Spoke today in church on FAITH.
Impossible is just big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary.
IMPOSSIBLE is NOTHING!
New York American Marketing Association “From big sports to small sports, from great athletes to everyday athletes, from the past to the present, from personal records to human records, the campaign shows that Adidas believes every athlete can reach their own ‘impossible.’ It dares athletes to be dissatisfied with the status quo. It challenges athletes to dream about what they would like to achieve; to believe in their souls that their dreams, no matter how ‘impossible’ can be achieved.”
Adidas have hit upon a thought found in the Bible – that the word “impossible” means nothing to God, and should mean nothing to the Christian.
With God All Things Are Possible - Mark 10:27
This is a message of faith. What Faith thinks like, sounds like and looks like!
What Faith “Thinks” Like
What does God say about you, about us? What does God say about your situation?
Ultimately, it does not matter how our minds have been programmed in the past - we can change our future by re-programming it according to the Word of God.
Romans 12:2 – 'And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.’
This verse does not exhort us to be transformed by the removal of our minds, but by the renewing of our minds.
Guard your hearts/minds by thinking about the right kind of things:
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or admirable think about such things.
What Faith “Sounds” Like
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Three kinds of language we should never use
The Language of Loss or Lack
This is the sort of talk that magnifies cost over gain. It is the sort of language that constantly describes your world in terms of what you’ve lost or lack.
The Language of Blindness
This is the sort of talk that describes things as they naturally are rather than as God has shown us that they will be.
The Language of Common People
This sort of talk belongs to the lowest common denominator. It is always critical, always coarse and always confining (seeking to keep everyone down)
Four Steps we must take to maintaining “wholesome” talk
(Step 1) Take Responsibility for What You Say
This is all part of “Renewing your mind”…what are we thinking. What’s coming into our world? It our thought processes. What comes in eventually comes out!
(Step 2) Practice Using Words that Build and Make Your World Strong
With God...I can. I will. God can do it. Trust Him.
(Step 3) Always Speak to Impart Grace and Favour
The “sound of faith”...sounds great to those around you! When I hear it…it stirs my heart, lifts my spirit, changes my thinking. Makes me more bold, gives me confidence.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life - Proverbs 10:11
(Step 4) Ask God, on a Regular Basis, to give you His Power in this Area
What Faith “Looks” Like
Matthew 17:20 - “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 21:21-22 - “Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig-tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Book of James talks about our faith being connected to “works/action”.
James 2:17– “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead”
We think...we speak...we do!
The ‘look’ of faith – 4 points to consider about faith
Faith is positive by its definition and has strong elements of optimism attached to it. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
How does faith affect us? When we live by faith we discover that faith is up-beat, buoyant, cheerful and hopeful. Faith is sure and certain yet persistent and at times unrelenting.
Faith chooses your friends and determines your partners. Faith is the element, the substance that helps you to always give a good report.
This is the kind of faith that changes our thinking, chooses our words, moulds our attitudes and shapes our life!
This is the kind of faith that perseveres, never gives up and fights to the end and refuses to say die.
That believes, with God, Impossible is nothing!
Faith is a substance, its lives in our hearts. Faith is objective, definable and can be quantified – the bible says you can have faith, you can have little faith, much faith and great faith – it is a substance that grows like a mustard seed planted, it develops like a muscle through use.
Faith is not reliant upon what is seen – the Bible says 2 Corinthians 5:7 - “We live by faith, not by sight.”
Faith embodies action; faith requires exploits, faith demands an extraordinary challenge. Faith is often very bold, audacious, and defies logic (Impossible is nothing).
I want my life to be full of God’s faith
The kind of faith that ‘thinks’, God thoughts
The kind of faith that emits the sound of heaven
The kind of faith that “looks like this”...that whatever measure I have will characterise all that God is...all that God is doing in me, my family, my church.
That causes me to rise up and believe that “with God all things are possible”. In fact impossible is nothing!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Shame Off You
This morning in church we heard a message from Paul Benger that strikes at the heart of everyone. That so often shame and condemnation keeps us down and yet the good news that Jesus brings gives us hope, a new life and elevates our lives to a place that so often we think we don’t deserve.
God wants us to be free. Free from shame, guilt and condemnation. Our focus is on the following account in John’s Gospel about the adulterous woman…
John 7:53-8:11
John’s Gospel, chapter 1, in particular the first 18 verses gives us an incredible picture of who Jesus is, but not only that it informs us of our standing in Christ…of who we are because of all he has done.
The rest of the Gospel of John, his accounts of Jesus etc, goes on to support these first 18 verses.
...the law came through Moses, but Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In our story today John is focusing on this truth, that grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
Religious people like to make people feel SMALL. Jesus’ people like to make people feel BIG. As a church we want to lift people, make them feel big and significant…to know and experience the grace of God.
He that is without ‘sin’ cast the first stone. Sin = ’missing the mark’, when Jesus said this they knew he was saying that they all miss the mark. Jesus offered the woman grace and forgiveness.
Whatever your past is today you can know complete forgiveness. So often we hear this truth but find it hard to accept it and believe it for ourselves.
You can ‘hit the mark’ for your life.
You have been made holy (right) in God’s sight through Jesus Christ.
You have the same access as anyone else to all that God has for you.
You may have failed but you can still have a great future.
‘Shame’ is a main cause of low self-esteem. When we are free from shame we find confidence and boldness.
Shame often stays a lot longer than it should. We can even learn to live with it. We need to know there is freedom from shame. Conviction will bring you closer to God; shame and condemnation will draw us away from God.
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
4 important truths we need to know
Through Jesus’ grace and truth...
1) We don’t get what we deserve we get what God has provided
Don’t focus on the sin, focus on the provision.
2) God’s opinion of you is not based on what people think. He sees us from his own unique perspective
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more
God forgets our sin!
3) God doesn’t condemn us He wants to clear our conscience
Jesus lifted the pressure of the woman’s soul. Set her free.
4) God doesn’t abandon us He stays in relationship with us
‘Even if I make my bed in hell...You are there’
Jesus stood by this woman.
If we take a snapshot of your life today...this isn’t it! It’s not the final picture. God has more for you...you’ve not reached your best yet.
Stay in an atmosphere of faith, hope and love.
God wants us to be free. Free from shame, guilt and condemnation. Our focus is on the following account in John’s Gospel about the adulterous woman…
John 7:53-8:11
John’s Gospel, chapter 1, in particular the first 18 verses gives us an incredible picture of who Jesus is, but not only that it informs us of our standing in Christ…of who we are because of all he has done.
The rest of the Gospel of John, his accounts of Jesus etc, goes on to support these first 18 verses.
...the law came through Moses, but Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
In our story today John is focusing on this truth, that grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.
Religious people like to make people feel SMALL. Jesus’ people like to make people feel BIG. As a church we want to lift people, make them feel big and significant…to know and experience the grace of God.
He that is without ‘sin’ cast the first stone. Sin = ’missing the mark’, when Jesus said this they knew he was saying that they all miss the mark. Jesus offered the woman grace and forgiveness.
Whatever your past is today you can know complete forgiveness. So often we hear this truth but find it hard to accept it and believe it for ourselves.
You can ‘hit the mark’ for your life.
You have been made holy (right) in God’s sight through Jesus Christ.
You have the same access as anyone else to all that God has for you.
You may have failed but you can still have a great future.
‘Shame’ is a main cause of low self-esteem. When we are free from shame we find confidence and boldness.
Shame often stays a lot longer than it should. We can even learn to live with it. We need to know there is freedom from shame. Conviction will bring you closer to God; shame and condemnation will draw us away from God.
Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
4 important truths we need to know
Through Jesus’ grace and truth...
1) We don’t get what we deserve we get what God has provided
Don’t focus on the sin, focus on the provision.
2) God’s opinion of you is not based on what people think. He sees us from his own unique perspective
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more
God forgets our sin!
3) God doesn’t condemn us He wants to clear our conscience
Jesus lifted the pressure of the woman’s soul. Set her free.
4) God doesn’t abandon us He stays in relationship with us
‘Even if I make my bed in hell...You are there’
Jesus stood by this woman.
If we take a snapshot of your life today...this isn’t it! It’s not the final picture. God has more for you...you’ve not reached your best yet.
Stay in an atmosphere of faith, hope and love.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Missions
It was our Missions Sunday yesterday where we presented the church with our commitiment to missions giving over the next 12 months.
We were pleased to have David and Rosemary Playle with us who lead the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions team and who shared with us their heart and commitment to overseas work. This is one of a number of important areas we will be giving into over the coming year. Some of our other commitments:
Betel
Compassion (Where we currently sponsor 2 children)
City Hearts House (Sheffield)
Links International (in particular the ‘micro enterprise project’ where we will be sponsoring 5 families to set them up in business)
We were pleased to have David and Rosemary Playle with us who lead the Ground Level Network Overseas Missions team and who shared with us their heart and commitment to overseas work. This is one of a number of important areas we will be giving into over the coming year. Some of our other commitments:
Betel
Compassion (Where we currently sponsor 2 children)
City Hearts House (Sheffield)
Links International (in particular the ‘micro enterprise project’ where we will be sponsoring 5 families to set them up in business)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Choosing the Right Path
Simon Wood spoke yesterday in church. A great word of encouragement for the church and the journey we are on. We have a great future because we have the right foundations in place.
John 10:9-10 – Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
Make the right choices...enter through the right gate - Jesus.
Deuteronomy 30:9-19
(Vs 9) The Lord delights in being good to us...that is God’s heart.
(Vs 11-14) It’s simple...it’s not rocket science!
(Vs 19) God has given us the freedom to choose. Choose life! Jesus gave us the choice, two gates…wide and narrow.
We need to get God’s word into our lives, His wisdom. Proverbs 2 - Search for it. Gain it.
God sees the positive potential in all of us. His desire is for us to take the right path that He has set before us. A path of blessing, a life in all its fullness.
John 10:9-10 – Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures. The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
Make the right choices...enter through the right gate - Jesus.
Deuteronomy 30:9-19
(Vs 9) The Lord delights in being good to us...that is God’s heart.
(Vs 11-14) It’s simple...it’s not rocket science!
(Vs 19) God has given us the freedom to choose. Choose life! Jesus gave us the choice, two gates…wide and narrow.
We need to get God’s word into our lives, His wisdom. Proverbs 2 - Search for it. Gain it.
God sees the positive potential in all of us. His desire is for us to take the right path that He has set before us. A path of blessing, a life in all its fullness.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Faithful to the End
Jane Lloyd (yes, my wonderful wife) brought a fabulous message in church this morning.
Psalm 18:25 - To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity
God is looking for certain characteristics from us as a people so that he can give us our ‘Promised Land’.
We will look at Caleb’s example from Numbers 13 and 14.
Numbers 13:25 – 14:9
5 characteristics that I believe were shown by Caleb that relate to our own lives and the life of our church:
1) A Good Report
Human nature very often has a tendency to dwell on negatives. When negative seeds are sown they have an amazing ability to infect others quite quickly.
The negative report of the 10 spies quickly affected many of the Israelites and turned them against the leaders Moses and Aaron – to the point where they plotted against them.
Speaking positively and giving a good report is a choice that we make – we have to train and discipline our thinking so that it falls into line with the choice that we make.
Romans 12:2 - Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect
God honoured Caleb’s good report because it united with God’s vision for the Israelite nation.
2) He had confidence in God
Caleb didn’t see the negatives in the situation, so when others said “we can’t”, Caleb said “we can!”
Stepping into a new environment can make us feel insecure.
When the other ten spies looked at Canaan it scared them because they’d become used to their environment. But they’d lost sight of the bigger picture – they’d forgotten that God was in control and their confidence should have been in his ability not theirs.
In times of insecurity let’s put our confidence in God because he is faithful.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 - But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit
3) He was full of faith
Numbers 14:9 – Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them
Caleb had no doubt in God’s ability to fulfil his promise to them. The difference between the spies was that the two were empowered by living faith, whereas the ten were consumed by irrational fear.
It is those who live by faith and who see their world through the eyes of faith that accomplish great things for God.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we live by faith and not by sight
4) He was loyal and served wholeheartedly
Numbers 14:24 – But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land
Despite what circumstances we find ourselves in, I believe God is looking for that loyal servant heart that does not waver and is steadfast.
It’s very easy to get excited about a new project but the challenge is – can we sustain that energy, can we faithfully serve God, even if that is to put the chairs out for the congregation week in week out? Are we doing things begrudgingly or out of a sense of duty or is our heart one that just wants to serve regardless of anything else?
5) He didn’t consider retiring
Joshua 14:10-11 – Now as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise – even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then
Caleb was reaching his ‘twilight years’ and yet his desire was still to serve God’s commands. I love that because it means that the church is relevant to all ages because while ever I have breath I can serve God, and I think that is an admirable attitude for anyone to have.
In conclusion then, “to the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.”
Let us be a people who follow the example of Caleb.
God has given us a great vision and I believe that he wants to see it fulfilled, so let’s remain a faithful people committed to him and committed to this house.
Psalm 18:25 - To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity
God is looking for certain characteristics from us as a people so that he can give us our ‘Promised Land’.
We will look at Caleb’s example from Numbers 13 and 14.
Numbers 13:25 – 14:9
5 characteristics that I believe were shown by Caleb that relate to our own lives and the life of our church:
1) A Good Report
Human nature very often has a tendency to dwell on negatives. When negative seeds are sown they have an amazing ability to infect others quite quickly.
The negative report of the 10 spies quickly affected many of the Israelites and turned them against the leaders Moses and Aaron – to the point where they plotted against them.
Speaking positively and giving a good report is a choice that we make – we have to train and discipline our thinking so that it falls into line with the choice that we make.
Romans 12:2 - Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect
God honoured Caleb’s good report because it united with God’s vision for the Israelite nation.
2) He had confidence in God
Caleb didn’t see the negatives in the situation, so when others said “we can’t”, Caleb said “we can!”
Stepping into a new environment can make us feel insecure.
When the other ten spies looked at Canaan it scared them because they’d become used to their environment. But they’d lost sight of the bigger picture – they’d forgotten that God was in control and their confidence should have been in his ability not theirs.
In times of insecurity let’s put our confidence in God because he is faithful.
Jeremiah 17:7-8 - But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit
3) He was full of faith
Numbers 14:9 – Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them
Caleb had no doubt in God’s ability to fulfil his promise to them. The difference between the spies was that the two were empowered by living faith, whereas the ten were consumed by irrational fear.
It is those who live by faith and who see their world through the eyes of faith that accomplish great things for God.
Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we live by faith and not by sight
4) He was loyal and served wholeheartedly
Numbers 14:24 – But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land
Despite what circumstances we find ourselves in, I believe God is looking for that loyal servant heart that does not waver and is steadfast.
It’s very easy to get excited about a new project but the challenge is – can we sustain that energy, can we faithfully serve God, even if that is to put the chairs out for the congregation week in week out? Are we doing things begrudgingly or out of a sense of duty or is our heart one that just wants to serve regardless of anything else?
5) He didn’t consider retiring
Joshua 14:10-11 – Now as you can see, the Lord has kept me alive and well as he promised for all these forty-five years since Moses made this promise – even while Israel wandered in the wilderness. Today I am eighty-five years old. I am as strong now as I was when Moses sent me on that journey, and I can still travel and fight as well as I could then
Caleb was reaching his ‘twilight years’ and yet his desire was still to serve God’s commands. I love that because it means that the church is relevant to all ages because while ever I have breath I can serve God, and I think that is an admirable attitude for anyone to have.
In conclusion then, “to the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.”
Let us be a people who follow the example of Caleb.
God has given us a great vision and I believe that he wants to see it fulfilled, so let’s remain a faithful people committed to him and committed to this house.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Punctuality
If you're always early you're never late!
Time is more valuable than money
People pay money to save time
When we're late we steal time from others and ourselves
Tardiness is the tap-root of a host of character faults
My lateness says 'I don't care about you; I'm more important than you; you can wait for me; I'm disorganised; I'm undisciplined.'
It's not so much about time management but about managing ourselves
Love others. Be on time. Even early! From now on
Phil Pringle, Christian City Church Sydney
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Heaven's Culture
Loved this morning’s message in Church. Paul Benger spoke to us about having Heaven’s Culture in our lives and in the life of our church.
Matthew 6:9-13
‘Your Kingdom come Your will be done’ – Jesus was praying about getting Heaven’s culture into our culture.
What is culture? Thoughts, ideas, value system, customs of groups of people.
“Create a Heaven inspired culture” – in our lives in the life of the church. It needs to be in our life first before we can get it into the church.
Jesus came to bring Heaven to earth – a heaven inspired culture...the ideas, concepts, the mannerisms of Heaven.
Four aspects of Heavens’ Culture...
Heaven’s Culture is a Giving Culture
The culture of Heaven is a giving culture, John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
We will see increase and growth in our lives. Rich in every way does not necessarily mean great wealth but the richness of having Christ living in me.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
God blesses us for the needs in our life. For me and my family; for my church and also so I can give to those in need.
2 Corinthians 9:11 – You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Heaven’s Culture is one of Peace
Some cultures thrive on arguments and debate. Heaven’s culture thrives on unity of purpose. Being at peace with one another.
Philippians 2:2 - then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
Philippians 4:2 - I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord
Heaven’s Culture is a Culture of Honour
Honour one another, respect each other. Don’t rubbish one another, the Bible hates ‘gossip’.
Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves
Romans 13:7 – Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour
Give value to one another.
Heaven’s Culture is one of Celebration
One thing is clear when you read the Bible - God is into parties! He’s into celebrations. Heaven will be fun! Full of joy and celebration.
Nehemiah 8:9-12
Sacred = celebration – it’s not about being solemn or having ‘dirges’.
Matthew 6:9-13
‘Your Kingdom come Your will be done’ – Jesus was praying about getting Heaven’s culture into our culture.
What is culture? Thoughts, ideas, value system, customs of groups of people.
“Create a Heaven inspired culture” – in our lives in the life of the church. It needs to be in our life first before we can get it into the church.
Jesus came to bring Heaven to earth – a heaven inspired culture...the ideas, concepts, the mannerisms of Heaven.
Four aspects of Heavens’ Culture...
Heaven’s Culture is a Giving Culture
The culture of Heaven is a giving culture, John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
We will see increase and growth in our lives. Rich in every way does not necessarily mean great wealth but the richness of having Christ living in me.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
God blesses us for the needs in our life. For me and my family; for my church and also so I can give to those in need.
2 Corinthians 9:11 – You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Heaven’s Culture is one of Peace
Some cultures thrive on arguments and debate. Heaven’s culture thrives on unity of purpose. Being at peace with one another.
Philippians 2:2 - then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
Philippians 4:2 - I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord
Heaven’s Culture is a Culture of Honour
Honour one another, respect each other. Don’t rubbish one another, the Bible hates ‘gossip’.
Romans 12:10 - Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves
Romans 13:7 – Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour
Give value to one another.
Heaven’s Culture is one of Celebration
One thing is clear when you read the Bible - God is into parties! He’s into celebrations. Heaven will be fun! Full of joy and celebration.
Nehemiah 8:9-12
Sacred = celebration – it’s not about being solemn or having ‘dirges’.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Changing the Future
We had a fantastic time in church this morning. As well as Paul bringing a great message on ‘Changing the Future’ we also had the privilege of dedicating the baby daughter of one of our couples in the church.
John 5:1-9
Some people look at the future with a ‘fantasy’ mindset. But their future fantasy has no connection with how they are living today. Others have a ‘fatalistic’ view of the future. A la Doris Day! ‘Que sera sera...whatever will be, will be!’ She got it wrong.
We are creative beings...we have been made that way. Made in the image of God, a creative God. We have been given the gifts and skills to raid our future...to change it! With God all things are possible.
We should approach our future with a biblical perspective. God is with us and in our future.
We can erect barriers that can prevent change to our future. We see examples of this in our passage today.
1) We look to other people and not to God (Vs 7)
The man had stopped looking to God and started looking to other people. We are in community and need one another, but our faith first and foremost is to God. He is our help and strength.
2) We think things are too far gone – that there is no hope for me (Vs 7)
‘It happens for others but never for me’. We need to understand that God loves us.
Timing might be different for us than for others.
3) We wait for ‘change' to fall from the sky
‘One day...our miracle will come’...fall from heaven! God builds things into our lives that bring change. Faith means action, get up and ‘do’.
4 steps to changing your future
1) Get and maintain a vision
(Vs 6) Jesus asked him, "Do you want to get well?" History can often blur or erode our vision. ‘I’ve been here for 38 years!’ Jesus was asking him whether or not he had vision. Habakkuk 2:2 - “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.
Law of entropy...if we leave it, have no vision, it will eventually lead to decay.
Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained
2) Know who stands beside you
The man had God (Jesus) standing beside him and he didn’t realise it! We can be like that. Waiting for it to happen and God is right beside us. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20)
Ephesians 1:3 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ
God has placed His hand of blessing on our lives.
3) Have the courage to believe God’s Word
(Vs 8) Then Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.
God’s word is true. It often contradicts the facts. ‘Get up!’...’but I’m lame!’
It also contradicts religious traditions. Healing on the Sabbath!
God’s word involves action. James 2:17 - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead
4) Take responsibility for how you live your life and ‘Go forward’
‘Now you are well...now go and sin no more’ (John 5:14)
Now live as God intended you to live. Let us not make excuses. Let us have a ‘go forward spirit’, we want that in our lives and in the life of our church. Not a ‘go backward spirit!’
John 5:1-9
Some people look at the future with a ‘fantasy’ mindset. But their future fantasy has no connection with how they are living today. Others have a ‘fatalistic’ view of the future. A la Doris Day! ‘Que sera sera...whatever will be, will be!’ She got it wrong.
We are creative beings...we have been made that way. Made in the image of God, a creative God. We have been given the gifts and skills to raid our future...to change it! With God all things are possible.
We should approach our future with a biblical perspective. God is with us and in our future.
We can erect barriers that can prevent change to our future. We see examples of this in our passage today.
1) We look to other people and not to God (Vs 7)
The man had stopped looking to God and started looking to other people. We are in community and need one another, but our faith first and foremost is to God. He is our help and strength.
2) We think things are too far gone – that there is no hope for me (Vs 7)
‘It happens for others but never for me’. We need to understand that God loves us.
Timing might be different for us than for others.
3) We wait for ‘change' to fall from the sky
‘One day...our miracle will come’...fall from heaven! God builds things into our lives that bring change. Faith means action, get up and ‘do’.
4 steps to changing your future
1) Get and maintain a vision
(Vs 6) Jesus asked him, "Do you want to get well?" History can often blur or erode our vision. ‘I’ve been here for 38 years!’ Jesus was asking him whether or not he had vision. Habakkuk 2:2 - “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.
Law of entropy...if we leave it, have no vision, it will eventually lead to decay.
Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained
2) Know who stands beside you
The man had God (Jesus) standing beside him and he didn’t realise it! We can be like that. Waiting for it to happen and God is right beside us. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20)
Ephesians 1:3 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ
God has placed His hand of blessing on our lives.
3) Have the courage to believe God’s Word
(Vs 8) Then Jesus said to him, Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.
God’s word is true. It often contradicts the facts. ‘Get up!’...’but I’m lame!’
It also contradicts religious traditions. Healing on the Sabbath!
God’s word involves action. James 2:17 - In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead
4) Take responsibility for how you live your life and ‘Go forward’
‘Now you are well...now go and sin no more’ (John 5:14)
Now live as God intended you to live. Let us not make excuses. Let us have a ‘go forward spirit’, we want that in our lives and in the life of our church. Not a ‘go backward spirit!’
Monday, February 05, 2007
Virtuous Reality V
I finished off our series ‘Viruous Reality’ on the life of David in church yesterday. The title of the message being ‘David and Absalom – the Parent Trap’
2 Samuel 13-18
The story of David and Absalom is a story of betrayal at the most intimate levels between family and friends; espionage in high places; the curses of men; Civil War; Tactical battle plans...this message is like a movie and has it all.
Absalom, from the Hebrew meaning father of peace...but contrary to his name, Absalom was not a man of peace. His personal vanity and disloyalty to his father due to selfish ambition caused great strife and open warfare in the royal family.
Parenting = Leadership
4 things we can identlfy with David’s weakness in this area...concerning parenting/leadership:
1) Lead by Example
David’s bad traits were surely picked up by his children. Where did Amnon get that lustful eye? Where did Absalom get the notion that he could get his brother drunk and then have him killed? In a real sense our children mimic and model the values that we live.
Ephesians 6:1-4 (The Message) - Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honour your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." Fathers don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
2) Spend precious time with your kids
Don’t neglect this. David did not spend time with his children and because he didn't spend time with them, he didn't know his children, he allowed so much to go off around him!
Take care of those precious moments now. Spend time with your children. Value time.
3) Discipline where necessary
David failed to discipline and it broke his heart. Failure to discipline will do this.
We often think of discipline as something negative. Discipline is not punishment. God disciplines His children out of love. We, in turn, must discipline our children in love. We can define discipline as setting boundaries that produce growth. This is another tough one because how often do we set the boundaries and then change them again?
4) Don’t worry if you mess-up!
David messed up...but he knew grace and mercy of God...he was able to make his peace with Absalom, even though Absalom rejected this.
We’re human...not perfect. Relationships aren’t perfect. God has stepped into our lives with grace and mercy. We need that in our relationships. Able to say sorry. Forgiveness. Our kids need that and we need that!
Something learned from my parents, and taken from our story today, the importance of...
Loyalty and faithfulness
In our society, more and more, leadership and authority is being eroded. Loyalty and faithfulness is damaged in the process.
2 Samuel 15 talks about Absalom’s plan to overthrow his Dad.
David had allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem. Instead of repaying his father’s generosity in pardoning him, he began right away to steal the people’s hearts – pretending to champion their rights and promising to give them justice if he was given the power.
Absalom’s heart was still carrying the offence because of what had happened in the past, this eventually led to Absalom’s disloyalty. Undermined his Dad’s authority…to take over.
Even amongst all this disloyalty we see a supreme example of loyalty.
2 Samuel 15:21 - But Ittai replied to the king, As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.
Ittai was loyal to David when it looked to cost him something. True loyalty isn't demonstrated until it is likely to cost us to be loyal.
We learn a lot from Ittai's demonstration of loyalty.
Ittai did it when David was down
Ittai did it decisively
Ittai did it voluntarily
Ittai did it having newly come to David
Ittai did it publicly
Ittai did it knowing that the fate of David became his fate
Loyalty and faithfulness is a ‘character builder’
I believe God wants us to express ‘loyalty’ and faithfulness (the expression of loyalty) in all that we do. Our homes, work, church.
Ephesians 2:20-22 – (20) …built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (21) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (22) And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
We’re a body - God is building us ‘together’.
“The joining that God makes is the joining of loyalty and not the joining of commonality" (Paul Benger from his book ‘12’)
Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. He is ever loyal, ever faithful, even when we are unfaithful.
Loyalty pays the price, it costs something. It confronts and stays firm. It is not always easy and might sometime lose us friendships. Defend the people we love. Loyalty brings strength, brings longevity, brings success and blessing.
Loyalty defends what is precious. Loyalty is attractive. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
We show our loyalty through faithfulness.
Proverbs 3:3 - Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 28:20 - A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (The very nature of God)
1 Peter 4:10 - Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
2 Samuel 13-18
The story of David and Absalom is a story of betrayal at the most intimate levels between family and friends; espionage in high places; the curses of men; Civil War; Tactical battle plans...this message is like a movie and has it all.
Absalom, from the Hebrew meaning father of peace...but contrary to his name, Absalom was not a man of peace. His personal vanity and disloyalty to his father due to selfish ambition caused great strife and open warfare in the royal family.
Parenting = Leadership
4 things we can identlfy with David’s weakness in this area...concerning parenting/leadership:
1) Lead by Example
David’s bad traits were surely picked up by his children. Where did Amnon get that lustful eye? Where did Absalom get the notion that he could get his brother drunk and then have him killed? In a real sense our children mimic and model the values that we live.
Ephesians 6:1-4 (The Message) - Children, do what your parents tell you. This is only right. "Honour your father and mother" is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it, namely, "so you will live well and have a long life." Fathers don't exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
2) Spend precious time with your kids
Don’t neglect this. David did not spend time with his children and because he didn't spend time with them, he didn't know his children, he allowed so much to go off around him!
Take care of those precious moments now. Spend time with your children. Value time.
3) Discipline where necessary
David failed to discipline and it broke his heart. Failure to discipline will do this.
We often think of discipline as something negative. Discipline is not punishment. God disciplines His children out of love. We, in turn, must discipline our children in love. We can define discipline as setting boundaries that produce growth. This is another tough one because how often do we set the boundaries and then change them again?
4) Don’t worry if you mess-up!
David messed up...but he knew grace and mercy of God...he was able to make his peace with Absalom, even though Absalom rejected this.
We’re human...not perfect. Relationships aren’t perfect. God has stepped into our lives with grace and mercy. We need that in our relationships. Able to say sorry. Forgiveness. Our kids need that and we need that!
Something learned from my parents, and taken from our story today, the importance of...
Loyalty and faithfulness
In our society, more and more, leadership and authority is being eroded. Loyalty and faithfulness is damaged in the process.
2 Samuel 15 talks about Absalom’s plan to overthrow his Dad.
David had allowed Absalom to return to Jerusalem. Instead of repaying his father’s generosity in pardoning him, he began right away to steal the people’s hearts – pretending to champion their rights and promising to give them justice if he was given the power.
Absalom’s heart was still carrying the offence because of what had happened in the past, this eventually led to Absalom’s disloyalty. Undermined his Dad’s authority…to take over.
Even amongst all this disloyalty we see a supreme example of loyalty.
2 Samuel 15:21 - But Ittai replied to the king, As surely as the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.
Ittai was loyal to David when it looked to cost him something. True loyalty isn't demonstrated until it is likely to cost us to be loyal.
We learn a lot from Ittai's demonstration of loyalty.
Ittai did it when David was down
Ittai did it decisively
Ittai did it voluntarily
Ittai did it having newly come to David
Ittai did it publicly
Ittai did it knowing that the fate of David became his fate
Loyalty and faithfulness is a ‘character builder’
I believe God wants us to express ‘loyalty’ and faithfulness (the expression of loyalty) in all that we do. Our homes, work, church.
Ephesians 2:20-22 – (20) …built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. (21) In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. (22) And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
We’re a body - God is building us ‘together’.
“The joining that God makes is the joining of loyalty and not the joining of commonality" (Paul Benger from his book ‘12’)
Loyalty and faithfulness is the very essence of God’s character. He is ever loyal, ever faithful, even when we are unfaithful.
Loyalty pays the price, it costs something. It confronts and stays firm. It is not always easy and might sometime lose us friendships. Defend the people we love. Loyalty brings strength, brings longevity, brings success and blessing.
Loyalty defends what is precious. Loyalty is attractive. Proverbs 19:22 - Loyalty makes a person attractive
We show our loyalty through faithfulness.
Proverbs 3:3 - Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 28:20 - A faithful man will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
2 Timothy 2:13 - If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. (The very nature of God)
1 Peter 4:10 - Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Virtuous Reality IV
Another great time in church this morning. Paul Benger spoke an excellent message, the fourth in our series on the life of David.
David and Mephibosheth, ‘Pay it Forward’ - 2 Samuel 9:1-11
David chose to bless the household of Saul
Even though Saul had once tried to kill David he didn’t seek to get vengeance, to get payback for Saul’s wrongdoing. Jesus said ‘love your enemies’. His message is not easy but it is possible through the Holy Spirit.
In your heart be a person who seeks to bless and not to look for retribution, paying back evil for evil.
Mephibosheth...
1) Had to get over his poverty mentality
He had settled on mediocrity, a poor area. 2 Samuel 9:8 – Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"
We don’t have to exclude ourselves from the grace and love of God. Don’t take on the poverty mentality – ‘We don’t deserve it’. God loves us, he has made a table for us in the presence of our enemies and our cup is running over! There is a seat at God’s table all the days of your life.
Romans 4:17 - The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. God blesses us before the event! He wants the best for you and he wants the best for this church.
2) He had to learn to be happy with who he was
We can live in the world of the ‘If Only’. Root cause of many of the social, emotional problems that individual’s face is that people don’t like themselves.
Mephibosheth should have known that God still loved him. So often we can compare ourselves with others and yet God made us as ‘an original’.
When we choose to bless people...
1) We change the world of those around us
We bring God into their world. Luke 6:27-28 – But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. Mephibosheth’s world was completely transformed because David chose to bless him.
2) God sees it – and he blesses us
When we bless others, when we give, God gives to us. Isaiah 58:6-8.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
3) We are planting a seed for our future
Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Proverbs 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Your attitude attracts a response. When we are generous people respond generously to us. It’s not just about money but about our attitudes.
Three ways to bless others...
Our words
Our words can encourage or tear down. Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up
Our gifts
Use your gifts to bless others. Proverbs 18:16 - A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great
By sharing mercy
Giving people what they don’t deserve. Galatians 2:10 - All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do
We can bless others and change their world. 2 Samuel 9:1 - David asked, Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?
David and Mephibosheth, ‘Pay it Forward’ - 2 Samuel 9:1-11
David chose to bless the household of Saul
Even though Saul had once tried to kill David he didn’t seek to get vengeance, to get payback for Saul’s wrongdoing. Jesus said ‘love your enemies’. His message is not easy but it is possible through the Holy Spirit.
In your heart be a person who seeks to bless and not to look for retribution, paying back evil for evil.
Mephibosheth...
1) Had to get over his poverty mentality
He had settled on mediocrity, a poor area. 2 Samuel 9:8 – Mephibosheth bowed down and said, "What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?"
We don’t have to exclude ourselves from the grace and love of God. Don’t take on the poverty mentality – ‘We don’t deserve it’. God loves us, he has made a table for us in the presence of our enemies and our cup is running over! There is a seat at God’s table all the days of your life.
Romans 4:17 - The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. God blesses us before the event! He wants the best for you and he wants the best for this church.
2) He had to learn to be happy with who he was
We can live in the world of the ‘If Only’. Root cause of many of the social, emotional problems that individual’s face is that people don’t like themselves.
Mephibosheth should have known that God still loved him. So often we can compare ourselves with others and yet God made us as ‘an original’.
When we choose to bless people...
1) We change the world of those around us
We bring God into their world. Luke 6:27-28 – But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who ill-treat you. Mephibosheth’s world was completely transformed because David chose to bless him.
2) God sees it – and he blesses us
When we bless others, when we give, God gives to us. Isaiah 58:6-8.
Malachi 3:10 - Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
3) We are planting a seed for our future
Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Proverbs 11:24-25 - One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Your attitude attracts a response. When we are generous people respond generously to us. It’s not just about money but about our attitudes.
Three ways to bless others...
Our words
Our words can encourage or tear down. Proverbs 12:25 - An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up
Our gifts
Use your gifts to bless others. Proverbs 18:16 - A gift opens the way for the giver and ushers him into the presence of the great
By sharing mercy
Giving people what they don’t deserve. Galatians 2:10 - All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do
We can bless others and change their world. 2 Samuel 9:1 - David asked, Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Virtuous Reality III
Great time in church this morning. Full of people and full of life! As well as continuing our series on the life of David, we also had our ‘new peoples lunch’ afterwards where around 24 new people came who had joined us in the last 6 months. Paul shared the vision and values of our church. We’re hoping to be doing one every 6 months or so.
David and Bathsheba “Windows XP” - 2 Samuel 11
The fall and rise of King David
The Fall...
1) He became careless – (vs1) He was King he should have been going to war. He took his eyes off the ball. He sent Joab to lead the troops when it should have been him.
God has saved us...He has a purpose for us. We become careless if we take our eyes of that purpose.
Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Our purpose...the great ‘co-mission’...OUR mission. “To know Jesus and to make Him know” – the mission statement of our church.
We need to remain sharp in our lives...to keep our eyes on God and on our mission.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11, 17-18
2) He tried to cover his mistakes – David tried cover things up, to try and sort things out in his own strength (Abraham example). He even tried to justify his position. We need to be open...to repent...to not try and cover things up and make excuses. Submit to God.
But David was restored. The Rise...
God is a Redeemer. We can think that failure is the end of it, that God could never love us again. But we can begin again...
1) Repent – David could have carried on with the cover-up, but he changed is mind, to turn around (repent). Psalm 51 – David’s Psalm of repentance.
2) Don’t let your mistakes define you – David was a man after God’s own heart. Let what God thinks about you define you. When God looks at you he doesn’t see what you do (Gideon example). He loves us and wants to restore us, to mould us and shape our lives.
3) Know God’s total forgiveness – When we try to forgive we struggle, we can still harbour things. With God forgiveness is total and complete. Psalm 130:3-4 - If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Know God’s forgiveness today...TOTAL and not partial.
4) Press on and fulfil God’s purpose for your life – God has a plan for your life. He will use us in all areas of life. Set your will to fulfil God’s will and purpose for you life. Line up your will to His.
David and Bathsheba “Windows XP” - 2 Samuel 11
The fall and rise of King David
The Fall...
1) He became careless – (vs1) He was King he should have been going to war. He took his eyes off the ball. He sent Joab to lead the troops when it should have been him.
God has saved us...He has a purpose for us. We become careless if we take our eyes of that purpose.
Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Our purpose...the great ‘co-mission’...OUR mission. “To know Jesus and to make Him know” – the mission statement of our church.
We need to remain sharp in our lives...to keep our eyes on God and on our mission.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11, 17-18
2) He tried to cover his mistakes – David tried cover things up, to try and sort things out in his own strength (Abraham example). He even tried to justify his position. We need to be open...to repent...to not try and cover things up and make excuses. Submit to God.
But David was restored. The Rise...
God is a Redeemer. We can think that failure is the end of it, that God could never love us again. But we can begin again...
1) Repent – David could have carried on with the cover-up, but he changed is mind, to turn around (repent). Psalm 51 – David’s Psalm of repentance.
2) Don’t let your mistakes define you – David was a man after God’s own heart. Let what God thinks about you define you. When God looks at you he doesn’t see what you do (Gideon example). He loves us and wants to restore us, to mould us and shape our lives.
3) Know God’s total forgiveness – When we try to forgive we struggle, we can still harbour things. With God forgiveness is total and complete. Psalm 130:3-4 - If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. Know God’s forgiveness today...TOTAL and not partial.
4) Press on and fulfil God’s purpose for your life – God has a plan for your life. He will use us in all areas of life. Set your will to fulfil God’s will and purpose for you life. Line up your will to His.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Virtuous Reality II
Paul Benger continued our series on the life of David, ‘Virtuous Reality’ this morning. He spoke on “David and Jonathan, Friends Forever”.
1 Samuel 18:1-5; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-4
David and Jonathan had a great friendship. Friends are so important. We were created for community, to be together as God intended.
God put David and Jonathan together. 1 Samuel 18:1 - Jonathan became one in spirit with David. God still does that today. He puts people together - those who are one in heart and mind. God knits hearts together.
Saul became jealous of David and tried to have him killed. But Jonathan fought for David. We also need to defend one another. “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out”.
Friends...those who have your best interests at heart. Those who want you to do well. Let’s look out for each other.
Important things about Jonathan’s character:
His lack of jealousy. So often we fight the demons our parents failed to conquer. Somehow Jonathan had overcome this (Saul’s jealousy). Jonathan could have been the next king and yet he submitted to David.
He learned from his father’s mistake. We can learn from our mistakes. We are not destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents, or of our past. Be humble enough to say sorry, to move on from our mistakes.
He honoured his father. Even though he did not always agree with him. Ephesians 6:2 – Honour your father and mother - you will live a long life of blessing. Jonathan stayed loyal to his father.
4 lessons in ultimate friendships
Love People
We’re here to love people. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. In our world we can become cynical about people. Let God knit you together. Our job is to love people...to be a Church that loves people.
Be Faithful
God loves faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 – if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. This is the message of grace, that God remains faithful even we are not. He wants us to be like him too. Don’t disappear when people face tough times – remain faithful.
Encourage People
Our job is to put faith into people’s hearts. Encourage and lift people when they are feeling discouraged. 1 Samuel 23:16 - Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Pursue Unity
To be one in heart and mind. The enemy’s objective is to see disharmony and disunity. Fight for unity...where we know God’s blessing. Psalm 133:1,3 – How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.
1 Samuel 18:1-5; 1 Samuel 19:1-7; 1 Samuel 20:1-4
David and Jonathan had a great friendship. Friends are so important. We were created for community, to be together as God intended.
God put David and Jonathan together. 1 Samuel 18:1 - Jonathan became one in spirit with David. God still does that today. He puts people together - those who are one in heart and mind. God knits hearts together.
Saul became jealous of David and tried to have him killed. But Jonathan fought for David. We also need to defend one another. “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out”.
Friends...those who have your best interests at heart. Those who want you to do well. Let’s look out for each other.
Important things about Jonathan’s character:
His lack of jealousy. So often we fight the demons our parents failed to conquer. Somehow Jonathan had overcome this (Saul’s jealousy). Jonathan could have been the next king and yet he submitted to David.
He learned from his father’s mistake. We can learn from our mistakes. We are not destined to repeat the mistakes of our parents, or of our past. Be humble enough to say sorry, to move on from our mistakes.
He honoured his father. Even though he did not always agree with him. Ephesians 6:2 – Honour your father and mother - you will live a long life of blessing. Jonathan stayed loyal to his father.
4 lessons in ultimate friendships
Love People
We’re here to love people. Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. In our world we can become cynical about people. Let God knit you together. Our job is to love people...to be a Church that loves people.
Be Faithful
God loves faithfulness. 2 Timothy 2:13 – if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. This is the message of grace, that God remains faithful even we are not. He wants us to be like him too. Don’t disappear when people face tough times – remain faithful.
Encourage People
Our job is to put faith into people’s hearts. Encourage and lift people when they are feeling discouraged. 1 Samuel 23:16 - Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.
Pursue Unity
To be one in heart and mind. The enemy’s objective is to see disharmony and disunity. Fight for unity...where we know God’s blessing. Psalm 133:1,3 – How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life for evermore.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Virtuous Reality I
In church this morning Jeannie Benger gave us a great opening message to our new series for 2007 “Virtuous Reality” which is based upon the life of David. The title of part one of the series was “A Giant Undertaking – David and Goliath”
1 Samuel 17
To live a life of purity and integrity in today’s world is a giant undertaking!
Obstacles David faced that we face today...
David Faced a Giant – He was over 9 feet tall. His armour weighed more than 8 stone! We face situations that seem like giants. Sometimes we feel we will never win them over. God has given us the ability to fight theses giants. His Holy Spirit within us helps us to overcome.
David Faced a Bad Example – Even as King, Saul was a bad example to David. As David become more popular than Saul later on jealousy would consume him and cause him to try and kill David. We need to guard our hearts against jealousy. God has created each one us unique. We all have something to bring; we don’t all have the same gifts and abilities.
David Faced a Poor Reputation – His brothers did not believe in him. They thought he was not good enough. Sometimes we have felt belittled in the past, which may have caused us to stop believing in ourselves. God believes in you! We [the church] believe in you!
David’s keys for defeating the obstacles faced in his life and that helps us overcome ours...
A Repaired Past – we need a positive view of the past even when things did not turn out as we had hoped. David was not chosen and yet he became a champion. He became a champion not when he had defeated Goliath but when he overcame the negatives in his life, when he took on the right attitudes.
A Good Set of Relationships – David had a good relationship with his father. We should also with our Father, God. David got his values from his father. We should get our DNA from our God. Also have the right people in our lives.
A Strong Conviction – David was not trusting in history but in God. He knew God, he knew he could trust him.
A Strong Commitment – (Verses 17-20) David did things with a passion. He set out early in the morning. He was committed to his responsibilities as a shepherd. He was submitted to authority (Jesse). Be passionate about what you do. Live a full and whole life serving God. Submit to authority and honour them.
A Strong Confession – (Verse 46) Make sure we have positive confession over our lives. Have a positive outlook as opposed to a negative outlook. Live a life full of faith. God has made you a giant slayer. You are a champion!
1 Samuel 17
To live a life of purity and integrity in today’s world is a giant undertaking!
Obstacles David faced that we face today...
David Faced a Giant – He was over 9 feet tall. His armour weighed more than 8 stone! We face situations that seem like giants. Sometimes we feel we will never win them over. God has given us the ability to fight theses giants. His Holy Spirit within us helps us to overcome.
David Faced a Bad Example – Even as King, Saul was a bad example to David. As David become more popular than Saul later on jealousy would consume him and cause him to try and kill David. We need to guard our hearts against jealousy. God has created each one us unique. We all have something to bring; we don’t all have the same gifts and abilities.
David Faced a Poor Reputation – His brothers did not believe in him. They thought he was not good enough. Sometimes we have felt belittled in the past, which may have caused us to stop believing in ourselves. God believes in you! We [the church] believe in you!
David’s keys for defeating the obstacles faced in his life and that helps us overcome ours...
A Repaired Past – we need a positive view of the past even when things did not turn out as we had hoped. David was not chosen and yet he became a champion. He became a champion not when he had defeated Goliath but when he overcame the negatives in his life, when he took on the right attitudes.
A Good Set of Relationships – David had a good relationship with his father. We should also with our Father, God. David got his values from his father. We should get our DNA from our God. Also have the right people in our lives.
A Strong Conviction – David was not trusting in history but in God. He knew God, he knew he could trust him.
A Strong Commitment – (Verses 17-20) David did things with a passion. He set out early in the morning. He was committed to his responsibilities as a shepherd. He was submitted to authority (Jesse). Be passionate about what you do. Live a full and whole life serving God. Submit to authority and honour them.
A Strong Confession – (Verse 46) Make sure we have positive confession over our lives. Have a positive outlook as opposed to a negative outlook. Live a life full of faith. God has made you a giant slayer. You are a champion!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Joy versus Fear
Spoke this morning in Church...
A message, and not just at Christmas time - “Fear not...I bring you good news of great Joy!”
Battle that rages between these two emotions – Joy and fear. On the one side, Joy/peace/happiness and on the other...fear/anxiety.
What is real joy? Does it really exist?
Life for most is a life of searching. It could be described as a nomadic experience (never settling), as someone who is going from place to place, from job to job, from experience to experience, from relationship to relationship fully knowing that this next place might not give them the permanent joy/satisfaction they seek.
I think one of the reasons we move around is that we are still looking for that “real joy”
Joy is that sense of abundance that comes welling up inside of us, that life and vitality, that sense that everything is in harmony and we are in the centre of it.
In ourselves, our own strength, we try and hold on to that sort of experience. We manufacture substitutes for joy. We will do whatever we can to simulate it in our life and I think that is a big part of what entertainment is in our culture.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Remember Your History in God – Paul must have heard that Timothy was in the battle, and maybe even a little discouraged about the way things were going. Paul knowing how to deal with discouragement in ministry gave some important advice for joy to be restored. He mentioned his Mum and Gran–and also what he had seen in Timothy’s life.
Paul reminds Timothy of those great spiritual times they had shared together. It is easy in the battle and storms to forget the wonderful times you have experienced in God. The devil will get you concentrating on the bad, so to restore joy, remember all the times God has come through for you, all the times you have had a touch from God.
Rekindle the Fire – Timothy, stir it up (the gift/the fire), the fire is trying to go out in you so, stir it up, get your flame back. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stop everything he is doing, and concentrate on the most important thing of all, His relationship with Jesus Christ and his walk in the Spirit.
Without the fire the engine will stall. Paul is reminding Timothy, it was God that got you where you are at, and it is God that will get you where you need to go. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.
Remember what God has put in you!
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Enemy of Joy…Fear
Fear is crippling. It immobilises us.
We live in a Society gripped by fear…Terrorism, environment, economy
There are hidden fears that motivate us too - Fear of failure causes many people to never start, or try anything that is not completely safe. Fear of rejection makes us afraid to do anything that could draw criticism or give someone a chance to laugh at us
Where he wants us (devil)...in a state of fear, anxiety...depression. (Whatever joy we have gets extinguished)
He uses the "spirit of fear" to:
Make our lives miserable - Worry and fear can make our life miserable!
Make our lives ineffective
BUT remember...
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Guard your heart/mind against the ‘spirit of fear’, instead get God’s Spirit in you!
The Spirit of
Power
1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
3. Power to be Joyful - (Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Power to endure trials - (2 Corinthians 12:9) But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Spirit of Love
(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
Love for God
The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realise that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear. My kids do not worry about having something to eat. For all these years we have provided for them. They trust in me. Now if I had not provided for them, they would be worried. But they know I love them and will provide for them, so they are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Love for Others
The more we love others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus. To teach others about Christ. To help others in need.
Spirit of a Sound Mind
Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. But something happens when we are saved and begin to trust God. Our mind is renewed! - (Romans 12:2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.
When we think Biblically - we have a "sound mind".
Conquering fear is not a matter of self-determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. In Christ you can conquer your fear.
FEAR FACTOR - the number one strategy of Satan
1 Peter 5:8- "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
What “real Joy” looks like
John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
What Christ Said...
On the last night before His crucifixion, Christ taught His disciples many vital principles. At one point, He said, “These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11)
On the same occasion, Christ, knowing the disciples would be sorrowful at His death, added, “But your sorrow shall be turned into joy...and your joy no man takes from you” (John 16:20, 22)
With Him (in Him) is the happiest place to be! David understood this: “In Your [God’s] presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)
A message, and not just at Christmas time - “Fear not...I bring you good news of great Joy!”
Battle that rages between these two emotions – Joy and fear. On the one side, Joy/peace/happiness and on the other...fear/anxiety.
What is real joy? Does it really exist?
Life for most is a life of searching. It could be described as a nomadic experience (never settling), as someone who is going from place to place, from job to job, from experience to experience, from relationship to relationship fully knowing that this next place might not give them the permanent joy/satisfaction they seek.
I think one of the reasons we move around is that we are still looking for that “real joy”
Joy is that sense of abundance that comes welling up inside of us, that life and vitality, that sense that everything is in harmony and we are in the centre of it.
In ourselves, our own strength, we try and hold on to that sort of experience. We manufacture substitutes for joy. We will do whatever we can to simulate it in our life and I think that is a big part of what entertainment is in our culture.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Remember Your History in God – Paul must have heard that Timothy was in the battle, and maybe even a little discouraged about the way things were going. Paul knowing how to deal with discouragement in ministry gave some important advice for joy to be restored. He mentioned his Mum and Gran–and also what he had seen in Timothy’s life.
Paul reminds Timothy of those great spiritual times they had shared together. It is easy in the battle and storms to forget the wonderful times you have experienced in God. The devil will get you concentrating on the bad, so to restore joy, remember all the times God has come through for you, all the times you have had a touch from God.
Rekindle the Fire – Timothy, stir it up (the gift/the fire), the fire is trying to go out in you so, stir it up, get your flame back. Paul is encouraging Timothy to stop everything he is doing, and concentrate on the most important thing of all, His relationship with Jesus Christ and his walk in the Spirit.
Without the fire the engine will stall. Paul is reminding Timothy, it was God that got you where you are at, and it is God that will get you where you need to go. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.
Remember what God has put in you!
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Enemy of Joy…Fear
Fear is crippling. It immobilises us.
We live in a Society gripped by fear…Terrorism, environment, economy
There are hidden fears that motivate us too - Fear of failure causes many people to never start, or try anything that is not completely safe. Fear of rejection makes us afraid to do anything that could draw criticism or give someone a chance to laugh at us
Where he wants us (devil)...in a state of fear, anxiety...depression. (Whatever joy we have gets extinguished)
He uses the "spirit of fear" to:
Make our lives miserable - Worry and fear can make our life miserable!
Make our lives ineffective
BUT remember...
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Guard your heart/mind against the ‘spirit of fear’, instead get God’s Spirit in you!
The Spirit of
Power
1. Power to be saved - (John 1:12) But as many as received him, to them he gave power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name
2. Power to be a witness for Him - (Acts 1:8) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth
3. Power to be Joyful - (Romans 15:13) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Power to endure trials - (2 Corinthians 12:9) But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me
Spirit of Love
(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love
Love for God
The more we love God, the less fear we will have. It is a matter of trust. When we realise that God will take care of us, it relieves our fear. My kids do not worry about having something to eat. For all these years we have provided for them. They trust in me. Now if I had not provided for them, they would be worried. But they know I love them and will provide for them, so they are not afraid about that. This is why Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Love for Others
The more we love others the less fear we will have. Love causes us to overcome our fear for the good of others. Love causes us to tell others about Jesus. To teach others about Christ. To help others in need.
Spirit of a Sound Mind
Most of the time our harmful fears are the result of wrong thinking. But something happens when we are saved and begin to trust God. Our mind is renewed! - (Romans 12:2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is— his good, pleasing and perfect will.
When we think Biblically - we have a "sound mind".
Conquering fear is not a matter of self-determination, It is a matter of dependence on the God whom we can trust and love. In Christ you can conquer your fear.
FEAR FACTOR - the number one strategy of Satan
1 Peter 5:8- "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
What “real Joy” looks like
John 10:10 - The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
What Christ Said...
On the last night before His crucifixion, Christ taught His disciples many vital principles. At one point, He said, “These things have I spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11)
On the same occasion, Christ, knowing the disciples would be sorrowful at His death, added, “But your sorrow shall be turned into joy...and your joy no man takes from you” (John 16:20, 22)
With Him (in Him) is the happiest place to be! David understood this: “In Your [God’s] presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11)
Thursday, December 21, 2006
English Sport's 8 Deadly Sins
Humphrey Walters, who was part of Clive Woodward's backroom staff during their 2003 World Cup triumph, has been applying business principles to developing winning teams and leaders for the last 30 years.
Applying business principles to sport, Walters tells BBC Sport why English sport is guilty of eight corporate sins.
Applying business principles to sport, Walters tells BBC Sport why English sport is guilty of eight corporate sins.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Wide Eyed Wonder
Paul Benger spoke an excellent message this morning during a great time in church. It was all about being full of wide eyed wonder when it comes to the Kingdom of God just like the kind of attitude seen in children.
Luke 18:15-17
As adults we can complicate things in our world today, unless we see and receive the things of God like children we will miss it.
The Kingdom of God is available to you and me in the here and now. It is for all, there is no discrimination. Jesus came and through everything that he did revealed God’s intention for us.
He now reminds us that we need to have the attitude of a child for us to enter or to see the Kingdom of God – and not just at the first point of salvation but all through our lives.
We should never become a grown-up Christian, yes we grow in Christ and we need to mature and take responsibility for our lives, but in the Spirit we must remain child-like.
Things to guard against as we grow up...
Familiarity – look out for those things that just become ‘routines’. People and situations can just become routine, going through the motions. We can then miss what God is doing. Even Jesus faced this in his hometown.
Cynicism – we can start to give everything a negative edge.
We can become Grumpy – not just the old men and women but even the young people. Grumpiness is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God.
We can become conspiracy theorists – we lose our trust of people. They may not be perfect but there are those who love you and only want the very best for you. We can think everyone is out to get us.
We can lose our Enthusiasm – at Christmas time our kids are enthused, we should never lose that kind of enthusiasm. Even at Christmas...we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!
We can become sceptical – we can miss the Kingdom of God because we don’t have the right attitude. The Kingdom of God does not have geographical boundaries but attitudinal boundaries.
Three child-like qualities for us to have:
Wonder
Think of Christmas and all things ‘Santa’ - Children are meant to live in that place of wonder. As we grow older we can lose our sense of wonder. We need wonder in our lives. The are so many wonderful things...
God’s love for his creation – and that means you!
The person of Jesus Christ – all that he has done for us
The Holy Spirit – with us right here and now
The will of God – that none should perish and that all should be saved
The church – it’s wonderful! It’s God’s answer for the world even with all its spots and wrinkles!
YOU – Psalm 139
Enthusiasm
The ability to get really excited. Have you ever told your kids “You’re getting too excited”? God would love to say that to us!
Some people find dreariness in everything. God wants us to live with enthusiasm. Jesus looked for it in people.
Rest
We love to see children asleep in the arms of a parent. This is a parable of where we’re meant to be...in the arms of a loving God. Resting in him, not getting worried or anxious. Psalm 131:2 - But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
God loves you and wants to fill your lives with good things. Be careful about your intake, feed on good things.
Luke 18:15-17
As adults we can complicate things in our world today, unless we see and receive the things of God like children we will miss it.
The Kingdom of God is available to you and me in the here and now. It is for all, there is no discrimination. Jesus came and through everything that he did revealed God’s intention for us.
He now reminds us that we need to have the attitude of a child for us to enter or to see the Kingdom of God – and not just at the first point of salvation but all through our lives.
We should never become a grown-up Christian, yes we grow in Christ and we need to mature and take responsibility for our lives, but in the Spirit we must remain child-like.
Things to guard against as we grow up...
Familiarity – look out for those things that just become ‘routines’. People and situations can just become routine, going through the motions. We can then miss what God is doing. Even Jesus faced this in his hometown.
Cynicism – we can start to give everything a negative edge.
We can become Grumpy – not just the old men and women but even the young people. Grumpiness is the antithesis of the Kingdom of God.
We can become conspiracy theorists – we lose our trust of people. They may not be perfect but there are those who love you and only want the very best for you. We can think everyone is out to get us.
We can lose our Enthusiasm – at Christmas time our kids are enthused, we should never lose that kind of enthusiasm. Even at Christmas...we celebrate the birth of our Saviour!
We can become sceptical – we can miss the Kingdom of God because we don’t have the right attitude. The Kingdom of God does not have geographical boundaries but attitudinal boundaries.
Three child-like qualities for us to have:
Wonder
Think of Christmas and all things ‘Santa’ - Children are meant to live in that place of wonder. As we grow older we can lose our sense of wonder. We need wonder in our lives. The are so many wonderful things...
God’s love for his creation – and that means you!
The person of Jesus Christ – all that he has done for us
The Holy Spirit – with us right here and now
The will of God – that none should perish and that all should be saved
The church – it’s wonderful! It’s God’s answer for the world even with all its spots and wrinkles!
YOU – Psalm 139
Enthusiasm
The ability to get really excited. Have you ever told your kids “You’re getting too excited”? God would love to say that to us!
Some people find dreariness in everything. God wants us to live with enthusiasm. Jesus looked for it in people.
Rest
We love to see children asleep in the arms of a parent. This is a parable of where we’re meant to be...in the arms of a loving God. Resting in him, not getting worried or anxious. Psalm 131:2 - But I have stilled and quietened my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me.
God loves you and wants to fill your lives with good things. Be careful about your intake, feed on good things.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Ashes to Ashes
What a difference a year makes...
2005 
2006
You can see how much this hurts the big man.
Now what have England got for these next three Tests?
2005 
2006You can see how much this hurts the big man.
Now what have England got for these next three Tests?
Friday, December 01, 2006
The Right Yoke
Speaking this Sunday on having the right kind of 'yoke' in our lives.
Matthew 11:25-30
We have more things today, conveniences that make our lives easier - or they are supposed to! Yet we seem busier, have less time and live life at a more hectic pace than we did a number years ago when most of these things did not exist. So these words of Jesus perhaps resonate with us?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We may be weary we may need rest, and yet as we see the ‘rest’ that Jesus offers, we begin to wonder?
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Does this not sound a little contradictory? “Come all you who need rest and here's another yoke or burden to help you rest!"
The ‘yoke’ allows the animals to combine their strengths and accomplish much more than either one could do alone and do what would be impossible for the man by himself. So it is more important to look at the yoke not just as a way to bear the burden, but more importantly as a way to share the burden.
The Wrong Yokes
Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
This yoke of slavery is the yoke of self-effort. This is a heavy yoke because we try to do it all in our own strength. This is not the yoke that Jesus was talking about. There are three yokes mentioned in the Bible which are the wrong yokes:
The yoke of the law: Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Galatians 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus invites people to get out from the burden of the law and follow and learn from Him.
His law is the law of love. ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’ John 13:34
The yoke of the world: Sometimes the culture, values, taste, and behaviour that we find ourselves following can be a yoke in itself, something that constrains us and governs how we are as people.
We find ourselves conforming to the world and our society and being shaped by the world and the people around us, even when we don’t want to be, its as if we have no freedom to make choices for ourselves.
Yoke of the flesh John 8:34 - Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Self control – not being weighed down be the yoke of our old sin nature!
The Right Yoke
With regards to ‘yokes’ the better the fit, the more amenable the animal was to doing its work. Obviously, the ox would struggle against a poor fitting and uncomfortable yoke. Jesus says His yoke is easy, but it is designed like all yokes for one purpose – WORK.
He has work for us to do, work that He comes along side of us to help and share with us. It is the work of His love.
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Galatians 5:3
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) – ‘walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’
Jesus’ closing words in the passage parallel His gentleness and humility: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Greek word for easy is chrestos, meaning good or kind and points to the kindness in God’s merciful and patient grace.
Combining this sense of kindness with the image of the yoke and we get the idea of a kindness that is “well fitting”. Jesus’ yoke is not ill fitting, but rather it is well-made and pleasant to work in.
Jesus is telling us that that our participation in His life should be a joy and not a chore. We find rest for our souls because we are using the right tools: Jesus’ yoke, not one we have made ourselves or have obtained on the basis of following heavy legal religious laws - but rather one made specifically for us by the ‘master carpenter’.
We all carry yokes! Responsibilities or entrustments - our physical body & well-being; our spirituality; our marriage/relationships, home & family; our church & ministry responsibilities; our vocation & influence; our resources & possessions.
But we can be wearing them badly! Ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Burdensome - not helping but hindering us in life.
Wear his yoke and wear it well and... 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Matthew 11:25-30
We have more things today, conveniences that make our lives easier - or they are supposed to! Yet we seem busier, have less time and live life at a more hectic pace than we did a number years ago when most of these things did not exist. So these words of Jesus perhaps resonate with us?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
We may be weary we may need rest, and yet as we see the ‘rest’ that Jesus offers, we begin to wonder?
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Does this not sound a little contradictory? “Come all you who need rest and here's another yoke or burden to help you rest!"
The ‘yoke’ allows the animals to combine their strengths and accomplish much more than either one could do alone and do what would be impossible for the man by himself. So it is more important to look at the yoke not just as a way to bear the burden, but more importantly as a way to share the burden.
The Wrong Yokes
Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
This yoke of slavery is the yoke of self-effort. This is a heavy yoke because we try to do it all in our own strength. This is not the yoke that Jesus was talking about. There are three yokes mentioned in the Bible which are the wrong yokes:
The yoke of the law: Acts 15:10 - Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? Galatians 5:4 - You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
Jesus invites people to get out from the burden of the law and follow and learn from Him.
His law is the law of love. ‘A new commandment I give to you, love one another as I have loved you’ John 13:34
The yoke of the world: Sometimes the culture, values, taste, and behaviour that we find ourselves following can be a yoke in itself, something that constrains us and governs how we are as people.
We find ourselves conforming to the world and our society and being shaped by the world and the people around us, even when we don’t want to be, its as if we have no freedom to make choices for ourselves.
Yoke of the flesh John 8:34 - Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Self control – not being weighed down be the yoke of our old sin nature!
The Right Yoke
With regards to ‘yokes’ the better the fit, the more amenable the animal was to doing its work. Obviously, the ox would struggle against a poor fitting and uncomfortable yoke. Jesus says His yoke is easy, but it is designed like all yokes for one purpose – WORK.
He has work for us to do, work that He comes along side of us to help and share with us. It is the work of His love.
“This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome.” Galatians 5:3
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message) – ‘walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.’
Jesus’ closing words in the passage parallel His gentleness and humility: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The Greek word for easy is chrestos, meaning good or kind and points to the kindness in God’s merciful and patient grace.
Combining this sense of kindness with the image of the yoke and we get the idea of a kindness that is “well fitting”. Jesus’ yoke is not ill fitting, but rather it is well-made and pleasant to work in.
Jesus is telling us that that our participation in His life should be a joy and not a chore. We find rest for our souls because we are using the right tools: Jesus’ yoke, not one we have made ourselves or have obtained on the basis of following heavy legal religious laws - but rather one made specifically for us by the ‘master carpenter’.
We all carry yokes! Responsibilities or entrustments - our physical body & well-being; our spirituality; our marriage/relationships, home & family; our church & ministry responsibilities; our vocation & influence; our resources & possessions.
But we can be wearing them badly! Ill-fitting and uncomfortable. Burdensome - not helping but hindering us in life.
Wear his yoke and wear it well and... 1 Peter 5:6-7 - Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
That's Better!
It's nice to get up in the morning to better news! Hopefully another 250 tomorrow will put us into a strong position and put the Aussies under a bit of pressure.
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