God then the sign does not matter.
People will accept these signs regardless of what is said. We should always test everything. We must know God's word so that we will not be duped.
v. 26 - The desert has had messianic overtones for diverse groups within Israel. They associated the desert with God's forthcoming deliverance. (Essenes of the Qumran Community)
Messianic pretenders would gather their followers in the desert before making a public appearance.
Simon son of Gioras - joined the fugitives of Masada in the desert and hid in the hills.
The Inner Rooms - John of Gischala - with army of 6K seized the temple during the Jewish rebellion and how 2400 Zealots joined him there in the inner quarters of the temple.
v. 28 - Jesus is describing the nation of Israel as a lifeless corpse, surrounded by vultures / eagles (both birds of prey)
Proverbial use: Could mean "Where there is a situation ripe for judgment, there the judgment will fall."
Vultures find corpses very quickly. Picture of the swiftness of the judgment. (Could also be a reference to the fact that Rome had an eagle on its standard.)
V. 29-30 - Darkness will come. Literal and figurative. The darkness of the moral decay of the human race. Also the moon and sun being darkened. Zephaniah 1:14-16 talked about the darkness. Against this backdrop is how we will see the sign of Jesus.
All through out the Old Testament God has been described as Light. Light in a dark place. The shining of light. (Paul's conversion, the bright light. Light of the Gentiles, a Great Light. Best way to notice the light is against the backdrop of darkness.
The return will be unmistakable. Lighting flash, it will be obvious to everyone.
The return of Emmanuel (God with Us) will be heralded by the shining of the essential glory that belongs to him. The suddenness of the explosion of light will be so fast that there is no chance to make a change. When that sign happens, the decision will be made. The sign of Jesus will appear in the sky and all will see its glory.
But some will mourn at the appearing of this sign. Those who have chosen wrong.
They who have turned their back on the only person who could save them.
Zechariah 12:10-14 - Could also be tears of joy. Like someone who you have longed to see, finally appears. You are so happy that you cry.
What Jesus has said is intended to promote caution can to satisfy their curiosity. He wants them to prepare for the events rather know every detail of the event.
These things should drive us to prayer now. If you don't pray when things are good, what makes you think you can do it later?
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Walk In the Garden Lesson 1 Notes
Please remember these are my notes. they may not make sense, but please ask if you read something you dont understand.
The Olivet Discourse – The Future of the Kingdom
Lesson 1
History Lesson
Apocalyptic – end times spoken of in code, figures or symbols. Means “mystery revealed” not necessarily “mystery explained.” Should drive the reader to worship, repentance and wonder. Not “oh I get it.”
Prophetic – Judgments of God, can have future meaning, can be 2 view.
Matthew is a Jewish writer. Speaking forth the words of God.
The lament – transition from the denouncing of his enemies to the teaching on Olivet.
Matthew 23:37-39 - As he starts the walk to the Mount of Olives – He weeps over Jerusalem.
Jewish Tradition – converts to Judaism were “brought under the wings of God.”
Chicks will naturally run to their mother (hen) in time of danger. The wings being a picture of protection. In OT is description of God protecting with His wings (figurative). That of an eagle.
Not Jerusalem. They ran away from God.
Because of this the house – the temple – worship – was empty. Jesus walked out as did God. The house was devoid of the presence of God. No more would He dwell in the Holy of Hollies.
Walking along – the disciples are dumbfounded at the things that Jesus has said. They point to the buildings.
The Mount of Olives was on the East side of Jerusalem. It over looked the Temple Mount as well as the whole city of Jerusalem. Romans used it during the siege.
Matthew 24
v. 1 – Herod’s Temple was covered in Gold. What was not gold, was pure white.
v. 2 – The actual temple took only 10 years to build, but the decoration and ornamentation continued up until the Jewish revolt of ad 66.
The Disciples (as Jewish men) were proud of this temple. They were excited about what the hand of man had built.
v. 3 – Zechariah had said the Messiah would stand here. When he comes to conquer (Zech. 14:4) but now Jesus is sitting. The position of a teacher. Not a conqueror. He opens up His heart about the future.
The 12 wanted to know when. Jesus does not tell them when. But tells them to always be ready. Even if the tough times of life, be ready.
They ask what the signs would be, and his first answer is “do not be deceived.” If you focus on signs and events, you are not focused on Jesus and the cause of building the church. Preaching the gospel.
People mislead. “Signs” are open to interpretation and opinion. The only way to not be deceived is to focus on Jesus.
v. 5 – since the time before and after Jesus, many have claimed to be the messiah.
v. 6 – sufferings will be a regular and recurring part of the age following the ascension. They are “normal”. Even though they are bad, the end is not near.
Eugene Peterson in The Message calls this “routine history.”
v. 8 – “Birth Pains” is common metaphor from the OT prophets to depict terrible human suffering. Used to point to what Israel will endure prior to deliverance. It is an expected time. All this bad stuff is simply the beginning. Just because they happen does not mean we should read in to them. History will take place. But that is just the start.
v. 9 – Though in Tyler, Texas we are not handed over to death, but sand up for your faith in business and life and see what happens. Called intolerant, sectarian, and holier than thou...
Our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted. (Honduran Pastor Doug spoke of.
v. 10 – it is not just outside pressure, it will come from with in the church as well.
v. 11 – as if life was not hard enough False Prophets come and try to mislead. They preach what people want to here. They preach from selfish motives.
Not new – Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV) - They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!"
v. 12 – with false teaching and loose morals comes loss of true love for God and others. Sin makes you love your self more than you love God. You can’t have “God Love – Agape Love” if you only think of yourself.
v. 13 – Being saved by enduring does not mean escaping death. If you do die during persecution, you are saved because you are with the Lord in death. Saved – full blessing and peace of salvation with Jesus either in death of life.
Persecution will sift out those who don’t really love God. The false and fair-weather Christians will not endure hard times of faith.
v. 14 – The gospel must be preached to every nation. This is a very explicit condition.
The disciple’s mission was to “go in to the entire world.” As disciples, that is our job today. It is urgent and real. It is an enormous task.
We should think strategic in our missions planning.
Only God knows when this will have been done.
Life must be a tension between the imminence of Jesus coming and the fact of the great commission.
The Olivet Discourse – The Future of the Kingdom
Lesson 1
History Lesson
Apocalyptic – end times spoken of in code, figures or symbols. Means “mystery revealed” not necessarily “mystery explained.” Should drive the reader to worship, repentance and wonder. Not “oh I get it.”
Prophetic – Judgments of God, can have future meaning, can be 2 view.
Matthew is a Jewish writer. Speaking forth the words of God.
The lament – transition from the denouncing of his enemies to the teaching on Olivet.
Matthew 23:37-39 - As he starts the walk to the Mount of Olives – He weeps over Jerusalem.
Jewish Tradition – converts to Judaism were “brought under the wings of God.”
Chicks will naturally run to their mother (hen) in time of danger. The wings being a picture of protection. In OT is description of God protecting with His wings (figurative). That of an eagle.
Not Jerusalem. They ran away from God.
Because of this the house – the temple – worship – was empty. Jesus walked out as did God. The house was devoid of the presence of God. No more would He dwell in the Holy of Hollies.
Walking along – the disciples are dumbfounded at the things that Jesus has said. They point to the buildings.
The Mount of Olives was on the East side of Jerusalem. It over looked the Temple Mount as well as the whole city of Jerusalem. Romans used it during the siege.
Matthew 24
v. 1 – Herod’s Temple was covered in Gold. What was not gold, was pure white.
v. 2 – The actual temple took only 10 years to build, but the decoration and ornamentation continued up until the Jewish revolt of ad 66.
The Disciples (as Jewish men) were proud of this temple. They were excited about what the hand of man had built.
v. 3 – Zechariah had said the Messiah would stand here. When he comes to conquer (Zech. 14:4) but now Jesus is sitting. The position of a teacher. Not a conqueror. He opens up His heart about the future.
The 12 wanted to know when. Jesus does not tell them when. But tells them to always be ready. Even if the tough times of life, be ready.
They ask what the signs would be, and his first answer is “do not be deceived.” If you focus on signs and events, you are not focused on Jesus and the cause of building the church. Preaching the gospel.
People mislead. “Signs” are open to interpretation and opinion. The only way to not be deceived is to focus on Jesus.
v. 5 – since the time before and after Jesus, many have claimed to be the messiah.
v. 6 – sufferings will be a regular and recurring part of the age following the ascension. They are “normal”. Even though they are bad, the end is not near.
Eugene Peterson in The Message calls this “routine history.”
v. 8 – “Birth Pains” is common metaphor from the OT prophets to depict terrible human suffering. Used to point to what Israel will endure prior to deliverance. It is an expected time. All this bad stuff is simply the beginning. Just because they happen does not mean we should read in to them. History will take place. But that is just the start.
v. 9 – Though in Tyler, Texas we are not handed over to death, but sand up for your faith in business and life and see what happens. Called intolerant, sectarian, and holier than thou...
Our brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted. (Honduran Pastor Doug spoke of.
v. 10 – it is not just outside pressure, it will come from with in the church as well.
v. 11 – as if life was not hard enough False Prophets come and try to mislead. They preach what people want to here. They preach from selfish motives.
Not new – Isaiah 30:10-11 (NIV) - They say to the seers, "See no more visions!" and to the prophets, "Give us no more visions of what is right! Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. 11Leave this way, get off this path, and stop confronting us with the Holy One of Israel!"
v. 12 – with false teaching and loose morals comes loss of true love for God and others. Sin makes you love your self more than you love God. You can’t have “God Love – Agape Love” if you only think of yourself.
v. 13 – Being saved by enduring does not mean escaping death. If you do die during persecution, you are saved because you are with the Lord in death. Saved – full blessing and peace of salvation with Jesus either in death of life.
Persecution will sift out those who don’t really love God. The false and fair-weather Christians will not endure hard times of faith.
v. 14 – The gospel must be preached to every nation. This is a very explicit condition.
The disciple’s mission was to “go in to the entire world.” As disciples, that is our job today. It is urgent and real. It is an enormous task.
We should think strategic in our missions planning.
Only God knows when this will have been done.
Life must be a tension between the imminence of Jesus coming and the fact of the great commission.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)